Do opposition ties run only as deep as Utusan’s lies?

Breaking Views

The Malaysian Insider

by
Lim Yin Kuin

May 10, 2011

MAY 10 — Utusan Malaysia never ceases to confound us with the most flagrant reporting, reinforced by the most inciteful editorials.

However, their fear-invoking propaganda designed to stoke racial sentiments among the less informed seemed to have grown stale over the last few months. Awang Selamat’s consistent output of outlandishness somehow plateaued, and even “his” detractors were beginning to yawn.

Then came last week.

An alleged conspiracy by Christian leaders to replace Islam as Malaysia’s official religion was exclusively leaked by Utusan’s fearless investigative journalists (exclusive in the conventional media, at least). Just as we were digesting the treacherous plans by non-Malays to subordinate Malay rights, Utusan (or should I say Umno) stepped up their fact-finding adventures a notch: flat out accusing Christians of attempting to subvert Islam.

Truth to be told, this isn’t the first time politicians have played the religion card. Umno-extension Perkasa has always viewed the defence of Islam as part of its struggle to preserve Malay rights. The issue of the Alkitab was harped on so extensively by the opposition during the Sarawak election that Umno was able to turn the entire issue on its head, alleging instead that Christians have become overzealous in demanding their rights, forcing the opposition to go on the defensive.

The incessant attacks by Utusan Malaysia and Umno (and the MCA, if you count them) on the opposition have not only taken the focus away from key issues in Malaysia, but have offered the opposition parties fresh grounds to co-operate. If I were a BN political strategist, this would be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, my own policy failures will be hidden from public debate. On the other hand, I am giving more impetus to the opposition parties to unite against me.

To counter the second point, BN supplements these attacks by trying to play up divisions within Pakatan Rakyat. Their pitching of Malay unity to PAS has so far failed in rhetoric, but with promises of government positions and their ability to dig up skeletons in the closet, who knows?

Between incessantly making personal attacks and outlandish accusations against the opposition, and trying to play up their divisions, Umno has by and large made the first approach the dominant part of its political strategy. To which I say: maybe it’s time for a different approach?

Sure, the outrageous accusations have been effective in crowding out Pakatan Rakyat’s legitimate criticisms of BN in the headlines.

Craziness sells more papers and produces more hits on the Internet. In this year alone we’ve had a purported sex video of Anwar Ibrahim, the continuation of Sodomy II, Perkasa’s perennial madness, the relentless portrayal of the DAP as racial extremists and now the Christianity episode. But the opposition remains united.

Let’s make it perfectly clear: BN cannot be defeated overall in a general election because they make the rules, and the rules rule them out from losing, bar internal sabotage or horrific political miscalculations by the leadership. The question is how can they effectively stem the opposition’s ascendancy.

The emergence of a credible opposition has soured the political fortunes of certain sections of BN. The MCA and Gerakan have been wiped off the political scene, while many Umno members used to the old ways are unwilling to accept the challenge of fighting free and fair elections. Umno has faced questions over its credibility for the first time in decades. Their paranoia over losing power has driven them to go on the offensive against the opposition in the government-controlled media. However, their overzealous approach has increased the opposition’s resolve to stick together, as we have seen in this latest debacle, making their problem even worse.

PAS and the DAP have developed a strong rapport that would be otherwise unthinkable given their lack of ideological coherence. It was heartening to see the dignified stand both parties took when Utusan broke the news of the Christian plot. But then again, it’s easy to take a stand against the silly.

My solution to BN’s problems is this: stop pitching the crazy and give the opposition parties a break. Stop creating situations that force the opposition parties into a siege mentality and unite to form the coalition against idiocy.

Let them keep Selangor. Let the partnership run its course. When the time comes, we’ll see if the DAP’s centre-left social justice ideas can fall in line with PAS’s Islamic brand of social conservatism. I, for one, would like to see an earnest debate between the two parties on prevention vs cure policy solutions on social issues such as teen pregnancies and unwanted babies.

PAS has earned plaudits among middle-class-dominated suburbanites of Kuala Lumpur for its stand on religious moderation, but does it have an economic blueprint that matches the aspirations of the same group of people? In other words, if the common enemy, that is Umno, is temporarily out of the scene, can PAS and the DAP really work together?

In my opinion, an effective partnership between PAS and the DAP, if achieved, would represent one of the greatest accomplishments in Malaysian politics, not least because of the tremendous sacrifices that the leaders of these two parties have made over the decades for Malaysia. While it would be foolish to conclude prematurely that the two parties’ ideals are irreconcilable, conjuring up such a partnership will require strong political leadership from both camps. This paragraph is flush with idealism because sometimes I feel it’s our only hope against the current political discourse.

The first PAS-DAP experiment in Perak failed miserably due to the DAP’s own failings. We can only hope lessons were learned from that episode.

* Lim Yin Kuin reads The Malaysian Insider.

                This entry was posted on Wednesday, 11 May 2011, 6:27 am and is filed under
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Islam as the religion of the Federation: A historical context

by
Art Harun

The Malaysian Insider

May 10, 2011

MAY 10 — Much has been said lately about Islam being under siege and an alleged plot to turn Malaysia into a “Christian state.”

This of course led to the inevitable lodging of multiple police reports in various states by the usual suspects and various other parties. Soon I suppose we will have a demonstration by some people with suitable props, like a severed cow head or most likely a burning large crucifix, this time around.

Welcome to Malaysia, ladies and gentlemen. It is nice and hot, and not to mention hazy nowadays. And when it is hazy, we, Malaysians go a bit bonkers.

There are some on Twitter who actually defend Utusan Malaysia and its ilk. There are also many who condemn them, including Malays and Muslims. I have nothing to say to them.

All I want to add is this. If we think of ourselves as leaders, we’d better lead. Not follow. As leaders, we have to come down hard on wrongdoings — on both sides of the fence — and we also have to show the way. It is not enough going around town meeting flag-waving school children amidst huge posters and banners bearing nice catchy slogans while closing our eyes to bigotry: the irresponsible acts of goons and political thugs as well as disgruntled Mafiosi chiefs spewing messages of hate.

As leaders, we should at, all times, lead. And lead not only by words and catchy and sexy slogans, but also by deeds. Otherwise, we would have failed as leaders. Otherwise, we would have breached our oath of office. Otherwise, we would have breached our fiduciary duties. Otherwise, we would have breached the trust given to us by the people.

Meanwhile, a learned friend of mine, Syahredzan Johan, today issued a statement that Malaysia has no official religion. That is his reading of the Federal Constitution. He might be correct. He might be wrong. One thing is clear though, not many Malaysians read the Federal Constitution. And I am sure some people in Utusan Malaysia have never ever even seen a copy.

In my opinion, the true meaning of Article 3 of the Federal Constitution can only be known if, apart from reading the provision, we also study the historical background of the said article. The purpose of this post is to do just that.

Article 3:

(1) Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation.

(2) In every State other than States not having a Ruler the position of the Ruler as the Head of the religion of Islam in his State in the manner and to the extent acknowledged and declared by the Constitution, all rights, privileges, prerogatives and powers enjoyed by him as Head of that religion, are unaffected and unimpaired; but in any acts, observance or ceremonies with respect to which the Conference of Rulers has agreed that they should extend to the Federation as a whole each of the other Rulers shall in his capacity of Head of the religion of Islam authorise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to represent him.

(3). The Constitution of the States of Malacca, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak shall each make provision for conferring on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall be Head of the religion of Islam in that State.

(4) Nothing in this Article derogates from any other provision of this Constitution.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

During the fact-finding mission by the Reid Commission (the Commission which was entrusted by the British to draft our Constitution), the Alliance (the precursor to Barisan Nasional) presented a 20-page memorandum to the Reid Commission. On Islam, the memo said:

“The religion of Malaysia shall be Islam. The observance of this principle shall not impose any disability on non-Muslim nationals professing and practising their own religion,
and shall not imply that the State is not a secular State
.”

After 118 meetings, the Reid Commission wrote its report in Rome and published it in February 1957. On the position of Islam, it says:

“We have considered the question whether there should be any statement in the Constitution to the effect that Islam should be the State religion. There was universal agreement that if any such provision were inserted it must be made clear that it would not in any way affect the civil rights of non-Muslims — ‘the religion of Malaysia shall be Islam. The observance of this principle shall not impose any disability on non-Muslim nationals professing and practising their own religion and
shall not imply that the State is not a secular State’
.

There is nothing in the draft Constitution to affect the continuance of the present position in the States with regard to the recognition of Islam or the prevention of the recognition of Islam in the Federation by legislation or otherwise in any respect which does not prejudice the civil rights of individual non-Muslims. The majority of us think that it is best to leave the matter on this basis,
looking to the fact that the Counsel for the Rulers said to us — ‘It is Their Highnesses’ considered view that it would not be desirable to insert some declaration such as has been suggested that the Muslim Faith or Islamic Faith be the established religion of the Federation. Their Highnesses are not in favour of such declaration being inserted and that is a matter of specific instruction in which I myself have played very little part.

At this juncture, it has to be pointed out that initially, as can be seen from above, the Counsel of Rulers (meaning, the Majlis Raja-raja) themselves were against the inclusion of a provision to the effect that Islam shall be the religion of the State. This has to be made clear in order to frame the issue in the right perspective.”

Justice Abdul Hamid, a member of the Reid Commission from Pakistan, however, disagreed. He proposed to include the following article:

Islam shall be the religion of the State of Malaya, but nothing in this Article shall prevent any citizen professing any religion other than Islam to profess, practise and propagate that religion, nor shall any citizen be under any disability by reason of his being not a Muslim’.

Justice Hamid said, “A provision like the one suggested above is innocuous. No fewer than 15 countries have a provision of this type entrenched in their Constitutions. Among the Christian countries, which have such a provision in their Constitutions, are Ireland (Article 6), Norway (Article 1), Denmark (Article 3), Spain (Article 6), Argentina (Article 2), Bolivia (Article 3), Panama (Article 36) and Paraguay (Article 3). Among the Muslim countries are Afghanistan (Article 1), Iran (Article 1), Iraq (Article 13), Jordan (Article 2), Saudi Arabia (Article 7) and Syria (Article 3). Thailand is an instance in which Buddhism has been enjoined as the religion of the King who is required by the Constitution to uphold that religion (Constitution of Thailand, Article 7).
If in these countries a religion has been declared to be the religion of the State and that declaration has not been found to cause hardship to anybody, no harm will ensue if such a declaration is included in the Constitution of Malaya. In fact, in all the Constitutions of Malayan States a provision of this type already exists. All that needs to be done is to transplant it from the State Constitutions and to embed it in the Federal.
”

It is obvious that in Justice Hamid’s mind, such a provision, if included in the Federal Constitution, would be, in his own words, “innocuous.” Why would he use the word “innocuous”? That is due to the fact that it wasn’t suppose to bring with it any issue relating to the right of other faiths being practised in Malaysia as well as the rights of people of other faiths in Malaysia.

He, obviously, couldn’t be more wrong in his assessment! I wonder whether he would have suggested that such a provision be included in our Federal Constitution had he been able to foresee how we, Malaysians, react to that provision nowadays.

In proposing as such, Justice Hamid was actually mirroring the memo by the Alliance. He said,

“
It has been recommended by the Alliance
that the Constitution should contain a provision declaring Islam to be the religion of the State.
It was also recommended that it should be made clear in that provision that a declaration to the above effect will not impose any disability on non-Muslim citizens in professing, propagating and practising their religions, and will not prevent the State from being a secular State.
As on this matter, the recommendation of the Alliance was unanimous their recommendation should be accepted and a provision to the following effect should be inserted in the Constitution either after Article 2 in Part I or at the beginning of Part XIII.”

In “The Making of the Malayan Constitution” by Joseph Fernando, the author wrote:

“The Umno leaders contended that provision for an official religion would have an important psychological impact on the Malays. But in deference to the objections of the Rulers and the concerns of non-Muslims, the Alliance agreed that the new article should include two provisos: first, that it would not affect the position of the Rulers as head of religion in their respective States; and second, that the practice and propagation of other religions in the Federation would be assured under the Constitution.
The MCA and MIC representatives did not raise any objections to the new article, despite protests by many non-Muslim organisations, as they were given to understand by their Umno colleagues that it was intended to have symbolic significance rather than practical effect, and that the civil rights of the non-Muslims would not be affected.
”

Shortly after the London Conference the British Government issued a White Paper in June 1957 containing the Constitutional Proposals for independent Malaya.  Paragraph 57 deals with the Religion of the Federation and reads:

“There has been included in the Federal Constitution a declaration that Islam is the religion of the Federation.
This will in no way affect the present position of the Federation as a secular State
, and every person will have the right to profess and practise his own religion and the right to propagate his religion, though this last right is subject to any restrictions imposed by State law relating to the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the Muslim religion.”

The Constitutional Bill was then passed without amendment. This of course, went against what was recommended by the Reid Commission (as the Commission, except for Justice Hamid, was against the inclusion of the provision in the Federal Constitution).

In an effort to mollify them, the Colonial Secretary, Lennox Boyd, wrote to Lord Reid on 31 May 1957 paying tribute to and expressing gratitude for the “remarkable” work done by the Reid Commission and stated:

“The Rulers, as you know, changed their tune about Islam and they and the Government presented a united front in favour of making Islam a state religion even though Malaya is to be a secular state.”

So, it would appear that Article 3 was inserted in the Federal Constitution after the Council of Rulers had changed their mind about it.

In Che Omar bin Che Soh v. P.P., the Supreme Court comprising of, among others LP Tun Salleh held that Malaysia is a secular country:

“It is the contention of Mr Ramdas Tikamdass that because Islam is the religion of the Federation, the law passed by Parliament must be imbued with Islamic and religious principles …

“Needless to say that this submission, in our view, will be contrary to the constitutional and legal history of the Federation and also to the Civil Law Act which provides for the reception of English common law in this country.

“However, we have to set aside our personal feelings because the law in this country is still what it is today, secular law, where morality not accepted by the law is not enjoying the status of the law.”

Professor Sheridan, a well-known expert on Malaysian Constitution says that position is “doubtless correct”.

“A Federation, as opposed to the people within its territory, having a religion is a difficult notion to grasp …
It has been suggested that the probable meaning of the first part of Article 3(1) is that, insofar as federal business (such as ceremonial business) involves religious matters, that business is to be regulated in accordance with the religion of Islam.
” — The Religion of the Federation”
, [1988] 2 MLJ xiii

Viewed from a historical perspective, it is obvious that Article 3 was intended to be no more than an “innocuous” provision giving Islam and Muslims alike, no more rights than the rights of citizens of other faiths in the country.

Perhaps it is worth repeating what Justice Hamid said in the Reid Commission report:

“If in these countries, a religion has been declared to be the religion of the State and that declaration has not been found to have caused hardship to anybody, no harm will ensue if such a declaration is included in the Constitution of Malaya.”

No less than our great leader himself, Tun Dr Mahathir, has
advised people to learn from history
. I would, therefore, urge all Malaysians to embrace Tun Dr M’s call.

Let’s learn from history.

                This entry was posted on Wednesday, 11 May 2011, 6:59 am and is filed under
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Mat Zain: ‘Datuk T’ defiled mosque with bulletproof vests

By
Shannon Teoh
 | May 11, 2011

The Malaysian Insider

The trio had donned bulletproof vests under their shirts. — file pic

KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 — The “Datuk T” trio who attended a sumpah laknat ceremony by one their own had defiled the mosque where it was held by entering in bulletproof vests, claims retired senior cop Datuk Mat Zain Ibrahim.

The former city criminal investigation chief said today that “Datuk T” created the perception that the situation in the Masjid Amru Al-As, Sentul was unsafe.

“It was as if they would be hurt or shot in a mosque. In fact, they should know that even the Malay Rulers do not wear bulletproof vests when they enter any mosque in the country.

“This act has defiled the holiness of the mosque and insulted Islam,” he said in a letter sent to editors today.

He said the trio — businessman Datuk Shazryl Eskay Abdullah, former Malacca Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik and Perkasa treasurer-general Datuk Shuib Lazim — had run afoul of Section 295 of the Penal Code.

“As with the offence of screening the obscene video under Section 292, this is also an open-and-shut case. In my opinion, they have no defence,” Mat Zain wrote.

A sex video allegedly featuring Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was first screened to journalists by a mysterious “Datuk T” at the Carcosa Seri Negara hotel on March 21, but has now leaked onto the Internet.

The trio later claimed joint-responsibility for the video, before Shazryl took the oath on April 29 on behalf of the group that the opposition leader was the man in the video.

Shazryl had invited Anwar to join him during the oath-taking but the latter ignored the challenge.

Section 295 states that “whoever defiles any place of worship, with the knowledge that any class of persons is likely to consider such defilement as an insult to their religion” will be jailed for up to two years and/or fined.

Mat Zain, who headed the 1998 police probe into Anwar’s black-eye case, claimed that Shazryl’s actions conveyed the message that he felt more at ease and safer in a brothel than in a mosque.

“He didn’t need to wear a bulletproof vest then,” he said of Shazryl’s own admittance that he was the third person who was seen in the 21-minute sex video.

“Instead, at the mosque, he not only needed a bulletproof vest but a few armed bodyguards as well,” he said.

Mat Zain called on the government to take action over the trio or lose any justification for taking action against others who might defile or insult Islam.

“In this situation, the prime minister has no choice but to act according to the rule of law. But it us up to him whether to protect Eskay, Rahim and Shuib from the law or protect and defend Islam itself,” he said.

                This entry was posted on Wednesday, 11 May 2011, 2:13 pm and is filed under
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Media must act responsibly

SPEAK UP! :: theSun Says

Updated: 10:08PM Tue, 10 May 2011

ON MONDAY, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein stated that “it is important for all media practitioners to understand the sensitivity of issues concerning religion and race” and that “this should be taken into account before reports are published”.

A very commendable statement indeed by someone in charge of national security and public order especially when some alarm bells rang over a newspaper’s front-page report that alleged a group of Christian pastors pledged at a meeting last week to elect a Christian prime minister and to make Christianity the religion of the Federation of Malaysia.

It was an irresponsible piece of writing anywhere in the world but especially more so in multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-racial Malaysia. It could have sparked some ugly incidents to happen like what happened in the days following the decision by the High Court to allow the word “Allah” to be used in the Malay version of a church newsletter.

It was indeed a serious matter, so serious that it took no less a person than Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak to appeal for calm. That nothing happened clearly demonstrates the maturity and intelligence of Malaysians who knew that the offending news report was based on nothing more than figments of some people’s fertile imagination and conjecture often overheard at village and roadside coffee stalls.

As law expert Abdul Aziz Bari said in response to the report, it was pure nonsense. A responsible newspaper would not have published the report because a thorough research would show that Islam as the religion of the federation is well entrenched in the Federal Constitution and that it would require more than a two-thirds majority in Parliament to change that.

In short, something almost impossible. If the newspaper knew that, and surely it must have known that, what reasons would make it so pressing that the report be published nonetheless?

Some police reports had been lodged against the newspaper and as usual “police are investigating”.

Hishammuddin knew that what was reported was a very sensitive matter, something that “should not be raised by any party as this could cause chaos and anxiety among the people”, yet all he could say was “we cannot as yet make any conclusion or accuse any party based on media reports”.

This has left many people to wonder whether the authorities would be gripped by similar inaction had a similar report been carried by another newspaper.

On April 27, theSun said: Same standards must apply to all media. This followed another front-page report by Utusan Malaysia which had caused some unease among some communities in the country. When asked about that report, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin remarked something about the media being free to express the feelings of a community but added that it must be done responsibly.

As for the recent report on the alleged attempt to make Christianity the religion of the federation, all the rakyat can do is to wait.

                This entry was posted on Wednesday, 11 May 2011, 6:00 am and is filed under
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MP writes an obituary for NEM

By
Liew Chin Tong

Malaysiakini

I would like to pay tribute to members of the National Economic Advisory Council for producing arguably the most candid official report on the problems of the Malaysian political economic structure known as the New Economic Model.

The NEM is indeed stillborn as the old rent-seeking model continues to thrive under its current ill-disguised incarnation.

In what amounts to a farewell luncheon for members of the National Economic Advisory Council, which was tasked to draft the New Economic Model, Prime Minister Najib Razak thanked NEAC members for their work and contribution in preparing the NEM report.

“And, although your work is over, you are most welcome to be part of this journey and be part of future contributions to Malaysia,” he said.

Najib said the recommendations contained in the NEM report to transform Malaysia into an inclusive and sustainable high-income economy are now being transformed into an action plan.

The NEAC is now coming to an end as is the New Economic Model. Whereas the Economic Transformation Programme is a different animal altogether. The ETP, executed by Pemandu, is essentially a rehashing of Mahathirist policies.

First, the main premises of NEM is that Malaysia can no longer survives on throwing money at problems. Having more capital investments, be it foreign or local, will not help Malaysia out of its middle-income trap.

NEM recommendations fell on deaf ears

Productivity gains through innovation is the way to go for Malaysia to move out of the middle-income trap, where talent is the basis of innovation. But ETP under Pemandu’s watch is focusing on capital investment numbers and practically nothing else.

Second, social inclusiveness is the one of the three key pillars in the NEM but Pemandu’s ETP pays no attention to the subject. The BN government should have learnt from the example of Singapore where its citizens have voiced out their frustration at the government for focusing on GDP growth purely without being able to solve the rising inflation faced by the men on the street.

The sandwich class will continue to struggle with unaffordable housing, healthcare, and other basic needs as the NEM is unable to meet their needs, fueling the brain drain that is gripping the nation.

Third, while the NEM had argued that economic decision-making powers should be devolved to state and local governments and not concentrated in the hands of the central government; the ETP avoided the question of government structural reforms.

Unfortunately, the key recommendations of NEM (as shown below) fell on deaf ears and the NEAC closes shop as a result.

Approach to economic development: The old versus NEM

Old Approach

	NEM Approach

Growth primarily through capital accumulation.

Focus on investment in production and physical infrastructure in combination with low skilled labour for low value added exports.

Growth though productivity.

Focus on innovative processes and cutting-edge technology, supported by healthy level of private investment and talent, for high value added goods and services.

Dominant state participation in the economy.

Large direct public investment (including through GLCs) in selected economic sectors.

Private sector-led growth.

Promote competition across and within sectors to revive private investment and market dynamism.

Centralized strategic planning.

Guidance and approval from the federal authorities for economic decisions.

Localised autonomy in decision-making.

Empower state and local authorities to develop and support growth initiatives, and encourage competition between localities.

Balanced regional growth.

Disperse economic activities across states to spread benefits from development.

Cluster- and corridor-based economic activities.

Concentration of economic activities for economies of scale and better provision of supporting services.

Favour specific industries and firms.

Grant preferential treatment in the form of incentives and financing to selected entities.

Favour technologically capable industries and firms.

Grant incentives to support innovation and risk-taking to enable entrepreneurs to develop higher value added products and services.

Export dependence on G-3 (US Europe and Japan) markets.

Part of production chain to supply consumer goods and components to traditional markets.

Asian and Middle East orientation.

Develop and integrate actively into regional production and financial networks to leverage on flows of investment, trade and ideas.

Restrictions on foreign skilled workers.

Fear that foreign talent would displace local workers.

Retain and attract skilled professionals.

Embrace talent, both local and foreign, needed to spur an innovative, high value added economy.

                This entry was posted on Wednesday, 11 May 2011, 10:31 am and is filed under
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Penang seeks Home Ministry sanction on Utusan

By
Clara Chooi
 | May 11, 2011

The Malaysian Insider

GEORGE TOWN, May 11 — The Penang government has filed a formal complaint to the Home Ministry demanding stern action against Utusan Malaysia for its report last week alleging a DAP Christian conspiracy.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said this afternoon that the state executive council had unanimously endorsed the complaint following yesterday’s admissions from two Umno state assemblymen that they, too, did not believe the report.

The admissions, said Lim, were made by Teluk Bahang assemblyman Datuk Hilmi Yahya and Pulau Betong assemblyman Muhammad Faris Saad during the state assembly sitting.

“The Penang state government would like to officially request that YB Minister initiate stern action against the false and malicious reporting by Utusan Malaysia in its front page story on May 7, 2011, which reported a purported conspiracy between the DAP and Christian pastors in Penang to establish a Christian State and to appoint a Christian prime minister,” Lim said in a letter to the ministry made available to The Malaysian Insider today.

He added that Hilmi’s and Muhammad Faris’s admissions showed clear proof that the Umno-owned daily’s report was based on lies and bordered on sedition.

Lim urged the federal administration to demand a retraction and a public apology from Utusan Malaysia for its “false and malicious” report, and for it to take action against the daily and all individuals responsible.

“The Penang government believes in freedom of information and freedom of press as basic tenets of human rights and democracy.

“However, this freedom does not allow you to print outright lies. This false reporting was conducted with malicious intentions, and could potentially inflame Malaysians through such bigoted and extremist sentiments,” he warned.

Utusan Malaysia front-paged an article last Saturday claiming a secret plot between DAP and Christian leaders to take over Putrajaya, abolish Islam as the religion of the federation and install a Christian as prime minister.

The report, based entirely on unsubstantiated blog postings by two pro-Umno bloggers, charged DAP with sedition for allegedly trying to change the country’s laws to allow a Christian prime minister.

The blog postings included a grainy photograph showing what was described as a secret pact between the opposition party and pastors at a hotel in Penang last Wednesday.

Christian groups and the DAP have, however, repeatedly denied the allegation and slammed the Umno daily for printing “dangerous lies”.

Pointing to this, Lim upbraided Utusan Malaysia again for refusing to voluntarily rescinding its report.

“Instead of retracting and apologising, Utusan Malaysia continued to fan the issue. Now, this false report has spread far and wide, causing anxiety and apprehension amongst peace-loving Malaysians,” he said.

As an example, Lim highlighted Sunday’s Umno Youth-inspired demonstration against the Penang government for its proposed toll-free alternative road from Jalan Bagan 29 to Jalan Siram.

During the gathering, said the chief minister, “strong language” was used by protesters against him for his alleged involvement in the purported Christian conspiracy.

Lim stressed that the state government had no complaints against the protest as it was the group’s democratic right to voice concerns over any state policy they disagreed with.

“However, it is wrong and dangerous for Penang Umno Youth to hold a demonstration to criticise with strong language against the chief minister for his involvement in the purported Christian conspiracy, as there is no basis and substantive evidence to support such lies.

“Demonstrating on the basis of lies is not democratic but in fact a dangerous act that could potentially destabilise the country,” he said.

                This entry was posted on Wednesday, 11 May 2011, 2:11 pm and is filed under
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Report reveals BN exco’s errors in land deal

Susan Loone | May 10, 11

Malaysiakini

The Penang government’s probe into a controversial land deal has revealed irregularities committed by the previous state government executive council, which cost Penangites RM40 million in legal suits and compensation payment.

In a White Paper tabled in the state legislative assembly today, the select committee behind the probe, headed by Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy, revealed that the previous state exco did not obtain the necessary land approvals from five related government departments.

Despite not obtaining the approvals, the BN exco allowed the application for a 4.2-hectare plot of land by businessman Tan Hak Ju.

“(Approval by the state exco) without proper documentation is a very irresponsible act,” Ramasamy said when tabling the White Paper.

He said the previous state exco had also erred in not compensating Tan with RM1.8 million and an appropriate plot of land as replacement.

“This shows a lack of responsibility as the civil suit could be avoided if these alternatives were considered and given.” he added.

Ramasamy said that failure of the BN government to invite the original owners, two associations that had proof favourable to the state and helpful in the case against Tan, created a lot of doubts about the exco.

“The refusal of former BN state exco to cooperate in the current investigations is confusing as well,” he admitted.

Overlapping claims to quarry land

On Sept 21, 2007, the High Court in Penang ordered the state government to pay RM29.4 million as compensation to Tan for not properly processing his application for a plot of land in Seberang Perai.

Tan filed a civil suit after the state government cancelled his temporary licence for the plot of land on which quarrying had earlier been approved.

The licence was cancelled because of overlapping ownership, as another person possessed a leasehold grant for the same plot.

Two earlier investigations were launched by the BN government, in 2004 and 2006 respectively.

In 2008, the Pakatan Rakyat government launched its own investigation, carried out by six exco members – Ramasamy (DAP-Batu Kawan), Abdul Malik Abul Kassim (PKR-Batu Maung), Phee Boon Poh (DAP-Sungai Puyu), Wong Hon Wai (DAP-Air Itam) and Law Choo Kiang (PKR-Bukit Tambun).

Former Penang exco and state Gerakan chief Dr Teng Hock Nan (right) questioned the relevance of tabling the White Paper in the assembly, but Ramasamy brushed it off, saying Teng never took a pro-active stand to resolve the matter.

He also said the Pakatan government had to take further action to gather all related evidence to assist the civil case currently pending in court, in order to fight to reduce the cost of the suit to save the money of Penangites.

This proposal was agreed to by the state legislative assembly, including Umno assemblypersons, whose main concern was that the White Paper should refrain from referring to the case as scandalous before a proper investigation was completed.

Ramasamy also said the probe revealed inconsistencies at various levels and that the state government planned to obtain the cooperation of the relevant sectors to lodge a police report and urge the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the matter further.

                This entry was posted on Wednesday, 11 May 2011, 6:15 am and is filed under
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Sound the siren, beat the war drum, Najib tells Umno

Free Malaysia Today

May 10, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Najib Tun Razak has called on all Umno members to intensify efforts in preparing the party for the 13th general election.

“Sound the siren, beat the war drums and heat up the engines. Do not ever allow lies, falsehood and any attempt at fooling the people, to succeed.

“Remember that past deeds will just remain in the annals of history if we fail in this big test. Umno must continue to be strong and relevant in order to chart new achievements for the sake of religion, society and nation,” he said in his message in conjunction with Umno’s 65th anniversary celebration tomorrow.

The prime minister said the tsunami that hit the party in the last general election was no excuse for pessimism, and now was also not the time to lament and dwell on the past.

“The reality is, if we still do not see our mistakes and take corrective measures after more than three years since the 12th general election, we are only charting a dark future for the party and people.

“This is the time for action and work, and not the time to be nostalgic and emotional.”

Najib said the party members should be grateful to Allah and be thankful to the people for Umno to be still the ruling party that had the trust and confidence of the people, especially the Malays and other Bumiputeras.

He said the trust and confidence did not exist naturally, but was gained and fostered as a result of the sincerity and commitment of past and present party leaders and members.

“This trust and confidence might not have prevailed without the capabilities of the leaders and members in continuing to feel the pulse of the people and in fulfilling their aspirations.”

Changing political landscape

Najib said for 65 years, Umno had gone through various trials and tribulations.

“Experience and history have made Umno a strong political party, realistic and mature, and which have also given it strength to transform itself in keeping with the demands of the changing political landscape, ensuring that the party remains fresh and relevant.”

He said since Umno’s establishment before the country’s independence, the party had proved its capability to not only unite the Malays but also to lead in administering the country.

“History has also proved how great Umno’s role and contributions have been. We shall not forget the deeds of Umno leaders such as Datuk Onn Jaafar, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Tun Abdul Razak, Tun Hussein Onn, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and others to the party and nation.

“While we all appreciate their deeds and contributions, Umno leaders, members and supporters need to realise that Umno’s contributions to the religion, race and nation will not ensure continued public support for Umno as a ruling party.

“Therefore, we must continue the struggle of our past leaders in being the voice of the people,” he said.

Najib said Umno and its partners in Barisan Nasional (BN) should ensure that the present day for Malaysians was better than the yesteryear, and that the future would be brighter for them and their children.

“Let us (Umno and other BN components) continue to work hard together to build a more prosperous future for Malaysia and to place our beloved nation at the rightful place on the international stage.

“Insya-Allah (God willing), with our full drive and commitment, Umno will continue to succeed,” he said.

-Bernama

                This entry was posted on Wednesday, 11 May 2011, 6:22 am and is filed under
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Utusan Malaysia: Behind the print

By
Stephanie Sta Maria
 | May 11, 2011

Free Malaysia Today

KUALA LUMPUR: Many uncomplimentary descriptions have been accorded to Utusan Malaysia. The more common of those include “irresponsible”, “mischievous ” and “dangerous”. Of that trio, Utusan Malaysia’s former senior journalist, Hata Wahari, says that the third is dead-on.

The mainstream media, for as long as they pander to the government, enjoy immunity from public prosecution. But Utusan Malaysia has earned a special place within this untouchable clique simply by the virtue of being owned by Umno.

This privilege has spawned relentless attacks on the opposition and increasingly frequent inflammatory reports on race and religion. But while most urbanites can see right through Utusan Malaysia’s thinly-veiled propaganda, its rural readership remains staunch believers. For this reason alone, Hata warned that giving Utusan Malaysia the brush-off would be a very bad idea.

“People should worry about the slander it publishes because it is taking root in the rural areas,” he told FMT. “KL and Selangor are multi-cultural and able to discuss Utusan’s reports among themselves to seek clarification.”

“But the rural community is predominantly Malay-Muslim. Who are they going to cross-check their facts with? Neither is there another Malay-language paper to counter Utusan’s reports. The only media they are exposed to is government-owned media.”

“The racial flames are being stoked there and one day it will explode. I’m very afraid of that. If anything were to happen, it will begin in the rural areas. I have said before that another May 13 is likely if Utusan is allowed to continue playing up rubbish issues.”

Hata, who is the president of the National Union of Journalists, was given the boot from Utusan Malaysia on April 21 for allegedly tarnishing the paper’s image with such statements. But the termination came as a relief as he could no longer stomach the editorial content that almost flaunted the paper’s role as an Umno tool. Yet he said it wasn’t always this way.

“When I joined in 1995, Utusan was a paper that focused on Malay grassroots issues more than political ones,” he recalled. “The then editor-in-chief, Khalid Mohammad, had more control over the editorial content and the then prime minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, was more open to editorial-related discussions.”

“The Awang Selamat column was used to put forth suggestions on how Umno could address the issues affecting the Malay community. It wasn’t meant to attack people or parties. And even then the column was pulled after two months because of poor response.”

Awang Selamat has since been resurrected and according to Hata, the current column for Mingguan Malaysia is written by the editor-in-chief while the senior editors take turns penning the column in Utusan Malaysia.

Editorial agenda set by Umno

The swing in Utusan Malaysia’s stance came shortly after the 2008 election when Khalid was replaced by Aziz Ishak. According to Hata, the latter does not question the editorial directives set by the Umno political bureau which reportedly sits every Monday night to discuss the paper’s agenda for the week.

Those present are the president Najib Tun Razak, deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin, the three vice-presidents – Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Hishamuddin Hussein and Safie Apdal – secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and information chief Ahmad Maslan.

The agenda is then communicated to Utusan Malaysia’s editor-in-chief via the prime minister’s office. The paper will run an issue for three days before dropping it completely unless it receives strong public support from top BN ministers.

It’s a clever strategy because by the third day the other media would have snapped it up to continue milking it, which would leave Utusan Malaysia free to start the ball rolling on another issue.

But this strategy has come at a price. Utusan Malaysia’s circulation figures are steadily declining and the paper has reportedly been suffering losses of up to RM20 million since 2009. Figures from the Audit Bureau of Circulation showed that paper’s daily sales have shrank 20% between June 2006 and June 2010.

“Some 50% of Utusan’s sales are government-sponsored,” Hata said. “Thirty-six government ministries subscribe to Utusan and the government spends up to RM50 million annually on advertisements. These are Utusan’s only profits because most organisations are reluctant to advertise.”

As of June 2010, Utusan Malaysia recorded an average sale of 170,558 copies, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulation. Of the number, between 70,000 and 80,000 copies are distributed to newspaper vendors daily, but Hata claimed that nearly half of these are returned at the end of the day.

The highest number of unsold copies are in Kuala Lumpur.

Hata said that many vendors are also uncomfortable with Utusan Malaysia’s front page stories and either conceal the paper behind other publications or hide it under their tables.

“I live in Puchong and of the 15 newspapers vendors, only one carries Utusan,” Hata said. “Most non-Muslim vendors are more comfortable displaying Berita Harian which carries Utusan’s main story on later pages and on a smaller scale.”

“Even some Umno division leaders have admitted their discomfort with Utusan’s extremist stand because they have to answer to their multi-racial constituents. But the political bureau is unconcerned. All it wants is for Utusan to retain the support of the rural Malay loyalists which it is doing very well.”

                This entry was posted on Wednesday, 11 May 2011, 12:25 pm and is filed under
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Utusan Malaysia – Double Standards

                This entry was posted on Wednesday, 11 May 2011, 10:52 am and is filed under
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What this ‘pendatang’ thinks

By
Debbie Loh

May 11, 2011

The Malaysian Insider

MAY 11 — Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet briefly with a Singaporean actively involved in the property and construction sector of his country and beyond. After a short discourse of the weather and the odd traffic jams in Singapore, I managed to pose a question, point blank:

“Sir, what do you think of the Iskandar Development Region? Do you think it will turn out to what it is touted to be? A smaller version of Shenzhen?”

To which he answered: “No I don’t think so. We’re not very interested.”

I wasn’t surprised by that statement. The heralding of Iskandar Development Region as a strong and formidable economic region began about four years ago — with the Iskandar Regional Development Authority formalised as a statutory body in 2007.

Since then, endless seminars, conferences and tours were held to study this area measuring 221,634ha and having five “flagship zones”, each as different regions of development.

This masterplan was touted to have the propensity to match the Klang Valley as a vibrant, world-class metropolis — at least for the Asean region.

The prime minister threw in tax incentives bait in 2010 for selected knowledge workers migrating to IDR between October 24, 2009 and December 31, 2015.

Officials from IRDA and IIB hoped on Singaporeans to breathe life into the plans.

Being someone with almost daily discourses on property development, I half expected a long answer about availability of amenities, security issues, liveability, a sizeable and sustainable market for local commerce and so on.

But the reply I received sent a ripple of chills down my spine (serious).

“It is the political climate in Malaysia that holds us back.”

Hearing an outsider comment on such a “private” matter that only Malaysians whine about was strangely alarming to me, for several weeks before this conversation, I discussed the dire situation in Sarawak with a fellow-rakyat who watches it happen.

Our nation has been rocked again and again by politics and untoward statements made by the administration and its apparent or non-apparent affiliates. Ironically, they are the ones that create unrest and alarm among the rakyat.

How have these statements alleviated suspicion and mistrust? How have they forged unity especially when some don’t even desire it?

The rakyat — who only wish to be able to live freely, earn a living, raise a family in a stable environment conducive for advancement, be able to choose the different opportunities open to them — can only watch helplessly and try to understand everything in the context of a Constitution that their leaders don’t really care to regard.

Hang on, the whole purpose of the country’s leaders is to uphold the Constitution, isn’t it?

Almost two years ago, when the Economic Transformation Programme was launched, the administration was acquiescing with the private sector that a clear and dependable rule of law was crucial to economic prosperity.

This was highlighted again and again by dignitaries such as Datuk Francis Yeoh and Tan Sri Ramon Ravaratnam. How has this come through today?

How can policies — statements and plans not even enshrined in any legislative instrument — take form when even the crucial elements are being disputed and unheeded?

As these uncalled-for controversies continue, the racial divide only continues to deepen, the younger generation’s patriotic bravado (yes, born-pendatangs have the propensity to have that) crumbles to alarm and hurt as their older generation that have remained watch and sympathise.

And the next wave of migrants out of the country begins to chart their course of exit. So much for Talent Corporation and the rest of the GTP, ETP, NKEA, PPP, BO, EPP, ETC.

And so the nation’s news continues to wallow in sensational, seditious statements about how Christians want to make Malaysia a Christian nation, how such and such a video was of a certain politician (or not) – while inflation continues to creep up, our school history books are being maimed and filled with lies, low salaries perpetuate, the average salary remains uncompetitive, investors are turned away and the hope for the economy — skilled, knowledge Malaysian workers leave the country.

Maybe we should really consider leaving. Even if this was said in the tone of a threat, they wouldn’t care anyway — it’s probably what they wanted all along.

                This entry was posted on Wednesday, 11 May 2011, 3:46 pm and is filed under
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‘Who is running the country?’

FMT Staff

May 10, 2011

A retired colonel from Malaysian Armed Forces is upset that a government policy regarding children of mixed mariages in Sarawak has not been implemented.

KUCHING: A storm is brewing over the non-implementation of a government directive regarding the “Bumiputera” status of children from mixed marriages in Sarawak.

An irate father, Suhirtharatnam Kularatnam, a former retired colonel in the Malaysian Armed Forces, is demanding to know “who is running the country” when government policies are not carried out.

“Why is the government directive acknowledging the children of mixed marriages in Sarawak as Bumiputeras not being implemented? Who is running this country? Is it the prime minister or is there someone else?” he asked.

Suhirtharatnam’s daughter, Teresa Clare, who scored 10As in last year’s Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, was not given a seat in the matriculation programme because she was not considered a “Bumiputera”.

Teresa’s mother Pauline is an Iban and the daughter of former Land and Mineral Resources Minister Francis Umpau.

Said Suhirtharatnam: “We were unaware of the constitutional issues involved until last year when the case of Marina Undau, whose father is Iban and mother Chinese, was publicised.

“Marina scored 9As (and 1B in her 2008 SPM examination), but like my daughter, she was not able to do matriculation because of her mixed parentage.”

Following Marina’s case which was widely reported here in October 2009, the government came out with an executive directive for Sarawak.

According to the directive, if one parent is a Bumiputera then the children automatically become Bumiputeras.

However, the implementation of the directive appeared to have been thwarted.

“This situation with my daughter should not arise. In fact, three other students are also in the same predicament,” said Suhirtharatnam, who retired after 34 years of serving in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.

‘I’m not asking for perks’

According to Suhirtharatnam, federal Natural Resources Deputy Minister Douglas Unggah has offered to take the matter up to the Cabinet.

“Unggah spoke to me on Saturday. He said he would take the matter up to the Cabinet. I don’t want to play this up. I am not asking for anything more than what my daughter deserves,” he said.

“She has done well and I have served this country as a responsible citizen.

“Teresa is the youngest of my four children. Since the government has agreed that the children of mixed marriages are Bumiputeras, the policy must be implemented correctly,” he said.

Suhirtharatnam said Teresa had applied to join the May 23 intake for the matriculation programme but her application was rejected.

The reason cited was that she was not a Bumiputera.

Following this, Suhirtharatnam went to the Education Ministry’s Matriculation Department in Putrajaya on May 4 to make an appeal.

But he was told that his daughter would be considered for the next intake on June 25.

Suhirtharatnam, however, is less irked about his daughter’s intake.

What bothers him more is the failure to implement government policies at ground level.

“I am not asking for perks and privileges. I just want to know what the government machinery has done to implement directives,” he said.

‘Stop segregation’

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Parents Consultative Grouping’s (Mapim) Sarawak chairman, Wan Zain Syed Mohdzar, has called for an end to Bumiputera classification for admissions into matriculation programmes and universities.

Wan Zain said that the segregation of the people into Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera should be stopped as it has “spoilt the concept of 1Malysia”.

He urged the education ministry to review the classification system and instead admit students strictly based on merit.

“Rejecting the application of students (into matriculation programmes) based on race is uncalled for,” he said.

Wan Zain, who is also a social activist, said that in Sarawak inter-marriages involving Bumiputera were common and children from such marriages were always considered Bumiputera.

“Inter-marriages in Sarawak are common since colonial days. Locals here have married Arabs, Indians, Pakistanis, Chinese and Europeans. Their children are regarded as Bumiputera and enjoy the facilities provided by the government.

“Some have even held high posts in the government, including those elected as assemblymen and MPs,” he said

                This entry was posted on Wednesday, 11 May 2011, 10:08 am and is filed under
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‘Utusan’ best recruiting agents for Pakatan

By
Yin Ee Kiong
 | 12 May 2011

CPI Asia

First things first: DAP’s ban on Utusan Malaysia is wrong. Wrong because it is hypocritical to damn Umno-BN when they ban certain media from covering party or official functions and now DAP is doing the same thing.

DAP banning Utusan is wrong because it is the right of every paper to attend events so that they can report to their readers. Let the readers decide on the veracity of each report and let the authorities deal with the paper if it has overstepped the mark. Wrong because to call for freedom of the press on the one hand and now to ban a paper on the other all only the party does not like what it’s reporting is an indefensible position to take.

And wrong again to kick up such a ruckus as it did over the Utusan issue. It is enough to refute such false statements. There is no need for the brouhaha because it is in the opposition’s interest that Utusan and their fellow travellers be given enough rope to hang themselves.

So instead of bellyaching, DAP should thank Utusan and Ibrahim Ali etc. With enemies like that you don’t need friends.

As we get nearer to the 13th general election Umno-BN is panicking and when you panic you make mistakes.

Mistake No.1

To try to whip up Malay support by playing the race card (Ketuanan Melayu) and then the religion card (Christianity as ‘official religion’, Christian prime minister). In the latter case, PAS cut the ground from under Umno’s feet by saying that it has no objections against a Christian PM.

Worse still, its own cabinet minister Bernard Dompok stated that the Federal Constitution allows anyone of any religion to be PM. He was the only one of the non-UMNO ministers who dared challenge the perception of many that only a Malay or Muslim can be PM.  I recall it was also Bernard Dompok who spoke out against the declaration of Malaysia as an Islamic State while the other non-Malay ministers and MPs cowered in fear.

Mistake No.2

To think that the Christians will turn the other cheek once more and remain docile and quiet when false accusations are hurled at them. Sometimes enough is enough! Just as they will not accept the government’s position on the use of the word ‘Allah’, Christians (with the Catholics leading the charge) have started to defend themselves against lies and further erosion of their right to freedom of worship as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Mistake No.3

To think that the average Malay can be easily whipped into a jihad. The average Malay is a decent person, he knows what is right and what is wrong. His religion teaches him tolerance. He is concerned with making a living. And he is just as incensed at the level of corruption and abuse of power as a non-Malay.  He too does not like the way Islam is being portrayed by certain of his fellow Muslims.

While the average Malay is concerned with his future he does not want to be dependent on government handouts forever and a day – he has his pride too. But after 40 years of robust racial policies in his favour, he still sees poverty in the kampungs and he wonders why. He wonders if Ketuanan Melayu only benefits certain groups and not those who need help most.

Today’s Malays are smart enough not to be used as political pawns in the name of race and religion. But then again like in every community there are black sheep and greedy pigs.

Mistake No.4

To think that money buys everything. Yes, the simple-minded ulu folks are still for sale but increasingly the urban and semi-urban folks know that whatever is promised is not always delivered. And they are sophisticated enough to accept bribes with their head and vote with their heart. They are also less timid these days and are not easily cowed by threats.

Mistake No.5

To think that PAS can still be used as the bogeyman to frighten the non-Muslims. Although PAS has come out clearly that they want an Islamic State, voters know that this won’t happen unless PAS can capture 75% of the seats – which is most unlikely. Besides in trying to out-Islam PAS, Umno has made itself unpopular with both the Muslims and non-Muslims. True Muslims know that Umno is hypocritical: How can they promote Islam when many of them do not live an exemplary life as a Muslim? Today Umno is the bogeyman and not PAS.

I say let Utusan Melayu have as much rope as it wants. Let Ibrahim Ali have his say. And let the Muslim NGOs go to town. They are the best recruiting agents for Pakatan Rakyat. May Allah bless them all.

                This entry was posted on Thursday, 12 May 2011, 2:25 pm and is filed under
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10 Days in May (3) (Updated)

Tweets
@limkitsiang
:-

10DaysinMay(3):Najib irredeemably losing Msian centre/bury signature 1Msia concept if he mishandles Utusan “ChristianMsia” issue @lunch 2day

All patriotic Msians want an end 2irresponsible/treacherous rhetoric hate/lies ala Utusan – can PM promise/deliver @lunch w Church leaders?

Is Najib checkmated in looming Umno power struggle Umno? KhirToyo spokesman of powerful UMNO forces 2defend Utusan w “So What?” stance!

Endless Umno gutter politics.1st blame DAP/JeffOoi 4DAP/Christian conspiracy. Now blame Jeff/Bigdog conspiracy 2trap Utusan/Umno

Damian’s blog hit nail on head: “UMNO fiddles while Malaysia Burns!” Y PM cannot see whats obvious 2Msians: Utusan has crossed the line?

Most deplorable proUmno blogs still dripping w poison hatred lies abt DAP/Christianity conspiracy.Action agnst these Umno cyber ringleaders?

Who is KhirToyo fronting? 3M? Mahathir-Muhyiddin-Mukriz? No wonder Najib lamented lastnite what 65th anniv 2celebrate when UMNO so divided

PM shd explain Hisham’s order 2police 2probe Jeff/Christian pastors when Utusan “Christian Msia” fp downright lie/no action agnst Utusan!

Will Najib take on KhirToyo open defiance or will he back off?Will PM direct UMNO cyber ringleaders 2clean up incitement poison lies on net?

Teresa Hannah demonised on net. But instead of “Christian Msia” lie its “Christian Sarawak” lie. What is Najib Hishammuddin doing about it?

Ngeh Nga demonised on net – furthering 100-yr plan 2Christianise Msia – going back 2China’s Boxer revolution! Can Najib stop this madness?

In national interest DAP/PR fully prepared 2work with Najib/BN 2restore religious goodwill harmony 2protect competitiveness. Over 2Najib.

                This entry was posted on Thursday, 12 May 2011, 10:21 am and is filed under
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10 days in May (4)

Tweets
@limkitsiang
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Unmitigated 1Msia disaster – only way 2describe outcome of Najib’s meeting w church leaders over Utusan’s outrageous “Christian Msia” lies.

Who in dock of public opinion? Church leaders or Utusan/UMNO? Ch ldrs’ undertakings 2respect Islam’s position/Constitution when not issues?

No word whatsoever from Najib on “mean/fast action” (MohdArshadRaji) agnst Utusan/Umno cyber ringleaders 4Utusan “Christian Msia” outrage?

No wonder in these “10 Days in May” more Msians say: “THOUGHT PAK LAH WAS BAD ENUF. Golly, Najib is annoyingly hopeless!” Real Pathetic.

Ultra Umno forces fronted by KhirToyo won the day – but 1Msia religious harmony Msia’s international image n competitiveness major losers

Sedition/treason 4Utusan 2frontpage “Christian Msia” bogey 2ignite religious tensions n polarise country just 4Umno 2corral back Malay votes

DAP/PR ever-ready 2offer co-operation 2PM 2put out fire lit by Utusan @Phatkor I think you have a duty to also stop the fire from burning.

But not 2pretend problem comes from Christians when its sole creation r Utusan/Umno cyber ringleaders. PR stands 4real religious harmony

                This entry was posted on Thursday, 12 May 2011, 7:07 pm and is filed under
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200 NGOs lodge report against Utusan

by
Charles Ramendran, Himanshu Bhatt and Bernand Cheah

The Sun

KUALA LUMPUR (May 11, 2011): A coalition of more than 200 NGOs has criticised the editors of Utusan Malaysia for publishing an article taken from two weblogs alleging a group of Christian pastors were conspiring to make Christianity the official religion of the country.

A. Rajaretinam, who heads the coalition called angkatan Angkatan Warga Aman Malaysia (Aman), said the actions of the editors of Utusan were unethical and could trigger grave consequences among the races in the country.

Accompanied by a dozen members including Aman adviser Datuk Thasleem Mohamed Ibrahim and legal adviser A.Sivanesan who is also Sungkai assemblyman, Rajaretinam lodged a police report against the Bahasa Malaysia national daily at 2pm today urging the police and Home Ministry to take stern action.

“What they have done is irresponsible and goes against journalistic ethics. It is malicious and threatens national security. We urge the police to investigate this and the Home Minister to act by suspending the publication of Utusan immediatly pending an investigation.

“We have seen his ministry take action against other newspapers in the past for such mistakes and he should be fair by doing likewise in this case. Utusan has been doing this over and over again and gets away with it. We do not know what is their agenda but they must be punished.” he said.

In George Town, Penang PAS added its objections to a growing list of police reports lodged against Utusan by various quarters since Sunday – a day after the article was published.

The report was made by Penang PAS member Abdul Rahman Kassim at the George Town District Police Headquarters. He was accompanied by about 30 state Pakatan Rakyat members.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, meanwhile, sent a letter to Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein calling for stern action to be taken against Utusan.

He urged Hishammuddin to order the newspaper to retract and  issue an apology for “false and malicious reporting”.

In his letter Lim said two Penang Umno assemblymen had confessed that they too did not believe the purported conspiracy reported by Utusan.

Both former deputy chief minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya, the assemblyman for Teluk Bahang, and Farid Saad of Pulau Betong told the state assembly at its recent meeting that they did not believe the report of a plan by the pastors and DAP to establish a Christian state and to have a Christian prime minister.

“Seeing as there are two Umno assemblymen who do not believe the Umno-owned newspaper’s Christian conspiracy, it is clear Utusan Malaysia’s reporting is nothing but lies and borders on sedition,” Lim said in the letter.

                This entry was posted on Thursday, 12 May 2011, 7:21 am and is filed under
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Cartoons are no threat to public order, Utusan is

Comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers

‘Cartoons can cause public disorder? Then what do you call the writings by Utusan and the two pro-Umno bloggers?’

‘Terrible accusations’ in Zunar’s cartoon books

Mt KK
: Never in any country have I learnt that cartoon books created public disorder or even banned. Indeed, many people, except Malaysiakini fans, may not have heard or read about Zunar’s cartoons. This ban has made it more popular.

My copy of Zunar’s cartoon book has been circulated to more than two dozens people so far. All enjoy the candid illustrations and not one was agitated enough to cause any disorder. They only felt upset at the ways the Home Ministry arbitrarily took actions and/or made partial decision to go after any matter not in favour of Umno leaders.

You can see such acts with the bloggers and mainstream media Utusan Malaysia publishing articles on religious matters that would cause resentment and would eventually give rise to disorder if not handled properly by the PM or home minister.

Anonymous_5fb:
 If indeed Zunar cartoons are “terrible accusations” which could lead to public disorder, you won’t be in the court doing your submission, (government lawyer) Noor Hisham Ismail.

If indeed Zunar cartoons are an “extreme insult to the national leadership”, then why not the national leadership sue Zunar personally? Why hide behind the Home ministry?

P Dev Anand Pillai:
 The world’s most powerful leader Barack Obama is the butt of jokes in both political satire and cartoons but is the US government threatened? How are Malaysians going to be towering personalities if they are not allowed to read materials and cartoons which the governments deems bad for them?

With reading already a habit which is very difficult to inculcate here, it has now been made worse by these ridiculous moves by the federal government.

Anonymous:
 It’s a satire, for God’s sake. And seriously, do you think a cartoon can make the people hate the government any more than the government makes itself?

Cannon:
 The Umno government is one big joke and it blames the cartoonist for its bad image. The wheels in the home minister’s brains are churning in reverse. He can’t even take a joke. The mental health of the home minister is even more serious than I thought.

Anonymous_40a7:
 “The conclusion by the (home) minister is that the content of the cartoons (was) terrible accusation (and) extreme insult to national leaders, including the judiciary.”

Looks at Utusan Malaysia and I shake my head in total disbelief and disgust while making a slow, sarcastic clap, saying “Bravo, Home Ministry, bravo.”

HisShamMoreDim_WhoSaid_On?:
 The only public disorder I can see coming out of reading Zunar’s books is the general public falling off their chairs rolling and laughing at ‘1Funny Malaysia’ and the not so amused cabinet ministers.

Anonymous_3e8f:
 I have no faith in the Umno government and the various institutions within it. Umno/Mahathir Mohamad had systematically destroyed all fairness and independence.

In fact, in these trying times, Zunar’s cartoons make my days. I hope the judge hearing this case will prove me wrong on “fairness and independence”.

Geronimo:
 Cartoons can cause public disorder? Then what do you call the writings by Utusan and the two pro-Umno bloggers? Pulitzer-award winning articles that will bring about national pride?

GI Joe:
 What about all the accusations against Anwar? Doesn’t those lead to a public disorder? I have not seen Zunar’s cartoons, so I wouldn’t know what accusations they are talking about. But shouldn’t accusations be acted on by the police, and if found not true, then, arrest the accuser.

Unfortunately for Zunar (probable accuser), he has already been found guilty for accusing pro-BN leaders.

Ben Hor:
 The courts are really insulting the intelligence of Malaysians. It’s a comic, for crying out loud. They are not to be taken seriously. Go silence the real public disturbance, Perkasa, instead.

Yap Cs:
 Cartoons and satire are banned but newspaper’s inflammatory articles of imaginary conspiracy to change the country’s ‘official’ religion are allowed – all based on the home minister’s subjective opinion. Boy, this minister must be the fountain of wisdom. But then again, this is Bolehland.

Bhajnik Singh:
 The cartoons have no racial content, no terrorist content, no communist content, no content whatsoever to raise the anger of anyone except the BN government, the leaders/wife (you know who lah) and their crony government agencies. Thus, the book should not have been banned. Full stop.

Abil:
 Zanur has kept many Malaysians away from depression. If someone is hurt by Zanur’s cartoon, then that person or persons should laugh at themselves or sue him personally for any injustice done. It isn’t fair to rob us of our daily dose of laughs.

Rakyat Malaysia:
 Cartoons can cause public disorder? What theory is that ah? How do you prove that scientifically that the cartoons and public disorder are directly co-related? Or maybe it is because our country has so many ‘fragile’-minded people that this little thing will also trigger their ‘disorderly’ behaviour?

Is that how fragile the BN government is? Can’t even stand up to the force of cartoons?

Sapa Nama:
 Utusan should have been banned a long time ago going by such reasoning.

                This entry was posted on Thursday, 12 May 2011, 2:03 pm and is filed under
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Christian group airs grouses over Utusan report to PM

By
S Pathmawathy
 | May 12, 11

Malaysiakini

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today heard complaints from Christian leaders over Utusan Malaysia’s “irresponsible reporting” for claiming that there was a conspiracy to turn Malaysia into a Christian state.

“We only said we are very disturbed and unhappy… (over the) irresponsible, potential riot-type seditious words (which) shouldn’t be published in mainstream media or any media for the matter,” said Bishop Ng Moon Hing of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM).

Ng (right) was speaking to reporters after a 45-minute closed door meeting with the prime minister in Putrajaya.

He said it was a fruitful meeting as this was first time the group had been engaged in this way.

“The prime minister stressed moderation, and I think all of us believe in the same,” he said.

There is no room for “extremism”, added Ng.

Police investigation assured

Ng said that the allegations in the Utusan news report and the blogs were “all lies”, and Najib had given an assurance that the police were investigating the matter.

“We deny all these things.

“The Christian community and all other communities respect the position of Islam. We have never challenged the position of Islam.

“We want our own space to worship our God, that’s all. Everybody wants the freedom to worship their God,” said Ng.

“We have no reason to usurp anything or challenge anybody. I don’t think it’s a right thing to do and no Christian will do such a thing.”

Besides Ng, three other representatives from CFM, namely, Reverend Eu Hong Seng, bishop Antony Selvanayagam and Thomas Sen, were present.

‘A good sign’

Also at the meeting were Kuala Lumpur Catholic Archbishop Murphy Pakiam, Sabah Council of Churches president Albert Voon and Sarawak Churches Association president Bolly Lapok.

“We have informed the prime minister and already made our stand in the media, that any malicious and seditious thing should not be condoned. If it is condoned some action must be taken,” said Ng.

Ng said they had also discussed issues and problems pertaining to mission schools, cemeteries and churches, as well as the “umpteen” memorandums that had been submitted in the past.

“It’s a good sign, the prime minister is beginning to engage. The prime minister is the prime minister of all and the whole country – so he must engage all.

“We even offered our help and asked how Christians can contribute to develop the country together. We are interested in peace, harmony and we are non-partisan in politics,” said Ng.

The meeting, which is said have been arranged two weeks ago, was chaired by Najib, who was accompanied by ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department Idris Jala and Koh Tsu Koon.

                This entry was posted on Thursday, 12 May 2011, 5:13 pm and is filed under
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Christians pledge to respect Islam’s position, says Najib

Bernama
 | May 12, 11

Najib Abdul Razak said leaders of Christianity in the country have pledged that they respect the position of Islam as official religion and have no intention of challenging the provision enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

The prime minister said the group had also given their undertaking to cooperate in nurturing peace and harmony between the various faiths so that Malaysia would continue to be a peaceful and prosperous nation.

“I am glad to inform that Christian leaders have given two very important and meaningful undertakings (today),” he told reporters after attending a luncheon with the Christian leaders at his office in Putrajaya today.

Among those present were two ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department, Koh Tsu Koon and Idris Jala, as well as the

chairperson of the Malaysian Christian Federation, Bishop Ng Moon Hing.

At the meeting, Najib also emphasised to the Christian leaders that the government needed time to study several views presented and problems faced by them.

“It’s not the intention of both parties, whether the government or the Christian leaders, to highlight these matters openly until they have been amicably resolved.

“Once a decision is made and the matter resolved amicably, only then will we say something openly,” he said.

Asked what the problems were, the prime minister said: “Once it is settled, we will make a statement openly.”

He said similar dialogues could also be held from time to time with other religious groups in future because he had already held a meeting with Islamic leaders and intellectuals yesterday.

Asked when the dialogue with the Christian leaders had been planned Najib said his office had planned the meeting two weeks ago although he had intended to have it much earlier.

Uneasy over ‘Christian plot’ reports

Asked on the reaction of the religious group on the issue over Christianity recently, Najib said the Christian leaders felt uneasy over the news as published by the media.

“They have accepted my advice that we remain calm on the matter and not to do anything that will increase tension among the community,” he said.

Utusan Malaysia on May 7 reported on its front page that a gathering of priests from all over the country in Penang discussed an agenda to make Christianity the official religion of the country.

“That’s why we have to be careful in this matter so that any issue that can cause uneasiness and tension in the country should be avoided and that we must use wisdom in tackling and managing these issues,” he said.

Meanwhile, the prime minister said he was still waiting for the outcome of the police investigation on the issue concerning Christianity.

“Let the police investigate first and when the time comes, we find the best way to resolve it with wisdom before making a decision,” he said.

Najib said that as a whole, he was satisfied because the government’s efforts in holding the dialogue had been appreciated by the Christian leaders.

“Hopefully through this approach, we can demonstrate the government’s determination to cooperate in efforts towards national peace and prosperity desired by the majority of Malaysians,” he added.

– Bernama

                This entry was posted on Thursday, 12 May 2011, 5:17 pm and is filed under
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DAP creating two-race system, says Soi Lek

By
Shannon Teoh
 | May 12, 2011

The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 — Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has accused DAP of dividing the country and causing the Chinese community to be isolated in the opposition.

“DAP’s suggestion of a two-party political system will soon turn into a two-race political system. The Chinese will be the opposition while the others will be in government,” the MCA president said in a video posted by his party on video-sharing site YouTube yesterday.

The former health minister’s statement mirrors that of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who accused DAP of running a racist campaign in the April 16 Sarawak election in which the party doubled its presence in the state assembly from six to 12.

“Malaysia faces a grave danger of being divided by two parties — one Malay-dominated by default and the other Chinese by choice. This will not be good for Malaysia.

“But this is what the DAP is striving for. A two-party system based on race will not contribute to stability much less national unity,” the former prime minister had said.

In last month’s Sarawak vote, DAP nearly wiped out its rival Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) in Chinese-majority areas when the latter only won in two such seats.

In the aftermath, Dr Chua told SUPP not to take any state Cabinet posts as it had been rejected by Chinese voters.

MCA later said that it would also stay out of the federal Cabinet if it failed to improve on its 2008 general election performance, where it won just 15 of 40 parliament seats it contested.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak echoed this statement and called for the Chinese community to vote for MCA if they still wanted to representation in Putrajaya.

DAP responded by accusing Barisan Nasional (BN) of threatening Chinese voters and failing to understand democracy.

In the 71-second video, Dr Chua also accused DAP of “hoodwinking” voters by “pretending to be multiracial.”

“DAP only dares to contest in Chinese-majority constituencies. If DAP is not a Chinese-based political party, why is it that wherever they go, DAP always emphasises Chinese issues?” he said in the video.

                This entry was posted on Thursday, 12 May 2011, 5:15 pm and is filed under
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DAP plans to censure Hisham, Rais

By
Patrick Lee
 | May 12, 2011

Free Malaysia Today

PETALING JAYA: The DAP may move motions of censure in Parliament against two Umno ministers for their reactions over an alleged Christian plot.

DAP national vice-chairman M Kulasegaran took Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and Information, Communications and Culture Minister Rais Yatim to task for their acceptance of the plot without any prior investigations.

“These are two government leaders in charge of ministries that should immediately investigate the malicious and baseless report.”

“Yet, instead of giving immediate orders to investigate the report and calling for calm among the people, they have chosen to play politics,” he said.

Kulasegaran demanded a public apology from the ministers, and threatened censure motions against them in the parliamentary session if they failed to do so.

Last Saturday, Hishammuddin said that any action by followers of a religion would invite reactions from followers of other religions.

On the same day, Rais warned Malaysians not to question the status of Islam as the country’s official religion.

They said this after responding to an Utusan Malaysia report which wrote about an alleged plot involving DAP and Christian leaders to take over the country.

The report, based on the unsubstantiated claims of two pro-Umno bloggers, also accused the groups of praying for a Christian prime minister. This was denied by both the Christian leaders as well as by DAP.

Dangerous lie

Kulasegaran, who is also Ipoh Barat MP, said that both Hishammuddin and Rais should have known how to respond better, given their political experience.

He also found it strange that the two would have adopted such a stance when even Penang Umno assemblymen Hilmi Yahya (BN-Teluk Bahang) and Muhammad Farid Saad (BN-Pulau Betong) did not believe the Utusan report.

Describing the Utusan report as a “dangerous lie”, Kulasegaran said: “There is therefore no justification for them (Hishammuddin and Rais) to accept the Utusan report without question.”

“Any rational politician who is prepared to give an honest answer will say they do not believe the Utusan Malaysia report,” he added.

                This entry was posted on Thursday, 12 May 2011, 2:14 pm and is filed under
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Guan Eng to Najib: Replace Utusan editors

By
Susan Loone
 | May 12, 11

Malaysiakini

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng wants the editors and reporters of Utusan Malaysia involved in the DAP-Christian state conspiracy issue to be replaced.

According to Lim, this is the only way Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak can convince Malaysians that Utusan does not enjoy full legal immunity and that Umno, its largest shareholder, diagrees with the newspaper publishing “dangerous lies.

“Najib Razak can also convince Malaysians by directing Utusan Malaysia to withdraw and apologise for the false report and replacing the editors and reporters involved in such dangerous lies that can burn 1Malaysia,” he added.

Lim said Utusan appears to enjoy legal immunity in printing such “evil and malicious lies” because the Malay daily is both owned and working fully under the direction of Umno.

He was referring to a front-page report in the Malay daily on May 7, which alleged that the DAP was colluding with a group of pastors to replace Islam as the official religion of the federation with Christianity and to install a Christian prime minister.

The report was based on unverified sources derived from postings in two pro-Umno blogs.

The DAP and various Christian groups have denied the charges, however, several police reports have been lodged over the matter nationwide in the last few days.

Lim added that National Union of Journalists’ president Hata Wahari had, in an interview with the online Free Malaysia Today revealed that Utusan’s editorial directives were set by Umno’s powerful political bureau.

This bureau reportedly sits every Monday night to discuss the paper’s agenda for the week.

Hata was quoted by online news portal Free Malaysia Today as saying that among those who sit in the meetings are Umno president Najib, his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin, vice-presidents Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Hishamuddin Hussein and Shafie Apdal, secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and party information chief Ahmad Maslan.

According to Hata, the agenda is then communicated to Utusan’s editor-in-chief via the prime minister’s office.

The paper will then run the issues set out in the agenda for three days before dropping it completely, unless it receives strong public support from top BN ministers, said Hata.

He added that this is a clever strategy because by the third day the other media would have snapped it up to continue milking it, which would leave Utusan free to start the ball rolling on another issue.

“But while most urbanites can see right through Utusan Malaysia’s thinly-veiled propaganda, its rural readership remains staunch believers of the newspaper’s lies,” said Lim (left).

“For that reason, any failure by Najib to act against Utusan will only confirm Hata’s revelation that Utusan’s lies of a Christian conspiracy was sanctioned by Umno to entrench the party’s rural Malay support,” he added.

Lim said DAP also challenges MCA, Gerakan or SUPP Ministers to bring the matter up in cabinet and demand stern action against Utusan.

Should they fail to do so, Lim added, then MCA, Gerakan and SUPP are merely playing a double-faced sandiwara of saying one thing to the non-Malay community in the non-Chinese papers but doing things differently for Malay readership of Utusan.

                This entry was posted on Thursday, 12 May 2011, 4:11 pm and is filed under
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It’s tough being Malaysian Chinese

By
Tan Shang Neng (loyarburok.com)
 | May 12, 2011

The Malaysian Insider

As a young Malaysian Chinese, when asked to draw my vision of the year 2020 in our primary school Pendidikan Seni classes, I would draw flying cars, floating buildings, a city of steel and glass, people in jet-fighter styled suits covering arms and legs and a helmet to top, using jetpacks strapped to their backs.

Today, if asked to draw my vision of 2020?

I hope to have trees with leaves still green, less floods, less killing around the world. And, hopefully in the myriad hands I have drawn holding on to each other in the middle in harmonious unity, there will be a pair of hands with the colour that best represents my Chinese skin (another conditioning from primary school: “NO! People cannot be blue because they are nice or green because they are jealous! They must be coloured brown because this guy with songkok is evidently Malay, and this girl in this cheongsam must be yellow because she is evidently Chinese, and this Indian boy must be coloured black!” Boy was my little self so confused.)

It is not easy being Malaysian Chinese. We are not all Lim Goh Tongs, Vincent Tans or YTLs. Some of us are the Ah Kaus fishing for a living in Kuala Selangor. We are also the Ah Sengs peddling DVDs in pasar malams. Some are the Ah Tans, working as machais for the loan shark tailos. Many too are the Lim Ah Sings sleeping under abandoned hawker stalls beneath flyovers in the heart of KL.

I was not born into blankets sewn from RM100 bills, so it was a tough growing up trying to understand why there are people who say if you are Chinese, you are rich and greedy. It is hard to understand why people would brand people like my dear father as groups wanting to take over the country, when all he did was come home late from work weekly in order to ensure he will one day afford to put this son of his through university. It drives me crazy when some Malaysian Chinese demands for equality, that poor bugger gets told to go back to China or go to Singapore.

It is easier said than done for a modern-day Malaysian Chinese like me. Wherever I go now, I will be an outsider. Roaming places I will never truly belong. Sleeping in buildings I will probably never be able to call home.

In China, my lack of speech in Mandarin will highlight me as an instant outcast. They will favour their own kin before letting this guy — who looks very much like one of them but in essence anything but — to lead their companies. In Australia and the UK, sure, there will be equality and minimal discrimination, but to a point. You start of on equal footing as all, but as you progress, there is only as high a corporate ladder you can climb because your Chinese skin bars your ascent. Try being Malaysian and vie for a pupillage to be a barrister in the UK! You might be given PR in the UK or Australia, but you will truly then be a pendatang, born and bred elsewhere, made to scrap a living in a land with different social norms and values system.

What about Singapore? You might find it hard to believe, but there are Malaysian Chinese who cannot stand the idea of living in that city state! Sure, good money, relatively more efficient government and good transport system. But really now, Singapore? Fast paced, faceless?

So really now, if my home — my country, my Malaysia — asks me, a Malaysian Chinese — a budak Klang, no less — to leave…

…I will have nowhere to go to. No place to truly call my own. No place I can say my grandparents helped built. A place I once ate at a school canteen with one Amirrulah, a place where I played Sunday basketball with a Tan Kian Ping, a place I once mamak-ed with a Jagdeep Singh, a place where we would celebrate Merdeka at Ashley’s Melawis home.

It’s not easy being a Malaysian Chinese. To live in a country which often confuses itself if it wants you or not. A country where you are more often than not branded as a pendatang even though your grandparents were born here.

The truth of the matter is simple, there will only ever be one home for a person like me, and I will fight for it till the end. And you can put your bets on me fighting till the end for the right to remain in…

…my home.

It’s not just being Malaysian Chinese that is bothersome these days. It’s being Malaysian Indian. A Malaysian Dusun. A Malaysian homosexual. A Malaysian Christian. A Malaysian Muslim. A Malaysian tauke.

It’s just not easy being Malaysian anymore.

Is it really that difficult? To have a government which governs its people for the right reasons, to make us richer, healthier, better than the rest of the world? Can we all one day be free to live the life we chose for ourselves as long as it does not impose itself upon another? Can we one day choose who or what we pray to, to choose who we love, to choose where we die.

I want a day when I can wake up in the morning and have bak-kut-teh for breakfast, nasi lemak daging rendang for lunch, Italian for dinner and roti canai for supper without some person on television telling me how, when and where I can eat them.

It’s tough being a Malaysian Chinese these days.

Nobody wants us. — loyarburok.com

                This entry was posted on Thursday, 12 May 2011, 2:09 pm and is filed under
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Letter from a Malaysian to his PM

By
Singa Pura Pura

I am but a lone voice. But a million lone voices make a million votes. You know that now. So I’ll tell you what this loner needs. And I’ll tell you directly. No UMNO, no MCA, no MIC, no Gerakan or any other historical parties. Just you and I my PM.

And it’s not a threat, it’s a fact. Facts are not threats.

I want a few good men of my choice on the Bench. A better A-G. A better IGP. A much better Home Minister. The removal of a few incompetent ministers. And the addition of a few able ministers of my choice. They can be from anywhere, as long as they are answerable in and to Parliament.

I want you to outlaw Perkasa as you have Hindraf. And I would like you to suspend Utusan Malaysia for a quarter of the period your predecessor had suspended The Star – although the latter’s indiscretion was less than one eighth that of the former. Do the math and be fair.

On my part, I reaffirm my full commitment to articles 3(1), 152(1) and 153(1) of the Federal Constitution. By the same token, I would like for you to admit that the non-Malays have never challenged either the ‘special position’ of the Malays or the position of Islam as the religion of the Federation. I would like you to concede, honestly, that the non-Malays have neither the desire nor the political power to do as has been alleged.

And, I would like you to stop the political gollums from both sides of the divide from using ‘Malay’, ‘Islam’ and ‘Christian’ as their rallying points. Let go of the Ring.

Finally, I want you to start living 1Malaysia and cease lip-syncing it. (Milli Vanilli sounded great but only whilst the people did not know better).

I would also like you to reverse any ‘Chinese-first-Malaysian-second’ or ‘Indian-first-Malaysian-second’ or any other like government-policies.

If you want my one vote, do as I say. That much, I know, I am entitled to ask of you.

Or will we leave each other alone like this, on the streets of Putrajaya.

———————————————–

Federal Constitution

(Act 000)

Article 3 – Religion of the Federation.

(1) Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation.

Article 152 – National Language.

(1) The national language shall be the Malay language and shall be in such script as Parliament may by law provide:

Provided that –

(a) no person shall be prohibited or prevented from using (otherwise than for official purposes), or from teaching or learning, any other language; and

(b) nothing in this Clause shall prejudice the right of the Federal Government or of any State Government to preserve and sustain the use and study of the language of any other community in the Federation.

Article 153 – Reservation of quotas in respect of services, permits, etc, for Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak.

(1) It shall be the responsibility of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to safeguard the special position of the Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak and the legitimate interests of other communities in accordance with the provisions of this Article.

—————————————–

                This entry was posted on Thursday, 12 May 2011, 2:27 pm and is filed under
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