It was exactly a year ago that I wrote in this blog with the same title. The question mark represented the uncertainties that 2009 would bring. The world then was at the brink of a Great Depression and politically our country was in a transition period. Someone who has no moral authority was going to take over the leadership of the country.
Looking back, the only bright spot was the world didn't sink into a Great Depression. In fact, the recovery was amazing but it has yet to be seen whether it's sustainable. Even our stock market considered to be the regional laggard gained more that 45% this year. Although I'm not a chartist, I can't help but notice from the trading patterns that the local bourse is being artificially propped up.
On the socio-political front 2009 was a disaster for Malaysia. After the euphoria of 2008, the Pakatan Rakyat found governing not as easy as being in the opposition. It doesn't help when the institutions and some people in the country which were supposed to remain neutral conspired to sabotage their work. This led to the downfall of the Perak State Govt and eventually caused the death of a political aide of a Selangor exco member.
The racial and religious tension remain and even became worse with the cow-head incident and the exposure of the indoctrination of young undergraduates by the BTN. These young people from one race and religion were taught to hate people from other race and religion.
I wrote about how unsafe we are from crime in that same post. I didn't know after 10 months my family and I were to become the victims of an attempted car jack. I was beaten up by iron rods. Thank God apart from some bruises and cuts, I didn't suffer any serious injuries. However, my two young daughters were much traumatized having witnessed the whole incident. Even now we are afraid to go out too late at night.
Less than 10 minutes, another year, another decade will come to an end. Even as I type, I could hear the sound of fireworks. As depressed as I was last year, something I read just before writing this post, makes me want to believe that there is yet hope for our nation. Thank you, Candy. I pray that there will be more like you. I'm sure there are many who have not bow down to Baal.
The question mark may remain. But it doesn't matter anymore because in my own insignificant way, I will endeavour to make this country a place where my two daughters will be proud to grow up in.
Semoga Allah mencurahkan rahmatNya ke atas negara tercinta ini.
(Yes, we have won round one. It will take a miracle to win the subsequent rounds)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The winner of Bagan Pinang - Corruption
The ex-MB of Negri Sembilan has won the by-election with a landslide victory. His win was not unexpected given the size of the postal votes. But what was unexpected was the margin of of the victory. It is more than 2 times the previous majority.
It goes to show that the people does not mind someone who is corrupt as long as he can deliver. Is this true only of Bagan Pinang or it's true for rest of Malaysia? I don't know. What I know is it doesn't bode well for Malaysia. From bribing over traffic offences to approval of projects, corruption has became very much a part of our lives. Now the signs the voters from Bagan Pinang is sending out is that it's OK to have corrupt people representing them as long as he takes good care of them.
A society that tolerates corruption will soon become enslaved. Its people will not only become slaves to corruption but slaves to others as well. When the country is bankrupt, its people will have no choice but to become migrants in other countries, becoming slaves to their host countries.
Of course, one can view this humiliating defeat of PR positively. Hopefully this is a wake up call to the PKR, DAP & PAS to stop all their internal bickerings and to start behaving like a government in waiting.
It goes to show that the people does not mind someone who is corrupt as long as he can deliver. Is this true only of Bagan Pinang or it's true for rest of Malaysia? I don't know. What I know is it doesn't bode well for Malaysia. From bribing over traffic offences to approval of projects, corruption has became very much a part of our lives. Now the signs the voters from Bagan Pinang is sending out is that it's OK to have corrupt people representing them as long as he takes good care of them.
A society that tolerates corruption will soon become enslaved. Its people will not only become slaves to corruption but slaves to others as well. When the country is bankrupt, its people will have no choice but to become migrants in other countries, becoming slaves to their host countries.
Of course, one can view this humiliating defeat of PR positively. Hopefully this is a wake up call to the PKR, DAP & PAS to stop all their internal bickerings and to start behaving like a government in waiting.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Do we know our neighbours?
I was quite disturbed this morning after reading an article in the Sun by Maria J. Dass - 'When herd mentality ruled the day'. What disturbed me was the last 2 paragraphs in her article.
If anything, the encounter has forced some Hindu residents of Section 23 to take a hard look at their neighbours.
One woman said: “We have been close to our neighbours all this while and have looked out for each other, but this incident has shown how our neighbours view us and where we stand.”
Some of the genocides in recent history showed that it was not a invading foreign army that committed these atrocities. The perpetrators were often neighbours and friends whom the victims have known for a long time. This happened in Nazi Germany, Rwanda and Serbia. In fact there is a documentary film, 'My Neighbour, My Killer' that captured what happened in Rwanda.
All it took in most cases were incitement to hate someone from a different race and religion. You will then be slaughtered by ordinary people like your neighbour whom you have known for ages. Somehow this kind of incitement based on race and religion will turn an ordinary person into a monster.
As such, it is extremely dangerous to continue to play this kind of game. We know the ultimate purpose is to topple the Pakatan Govt in Selangor but they don't realize the evil that is being unleashed when inciting hatred against a people group based on race and religion.
Though the decision by the AG to charge all those who took part in the demonstations is to be welcomed, it could take years before the trial will be concluded. At the end of the day, they may be found guilty and just be fined.
We must demand our pound of flesh. But we can only do that through the ballot box. And do that we will and we must.
If anything, the encounter has forced some Hindu residents of Section 23 to take a hard look at their neighbours.
One woman said: “We have been close to our neighbours all this while and have looked out for each other, but this incident has shown how our neighbours view us and where we stand.”
Some of the genocides in recent history showed that it was not a invading foreign army that committed these atrocities. The perpetrators were often neighbours and friends whom the victims have known for a long time. This happened in Nazi Germany, Rwanda and Serbia. In fact there is a documentary film, 'My Neighbour, My Killer' that captured what happened in Rwanda.
All it took in most cases were incitement to hate someone from a different race and religion. You will then be slaughtered by ordinary people like your neighbour whom you have known for ages. Somehow this kind of incitement based on race and religion will turn an ordinary person into a monster.
As such, it is extremely dangerous to continue to play this kind of game. We know the ultimate purpose is to topple the Pakatan Govt in Selangor but they don't realize the evil that is being unleashed when inciting hatred against a people group based on race and religion.
Though the decision by the AG to charge all those who took part in the demonstations is to be welcomed, it could take years before the trial will be concluded. At the end of the day, they may be found guilty and just be fined.
We must demand our pound of flesh. But we can only do that through the ballot box. And do that we will and we must.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The 3rd Generation Curse (Updated)
There is a Chinese saying that wealth cannot last for 3 generations. The 1st generation worked hard to create and accumulate wealth. The 2nd generation seeks to preserve it instead of creating more wealth and the 3rd generation who has no experience of the blood, sweat and tears of the previous generations just squanders it.
I think similarly a family reputation can also be destroyed by the latter generation. I'm thinking of Dato OnnJaafar, the first president of UMNO who dreamed of a united Malaysia, who was colour blind. Alas, it was that dream that caused him his political career and perhaps being the first PM of Malaysia. But his son, Tun Hussien Onn became the 3rd PM of Malaysia. A man of integrity. He was the PM when I was just growing up as a kid and I always remember this kind faced man. His integrity and sense of justice caused him to die outside UMNO.
Now, the 3rd generation, Hishammuddin Hussien who is infamous for drawing out keris in UNMO assemblies. As the Home Minister he is trying hard to be more idiotic than the previous one. Maybe idiotic is not an apt description. Evil. Otherwise how can you explain his support for those cow head protesters of Shah Alam. The 50 or so racist scumbags and religious extremists/hypocrites.
Well, it's not surprising as only UNMO can create such monsters and only a UMNO minister can defend these monsters. But I really feel sorry for Onn Jaafar and Hussien Onn for having a 'bai jia zi'.
Update: In less than 24 hours there is a complete turnaround from Hisham. Is there hope for Malaysia with leaders like that? To redeem his family's reputation he should just apologize and resign. But that will never happen in Malaysia. Never in our history has a Minister resign for being an idiot. Simply because if they do the Government would collapse.
I think similarly a family reputation can also be destroyed by the latter generation. I'm thinking of Dato OnnJaafar, the first president of UMNO who dreamed of a united Malaysia, who was colour blind. Alas, it was that dream that caused him his political career and perhaps being the first PM of Malaysia. But his son, Tun Hussien Onn became the 3rd PM of Malaysia. A man of integrity. He was the PM when I was just growing up as a kid and I always remember this kind faced man. His integrity and sense of justice caused him to die outside UMNO.
Now, the 3rd generation, Hishammuddin Hussien who is infamous for drawing out keris in UNMO assemblies. As the Home Minister he is trying hard to be more idiotic than the previous one. Maybe idiotic is not an apt description. Evil. Otherwise how can you explain his support for those cow head protesters of Shah Alam. The 50 or so racist scumbags and religious extremists/hypocrites.
Well, it's not surprising as only UNMO can create such monsters and only a UMNO minister can defend these monsters. But I really feel sorry for Onn Jaafar and Hussien Onn for having a 'bai jia zi'.
Update: In less than 24 hours there is a complete turnaround from Hisham. Is there hope for Malaysia with leaders like that? To redeem his family's reputation he should just apologize and resign. But that will never happen in Malaysia. Never in our history has a Minister resign for being an idiot. Simply because if they do the Government would collapse.
The Unholy Trinity
If a vote is to be taken as to who are among the most hated Malaysian Cabinet Ministers, I'm sure they would be Muhyiddin, Hishammuddin and Nazri (in no particular order). It amazes me and I'm sure most Malaysians that never in the history of Malaysia has so much nonsense and rubbish being spewed forth from the mouth of our Ministers. Some of the positions that they took for example justifying Utusan seditious articles and now the cow-head protest can only mean that they treat us the rakyat with utter contempt.
Well, we must not forget who is their boss. Don't be fooled by him. It was him that orchestrated the Perak coup and now openly wishing to topple also the Selangor Govt. I will never forget what he did to my state.
Well, we must not forget who is their boss. Don't be fooled by him. It was him that orchestrated the Perak coup and now openly wishing to topple also the Selangor Govt. I will never forget what he did to my state.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Muhyiddin - Malaysians' Greatest Nightmare? (Updated)
Since last night I've been debating with myself whether to write this. I didn't want to be seen attacking a particular individual in my blog. If I go ahead this would be the third time I'll be writing about him within a month. But he is really becoming intolerable. Alright, this will be last time I'll be writing about him, at least for this month. He may become even more intolerable and sink even lower in the days to come. Nothing about him surprises me anymore.
Here's what I picked up from Malaysian Insider that caused me to write.
Here's what I picked up from Malaysian Insider that caused me to write.
Muhyiddin, who is in charge of Umno/BN’s campaign, has been particularly embarrassed.
Asked by reporters today about reports Rohaizat had been the subject of numerous complaints and how he had been fined twice by the Bar Council, the DPM likened the fines to parking tickets.
He said the Umno campaign was considering having Rohaizat put out a statutory declaration to clear the air on the controversy.
“But whatever it is the voters will decide and I believe they understand the development BN brings,” said Muhyiddin
Have we, the Malaysians voters sunk to his level, in wanting development at the expense of everything else?
I'm beginning to wonder whether he is being asked to be the fall guy for the Najib's administration given his propensity and consistency in spewing rubbish and nonsense from his mouth these days. If not, God help us if he ever become the PM.
Update: Just read this a while ago.
"I don't think Asians only want development. They want fairness, justice, equal opportunity just like Americans and Europeans." (Kim DaeJung, 1924 - 2009)
Read the tribute from DSAI here.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The solution for UMNO's tainted candidate
UMNO is going on the defensive to prove the innocence of its candidate for Permatang Pasir. He was a lawyer who was disbarred from the Malaysian Bar for mishandling client's money. He was a 'victim of circumstances' so it seemed. But they conveniently failed to mention that the HighCourt has rejected his appeal against the Advocates and Solicitor's Disciplinary Board 5 days before nomination day.
Well, the solution is simple if the High Court's decision is appealable. Just filed in an appeal today. Get the Court of Appeal to convene and hear the matter tomorrow. The Court of Apppeal will there and then hold that he is not guilty and overturned the decision of the High Court. If the Court of Appeal can hear Nizar v Zambry case within the same day the appeal was filed by Zambry, I don't see there will be any difference here.
Well, the solution is simple if the High Court's decision is appealable. Just filed in an appeal today. Get the Court of Appeal to convene and hear the matter tomorrow. The Court of Apppeal will there and then hold that he is not guilty and overturned the decision of the High Court. If the Court of Appeal can hear Nizar v Zambry case within the same day the appeal was filed by Zambry, I don't see there will be any difference here.
Friday, August 14, 2009
A Dumb DPM
I mentioned before that if our present DPM were to takeover as PM, I'll consider migrating because, we'll be doomed with such a character leading our country. The more he opens his mouth the more it confirms his unsuitability to lead a nation.
His latest attack against Tok Guru Nik Aziz shows that he doesn't know what a rhetorical device is. (For the background of this attack see here. What TGNA was essentially saying was take care of the log that is in your eyes before you condemn the speck that is in the eyes of others). Of course, his only consolation is that he is not alone. The chairman of the Kelantan Umno Veterans Council seems to jump eagerly on to the bandwagon as well in condemning TGNA. Well, at least this is more forgivable for a bunch of senile old men. But not for someone who may takeover the rein of a nation.
Of course there is a possibility that he knows but choose to gain political mileage by condemning TGNA. If that is true, then he is a low class politician. Not someone who can lead a nation to greater heights.
Update: Read here on Zaid Ibrahim's take on this DPM fella. How he is revealing his true character now.
His latest attack against Tok Guru Nik Aziz shows that he doesn't know what a rhetorical device is. (For the background of this attack see here. What TGNA was essentially saying was take care of the log that is in your eyes before you condemn the speck that is in the eyes of others). Of course, his only consolation is that he is not alone. The chairman of the Kelantan Umno Veterans Council seems to jump eagerly on to the bandwagon as well in condemning TGNA. Well, at least this is more forgivable for a bunch of senile old men. But not for someone who may takeover the rein of a nation.
Of course there is a possibility that he knows but choose to gain political mileage by condemning TGNA. If that is true, then he is a low class politician. Not someone who can lead a nation to greater heights.
Update: Read here on Zaid Ibrahim's take on this DPM fella. How he is revealing his true character now.
A nation that has lost its soul
At the end of this month we will be celebrating 52 years of nationhood. Instead of celebrating, we should be mourning. We should be mourning that in 52 years we have become a failed state. A failed state according to my definition is one where the institutions of law and governance including the media have become instruments and tools to keep the ruling elite in power and to silence and oppress those who oppose its hegemony.
We should be mourning not only because we have become a failed state but also our nation has lost its soul. The soul of a nation manifested itself in the vibrant social interaction among its people, celebrating and respecting each other differences whether in terms of culture and religion. Somewhere along the road beginning in the 70's our soul began to be impoverished by the constant refrain by the politicians of the need to defend the rights and religion of a certain race.
The soul has become so sick and departed. But I believe the majority of us still yearn for its revival and return. My belief is based on the responses to Art Harun's beautiful piece, 1Malaysia Dalam Kenangan. For those who are older or the same age as Art, it brings back memories of a time where truly we were 1Malaysia. For those who are younger and are recipients of some of those venomous racist policies and pronouncements, could only wish we were born earlier.
But instead of turning the clock back which is impossible, both the groups can and should channel all their energy towards bringing back the soul of our nation. It begins with me. I will begin to interact with another Malaysian as a Anak Bangsa Malaysia and not as a Malay, Chinese, Indian or dll. I will repent of my prejudices against those who are of a different race or religion.
The soul of our nation is lost but will be found.
Thank you Art Harun for causing me to begin this search.
And to all those who still want to divide us based on our race and religion, I can only say, "F*** Off!". You don't belong in this beautiful land, Malaysia.
We should be mourning not only because we have become a failed state but also our nation has lost its soul. The soul of a nation manifested itself in the vibrant social interaction among its people, celebrating and respecting each other differences whether in terms of culture and religion. Somewhere along the road beginning in the 70's our soul began to be impoverished by the constant refrain by the politicians of the need to defend the rights and religion of a certain race.
The soul has become so sick and departed. But I believe the majority of us still yearn for its revival and return. My belief is based on the responses to Art Harun's beautiful piece, 1Malaysia Dalam Kenangan. For those who are older or the same age as Art, it brings back memories of a time where truly we were 1Malaysia. For those who are younger and are recipients of some of those venomous racist policies and pronouncements, could only wish we were born earlier.
But instead of turning the clock back which is impossible, both the groups can and should channel all their energy towards bringing back the soul of our nation. It begins with me. I will begin to interact with another Malaysian as a Anak Bangsa Malaysia and not as a Malay, Chinese, Indian or dll. I will repent of my prejudices against those who are of a different race or religion.
The soul of our nation is lost but will be found.
Thank you Art Harun for causing me to begin this search.
And to all those who still want to divide us based on our race and religion, I can only say, "F*** Off!". You don't belong in this beautiful land, Malaysia.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Here they go again .......
Just before Teoh Beng Hock was killed, the civil war within Pakatan Rakyat threatened to undo this new political coalition. DAP threatened to pull out from the PAS led Kedah Govt. Penang's PKR were councillors were unhappy with the appointment of MPSP council president and boycott his swearing in and DAP retalilate by sacking the ringleader from the council. In Selangor, PKR's Azmin Ali condemned his on Exco and thought certain Exco members should go. Then, we have Wee Choo Keong making allegations about DAP's underworld connections. Kit Siang said PR was facing a crisis of confidence.
Then Teoh Beng Hock was found dead at the MACC building. Immediately the 3 component parties within PR closed ranks and started their offensive against the Govt. YeS, TBH's death was politicized and rightly so because politics caused his death. If he was not the political aide to Ean Yong, we wouldn't have been called by the MACC. He wouldn't be called if MACC didn;t practise selective prosecution. The investigations by MACC against some of the Selangor PR's ADUNs is nothing more than political persecution. TBH wouldn't have died if not for this blatant political persecution. (Yes, there are people who thinks his boss killed him so as to stop him from implicating him. If I were his boss and I think he was going to implicate me, I would have made sure he doesn't even reach the MACC building alive).
Hardly one month has passed since TBH's death, we have PAS' Hasan Ali calling for Ronnie Liu to go and fly kite over the beer issue. Immediately, Tony Pua issued a press statement condemning Hasan Ali. I think I've mentioned before, all these open squabbles will eventually led to mistrust and ill-will to the point there is no turning back. Do you see any DAP MPs and ADUNs besides Lim Kit Siang present on the streets on 1 August during the anti ISA rally? Maybe I've missed them, but they were not as prominent as during the Bersih rally. And we know that it was PAS that mobilized its members for this rally.
Kit Siang being the veteran politician warned again that PR may just last one term if they keep on fighting openly. And from some of the comments left in some blogs, PR is really in trouble if these commentors follow up with what they said and didn't just said it at the spur of the moment. There are people who condemned PAS and said they will not vote PAS again. Then there are people who condemned DAP and said they will not vote for DAP again.
Sigh. What choice do we have now? PKR? Well, PKR is the only party who can claim to be multi-racial and it carry almost no baggages unlike PAS and DAP. But for it to move forward it need to be more disciplined and get tough with the likes of Zulkifli Nordin. But it's going to be tough winning over the diehards from PAS and DAP.
Short of a miracle, BN will still be in power after the 13th GE. Sarawak is almost impregnable. And we have these jokers here trying to kill each other. Do we have a 3rd choice? Parti Anak Bangsa Malaysia? Led by Haris Ibrahim and Raja Petra in exile?
Then Teoh Beng Hock was found dead at the MACC building. Immediately the 3 component parties within PR closed ranks and started their offensive against the Govt. YeS, TBH's death was politicized and rightly so because politics caused his death. If he was not the political aide to Ean Yong, we wouldn't have been called by the MACC. He wouldn't be called if MACC didn;t practise selective prosecution. The investigations by MACC against some of the Selangor PR's ADUNs is nothing more than political persecution. TBH wouldn't have died if not for this blatant political persecution. (Yes, there are people who thinks his boss killed him so as to stop him from implicating him. If I were his boss and I think he was going to implicate me, I would have made sure he doesn't even reach the MACC building alive).
Hardly one month has passed since TBH's death, we have PAS' Hasan Ali calling for Ronnie Liu to go and fly kite over the beer issue. Immediately, Tony Pua issued a press statement condemning Hasan Ali. I think I've mentioned before, all these open squabbles will eventually led to mistrust and ill-will to the point there is no turning back. Do you see any DAP MPs and ADUNs besides Lim Kit Siang present on the streets on 1 August during the anti ISA rally? Maybe I've missed them, but they were not as prominent as during the Bersih rally. And we know that it was PAS that mobilized its members for this rally.
Kit Siang being the veteran politician warned again that PR may just last one term if they keep on fighting openly. And from some of the comments left in some blogs, PR is really in trouble if these commentors follow up with what they said and didn't just said it at the spur of the moment. There are people who condemned PAS and said they will not vote PAS again. Then there are people who condemned DAP and said they will not vote for DAP again.
Sigh. What choice do we have now? PKR? Well, PKR is the only party who can claim to be multi-racial and it carry almost no baggages unlike PAS and DAP. But for it to move forward it need to be more disciplined and get tough with the likes of Zulkifli Nordin. But it's going to be tough winning over the diehards from PAS and DAP.
Short of a miracle, BN will still be in power after the 13th GE. Sarawak is almost impregnable. And we have these jokers here trying to kill each other. Do we have a 3rd choice? Parti Anak Bangsa Malaysia? Led by Haris Ibrahim and Raja Petra in exile?
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
I hope Najib will not die in office like his father
It's not that I like him or think that he is a great leader. Much to the contrary. He will never be forgiven for what he did in Perak. It just that the one who will probably succeed him if he dies in office is much horrible. Yes, I'm talking about Muhyiddin Yassin, the Deputy PM. It just unthinkable for such person to lead Malaysia.
In response to Utusan's highly seditious article, he said that “It is the media’s right to do so, maybe because other parties have started challenging Malay supremacy, Malay rights, Malay rulers, and things that have already been enshrined in the Constitution, definitely the various statements made by those parties cannot be forgotten, and they are more dangerous, the media only responded to the situation,”. And he went on to say he wasn't commenting specifically on the article. I felt like vomiting and stuffing my vomit into his mouth.
I will consider migrating if he ever become the PM.
(If I remember correctly, he was one of the few who thinks a RCI is unnecessary to investigate into the death of Teoh Beng Hock because the police can do the investigations)
In response to Utusan's highly seditious article, he said that “It is the media’s right to do so, maybe because other parties have started challenging Malay supremacy, Malay rights, Malay rulers, and things that have already been enshrined in the Constitution, definitely the various statements made by those parties cannot be forgotten, and they are more dangerous, the media only responded to the situation,”. And he went on to say he wasn't commenting specifically on the article. I felt like vomiting and stuffing my vomit into his mouth.
I will consider migrating if he ever become the PM.
(If I remember correctly, he was one of the few who thinks a RCI is unnecessary to investigate into the death of Teoh Beng Hock because the police can do the investigations)
Monday, August 3, 2009
Terimakasih Makcik
Photo taken from http://sagaladoola.blogspot.com/2009/08/bernama-news-on-losses-due-to-anti-isa.html
I'm sure I can run faster than her. Felt even more ashamed.
The quest for justice truly transcends race, religion and age.
There is yet hope for this beautiful land.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
I am sorry .....
I was not down at the streets yesterday. You can say I sort of 'chicken out' the last minute. It was an event which I looked forward to for a long time. Ever since attending those Anti-Isa candlelight vigils in PJ in a small group and often harassed by the police, I had wished that we would have a massive gathering on the scale of Bersih to tell the Govt that ISA has to go. I stopped attending the vigils after a while because I felt we were not making any impact being hidden in some corner of MBPJ out of the public sight.
So I was glad when GMI announced that they will have a massive gathering at the beginning of the year. It was supposed to be held in March/Apr but was postponed to 1 Aug. And when Pakatan said they would support it I knew it was going to be a success. I trust those guys from PAS Unit Amal to maintain order and ensure the safety of the participants. So I began to encourage some of the people I know to go.
Then, this Pro-Isa group announced that they are also going to gather and march at the same time. And from some of the statements they or their supporters made, got me worried. They seem to be a very irrational lot. No rational people would connect the ISA with race and religion. To me they are either calling a bluff or they are serious and bent on creating havoc and chaos on that day. I know our numbers can overwhelmed them but it doesn't take many to create trouble. It was then that I had second thoughts about going.
As the day approaches, it also dawned on me that I have become very unfit physically. For nearly 2 years I have stopped exercising on a regular basis. I have became obese. More than 35kg above my optimum weight. I don't think I can even run 50 m without collapsing. I can't imagine how I'm going to run when the tear gas and water cannons start to rain. I may be a liability to those who go with me. So after struggling for the whole week, I made a final decision on Saturday morning, not to go.
Reading the news and hearing from my friends who went, I can't help feeling sad for not being part of history. I regret for being unable to share the suffering of being tear gassed with my fellow Malaysians. I feel ashamed for not standing together with thousands of patriotic and brave Malaysians shouting for the abolition of ISA. I salute those senior citizens who may be just as physically unfit like me, and yet was there. They made me feel even more ashamed.
I want to say a big thank you for all those who were there yesterday. You made me proud to be a Malaysian. Btw, in one of the videos I saw a Malay couple each holding a poster of Tan Beng Hock. This is 1Malaysia for me. Not the fake version propogated by Najib.
The ISA will continue to remain as part of our laws as long as BN remains in power. To remove ISA, we need to remove the BN first. So let us start working together towards this end.
Hidup! Hidup! Hidup Rakyat!
Hancur! Hancur! Hancur BN!
Mansuh! Mansuh! Mansuh ISA!
So I was glad when GMI announced that they will have a massive gathering at the beginning of the year. It was supposed to be held in March/Apr but was postponed to 1 Aug. And when Pakatan said they would support it I knew it was going to be a success. I trust those guys from PAS Unit Amal to maintain order and ensure the safety of the participants. So I began to encourage some of the people I know to go.
Then, this Pro-Isa group announced that they are also going to gather and march at the same time. And from some of the statements they or their supporters made, got me worried. They seem to be a very irrational lot. No rational people would connect the ISA with race and religion. To me they are either calling a bluff or they are serious and bent on creating havoc and chaos on that day. I know our numbers can overwhelmed them but it doesn't take many to create trouble. It was then that I had second thoughts about going.
As the day approaches, it also dawned on me that I have become very unfit physically. For nearly 2 years I have stopped exercising on a regular basis. I have became obese. More than 35kg above my optimum weight. I don't think I can even run 50 m without collapsing. I can't imagine how I'm going to run when the tear gas and water cannons start to rain. I may be a liability to those who go with me. So after struggling for the whole week, I made a final decision on Saturday morning, not to go.
Reading the news and hearing from my friends who went, I can't help feeling sad for not being part of history. I regret for being unable to share the suffering of being tear gassed with my fellow Malaysians. I feel ashamed for not standing together with thousands of patriotic and brave Malaysians shouting for the abolition of ISA. I salute those senior citizens who may be just as physically unfit like me, and yet was there. They made me feel even more ashamed.
I want to say a big thank you for all those who were there yesterday. You made me proud to be a Malaysian. Btw, in one of the videos I saw a Malay couple each holding a poster of Tan Beng Hock. This is 1Malaysia for me. Not the fake version propogated by Najib.
The ISA will continue to remain as part of our laws as long as BN remains in power. To remove ISA, we need to remove the BN first. So let us start working together towards this end.
Hidup! Hidup! Hidup Rakyat!
Hancur! Hancur! Hancur BN!
Mansuh! Mansuh! Mansuh ISA!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Don't Politicize Teoh Beng Hock's death?
I'm writing this in response to Haris Ibrahim post (Guan Eng, we're going to hold you to your word but only if ...) and certain people's view that we shouldn't turn Teoh Beng Hock's death into a political issue.
We must not only ask how did Beng Hock died. We must also ask why did he had to die.
We must not only ask how did Beng Hock died. We must also ask why did he had to die.
His death is the proof that Malaysia is a failed nation. This happens when institutions of law and governance are being misused to perpetuate the power of the ruling elites and when the ordinary people no longer trust these institutions.
As much as we want to respect the family wishes, we can’t run away from politicizing it. I don’t think Pakatan need to do very much to score political points. Their opponents are already scoring many own goals.
Leaving aside the question of who actually killed Beng Hock, he would still be alive today if he didn’t walk into the MACC building that day. That came about because of the blatant political persecution of Pakatan’s ADUNs by the MACC.
So I don’t really understand when people say don’t politicize the issue. The whole tragedy is about politics.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
STOP TALKING, START ACTING
This is the title of of RPK's latest article.
And don't forget 1st August 2009
Say No To Inhumane and Immoral Laws
Say No To Inhumane and Immoral Law Enforcement Agencies
And don't forget 1st August 2009
Say No To Inhumane and Immoral Laws
Say No To Inhumane and Immoral Law Enforcement Agencies
Onward Christian soldiers ......
Bro. Goh Keat Peng, is one Christian whom I have deep respect for though he may not know me. Small in stature but a giant in faith. A faith which I believe has been tested time and again through the years of faithful Christian service. I was sad when he stopped writing in his blog a few months ago. Like me, I guess, he was compelled to speak up again over the death of Teoh Beng Hock. He has to take a stand. Go here to read what he has written.
After reading the comments left on his blog, I left my comment too. This is what I wrote:
Reading the 25 preceding comments so far give us a fairly accurate picture of how Malaysians both Christians and non Christians see the Malaysian church and its leadership. And it isn’t a nice picture. What do you expect when not so long ago you have a Christian leader from the evangelical wing telling us Christians to remain apolitical. We should only be concerned with spiritual matters. I have a dream. That is to see on 1st of August pastors and priests in their vestments leading their congregations to the streets to protest against the ISA and to call of its abolition and to free all ISA detainees immediately or charge them in open court. Well this remains a dream. But everything begins with a dream.
We should ask the Lord to lead us into battle. Not with arms or violence. But with courage, love, mercy and justice.
Lead on, O King eternal,
Till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
And holiness shall whisper
The sweet amen of peace.
For not with swords’ loud clashing,
Nor roll of stirring drums;
With deeds of love and mercy
The heavenly kingdom comes
Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done in Malaysia as in heaven.
After reading the comments left on his blog, I left my comment too. This is what I wrote:
Reading the 25 preceding comments so far give us a fairly accurate picture of how Malaysians both Christians and non Christians see the Malaysian church and its leadership. And it isn’t a nice picture. What do you expect when not so long ago you have a Christian leader from the evangelical wing telling us Christians to remain apolitical. We should only be concerned with spiritual matters. I have a dream. That is to see on 1st of August pastors and priests in their vestments leading their congregations to the streets to protest against the ISA and to call of its abolition and to free all ISA detainees immediately or charge them in open court. Well this remains a dream. But everything begins with a dream.
We should ask the Lord to lead us into battle. Not with arms or violence. But with courage, love, mercy and justice.
Lead on, O King eternal,
Till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
And holiness shall whisper
The sweet amen of peace.
For not with swords’ loud clashing,
Nor roll of stirring drums;
With deeds of love and mercy
The heavenly kingdom comes
Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done in Malaysia as in heaven.
Friday, July 17, 2009
I'm angry again. Damn angry.
It's now 1.00am. I'm still roaming cyberspace to read the latest on what happened yesterday to Teo Beng Hock, the political secretary to Ean Yong, one of DAP Selangor State Exco member. He was called by MACC for questioning 2 days ago and was found dead yesterday, fallen to his death at the MACC building. He was supposed to get married today.
My previous post was supposed to be the last. After reading RPK's article on the above incident, I decided to resurrect this blog for the time being. It's not that I treat everything that RPK says as the gospel truth. In fact, there are things that he wrote which I disagreed. But what he wrote about this incident is not inconceivable. It's harder to believe that a mere witness can be subjected to 10 hours of interrogation. If it's true I dare not think of the fate of suspects in the hands of MACC. A case of assault by MACC officers has been highlighted in the press before.
I don't believe the many deaths that happened in police custody in the past were caused by the police with the intention to murder those suspects. But those were murders nonetheless, when through sheer recklessness the suspects were subjected to inhumane interrogation techniques which death is forseeable by a reasonable man.
Should we continue to tolerate these institutions, PDRM, MACC & RELA who uses disproportionate force to achieve their ends without any regard for the sanctity of life? How many more Kugans must die? How many more Beng Hocks must die? How many more nameless migrants/refugees must die? The answer is blowing in the wind? No. The answer depends on what we, the rakyat, the taxpayers who feed these institutions will do to them. I don't have the answer right now. But you can bet your last cent that I'll not rest nor be silent.
My previous post was supposed to be the last. After reading RPK's article on the above incident, I decided to resurrect this blog for the time being. It's not that I treat everything that RPK says as the gospel truth. In fact, there are things that he wrote which I disagreed. But what he wrote about this incident is not inconceivable. It's harder to believe that a mere witness can be subjected to 10 hours of interrogation. If it's true I dare not think of the fate of suspects in the hands of MACC. A case of assault by MACC officers has been highlighted in the press before.
I don't believe the many deaths that happened in police custody in the past were caused by the police with the intention to murder those suspects. But those were murders nonetheless, when through sheer recklessness the suspects were subjected to inhumane interrogation techniques which death is forseeable by a reasonable man.
Should we continue to tolerate these institutions, PDRM, MACC & RELA who uses disproportionate force to achieve their ends without any regard for the sanctity of life? How many more Kugans must die? How many more Beng Hocks must die? How many more nameless migrants/refugees must die? The answer is blowing in the wind? No. The answer depends on what we, the rakyat, the taxpayers who feed these institutions will do to them. I don't have the answer right now. But you can bet your last cent that I'll not rest nor be silent.
Monday, July 13, 2009
101st and Last Post?
After much thought I decided to make this my last post. This blog was started as a reflection on theology, investing and tea, hence tit. Nothing pornographic. A friend tried to find my blog by googling and ended up with links to all the porn sites!
After the events of of 10/11 and 25/11 (Bersih & Hindraf rally), I decided to change the direction of my blog. It became more political. It was the most active during the run up to the last General Election. I endorsed 2 candidates, Tony Pua for PJ Utara & Edward Lee for Bukit Gasing. Maybe because of that my blog was listed on one of the websites on the election as a socio-political blog.
Well after the euphoria of 8 March, I slowed down to about only 5/6 postings a month until the coup d'etat in Perak. The situation in Perak remains unresolved. Najib has completed 100 days in office with much fanfare (a great PR exercise - nothing but a PR exercise).
On the eve of the by-election in Kelantan, Pakatan is again fighting among themselves in Selangor after Penang and Kedah. Some may think it's good to fight openly in the name of transparency and openness. But from the way how some people attacked some people, I'll be surprised there will not be any bitterness even after they kissed and made up. How many times can people kissed and made up without doing irreparable damage to the relationship. There should be mutual respect. Frankly, if this go on, there will not be any Pakatan Rakyat comes the next GE.
I'm a lot less angry now compared to those days at the end of 2007. Maybe that's why the motivation to write is no longer there. That doesn't mean I will become apathetic about politics. I will find other avenues to be involved and engaged politically. I guess many have become disillusioned since 8 March. Most of the politicians we voted in didn't meet our expectations. But to revert to the pre 8 March 2008 political landscape is to condemn our future generations to the bondage of racism, religious extremism, corruption and to living in a failed nation.
Well, I would like to thank all who bother to take time to read what I wrote and especially the faithful few. I also know of at least 3 persons who put this blog on their blogroll.(There may be more). Thank you. Well, this blog may be resurrected if the Perak State Assembly is dissolved or at the next GE. That's the reason for the question mark at the end of title to this post.
Shalom
After the events of of 10/11 and 25/11 (Bersih & Hindraf rally), I decided to change the direction of my blog. It became more political. It was the most active during the run up to the last General Election. I endorsed 2 candidates, Tony Pua for PJ Utara & Edward Lee for Bukit Gasing. Maybe because of that my blog was listed on one of the websites on the election as a socio-political blog.
Well after the euphoria of 8 March, I slowed down to about only 5/6 postings a month until the coup d'etat in Perak. The situation in Perak remains unresolved. Najib has completed 100 days in office with much fanfare (a great PR exercise - nothing but a PR exercise).
On the eve of the by-election in Kelantan, Pakatan is again fighting among themselves in Selangor after Penang and Kedah. Some may think it's good to fight openly in the name of transparency and openness. But from the way how some people attacked some people, I'll be surprised there will not be any bitterness even after they kissed and made up. How many times can people kissed and made up without doing irreparable damage to the relationship. There should be mutual respect. Frankly, if this go on, there will not be any Pakatan Rakyat comes the next GE.
I'm a lot less angry now compared to those days at the end of 2007. Maybe that's why the motivation to write is no longer there. That doesn't mean I will become apathetic about politics. I will find other avenues to be involved and engaged politically. I guess many have become disillusioned since 8 March. Most of the politicians we voted in didn't meet our expectations. But to revert to the pre 8 March 2008 political landscape is to condemn our future generations to the bondage of racism, religious extremism, corruption and to living in a failed nation.
Well, I would like to thank all who bother to take time to read what I wrote and especially the faithful few. I also know of at least 3 persons who put this blog on their blogroll.(There may be more). Thank you. Well, this blog may be resurrected if the Perak State Assembly is dissolved or at the next GE. That's the reason for the question mark at the end of title to this post.
Shalom
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
100th Post
I haven't posted anything for more than a month after my 99th post. Both busy with my part time theological studies and lack of inspiration. I'm still busy and am not inspired. Can't even think of a suitable title for this post. But I told myself I just need to write something. Otherwise this blog will die a natural death.
I'm thinking of reverting to just writing about what I intended to write at the outset when this blog was first started i.e. theology, investing and tea. Forget about politics. I'm really disappointed at what is happening to Pakatan Rakyat. I'm not even sure if PR will survive before the next GE at the rate things are going.
Just earlier today, we have PAS Youth intending to hold 'intellectual discourse' with UMNO Youth, what ever that is. This came just days after the party rejected any unity talks with UMNO and reiterated its commitment to PR. Hey, we are not stupid, PAS! Then Hadi Awang said it is not the right time remove the Bumiputera quota. Whatever happened to Anwar's new economic agenda then? Now, I read that DAP Kedah rightly or wrongly has quit the Pakatan government in Kedah. What 's next?
I received an email yesterday to attend the so called 100,000 Pakatan Rakyat mammoth rally in Kelana Jaya stadium. I decided not to go as I know it's nothing but just another round of BN/UMNO bashing. I was right. Only 4,000 turned up despite the presence of PR's big guns. They just need to take the cue that the rakyat is fed up. We don't need any more speeches demonizing BN/UMNO anymore. That they are demons all of us know already. What we want to hear are your plans and programmes for the States under PR and what you will do when you come into power. I think people are tired of telling you to form a shadow cabinet. Shadow commitees are not good enough. Even that, we have not heard of them anymore. As the days go by PR is certainly not becoming a government in waiting. It may not last beyond Anwar.
It sounds like I'm fed up with politics. No, I'm just fed up with politicians. We cannot be afford to be apolitical. In fact, I'm seriously considering joining a political party. It's easy to sit behind a laptop to give my views. But there is a price to be paid for getting involved directly, to get your hands dirtied. Despite my present feelings for some politicians, I still salute some of them for willing to put their liberty on the line for their political beliefs and in order to serve the nation.
I'm thinking of reverting to just writing about what I intended to write at the outset when this blog was first started i.e. theology, investing and tea. Forget about politics. I'm really disappointed at what is happening to Pakatan Rakyat. I'm not even sure if PR will survive before the next GE at the rate things are going.
Just earlier today, we have PAS Youth intending to hold 'intellectual discourse' with UMNO Youth, what ever that is. This came just days after the party rejected any unity talks with UMNO and reiterated its commitment to PR. Hey, we are not stupid, PAS! Then Hadi Awang said it is not the right time remove the Bumiputera quota. Whatever happened to Anwar's new economic agenda then? Now, I read that DAP Kedah rightly or wrongly has quit the Pakatan government in Kedah. What 's next?
I received an email yesterday to attend the so called 100,000 Pakatan Rakyat mammoth rally in Kelana Jaya stadium. I decided not to go as I know it's nothing but just another round of BN/UMNO bashing. I was right. Only 4,000 turned up despite the presence of PR's big guns. They just need to take the cue that the rakyat is fed up. We don't need any more speeches demonizing BN/UMNO anymore. That they are demons all of us know already. What we want to hear are your plans and programmes for the States under PR and what you will do when you come into power. I think people are tired of telling you to form a shadow cabinet. Shadow commitees are not good enough. Even that, we have not heard of them anymore. As the days go by PR is certainly not becoming a government in waiting. It may not last beyond Anwar.
It sounds like I'm fed up with politics. No, I'm just fed up with politicians. We cannot be afford to be apolitical. In fact, I'm seriously considering joining a political party. It's easy to sit behind a laptop to give my views. But there is a price to be paid for getting involved directly, to get your hands dirtied. Despite my present feelings for some politicians, I still salute some of them for willing to put their liberty on the line for their political beliefs and in order to serve the nation.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
God's Chosen Fast
Isaiah 58:6 - Is this not the fast that I chose;
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
It's now lunch time. I'm skipping lunch in order to be in solidarity with those who were arrested this morning and are now undergoing a hunger strike in Perak. Earlier Pakatan Rakyat in Perak has planned for a 3 day fast/hunger strike to from today onwards to protest against the illegal power grab in Perak and to plead for the Sultan to dissolve the State Assembly. Earlier this morning 5 workers from an event management company who were supposed to organize the launch of the hunger strike were arrested. Subsequently more were arrested including 8 elected representatives when they tried to walk from the DAP office to the High Court to file a suit.
The events of the past 2 weeks where hundreds were arrested from wearing black to lighting candles confirms beyond the shadow of doubt that the police has become a tool of political intimidation and oppression. It has ceased function as an unbiased law enforcement agency. It has ceased to respect the supreme law of the land i.e. the Constitution. Whilst we live in fear of criminals, the police utilizing their resources to quell political dissent.
We are not very far off from becoming a totalitarian country. What can we do? We can fast physically and during our fast to pray to God for our country. But as the above biblical text shows, we need to move beyond the normal fast. We must think of how to "loose the bonds of wickedness" and to "undo the straps of the yoke". How do we set the oppressed free? How do we break every yoke? How do we follow God's chosen fast?
It's time to think creatively. Time to be as shrewd as serpents and harmless as doves.
The events of the past 2 weeks where hundreds were arrested from wearing black to lighting candles confirms beyond the shadow of doubt that the police has become a tool of political intimidation and oppression. It has ceased function as an unbiased law enforcement agency. It has ceased to respect the supreme law of the land i.e. the Constitution. Whilst we live in fear of criminals, the police utilizing their resources to quell political dissent.
We are not very far off from becoming a totalitarian country. What can we do? We can fast physically and during our fast to pray to God for our country. But as the above biblical text shows, we need to move beyond the normal fast. We must think of how to "loose the bonds of wickedness" and to "undo the straps of the yoke". How do we set the oppressed free? How do we break every yoke? How do we follow God's chosen fast?
It's time to think creatively. Time to be as shrewd as serpents and harmless as doves.
Friday, May 22, 2009
NH Chan, a judge from a bygone era
I was at the 13th May Forum organized by the DAP last week. As one speaker commented, it was not really a forum, but more like a political rally. It was not the first and I'm sure it will not be the last that DAP are going to organized these s0-called 'public forums' turned political rallies. Maybe to them both are the same. Well, they are not. It's also not fair to the invited speakers.
I'm not sure what was told to NH Chan, when they invited him to speak? Did they tell him that he is going to be given 10 minutes only? I'm sure they didn't. He came with a speech nicely typed out and read it word for word, like pronouncing a judgment. He only knew he was given 10 minutes when the moderator started the forum and he was the first speaker. He knew there was no way he could finished the speech in 10 minutes but he soldiered on. Alas, he was literally clapped off the stage by an impatient audience who were more used to political rhetorics than a judge's reasoned judgment. I felt very sorry for him.
It was a well written piece as with all his past writings. It was the way he wrote his judgments. Peppering it with legal stories and anecdotes from the past and quoting from great judges like Lord Denning. But it's not something that an audience who are hungry for fireworks will tolerate for more than 10 minutes.
A written judgment can be a literary work of art, a masterpiece. But alas, now our appellate judges who are tasked with the formation of our law and jurisprudence are now shying away from writing judgments. Maybe it's not surprising, because I think they themselves find it difficult to give reasons to justify some of their blatantly flawed decisions.
Thank you Justice Chan for pronouncing judgments on all who made a mockery of our justice system. If only we have more judges like you. Sigh...
I'm not sure what was told to NH Chan, when they invited him to speak? Did they tell him that he is going to be given 10 minutes only? I'm sure they didn't. He came with a speech nicely typed out and read it word for word, like pronouncing a judgment. He only knew he was given 10 minutes when the moderator started the forum and he was the first speaker. He knew there was no way he could finished the speech in 10 minutes but he soldiered on. Alas, he was literally clapped off the stage by an impatient audience who were more used to political rhetorics than a judge's reasoned judgment. I felt very sorry for him.
It was a well written piece as with all his past writings. It was the way he wrote his judgments. Peppering it with legal stories and anecdotes from the past and quoting from great judges like Lord Denning. But it's not something that an audience who are hungry for fireworks will tolerate for more than 10 minutes.
A written judgment can be a literary work of art, a masterpiece. But alas, now our appellate judges who are tasked with the formation of our law and jurisprudence are now shying away from writing judgments. Maybe it's not surprising, because I think they themselves find it difficult to give reasons to justify some of their blatantly flawed decisions.
Thank you Justice Chan for pronouncing judgments on all who made a mockery of our justice system. If only we have more judges like you. Sigh...
Sunday, May 17, 2009
How much is our Federal and State Constitutions worth?
Not much going by what is happening lately. They are probably worth less than the paper that they are printed on. I'm not sure how much you can sell them to the guy who shouts "Old newspaper"?
Provisions in the State Constitution can be ignored to appoint an illegal MB. Clear provision in the same Constitution can also be ignored by our highest court resulting in the mockery of the concept of separation of powers. This fiction of separation of powers has now become a fact. The fact that there is no separation of powers.
Now provisions in the Federal Constitution which seek to protect civil liberties were blatantly violated by the police and tacitly approved and condoned by the Government. The latest response from Minister in the PM's Dept, Nazri is to put the blame on the victims. If lawyers can be arrested for trying to act for their clients, what other fundamental liberties still remain sacred in the eyes of the police and Government?
Mr. IGP, you want to maintain public security? Can I tell you public security is as much as a fiction as the concept of separation of powers? We are afraid for our family members and ourselves falling victims to snatch thieves who often not only snatched away our possessions but our lives as well. We are afraid of Mat Rempits. We are afraid of break-ins by armed robbers. We are afraid of serial rapists. So don't give me this crap about maintaining public security as a pretext for violating our rights.
I wonder why I'm still paying income tax? I guess rendering to Caesar what belongs to Caesar still stands. But we will need to change Caesar.
Provisions in the State Constitution can be ignored to appoint an illegal MB. Clear provision in the same Constitution can also be ignored by our highest court resulting in the mockery of the concept of separation of powers. This fiction of separation of powers has now become a fact. The fact that there is no separation of powers.
Now provisions in the Federal Constitution which seek to protect civil liberties were blatantly violated by the police and tacitly approved and condoned by the Government. The latest response from Minister in the PM's Dept, Nazri is to put the blame on the victims. If lawyers can be arrested for trying to act for their clients, what other fundamental liberties still remain sacred in the eyes of the police and Government?
Mr. IGP, you want to maintain public security? Can I tell you public security is as much as a fiction as the concept of separation of powers? We are afraid for our family members and ourselves falling victims to snatch thieves who often not only snatched away our possessions but our lives as well. We are afraid of Mat Rempits. We are afraid of break-ins by armed robbers. We are afraid of serial rapists. So don't give me this crap about maintaining public security as a pretext for violating our rights.
I wonder why I'm still paying income tax? I guess rendering to Caesar what belongs to Caesar still stands. But we will need to change Caesar.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
I ain't celebrating yet
Yes. Nizar has been declared as the legitimate MB of Perak. I know many were surprised with the decision. This only goes to show how low our Judiciary has sunk. Any decision for the BN is expected. Any decision against the Government or BN is a surprise. It shouldn't be a surprise as the judge is merely following the law and precedents which were laid down.
Anyway, I will not celebrate until Nizar manages to get the Sultan to dissolve the DUN. Otherwise, things will get murkier, even now with talks of BN trying to convene an emergency sitting of the state assembly to pass a vote of no confidence.
If the Sultan were to agree to the dissolution of the state assembly, I will erase from my mind all those thoughts I have for him and his son since Feb 5. We are all humans and make mistakes. However, we should be humble enough to rectify our mistakes. If the Sultan agrees, then he will still remain in my heart and mind as a wise ruler that all Perakians are fortunate to have.
But I don't think it will happen. He will probably ask the parties to convene an emergency sitting of the state assembly to decide who has the majority. Well, I hope I'm wrong.
Anyway, today's decision is a moral victory and another slap on the face for all those involved in this coup d'etat.
KEMBALIKAN HAK KEPADA RAKYAT!
Anyway, I will not celebrate until Nizar manages to get the Sultan to dissolve the DUN. Otherwise, things will get murkier, even now with talks of BN trying to convene an emergency sitting of the state assembly to pass a vote of no confidence.
If the Sultan were to agree to the dissolution of the state assembly, I will erase from my mind all those thoughts I have for him and his son since Feb 5. We are all humans and make mistakes. However, we should be humble enough to rectify our mistakes. If the Sultan agrees, then he will still remain in my heart and mind as a wise ruler that all Perakians are fortunate to have.
But I don't think it will happen. He will probably ask the parties to convene an emergency sitting of the state assembly to decide who has the majority. Well, I hope I'm wrong.
Anyway, today's decision is a moral victory and another slap on the face for all those involved in this coup d'etat.
KEMBALIKAN HAK KEPADA RAKYAT!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Storming the Bastille?
When I first read RPK's article urging people to gather in Ipoh yesterday and to "storm the Bastille", I knew it was a futile attempt. Malaysia is not France few centuries ago. Although I'm a Perakian and I'm totally disgusted over the illegal power grab in Perak, I was not ready to "storm the Bastille". The most I did was to wear black and to urge those whom I know to do the same.
RPK for all the following that he has, will not be able to muster one thousand of his readers to his side. This was shown during his detention under the ISA. How many actually attended those candlelight vigils? I'm proud to say I attended but gave up after a few rounds because they were just not creating enough impact with a handful of us and exposed us to the brutality of the police. Most of Malaysia Today's readers are educated middle class people who are "kiasi" and will not risk it to participate in this kind of activities. They may rant and scream at the Government, but storming the Bastille? You must be joking.
RPK was disappointed with the turnout of PR's supporters yesterday but this morning he wrote another article espousing another perspective. And I think he is right. PR just cannot afford to go head on with the government right now. Anwar should now better than that. Remember how he mobilized the masses during the height of the Reformasi movement? All they need to do was to go after him and the movement just fizzled out. Look at what they did to Mat Sabu when he tried to call PAS suuporters to congregate in Manjoi for morning prayers.
The images of how the Sivakumar was dragged out from the State Assembly must surely have won over a number of fence sitters and made those who were disgusted more disgusted that they will do everything possible to see the demise of the BN led government in the next GE.
Isn't it better to wait for Bastille to crumble than to storm it? Yes, go ahead and arrest more people for wearing black or lighting candles. Please do us the favour.
RPK for all the following that he has, will not be able to muster one thousand of his readers to his side. This was shown during his detention under the ISA. How many actually attended those candlelight vigils? I'm proud to say I attended but gave up after a few rounds because they were just not creating enough impact with a handful of us and exposed us to the brutality of the police. Most of Malaysia Today's readers are educated middle class people who are "kiasi" and will not risk it to participate in this kind of activities. They may rant and scream at the Government, but storming the Bastille? You must be joking.
RPK was disappointed with the turnout of PR's supporters yesterday but this morning he wrote another article espousing another perspective. And I think he is right. PR just cannot afford to go head on with the government right now. Anwar should now better than that. Remember how he mobilized the masses during the height of the Reformasi movement? All they need to do was to go after him and the movement just fizzled out. Look at what they did to Mat Sabu when he tried to call PAS suuporters to congregate in Manjoi for morning prayers.
The images of how the Sivakumar was dragged out from the State Assembly must surely have won over a number of fence sitters and made those who were disgusted more disgusted that they will do everything possible to see the demise of the BN led government in the next GE.
Isn't it better to wait for Bastille to crumble than to storm it? Yes, go ahead and arrest more people for wearing black or lighting candles. Please do us the favour.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Day of Infamy (Updated with Photos)
(You are not going to see these in the MSM tomorrow)It's another not so productive day. I was glued to my PC witnessing the events in Perak as they unfolded. Tribute must certainly be paid to Anil Netto with his live reporting from ground zero. What I and many have witnessed today was an attempt to dismantle the democratic institutions in this country and turn this country into a pariah regime where there is no rule of law but only rule by brute power and force.
We may be the only country in the Commonwealth that has the distinction of seeing a Speaker from a state legislature being forcibly removed from his chair in a literal sense and dragged out from the assembly. We are the only country that hold elections and yet bar its citizens from the place where the people representatives who were duly elected by the citizens meet to conduct their business.
In the midst of all these distressing events, I read of a restaurant owner who refused to close his shop when instructed to by the police unless he is being compensated. The police gave up and even buy drinks from him. Yes, reading this story of courage gives me hope to see a better Malaysia. We shall not be cowed.
As suggested by P. Ramakrishnan, let "Remember Perak - Remember the injustice" be our rallying cry. Henceforth, it will be Black Thursday for me every week until the BN government is no more.
1Malaysia? Ptui!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
BLACK IT IS! - 7 May
I just went and bought a black shirt as I was not satisfied with my only other black shirt which has some white stripes over it. My new one is completely black. Yes, 1Black Malaysia.
Just read the news that Wong Chin Huat, the spokeperson for Bersih who launched the 1Black Malaysia campaign this morning was arrested for sedition tonight. That is the latest indication that Malaysia is getting blacker by the day.
I think this should not be an one off event, but designate a working day in a week for wearing black until the Perak State Assembly is dissolved and the people's rights are restored through an election to choose a new state government.
Let's all be seditious on 7th of May. Since asking people to wear black is considered seditious, responding to the call by wearing black must also be seditious.
Just read the news that Wong Chin Huat, the spokeperson for Bersih who launched the 1Black Malaysia campaign this morning was arrested for sedition tonight. That is the latest indication that Malaysia is getting blacker by the day.
I think this should not be an one off event, but designate a working day in a week for wearing black until the Perak State Assembly is dissolved and the people's rights are restored through an election to choose a new state government.
Let's all be seditious on 7th of May. Since asking people to wear black is considered seditious, responding to the call by wearing black must also be seditious.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Fight on RPK!
When RPK decided to starve to death if he was going to get thrown into Kamunting again after losing in the Federal Court, I thought it was a stupid decision. Leaving aside the ethical issue of suicide, I don't see how his death will accomplish anything. He doesn't have enough fanatical following who can organize mass protests to bring down the government. The few who were ready to do the same with him were equally misguided. The BN led government will be elated if they are gone.
So I was happy to know that he has now gone into exile so that they can't put him away for good. Instead of dying, he has decided to fight another day. Continue to be a source of irritation to Najib and his government. Continue to be the conscience of the rakyat. Continue to write on issues that only he dares to write.
RPK, wherever you may be, stay safe. We will eagerly await your return when the BN led government is no more. Till then, keep on writing.
So I was happy to know that he has now gone into exile so that they can't put him away for good. Instead of dying, he has decided to fight another day. Continue to be a source of irritation to Najib and his government. Continue to be the conscience of the rakyat. Continue to write on issues that only he dares to write.
RPK, wherever you may be, stay safe. We will eagerly await your return when the BN led government is no more. Till then, keep on writing.
Friday, April 10, 2009
In My Place Condemned He Stood
Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Bearing shame and scoffing rude
In my place condemned He stood
Sealed my pardon with His blood
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Guilty, vile and helpless we
Spotless Lamb of God was He
Full atonement can it be?
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Lifted up was He to die
It is finished was His cry
Now in heav'n exalted high
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
When He comes, our glorious King
All His ransomed home to bring
Then anew this song we'll sing
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Philip Bliss
There is therefore now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)
For the Son of God who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Bearing shame and scoffing rude
In my place condemned He stood
Sealed my pardon with His blood
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Guilty, vile and helpless we
Spotless Lamb of God was He
Full atonement can it be?
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Lifted up was He to die
It is finished was His cry
Now in heav'n exalted high
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
When He comes, our glorious King
All His ransomed home to bring
Then anew this song we'll sing
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Philip Bliss
There is therefore now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Rice Bowl is no longer our god
As I read of the overwhelming support given by the Chinese in Bukit Gantang to Nizar during the by-election campaign, I kept wondering whether it will translate into votes. After all, the Chinese were also very supportive of the Pas candidate in Kuala Trengganu by-election a few months back, but that didn't really translate into votes. Of course, various reasons were given. But I cannot help but to conclude that, their (Chinese) rice bowls became the paramount consideration when they voted.
To the Chinese, the rice bowl is sacred. As long as we can 'cari makan'(earn a living), we will not want to 'kacau' (disturb). But woe to those who take away our rice bowls. In fact, the Chinese word for 'rice' is made up of the radical for 'rice' and the word 'rebel' or 'rebellion'. So when the radical 'rice' is removed, all that remains is the word 'rebel' or 'rebellion'. Throughout Chinese history, peasants uprisings were common phenomena. Peasants who literally no longer have anything to eat. Any emperor who took away the rice bowls of the common folks will no longer have the mandate from Heaven to rule.
Well, coming back to Bukit Gantang, I was worried that the same thing could happened. In an earlier post, I mentioned that my friend told me that there were businessmen from Batu Gajah who want PR to give up on its claim to the state government as the political instability is taking a toll on their businesses. Well, I must apologize to the Chinese folks in Bukit Gantang to have second guessed them. I salute all of you for standing up to what is right despite the threats made to your livelihood. (Read about Kuala Sepetang fishermen being harassed here).
Recently, my brother-in-law who has applied to become a Singapore citizen told me that there are more and more Malaysians Chinese giving up their Malaysian citizenship to become Singapore citizens. The waiting period for approval has now stretched to almost 5 months from a few weeks previously. I was really disheartened. Yes, things may not look promising and I'm not even sure when we are going to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But last night we have seen light shining from the two hills. Malaysia is just too valuable for us to turn our backs on as I echoed Zaid Ibrahim. Stay back, stay put.
Remove the rice bowl from the altar of your heart. Continue to fight for a land that will not only flow with milk and honey but justice and righteousness as well.
To the Chinese, the rice bowl is sacred. As long as we can 'cari makan'(earn a living), we will not want to 'kacau' (disturb). But woe to those who take away our rice bowls. In fact, the Chinese word for 'rice' is made up of the radical for 'rice' and the word 'rebel' or 'rebellion'. So when the radical 'rice' is removed, all that remains is the word 'rebel' or 'rebellion'. Throughout Chinese history, peasants uprisings were common phenomena. Peasants who literally no longer have anything to eat. Any emperor who took away the rice bowls of the common folks will no longer have the mandate from Heaven to rule.
Well, coming back to Bukit Gantang, I was worried that the same thing could happened. In an earlier post, I mentioned that my friend told me that there were businessmen from Batu Gajah who want PR to give up on its claim to the state government as the political instability is taking a toll on their businesses. Well, I must apologize to the Chinese folks in Bukit Gantang to have second guessed them. I salute all of you for standing up to what is right despite the threats made to your livelihood. (Read about Kuala Sepetang fishermen being harassed here).
Recently, my brother-in-law who has applied to become a Singapore citizen told me that there are more and more Malaysians Chinese giving up their Malaysian citizenship to become Singapore citizens. The waiting period for approval has now stretched to almost 5 months from a few weeks previously. I was really disheartened. Yes, things may not look promising and I'm not even sure when we are going to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But last night we have seen light shining from the two hills. Malaysia is just too valuable for us to turn our backs on as I echoed Zaid Ibrahim. Stay back, stay put.
Remove the rice bowl from the altar of your heart. Continue to fight for a land that will not only flow with milk and honey but justice and righteousness as well.
Friday, April 3, 2009
A Prime Minister who is devoid of moral authority
Today we witnessed the swearing in our nation's sixth Prime Minister. 81 MPs and 5673 Malaysians don't want Najib. That's the sarcastic headline of Rocky Bru's post today. Yes, I believe the petition initiated by Haris Ibrahim has failed but I'm proud to be part of that failed effort and I thank Haris for his unwavering effort in realizing the idea of 'Anak Bangsa Malaysia' where all of us a treated as equal irespective of race, religion and economic status.
Najib may now be the PM and all the legal authority of a PM is vested in him. But as long as he has not cleared his name on all those allegations thrown at him, he has no moral authority to take on the highest post of governance in this country. I do not expect him to prove that he is innocent as it's trite law that the burden of proof falls on those who alleged (of course, this has not always been the case, re Anwar Ibrahim's 1st sodomy case), the very least he can do is to sue all those who have cast aspersions on his character. So far he has not done so.
Well, whatever doubt I may have about Najib is confirmed by what happened in Perak. Here we witnessed someone who has no qualms in robbing the rakyat of their constituional rights and using all the machinery of the state to ensure that those rights continue to be suppressed and violated. His oath in protecting the Constitution this morning means nothing.
One Malaysia? After all the racial venom that were spewed during the just concluded UMNO General Assembly? Read what Liew Chin Tong's take on this here.
Hopefully he will be the last PM from BN/UMNO.
Najib may now be the PM and all the legal authority of a PM is vested in him. But as long as he has not cleared his name on all those allegations thrown at him, he has no moral authority to take on the highest post of governance in this country. I do not expect him to prove that he is innocent as it's trite law that the burden of proof falls on those who alleged (of course, this has not always been the case, re Anwar Ibrahim's 1st sodomy case), the very least he can do is to sue all those who have cast aspersions on his character. So far he has not done so.
Well, whatever doubt I may have about Najib is confirmed by what happened in Perak. Here we witnessed someone who has no qualms in robbing the rakyat of their constituional rights and using all the machinery of the state to ensure that those rights continue to be suppressed and violated. His oath in protecting the Constitution this morning means nothing.
One Malaysia? After all the racial venom that were spewed during the just concluded UMNO General Assembly? Read what Liew Chin Tong's take on this here.
Hopefully he will be the last PM from BN/UMNO.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The bane of emails
Recently I witnessed a seemingly acrimonious exchange of emails between 2 persons within a google group which I'm part of. None of us in the group intervened until things cooled off with the one who started it asking the other to buy him 2 glasses of teh tarik.
Whilst I think google groups or yahoo groups do facilitate communication, I doubt they can replace face to face communication over a glass of teh tarik. We are all the poorer if they do. In fact, sometimes it may lead to misunderstanding. All we can read are words. We cannot hear the tone of the voice of the sender, neither can we observe his/her body language. Often, I think because of the instantaneous nature of this mode of communication, we tend to react instantaneously too i.e. there is not much reflection when we hit the keyboard.
I still remember I used to spend almost half the day writing 5 pages letters to my friends. I've stopped doing that and I wonder how many of us still write letters to friends and family members who are away. Emails are more convenient. If that isn't enough, there is always sms. I think in time to come, biographers will find it extremely difficult to write biographies of people due to the lack or complete absence of snail mail correspondence.
Perhaps we may need to 'fast' from emails. Normally I do not check my office emails after going home and during the weekends. Maybe I should extend this to my personal emails also. The problem I foresee with an extended 'fast' will be when you break fast you will be inundated with hundreds of mails. Well, I guess that's one facet of modern living that we need to live with. Having said that, I wonder how can people live with a Blackberry? I know some people can't live without one.
Well, I think anything that we can't live without will eventually become our god, how wonderful that thing or even person may be. Pascal said, "There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus". Try filling that vacuum with something else, that's idolatry.
Whilst I think google groups or yahoo groups do facilitate communication, I doubt they can replace face to face communication over a glass of teh tarik. We are all the poorer if they do. In fact, sometimes it may lead to misunderstanding. All we can read are words. We cannot hear the tone of the voice of the sender, neither can we observe his/her body language. Often, I think because of the instantaneous nature of this mode of communication, we tend to react instantaneously too i.e. there is not much reflection when we hit the keyboard.
I still remember I used to spend almost half the day writing 5 pages letters to my friends. I've stopped doing that and I wonder how many of us still write letters to friends and family members who are away. Emails are more convenient. If that isn't enough, there is always sms. I think in time to come, biographers will find it extremely difficult to write biographies of people due to the lack or complete absence of snail mail correspondence.
Perhaps we may need to 'fast' from emails. Normally I do not check my office emails after going home and during the weekends. Maybe I should extend this to my personal emails also. The problem I foresee with an extended 'fast' will be when you break fast you will be inundated with hundreds of mails. Well, I guess that's one facet of modern living that we need to live with. Having said that, I wonder how can people live with a Blackberry? I know some people can't live without one.
Well, I think anything that we can't live without will eventually become our god, how wonderful that thing or even person may be. Pascal said, "There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus". Try filling that vacuum with something else, that's idolatry.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Should Pakatan Perak give in?
Today a friend of mine told me that he thinks Pakatan in Perak should just throw in the towel and wait for the next general election. He said this after talking to business people in Batu Gajah who feel the same way because nothing is moving due to the on going crisis. Business people are being affected as nobody dares to make any contractual commitments.
Once again, it seems the rice bowl is more important than anything else. But I'm not sure how pervasive is this view even among the business people in Perak especially among the Chinese. If it is, then it will be rather sad. Often, all the Chinese care for is to 'cari makan'. All else are secondary. From a short term perspective and especially during this trying times of global financial and economic turmoil, it would seem to be a good solution for Pakatan to give up the fight, let BN govern so that business can go on as usual.
But I think it's an illusion that business can go on as usual even Pakatan were to call it a day. This coup has opened up host of constitutional issues that cannot just be swept away and ignored. Constitutional issues do affect everyone of us. It's fallacy to think that they are only relevant to academics and lawyers. They may not have an immediate impact but they will surely impact our next generation.
Secondly, giving up will just embolden BN to continue their plans to bring down all the Pakatan state governments. I'm sure the Third Reich would have lasted much longer had not Churchill galvanised the people to fight on the beaches, to fight on landing grounds, fight on the streets and on the hills and never to surrender. No, we cannot surrender to evil.
I'm confident that Perakians will stay the course and are willing to make sacrifices to stay the course. We should read Raja Petra's article today and be encouraged that there are Malaysians who are willing to go hungry and be impoverished rather than to betray one's principles and the cause of justice
We have come a long way since March last year. There is no turning back. Let's us continue and finish the journey.
Once again, it seems the rice bowl is more important than anything else. But I'm not sure how pervasive is this view even among the business people in Perak especially among the Chinese. If it is, then it will be rather sad. Often, all the Chinese care for is to 'cari makan'. All else are secondary. From a short term perspective and especially during this trying times of global financial and economic turmoil, it would seem to be a good solution for Pakatan to give up the fight, let BN govern so that business can go on as usual.
But I think it's an illusion that business can go on as usual even Pakatan were to call it a day. This coup has opened up host of constitutional issues that cannot just be swept away and ignored. Constitutional issues do affect everyone of us. It's fallacy to think that they are only relevant to academics and lawyers. They may not have an immediate impact but they will surely impact our next generation.
Secondly, giving up will just embolden BN to continue their plans to bring down all the Pakatan state governments. I'm sure the Third Reich would have lasted much longer had not Churchill galvanised the people to fight on the beaches, to fight on landing grounds, fight on the streets and on the hills and never to surrender. No, we cannot surrender to evil.
I'm confident that Perakians will stay the course and are willing to make sacrifices to stay the course. We should read Raja Petra's article today and be encouraged that there are Malaysians who are willing to go hungry and be impoverished rather than to betray one's principles and the cause of justice
We have come a long way since March last year. There is no turning back. Let's us continue and finish the journey.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
How then shall we pray?
"First of all, then I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all who are high in positions, that we may lead quiet and peaceful life, godly and dignified in every way." (1 Tim 2:1-2)
"I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling." (1 Tim 2:8)
Do the above texts teach that we are not to get angry with our leaders but to continue to pray for them no matter how unjust and corrupt they are? That we ought to continue to pray that they will change and govern fairly and justly even when evidences suggest that they will not and cannot be changed?
I'm sure Christians in Malaysia has been praying for its leaders for many many years. We had prayer rallies every Merdeka day to pray specifically for our nation and its leaders. The standard prayer has been that God will grant our leaders the wisdom to govern. This I think is being consistent with the above text.
However, what happens when what we see and experienced is further misgovernance, corruption and oppression? Shall we continue to beg God to change the hearts of our leaders? Must we always obey the authorities since they are instituted/established by God (Romans 13)? Can we not pray for the removal of these corrupted and self-serving leaders? Can we not pray of the dismantling for institutions that oppress the common people?
I think it has been Paul's primary goal to see the spread of the gospel (1 Tim 2:4). So, I wouldn't think he will ask the Christians openly to pray for the removal of the Roman Empire despite its corruption. More so, in the early years, the Roman authorities seem to be ambivalent towards Christianity. Paul would not have wanted to invite the wrath of the Roman Empire which will cause the spread of the gospel to be impeded.
I also think 1 Tim 2:1-2 and 1 Tim 2:8 shouldn't be read together to mean that we should never be angry with those in authority, otherwise it will be difficult to pray for them. The phrase 'pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarelling' (ESV) perhaps envisage the reverse situation in Matt 5:23-24. We shouldn't be angry or have a quarrel/dispute with someone (in particular our Christian brothers/sisters) when we pray. It is something personal between me and that person. It has nothing to do with being angry with injustices that we see being perpetrated by those in authority.
Francis Schaeffer says, "God has ordained the state as a delegated authority; it is not autonomous. The state is an agent of justice, to restrain evil by punishing the wrongdoer, and protect the good of soceity. When it does the reverse, it has no proper authority. It is than a usurped authority and as such it becomes lawless and is a tyranny."(emphasis, author) (A Christian Manifesto). He went on to say that at certain point there is not a right, but the duty, to disobey the state.
If we are not angry when we see injustices, then I think we haven't fully grasped the character of God as revealed to us in the Scriptures. So I believe it is absolutely legitimate to be angry with tyranny and pray for its removal. Malaysia is descending into lawlessness and tyranny unless there is divine intervention.
After reading Zaid Ibrahim's plea to the King this afternoon, I think I know how to pray. I will pray for the King to be given the wisdom and courage in making the appointment of the next PM. This power is vested in him by our Constitution. May God guide him to exercise this power for the sake of the people in Malaysia without fear or favour.
Zaid ended his speech by saying this and I quote.
"I am fighting the temptation to give up for one simple reason: Malaysia and all it represents. This is a blessed country, a country too valuable for us to turn our backs on."
Amen. Let us pray.
(Updated/Note: This post came about after reading a comment made by someone who teaches NT in a seminary, "that we should remain calm as Paul says "We pray for kings and those in authority without anger or clamouring (1 Tim 2) (Note that prayer for the king etc and anger is separated by 6 verses, yet in his comment it's taken together) and if we are angry with our leaders then it's hard to pray for them." This was made in response to my litany of complaints against the present regime in his blog. I'm not providing a link to his blog as I've no permission to do so and so far he has not responded to my counter response)
"I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling." (1 Tim 2:8)
Do the above texts teach that we are not to get angry with our leaders but to continue to pray for them no matter how unjust and corrupt they are? That we ought to continue to pray that they will change and govern fairly and justly even when evidences suggest that they will not and cannot be changed?
I'm sure Christians in Malaysia has been praying for its leaders for many many years. We had prayer rallies every Merdeka day to pray specifically for our nation and its leaders. The standard prayer has been that God will grant our leaders the wisdom to govern. This I think is being consistent with the above text.
However, what happens when what we see and experienced is further misgovernance, corruption and oppression? Shall we continue to beg God to change the hearts of our leaders? Must we always obey the authorities since they are instituted/established by God (Romans 13)? Can we not pray for the removal of these corrupted and self-serving leaders? Can we not pray of the dismantling for institutions that oppress the common people?
I think it has been Paul's primary goal to see the spread of the gospel (1 Tim 2:4). So, I wouldn't think he will ask the Christians openly to pray for the removal of the Roman Empire despite its corruption. More so, in the early years, the Roman authorities seem to be ambivalent towards Christianity. Paul would not have wanted to invite the wrath of the Roman Empire which will cause the spread of the gospel to be impeded.
I also think 1 Tim 2:1-2 and 1 Tim 2:8 shouldn't be read together to mean that we should never be angry with those in authority, otherwise it will be difficult to pray for them. The phrase 'pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarelling' (ESV) perhaps envisage the reverse situation in Matt 5:23-24. We shouldn't be angry or have a quarrel/dispute with someone (in particular our Christian brothers/sisters) when we pray. It is something personal between me and that person. It has nothing to do with being angry with injustices that we see being perpetrated by those in authority.
Francis Schaeffer says, "God has ordained the state as a delegated authority; it is not autonomous. The state is an agent of justice, to restrain evil by punishing the wrongdoer, and protect the good of soceity. When it does the reverse, it has no proper authority. It is than a usurped authority and as such it becomes lawless and is a tyranny."(emphasis, author) (A Christian Manifesto). He went on to say that at certain point there is not a right, but the duty, to disobey the state.
If we are not angry when we see injustices, then I think we haven't fully grasped the character of God as revealed to us in the Scriptures. So I believe it is absolutely legitimate to be angry with tyranny and pray for its removal. Malaysia is descending into lawlessness and tyranny unless there is divine intervention.
After reading Zaid Ibrahim's plea to the King this afternoon, I think I know how to pray. I will pray for the King to be given the wisdom and courage in making the appointment of the next PM. This power is vested in him by our Constitution. May God guide him to exercise this power for the sake of the people in Malaysia without fear or favour.
Zaid ended his speech by saying this and I quote.
"I am fighting the temptation to give up for one simple reason: Malaysia and all it represents. This is a blessed country, a country too valuable for us to turn our backs on."
Amen. Let us pray.
(Updated/Note: This post came about after reading a comment made by someone who teaches NT in a seminary, "that we should remain calm as Paul says "We pray for kings and those in authority without anger or clamouring (1 Tim 2) (Note that prayer for the king etc and anger is separated by 6 verses, yet in his comment it's taken together) and if we are angry with our leaders then it's hard to pray for them." This was made in response to my litany of complaints against the present regime in his blog. I'm not providing a link to his blog as I've no permission to do so and so far he has not responded to my counter response)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
PERAK - A Democracy Smashed, Desecrated and Removed
(Source of Photo : Lim Kit Siang's blog)It's now complete. First they smashed the plaque. Then they desecrated it with black tar. Now it has been removed. Isn't this what they are trying to do to democracy in Perak. Smash it, desecrate it and remove it.
But the spirit of democracy is much alive in the hearts of every Perakian. It doesn't matter if the plaque is gone or even if the tree is gone. These symbols have forever being etched in our minds. The enemies of democracy shall bear the full extent of the wrath of the rakyat.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
PERAK - A Shattered Democracy
(Source of Photos: GoMalaysian)I hope the Pakatan fellas in Perak will leave the shattered and now defaced marble plaque in front of the Tree of Democracy alone. Replacing it with another one will be a futile effort. It will be vandalized in no time. Leave it for posterity to see how democracy in Perak like the the marble plaque has been shattered to pieces and the rights of Perakians like the same plaque are being obliterated.
We can build a monument there after Pakatan retook Perak. For the time being just let it be. I think it's a powerful symbol just like the tree.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
One Year - Come On and Celebrate
It has been a year since Malaysians went to vote and delivered the most crushing blow to BN in the General Election. The euphoria was continued in the Permatang Pauh and Kuala Trengganu by-election. But following KT, this was dampened when Pakatan lost the Perak government to BN through the defection of 3 ADUNs precipating a constituional crisis and is becoming murkier by the day. This latest episode only confirms that the BN governmnent is beyond reform.
As I wrote in my previous post, we are witnessing a failure in our institutions of governance from the police to the judiciary, from the anti corruption agency to the election commision. The doctrine of separation of powers has become a fiction. These all are happening in the face of global economic and financial meltdown. Like a tsunami, all is calm until it hits the shores. And hit the shores, it will and we will be caught wondering why the water has receded.
Though the picture doesn't look pretty, it is still important for us to celebrate. Some may yearn for the good old days of Dr. M but for the majority there is no turning back. The political tsunami one year ago has changed the political landscape. It will never be the same again. What then is there to celebrate?
Celebrate the political maturity of the rakyat.
Celebrate the unshackling of the chain of political patronage.
Celebrate the unity of the 3 major races in the country, Malay, Chinese and Indians for a common purpose in rejecting racial politics.
Celebrate our desire for justice for all.
Come on and Celebrate.
As I wrote in my previous post, we are witnessing a failure in our institutions of governance from the police to the judiciary, from the anti corruption agency to the election commision. The doctrine of separation of powers has become a fiction. These all are happening in the face of global economic and financial meltdown. Like a tsunami, all is calm until it hits the shores. And hit the shores, it will and we will be caught wondering why the water has receded.
Though the picture doesn't look pretty, it is still important for us to celebrate. Some may yearn for the good old days of Dr. M but for the majority there is no turning back. The political tsunami one year ago has changed the political landscape. It will never be the same again. What then is there to celebrate?
Celebrate the political maturity of the rakyat.
Celebrate the unshackling of the chain of political patronage.
Celebrate the unity of the 3 major races in the country, Malay, Chinese and Indians for a common purpose in rejecting racial politics.
Celebrate our desire for justice for all.
Come on and Celebrate.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Institutional Failure
When I first read about the 2nd post-mortem report on Kugan, a surge of anger just overwhelmed me. All along we suspected he was beaten to death in police custody. But when one read the details of those injuries that were inflicted on Kugan, you must be wondering whether those responsible are humans. I have to conclude that they are not. Neither are their bosses, the IGP and CPO of Selangor.
PDRM is no longer a functioning law enforcement institution. I think it ceased to become one much earlier when the ex-IGP Rahim Noor nearly whacked the life out of Anwar Ibrahim. It has now become a political tool of the UNMO led government and to some extent a legalized gangster outfit. Of course, I believe there are still God fearing and righteous policemen and women in PDRM who will now carry on their duties in shame.
PDRM is not the only institution that has failed. We are witnessing a systemic institutional failure of governance in the country. The judiciary has also failed. We had judgments that are so wrong and any lay person can even agree that it was wrong. How can you force a litigant to engage a lawyer who is acting for the other side? That is what it amounts to when the Judicial Commisioner decides that the Perak Speaker can only be represented by the State Legal Advisor who is already representing the illegal MB of Perak and who is the one suing the Speaker. It just boogles the mind. Tommy Thomas is right to ask to be excused from the judge's chambers the other day. This learned lawyer must have felt totally disgusted and can't stand another minute in such chamber of injustice.
Then, we have the MACC, the anti corruption agency which is now being used to harass politicians on the opposite side. The Election Commission, the civil service ......The army? When the crunch comes, I wonder whether they will listen to their Commander-in-Chief? I hope RPK is not wrong.
PDRM is no longer a functioning law enforcement institution. I think it ceased to become one much earlier when the ex-IGP Rahim Noor nearly whacked the life out of Anwar Ibrahim. It has now become a political tool of the UNMO led government and to some extent a legalized gangster outfit. Of course, I believe there are still God fearing and righteous policemen and women in PDRM who will now carry on their duties in shame.
PDRM is not the only institution that has failed. We are witnessing a systemic institutional failure of governance in the country. The judiciary has also failed. We had judgments that are so wrong and any lay person can even agree that it was wrong. How can you force a litigant to engage a lawyer who is acting for the other side? That is what it amounts to when the Judicial Commisioner decides that the Perak Speaker can only be represented by the State Legal Advisor who is already representing the illegal MB of Perak and who is the one suing the Speaker. It just boogles the mind. Tommy Thomas is right to ask to be excused from the judge's chambers the other day. This learned lawyer must have felt totally disgusted and can't stand another minute in such chamber of injustice.
Then, we have the MACC, the anti corruption agency which is now being used to harass politicians on the opposite side. The Election Commission, the civil service ......The army? When the crunch comes, I wonder whether they will listen to their Commander-in-Chief? I hope RPK is not wrong.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
What is there to say anymore?
Under a tree, assembly votes for fresh polls
Speaker's lawyers removed
Court declares assembly illegal
The 3 above reports taken from the Malaysian Insider just show how low our country has sank. Nearly all our institutions have become the tools of the UMNO led government to use to cling on to powers.
I'm sure the 'Pokok Demokrasi' was weeping silently this morning even as our valiant assemblymen from Pakatan Rakyat stood beneath her to discharge their duties.
Yes. What is there to say anymore?
Speaker's lawyers removed
Court declares assembly illegal
The 3 above reports taken from the Malaysian Insider just show how low our country has sank. Nearly all our institutions have become the tools of the UMNO led government to use to cling on to powers.
I'm sure the 'Pokok Demokrasi' was weeping silently this morning even as our valiant assemblymen from Pakatan Rakyat stood beneath her to discharge their duties.
Yes. What is there to say anymore?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Unity Government?
It was reported by the Malaysian Insider that PAS' president Hadi Awang has called for a unity government in view of the economic crisis. He admitted that the idea was floated even last March when PAS tries to form the state government in Selangor with BN.
To me the idea is so repulsive and repugnant in light of what has happened in Perak where UMNO led BN brought down the PAS led state government in the most undemocratic way. Now to even suggest such an idea of unity government with BN is nothing short of suggesting to sleep with the devil.
Can't he (Hadi Awang) sees that the UMNO led government is turning into a Mafia government? We have the Mafia bosses at the top and their "ma cai"/samsengs in the form of UMNO Youth at the bottom. Didn't he see what happened in Parliament yesterday? A disabled person was mobbed by a bunch of samsengs. Doesn't he realize that efforts are being made to bring down the Selangor and Kedah government through ADUNs buying and/or criminal persecution of the state leaders, and even the gross invasion of a person's privacy. Does Islam condone all these, Hadi Awang? Or the prosperity of the nation comes first?
Hadi Awang should either resign as the PAS president together with all those who share the same idea with him and join UNMO or take the either PAS party out from Pakatan Rakyat if he is able to do so.
Unity Government? More like united for corruption. United to suck the country and rakyat dried. United to end democracy in this country.
Just when I was beginning to get comfortable with PAS .... Sigh.
To me the idea is so repulsive and repugnant in light of what has happened in Perak where UMNO led BN brought down the PAS led state government in the most undemocratic way. Now to even suggest such an idea of unity government with BN is nothing short of suggesting to sleep with the devil.
Can't he (Hadi Awang) sees that the UMNO led government is turning into a Mafia government? We have the Mafia bosses at the top and their "ma cai"/samsengs in the form of UMNO Youth at the bottom. Didn't he see what happened in Parliament yesterday? A disabled person was mobbed by a bunch of samsengs. Doesn't he realize that efforts are being made to bring down the Selangor and Kedah government through ADUNs buying and/or criminal persecution of the state leaders, and even the gross invasion of a person's privacy. Does Islam condone all these, Hadi Awang? Or the prosperity of the nation comes first?
Hadi Awang should either resign as the PAS president together with all those who share the same idea with him and join UNMO or take the either PAS party out from Pakatan Rakyat if he is able to do so.
Unity Government? More like united for corruption. United to suck the country and rakyat dried. United to end democracy in this country.
Just when I was beginning to get comfortable with PAS .... Sigh.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The same old script
Police acting on tip-ff, ambushed the criminals. Criminals fired at police. Police shot back. All criminals dead. Sometimes there were slight variations to the script. One or two of the criminals may escaped and usually are never heard of after that. No one is ever taken alive.
It was reported yesterday that 6 armed robbers were shot dead in Kulim after police returned fire. There was another variation to the above script though. 4 women who were alleged to be the robbers' girlfriends were also arrested.
According to the report only two weapons were recovered i.e. a semi automatic Smith & Wesson 9mm and a .38 Revolver. So can we conclude that not everyone of them (robbers) were armed with firearms. So how can they be all shot dead on the ground of self-defense?
Another disturbing fact of the above story is all the dead were Indians. Can we blame the Indians if they feel they were being targeted no matter how much the police deny? MPs of all races from Pakatan is demanding the police to explain the killings.
No doubt, the crime rate is on the rise and we would want to get rid of those who commit crimes. But it must be done in accordance with the law. We cannot allow the police to also be the judge and executioner.
As such, an enquiry ought to be carried out in this case until like what the Chinese says "water subsides, the rock emerges".
It was reported yesterday that 6 armed robbers were shot dead in Kulim after police returned fire. There was another variation to the above script though. 4 women who were alleged to be the robbers' girlfriends were also arrested.
According to the report only two weapons were recovered i.e. a semi automatic Smith & Wesson 9mm and a .38 Revolver. So can we conclude that not everyone of them (robbers) were armed with firearms. So how can they be all shot dead on the ground of self-defense?
Another disturbing fact of the above story is all the dead were Indians. Can we blame the Indians if they feel they were being targeted no matter how much the police deny? MPs of all races from Pakatan is demanding the police to explain the killings.
No doubt, the crime rate is on the rise and we would want to get rid of those who commit crimes. But it must be done in accordance with the law. We cannot allow the police to also be the judge and executioner.
As such, an enquiry ought to be carried out in this case until like what the Chinese says "water subsides, the rock emerges".
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The ANWAR prophecy
Most of us are acquainted with the so-called RAHMAN prophecy where the name of our 1st Prime Minister becomes the acronym for the subsequent PMs. So far it has proven correct though with some manipulations
R - Rahman (Tunku Abdul Rahman)
A - Abdul Razak
H - Hussien Onn
M - Mahatir
A - Abdullah Badawi
N - Najib (almost certain unless he drops dead tomorrow)
What happens after Najib? Well, I hope he'll be the last of the BN/UMNO PM. After that Pakatan Rakyat will take over the Federal Government with Anwar as the PM. So is there going to be a ANWAR prophecy? Well, I can't think beyond N. I only thought of N these few days watching the events unfolding in Perak.
A - Anwar
N - Nizar
W - ?
A - ?
R - ?
Crisis can bring out the best in a person. I believe that's what is happening to YAB Nizar. We are seeing a man who have just lost a state government through a coup d'etat but yet so composed, serene and even humorous at times. Yet beneath the composure and serenity lies a never say die and steely spirit in fighting the great injustice that has befallen the Perak people. "Patik menyembah mohon derhaka". These four Malay words uttered by him to the Sultan of Perak will forever be etched in the minds of the Malays when faced with an unjust decision by their monarchs whom they greatly respect. He disclaimed the comparison to Hang Jebat who rebelled against his sultan for unjustly sentencing his friend Hang Tuah to death. Rightly so. YAB Nizar 'derhaka' for the sake of democracy and to defend the rights of the people in Perak from being stripped and robbed by UMNO. It is not for an individual that he 'derhaka'.
I still remember that I shed a tear reading a newspaper report when he visited the family of victims of the flour mills explosion in Lumut. The sight of him hugging closely the ten year old daughter of one of the victims made me rejoice that Perak has been blessed with a great MB.* Alas, the UMNO/BN thieves have stolen from us this blessings. But soon we shall reclaim it and these thieves and robbers will be punished.
YAB Nizar, our Mentri Besar, we know that "you will come through and you shall return". (to quote Gen. MacArthur). You will return not only as the Mentri Besar of Perak but InsyaAllah one day as the PM of our country. May Allah bless you.
* I know politicians do these publicity exercise from time to time but strangely, I can sensed deep compassion coming from YAB Nizar and the sharing of grief was genuine. Reminds me of some the banners Shahrizat Jalil put up during the last GE showing her with some old folks and children, trying to portray her caring side. What a world of difference!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Total Depravity
No. This is not going to be an exposition of the first point of Calvinism. 3 days ago before the Sultan of Perak made the decision not to dissolve the State Assembly, I had a bet with someone. I bet that the Sultan will dissolve the State Assembly based on my high regards for him.
When I heard the news of the Sultan's decision I smsed my friend that I've lost. He smsed back, "Sad. My experience with human nature is consistent."
I've learned my lesson. Talk is cheap.
Ku Li. What an inspiring piece. But I will only respect you when you walk away from UMNO. Learned this from Sultan Azlan Shah and his son. All the talk about rule of law, justice, fairness, good governance etc. became BULLSHIT where the rubber meets the road.
When I heard the news of the Sultan's decision I smsed my friend that I've lost. He smsed back, "Sad. My experience with human nature is consistent."
I've learned my lesson. Talk is cheap.
Ku Li. What an inspiring piece. But I will only respect you when you walk away from UMNO. Learned this from Sultan Azlan Shah and his son. All the talk about rule of law, justice, fairness, good governance etc. became BULLSHIT where the rubber meets the road.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Betrayed
This is how I feel and I know many Perakians share the same feelings. I grew up being told by my father how fearless and righteous Sultan Azlan Shah was during his time on the Bench. When he became the Sultan of Perak, I was so proud to have such a learned, just and wise person to be my Sultan, someone whom I can willingly pledge my allegiance and loyalty. This is especially so when you compared him with the other sultans from other states. I was damn proud to be a Perakian.
I was a bit disturbed and disappointed that in 1988 he didn't speak out during the judicial crisis especially when his successor was unjustly victimised by the Executive and the independence of the judiciary was threatened. Well, I gave him the benefit of doubt. He may have been working behind the scene and given his position it might not be convenient for him to do more in public.
But now, when it is within his powers to right a wrong and to listen to the cries of his subjects, he turned the other way. My heart bleeds. So do many hearts of Malaysians especially anak-anak Perak tonight.
Democracy has been dealt a great blow this day. But it's not a fatal blow. Nay, the rakyat will revive her. The rakyat will make her strong again.
THE RAKYAT WILL NOT BE DEFEATED!
I was a bit disturbed and disappointed that in 1988 he didn't speak out during the judicial crisis especially when his successor was unjustly victimised by the Executive and the independence of the judiciary was threatened. Well, I gave him the benefit of doubt. He may have been working behind the scene and given his position it might not be convenient for him to do more in public.
But now, when it is within his powers to right a wrong and to listen to the cries of his subjects, he turned the other way. My heart bleeds. So do many hearts of Malaysians especially anak-anak Perak tonight.
Democracy has been dealt a great blow this day. But it's not a fatal blow. Nay, the rakyat will revive her. The rakyat will make her strong again.
THE RAKYAT WILL NOT BE DEFEATED!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Rethinking Cross-overs
Prior to Sept 16 2008, I have no qualms about BN MPs wanting to switch sides and bring about the downfall of the Federal Govt. See my reasons here. As to the morality of the whole issue, I was persuaded by William Leong's well argued piece that in effect the ability of MPs to switch party is the essence of democracy given our electoral model as long it is not due to monetary and personal gain.
The events that have taken place in Perak within these few days has made me rethink my position. I still think William Leong is right. However, sadly the fact remains that in Malaysia, 99.9% of the time politicians who switched party or intend to do so will be due to monetary and personal gain. So far only Zaid Ibrahim has shown otherwise albeit in a different context.
As such, I'll support an anti-hopping law that will cause a MP or ADUN to automatically lose their seats once they switched party or even become an independent. However, they must be allowed to re-contest in a by-election. This is to take into account the 0.1% of the politicians who switched allegiance because of personal conviction.
Until such law is enacted, Anwar Ibrahim and Pakatan Rakyat especially PKR will do well to remember that enticing MPs/ADUNs to crossover is a double-edged sword. I need to remember that too.
I hope and pray that the Sultan of Perak will do the right thing.
The events that have taken place in Perak within these few days has made me rethink my position. I still think William Leong is right. However, sadly the fact remains that in Malaysia, 99.9% of the time politicians who switched party or intend to do so will be due to monetary and personal gain. So far only Zaid Ibrahim has shown otherwise albeit in a different context.
As such, I'll support an anti-hopping law that will cause a MP or ADUN to automatically lose their seats once they switched party or even become an independent. However, they must be allowed to re-contest in a by-election. This is to take into account the 0.1% of the politicians who switched allegiance because of personal conviction.
Until such law is enacted, Anwar Ibrahim and Pakatan Rakyat especially PKR will do well to remember that enticing MPs/ADUNs to crossover is a double-edged sword. I need to remember that too.
I hope and pray that the Sultan of Perak will do the right thing.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Yes, bring em' on. Perakians, stand up and be counted.
The Pakatan Govt of Perak is facing a crisis with 2 PKR ADUNs going missing for a week and now tendering their resignations. There are reports that the Deputy Speaker from DAP who is also missing may defect to MCA soon. BN is going all out in orchestrating the downfall of the Perak Govt.
One thing that the Perak MB can do is to seek consent from the Sultan to dissolve the State Assembly and call for a snap election for the whole state. I think that's the best option given the current instability. Let the people decide again.
Although I'm no longer registered as a voter in Perak, as someone born and bred in Ipoh, God willing, I will be back to campaign for Pakatan and will also dig deep into my pockets. I'm sure every Perakian who cherishes justice and thirsts for good governance where ever he/she may be, will also to do the same.
Pray that our wise Sultan will give consent to dissolve the State Assembly.
Let's send BN to its grave. First in Perak, then Malaysia.
One thing that the Perak MB can do is to seek consent from the Sultan to dissolve the State Assembly and call for a snap election for the whole state. I think that's the best option given the current instability. Let the people decide again.
Although I'm no longer registered as a voter in Perak, as someone born and bred in Ipoh, God willing, I will be back to campaign for Pakatan and will also dig deep into my pockets. I'm sure every Perakian who cherishes justice and thirsts for good governance where ever he/she may be, will also to do the same.
Pray that our wise Sultan will give consent to dissolve the State Assembly.
Let's send BN to its grave. First in Perak, then Malaysia.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Hope
I've not been updating this blog for a while. The last post which was written on the last day of last year was full of pessimism. Things have not changed much. Yes, Pakatan has won the KT bye-election with a convincing win despite all the goodies and threats thrown at the voters by BN. Although excuses have been made on behalf of the Chinese who have continued to vote for BN (e.g. by RPK), I couldn't help but feel ashamed of my race. In terms of selfishness, looking after our own interest, we are No.1. This has been validated through 5000 years of Chinese history. We will sell our mother, if we have to protect our own interest.
The events of the last few days have been quite distressing. Firstly the gruesome pictures that was first shown in Malaysiakini of the late Kugan, an Indian youth who died in police custody. Torture marks were all other his body. This came shortly after few police officers were arrested over pouring hot water on the body of another Indian youth in police custody. The many similar cases in the past just can lead to conclusions. Firstly, torture is part and parcel of police interrogation. Indians are particularly being targeted.
Due to the public outcry, the AG has classified the Kugan's case as murder. But none of the police officers have been arrested yet. From the photographs of the funeral procession the whole incident is turning into a racial issue. Kapar MP has threatened to repeat the Nov 2007 Hindraf rally. If there is going to be such a rally, I hope other races will join in to avoid it becoming another racial event. I believe now it's time to force the Government to set up the IPCMC (Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission)based on the Royal Commission's recommendation. Otherwise, the rakyat should take to the streets to protest against police brutality, corruption and incompetence.
Then, those who were arrested in the PJ candlelight vigil last Nov, were being charged in court yesterday. Why now?
So, things seem to be getting worse. Why then did I put the word "Hope" as the title of this post?
I must admit that I was the few who has not been really following the American presidential campaign last year. I haven't even listen to any Obama's speech though having read how good an orator he is. So I decided to stay up last Tuesday to watch the Inauguration of the 44th President of the USA and listen to his speech. I was not disappointed. In fact, for a while I wished I am an American. Americans should be proud of having such a leader who can inspired hope in the midst of depressing circumstances. I don't think it was empty rhetoric. We have someone who knows what lays before him. We see him making some fast decisions only 2 days after the inauguration from shutting down Gitmo to appointing experienced special envoy to the two most trouble areas in American foreign policy, the Middle East and Afghanistan and Pakistan. America is going to lead again because in Obama, they have a leader.
Well, many have asked whether Malaysia can have its own Obama? Well, before our Obama comes along, we need "choose hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord." (adapted from Obama's inauguration address). So "hope" is a choice. Hope does not depend on the circumstances. The situation in country may be bleak and may even get worse in the coming days, but it can't destroy hope. Because hope is a gift from God. As we other gifts, we can choose to accept or reject.
The events of the last few days have been quite distressing. Firstly the gruesome pictures that was first shown in Malaysiakini of the late Kugan, an Indian youth who died in police custody. Torture marks were all other his body. This came shortly after few police officers were arrested over pouring hot water on the body of another Indian youth in police custody. The many similar cases in the past just can lead to conclusions. Firstly, torture is part and parcel of police interrogation. Indians are particularly being targeted.
Due to the public outcry, the AG has classified the Kugan's case as murder. But none of the police officers have been arrested yet. From the photographs of the funeral procession the whole incident is turning into a racial issue. Kapar MP has threatened to repeat the Nov 2007 Hindraf rally. If there is going to be such a rally, I hope other races will join in to avoid it becoming another racial event. I believe now it's time to force the Government to set up the IPCMC (Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission)based on the Royal Commission's recommendation. Otherwise, the rakyat should take to the streets to protest against police brutality, corruption and incompetence.
Then, those who were arrested in the PJ candlelight vigil last Nov, were being charged in court yesterday. Why now?
So, things seem to be getting worse. Why then did I put the word "Hope" as the title of this post?
I must admit that I was the few who has not been really following the American presidential campaign last year. I haven't even listen to any Obama's speech though having read how good an orator he is. So I decided to stay up last Tuesday to watch the Inauguration of the 44th President of the USA and listen to his speech. I was not disappointed. In fact, for a while I wished I am an American. Americans should be proud of having such a leader who can inspired hope in the midst of depressing circumstances. I don't think it was empty rhetoric. We have someone who knows what lays before him. We see him making some fast decisions only 2 days after the inauguration from shutting down Gitmo to appointing experienced special envoy to the two most trouble areas in American foreign policy, the Middle East and Afghanistan and Pakistan. America is going to lead again because in Obama, they have a leader.
Well, many have asked whether Malaysia can have its own Obama? Well, before our Obama comes along, we need "choose hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord." (adapted from Obama's inauguration address). So "hope" is a choice. Hope does not depend on the circumstances. The situation in country may be bleak and may even get worse in the coming days, but it can't destroy hope. Because hope is a gift from God. As we other gifts, we can choose to accept or reject.
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