NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
Dear Datuk Seri,
I read your interview in Malaysiakini yesterday, which I believe was an extract of your interview with the BBC the same day. I really have no quarrel with what you said merely because I believe everyone is entitled to his and her views and that we should respect this. Of course, this does not mean we must agree with these views. We are definitely at liberty to disagree with them. But just because we disagree with them does not mean we should silence these people and not allow them to express their opinions.
On the point that I never say nice things about the government but only know how to criticise, I would also certainly agree with you and will plead guilty as charged. Have you, however, maybe not noticed that I also never say nice things about the opposition as well?
When have I ever said even one nice thing about Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang, Karpal Singh, Hadi Awang, Lim Guan Eng, Nik Aziz, Ustaz Azizan, Tan Sri Khalid, Nizar Jamaluddin, or whoever? But I did say I think Khairy Jamaluddin is very intelligent and that I have confidence he might yet become Prime Minister at the age of 40. And I said Matthias Chang, Mahathir’s adviser whom you also know well enough, is a genius, and whatnot.
And did you read the comments my readers posted in Malaysia Today? They called me a Mahathir stooge, a Mahathir boot-licker, and much worse.
So, while I may not say nice things about the government, neither do I say nice things about the opposition. Would you, therefore, not consider that as balanced?
Okay, on the point that I only criticise and never praise. That too is also true. But while I criticise the federal government, which happens to be Barisan Nasional, I also criticise the state governments, which are not all Barisan Nasional.
Now, Datuk Seri, this fact may have escaped you. I criticise the Pakatan Rakyat states like Kelantan, Kedah, Penang and Selangor, and before this Perak, but have you ever seen me criticising states like Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang and so on?
Yes, that’s right, I whack Pakatan Rakyat state governments good and proper. But I never touch Barisan Nasional state governments. Okay, I did write about the RM7 billion Wang Ehsan for Terengganu, which has been pilfered. But, hey, even His Majesty the Agong is upset about this. Why do you think Tuanku rejected Idris Jusoh as Menteri Besar if not for the fact that Idris was managing the Wang Ehsan since 2000 and most of it had ‘evaporated’.
I admit I also whacked Sabah and Sarawak on what these two states did to their timber resources. But let’s face it, Datuk Seri, are you not also personally outraged by what these two states have done to forests that took millions of years to develop? And is it not downright criminal that what took millions of years to develop was utterly destroyed in less than 30 years?
One more point I would like to make here, Datuk Seri, I do not praise the federal government or state governments because I consider it their duty to do good things. For example, if I pay someone to repair my toilet, and if I am paying a hell of a lot of money on top of that, I expect the job to be done well. If the toilet still can’t flush then I am going to complain like hell. I would probably also refuse to pay the bill until the chap redoes it properly this time. But if he did a great job I will just pay him his money and would most likely call him again the next time I need my toilets repaired. But I am not going to pat the chap on the head and say, “Good boy. Clever boy.” Or whatever.
Have you seen how rich people summon waiters in an expensive restaurant? They click their fingers and scowl if the waiter is too slow and will order their food and drinks without even looking the waiter in the face or offering the poor chap a smile. Why? Well, these rich people are paying good money for the service so they need not be nice to the hired hands.
You give them the bill and they pay, never mind how much it may be, and they may even include a 10% tip if there is no service charge and if they are satisfied with the service. But they are definitely not going to summon the manager and tell the manager how great his waiter is and that he should be given a raise. But if they are not satisfied with the service, they will certainly call the manager and complain and demand that the waiter be sacked or something like that.
This is a fact of life, Datuk Seri. We are paying good money, a lot of money in fact, to upkeep our government. We are paying you to do a job. Our hard-earned money is paying for the cost of this government. You do a good job and we continue employing you. You do a bad job and we kick your sorry behind. But we are not going to sing your praises just because you did something you were supposed to do in the first place.
Okay, now on the point that I have libelled or defamed people and that action would have to be taken against anyone who commits such crimes.
Around two years or so ago, I wrote something about Zaid Ibrahim, who was then a Minister in Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s government. Zaid did not sue me or make a police report against me, as do the other Umno people. Instead, he replied to the allegation in writing and I published his letter in Malaysia Today so that the readers can decide for themselves who is right and who is wrong.
The readers were delighted and full of praise for Zaid, in spite of the fact he is, at that time, an Umno Minister and the readers were mostly opposition supporters. After reading his letter, they believed Zaid’s interpretation of events rather than the interpretation of the one who made the allegation against him. In short, Zaid won the ‘argument’ because he rebutted it in a civilised and matured manner.
On the other hand, how do the rest of the Umno people respond to allegations? They just deny, deny and deny. But they never rebut the allegation or give their side of the story. Then they make police reports against me and ask that I be arrested or detained without trial under the Internal Security Act. Umno Bloggers suggest that a war should be waged against us and that the government should deal with us the way the Sri Lankan government deals with the LTTE. Others suggest I should be killed with a bullet in my head and e-mails are sent to me threatening the life of my daughter.
Datuk Seri, are you aware of what is happening in Sri Lanka? Do you know the carnage going on in that country? I would not wish for something like that even on my most bitter enemies. How can we justify chopping to pieces women and children and burning them while they are still alive in the name of politics? I would not even do that to dogs and cats. But the Umno Bloggers feel that this is the most appropriate punishment for those who oppose the government.
Do you remember, Datuk Seri, more than two years ago I ran a series of 12 articles about the links between the police and the underworld? Were all these lies? I included eight Affidavits by senior police officers, another two Affidavits by underworld bosses, and two police reports by a police officer and his wife. That is 12 documents in all.
We are not talking about mere articles here, Datuk Seri. We are talking about Affidavits and police reports. I even made an appointment to meet Dr Mahathir and handed copies of all these documents to Tun. And I believe Tun spoke to ex-IGP Hanif about it; who in turn then spoke to the IGP.
Datuk Seri, you can personally speak to Dr Mahathir and ask him whether what I say is true or not. I did everything I could to make sure this matter was looked into. But was it? What action was taken? Instead, I was scolded by the Selangor Sultan who accused me of lying in an attempt to smear the good name of the IGP. It seems they complained to the Sultan about what I had done. That 12-series revelation against the IGP was the beginning of my crisis with the Sultan. Jojo was there. He can confirm this incident if you wish to seek clarification.
For your information, Datuk Seri, in spite of the many Affidavits and police reports I was given, I still did not take all these at face value just yet. I met up with someone very senior in the police force who works in the IGP’s office and ‘interviewed’ him about all these allegations regarding the links between the IGP and BK Tan. This man produced documents to prove that BK Tan decided on which police officer got promoted, which got transferred, and which got sent into cold storage for refusing to cooperate.
I was invited to dinner at a very expensive Japanese restaurant by a few very senior but retired police officers who wanted me to reveal where my sources came from. That was in fact the second meeting. Earlier, I was invited to dinner by very senior but retired Special Branch officers, who also wanted to know the same thing. On both occasions I did not hold back anything and told them what they wanted to know.
What transpired from all this effort? Was anything done about the matter? As far as I can see, the IGP is still in office while all those I named as my source have been ‘eliminated’. Instead of using this information and evidence to take action against the IGP, what happened was the whistleblowers were severely dealt with. Even the lawyer who acted on behalf of one of the police officers was roughly manhandled and arrested in his office and was made to spend a night in the Putrajaya lockup on Hari Raya eve.
Therefore, Datuk Seri, what do I do? Do I attempt to solve this through ‘normal channels’ like in the past and expose all my sources to risk, like what has been proven thus far? Or do I bang away as you and Umno said, making ‘false allegations’? How do you know they are false allegations? Is it because I offered no evidence so therefore they must be false? But the problem is, even when I do offer evidence, the evidence is destroyed while the whistleblowers suffer retaliation.
Let us talk about the ‘hottest’ allegation I have made thus far which appears to be what has made Umno all hot around the collar. And this is of course my Statutory Declaration.
When I was under ISA detention in September last year, Datuk Zamri Ahmad interrogated me about that SD. You may know his father very well, Ahmad Sarji. Now, Zamri is not just any Special Branch officer. He is quite senior and tipped to be the future Director of the Special Branch, maybe within ten years or so from now.
I told Zamri everything he wanted to know. I revealed the source. Zamri confirmed he personally knows the source. Okay, what did the Special Branch do with that information? Did they act on it? So you see, Datuk Seri, it is well and fine to scream that we Bloggers are irresponsible and make wild allegations and never support these allegation with evidence. But even when we do prove it or support our allegations with evidence or reveal our sources, either nothing is done or our sources face the wrath of the powers-that-be.
When I revealed information regarding the RM200 million jetliner which Pak Lah bought for his personal use, it was denied and we were accused of lying. In fact, one of those who fed me this information and helped me with the technical details of the jetliner is an Umno Blogger, Zakir, who runs BigDogDotCom (http://bigdogdotcom.wordpress.com/). You can read his piece called Raja Petra the compulsive liar.
You see, Datuk Seri, I am not a technical person or a plane enthusiast. So I know very little about the technical specifications of aeroplanes. Zakir, however, is an expert on the matter and he helped put the report together. In fact, his Blog came out with the full report earlier, ahead of Malaysia Today. Now he calls me a compulsive liar?
Zakir denies his links with the Special Branch. However, on 5 September 2008, he told me that the Special Branch was about to detain me under the ISA. That same day I went underground and did not resurface until the 10th September. I met some MIC leaders very close to Samy Vellu during that period and they suggested I remain underground because the police are looking for me. I can get them to meet you to confirm all this if you required so Datuk Seri. These people also have strong links with the police.
However, on the 10th September, I got bored and decided to resurface. These MIC chaps were very disturbed and suggested I continue remaining in hiding. I did not listen to them though. On the afternoon of the 10th I went home. On the 11th I went to Bangsar for dinner and spotted two Special Branch officers monitoring me. I commented to the dinner crowd, “It looks like tomorrow they will come and take me”. Two of the chaps stood up and walked towards the Special Branch officers who quickly hightailed it out of there. The next day I was detained under the ISA.
Am I lying? I in fact told the police I was expecting them. When they asked why I said that, I related the story about the two Special Branch officers lurking around the Bangsar restaurant watching me while I was with a group of friends having dinner the night before. I also told them about the tip from the Umno Blogger, without mentioning his name though, plus the information from those MIC people who had links with the police. Today, this same Umno man who was my source of information calls me a compulsive liar.
Datuk Seri, I can go on and on and turn this letter into a thesis and would probably be awarded a doctorate just like you. Nevertheless, what I would have to say would just be more of the same thing. If my arguments are not already convincing enough as they are, then I really don’t know what else to say.
But I know you, Datuk Seri. I mean; we first met more than 25 years ago when we had dinner together with Tan Kay Hock at the Kuala Lumpur Hilton. So that is how long we have personally known each other. (By the way, are you aware that Kay Hock is now Najib’s golf partner?). And because I know you that well I know you would have by now grasped the spirit of what I have written and you would not have any problems understanding the gist of my arguments. If I may say so, Datuk Seri, without appearing as if I am trying to apple-polish you, you are probably one of the more intelligent Umno leaders. So maybe I can stop here and allow what I have written thus far to sink in.
If you feel I am still not convincing enough I can always continue with a part 2 or something like that. But I feel I would just be saying more of the same thing, and would that really be necessary? By the way, Datuk Seri, I still remember what you told me when we met on the first day of Hari Raya at Dr Mahathir’s house more than two years ago. I would like to believe what I am doing is not a departure from the advice you gave me then.
Anyway, it was nice to be able to reply to your comments and I sincerely thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell my side of the story. I still have very high regards for you and I still remember the Semangat 46 days when you were one of the key players and mastermind behind the party’s strategy. It is most unfortunate that you decided to close down the party and everyone rejoined Umno en bloc. If not, today, there would be no need for PKR as Semangat 46 would probably, by now, be the lead partner in a Pakatan Rakyat federal government.
Yours truly,
Raja Petra Bin Raja Kamarudin
*****************************************
On Raja Petra, who is living in self-imposed exile ostensibly to escape being detained again under the ISA, Rais described him as an expressive individual who has had his say on many matters.
“I only hope that he also gives us credit for some of the things we do. But he appears to be on a one-slice action all the time.
“I respect him for his views and for his style of (comment), but I do hope that Raja Petra comes up with both sides of the spectrum, so that his reporting (is) balanced. (This will make) him more popular.
“For example, if we are successful in helping the community in an anti-poverty drive, why can't he say that it is a good move?”
Rais called on the blogger to be fair in his assessment of situations in Malaysia.
“My prime minister (Najib Abdul Razak) is entitled to his view (on Raja Petra) and I am entitled to mine. But if everything in this world is too fair and too just, of course we would not have this talk, would we?”
Rais also said people need not be fearful of arrests under the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998, which his ministry enforces.
However, he said the public should “always respect” laws like the ISA and the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, which are under the home minister’s purview.
Several bloggers have already been charged with sedition since February, for posting comments on the Perak royalty amidst the ongoing political imbroglio in the state.
Rais described the emergence of blogging as a new trend that has overcome the limitations posed to the public in accessing the print media to express their views.
He said blogs are still a novelty in Malaysia, but that no party can curtail blogging because of the emergency of a value system that demands freedom of expression.
“However, do it responsibly. If you libel a guy or you defame a guy, you have to answer for it in the court of law,” he added.
“I think that is fair... It is better that you verify your facts (before you write). If they bring you to court, you have answer to it.”
Malaysiakini
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Today, I pledge my support for Matthias Chang!
A Day of Infamy - Constitutional Rule and Law Down the Toilet Bowl - A Shameful Display of Arrogance and Lust for Power - By Matthias Chang (8/5/09)
By Matthias Chang
Friday, 08 May 2009 00:03
As expected and as warned by me, the events leading to the convening of the Perak State Assembly yesterday can only be described as disgraceful. It was a display of our elected representatives’ despicable conduct without precedent in our country’s history.
SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!
I pray and hope that in any future elections, all the elected representatives, without exception, who have disgraced our constitution today will be rejected by the electorate and cast into the rubbish heap of history.
May each and every one be condemned as hooligans, pariahs, men and women without a shred of honour!
The representatives of both sides of the political divide have by their actions destroyed what every citizen hold dear – constitutional rule and law.
It was a mockery of constitutional government and the country will pay a heavy price for this arrogant display of lust for power.
If it is correct that police personnel entered the august chambers of the Perak State Assembly to forcefully remove the Speaker, it is a black day for democracy and constitutional rule and law.
DISGRACE! DISGRACE! DISGRACE!
It is clear that the leadership of the Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat has failed and humiliated the country when they planned and executed their diabolical schemes to retain political power.
I hoped that political maturity would prevail, but it is apparent that my confidence in our political leaders from both sides of the political divide has been misplaced.
If there is one lesson to be drawn from this ugly and disgraceful episode, it is that the political leaders are all power hungry and will resort to any means fair and foul to hang on to power.
They do not deserve our trust and support.
I therefore appeal to all Malaysians to send a clear message to the leaders of Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat that we reject their unbridled lust for power and their crass means to achieve it.
I call upon all Malaysians to consider and work towards the formation of a government led by leaders that have not been infected with the disease that have afflicted the Barisan Nasional and the Pakatan Rakyat.
Since March 2008, many Malaysians took the view that maybe with the Pakatan Rakyat having captured 5 state governments, there would be a viable “two party system” to ensure that constitutional government would be further enhanced and sustained in our unique multi-racial and multi-religious society.
On this day of infamy, our faith and hopes for such a future has been shattered.
We must find another way, to seek new paradigms that would better suit the demands and needs of our society and country.
I have no illusions that the road ahead will be arduous and full of pitfalls.
The last five years of misrule by the Badawi regime have been bad enough but to witness the ugly and shameful destruction of constitutional government yesterday by the Barisan Nasional and the Pakatan Rakyat is the last straw and my patience and tolerance have run out. These politicians have crossed the forbidden red line.
Enough is enough!
Starting today, we have about three years to bring about meaningful change.
Let us all come together and kick out all these power crazy politicians so that we can chart a new course for our country.
Where and how do we begin?
For a start, our first step, we must set up a network of concerned citizens.
It will take time and effort, but it can be done. Have faith in the collective power of the people. These corrupt rascals can and must be swept away.
Let this website be the focal point. Once you have registered, we will have a data bank from which we can harness our collective strength and launch our movement for a Malaysia:
Free of the Barisan Nasional power structures.
Free of the Pakatan Rakyat power structures.
Free of religious intolerance and bigotry.
Free of racism and chauvinism.
Free of extremism.
Free of corruption.
Free to realise our fullest potential.
If you share this simple vision, let us get together and work towards a better future for our children and our children’s children.
God bless you all.
Matthias Chang
This Appeal is solely my responsibility.
I do not represent or write on behalf of anyone but myself in making this call.
If you share my disgust and utter contempt for all those politicians, join me.
By Matthias Chang
Friday, 08 May 2009 00:03
As expected and as warned by me, the events leading to the convening of the Perak State Assembly yesterday can only be described as disgraceful. It was a display of our elected representatives’ despicable conduct without precedent in our country’s history.
SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!
I pray and hope that in any future elections, all the elected representatives, without exception, who have disgraced our constitution today will be rejected by the electorate and cast into the rubbish heap of history.
May each and every one be condemned as hooligans, pariahs, men and women without a shred of honour!
The representatives of both sides of the political divide have by their actions destroyed what every citizen hold dear – constitutional rule and law.
It was a mockery of constitutional government and the country will pay a heavy price for this arrogant display of lust for power.
If it is correct that police personnel entered the august chambers of the Perak State Assembly to forcefully remove the Speaker, it is a black day for democracy and constitutional rule and law.
DISGRACE! DISGRACE! DISGRACE!
It is clear that the leadership of the Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat has failed and humiliated the country when they planned and executed their diabolical schemes to retain political power.
I hoped that political maturity would prevail, but it is apparent that my confidence in our political leaders from both sides of the political divide has been misplaced.
If there is one lesson to be drawn from this ugly and disgraceful episode, it is that the political leaders are all power hungry and will resort to any means fair and foul to hang on to power.
They do not deserve our trust and support.
I therefore appeal to all Malaysians to send a clear message to the leaders of Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat that we reject their unbridled lust for power and their crass means to achieve it.
I call upon all Malaysians to consider and work towards the formation of a government led by leaders that have not been infected with the disease that have afflicted the Barisan Nasional and the Pakatan Rakyat.
Since March 2008, many Malaysians took the view that maybe with the Pakatan Rakyat having captured 5 state governments, there would be a viable “two party system” to ensure that constitutional government would be further enhanced and sustained in our unique multi-racial and multi-religious society.
On this day of infamy, our faith and hopes for such a future has been shattered.
We must find another way, to seek new paradigms that would better suit the demands and needs of our society and country.
I have no illusions that the road ahead will be arduous and full of pitfalls.
The last five years of misrule by the Badawi regime have been bad enough but to witness the ugly and shameful destruction of constitutional government yesterday by the Barisan Nasional and the Pakatan Rakyat is the last straw and my patience and tolerance have run out. These politicians have crossed the forbidden red line.
Enough is enough!
Starting today, we have about three years to bring about meaningful change.
Let us all come together and kick out all these power crazy politicians so that we can chart a new course for our country.
Where and how do we begin?
For a start, our first step, we must set up a network of concerned citizens.
It will take time and effort, but it can be done. Have faith in the collective power of the people. These corrupt rascals can and must be swept away.
Let this website be the focal point. Once you have registered, we will have a data bank from which we can harness our collective strength and launch our movement for a Malaysia:
Free of the Barisan Nasional power structures.
Free of the Pakatan Rakyat power structures.
Free of religious intolerance and bigotry.
Free of racism and chauvinism.
Free of extremism.
Free of corruption.
Free to realise our fullest potential.
If you share this simple vision, let us get together and work towards a better future for our children and our children’s children.
God bless you all.
Matthias Chang
This Appeal is solely my responsibility.
I do not represent or write on behalf of anyone but myself in making this call.
If you share my disgust and utter contempt for all those politicians, join me.
BN, get out of Perak now!!! You are falling for the biggest trap as predicted by Matthias Chang!!!
Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, bring your BN ADUNs and get out of Perak now. This is a trap!!! As a former Anwar supporter and been to ISA before, you should have known better!
If I am a Perakian, I would be damn ashamed!
Looking at the behaviour of our ADUNs today in the Perak State Legislative Assembly makes me wanna puke!
No wonder it is a failed state as Ku Li has said.
Enough said.
No wonder it is a failed state as Ku Li has said.
Enough said.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Tun Pak Lah, you are forgiven!
Abdullah also asked for forgiveness for any shortcomings during his six-year tenure as the fifth Prime Minister.
“I have asked myself what have I done after 45 years in the civil service. I think, Alham-dulillah, I have been a good man who served the rakyat.
“Maybe I did not manage to give my very best and there might have been some shortcomings. I apologise,” he said
“I have asked myself what have I done after 45 years in the civil service. I think, Alham-dulillah, I have been a good man who served the rakyat.
“Maybe I did not manage to give my very best and there might have been some shortcomings. I apologise,” he said
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Matthias Chang's energy and quality time sucked out terribly in removing Mat Ngantuk and Mat Rempit
Time Out Until July '09 - Giving Benefit of Doubt to PM Najib - By Matthias Chang (29/4/09)
Matthias Chang
Tuesday, 28 April 2009 22:20
In my previous article, I said that if PM Najib avoids falling into the By-election trap deviously manipulated by Anwar Ibrahim, it would mark the defining moment of his administration.
There is an urgent need to address the financial and economic issues.
PM Najib is beginning to do just that.
But some of the measures are clearly not appropriate. However, I have decided not to criticize PM Najib, as my views have been clearly spelt out in my books and articles posted to my website.
July is only three months away and as I have stated that if things don’t get better by then, Barisan Nasional will be in deep shits.
Getting rid of Badawi has been an effort that took a lot of energy and quality time from my family. Many were involved in that effort and made huge sacrifices in the hope that things will change for the better.
We now have a new Prime Minister and a new administration.
Promises have been made and we will just have to wait and see whether they will be fulfilled.
The Countdown has begun. July is the dateline.
I wish the Prime Minister every success.
But if ………..
Your guess is as good as mine, if he fails to deliver.
I am giving myself three months time out to recharge my batteries, just in case, heavy work is needed again.
I hope not.
Matthias Chang
Tuesday, 28 April 2009 22:20
In my previous article, I said that if PM Najib avoids falling into the By-election trap deviously manipulated by Anwar Ibrahim, it would mark the defining moment of his administration.
There is an urgent need to address the financial and economic issues.
PM Najib is beginning to do just that.
But some of the measures are clearly not appropriate. However, I have decided not to criticize PM Najib, as my views have been clearly spelt out in my books and articles posted to my website.
July is only three months away and as I have stated that if things don’t get better by then, Barisan Nasional will be in deep shits.
Getting rid of Badawi has been an effort that took a lot of energy and quality time from my family. Many were involved in that effort and made huge sacrifices in the hope that things will change for the better.
We now have a new Prime Minister and a new administration.
Promises have been made and we will just have to wait and see whether they will be fulfilled.
The Countdown has begun. July is the dateline.
I wish the Prime Minister every success.
But if ………..
Your guess is as good as mine, if he fails to deliver.
I am giving myself three months time out to recharge my batteries, just in case, heavy work is needed again.
I hope not.
Matthias will always label Anwar as 'Chow Kar'
The Perfect Trap For Anwar In Perak On May 7, 2009 - By Matthias Chang (5/5/09)
By Matthias Chang
Monday, 04 May 2009 21:05
Anwar and his storm-troopers are up to no good once again in Perak. His bloggers at the Malaysia Today website are working overtime spinning all sorts of rumours that would make Goebbels proud.
They are going to have a massive gathering when the State Assembly convenes on May 7, 2009 in the hope of provoking a crisis. Anwar wants maximum media coverage and he will get it if Barisan Nasional is stupid enough to react to his immature nonsense and provocation.
Enemies within UMNO are only too eager for a showdown to further Khairy’s long term agenda. Think about that.
So why should Barisan Nasional react to this provocation?
Anwar has to have noise, lots of noise to stay relevant. So why play his political game?
I would therefore advise the Prime Minister and his Home Minister not to deploy the FRU and or police to cordon off the access to the State Assembly. Agent-provocateurs will create situations that will compel the FRU and the police to react and you can be sure that the major dailies will have “police brutality” as their headlines!
By all means deploy three or four policemen to direct traffic, but no show of force.
Let the whole country see how Anwar’s fascist storm-troopers break the peace and their utter contempt for law and order. Should violence and or any untoward incidents were to happen, Anwar must take full responsibility and then let the law take its course.
Should the Barisan Nasional state assemblymen be prevented from taking their rightful place in the chamber by the Speaker, just turn round and walk out of the chamber with quiet dignity and let the rakyat see for themselves how the Pakatan Rakyat members behave.
Then let the law take its course!
Anwar’s provocation will fizzle out, a crisis diffused and you can bet your bottom dollar that he will be perceived as a Chow Kar.
Whenever Anwar provokes a fight, walk away.
Whenever his bloggers (especially those of the Malaysia Today pedigree) heap profanities, be assured that they are desperate and frustrated and are at a loss as to how to react to our silent counter-attack.
The more we control our emotional responses, cultivate patience and ignore their theatrics, the more desperate and frustrated will Anwar be and he will begin to make mistakes, even major blunders. Then the fun starts. His hidden ugliness will surface and before you know it, everyone will be pointing at Anwar, shouting, “the King has no clothes.” And what a sight!
Remember that Barisan Nasional has control of the major dailies.
Whenever Anwar and his storm-troopers get into the act, consign their theatrics to page 11 or whatever. As owners of the dailies, surely it is your absolute right to determine whether such childish politics should even be reported and if so, the extent of the coverage.
Be assured again that when Anwar is not getting his media coverage, he will lose his mind and embark on desperate measures to stay relevant.
That is when we will catch him by his dumb#@ls and knock him down for good.
Someone asked me why I do not get stressed whenever Malaysia Today bloggers heap profanities at me.
Simple!
It means I had scored a bull’s-eye! And it has hurt them so much that the only reaction from such fascist zombies is to resort to profanities.
It is they who are getting stressed out. Just picture them striking the keyboard and swearing at the same time when posting their comments:
“I am going to get this son-of-a-b@#*h!”
“I am going to gun him down!”
“Why don’t you stop writing this silly stuff, you make me puke, you bas@#*d!”
If reading my article makes Anwar’s faggots puke, it sure is satisfying to know that they have been screwed big time. So who is having the last laugh?
So, Barisan Nasional I hope that you will have the last laugh and not Anwar.
Ignore that political charlatan and convicted criminal.
____________________
PS: If silent counter-attack, why reveal about the existence of the silent counter-attack in the first place...Anwar would know!
By Matthias Chang
Monday, 04 May 2009 21:05
Anwar and his storm-troopers are up to no good once again in Perak. His bloggers at the Malaysia Today website are working overtime spinning all sorts of rumours that would make Goebbels proud.
They are going to have a massive gathering when the State Assembly convenes on May 7, 2009 in the hope of provoking a crisis. Anwar wants maximum media coverage and he will get it if Barisan Nasional is stupid enough to react to his immature nonsense and provocation.
Enemies within UMNO are only too eager for a showdown to further Khairy’s long term agenda. Think about that.
So why should Barisan Nasional react to this provocation?
Anwar has to have noise, lots of noise to stay relevant. So why play his political game?
I would therefore advise the Prime Minister and his Home Minister not to deploy the FRU and or police to cordon off the access to the State Assembly. Agent-provocateurs will create situations that will compel the FRU and the police to react and you can be sure that the major dailies will have “police brutality” as their headlines!
By all means deploy three or four policemen to direct traffic, but no show of force.
Let the whole country see how Anwar’s fascist storm-troopers break the peace and their utter contempt for law and order. Should violence and or any untoward incidents were to happen, Anwar must take full responsibility and then let the law take its course.
Should the Barisan Nasional state assemblymen be prevented from taking their rightful place in the chamber by the Speaker, just turn round and walk out of the chamber with quiet dignity and let the rakyat see for themselves how the Pakatan Rakyat members behave.
Then let the law take its course!
Anwar’s provocation will fizzle out, a crisis diffused and you can bet your bottom dollar that he will be perceived as a Chow Kar.
Whenever Anwar provokes a fight, walk away.
Whenever his bloggers (especially those of the Malaysia Today pedigree) heap profanities, be assured that they are desperate and frustrated and are at a loss as to how to react to our silent counter-attack.
The more we control our emotional responses, cultivate patience and ignore their theatrics, the more desperate and frustrated will Anwar be and he will begin to make mistakes, even major blunders. Then the fun starts. His hidden ugliness will surface and before you know it, everyone will be pointing at Anwar, shouting, “the King has no clothes.” And what a sight!
Remember that Barisan Nasional has control of the major dailies.
Whenever Anwar and his storm-troopers get into the act, consign their theatrics to page 11 or whatever. As owners of the dailies, surely it is your absolute right to determine whether such childish politics should even be reported and if so, the extent of the coverage.
Be assured again that when Anwar is not getting his media coverage, he will lose his mind and embark on desperate measures to stay relevant.
That is when we will catch him by his dumb#@ls and knock him down for good.
Someone asked me why I do not get stressed whenever Malaysia Today bloggers heap profanities at me.
Simple!
It means I had scored a bull’s-eye! And it has hurt them so much that the only reaction from such fascist zombies is to resort to profanities.
It is they who are getting stressed out. Just picture them striking the keyboard and swearing at the same time when posting their comments:
“I am going to get this son-of-a-b@#*h!”
“I am going to gun him down!”
“Why don’t you stop writing this silly stuff, you make me puke, you bas@#*d!”
If reading my article makes Anwar’s faggots puke, it sure is satisfying to know that they have been screwed big time. So who is having the last laugh?
So, Barisan Nasional I hope that you will have the last laugh and not Anwar.
Ignore that political charlatan and convicted criminal.
____________________
PS: If silent counter-attack, why reveal about the existence of the silent counter-attack in the first place...Anwar would know!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Selamat Hari Buruh
V. David, the man who made ‘May Day’ possible
V. David is a Malaysian trade unionist who was fearless and vocal in raising issues concerning the Indian community in Malaysia. In 1958, he was arrested under the Emergency Ordinance and detained under the Internal Security Act in 1964, 1969 (after May 13 racial riots) and 1987.
Raja Petra Kamarudin
Many Malaysians probably take the 1st May holiday for granted. It is a day to stay home or for going out with the family. Or maybe it is a day to sleep in late.
Whatever today may mean to you, did you know that Malaysia did not always celebrate May Day or declare 1st May a holiday? This was because Malaysia was still at ‘war’ with the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) and anything ‘labour’ or ‘socialist’ was regarded as ‘communist’. Malays were led to believe that anything ‘left wing’ is ‘budaya kominis’ and therefore an imported ideology from Mainland China and Russia, the two superpowers of those days that were sympathetic to the CPM cause. And Malays believed that communism is opposed to Islamic teachings.
Malays have of course come a long way since then, though they still have a longer way to go, and the perception of May Day is no longer one of an un-Islamic holiday associated with communism. But many probably do not know that getting Malaysia to endorse May Day as a workers’ holiday, and not a communist holiday, plus getting 1st May gazetted as a holiday, has to be credited to the renowned workers’ hero, V. David, who fought for many long years to get the Malaysian government to change its stand.
This is what Wikipedia has to say about V. David:
David V. (born 26 August 1932 - died 10 July 2005) is a Malaysian trade unionist and former opposition politician. He won a seat in the Malaysian parliament twice, representing the constituencies of Bangsar and Damansara. While in parliament, he was known to be fearless and vocal in raising issues concerning the Indian community in Malaysia.
David was a founding member and secretary of Selangor Factories Association, which he started in 1953. He was elected a Kuala Lumpur town councillor and became Transport Union secretary in 1958. In 1959, he was elected the Member of Parliament for Bangsar. In 1978, David defeated the Malaysian Indian Congress strongman, Deputy Minister S. Subramaniam, and became the Damansara Member of Parliament.
David was arrested under the Emergency Ordinance in 1958. He was also arrested under the Internal Security Act in 1964, 1969 (after May 13 racial riots) and 1987. In 1984, he became the Chairman of World Tamil Association.
To help you get a better insight into this unsung and forgotten hero called V. David, I would like to reproduced a 7 March 2004 article from the New Straits Times:
YBs (Yang Berharap) gearing up for the big day
By Ahmad A. Talib
The New Straits Times
Many years ago, when well-known labour leader V. David stood as a candidate in the general election, I would meet him and wish him luck. With his balding pate and the trademark thick spectacles and midriff, David would pace up and down the main hall of the Transport Workers Union and bark instructions to his supporters.
"Hurry up, we must get the manifesto distributed first thing in the morning. I don't have the whole day, you know!"
In 1978, David contested as a DAP candidate and won the Damansara parliamentary seat defeating the Barisan Nasional's Datuk S. Subramaniam, much to the delight of his party and supporters. As a fulltime trade unionist, David was a popular figure. It was difficult not to notice his bulk as he went from one meeting to another to get the best possible deal for his TWU members. With David at the helm of the union and Datuk Zainal Rampak as his running mate in the movement, members were generally happy with their collective agreements.
I would often drop in at the bilik gerakan of candidates I knew just to wish them good luck, and David was one of them. It was quite common to have the bilik gerakan manned by tough looking men or youths. I understand this was necessary as part of the security measures.
So, I was naturally quizzed by these toughies when I walked in to see David. In the elections of the `70s and part of the `80s, fistfights were not uncommon, forcing candidates to opt for their own security arrangement.
David's helpers were mostly Indians and they eyed me suspiciously as I looked around the hall trying to locate him. They must have been wondering why this young non-union like, skinny fellow wanted to see David. Is this fellow from the Special Branch? Or worse still, from the other political party trying to cause trouble! As they later found out, I was none of the above - just a reporter on his rounds to seek out bits and pieces for some political commentaries and news reports.
Well, that's that. The election is here again. March 21 has been set as polling day and March 13 fixed for nomination. These are days when every single member of any political party and every political leader waits for. This is D-Day! Every day in the last few months has been geared for the day when the ballot boxes are taken out, dusted and put to use again. All the homework they have done, the strategy they have formed, the plans and counter plans - they are being put to the big test.
The candidates and their supporters work just as hard to ensure victory. The adrenalin never stops pumping between the time when Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced to his colleagues and the nation that the Dewan Rakyat would be dissolved to pave the way for the 11th general election. In any general election, the Prime Minister calls the shot, and Pak Lah just did, setting in motion a series of events that will climax on March 21.
On another occasion I recall the formation of a new political party, Nasma, which seemingly had the support of social activists, some intellectuals and leaders from non-governmental organisations. Nasma's introduction to the media was held at one of the city's leading hotels. What attracted much attention then was the party had a woman as president, Zainab Yang, who was then more known as the `Lorry Woman' because she was head of the Pan Malaysian Lorry Operators' Association.
There was considerable attraction to the formation of Nasma. Its proponents had high hopes but this was not backed by real political acumen and, within a few years, Nasma receded into the political wilderness, never to engage in serious battles after a brief and disastrous encounter on the Malaysian scene. The simple lesson for Nasma and other like-minded proponents - don't go into politics if you are short on resources. Politics is not a romantic journey, neither is it a trip to test one's grandiose plans and vague images of undying loyalty and worship.
Bob, an American acquaintance, asked me a few days ago how the campaign was going to be like now that the polling date had been set. "What campaign?" I asked. He looked puzzled. "Bob, in places like Kelantan the campaign has never stopped. It's like a football match - the players never take off their jerseys, and that being so, treat everyday as match day!"
House calls are known to be more personal and popular these days, partly because political rallies, in the traditional sense of the word, is a thing of the past. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, this stopping of political rallies. As a schoolboy in 1969, I saw political rallies being turned into a stage for racial name-calling and bad-mouthing with bloody consequences. It is best forgotten, really...
Personal schedules, family gatherings and even business decisions have been put on the back-burner in these couple of weeks. It's politics, morning, day and night. At the Tanglin nasi lemak stall behind the National Mosque, customers were discussing who would be dropped, and whether new Menteris Besar would emerge from some States. Isa, in between sips of teh tarik, gave his theory why Pak Lah, and the BN, would win handsomely, echoed by his friend Shah, a pensioner.
Well, we'll soon know. In the meantime, make sure you know where you are voting. Every vote counts, your candidate will tell you. All the best YBs. That's Yang Berharap, mind you, not Yang Berhormat...
CHAMPION FOR THE DOWNTRODDEN
From village hero, V David rose to become a pillar of the Malaysian workers’ movement
by K George
Aliran Monthly Vol 25 (2005): Issue 6
All his life he committed himself to the struggle for workers’ rights, social justice, freedom and democracy.
K George
Born on 26 August 1932 in a squatter settlement at the 3rd mile, Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur, V David started his life in abject poverty. His father, S Vethamuthu, had a small farm and a herd of cattle for survival. As he grew older, David had to help his father by going to houses around the area delivering milk daily. Despite this, he managed to complete his Senior Cambridge. As the years rolled by, his mother became a widow, burdened with the task of bringing up her only son.
Under the circumstances, it was only natural that mother and son became inseparably close. Even after his mother’s demise, she remained close to his heart until the last day of his life. It is no exaggeration to say that David used to visit his mother’s grave very often — not only every year on the occasion of her birthday, death anniversary, etc but whenever he stood for election, started a union, contested for leadership position and even before embarking on other important event. To him, she was a saint whose blessing he sought before undertaking any venture.
In 1954, he enrolled with the University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA for a course in Economics, Political Science and Industrial Relations. At the same time, he also attended a course on Labour Unions organised by the AFL-CIO, the American National Trade Union Centre. Even when he was deeply involved in trade union and political activities, he continued his tertiary education. In 1980, he obtained a Masters in Commerce degree from the University of New Delhi. A few years later his thesis on international relations was accepted by Pacific Western University, California, USA, which awarded him a doctorate.
Compassion for the downtrodden
Even when David was in his teens, he was a hero in his village. The villagers often sought his advice and guidance. David’s compassion for the poor and downtrodden was natural, simply because of the condition in which he grew up. His first venture in 1953 was to form a trade union known as the Selangor Mill Workers Union (SMWU), which integrated with the Selangor Factory Workers Union. In 1955, the union’s name was changed to the National Union of Factory and General Workers (NUFGW). It was one of the “General Unions” that was recognised by the British colonial rulers.
On 31 August 1957, Malaya became independent. The NUFGW became so strong and popular under the leadership of the youthful V David that even the workers in the plantation industry preferred to be members of the new union. The Alliance government of independent Malaya detained David and amended the labour law to ensure the automatic deregistration of all existing general unions at that time. Since then, our 'democratic' government has never granted registration of general unions! David was subsequently released.
He became even more popular - loved by the working masses and disliked by the capitalists. Soon, he was approached by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) to be its executive secretary. He travelled by truck and enrolled thousands and thousands of workers in the transport industry. Soon he was elected the General Secretary of the TWU and held on to that position unchallenged even after he had suffered two strokes.
Youngest MP at 26
In the 1959 General Election, David, already a member of the Labour Party, which formed a coalition with other opposition parties known as the Socialist Front, contested and won, becoming a Member of Parliament for Bangsar as well as Selangor State Assembly member. At 26, he was the youngest Member of Parliament – bold, vigorous and committed.
By mid 1960s, the registration of the Labour Party was cancelled. Its leaders like Dr Tan Chee Khoon, Veerappan, Tan Pock Kin, David and others decided to seek the registration of another party. I was then the General Secretary of the Federation of Armed Forces Civilian Staff Union as well as Vice-President of the MTUC and of CUEPACS. Like David, I too believed that trade unions had to involve themselves in politics. It was not an unusual phenomenon but a fact that was visible all over the world.
I was invited by the group to join and help with the formation of Gerakan. It was during this period that I grew closer to David. I am proud to claim that both of us knew what poverty was and that our commitment to struggle for the welfare of workers became a passion. David stood on a Gerakan ticket in the General Elections in 1969 and was elected to Parliament as MP for Datuk Keramat in Penang. However, being a civil servant and father of three young children, I decided to carry on with my job and union activity.
Gerakan became a very popular party and received multiracial support. In the May 1969 General Election, the party captured the state of Penang and formed the government with Dr Lim Chong Eu as Chief Minister. But within two years, it was embroiled in a leadership crisis, resulting in Dr Lim taking full control of Gerakan. Professor Alatas, Dr Tan Chee Khoon, David and other leaders left Gerakan and formed Pekemas, which contested in the 1974 General Election. Out of over 90 candidates, only Dr Tan Chee Khoon retained his seat as the MP for Kepong constituency. Pekemas did not last long. Subsequently, David joined the DAP.
He was elected to parliament on the DAP ticket in 1978 for Damansara and was successfully returned in 1986 and 1990 for Puchong. But in 1995, David did not contest because of health reasons.
Indomitable spirit
While holding the post of TWU General Secretary, he represented the union in the Executive Council and the Working Committee of the MTUC. He was elected as one of its Vice-Presidents in 1971 - a position he held until 1976. Two years later, he was elected the Secretary General of the MTUC. In 1979, he was elected to the governing body of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). He held on to this prestigious position and the post of Secretary General of the MTUC until 1992.
Apart from the above positions, he was also a Council Member of the International Transport Federation and President of the World Tamil Federation for some time.
David became the “guest” of the government for the fourth time in October 1987 along with 105 others - innocent victims of Operation Lalang under the obnoxious Internal Security Act. This time he had to spend 222 days in the Kamunting Detention Camp. It could not break his indomitable spirit which remained intact. All his life he committed himself to the struggle for workers’ rights, social justice, freedom and democracy. He had been a persistent critic of the government’s capitalistic policies and its unjust refusal to grant citizenship to the Indian plantation workers who were born in this country in spite of their pioneering economic contribution to this nation.
In his final three years, he became bed-ridden. His wife, Grace Sivapakiam, took special care of her husband until the last day on July 10, 2005. Their only son, Norman David 22, who is studying medicine in Bangalore, India, was present at the time of his father’s demise.
V David will be remembered as a pillar of the Malaysian workers’ movement for many years to come. His memory will be cherished and recalled with fondness as someone who had given his best for the workers and who had sacrificed the best part of his life in the struggle to uplift the poor and the downtrodden.
V. David is a Malaysian trade unionist who was fearless and vocal in raising issues concerning the Indian community in Malaysia. In 1958, he was arrested under the Emergency Ordinance and detained under the Internal Security Act in 1964, 1969 (after May 13 racial riots) and 1987.
Raja Petra Kamarudin
Many Malaysians probably take the 1st May holiday for granted. It is a day to stay home or for going out with the family. Or maybe it is a day to sleep in late.
Whatever today may mean to you, did you know that Malaysia did not always celebrate May Day or declare 1st May a holiday? This was because Malaysia was still at ‘war’ with the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) and anything ‘labour’ or ‘socialist’ was regarded as ‘communist’. Malays were led to believe that anything ‘left wing’ is ‘budaya kominis’ and therefore an imported ideology from Mainland China and Russia, the two superpowers of those days that were sympathetic to the CPM cause. And Malays believed that communism is opposed to Islamic teachings.
Malays have of course come a long way since then, though they still have a longer way to go, and the perception of May Day is no longer one of an un-Islamic holiday associated with communism. But many probably do not know that getting Malaysia to endorse May Day as a workers’ holiday, and not a communist holiday, plus getting 1st May gazetted as a holiday, has to be credited to the renowned workers’ hero, V. David, who fought for many long years to get the Malaysian government to change its stand.
This is what Wikipedia has to say about V. David:
David V. (born 26 August 1932 - died 10 July 2005) is a Malaysian trade unionist and former opposition politician. He won a seat in the Malaysian parliament twice, representing the constituencies of Bangsar and Damansara. While in parliament, he was known to be fearless and vocal in raising issues concerning the Indian community in Malaysia.
David was a founding member and secretary of Selangor Factories Association, which he started in 1953. He was elected a Kuala Lumpur town councillor and became Transport Union secretary in 1958. In 1959, he was elected the Member of Parliament for Bangsar. In 1978, David defeated the Malaysian Indian Congress strongman, Deputy Minister S. Subramaniam, and became the Damansara Member of Parliament.
David was arrested under the Emergency Ordinance in 1958. He was also arrested under the Internal Security Act in 1964, 1969 (after May 13 racial riots) and 1987. In 1984, he became the Chairman of World Tamil Association.
To help you get a better insight into this unsung and forgotten hero called V. David, I would like to reproduced a 7 March 2004 article from the New Straits Times:
YBs (Yang Berharap) gearing up for the big day
By Ahmad A. Talib
The New Straits Times
Many years ago, when well-known labour leader V. David stood as a candidate in the general election, I would meet him and wish him luck. With his balding pate and the trademark thick spectacles and midriff, David would pace up and down the main hall of the Transport Workers Union and bark instructions to his supporters.
"Hurry up, we must get the manifesto distributed first thing in the morning. I don't have the whole day, you know!"
In 1978, David contested as a DAP candidate and won the Damansara parliamentary seat defeating the Barisan Nasional's Datuk S. Subramaniam, much to the delight of his party and supporters. As a fulltime trade unionist, David was a popular figure. It was difficult not to notice his bulk as he went from one meeting to another to get the best possible deal for his TWU members. With David at the helm of the union and Datuk Zainal Rampak as his running mate in the movement, members were generally happy with their collective agreements.
I would often drop in at the bilik gerakan of candidates I knew just to wish them good luck, and David was one of them. It was quite common to have the bilik gerakan manned by tough looking men or youths. I understand this was necessary as part of the security measures.
So, I was naturally quizzed by these toughies when I walked in to see David. In the elections of the `70s and part of the `80s, fistfights were not uncommon, forcing candidates to opt for their own security arrangement.
David's helpers were mostly Indians and they eyed me suspiciously as I looked around the hall trying to locate him. They must have been wondering why this young non-union like, skinny fellow wanted to see David. Is this fellow from the Special Branch? Or worse still, from the other political party trying to cause trouble! As they later found out, I was none of the above - just a reporter on his rounds to seek out bits and pieces for some political commentaries and news reports.
Well, that's that. The election is here again. March 21 has been set as polling day and March 13 fixed for nomination. These are days when every single member of any political party and every political leader waits for. This is D-Day! Every day in the last few months has been geared for the day when the ballot boxes are taken out, dusted and put to use again. All the homework they have done, the strategy they have formed, the plans and counter plans - they are being put to the big test.
The candidates and their supporters work just as hard to ensure victory. The adrenalin never stops pumping between the time when Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced to his colleagues and the nation that the Dewan Rakyat would be dissolved to pave the way for the 11th general election. In any general election, the Prime Minister calls the shot, and Pak Lah just did, setting in motion a series of events that will climax on March 21.
On another occasion I recall the formation of a new political party, Nasma, which seemingly had the support of social activists, some intellectuals and leaders from non-governmental organisations. Nasma's introduction to the media was held at one of the city's leading hotels. What attracted much attention then was the party had a woman as president, Zainab Yang, who was then more known as the `Lorry Woman' because she was head of the Pan Malaysian Lorry Operators' Association.
There was considerable attraction to the formation of Nasma. Its proponents had high hopes but this was not backed by real political acumen and, within a few years, Nasma receded into the political wilderness, never to engage in serious battles after a brief and disastrous encounter on the Malaysian scene. The simple lesson for Nasma and other like-minded proponents - don't go into politics if you are short on resources. Politics is not a romantic journey, neither is it a trip to test one's grandiose plans and vague images of undying loyalty and worship.
Bob, an American acquaintance, asked me a few days ago how the campaign was going to be like now that the polling date had been set. "What campaign?" I asked. He looked puzzled. "Bob, in places like Kelantan the campaign has never stopped. It's like a football match - the players never take off their jerseys, and that being so, treat everyday as match day!"
House calls are known to be more personal and popular these days, partly because political rallies, in the traditional sense of the word, is a thing of the past. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, this stopping of political rallies. As a schoolboy in 1969, I saw political rallies being turned into a stage for racial name-calling and bad-mouthing with bloody consequences. It is best forgotten, really...
Personal schedules, family gatherings and even business decisions have been put on the back-burner in these couple of weeks. It's politics, morning, day and night. At the Tanglin nasi lemak stall behind the National Mosque, customers were discussing who would be dropped, and whether new Menteris Besar would emerge from some States. Isa, in between sips of teh tarik, gave his theory why Pak Lah, and the BN, would win handsomely, echoed by his friend Shah, a pensioner.
Well, we'll soon know. In the meantime, make sure you know where you are voting. Every vote counts, your candidate will tell you. All the best YBs. That's Yang Berharap, mind you, not Yang Berhormat...
CHAMPION FOR THE DOWNTRODDEN
From village hero, V David rose to become a pillar of the Malaysian workers’ movement
by K George
Aliran Monthly Vol 25 (2005): Issue 6
All his life he committed himself to the struggle for workers’ rights, social justice, freedom and democracy.
K George
Born on 26 August 1932 in a squatter settlement at the 3rd mile, Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur, V David started his life in abject poverty. His father, S Vethamuthu, had a small farm and a herd of cattle for survival. As he grew older, David had to help his father by going to houses around the area delivering milk daily. Despite this, he managed to complete his Senior Cambridge. As the years rolled by, his mother became a widow, burdened with the task of bringing up her only son.
Under the circumstances, it was only natural that mother and son became inseparably close. Even after his mother’s demise, she remained close to his heart until the last day of his life. It is no exaggeration to say that David used to visit his mother’s grave very often — not only every year on the occasion of her birthday, death anniversary, etc but whenever he stood for election, started a union, contested for leadership position and even before embarking on other important event. To him, she was a saint whose blessing he sought before undertaking any venture.
In 1954, he enrolled with the University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA for a course in Economics, Political Science and Industrial Relations. At the same time, he also attended a course on Labour Unions organised by the AFL-CIO, the American National Trade Union Centre. Even when he was deeply involved in trade union and political activities, he continued his tertiary education. In 1980, he obtained a Masters in Commerce degree from the University of New Delhi. A few years later his thesis on international relations was accepted by Pacific Western University, California, USA, which awarded him a doctorate.
Compassion for the downtrodden
Even when David was in his teens, he was a hero in his village. The villagers often sought his advice and guidance. David’s compassion for the poor and downtrodden was natural, simply because of the condition in which he grew up. His first venture in 1953 was to form a trade union known as the Selangor Mill Workers Union (SMWU), which integrated with the Selangor Factory Workers Union. In 1955, the union’s name was changed to the National Union of Factory and General Workers (NUFGW). It was one of the “General Unions” that was recognised by the British colonial rulers.
On 31 August 1957, Malaya became independent. The NUFGW became so strong and popular under the leadership of the youthful V David that even the workers in the plantation industry preferred to be members of the new union. The Alliance government of independent Malaya detained David and amended the labour law to ensure the automatic deregistration of all existing general unions at that time. Since then, our 'democratic' government has never granted registration of general unions! David was subsequently released.
He became even more popular - loved by the working masses and disliked by the capitalists. Soon, he was approached by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) to be its executive secretary. He travelled by truck and enrolled thousands and thousands of workers in the transport industry. Soon he was elected the General Secretary of the TWU and held on to that position unchallenged even after he had suffered two strokes.
Youngest MP at 26
In the 1959 General Election, David, already a member of the Labour Party, which formed a coalition with other opposition parties known as the Socialist Front, contested and won, becoming a Member of Parliament for Bangsar as well as Selangor State Assembly member. At 26, he was the youngest Member of Parliament – bold, vigorous and committed.
By mid 1960s, the registration of the Labour Party was cancelled. Its leaders like Dr Tan Chee Khoon, Veerappan, Tan Pock Kin, David and others decided to seek the registration of another party. I was then the General Secretary of the Federation of Armed Forces Civilian Staff Union as well as Vice-President of the MTUC and of CUEPACS. Like David, I too believed that trade unions had to involve themselves in politics. It was not an unusual phenomenon but a fact that was visible all over the world.
I was invited by the group to join and help with the formation of Gerakan. It was during this period that I grew closer to David. I am proud to claim that both of us knew what poverty was and that our commitment to struggle for the welfare of workers became a passion. David stood on a Gerakan ticket in the General Elections in 1969 and was elected to Parliament as MP for Datuk Keramat in Penang. However, being a civil servant and father of three young children, I decided to carry on with my job and union activity.
Gerakan became a very popular party and received multiracial support. In the May 1969 General Election, the party captured the state of Penang and formed the government with Dr Lim Chong Eu as Chief Minister. But within two years, it was embroiled in a leadership crisis, resulting in Dr Lim taking full control of Gerakan. Professor Alatas, Dr Tan Chee Khoon, David and other leaders left Gerakan and formed Pekemas, which contested in the 1974 General Election. Out of over 90 candidates, only Dr Tan Chee Khoon retained his seat as the MP for Kepong constituency. Pekemas did not last long. Subsequently, David joined the DAP.
He was elected to parliament on the DAP ticket in 1978 for Damansara and was successfully returned in 1986 and 1990 for Puchong. But in 1995, David did not contest because of health reasons.
Indomitable spirit
While holding the post of TWU General Secretary, he represented the union in the Executive Council and the Working Committee of the MTUC. He was elected as one of its Vice-Presidents in 1971 - a position he held until 1976. Two years later, he was elected the Secretary General of the MTUC. In 1979, he was elected to the governing body of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). He held on to this prestigious position and the post of Secretary General of the MTUC until 1992.
Apart from the above positions, he was also a Council Member of the International Transport Federation and President of the World Tamil Federation for some time.
David became the “guest” of the government for the fourth time in October 1987 along with 105 others - innocent victims of Operation Lalang under the obnoxious Internal Security Act. This time he had to spend 222 days in the Kamunting Detention Camp. It could not break his indomitable spirit which remained intact. All his life he committed himself to the struggle for workers’ rights, social justice, freedom and democracy. He had been a persistent critic of the government’s capitalistic policies and its unjust refusal to grant citizenship to the Indian plantation workers who were born in this country in spite of their pioneering economic contribution to this nation.
In his final three years, he became bed-ridden. His wife, Grace Sivapakiam, took special care of her husband until the last day on July 10, 2005. Their only son, Norman David 22, who is studying medicine in Bangalore, India, was present at the time of his father’s demise.
V David will be remembered as a pillar of the Malaysian workers’ movement for many years to come. His memory will be cherished and recalled with fondness as someone who had given his best for the workers and who had sacrificed the best part of his life in the struggle to uplift the poor and the downtrodden.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Prophet Petra
5000 years ago, Moses won the battle against the Pharoah who accused him of committing sedition.
2000 years ago, Jesus won the battle against the Romans who accused him of committing sedition.
1400 years ago, Muhammad won the battle against the Quraish who accused him of committing sedition.
Today, Petra is in battle against the Malaysian government who accused him of committing sedition.
Will Petra get the same result as his 'predecessors'?
2000 years ago, Jesus won the battle against the Romans who accused him of committing sedition.
1400 years ago, Muhammad won the battle against the Quraish who accused him of committing sedition.
Today, Petra is in battle against the Malaysian government who accused him of committing sedition.
Will Petra get the same result as his 'predecessors'?
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Raja Petra is like Michael Scofield of Prison Break
On March 12, 2009, more than 1 month ago, I asked, "Where are you, RPK?"
RPK, you need to be fit and well like Wentworth Miller!
That's all for now.
RPK, you need to be fit and well like Wentworth Miller!
That's all for now.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Mat Ngantuk@Bapa Ketiduran strikes back!!!
I know when to go: Abdullah
By The Star News Team
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi acknowledged that there are some quarters in Umno who wanted to push him out of office sooner but says he knows when to go.
“Nak kacau saya buat apa pulak (Why the need to bother me)? I know what I am supposed to do and I will do what I want to do. There is no need to disturb me,” he told reporters Tuesday.
Abdullah was responding to a question whether he felt offended that some within the party were trying to push him to announce the date to hand over the prime ministership to his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
During the nomination period for the party polls, Najib won the Umno presidency uncontested and will take over the party leadership on Thursday night when the official results are announced.
Abdullah delivered his last closed door briefing as Umno president to party grassroots leaders and delegates for the general assembly on Tuesday.
Asked how he felt about it being his last closed door session, Abdullah said he “totally forgot” it was his final one when he was speaking.
“I was just as happy as I am (normally) when I have been have speaking to them. That’s not a problem. I am not the sentimental type,” he said.
To another question, Abdullah said he did not feel sad at all about handing over the party’s leadership to Najib.
“I would be happy to see Umno doing well and I would be happy if the Umno people are very happy.
“But if they all cry then perhaps I will also follow them and cry, but I don’t believe I will,” he quipped.
By The Star News Team
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi acknowledged that there are some quarters in Umno who wanted to push him out of office sooner but says he knows when to go.
“Nak kacau saya buat apa pulak (Why the need to bother me)? I know what I am supposed to do and I will do what I want to do. There is no need to disturb me,” he told reporters Tuesday.
Abdullah was responding to a question whether he felt offended that some within the party were trying to push him to announce the date to hand over the prime ministership to his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
During the nomination period for the party polls, Najib won the Umno presidency uncontested and will take over the party leadership on Thursday night when the official results are announced.
Abdullah delivered his last closed door briefing as Umno president to party grassroots leaders and delegates for the general assembly on Tuesday.
Asked how he felt about it being his last closed door session, Abdullah said he “totally forgot” it was his final one when he was speaking.
“I was just as happy as I am (normally) when I have been have speaking to them. That’s not a problem. I am not the sentimental type,” he said.
To another question, Abdullah said he did not feel sad at all about handing over the party’s leadership to Najib.
“I would be happy to see Umno doing well and I would be happy if the Umno people are very happy.
“But if they all cry then perhaps I will also follow them and cry, but I don’t believe I will,” he quipped.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Excerpts of RPK's "Marilah kita hidup atau mati sekarang"
This country has failed us. The politicians of today have turned the clock back and have destroyed what took many years to build. The destruction is so bad that in our lifetime we shall never see the country restored to what it was. It may never be restored even by the next generation.
I no longer see any hope for Malaysia. It will take a miracle to again see what we saw back in the 1960s. Today, Malaysia is all about the colour of your skin. Your break in life depends on which womb you happen to have come out from. Why must your future ride on the throw of the dice? Why must fate play a cruel game of chance while what lies before you relates to which family you were born into?
Malaysia needs a paradigm shift. But this shift can only occur if all want it to happen. It takes two hands to clap. And the way forward must be to bury the past and not play the blame-game. All are to blame for 1969. No one person or one community caused this. Just as it takes two hands to clap to see this paradigm shift that we so greatly need, it also took two hands to clap for what happened in 1969.
I no longer see any hope for Malaysia. It will take a miracle to again see what we saw back in the 1960s. Today, Malaysia is all about the colour of your skin. Your break in life depends on which womb you happen to have come out from. Why must your future ride on the throw of the dice? Why must fate play a cruel game of chance while what lies before you relates to which family you were born into?
Malaysia needs a paradigm shift. But this shift can only occur if all want it to happen. It takes two hands to clap. And the way forward must be to bury the past and not play the blame-game. All are to blame for 1969. No one person or one community caused this. Just as it takes two hands to clap to see this paradigm shift that we so greatly need, it also took two hands to clap for what happened in 1969.
Friday, March 13, 2009
60 billion from where?
The medical fraternity in Malaysia has plenty to say about the RM60bil new economic stimulus package.
The Allergists voted to scratch it, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.
The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it but the Neurologists thought the government had a lot of nerve.
The Obstetricians felt they were all labouring under a misconception. Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted.
Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while the Pediatricians said, 'Oh, Grow up!'
The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it.
Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing.
The Internists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said, "This puts a whole new face on the matter."
The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were pissed off at the whole idea.
The Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas and the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.
In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the assholes in Putrajaya.
The Allergists voted to scratch it, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.
The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it but the Neurologists thought the government had a lot of nerve.
The Obstetricians felt they were all labouring under a misconception. Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted.
Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while the Pediatricians said, 'Oh, Grow up!'
The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it.
Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing.
The Internists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said, "This puts a whole new face on the matter."
The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were pissed off at the whole idea.
The Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas and the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.
In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the assholes in Putrajaya.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Where are you, RPK?
British citizens
All British citizens have the right of abode in the United Kingdom.
Commonwealth citizens and British subjects
Additionally, right of abode is also conferred on Commonwealth citizens and British subjects who:
were born before 1983 with a UK-born mother (those born before 1983 and legitimately descended from a UK-born father are British citizens, whether or not they are Commonwealth citizens/British subjects); or
were adopted before 1983 by a UK-born mother; or
were married before 1983 to a man who had right of abode (therefore this particular provision applies to women only).
For this purpose, the UK includes the Republic of Ireland prior to 1 April 1922.
No person born in 1983 or later can have the right of abode unless he or she is a British citizen.
It is essential that the person concerned should have held Commonwealth citizenship or British subject status on 31 December 1982 and has not ceased to be a Commonwealth citizen (even temporarily) after that date.
[edit]Citizens of South Africa and Pakistan
For this reason, citizens of South Africa and Pakistan are generally not entitled to right of abode as these countries were not Commonwealth members on 1 January 1983. Citizens of Zimbabwe were still considered Commonwealth citizens (for nationality purposes) after that country's withdrawal from the Commonwealth because the UK did not amend Schedule 3 to the British Nationality Act 1981.
[edit]Privileges of the right of abode
If a non-British citizen has the right of abode, this is evidenced by a stamp in the holder's passport, and it confers the following rights:
an unconditional right to live, work and study in the United Kingdom
an entitlement to use the British/EEA immigration channel at United Kingdom ports of entry
an entitlement to apply for United Kingdom social security and welfare benefits
a right to vote and to stand for public office in the United Kingdom (since everyone with right of abode is a Commonwealth citizen, who has these rights if living in the United Kingdom)
In addition, those with right of abode may apply for British citizenship by naturalisation after meeting the normal residence and other requirements. Children born in the United Kingdom to those with right of abode will normally be British citizens by birth automatically.
Other United Kingdom immigration concessions
United Kingdom immigration laws allow settlement to other categories of persons; however, although similar in practice these do not constitute a formal right of abode and the full privileges of the right of abode are not necessarily available:
Irish Citizens and the Common Travel Area
Because of the Common Travel Area provisions between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, Irish citizens have a de-facto right of abode in the United Kingdom. However, with the exception of those Irish persons born before 1949 who have reclaimed British subject status, the entitlement to reside in the United Kingdom is not unconditional, and Irish citizens (who are not also British citizens) are subject to removal and deportation from the UK.
EEA and Swiss nationals in the UK
In the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2000, the United Kingdom declared that most citizens of EEA member states and their family members should be treated as having only a conditional right to reside in the UK. This has implications should such a person wish to remain permanently in the United Kingdom after ceasing employment, claim social assistance, apply for naturalisation or acquire British citizenship for a UK-born child.
Those EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who will be treated as permanent residents of the UK include:
certain persons who have retired from employment or self-employment in the UK and their family members
those who have been granted permanent residence status
Irish citizens (because of the Common Travel Area provisions)
These persons remain liable to deportation on public security grounds.[1]
Indefinite leave to remain
Indefinite leave to remain is a form of UK permanent residence that can be held by non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, but it does not confer a right of abode.
British Overseas Territories
All British overseas territories operate their own immigration controls, which apply to British citizens as well as to those from other countries. These territories generally have local immigration laws regulating who has belonger status in that territory.
All British citizens have the right of abode in the United Kingdom.
Commonwealth citizens and British subjects
Additionally, right of abode is also conferred on Commonwealth citizens and British subjects who:
were born before 1983 with a UK-born mother (those born before 1983 and legitimately descended from a UK-born father are British citizens, whether or not they are Commonwealth citizens/British subjects); or
were adopted before 1983 by a UK-born mother; or
were married before 1983 to a man who had right of abode (therefore this particular provision applies to women only).
For this purpose, the UK includes the Republic of Ireland prior to 1 April 1922.
No person born in 1983 or later can have the right of abode unless he or she is a British citizen.
It is essential that the person concerned should have held Commonwealth citizenship or British subject status on 31 December 1982 and has not ceased to be a Commonwealth citizen (even temporarily) after that date.
[edit]Citizens of South Africa and Pakistan
For this reason, citizens of South Africa and Pakistan are generally not entitled to right of abode as these countries were not Commonwealth members on 1 January 1983. Citizens of Zimbabwe were still considered Commonwealth citizens (for nationality purposes) after that country's withdrawal from the Commonwealth because the UK did not amend Schedule 3 to the British Nationality Act 1981.
[edit]Privileges of the right of abode
If a non-British citizen has the right of abode, this is evidenced by a stamp in the holder's passport, and it confers the following rights:
an unconditional right to live, work and study in the United Kingdom
an entitlement to use the British/EEA immigration channel at United Kingdom ports of entry
an entitlement to apply for United Kingdom social security and welfare benefits
a right to vote and to stand for public office in the United Kingdom (since everyone with right of abode is a Commonwealth citizen, who has these rights if living in the United Kingdom)
In addition, those with right of abode may apply for British citizenship by naturalisation after meeting the normal residence and other requirements. Children born in the United Kingdom to those with right of abode will normally be British citizens by birth automatically.
Other United Kingdom immigration concessions
United Kingdom immigration laws allow settlement to other categories of persons; however, although similar in practice these do not constitute a formal right of abode and the full privileges of the right of abode are not necessarily available:
Irish Citizens and the Common Travel Area
Because of the Common Travel Area provisions between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, Irish citizens have a de-facto right of abode in the United Kingdom. However, with the exception of those Irish persons born before 1949 who have reclaimed British subject status, the entitlement to reside in the United Kingdom is not unconditional, and Irish citizens (who are not also British citizens) are subject to removal and deportation from the UK.
EEA and Swiss nationals in the UK
In the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2000, the United Kingdom declared that most citizens of EEA member states and their family members should be treated as having only a conditional right to reside in the UK. This has implications should such a person wish to remain permanently in the United Kingdom after ceasing employment, claim social assistance, apply for naturalisation or acquire British citizenship for a UK-born child.
Those EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who will be treated as permanent residents of the UK include:
certain persons who have retired from employment or self-employment in the UK and their family members
those who have been granted permanent residence status
Irish citizens (because of the Common Travel Area provisions)
These persons remain liable to deportation on public security grounds.[1]
Indefinite leave to remain
Indefinite leave to remain is a form of UK permanent residence that can be held by non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, but it does not confer a right of abode.
British Overseas Territories
All British overseas territories operate their own immigration controls, which apply to British citizens as well as to those from other countries. These territories generally have local immigration laws regulating who has belonger status in that territory.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Apakah makna semua ini??
Pertemuan empat mata PM-Anwar cetus spekulasi
Mar 10, 09 8:18pm
Pertemuan empat mata antara perdana menteri dengan ketua pembangkang di sebuah madrasah di Hulu Langat hari ini membuka spekulasi wujud rundingan antara dua tokoh politik negara itu.
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi turut makan tengah hari bersama Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim di madrasah Nurul Iman yang diasaskan oleh seorang tokoh agama Syeikh Mahmud al-Majzub.
Majlis yang turut dihadiri beberapa ulama luar negara itu bersempena sambutan Maulud Rasul.
Isteri Anwar dan Presiden PKR Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail mengiringi suaminya ke majlis yang dihadiri kira-kira 1,000 orang.
Ketua Angkatan Muda PKR Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, yang turut hadir di situ, menafikan wujud rundingan sulit antara Abdullah dengan Anwar seperti dispekulasikan oleh seorang penulis politik.
Mohd Sayuti Omar, yang berada di madrasah waktu itu, berkata kedua-dua pemimpin itu berada di rumah Syeikh Mahmud lebih 90 minit, termasuk untuk makan.
"Mereka keluar dari rumah berkenaan untuk mendirikan solat Zohor bersama jam 1.40 petang.
"Difahamkan semasa di dalam rumah Syeikh Mahmud, pertemuan enam biji mata berlangsung antara Abdullah, Anwar dan Syeikh Mahmud.
"Satu perundingan juga dikatakan berlaku (antara dua tokoh politik itu) dengan Syeikh Mahmud menjadi perantaranya!" tulis Mohd Sayuti di blog peribadinya.
Bagaimanapun satu sumber dekat dengan Anwar memberitahu Malaysiakini petang ini, satu pertemuan tertutup dengan Abdullah berlangsung atas permintaan Syeikh Mahmud.
Pertemuan selama 20 minit itu membangkitkan beberapa isu, antaranya penyerahan kuasa Abdullah kepada Timbalan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
"Ia sudah terlambat," kata perdana menteri, menurut sumber PKR itu, apabila dipersoalkan oleh Anwar berhubung kelayakan Najib memimpin negara.
Abdullah juga didakwa memberitahu Anwar bahawa masih ramai ahli-ahli parlimen Umno yang setia padanya walaupun parti itu bakal diketuai oleh Najib bulan depan.
Dalam pertemuan itu juga, perdana menteri dan penasihat PKR berjanji untuk sentiasa membuka ruang berkomunikasi antara mereka berdua.
Dalam blognya, tidak menafikan pertemuan empat mata itu, Anwar hanya berkata "terlalu banyak andaian dan tafsiran mengenai kehadiran saya dan perdana menteri di Hulu Langat tengah hari tadi."
---------------
Soalan-soalan musykil:
1. Apakah yang dimaksudkan dengan 'Ia sudah terlambat'?
2. Mengapa Zaid Ibrahim dipecat dari UMNO kerana bertemu pemimpin pembangkang sedangkan Abdullah Badawi tidak dipecat kerana bertemu Anwar Ibrahim?
3. Apakah Pak Lah hendak teruskan sebagai Menteri Kanan atau Perdana Menteri, memandangkan beliau masih mendapat kesetiaan daripada 'ramai ahli parlimen UMNO' dan sokongan Pakatan Rakyat?
4. Adakah pertemuan ini untuk memberikan tekanan kepada Najib 3 jam sebelum pembentangan bajet mini?
5. Bagaimanakah rupanya 'kerajaan perpaduan' yang dimaksudkan oleh Presiden PAS?
6. Di manakah intelligence report atau laporan perisik yang telah dikumpul oleh military intelligence yang dimiliki oleh Raja Petra dan Abdullah Badawi-Khairy Jamaluddin?
7. Apakah kaum pemodal dan cukong borjuis akan memberikan peluang kedua kepada Pak Lah meneruskan pentadbirannya?
8. Apakah pandangan Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad?
9. Apakah pula pandangan Singapura dan Amerika?
10. (DAN SEMUA SOALAN YANG DIKAITKAN DENGAN PEMBUNUHAN WANITA CUN DARI MONGOLIA SERTA KRISIS DI PERAK)
Mar 10, 09 8:18pm
Pertemuan empat mata antara perdana menteri dengan ketua pembangkang di sebuah madrasah di Hulu Langat hari ini membuka spekulasi wujud rundingan antara dua tokoh politik negara itu.
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi turut makan tengah hari bersama Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim di madrasah Nurul Iman yang diasaskan oleh seorang tokoh agama Syeikh Mahmud al-Majzub.
Majlis yang turut dihadiri beberapa ulama luar negara itu bersempena sambutan Maulud Rasul.
Isteri Anwar dan Presiden PKR Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail mengiringi suaminya ke majlis yang dihadiri kira-kira 1,000 orang.
Ketua Angkatan Muda PKR Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, yang turut hadir di situ, menafikan wujud rundingan sulit antara Abdullah dengan Anwar seperti dispekulasikan oleh seorang penulis politik.
Mohd Sayuti Omar, yang berada di madrasah waktu itu, berkata kedua-dua pemimpin itu berada di rumah Syeikh Mahmud lebih 90 minit, termasuk untuk makan.
"Mereka keluar dari rumah berkenaan untuk mendirikan solat Zohor bersama jam 1.40 petang.
"Difahamkan semasa di dalam rumah Syeikh Mahmud, pertemuan enam biji mata berlangsung antara Abdullah, Anwar dan Syeikh Mahmud.
"Satu perundingan juga dikatakan berlaku (antara dua tokoh politik itu) dengan Syeikh Mahmud menjadi perantaranya!" tulis Mohd Sayuti di blog peribadinya.
Bagaimanapun satu sumber dekat dengan Anwar memberitahu Malaysiakini petang ini, satu pertemuan tertutup dengan Abdullah berlangsung atas permintaan Syeikh Mahmud.
Pertemuan selama 20 minit itu membangkitkan beberapa isu, antaranya penyerahan kuasa Abdullah kepada Timbalan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
"Ia sudah terlambat," kata perdana menteri, menurut sumber PKR itu, apabila dipersoalkan oleh Anwar berhubung kelayakan Najib memimpin negara.
Abdullah juga didakwa memberitahu Anwar bahawa masih ramai ahli-ahli parlimen Umno yang setia padanya walaupun parti itu bakal diketuai oleh Najib bulan depan.
Dalam pertemuan itu juga, perdana menteri dan penasihat PKR berjanji untuk sentiasa membuka ruang berkomunikasi antara mereka berdua.
Dalam blognya, tidak menafikan pertemuan empat mata itu, Anwar hanya berkata "terlalu banyak andaian dan tafsiran mengenai kehadiran saya dan perdana menteri di Hulu Langat tengah hari tadi."
---------------
Soalan-soalan musykil:
1. Apakah yang dimaksudkan dengan 'Ia sudah terlambat'?
2. Mengapa Zaid Ibrahim dipecat dari UMNO kerana bertemu pemimpin pembangkang sedangkan Abdullah Badawi tidak dipecat kerana bertemu Anwar Ibrahim?
3. Apakah Pak Lah hendak teruskan sebagai Menteri Kanan atau Perdana Menteri, memandangkan beliau masih mendapat kesetiaan daripada 'ramai ahli parlimen UMNO' dan sokongan Pakatan Rakyat?
4. Adakah pertemuan ini untuk memberikan tekanan kepada Najib 3 jam sebelum pembentangan bajet mini?
5. Bagaimanakah rupanya 'kerajaan perpaduan' yang dimaksudkan oleh Presiden PAS?
6. Di manakah intelligence report atau laporan perisik yang telah dikumpul oleh military intelligence yang dimiliki oleh Raja Petra dan Abdullah Badawi-Khairy Jamaluddin?
7. Apakah kaum pemodal dan cukong borjuis akan memberikan peluang kedua kepada Pak Lah meneruskan pentadbirannya?
8. Apakah pandangan Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad?
9. Apakah pula pandangan Singapura dan Amerika?
10. (DAN SEMUA SOALAN YANG DIKAITKAN DENGAN PEMBUNUHAN WANITA CUN DARI MONGOLIA SERTA KRISIS DI PERAK)
Monday, March 09, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Amanat Harapan Anwar Ibrahim
Hadirin Sekalian,
Himpunan hari ini menjadi bukti kepada bulatnya tekad serta matlamat kita semua untuk berbakti kepada negara dan rakyat negara ini. Bersama rakan-rakan dalam Pakatan Rakyat, kita akan pastikan Perubahan mengambil tempat dan menyempurnakan janji untuk membawa Harapan Baru kepada negara ini.
Tidak lama dahulu ramai yang percaya parti ini tidak ada masa hadapan. Mereka mentertawakan hasrat serta cita-cita kita. Muncullah nujum-nujum politik yang meramalkan kepupusan PKR kerana tidak percaya politik baru yang kita bawa; sebuah negara yang benar-benar bersatu dan tidak terperangkap dengan politik sentimen perkauman yang sempit.
Kepada rakan-rakan sekalian percayalah bahtera perjuangan ini tidak akan karam. Jangan sesekali keutuhan tekad perjuangan kita melonggar lemah.
Kepada mereka yang masih tersemat keraguan, percayalah kepada keluhuran akal budi rakyat, bukannya nujum-nujum yang sebenarnya masih terus mendokong regim korup. Parti ini sudahpun memasuki tahun yang ke 10 dan perjuangan kita mulai menunjukkan hasil. Yakinilah haluan tepat negara ini berada di tangan kita.
(MASA YANG SUKAR)
Ini adalah saat-saat sukar buat Malaysia. Ekonomi negara berada di ambang kemelesetan. Kita lihat kilang-kilang ditutup, perniagaan mulai terkesan akibat merudumnya ekonomi dan pengangguran pastinya mencecah ratusan ribu di akhir tahun ini. Rakyat Malaysia akan menempuh saat-saat sukar.
Malangnya menteri kewangan sekonyong-konyong terpinga-pinga dan hanya semalam terkejut menyatakan bahawa tidak ada yang menjangka kedudukan ekonomi sebegini parah. Walhal kita bersama mengungkap permasalahan ini enam bulan sebelumnya ketika membahas belanjawan tahun lalu.
Namun ketegangan kaum yang direkayasa demi meraih keuntungan politik masih berlaku. Nilai-nilai yang menjadi teras masyarakat Malaysia; kepercayaan kepada Tuhan dan menghormati Sistem Raja Berperlembagaan dimanipulasi oleh politik sempit untuk melaga-lagakan di antara satu kaum dengan yang lainnya serta digunakan untuk mempertikaikan kesetian terutamanya pendokong Pakatan Rakyat terhadap Negara. Sedangkan mereka pada masa yang sama menginjak-injak Semangat Keperlembagaan negara ini, yang menjanjikan kepada seluruh rakyat negara ini hak untuk bebas bersuara dan berhimpun.
Perkembangan politik tanah air mutakhir ini meletakkan Pakatan Rakyat di persimpangan jalan. Kita berdepan dengan propaganda yang menggembling emosi tiga R – Race, Religion and Royalty – bangsa, agama dan raja. Tiga isu emotif ini bertapak dan memunyai akar yang meresap dalam dalam psikologi orang Melayu. Sekiranya rakyat tidak mendapat penjelasan yang kukuh dan persuasif tentang isu hakiki ini mereka akan diperdayakan dengan pujukan simbol-simbol tentang bangsa, agama dan raja dan akan mengakibatkan pemikiran mereka kembali sempit, mundur dan kembali ke zaman feudal, bertentangan dengan semangat perjuangan pahlawan dan pendita bangsa- Dr Burhanuddin al Helmy, Dato’ Onn Jaafar, Ahmad Boestamam dan Pendita Zaaba.
Kita menyakini kita mempunyai hujah-hujah yang cerah, jitu dan persuasif untuk menangani propaganda Umno yang memperolok simbol-simbol bangsa, agama dan raja yang semata-mata digunakan untuk mengekalkan kekuasaan dan menutup pekong rasuah, jenayah dan penyalahgunaan kuasa. Sebaliknya kita mempunyai iltizam yang ikhlas dan sahih terhadap kepentingan dan kedudukan istimewa bangsa Melayu dan bumiputera, serta agama Islam yang dihuraikan dari perspektif sejagat dan berteraskan prinsip keadilan, tradisi ilmu, Bahasa Melayu sebagai bahasa rasmi dan prinsip raja beperlembagaan.
Rakyat benci dengan sikap sombong pemerintah, rasuah dan pembohongan yang dilakukan dengan berterusan. Tindakan ini perlu dimulai dengan membina muafakat yang berlandaskan ilmu di kalangan pimpinan dan penggerak parti. Justeru itu kita perlu menggembleng semua idealisme,cita-cita dan hasrat rakyat untuk berdepan dengan momokan dan putar belit sentimen perkauman sempit Umno.
Keadilan telah mula mengambil langkah-langkah untuk mengungkap persoalan Islam dari perspektif sejagat dan inklusif yang berlandaskan tradisi ilmu. Sekarang propaganda Umno telah memutarbelit isu raja-raja Melayu untuk menimbulkan kekeliruan dan kekeruhan di dalam pemikiran rakyat. Kekeruhan ini perlu dijernihkan kembali.
Isu raja-raja Melayu perlu ditangani dengan sikap serhana, berhikmah tetapi tegas. Ia juga harus mencermin pemikiran arus perdana, dan bukannya retorika yang terpinggir. Selain dari hujah-hujah Islam dan keadilan sejagat, perspektif progresif dalam sejarah dan kebudayaan Melayu perlu dinukilkan. Dalam konteks ini tiga sikap terhadap raja perlu dibentangkan: pertama sikap Hang Tuah yang setia membuta tuli, kedua sikap Hang Jebat yang menderhaka dan menumpahkan darah rakyat yang tidak berdosa, di antara keduanya adalah Bendahara Paduka Raja, yang setia lagi bijaksana.
Sikap Bendahara Paduka Raja boleh dibandingkan dengan pendirian Edmund Burke yang berdepan dengan revolusi Perancis, dan Hang Jebat seorang Jacobin. Kaitannya pemikiran Edmund Burke kepada kita adalah kerana beliau seorang reformis, mendukung Glorious Revolution( Revolusi Gemilang), revolusi parlimen yang membataskan kuasa raja, dan ahli parlimen yang menentang penyalahgunaan kuasa yang dibuktikan dalam sikap beliau menuntut Warran Hastings meletakkan jawatan.
Perlu disebutkan juga tafsiran Bernard Mandeville dalam The Grumbling Hive terhadap ungkapan rex non potest peccarre – the king can do no wrong – dengan bait:
But Kings, that could not wrong, because Their Power was circumscribed by Laws.
Kerajaan Umno-Bn menjadikan negara ini lumpuh. Mereka tidak mampu untuk membuat keputusan demi kesejahteraan rakyat kerana apa yang diperjuangkan adalah keuntungan politik semata-mata. Apa tidaknya harga barang terus melonjak tinggi; tol dinaikkan dan hanya ditangguhkan sejenak menjelang pilihanraya kecil. Keutamaan bagi memastikan negara terus makmur serta kebajikan rakyat dipelihara ternyata diabaikan sedangkan kemelesetan mula memberi dampak.
Penubuhan Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia dan Suruhanjaya Perlantikan Kehakiman gagal memenuhi harapan rakyat untuk melihat sebuah badan yang bertindak bebas dari pengaruh Umno-Bn. Rasuah masih berleluasa dan kedaulatan undang-undang seperti dicabut taringnya.
Umno-Bn lebih mementingkan politik kabilah ketimbang menyelesaikan masalah sebenar yang dihadapi oleh rakyat Malaysia. Manakala itu suratkhabar arus perdana masih tidak mahu memaparkan maklumat tepat berhubung salah guna kuasa mahupun keadaan ekonomi negara, sedangkan pemuka-pemuka negara gagal melaksanakan tanggungjawab mereka.
Ini menjadikan tanggungjawab yang digalas kita semakin berat; untuk menyahkan segala bentuk rasuah dan kemunduran, untuk bangkit agar tidak terperangkap dengan permasalahan titik bengit serta kebencian yang disebabkan kekeliruan ciptaan politik jijik.
(SUDAH TIBA MASANYA UNTUK SEDAR DARI LAMUNAN )
Menjelang ulangtahun 8 Mac 2009, marilah kita semua merenung kembali samada kita sudahpun berusaha sedaya mungkin untuk memenuhi cita-cita Perubahan yang kita jana. Adakah kepimpinan parti melakukan yang terbaik bagi menyampaikan mesej Ketuanan Rakyat kepada rakyat.
Janganlah kerana kejayaan yang sedikit itu membuatkan kita berpuas hati. Jangan lah pula sesekali kita menyerah kepada serangan demi serangan yang datang segenap penjuru, direkayasa demi mencemar imej parti.
Kekecewaan jangan dibiarkan hinggap, penat lelah berjuang pasti disusuli kemanisan kemenangan.
Kita tidak boleh lagi bersikap sambil lewa dalam menunaikan amanah yang dipertanggungjawabkan. Ini bukanlah masanya untuk mendabik dada siapa kah yang paling banyak berkorban. Masih segar dalam ingatan apabila dipasung dalam penjara, betapa saya terkesan dengan keberanian saudara, tersentuh akan kesetian para pendokong serta didorong dengan pengorbanan rakan-rakan seperjuangan menentang kezaliman. Kita mesti kembali menggilap semangat perjuangan bagi memastikan Perubahan terlaksana dan parti yang dicintai ini diperkasa.
Masa untuk berbulan madu sudah tamat. Banyak lagi peperangan yang kita mesti menangi. Raikanlah kemenangan kita dengan penuh sikap tawaduk dan bersedia menghadapi cabaran yang lebih getir. Bulan-bulan mendatang menjanjikan halangan-halangan baru yang memperlihatkan wajah sebenar regim Umno-Bn yang sanggup menggunakan undang-undang kuku besi demi menghalang kemaraan kita.
(MEMBAHARUI TEKAD)
Rakyat Malaysia dahagakan Perubahan. Mereka mahukan ianya direalisasikan. Mereka mahukan pemimpin yang menjadikan rakyat sebagai agenda utama serta sebuah negara yang bersih dari rasuah serta salah guna kuasa.
Apabila rakyat memilih kita, mereka mahukan iklim politik yang berlainan; memimpin dengan penuh sikap tawaduk serta berbicara dengan penuh hemah. Oleh itu kita mesti berusaha bukan sahaja sekadar memenuhi harapan mereka bahkan mesti lebih baik. Kita mesti belajar untuk mengakui kesilapan dan memastikan ianya tidak lagi berulang.
Kita percaya politik adalah wadah buat kita berbakti kepada rakyat. Makanya kita bertanggungjawab baik terhadap sesama kita dan juga terhadap rakyat. Perjuangan kita berasaskan keyakinan untuk memastikan negara ini kembali berada di landasan yang tepat.
Izinkan saya menukil sepotong ayat dari esei tulisan Vaclav Havel yang berjudul “Paradise Lost”:
“Those who find themselves in politics therefore bear a heightened responsibility for the moral state of society, and it is their responsibility to seek out the best in that society, to develop and strengthen it.”
(“Mereka yang berada dalam politik sesungguhnya memikul tanggungjawab besar terhadap apa jua keadaan masyarakat dan adalah kewajipan mereka membangunkan masyarakat itu dengan segala kekuatan dan yang terbaik darinya”)
Saya menyeru kepimpinan Keadilan untuk membaharui komitmen mereka kepada rakyat. Tidak kira mereka yang berkhidmat dalam Biro Politik, MPT, Ahli Parlimen mahupun ADUN, juga kepimpinan parti di seluruh negara, kita mesti memastikan rakyat adalah agenda kita. Tunaikanlah amanah dengan berkesan dan penuh tanggungjawab.
Ingatlah perjuangan Parti Keadilan Rakyat tidak berasaskan ideologi kabilah, teras kita adalah perjuangan menegakkan keadilan dan merangkul semua tanpa mengira batasan kaum mahupun kepercayaan. Ini juga tentulah tidak asing dari seruan li-ta’arafu yang berasaskan ayat Al Quran Wahai umat manusia!
Sesungguhnya Kami telah menciptakan kamu dari lelaki dan perempuan, dan Kami telah menjadikan kamu berbagai bangsa dan bersuku puak, supaya kamu berkenal-kenalan( Al Hujurat: 13)
Manakala Confucius di dalam Analect, Buku 12, dan dirumuskan oleh pengarang terkenal Han Su Yin, ada mengatakan Si hai zhi nie jie xiong di, yang bermaksud “Empat lautan terbentang luas, Semua manusia bersaudara.”
Oleh yang demikian, kita punya ruang yang luas bagi semua suku kaum di negara ini untuk bersama merealisasikan impian ketuanan rakyat yang merupakan harapan baru untuk Malaysia.
Dari Perlis ke Johor merentasi lautan hingga ke Sabah dan Sarawak, Keadilan harus bergerak dengan kesungguhan memperjelas serta meraih keyakinan rakyat agar tiada lagi keraguan untuk melakukan perubahan bersama kita kearah masa depan yang lebih gemilang.
(STRATEGI)
Justeru itu, kita perlu memperkukuhkan jentera serta memperkuat semangat, kita juga harus memikirkan secara bersama bagi mendapatkan dana untuk parti.
Untuk itu, saya telah meminta Setiausaha Agung parti agar membawa parti ke hadapan untuk menyahut cabaran tersebut. Mulai saat ini juga, pihak sekretariat akan lebih memberi tumpuan kearah pengukuhan akar umbi diseluruh negara.
Bagi mencapai tujuan itu, kita akan memastikan sekurang-kurangnya satu mesyuarat dan ceramah diadakan pada setiap bulan oleh setiap negeri dan bahagian. Manakala ketua penerangan di setiap negeri akan diminta untuk melaporkan kepada ibu pejabat parti setiap bulan bagi membincangkan perkembangan terkini serta arahan dan langkah selanjutnya.
Pengambilan ahli-ahli baru harus ditingkatkan kerana ia adalah salah satu strategi kita bagi menghadapi pilihanraya di masa depan.
Tahun-tahun kebelakangan ini, anda telah mempamerkan semangat kesungguhan dalam perjuangan. Namun demikian kita seharusnya akur bahawa masih terdapat kekurangan dan kelemahan, masih ada ruang untuk kita memperbaiki serta melakukan peningkatan. Kita juga mahukan penyertaan yang lebih berkesan daripada rakan-rakan yang baru menyertai parti. Kita mesti terus melangkah ke hadapan, manakala mereka yang ada bersama kita pada hari ini adalah mereka yang komited dan sanggup berkerja keras untuk membawa parti ini ketahap yang lebih tinggi.
Perjuangan ini akan mencapai matlamatnya jika setiap daripada kita mengerti akan pentingnya semangat kerja berpasukan.
Bahtera telahpun menarik sauh tanda pelayaran sudah bermula, ayuh bersama kita melakar sejarah yang penuh gemilang. Kepada anda yang telah meraih undi daripada rakyat, adalah teramat penting mendapatkan sokongan berterusan dari rakyat untuk terus bersama melayari bahtera perjuangan. Buat anda yang telah diberi tanggungjawab dengan memegang jawatan-jawatan dalam parti, diharap dapat menjalankan amanah tersebut dengan berusaha lebih gigih demi memartabatkan perjuangan keadilan.
Masa semakin berlalu , ia telah membawa kita hampir kepada Pilihanraya Umum sekali lagi, oleh itu amatlah penting buat kita merebut setiap detik bagi membina kekuatan perjuangan menegakkan keadilan.
Dengan situasi ketidaktentuan ekonomi serta kerapuhan dalaman pihak lawan, ia seharusnya memberi kita kelebihan untuk terus mara kehadapan. Tambahan pula, keyakinan yang ditunjukkan rakyat terhadap kepimpinan Pakatan Rakyat masih tetap utuh. Ini semua hasil dari kesungguhan kita yang selama ini senantiasa menumpukan untuk terus berkhidmat demi masyarakat.
(ISU KEWANGAN)
Menyedari bahawa kita tidak mempunyai kekuatan kewangan seperti BN, namun kita tidak akan sesekali tunduk kepada politik wang apatah lagi menyalahgunakan kuasa yang diamanahkan bagi mencapai matlamat perjuangan.
(PENUTUP)
Kita akan tetap bergantung kepada dukungan rakyat yang menyokong agenda membawa perubahan untuk terus memberikan bantuan kewangan bagi membolehkan kita menjana kemenangan. Adalah menjadi prinsip kita selama ini bahawa kualiti kepimpinan serta komited melakukan perubahan dan pembaharuan dalam memperjuangkan kehendak rakyat adalah merupakan asset terpenting demi merealisasikan impian membina Malaysia Baru.
Himpunan hari ini menjadi bukti kepada bulatnya tekad serta matlamat kita semua untuk berbakti kepada negara dan rakyat negara ini. Bersama rakan-rakan dalam Pakatan Rakyat, kita akan pastikan Perubahan mengambil tempat dan menyempurnakan janji untuk membawa Harapan Baru kepada negara ini.
Tidak lama dahulu ramai yang percaya parti ini tidak ada masa hadapan. Mereka mentertawakan hasrat serta cita-cita kita. Muncullah nujum-nujum politik yang meramalkan kepupusan PKR kerana tidak percaya politik baru yang kita bawa; sebuah negara yang benar-benar bersatu dan tidak terperangkap dengan politik sentimen perkauman yang sempit.
Kepada rakan-rakan sekalian percayalah bahtera perjuangan ini tidak akan karam. Jangan sesekali keutuhan tekad perjuangan kita melonggar lemah.
Kepada mereka yang masih tersemat keraguan, percayalah kepada keluhuran akal budi rakyat, bukannya nujum-nujum yang sebenarnya masih terus mendokong regim korup. Parti ini sudahpun memasuki tahun yang ke 10 dan perjuangan kita mulai menunjukkan hasil. Yakinilah haluan tepat negara ini berada di tangan kita.
(MASA YANG SUKAR)
Ini adalah saat-saat sukar buat Malaysia. Ekonomi negara berada di ambang kemelesetan. Kita lihat kilang-kilang ditutup, perniagaan mulai terkesan akibat merudumnya ekonomi dan pengangguran pastinya mencecah ratusan ribu di akhir tahun ini. Rakyat Malaysia akan menempuh saat-saat sukar.
Malangnya menteri kewangan sekonyong-konyong terpinga-pinga dan hanya semalam terkejut menyatakan bahawa tidak ada yang menjangka kedudukan ekonomi sebegini parah. Walhal kita bersama mengungkap permasalahan ini enam bulan sebelumnya ketika membahas belanjawan tahun lalu.
Namun ketegangan kaum yang direkayasa demi meraih keuntungan politik masih berlaku. Nilai-nilai yang menjadi teras masyarakat Malaysia; kepercayaan kepada Tuhan dan menghormati Sistem Raja Berperlembagaan dimanipulasi oleh politik sempit untuk melaga-lagakan di antara satu kaum dengan yang lainnya serta digunakan untuk mempertikaikan kesetian terutamanya pendokong Pakatan Rakyat terhadap Negara. Sedangkan mereka pada masa yang sama menginjak-injak Semangat Keperlembagaan negara ini, yang menjanjikan kepada seluruh rakyat negara ini hak untuk bebas bersuara dan berhimpun.
Perkembangan politik tanah air mutakhir ini meletakkan Pakatan Rakyat di persimpangan jalan. Kita berdepan dengan propaganda yang menggembling emosi tiga R – Race, Religion and Royalty – bangsa, agama dan raja. Tiga isu emotif ini bertapak dan memunyai akar yang meresap dalam dalam psikologi orang Melayu. Sekiranya rakyat tidak mendapat penjelasan yang kukuh dan persuasif tentang isu hakiki ini mereka akan diperdayakan dengan pujukan simbol-simbol tentang bangsa, agama dan raja dan akan mengakibatkan pemikiran mereka kembali sempit, mundur dan kembali ke zaman feudal, bertentangan dengan semangat perjuangan pahlawan dan pendita bangsa- Dr Burhanuddin al Helmy, Dato’ Onn Jaafar, Ahmad Boestamam dan Pendita Zaaba.
Kita menyakini kita mempunyai hujah-hujah yang cerah, jitu dan persuasif untuk menangani propaganda Umno yang memperolok simbol-simbol bangsa, agama dan raja yang semata-mata digunakan untuk mengekalkan kekuasaan dan menutup pekong rasuah, jenayah dan penyalahgunaan kuasa. Sebaliknya kita mempunyai iltizam yang ikhlas dan sahih terhadap kepentingan dan kedudukan istimewa bangsa Melayu dan bumiputera, serta agama Islam yang dihuraikan dari perspektif sejagat dan berteraskan prinsip keadilan, tradisi ilmu, Bahasa Melayu sebagai bahasa rasmi dan prinsip raja beperlembagaan.
Rakyat benci dengan sikap sombong pemerintah, rasuah dan pembohongan yang dilakukan dengan berterusan. Tindakan ini perlu dimulai dengan membina muafakat yang berlandaskan ilmu di kalangan pimpinan dan penggerak parti. Justeru itu kita perlu menggembleng semua idealisme,cita-cita dan hasrat rakyat untuk berdepan dengan momokan dan putar belit sentimen perkauman sempit Umno.
Keadilan telah mula mengambil langkah-langkah untuk mengungkap persoalan Islam dari perspektif sejagat dan inklusif yang berlandaskan tradisi ilmu. Sekarang propaganda Umno telah memutarbelit isu raja-raja Melayu untuk menimbulkan kekeliruan dan kekeruhan di dalam pemikiran rakyat. Kekeruhan ini perlu dijernihkan kembali.
Isu raja-raja Melayu perlu ditangani dengan sikap serhana, berhikmah tetapi tegas. Ia juga harus mencermin pemikiran arus perdana, dan bukannya retorika yang terpinggir. Selain dari hujah-hujah Islam dan keadilan sejagat, perspektif progresif dalam sejarah dan kebudayaan Melayu perlu dinukilkan. Dalam konteks ini tiga sikap terhadap raja perlu dibentangkan: pertama sikap Hang Tuah yang setia membuta tuli, kedua sikap Hang Jebat yang menderhaka dan menumpahkan darah rakyat yang tidak berdosa, di antara keduanya adalah Bendahara Paduka Raja, yang setia lagi bijaksana.
Sikap Bendahara Paduka Raja boleh dibandingkan dengan pendirian Edmund Burke yang berdepan dengan revolusi Perancis, dan Hang Jebat seorang Jacobin. Kaitannya pemikiran Edmund Burke kepada kita adalah kerana beliau seorang reformis, mendukung Glorious Revolution( Revolusi Gemilang), revolusi parlimen yang membataskan kuasa raja, dan ahli parlimen yang menentang penyalahgunaan kuasa yang dibuktikan dalam sikap beliau menuntut Warran Hastings meletakkan jawatan.
Perlu disebutkan juga tafsiran Bernard Mandeville dalam The Grumbling Hive terhadap ungkapan rex non potest peccarre – the king can do no wrong – dengan bait:
But Kings, that could not wrong, because Their Power was circumscribed by Laws.
Kerajaan Umno-Bn menjadikan negara ini lumpuh. Mereka tidak mampu untuk membuat keputusan demi kesejahteraan rakyat kerana apa yang diperjuangkan adalah keuntungan politik semata-mata. Apa tidaknya harga barang terus melonjak tinggi; tol dinaikkan dan hanya ditangguhkan sejenak menjelang pilihanraya kecil. Keutamaan bagi memastikan negara terus makmur serta kebajikan rakyat dipelihara ternyata diabaikan sedangkan kemelesetan mula memberi dampak.
Penubuhan Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia dan Suruhanjaya Perlantikan Kehakiman gagal memenuhi harapan rakyat untuk melihat sebuah badan yang bertindak bebas dari pengaruh Umno-Bn. Rasuah masih berleluasa dan kedaulatan undang-undang seperti dicabut taringnya.
Umno-Bn lebih mementingkan politik kabilah ketimbang menyelesaikan masalah sebenar yang dihadapi oleh rakyat Malaysia. Manakala itu suratkhabar arus perdana masih tidak mahu memaparkan maklumat tepat berhubung salah guna kuasa mahupun keadaan ekonomi negara, sedangkan pemuka-pemuka negara gagal melaksanakan tanggungjawab mereka.
Ini menjadikan tanggungjawab yang digalas kita semakin berat; untuk menyahkan segala bentuk rasuah dan kemunduran, untuk bangkit agar tidak terperangkap dengan permasalahan titik bengit serta kebencian yang disebabkan kekeliruan ciptaan politik jijik.
(SUDAH TIBA MASANYA UNTUK SEDAR DARI LAMUNAN )
Menjelang ulangtahun 8 Mac 2009, marilah kita semua merenung kembali samada kita sudahpun berusaha sedaya mungkin untuk memenuhi cita-cita Perubahan yang kita jana. Adakah kepimpinan parti melakukan yang terbaik bagi menyampaikan mesej Ketuanan Rakyat kepada rakyat.
Janganlah kerana kejayaan yang sedikit itu membuatkan kita berpuas hati. Jangan lah pula sesekali kita menyerah kepada serangan demi serangan yang datang segenap penjuru, direkayasa demi mencemar imej parti.
Kekecewaan jangan dibiarkan hinggap, penat lelah berjuang pasti disusuli kemanisan kemenangan.
Kita tidak boleh lagi bersikap sambil lewa dalam menunaikan amanah yang dipertanggungjawabkan. Ini bukanlah masanya untuk mendabik dada siapa kah yang paling banyak berkorban. Masih segar dalam ingatan apabila dipasung dalam penjara, betapa saya terkesan dengan keberanian saudara, tersentuh akan kesetian para pendokong serta didorong dengan pengorbanan rakan-rakan seperjuangan menentang kezaliman. Kita mesti kembali menggilap semangat perjuangan bagi memastikan Perubahan terlaksana dan parti yang dicintai ini diperkasa.
Masa untuk berbulan madu sudah tamat. Banyak lagi peperangan yang kita mesti menangi. Raikanlah kemenangan kita dengan penuh sikap tawaduk dan bersedia menghadapi cabaran yang lebih getir. Bulan-bulan mendatang menjanjikan halangan-halangan baru yang memperlihatkan wajah sebenar regim Umno-Bn yang sanggup menggunakan undang-undang kuku besi demi menghalang kemaraan kita.
(MEMBAHARUI TEKAD)
Rakyat Malaysia dahagakan Perubahan. Mereka mahukan ianya direalisasikan. Mereka mahukan pemimpin yang menjadikan rakyat sebagai agenda utama serta sebuah negara yang bersih dari rasuah serta salah guna kuasa.
Apabila rakyat memilih kita, mereka mahukan iklim politik yang berlainan; memimpin dengan penuh sikap tawaduk serta berbicara dengan penuh hemah. Oleh itu kita mesti berusaha bukan sahaja sekadar memenuhi harapan mereka bahkan mesti lebih baik. Kita mesti belajar untuk mengakui kesilapan dan memastikan ianya tidak lagi berulang.
Kita percaya politik adalah wadah buat kita berbakti kepada rakyat. Makanya kita bertanggungjawab baik terhadap sesama kita dan juga terhadap rakyat. Perjuangan kita berasaskan keyakinan untuk memastikan negara ini kembali berada di landasan yang tepat.
Izinkan saya menukil sepotong ayat dari esei tulisan Vaclav Havel yang berjudul “Paradise Lost”:
“Those who find themselves in politics therefore bear a heightened responsibility for the moral state of society, and it is their responsibility to seek out the best in that society, to develop and strengthen it.”
(“Mereka yang berada dalam politik sesungguhnya memikul tanggungjawab besar terhadap apa jua keadaan masyarakat dan adalah kewajipan mereka membangunkan masyarakat itu dengan segala kekuatan dan yang terbaik darinya”)
Saya menyeru kepimpinan Keadilan untuk membaharui komitmen mereka kepada rakyat. Tidak kira mereka yang berkhidmat dalam Biro Politik, MPT, Ahli Parlimen mahupun ADUN, juga kepimpinan parti di seluruh negara, kita mesti memastikan rakyat adalah agenda kita. Tunaikanlah amanah dengan berkesan dan penuh tanggungjawab.
Ingatlah perjuangan Parti Keadilan Rakyat tidak berasaskan ideologi kabilah, teras kita adalah perjuangan menegakkan keadilan dan merangkul semua tanpa mengira batasan kaum mahupun kepercayaan. Ini juga tentulah tidak asing dari seruan li-ta’arafu yang berasaskan ayat Al Quran Wahai umat manusia!
Sesungguhnya Kami telah menciptakan kamu dari lelaki dan perempuan, dan Kami telah menjadikan kamu berbagai bangsa dan bersuku puak, supaya kamu berkenal-kenalan( Al Hujurat: 13)
Manakala Confucius di dalam Analect, Buku 12, dan dirumuskan oleh pengarang terkenal Han Su Yin, ada mengatakan Si hai zhi nie jie xiong di, yang bermaksud “Empat lautan terbentang luas, Semua manusia bersaudara.”
Oleh yang demikian, kita punya ruang yang luas bagi semua suku kaum di negara ini untuk bersama merealisasikan impian ketuanan rakyat yang merupakan harapan baru untuk Malaysia.
Dari Perlis ke Johor merentasi lautan hingga ke Sabah dan Sarawak, Keadilan harus bergerak dengan kesungguhan memperjelas serta meraih keyakinan rakyat agar tiada lagi keraguan untuk melakukan perubahan bersama kita kearah masa depan yang lebih gemilang.
(STRATEGI)
Justeru itu, kita perlu memperkukuhkan jentera serta memperkuat semangat, kita juga harus memikirkan secara bersama bagi mendapatkan dana untuk parti.
Untuk itu, saya telah meminta Setiausaha Agung parti agar membawa parti ke hadapan untuk menyahut cabaran tersebut. Mulai saat ini juga, pihak sekretariat akan lebih memberi tumpuan kearah pengukuhan akar umbi diseluruh negara.
Bagi mencapai tujuan itu, kita akan memastikan sekurang-kurangnya satu mesyuarat dan ceramah diadakan pada setiap bulan oleh setiap negeri dan bahagian. Manakala ketua penerangan di setiap negeri akan diminta untuk melaporkan kepada ibu pejabat parti setiap bulan bagi membincangkan perkembangan terkini serta arahan dan langkah selanjutnya.
Pengambilan ahli-ahli baru harus ditingkatkan kerana ia adalah salah satu strategi kita bagi menghadapi pilihanraya di masa depan.
Tahun-tahun kebelakangan ini, anda telah mempamerkan semangat kesungguhan dalam perjuangan. Namun demikian kita seharusnya akur bahawa masih terdapat kekurangan dan kelemahan, masih ada ruang untuk kita memperbaiki serta melakukan peningkatan. Kita juga mahukan penyertaan yang lebih berkesan daripada rakan-rakan yang baru menyertai parti. Kita mesti terus melangkah ke hadapan, manakala mereka yang ada bersama kita pada hari ini adalah mereka yang komited dan sanggup berkerja keras untuk membawa parti ini ketahap yang lebih tinggi.
Perjuangan ini akan mencapai matlamatnya jika setiap daripada kita mengerti akan pentingnya semangat kerja berpasukan.
Bahtera telahpun menarik sauh tanda pelayaran sudah bermula, ayuh bersama kita melakar sejarah yang penuh gemilang. Kepada anda yang telah meraih undi daripada rakyat, adalah teramat penting mendapatkan sokongan berterusan dari rakyat untuk terus bersama melayari bahtera perjuangan. Buat anda yang telah diberi tanggungjawab dengan memegang jawatan-jawatan dalam parti, diharap dapat menjalankan amanah tersebut dengan berusaha lebih gigih demi memartabatkan perjuangan keadilan.
Masa semakin berlalu , ia telah membawa kita hampir kepada Pilihanraya Umum sekali lagi, oleh itu amatlah penting buat kita merebut setiap detik bagi membina kekuatan perjuangan menegakkan keadilan.
Dengan situasi ketidaktentuan ekonomi serta kerapuhan dalaman pihak lawan, ia seharusnya memberi kita kelebihan untuk terus mara kehadapan. Tambahan pula, keyakinan yang ditunjukkan rakyat terhadap kepimpinan Pakatan Rakyat masih tetap utuh. Ini semua hasil dari kesungguhan kita yang selama ini senantiasa menumpukan untuk terus berkhidmat demi masyarakat.
(ISU KEWANGAN)
Menyedari bahawa kita tidak mempunyai kekuatan kewangan seperti BN, namun kita tidak akan sesekali tunduk kepada politik wang apatah lagi menyalahgunakan kuasa yang diamanahkan bagi mencapai matlamat perjuangan.
(PENUTUP)
Kita akan tetap bergantung kepada dukungan rakyat yang menyokong agenda membawa perubahan untuk terus memberikan bantuan kewangan bagi membolehkan kita menjana kemenangan. Adalah menjadi prinsip kita selama ini bahawa kualiti kepimpinan serta komited melakukan perubahan dan pembaharuan dalam memperjuangkan kehendak rakyat adalah merupakan asset terpenting demi merealisasikan impian membina Malaysia Baru.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
By-elections in the 3 Hills...a mere conincidence?
BUKIT GANTANG
BUKIT SELAMBAU
BUKIT LANJAN
BUKIT APA LAGI....
BUKIT SELAMBAU
BUKIT LANJAN
BUKIT APA LAGI....
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The right medication for UMNO is to change its name from United Malays National Organization to United Malaysians National Organization,open2ALLraces!
NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
Muslim NGO echoes police warning for Kugan’s funeral
Pewaris, a non-governmental Muslim advocacy group, today appealed to MIC president Datuk Seri Samy Vellu to urge the Indian community not to get involved in any protest demonstrations during tomorrow's (yesterday’s) funeral procession for A Kugan, a suspect in a car theft case who died while in police custody.
Pewaris deputy chairman II, Rahimuddin Md Harun, told a press conference here that any protest during the procession was inadvisable as it might offend the sensitivities of others.
Yesterday, Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar issued a warning that police would take stern action if the procession was used to stage illegal protest demonstrations.
Kugan's remains will be brought from the University Malaya Medical Centre near here to the Batu 14 Puchong crematorium for final rites before being cremated. Kugan, 22, was arrested on Jan 15 on suspicion of being involved in the theft of luxury cars. He died on Jan 20 while detained at the Taipan police station in Subang Jaya. The case has been classified as murder. — Bernama 27 Jan 2009
***************************************
Malaysians want harmony
Malaysians still appreciate peace and harmony and the MCA will play its role to strengthen unity among the various races, said party president Ong Tee Keat. He said the racial composition of guests at the MCA Chinese New Year open house celebrations on Monday was encouraging.
“The joyful celebration at this year's open house shows that the rakyat still appreciates peace and harmony between the races, religions and cultures of this country. As a Barisan Nasional component party, MCA will continue its efforts to further strengthen this unity. Even in other celebrations such as Christmas, we celebrate it Malaysian style,” he said at the open house at Wisma MCA here.
Observing his first Chinese New Year as MCA president, Mr Ong said he was confident that the positive and hardworking attitude of Malaysians' would help the country pull through global financial crisis.
Mr Ong said Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi sent his wishes but could not attend the open house celebration at the last minute as he was unwell. 'I was informed by the Prime Minister's office this morning (Monday morning) that he is not well. I hope he gets well soon,' he added.
Meanwhile, party vice-president Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said he was happy to see people from all walks of life attend the open house. “I hope this merry occasion will continue and that the spirit of unity can be strengthened. What is important is that we all must work together. Let's lift our spirits in the Year of the Ox and may we emulate the strength of the ox to work hard in facing the challenges,” he added.
Former MCA president Ong Ka Ting, who was also present, said it was important to stand united during this challenging period. “I hope the Government will make more strategic policies and that the rakyat will be more prudent and continue to work hard as many things still need to be done,” he added.
MIC president S. Samy Vellu said unity among races was still strong and should always be cherished. “Even overseas, Malaysians, regardless of race are proud to say they are from Malaysia. This unity is in our hearts and cannot be changed,” he said when met at the Gerakan open house at Wisma PGRM.
Gerakan president Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the auspicious occasion was an opportunity to learn from the spirit of the ox which represents perseverance, dedication and loyalty. -- THE STAR/ANN 28 Jan 2009
***************************************
Worse situation if change is delayed: Muhyiddin
The Barisan Nasional (BN) should take drastic action to arrest the decline in support. And, the ruling coalition of 13 political parties should do this fast, Umno Deputy President aspirant Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Saturday.
"We are not concerted in our efforts. Because we are late in instituting changes, many think that Umno will not change. If we take too long a time to change, the people will not wait for us. The pre-March 2008 (the last general election where the BN lost its two-thirds majority in Parliament) situation still has not changed. We must be more effective and do extraordinary things in extraordinary times," he said at the prize-giving ceremony of the Tan Sri Muhyiddin charity golf tournament at the MINES Golf and Beach Resort, here.
Muhyiddin, who is also International Trade and Industry Minister, said it was not only Umno - the backbone of the BN - that needed to change, but also all other component parties.
"The longer we wait to initiate changes, the longer we change, the situation gets worse. The people are not going to wait for us. We also have to look at the BN component parties, be it MCA, Gerakan, MIC or other component parties. We need drastic changes and Umno must take the lead in this. We are fearful of the situation. There are many programmes that must be implemented and grassroots leaders must work with the leaders at the top to institute these changes," he said.
On the economy, the Minister said Malaysia was far better in facing the latest global economic crisis than many other nations. Muhyiddin, who accompanied Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in his just-concluded visit to Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates said although the nation was not in economic recession, the global economic situation was not getting any better.
"There are some sub-sectors which have already reported a downturn in exports. Electronics and electrical industries have already been hit. The first economic stimulus package is just a start. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is also Finance Minister, has announced that there is a possibility of a second stimulus package. Malaysians must remain resilient. Although we are not in recession, we must take steps to cushion the impact of the crisis," he added.
Meanwhile, the charity golf tournament Saturday netted RM20,000, which was handed over to the Gaza Humanitarian Fund run by Berita Harian. – Bernama 28 Jan 2009
***************************************
How many of you detected the ‘hidden messages’ and the contradictions in the message by the Malays compared to the non-Malays? And I must add that as much as I do not like to use the terms ‘Malays’ and ‘non-Malays’, I have no choice because this is how the mainstream media and the politicians always talk. So I have to use the ‘normal’ vocabulary or else many may not understand what I am saying.
How would the citizens of America be called? Would the ‘original’ inhabitants of the land be called ‘Indians’, or ‘Red Indians’, and the immigrant British, Italians, Germans, Jews (from Russia, Germany, Italy, France, the Middle East, etc.), Arabs, Chinese, Japanese, Malaysians, Indonesians, Filipinos, and what have you, be called ‘non-Indians’ or ‘non-Red Indians’?
I am just using the ‘agreed’ standards adopted by Malaysia. The Malay, the ‘Lord of the Land’, is called Bumiputera, or son-of-the soil, and all those who came slightly later are called non-Bumiputera.
Okay, I know this opens up an entirely new debate. What about Tian Chua, some may ask, whose family came to this country 500 years ago, and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, whose father was born in India? Mahathir is Bumiputera and Tian Chua is non-Bumiputera. If ‘he who came first to Malaya’ is the yardstick, then Tian Chua would be Bumiputera and Mahathir would be non-Bumiputera, many will argue.
Unfortunately, it does not work that way at all. Even if Mahathir himself were born in India and even though Tian Chua is 20th generation Melaka Malaysian, Mahathir would still be Bumiputera and Tian Chua would be non-Bumiputera. And that is why I, who was born in England, am also Bumiputera, while many of you whose grandfathers and/or grandmothers were born in this country are non-Bumiputera.
Now, before you scream ‘not fair’, remember, life is never fair. So quit grumbling like a good non-Bumiputera. You are the ‘pendatang’ whether you like it or not.
Okay, let us look at what Pewaris said: any protest during the procession was inadvisable as it might offend the sensitivities of others. He meant, of course, the sensitivities of the Malays when he said ‘others’. ‘Others’ here means those who are not Indian. He knows the Chinese will not be sensitive about the matter so he did not think that ‘others’ meant Chinese as well.
Saying that Malaysia’s race relations has improved is not enough, especially when it is Barisan Nasional politicians who are talking. This is mere rhetoric and even those making the statements know this is true. We need to do more than just talk. We need to act as well.
How can we explain why an estimated 90% of those who die in custody are Indians when Indians are not 90% of those behind bars? I have been behind bars many times myself and I can tell you that those who share the prisons or detention centres with me are not 90% Indians. In fact, 90% of the ISA detainees are Malays while the majority of those under EO are Chinese (with quite a number of Indians as well of course). In the lockups, more than half are Malays. In some lockups, depending on where it is, it is an almost all-Malay population.
This means the high number of Indians killed behind bars does not reflect the proper ‘racial quota’. Is it any wonder that the Indians are upset? And if the Indians demonstrate their unhappiness, who are those ‘others’ who are going to become ‘sensitive’ about it? Certainly not the Indians, and the Chinese could not care a damn.
The Malays and Barisan Nasional politicians must guard what they say. What comes out of their mouths reflect what’s in their minds. And what’s in their minds is that Malay ‘sensitivities’ come first and the sensitivities of all others are not important. How can we shout about how much improved Malaysia’s race relations are when what you say does not give this impression?
Parti Keadilan Nasional (PKN) once threw a dinner party back in 1999 (before it became PKR) and the food had beef in everything, even in the vegetables. I asked the organiser why he did not provide for a vegetarian alternative for the Hindus and vegetarians. Even the vegetables were ‘not halal’ to Hindus and vegetarians.
The reply the organiser gave me was that Malaysia is a Muslim country so they have prepared a ‘halal’ menu according to the Muslim tradition. The non-Muslims will have to learn to live with this, the organiser added. They can always not touch the food, the organiser said.
Why would anyone want to come to a dinner party and not eat the food? Would they rather not come? The late MGG Pillai pointed this out to me and said that keADILan should be more sensitive to the feelings of those who are Hindus or vegetarians. At least one vegetarian table should have been prepared, he said.
I apologised to Mr Pillai and promised to take him to dinner later to make up for it. “Oh, it’s not about me,” he replied. “I am just pointing it out to you.” And he went and whacked the chicken and fish. Mr Pillai was not grumbling because he could not eat what had been prepared. He was more concerned about the party’s image and what people might say about a ‘multi-racial’ party that caters only to the Muslim diet and tells those guests who can’t eat the food to “jangan makanlah kalau tak boleh makan.”
Malays are always concerned about their ‘sensitivities’. But when others also get ‘sensitive’, the Malays get upset and get the impression that the non-Malays are becoming too much and too demanding. This is a Malay country. Why are the non-Malays complaining so much? If they don’t like it then why not they go back to India or China or wherever they came from?
But that’s just the point. They came from Malaysia, just like everyone else. They can’t go back to China or India. They did not come from China or India. They came from a town somewhere in Malaysia, the place where they were born. And they are as Malaysian as everyone else. How to make the Malays understand this?
There is no way we can reinstall the program in their heads. We can’t even reformat the hard disk. The old program is so corrupted and the hard disk practically destroyed. We need to buy a totally new hard disk. This is what Malaysia and its race relations have been reduced to.
Indonesia is not safe for the Chinese, many Malays will tell you. They kill Chinese in Indonesia. And that is why many Chinese have left Indonesia and have migrated to another country. The Chinese are more fortunate in Malaysia. In no other country are the Chinese as lucky as the Chinese in Malaysia. This is the belief of most Malays.
Well, in November 2008, Indonesia passed the Non-discrimination Act (UU No. 62/58) that makes it a crime to discriminate against any ethnic group. Indonesia’s aim is to unite all the races. Sure, there may have been problems in Indonesia in the past. Malaysia too has been having problems on and off since even before Merdeka. But Indonesia is trying to change all that. Malaysia is not only perpetuating racial problems but we even have institutionalised racial discrimination.
Indonesia is no longer the ‘cowboy’ country that it once was. It has taken a giant leap into the new Millennium. They even give the opposition parties equal time on the government-owned television networks. Malaysia, unfortunately, is now far behind Indonesia. I know many Malaysian Chinese who have shifted their business interests to Indonesia. If we are not careful all our money is going to exodus to our neighbour and one day, soon, we are going to be poorer than that largest Muslim country in the world.
Then what will come next? Indonesian maids will stop coming here to work? Instead, Malays will go to Indonesia to work as maids? Don’t laugh! It not only is not funny, it can even happen, though maybe not in the immediate future.
In the 1960s, the Pakistanis used to go to England to work as labourers. 50 years on and many Pakistanis are now the towkays while the ‘whites’ work for them. Stand on Oxford Street and see for yourself. Look at all the Rolls Royces passing by. The ‘white skins’ are driving the cars while the ‘brown skins’ sit in the back seats. Okay, some Pakistanis still work as the kuli. Not all are towkays. But the streets are no longer being swept by the ‘brown skins’. The ‘white skins’ do that dirty job. And the ‘white skins’ rent apartments owned by the ‘brown skins’.
Muhyiddin Yassin talks about Umno going downhill and what they should do about it. The problem is, he is totally clueless about the reason. The doctor can’t cure the disease until he can diagnose what is wrong with you. My late father was suffering from heartburn, said his doctor, and he recommended anti-acid tablets. After he suffered a heart attack and died at a young age of 40 plus, the doctor said maybe it was not heartburn after all. Maybe it was a mild heart attack that became worse because it was not treated.
A friend of mine, DJ Tate, went to the Tawakal hospital because he was not feeling well. Just fatigue, said the doctor, go home and rest. Tate phoned me to tell me he would not be joining me at Anwar Ibrahim’s house for tea that day. He was not feeling well, he said. He hung up, slumped into the chair, and died within seconds. Five minutes later the wife phoned to say that Tate had died. I was shocked. I spoke to him barely a few minutes before that.
Yes, unless the doctor knows what is wrong with you he might recommend an afternoon nap or some anti-acid tablets. You then lie down and die. Umno needs a better doctor than all those quacks. It is dying, not just tired. And unless they treat it with the right medication Umno is going to soon be buried like how I buried my father and Mr. Tate.
Raja Petra Kamarudin
Muslim NGO echoes police warning for Kugan’s funeral
Pewaris, a non-governmental Muslim advocacy group, today appealed to MIC president Datuk Seri Samy Vellu to urge the Indian community not to get involved in any protest demonstrations during tomorrow's (yesterday’s) funeral procession for A Kugan, a suspect in a car theft case who died while in police custody.
Pewaris deputy chairman II, Rahimuddin Md Harun, told a press conference here that any protest during the procession was inadvisable as it might offend the sensitivities of others.
Yesterday, Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar issued a warning that police would take stern action if the procession was used to stage illegal protest demonstrations.
Kugan's remains will be brought from the University Malaya Medical Centre near here to the Batu 14 Puchong crematorium for final rites before being cremated. Kugan, 22, was arrested on Jan 15 on suspicion of being involved in the theft of luxury cars. He died on Jan 20 while detained at the Taipan police station in Subang Jaya. The case has been classified as murder. — Bernama 27 Jan 2009
***************************************
Malaysians want harmony
Malaysians still appreciate peace and harmony and the MCA will play its role to strengthen unity among the various races, said party president Ong Tee Keat. He said the racial composition of guests at the MCA Chinese New Year open house celebrations on Monday was encouraging.
“The joyful celebration at this year's open house shows that the rakyat still appreciates peace and harmony between the races, religions and cultures of this country. As a Barisan Nasional component party, MCA will continue its efforts to further strengthen this unity. Even in other celebrations such as Christmas, we celebrate it Malaysian style,” he said at the open house at Wisma MCA here.
Observing his first Chinese New Year as MCA president, Mr Ong said he was confident that the positive and hardworking attitude of Malaysians' would help the country pull through global financial crisis.
Mr Ong said Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi sent his wishes but could not attend the open house celebration at the last minute as he was unwell. 'I was informed by the Prime Minister's office this morning (Monday morning) that he is not well. I hope he gets well soon,' he added.
Meanwhile, party vice-president Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said he was happy to see people from all walks of life attend the open house. “I hope this merry occasion will continue and that the spirit of unity can be strengthened. What is important is that we all must work together. Let's lift our spirits in the Year of the Ox and may we emulate the strength of the ox to work hard in facing the challenges,” he added.
Former MCA president Ong Ka Ting, who was also present, said it was important to stand united during this challenging period. “I hope the Government will make more strategic policies and that the rakyat will be more prudent and continue to work hard as many things still need to be done,” he added.
MIC president S. Samy Vellu said unity among races was still strong and should always be cherished. “Even overseas, Malaysians, regardless of race are proud to say they are from Malaysia. This unity is in our hearts and cannot be changed,” he said when met at the Gerakan open house at Wisma PGRM.
Gerakan president Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the auspicious occasion was an opportunity to learn from the spirit of the ox which represents perseverance, dedication and loyalty. -- THE STAR/ANN 28 Jan 2009
***************************************
Worse situation if change is delayed: Muhyiddin
The Barisan Nasional (BN) should take drastic action to arrest the decline in support. And, the ruling coalition of 13 political parties should do this fast, Umno Deputy President aspirant Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Saturday.
"We are not concerted in our efforts. Because we are late in instituting changes, many think that Umno will not change. If we take too long a time to change, the people will not wait for us. The pre-March 2008 (the last general election where the BN lost its two-thirds majority in Parliament) situation still has not changed. We must be more effective and do extraordinary things in extraordinary times," he said at the prize-giving ceremony of the Tan Sri Muhyiddin charity golf tournament at the MINES Golf and Beach Resort, here.
Muhyiddin, who is also International Trade and Industry Minister, said it was not only Umno - the backbone of the BN - that needed to change, but also all other component parties.
"The longer we wait to initiate changes, the longer we change, the situation gets worse. The people are not going to wait for us. We also have to look at the BN component parties, be it MCA, Gerakan, MIC or other component parties. We need drastic changes and Umno must take the lead in this. We are fearful of the situation. There are many programmes that must be implemented and grassroots leaders must work with the leaders at the top to institute these changes," he said.
On the economy, the Minister said Malaysia was far better in facing the latest global economic crisis than many other nations. Muhyiddin, who accompanied Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in his just-concluded visit to Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates said although the nation was not in economic recession, the global economic situation was not getting any better.
"There are some sub-sectors which have already reported a downturn in exports. Electronics and electrical industries have already been hit. The first economic stimulus package is just a start. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is also Finance Minister, has announced that there is a possibility of a second stimulus package. Malaysians must remain resilient. Although we are not in recession, we must take steps to cushion the impact of the crisis," he added.
Meanwhile, the charity golf tournament Saturday netted RM20,000, which was handed over to the Gaza Humanitarian Fund run by Berita Harian. – Bernama 28 Jan 2009
***************************************
How many of you detected the ‘hidden messages’ and the contradictions in the message by the Malays compared to the non-Malays? And I must add that as much as I do not like to use the terms ‘Malays’ and ‘non-Malays’, I have no choice because this is how the mainstream media and the politicians always talk. So I have to use the ‘normal’ vocabulary or else many may not understand what I am saying.
How would the citizens of America be called? Would the ‘original’ inhabitants of the land be called ‘Indians’, or ‘Red Indians’, and the immigrant British, Italians, Germans, Jews (from Russia, Germany, Italy, France, the Middle East, etc.), Arabs, Chinese, Japanese, Malaysians, Indonesians, Filipinos, and what have you, be called ‘non-Indians’ or ‘non-Red Indians’?
I am just using the ‘agreed’ standards adopted by Malaysia. The Malay, the ‘Lord of the Land’, is called Bumiputera, or son-of-the soil, and all those who came slightly later are called non-Bumiputera.
Okay, I know this opens up an entirely new debate. What about Tian Chua, some may ask, whose family came to this country 500 years ago, and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, whose father was born in India? Mahathir is Bumiputera and Tian Chua is non-Bumiputera. If ‘he who came first to Malaya’ is the yardstick, then Tian Chua would be Bumiputera and Mahathir would be non-Bumiputera, many will argue.
Unfortunately, it does not work that way at all. Even if Mahathir himself were born in India and even though Tian Chua is 20th generation Melaka Malaysian, Mahathir would still be Bumiputera and Tian Chua would be non-Bumiputera. And that is why I, who was born in England, am also Bumiputera, while many of you whose grandfathers and/or grandmothers were born in this country are non-Bumiputera.
Now, before you scream ‘not fair’, remember, life is never fair. So quit grumbling like a good non-Bumiputera. You are the ‘pendatang’ whether you like it or not.
Okay, let us look at what Pewaris said: any protest during the procession was inadvisable as it might offend the sensitivities of others. He meant, of course, the sensitivities of the Malays when he said ‘others’. ‘Others’ here means those who are not Indian. He knows the Chinese will not be sensitive about the matter so he did not think that ‘others’ meant Chinese as well.
Saying that Malaysia’s race relations has improved is not enough, especially when it is Barisan Nasional politicians who are talking. This is mere rhetoric and even those making the statements know this is true. We need to do more than just talk. We need to act as well.
How can we explain why an estimated 90% of those who die in custody are Indians when Indians are not 90% of those behind bars? I have been behind bars many times myself and I can tell you that those who share the prisons or detention centres with me are not 90% Indians. In fact, 90% of the ISA detainees are Malays while the majority of those under EO are Chinese (with quite a number of Indians as well of course). In the lockups, more than half are Malays. In some lockups, depending on where it is, it is an almost all-Malay population.
This means the high number of Indians killed behind bars does not reflect the proper ‘racial quota’. Is it any wonder that the Indians are upset? And if the Indians demonstrate their unhappiness, who are those ‘others’ who are going to become ‘sensitive’ about it? Certainly not the Indians, and the Chinese could not care a damn.
The Malays and Barisan Nasional politicians must guard what they say. What comes out of their mouths reflect what’s in their minds. And what’s in their minds is that Malay ‘sensitivities’ come first and the sensitivities of all others are not important. How can we shout about how much improved Malaysia’s race relations are when what you say does not give this impression?
Parti Keadilan Nasional (PKN) once threw a dinner party back in 1999 (before it became PKR) and the food had beef in everything, even in the vegetables. I asked the organiser why he did not provide for a vegetarian alternative for the Hindus and vegetarians. Even the vegetables were ‘not halal’ to Hindus and vegetarians.
The reply the organiser gave me was that Malaysia is a Muslim country so they have prepared a ‘halal’ menu according to the Muslim tradition. The non-Muslims will have to learn to live with this, the organiser added. They can always not touch the food, the organiser said.
Why would anyone want to come to a dinner party and not eat the food? Would they rather not come? The late MGG Pillai pointed this out to me and said that keADILan should be more sensitive to the feelings of those who are Hindus or vegetarians. At least one vegetarian table should have been prepared, he said.
I apologised to Mr Pillai and promised to take him to dinner later to make up for it. “Oh, it’s not about me,” he replied. “I am just pointing it out to you.” And he went and whacked the chicken and fish. Mr Pillai was not grumbling because he could not eat what had been prepared. He was more concerned about the party’s image and what people might say about a ‘multi-racial’ party that caters only to the Muslim diet and tells those guests who can’t eat the food to “jangan makanlah kalau tak boleh makan.”
Malays are always concerned about their ‘sensitivities’. But when others also get ‘sensitive’, the Malays get upset and get the impression that the non-Malays are becoming too much and too demanding. This is a Malay country. Why are the non-Malays complaining so much? If they don’t like it then why not they go back to India or China or wherever they came from?
But that’s just the point. They came from Malaysia, just like everyone else. They can’t go back to China or India. They did not come from China or India. They came from a town somewhere in Malaysia, the place where they were born. And they are as Malaysian as everyone else. How to make the Malays understand this?
There is no way we can reinstall the program in their heads. We can’t even reformat the hard disk. The old program is so corrupted and the hard disk practically destroyed. We need to buy a totally new hard disk. This is what Malaysia and its race relations have been reduced to.
Indonesia is not safe for the Chinese, many Malays will tell you. They kill Chinese in Indonesia. And that is why many Chinese have left Indonesia and have migrated to another country. The Chinese are more fortunate in Malaysia. In no other country are the Chinese as lucky as the Chinese in Malaysia. This is the belief of most Malays.
Well, in November 2008, Indonesia passed the Non-discrimination Act (UU No. 62/58) that makes it a crime to discriminate against any ethnic group. Indonesia’s aim is to unite all the races. Sure, there may have been problems in Indonesia in the past. Malaysia too has been having problems on and off since even before Merdeka. But Indonesia is trying to change all that. Malaysia is not only perpetuating racial problems but we even have institutionalised racial discrimination.
Indonesia is no longer the ‘cowboy’ country that it once was. It has taken a giant leap into the new Millennium. They even give the opposition parties equal time on the government-owned television networks. Malaysia, unfortunately, is now far behind Indonesia. I know many Malaysian Chinese who have shifted their business interests to Indonesia. If we are not careful all our money is going to exodus to our neighbour and one day, soon, we are going to be poorer than that largest Muslim country in the world.
Then what will come next? Indonesian maids will stop coming here to work? Instead, Malays will go to Indonesia to work as maids? Don’t laugh! It not only is not funny, it can even happen, though maybe not in the immediate future.
In the 1960s, the Pakistanis used to go to England to work as labourers. 50 years on and many Pakistanis are now the towkays while the ‘whites’ work for them. Stand on Oxford Street and see for yourself. Look at all the Rolls Royces passing by. The ‘white skins’ are driving the cars while the ‘brown skins’ sit in the back seats. Okay, some Pakistanis still work as the kuli. Not all are towkays. But the streets are no longer being swept by the ‘brown skins’. The ‘white skins’ do that dirty job. And the ‘white skins’ rent apartments owned by the ‘brown skins’.
Muhyiddin Yassin talks about Umno going downhill and what they should do about it. The problem is, he is totally clueless about the reason. The doctor can’t cure the disease until he can diagnose what is wrong with you. My late father was suffering from heartburn, said his doctor, and he recommended anti-acid tablets. After he suffered a heart attack and died at a young age of 40 plus, the doctor said maybe it was not heartburn after all. Maybe it was a mild heart attack that became worse because it was not treated.
A friend of mine, DJ Tate, went to the Tawakal hospital because he was not feeling well. Just fatigue, said the doctor, go home and rest. Tate phoned me to tell me he would not be joining me at Anwar Ibrahim’s house for tea that day. He was not feeling well, he said. He hung up, slumped into the chair, and died within seconds. Five minutes later the wife phoned to say that Tate had died. I was shocked. I spoke to him barely a few minutes before that.
Yes, unless the doctor knows what is wrong with you he might recommend an afternoon nap or some anti-acid tablets. You then lie down and die. Umno needs a better doctor than all those quacks. It is dying, not just tired. And unless they treat it with the right medication Umno is going to soon be buried like how I buried my father and Mr. Tate.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Year's wishful thinking...
Dr M and DSAI patching up and bury all the hatchet and hatred. If Dr M and Soros can sit down side by side publicly, I don't see why can't these one-time former number 1 and 2 can't acknowledge each other for the sake of the future of this nation.
This is a genuine and sincere appeal to both parties to work on reconciliation. Life is too short to bitch and whine and bicker and fight till the cows come home. A new and fresh direction is needed in the impending global crisis and we need you both!
Thank you,
A Malaysian citizen.
This is a genuine and sincere appeal to both parties to work on reconciliation. Life is too short to bitch and whine and bicker and fight till the cows come home. A new and fresh direction is needed in the impending global crisis and we need you both!
Thank you,
A Malaysian citizen.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Taxi Minister in action
Beh Lih Yi | Dec 16, 08 7:46pm - MalaysiaKini
Prosecutory powers in the soon-to-be established Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) do not solely lie in the hands of the attorney-general, the government said today.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz in his winding-up speech in the Dewan Rakyat today said ‘public prosecutor', who is also the AG, in the MACC Act should not be read so narrowly.
Syed Jaymal Zahiid | Dec 16, 08 10:29am - MalaysiaKini
Peruntukan dalam Rang Undang-undang Perlindungan Saksi yang dibentangkan untuk bacaan pertama di Dewan Rakyat hari ini memberi banyak kuasa membuat keputusan kepada Peguam Negara (AG) dan menteri yang berkenaan.
Cadangan utamanya ialah tindakan dan keputusan pegawai-pegawai penting yang terbabit, tidak tertakluk kepada semakan kehakiman.
Rang undang-undang tersebut dibentangkan oleh Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz pagi tadi.
____________________________________________
kah kah kah..ni mesti nak kenakan Madey, Mat Mongol dan Bik Mama...kah kah kah
Mat Teksi dah pakat dengan Mat Ngantuk dan KJ.. kah kah kah....
nak bagi perlindungan pada sapa? kah kah kah.. bagi pada raja petra? kah kah kah...
memberi BANYAK KUASA membuat keputusan kepada peguam negara? kah kah kah...
kah kah kah..sapa peguam negara? peguam korek korek korek? kah kah kah...right right right.. kah kah kah...
Prosecutory powers in the soon-to-be established Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) do not solely lie in the hands of the attorney-general, the government said today.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz in his winding-up speech in the Dewan Rakyat today said ‘public prosecutor', who is also the AG, in the MACC Act should not be read so narrowly.
Syed Jaymal Zahiid | Dec 16, 08 10:29am - MalaysiaKini
Peruntukan dalam Rang Undang-undang Perlindungan Saksi yang dibentangkan untuk bacaan pertama di Dewan Rakyat hari ini memberi banyak kuasa membuat keputusan kepada Peguam Negara (AG) dan menteri yang berkenaan.
Cadangan utamanya ialah tindakan dan keputusan pegawai-pegawai penting yang terbabit, tidak tertakluk kepada semakan kehakiman.
Rang undang-undang tersebut dibentangkan oleh Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz pagi tadi.
____________________________________________
kah kah kah..ni mesti nak kenakan Madey, Mat Mongol dan Bik Mama...kah kah kah
Mat Teksi dah pakat dengan Mat Ngantuk dan KJ.. kah kah kah....
nak bagi perlindungan pada sapa? kah kah kah.. bagi pada raja petra? kah kah kah...
memberi BANYAK KUASA membuat keputusan kepada peguam negara? kah kah kah...
kah kah kah..sapa peguam negara? peguam korek korek korek? kah kah kah...right right right.. kah kah kah...
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Nostalgia Hisham Rais...
DARI TOK PEKONG KE MELAWATI
Saya masih teringat lagi majlis perasmian pergabungan Parti Keadilan dengan Parti Rakyat di Dewan Perhimpunan Cina pada 3hb Ogos 2003. Tiga hari sebelum majlis perssmian, Kumpulan Teater Bukan Teater telah di minta untuk memberi persembahan yang mengintpretasi makna dan tanda pergabungan. Tiga hari? Iya, kami hanya diberi masa tiga hari sahaja.
Kumpulan Teater Bukan Teater tidak menolak. Kami lakukan persembahan kerana kami di bayar dengan harga yang bagitu mahal sekali - kami di bayar dengan api dan semangat perjuangan.
Saya juga masih teringat Kongres Pertama Parti Keadilan Rakyat pada bulan Disember 2003 di sebuah Tok Pekong di Ipoh. Iya, di sebuah Tok Pekong, bukan di dewan hotel atau gedung mesyuarat yang mewah tetapi di sebuah Tok Pekong. Pada bulan Disember itu saya telah memastikan diri saya ke Ipoh untuk bersama sejarah.
Ketika di Ipoh saya dapat merasakan ombak dan semangat juang membakar terus. Apabila Kongres pertama PKR di adakan di rumah sembahyang Cina maka implakasinya cukup dalam. Inilah tanda-tanda permulaan retaknya konsep Ketuanan Melayu. Inilah juga tanda keberanian sebuah parti politik untuk memulakan politik baru – politik yang bukan berasaskan sokongan bangsa atau agama.
Di Tok Pekong ini jugalah Anwar Ibrahim untuk pertama kalinya berkemungkinan untuk hadir sama setelah bebas dari penjara.
Saya ke Kongres PKR bukan sebagai anggota parti. Saya ingin melihat siapa yang datang. Saya sebenarnya tidak mengenali ramai para pemimpin parti sama ada gedebe nasional mau pun gedebe dari negeri atau bahagian. Untuk saya mereka ini tidak penting. Apa yang ingin saya lihat ialah muka dan rupa betuk rakyat mana yang datang ke Kongres.
Ada satu pekara yang wajib saya perhatikan. Saya hendak melihat apakah ramai anak anak-anak muda yang turut sama merayakan kongres ini. Untuk saya ini adalah kunci. Kekuatan satu satu gerakan – gerakan apa sahaja pun jika tidak ada anak muda yang meminatinya pasti gerakan ini akan gagal. Dalam semua pejuangan merebut kuasa politik tanpa anak muda tidak mungkin ruyung dapat dipecahkan. Sejarah dan pengalaman menjadi guru kita yang terbaik
Pagi Sabtu 29 Novemeber 2008 ini saya ke Shah Alam. Saya amat jarang meninggalkan bilik di hari Sabtu terutama diwaktu pagi. Pagi itu saya memaksa diri saya bukan untuk mendengar ceramah dan ucapan yang gah-gah dari para politkus. Saya datang untuk mencari ambience dan suasana. Saya hendak melihat suasana PKR dan Pakatan Rakyat satelah berjaya menawan 5 buah negeri.
Bila saya melintasi pintu gerbang di sebelah Universiti Malaya dan meninggalkan Wilayah untuk memasuki Petaling Jaya Selangor saya mula ternampak bendera, banting dan iklan Kongres. Hebat. Sepanjang Lebuh Raya Peseketuan hingga ke Stadium Melawati iklan-iklan terpasang di sepanjang jalan untuk menjemput sesiapa sahaja datang merayakan Kongres Parti Keadilan Rakyat.
Selangor negeri terkaya di bawah Pakatan Rakyat telah menjadi Tuan Rumah. Kerajaan Selangor telah menyediakan abang-abang berbaju hijau dari pasukan Rela untuk membantu keselamatan. Pekerja majlis Shah Alam yang beruniform siap sedia mengarahkan para tamu. Saya jangka tidak mungkin ada sesiapa yang akan tersesat mencari tempat Kongres walau pun untuk pertama kali turun ke Shah Alam. Persediaan kelihatan lumayan dan tesusun.
Nah… ini amat jauh sekali dengan apa yang berlaku di Ipoh. Di Ipoh dahulu para polis trafik ditugaskan untuk menyaman sebanyak mungkin apa sahaja yang bergerak. Malah ketika para wakil bersidang polis trafik telah datang untuk menyaman kereta yang terletak di pinggir jalan. Polis bersenjata pula tercacak disana sini bukan untuk mengawal tetapi hadir untuk memberi tekanan dan menakut-nakutkan orang ramai yang datang ke Tok Pekong. Di Shah Alam semuanya berbeza.
Ketika saya masuk ke dalam stadium seorang politikus sedang berucap. Sambil memasang telinga mata saya ingin melihat siapa yang datang. Saya tidak ambil pot muka-muka siapa yang duduk di atas pentas atau siapa yang duduk di barisan hadapan. Mereka ini semua pastilah para gedebe.
Apa yang ingin saya lihat ialah orang yang duduk di bawah pentas. Saya kagum apabila melihat rakyat biasa yang memenuhi stadium di pagi Sabtu itu. Mereka tidak berbatik lengan panjang seperti budaya gerombolan. Mereka juga tidak berdasi dan bertali leher. Majoriti dalam stadium adalah rakyat biasa yang mukanya sering saya temui di pehentian bas, di warung-warung atau di pasar malam.
Yang lebih mengkagumkan ialah kepelbagian bangsa-bangsa yang hadir. Untuk saya ini bukan kongres Melayu, bukan kongres Cina, bukan kongres Islam, bukan kongres India, Dayak, Iban atau Kadazan. Kongres di Stadium Melawati dihujung minggu akhir November ini jelas memperlihatkan ke Malaysian - kongres rakyat Malaysia - rakyat biasa.
Saya tidak nampak muka Mak Datin atau muka Minah cun a la Umi Ufilda yang datang berbedak dan bergincu. Atau Mak Datin yang datang dengan tas tangan Prada atau lelaki gendut berbaju batik bercincin besar seperti Ahmad Ismail dari Bukit Bendera. Tidak juga ada kelihatan bentuk Abang Zak yang memakai kaca mata hitam Gucci.
Saya senang hati apabila melihat bahawa Parti Keadilan Rakyat masih lagi dimiliki oleh rakyat Malaysia. Parti muda ini masih dalam keadaan selamat belum menjadi barang dagangan - masih belum lagi ( sic).
Bila sesi persidangan berhenti rehat saya menebeng di tepi pintu untuk memerhatikan muka-muka yang berkongres dengan lebih rapat. Ada Mak Cik berbaju kurung, Pak Cik bersongkok berbaju Melayu, Nyonya dan Amoi memakai gown, wanita India bersari, Pak Lebai dan Punjabi yang berserban rapi. Ada juga yang memakai baju batik berlengan panjang, saya menganggap mereka ini seperti tersalah masuk Kongres.
Di luar stadium pula makanan telah disediakan. Tidak lagi nasi bungkus seperti di Ipoh. Kini mereka yang berkongres dan sesiapa sahaja yang datang mencari ambience seperti saya akan di pelawa makan. Ada masakan Melayu, ada masakan India, ada masakan Cina dan ada masakan sayuran untuk yang tidak memakan hidupan – malah ada banyak pilihan.
Makan tengah hari ini bertambah lumayan kerana satu kumpulan pemusik terus menghibur para tamu dengan lagu-lagu keroncong untuk merehatkan kepala sesudah mendengar ucapan-ucapan dari para pemimpin.
Ketika saya hendak beratur mengambil makanan , saya melintasi satu khemah khusus dengan empat meja besar. Kipas angin terpasang ligat. Sudu dan garpu tersusun rapi. Terhidang indah di meja ini ialah makanan yang pastinya untuk para gedebe.
Saya hairan kenapa para gedebe ini tidak beratur sama seperti orang biasa untuk mengambil makanan. Nampaknya hegemoni budaya gerombolan United Malays National Organisation itu telah menyerap. Ada garis pemisah yang amat jelas diantara para gedebe dengan orang biasa. Lalu saya teringat beberapa minit tadi pemimpin parti telah berucap mengatakan bahawa kemenangan 8 March yang lalu adalah kerana sokongan rakyat bukan kerana kekuatan dan jentera parti.
Nampaknya menyuarakan retorik politik baru ini cukup enteng tetapi melakukan budaya politik baru ini masih amat jauh dari hati para gedebe. Mungkin mereka tidak memahami politik baru juga wajib membawa budaya baru yang bukan budaya feudal.
Setelah makan saya meleser untuk melihat gerai-gerai jualan. Tidak banyak yang menarik. Malah hanya ada satu dua gerai yang berstatus keilmuan menjual buku yang lainnya hanyalah warung-warung biasa yang menjaja khazanah Reformasi yang sering saya temui di ceramah-ceramah besar.
Anak muda ? Mereka kelihatan berkeliaran. Ini seakan-akan pesta untuk mereka. Malah ada yang agak terlalu muda untuk tahu apakah yang sedang berlaku di dalam stadium. Mungkin kerana becuti sekolah, ada anak-anak sekolah kelihatan menjual beg biru untuk dibawa pulang sebagai tanda kenang-kenangan ketika berkongres di Stadium Melawati.
Lalu timbul persoalan - apakah api dan semangat perjuangan masih membara? Jawabnya iya dan tidak. Ketika mendengar ucapan pemimpin di dalam stadium masih ada laungan reformasi kedengaran. Tetapi laungan REFORMASI tidak mengegarkan stadium. Mungkin kerana Angkatan Muda sedang sibuk mengisi borang melamar kerja atau mengisi borang kontrek dari 5 kerajaan Pakatan.
Kongres tahun hadapan saya bercadang untuk datang lagi kerana saya ingin bertanya apakah Angkata Muda telah mendapat pekerjaan atau telah mendapat kontrek. Jika telah mendapat ‘yang diminta’ pasti tidak ada lagi laungan reformasi.(TT)
Saya masih teringat lagi majlis perasmian pergabungan Parti Keadilan dengan Parti Rakyat di Dewan Perhimpunan Cina pada 3hb Ogos 2003. Tiga hari sebelum majlis perssmian, Kumpulan Teater Bukan Teater telah di minta untuk memberi persembahan yang mengintpretasi makna dan tanda pergabungan. Tiga hari? Iya, kami hanya diberi masa tiga hari sahaja.
Kumpulan Teater Bukan Teater tidak menolak. Kami lakukan persembahan kerana kami di bayar dengan harga yang bagitu mahal sekali - kami di bayar dengan api dan semangat perjuangan.
Saya juga masih teringat Kongres Pertama Parti Keadilan Rakyat pada bulan Disember 2003 di sebuah Tok Pekong di Ipoh. Iya, di sebuah Tok Pekong, bukan di dewan hotel atau gedung mesyuarat yang mewah tetapi di sebuah Tok Pekong. Pada bulan Disember itu saya telah memastikan diri saya ke Ipoh untuk bersama sejarah.
Ketika di Ipoh saya dapat merasakan ombak dan semangat juang membakar terus. Apabila Kongres pertama PKR di adakan di rumah sembahyang Cina maka implakasinya cukup dalam. Inilah tanda-tanda permulaan retaknya konsep Ketuanan Melayu. Inilah juga tanda keberanian sebuah parti politik untuk memulakan politik baru – politik yang bukan berasaskan sokongan bangsa atau agama.
Di Tok Pekong ini jugalah Anwar Ibrahim untuk pertama kalinya berkemungkinan untuk hadir sama setelah bebas dari penjara.
Saya ke Kongres PKR bukan sebagai anggota parti. Saya ingin melihat siapa yang datang. Saya sebenarnya tidak mengenali ramai para pemimpin parti sama ada gedebe nasional mau pun gedebe dari negeri atau bahagian. Untuk saya mereka ini tidak penting. Apa yang ingin saya lihat ialah muka dan rupa betuk rakyat mana yang datang ke Kongres.
Ada satu pekara yang wajib saya perhatikan. Saya hendak melihat apakah ramai anak anak-anak muda yang turut sama merayakan kongres ini. Untuk saya ini adalah kunci. Kekuatan satu satu gerakan – gerakan apa sahaja pun jika tidak ada anak muda yang meminatinya pasti gerakan ini akan gagal. Dalam semua pejuangan merebut kuasa politik tanpa anak muda tidak mungkin ruyung dapat dipecahkan. Sejarah dan pengalaman menjadi guru kita yang terbaik
Pagi Sabtu 29 Novemeber 2008 ini saya ke Shah Alam. Saya amat jarang meninggalkan bilik di hari Sabtu terutama diwaktu pagi. Pagi itu saya memaksa diri saya bukan untuk mendengar ceramah dan ucapan yang gah-gah dari para politkus. Saya datang untuk mencari ambience dan suasana. Saya hendak melihat suasana PKR dan Pakatan Rakyat satelah berjaya menawan 5 buah negeri.
Bila saya melintasi pintu gerbang di sebelah Universiti Malaya dan meninggalkan Wilayah untuk memasuki Petaling Jaya Selangor saya mula ternampak bendera, banting dan iklan Kongres. Hebat. Sepanjang Lebuh Raya Peseketuan hingga ke Stadium Melawati iklan-iklan terpasang di sepanjang jalan untuk menjemput sesiapa sahaja datang merayakan Kongres Parti Keadilan Rakyat.
Selangor negeri terkaya di bawah Pakatan Rakyat telah menjadi Tuan Rumah. Kerajaan Selangor telah menyediakan abang-abang berbaju hijau dari pasukan Rela untuk membantu keselamatan. Pekerja majlis Shah Alam yang beruniform siap sedia mengarahkan para tamu. Saya jangka tidak mungkin ada sesiapa yang akan tersesat mencari tempat Kongres walau pun untuk pertama kali turun ke Shah Alam. Persediaan kelihatan lumayan dan tesusun.
Nah… ini amat jauh sekali dengan apa yang berlaku di Ipoh. Di Ipoh dahulu para polis trafik ditugaskan untuk menyaman sebanyak mungkin apa sahaja yang bergerak. Malah ketika para wakil bersidang polis trafik telah datang untuk menyaman kereta yang terletak di pinggir jalan. Polis bersenjata pula tercacak disana sini bukan untuk mengawal tetapi hadir untuk memberi tekanan dan menakut-nakutkan orang ramai yang datang ke Tok Pekong. Di Shah Alam semuanya berbeza.
Ketika saya masuk ke dalam stadium seorang politikus sedang berucap. Sambil memasang telinga mata saya ingin melihat siapa yang datang. Saya tidak ambil pot muka-muka siapa yang duduk di atas pentas atau siapa yang duduk di barisan hadapan. Mereka ini semua pastilah para gedebe.
Apa yang ingin saya lihat ialah orang yang duduk di bawah pentas. Saya kagum apabila melihat rakyat biasa yang memenuhi stadium di pagi Sabtu itu. Mereka tidak berbatik lengan panjang seperti budaya gerombolan. Mereka juga tidak berdasi dan bertali leher. Majoriti dalam stadium adalah rakyat biasa yang mukanya sering saya temui di pehentian bas, di warung-warung atau di pasar malam.
Yang lebih mengkagumkan ialah kepelbagian bangsa-bangsa yang hadir. Untuk saya ini bukan kongres Melayu, bukan kongres Cina, bukan kongres Islam, bukan kongres India, Dayak, Iban atau Kadazan. Kongres di Stadium Melawati dihujung minggu akhir November ini jelas memperlihatkan ke Malaysian - kongres rakyat Malaysia - rakyat biasa.
Saya tidak nampak muka Mak Datin atau muka Minah cun a la Umi Ufilda yang datang berbedak dan bergincu. Atau Mak Datin yang datang dengan tas tangan Prada atau lelaki gendut berbaju batik bercincin besar seperti Ahmad Ismail dari Bukit Bendera. Tidak juga ada kelihatan bentuk Abang Zak yang memakai kaca mata hitam Gucci.
Saya senang hati apabila melihat bahawa Parti Keadilan Rakyat masih lagi dimiliki oleh rakyat Malaysia. Parti muda ini masih dalam keadaan selamat belum menjadi barang dagangan - masih belum lagi ( sic).
Bila sesi persidangan berhenti rehat saya menebeng di tepi pintu untuk memerhatikan muka-muka yang berkongres dengan lebih rapat. Ada Mak Cik berbaju kurung, Pak Cik bersongkok berbaju Melayu, Nyonya dan Amoi memakai gown, wanita India bersari, Pak Lebai dan Punjabi yang berserban rapi. Ada juga yang memakai baju batik berlengan panjang, saya menganggap mereka ini seperti tersalah masuk Kongres.
Di luar stadium pula makanan telah disediakan. Tidak lagi nasi bungkus seperti di Ipoh. Kini mereka yang berkongres dan sesiapa sahaja yang datang mencari ambience seperti saya akan di pelawa makan. Ada masakan Melayu, ada masakan India, ada masakan Cina dan ada masakan sayuran untuk yang tidak memakan hidupan – malah ada banyak pilihan.
Makan tengah hari ini bertambah lumayan kerana satu kumpulan pemusik terus menghibur para tamu dengan lagu-lagu keroncong untuk merehatkan kepala sesudah mendengar ucapan-ucapan dari para pemimpin.
Ketika saya hendak beratur mengambil makanan , saya melintasi satu khemah khusus dengan empat meja besar. Kipas angin terpasang ligat. Sudu dan garpu tersusun rapi. Terhidang indah di meja ini ialah makanan yang pastinya untuk para gedebe.
Saya hairan kenapa para gedebe ini tidak beratur sama seperti orang biasa untuk mengambil makanan. Nampaknya hegemoni budaya gerombolan United Malays National Organisation itu telah menyerap. Ada garis pemisah yang amat jelas diantara para gedebe dengan orang biasa. Lalu saya teringat beberapa minit tadi pemimpin parti telah berucap mengatakan bahawa kemenangan 8 March yang lalu adalah kerana sokongan rakyat bukan kerana kekuatan dan jentera parti.
Nampaknya menyuarakan retorik politik baru ini cukup enteng tetapi melakukan budaya politik baru ini masih amat jauh dari hati para gedebe. Mungkin mereka tidak memahami politik baru juga wajib membawa budaya baru yang bukan budaya feudal.
Setelah makan saya meleser untuk melihat gerai-gerai jualan. Tidak banyak yang menarik. Malah hanya ada satu dua gerai yang berstatus keilmuan menjual buku yang lainnya hanyalah warung-warung biasa yang menjaja khazanah Reformasi yang sering saya temui di ceramah-ceramah besar.
Anak muda ? Mereka kelihatan berkeliaran. Ini seakan-akan pesta untuk mereka. Malah ada yang agak terlalu muda untuk tahu apakah yang sedang berlaku di dalam stadium. Mungkin kerana becuti sekolah, ada anak-anak sekolah kelihatan menjual beg biru untuk dibawa pulang sebagai tanda kenang-kenangan ketika berkongres di Stadium Melawati.
Lalu timbul persoalan - apakah api dan semangat perjuangan masih membara? Jawabnya iya dan tidak. Ketika mendengar ucapan pemimpin di dalam stadium masih ada laungan reformasi kedengaran. Tetapi laungan REFORMASI tidak mengegarkan stadium. Mungkin kerana Angkatan Muda sedang sibuk mengisi borang melamar kerja atau mengisi borang kontrek dari 5 kerajaan Pakatan.
Kongres tahun hadapan saya bercadang untuk datang lagi kerana saya ingin bertanya apakah Angkata Muda telah mendapat pekerjaan atau telah mendapat kontrek. Jika telah mendapat ‘yang diminta’ pasti tidak ada lagi laungan reformasi.(TT)
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