Najib's 'No Racism' Warning Is Just Another Sandiwara

Come of it lah brudder! You can't fool all of the people all of the time. Najib knows those wise words, but hey what's another lie for a person who by nature is a deceiving trickster? When our PM came out with the warning about racist remarks in public, my first thought was whether he was referring to the recent imbroglio involving two utterly stupid makcik masquerading as headmistresses or had he by any chance grown a ball or two and decided to caution that supremely ugly Malay supremacist Ibrahim Ali.

But having an inkling about the devious ways in which this man operates, the thought crossed my mind that he may have actually been targeting MCA, Pakatan and ordinary non-Malays for commenting on free speech, more rights for everyone and basically wanting a more just and equitable Malaysia. Non-Malays asking for a fair deal and true democracy is in Umno's world nothing but pure racism and sedition and the 'racists' should be subjected to lynching.

So I wouldn't give much thought to Najib's admonition. It's a waste of time and energy. He is simply not going to lift his pinkie and he won't specifically target any one Malay individual or group spewing racist venom. If it's to his advantage he may even arrest Chua Soi Lek but Umno connected Malays are apparently above the law.

Meanwhile the country is fast going down the slippery slope and national unity is but a far distant memory. I'm seriously thinking of moving to Singapore at least for the sake of my kids. To be sure racism does exist in Singapore too but not the increasingly venomous kind that you find here. The final straw for me was when almost the entire top leadership of Umno both in and out of Cabinet, except for Khairy and Nazri, kept absolutely silent in the wake of a tsunami-like uproar from the public. That the Umno leadership condones such ignorant racist talk is very apparent. Downplaying the issue like what Hishamuddin did as well as the dismissive attitude of that educated idiot Alimuddin Mohd Dom, DG of Education only made matters worse.

Everyone knows that our education system had gone down the longkang decades ago. What kept it propped up for a long time was the pool of dedicated and talented teachers from all the races. As the last of this group of educationists retired over the seventies and early eighties we and our children were set upon by a massive horde of locally trained 'teachers' almost exclusively Malay. We and our nation have yet to recover from the trauma of this onslaught. The racist Hajjahs in Johor and Kedah are merely two examples of an entire generation of BTN indoctrinated goons let loose in our schools to maraud as they wish. In the process all pupils, both Malay and non-Malay, have been deeply affected and their future jeopardised. Those in Chinese schools, accused of producing social skills disadvantaged, exam passing automatons had at least escaped this mediocre fare dished out in sekolah kebangsaan. At least for a short period in their vulnerable lives they had been spared the ravages of racism spooking the classrooms of our 'national' schools.

And please don't expect that Najib will suddenly have a change of heart and perform a miracle. He won't. What we need is not a change of heart but a change of government.

Whose Citizenship Will Be Revoked If Syed Ali Alhabshee Was In Power?

DOES THIS MONKEY LOOK LIKE A MALAY?

From today's TheStar:

The Government should revoke the citizenship of Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Cheras Umno division chairman Datuk Syed Ali Alhabshee said. His activities could affect peace in Malaysia. Citizens who are not patriotic should not be given a place here.

Thus spoke one of the most brilliant criminals among the dozens who are currently infesting the Umno sewers. You can count on this Ethiopian-Arab slave descendant who morphed into an UMNO-MALAY to be in the thick of any issue involving the racist party. After all he knows which side his bread is buttered on. It is significant that the Ministry of Finance extended for two years the contract of this a**hole to continue his tenure as The Chairman of Composites Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd effective from 1st June 2008. So the chairmanship is up for renewal in two days time and this dog is barking at his loudest to be heard by Najib. Renewing his contract means another couple of hundred thousands in his bank account. He is also Chairman of Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation which too is controlled by the Ministry of Finance and is the Independent Non-Executive Chairman of Tanjung Offshore Berhad (Tanjung). He also holds directorships in IIUM Holdings Sdn Bhd and C.I. Holdings Berhad.

Can you imagine the chaos which would ensue if this brainsick maniac pulled the levers of power in Malaysia? There would be literally hundreds of Malaysians who would lose their citizenship, mostly for being against Umno's corrupt and racist rule, for being fair and trustworthy, for being courageous in defending human rights and for being overachieving, successful non-Malays.

Apart from the usual 'unpatriotic' opposition leaders like Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang, Tok Guru and Zaid Ibrahim the list will also include flavor of the month pro-government supporters like Samy Vellu and his son.

Among the first to go will be that 'traitor to the Malay race', High Court (Appellate and Special Powers Division) judge Datuk Abdul Aziz Abd Rahim who ruled that Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin is the rightful menteri besar of Perak.

High Court judge Datuk Lau Bee Lan’s controversial ‘Allah’ ruling will guarantee her a place in the top ten hate list.

Another Malay 'traitor' is National Economic Advisory Council (NEAC) Chairman Senator Tan Sri Amirsham Abdul Aziz for espousing the New Economic Model (NEM), betraying the 'social contract' and having 'forgotten' his roots.

Squash player Nicol David may be stripped of her citizenship for not knowing her place as a woman. Going around the world and winning titles while wearing revealing skirts may be a little too much for the likes of Alhabshee. A woman's place is at home!

Malaysian Idol Jaclyn Victor is another candidate who our lunkhead has never forgiven especially since she bested a genuine Malay darling - Faradina Mohd. Nadzir (Dina)- in the Idol finals.

However Alex Yoong, race car driver would narrowly escape the net because of his less than spectacular F1 performance. If only he had climbed up the podium even once he would have lost his citizenship.

Marina Mahathir would be right on the top of his list but the very thought of the Tun's ire will send shivers up and down his spine and he'll quickly bury the thought, lest any rash act buries him.

Lee Chong Wei would be booted out. How dare he 'deprive' a Malay juara of his rightful place as champion and agree to a datukship as well!

Jimmy Choo and Michelle Yeoh will be on the hit list for spending too much time overseas (and for being highly successful).

Of course this list can run into thousands of pages. If you'd like to suggest some names, please do in the comments section.

MACC's Attempt To Boost Its Image Doomed To Fail

There is an interesting report in today's NST that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's 13-member Anti-Corruption Advisory Board has made two recommendations to turn it into a more credible institution.

One is that the Federal Constitution be amended to pave the way for the creation of an Anti-Corruption Service Commission for the appointment, confirmation and promotion of members of the anti-graft body.

The other is for the top graftbuster to be accorded a position equivalent to the inspector-general of police.

But these are merely cosmetic changes that benefit the MACC staff and will in no way lead to improvement in their dismal service. What does it matter if the head of the MACC is accorded a higher rank? Will it make him less subservient to the Umno leadership? Or will he suddenly develop larger testes to take on government-sponsored corruption? It is a fallacy that creating an Anti-Corruption Service Commission which will result in a better deal for MACC staff will in itself cause the officers there to suddenly become more efficient. On the contrary a sudden infusion of 'goodies' will have the undesirable effect of making the already pliant MACC thugs more beholden to Najib and gang.

The NST further reported that the board, chaired by former chief justice Tun Abdul Hamid Mohamad, said despite a credible performance last year, the MACC’s biggest challenge was to rectify the negative perception the public had against it.

"The long-term goal should be to make the MACC one of the leading anti-corruption bodies in the world and for Malaysia to be seen as a corruption-free country," it said.

As everyone knows, former chief justice Tun Abdul Hamid Mohamad is himself a disgraced and discredited figure having bent over backwards to help former PM Dr Mahathir oust the then Lord President in a government backed coup d'état against the judiciary. This man should first be removed as chairman of the board.

The only recourse for the MACC to become more credible and help repair their battered public image is:

1) Be made answerable only to Parliament. This will at least limit the level of executive interference somewhat.

2) Remove as many of the deadwood from the highest ranks to the lowest officers as possible and recruit a more ethnically balanced force.

3) Stop sourcing completely from the morally and ethically challenged Royal Malaysia Police.

4) Endeavor to employ highly qualifed and experienced foreigners such as those from the Independent Commission Against Corruption Hong Kong who won't be easily susceptible to licking the rears of government leaders.

Of course none of this is going to happen until Umno is blown away in the next G.E. Hopefully the Pakatan federal government which will take over can preside over the creation of a genuine anti-corruption force we can be proud of.

Samy Vellu, Malaysia's Mr Invincible

It is incredible that a person who had lost his parliamentary seat in the last general election, actively sidelined by the government and not given a senatorship or cabinet post can still rule the roost in everyday politics. Samy Vellu has been leading MIC for 31 years (since 1979)! The veteran politician recently announced that he would vacate the party top post "eight or nine months" before his current term expires in May 2012.

Despite being overtly vilified by detractors within his own party, the online and print media, fellow leaders in the ruling coalition, opposition parties and Malaysians in general, he has still managed to regularly cock a snook at all and sundry.

Although his personal political fortune is at its nadir, Samy Vellu even to this day remains as arrogant and recalcitrant as ever. Only yesterday he without consultation or justification sacked the MIC Youth deputy chief V. Mugilan who had demanded Samy Vellu's resignation. A few days ago he had similarly expelled MIC division chief V. Subramaniam for telling the MIC president that the party did not belong to him or his family. His haughty reply to those who oppose him is that he would "destroy" those who destroy the party before he steps down as party president next year.

No one, not even Najib can get away with such a unilateral display of arrogant power without paying a heavy price politically. There is a limit to dictatorial hubris and most politicians tend to steer clear from the type of controversial conduct that Samy Vellu revels in.

But the most annoying thing about this whole situation is that Samy Vellu is getting away scot free without any obvious political damage. It is as though he is being judged by a different set of standards which even the PM is not entitled to!

Just what is enabling him to cling on to power so long after the use by date? After all, he has his share of scandals and accusations of graft. Perhaps not as much as the multi-billion ringgit corruption charges involving Umno and the MCA, but still quite significant. The average Indian has only contempt for him and he has also completely lost the respect and support of the ruling coalition. Any other leader in this uncomfortable position would have been hounded into oblivion. Yet there he is, still flaunting his apparent invulnerability. Why? Does he hold secrets which the ruling elite in BN wouldn't want to be made public? Anyone out there who wants to hazard a guess?

PM's NEM Speech Laudable. Now Arrest Ibrahim Ali And Whip Civil Service Into Action

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched the New Economic Model just now. On paper it is a courageous move. “We can’t afford to duck the issues any longer. If we are to truly tackle inequality and become a beacon of progress in the region, we must create a sense of urgency to reform,” Najib had said sounding like a true statesman.

However Reuters reported that 'Najib barely touched on the raft of economic and social privileges intended for the majority Malay residents that critics say has engendered graft. The prime minister is reliant on the 55 per cent Malay population for votes'. And THAT is the crux of the whole bloody problem. Espousing lofty principles and 'unveiling' plans for radical reforms is one thing but to get it implemented is a totally different kettle of ikan bilis.

Assuming if Najib truly believes in what he is preaching (and that's a big IF) and that he has the balls to demand its implementation, there are some real obstacles in taking that path. First we have that most opportunistic, racist bastard by the name of Ibrahim Ali and his fellow low life in Perkasa who represent the ideal amalgamation of the worst qualities in Malaysian politics coupled with a deeply rooted inferiority complex. Cheering them on are the biggest dangers to national and inter-ethnic unity - Tun Dr Mahathir and DPM Muhyiddin Yassin. The latter two are above the law in Umno's Malaysia and therefore untouchable. However if there is even an iota of genuineness in Najib's reform plans he should throw the book at Ibrahim Ali and incarcerate the bastard. This should not too difficult for Najib since he has some experience in such matters. At least it would have a calming effect on non-Malay businessmen and foreign investors. Screaming racist invectives is not going to help attract FDIs.

Another big hurdle the PM would face is the equally racist and notoriously moribund civil service. Getting these indolent louts to do his bidding might prove very, very difficult for there are many Ibrahim Alis who are comfortably perched in strategic positions who will not budge unless prodded like cattle.

Then there are the rent addicted umnoputeras who will make life hell for Najib. Free largesse is more potent than drugs and the PM can expect the mother of all withdrawal symptoms to afflict a large portion of Umno's membership. Outrage, violence and cardiac arrests may ensue.

In conclusion, Najib is going to have a terrible time in the near future if he is really determined to reform the nation's outdated and racist policies. But I have grave doubts if he will even get to first base before retreating with his tail between his legs. It takes a great leader to dare bring profound changes in the face of very strong opposition even from his own supporters. The current U.S. president is one such person. And believe you me, Najib is no Barack Obama.

Al-Islam Apologises To Christians. Catholic Church -: 1; Umno, Attorney General -: 0

From today's The Star:

The Al-Islam magazine has apologised to the Roman Catholic Church and Christians for publishing a special report which involved the desecration of a religious rite.

The apology was posted on the website of its publisher, Utusan Karya.

The controversy began after the magazine published a report, Tinjauan Al-Islam Dalam Gereja: Mencari Kesahihan Remaja Melayu Murtad in its May 2009 edition

In the apology, Al-Islam said it had “unintentionally hurt the feelings of Christians especially Catholics” with its report.

It said in a three-paragraph statement that the report was to investigate allegations of apostasy and the actions of its journalists were never intended to deride the Christian faith nor desecrate their house of worship.

The magazine also stated that the apology would be published in next month’s print publication.

Two reporters from the magazine attended and participated in the religious rite.

They admitted to receiving Holy Communion and actually spitting the wafer out, an act Catholics consider desecration.

After police reports were lodged against the journalists and the magazine, they were investigated under Section 298A (1) of the Penal Code for causing disharmony, disunity or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill will, or prejudicing the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion.

However earlier this week, it was announced that the Attorney-General had decided not to pursue the case because of “public pressure.”

Speaking on behalf of Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam, Catholic Lawyers’ Society Vice President Joy Appukuttan said Pakiam expressed his happiness over the move by the magazine to apologise.

***** It is indeed a magnanimous gesture by the Roman Catholic Church to have so quickly accepted the 'apology' by Al-Islam. While the so-called apology came across as contrived, insincere and probably given under pressure by Umno bigwigs, the happiness expressed by the Archbishop shows that the Church believes it's time to put and end to this unfortunate fiasco and move on. This is definitely a big win for not only the Catholics and Christians but also for those of all faiths who believe in equitable and fair justice.

However Umno, its leaders and the Attorney General come out of this mess of their own creation looking very, very bad. They have been exposed as desperadoes who will go to any length and lie to any extent to justify the unjustifiable. The Attorney General's attempt in particular to explain why no action was taken against the two fanatic culprits will rank for a long time as the most egregious decision by a legal officer in our country's history. By right he should resign in shame. But then again he and his ilk have either never heard of or believed in words such as shame, accountability or resign. These people are the real pengkhianat whom Malaysians should condemn and shun.

Tone Deaf Prime Minister Touts 'Spirit Of 1Malaysia' In Vesak Day Message! In what must be one of the most egregious examples of hypocrisy and disconnect, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, today called on Malaysians not to focus on differences between one another, but instead to actively look for similarities and common ground. "In the spirit of human progress, in the spirit of developing this great country, in the spirit of 1Malaysia," sermonized our dear leader!Has the PM been cocooned in some store room at Putrajaya for the past two days? In the aforementioned period, his so-called '1Malaysia' concept (if we can call it that) has been ripped to shreds, along with the complete ruin of his political credibility and near bankrupt reputation.Apart from the BN controlled mainstream media, there has been almost universal condemnation of the Umno-police-gangster nexus unleashed by on high in Putrajaya, resulting in the shameful invasion of the Perak State Assembly with the active connivance of the state civil service while the Regent of Perak cooled his heels in a nearby facility for five hours! Was His Royal Highness clueless to what was transpiring nearby? Oblivious to the fact that Umno was indulging in constitutional rape of his state's legislature? One wonders.But at least one person was all tuned in to the flagrant abuses taking place in Ipoh. The same pemimpin who now sends this Vesak Day message! What cockiness. What thick skin! Having inflicted maximum damage to the country's political institutions in the past forty-eight-hours, one would have thought that he would at least have the decency to shut up while continuing to pretend that he is above the fray and not involved in the disgrace that took place in Perak. But no! He had to demonstrate how tone deaf he really is and at the same time assert his determination to lurch from scandal to bloody scandal virtually unscathed and blissfully unconcerned about repercussions while piously preaching unity and consensus building. And oh yes, touting the 'spirit' of 1Malaysia!!

In what must be one of the most egregious examples of hypocrisy and disconnect, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, today called on Malaysians not to focus on differences between one another, but instead to actively look for similarities and common ground. "In the spirit of human progress, in the spirit of developing this great country, in the spirit of 1Malaysia," sermonized our dear leader!

Has the PM been cocooned in some store room at Putrajaya for the past two days? In the aforementioned period, his so-called '1Malaysia' concept (if we can call it that) has been ripped to shreds, along with the complete ruin of his political credibility and near bankrupt reputation.

Apart from the BN controlled mainstream media, there has been almost universal condemnation of the Umno-police-gangster nexus unleashed by on high in Putrajaya, resulting in the shameful invasion of the Perak State Assembly with the active connivance of the state civil service while the Regent of Perak cooled his heels in a nearby facility for five hours! Was His Royal Highness clueless to what was transpiring nearby? Oblivious to the fact that Umno was indulging in constitutional rape of his state's legislature? One wonders.

But at least one person was all tuned in to the flagrant abuses taking place in Ipoh. The same pemimpin who now sends this Vesak Day message! What cockiness. What thick skin! Having inflicted maximum damage to the country's political institutions in the past forty-eight-hours, one would have thought that he would at least have the decency to shut up while continuing to pretend that he is above the fray and not involved in the disgrace that took place in Perak. But no! He had to demonstrate how tone deaf he really is and at the same time assert his determination to lurch from scandal to bloody scandal virtually unscathed and blissfully unconcerned about repercussions while piously preaching unity and consensus building. And oh yes, touting the 'spirit' of 1Malaysia!!

"I Have Great Faith In BN," Says Pak Lah. Do You Believe This Hype?

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said today the spirit of consensus among Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties has contributed towards making the coalition strong.

He also called on component members to take stock of events in the past which had weakened the BN, and work towards strengthening the coalition.

"If we can learn from this experience, God willing, we will do better in the future. I have great faith in BN," he said when opening the 21st delegates' conference of the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) at the party's headquarters here.

Abdullah, who is BN chairman, said BN was a strong coalition as it had the combined strength of all component members which were united in fulfilling common manifesto and contesting under one banner during elections.

"BN is strong because of the spirit of consensus and because we practise democracy, power-sharing and tolerance and we refrain from raising sensitive issues which can lead to problems among us.

"We must emphasis more on what is common to us and avoid the differences that can cause trouble," he said. (Bernama)

***** It's surprising that even after the smaller BN component parties have publicly lamented about Umno's arrogance and lack of respect for them, the PM can still openly tout the 'spirit of consensus'! Has he so quickly forgotten that the Umno leadership was only a few months ago experiencing 'testicular shivers' over the rumoured mass defections to PKR?

The truth of the matter is that the BN is a one-party Umno show while the rest of the other parties are in it only for the personal gain of their leaders. The rest of us meanwhile, get shafted as usual and are unable to express the strong faith that Pak Lah has in the Barisan Nasional.
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Ministry To 'Carefully' Study Historical Facts For Textbooks To 'Instill Patriotism'

The Education Ministry will carefully study the facts and information to be entered into history textbooks to instill patriotism among the young generation.

Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the step was among the ministry's efforts to change the education curriculum at the primary school level by having history as a special subject by 2010.

"What is important is noble values like patriotism, loving the country, comprehending the sacrifice of national heroes and understanding that the present state of the country did not come about just by being still but through blood and sweat.

"We must not be satisfied by our present position what with a world that is now smaller. Such efforts must be continued and intensified through how we stress our history to our children while they are still in school," Hishammuddin told reporters .

Earlier, in his speech, said Hishammuddin said the book could be a reference for students and also parliamentarians to further understand the processes and events that shaped Malaysian history.

He said the book could also bring about greater appreciation of independence leading to love, loyalty and patriotism in defending the country's sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, his speech reminded people not to forget the country's history while the country progressed.

"To learn the future, look at the past. I believe in that English phrase," he said. (The Star)

***** Oh dear! I've a strange feeling that this so-called effort to 'carefully' study the facts and bring 'changes' to the education curriculum will be the harbinger of more distortions and untruths to further cement the place of Umno in our 'unique' interpretation of history, while adding the present crop of our 'pemimpin' to the list of our nation's warriors who have 'sacrificed' everything in the 'struggle' for Merdeka and the nation's subsequent progress. When the word 'patriotism' is carelessly thrown around, one may lose sight of the fact that Umno's definition of patriotism usually refers to our unreserved loyalty to the party and its 'yeoman' service to the nation.

As with previous attempts to tinker with our history, the current effort too will involve the selection of a group of ultra-nationalist wingnuts who will give a highly slanted version which will further trivialize the contribution of the non-Malays while downplaying the substantial influence of China and India on the tradition, culture, language and heritage of the Malays. (Perhaps the bit about Proto Malays and their origins from Yunnan Province could be quietly edited out?) You can also expect the highlighting of unsubstantiated and unproved 'age old' connections with the Middle East. I wouldn't be surprised if there are claims of general ancestral blood ties which may just stop short of calling ourselves Arabs.

Perhaps I'm being overly cynical, but given our past attempts in rewriting history to fit Umno's grand designs, can you blame me?
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Bukit Antarabangsa Residents Slam Shabery Cheek's Insensitive Attempt To Spread The Blame

Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek should be more sensitive towards the feelings of the residents who have suffered so much as result of the Bukit Antarabangsa landslide tragedy last Saturday.

Residents action committee chairman Datuk N. Muneandy said his statement Tuesday was uncalled for in light of the recent tragedy and only served to add fuel to the frustration and dismay already felt by the victims.

Ahmad Shabery reportedly told residents not to point fingers solely at the Government as both developers and housebuyers who chose to live in highland areas were equally to be blamed and should accept responsibility for what happened.

“Are you saying we should blame the mother for giving birth to the thief?” he told reporters Wednesday, adding that residents had invested millions of ringgit to purchase homes there.

Muneandy said there had been many signals over the years to indicate that the soil structure was unstable but complaints to the local authorities had fallen on deaf ears.

He said the complaints for the past five to 10 years have touched on various issues including cracks in drains and falling rubble and trees at the current landslide site.

“We want the authorities to do something to safeguard the future safety of residents there. The buck must stop here,” he said.

Muneandy said the committee would be bringing in their own geo-technical and legal experts to look into the soil structure at the landslide area which killed four people and resulted in nearly 3,000 being temporarily evacuated from their homes.

“We will collect evidence on what exactly happened and who is responsible. Then, we will consider whether to sue those responsible,” he said.

The committee, which represents the residents of four streets in Taman Wangsa, Wangsa Heights and Antanium, also told the Government to provide more information to the residents’ committee, claiming they were being kept in the dark over plans to alleviate problems caused by the landslide.

“We have not been told about what is happening. We are left wondering what to expect next,” he said.

Read the whole story HERE

***** Did we really expect any thing different from a government minister? If Shabery had his way he'll totally absolve the kerajaan and place the blame solely on the residents and the developers. MBs, Exco members and Majlis officials will be exonerated and described as completely honest and dedicated public servants. Malaysia Boleh!!

Pak Lah Wants 'To Do The Right Things' Before Leaving Office

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said on Thursday he wants to do the right things despite any challenges before leaving office after five years rendering his services to the nation.

"I don't know if it's about leaving a legacy or just doing the right thing while you have a chance to do so. This is what I am doing," he said in an interview with The Sun newspaper.

Abdullah said he would let the people be the judge.

"If the people say what Pak Lah (Abdullah) is doing is good, well and good," he said.

Abdullah said when he decided on the development of soft infrastructure - the heart, the human being - a long time friend had told him to chose something tangible.

However, he said he was unfazed by this as he believed that 2020 could not be achieved without quality and dynamic human capital.

"I hope everyone as human beings just remember to do what is right, no matter how difficult it may seem," he said.

On freedom of speech, Abdullah said he had given the space but wanted it to come with responsibility.

"If you want to exercise your right to speak, yes, go ahead but you must be mindful of your responsibilities. You claim the right to speak, you must also listen to others," he added. (Bernama)

***** Ironic isn't it? Pak Lah achieved diddly-squat for the five years he'd been in power and now just when he's being shown the door by his own party he wants to 'do the right things'! Pitiful bugger. Indecisive till the end.

Transfer Of Defamation Case To Sessions Court - Raja Petra Objects

The transfer of Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Raja Kamaruddin’s defamation case from the magistrates court to the Sessions court was “illegal, void and contrary” to provisions in the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), the Sessions court heard on Monday.

Raja Petra’s lawyer Manjeet Singh Dhillon said that Section 117 of the CPC did not permit the transfer of a case by a magistrate’s to the Sessions Court where the case was properly before the magistrates court.

“The said order of the magistrate, which exposes the accused to an unequal and potentially higher punishment, is unconstitutional in that it breaches the equality provisions of the Federal Constitution,” he said.

Raja Petra is alleged to have defamed the Deputy Prime Minister’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor by making a libelous statement in the declaration, which he affirmed on June 18.

He also faces two similar charges against Kolonel Norhayati Hassan and her husband Acting Kolonel Abdul Aziz Buyong.

He was charged with the three counts of defamation in the Kuala Lumpur magistrates court in July this year.

On Aug 15, the Attorney-General Chambers had applied to the magistrates court to transfer the cases to the Sessions Court on grounds that it “involved public interest”, and the cases were transferred.

Manjeet submitted that Sessions Court judge Mohamad Sekeri Mamat could either send the case back to the magistrates court, or order a stay of proceedings and transmit the record to the High Court to determine if the transfer was valid.(The Star Online)

***** Can RPK expect real justice from the courts or is he banging his head against a brick wall?
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Make History Lessons More Interesting, Urges Malaysian Historical Society. Also Keep It Truthful

Educationists should fully utilise modern facilities to make history lessons more interesting and able to capture the students' imagination, newly-appointed Malaysian Historical Society fellow Tan Sri Dol Ramli said, Saturday.

He said that during his university days, one of his professors was able to turn history into such an interesting topic that none of his classmates ever missed a single lesson.

"How history is presented is important. The education department, teachers, professors and lecturers should conduct history lessons in an interesting way.

"My professors could do it during my school days and they did not have many audio-video aids then. What more now with all the modern gadgets," he said at the PSM Fellowship Awards presentation at the society's headquarters here.

Dol, who was one of RTM's pioneers and a former Bernama general manager, received the fellowship from Heritage of Malaysia Trust president Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid.

The other two recipients were former Education Services Commission Tan Sri Sheikh Hussein Sheikh Mohamed and UKM Borneo Studies Centredirector Datuk Zainal Abidin Abdul Wahid. (Bernama)

***** Tan Sri Dol Ramli is a highly respected individual (His son Aziz Dol is a contemporary of mine and a very talented person) and he is absolutely right about the need to make history lessons more interesting.

However where the problem comes in is the spin that our history books give. It doesn't take a genius to quickly deduce after reading our history texts that the liberal interpretation and licence taken by our 'authors' is heavily skewed to promote Malay heroism and Umno propaganda while openly downplaying non-Malay involvement. Perhaps the good Tan Sri should also urge the government to keep historical 'interpretations' to a realistic and believable level.
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Parliament: Cops Scared Of Crooks, So Police Beat Base Closed! Malaysia Boleh!

A police beat base in the Chow Kit area of downtown Kuala Lumpur was closed down because it was in a location that was considered unsafe, said Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.

In a written reply to Dr Lo’ Lo’ Mohamad Ghazali (PAS-Titiwangsa), Syed Hamid said the beat base was located in a dirty area where there was a possibility of being exposed to contagious diseases.

The presence of criminals also posed a threat to the safety of police officers, he said.

Lo’ Lo’ had asked why the beat base on Jalan Haji Taib was closed considering the high number of vice-related activities in the area, as well as what kind action had been taken by the police to curb such activities.

Syed Hamid said that the police were looking for a new location to build a police beat base that would be able to give “guaranteed and continued service to the public.”

Lo’ Lo’s was the 30th question in the Order Paper and hence did not get a mention in the House during the daily one-hour Question Time. However, Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli (PAS-Kuala Krai) managed to raise it when he interjected during Azmin Ali’s (PKR-Gombak) speech during the debate on Budget 2009.

Dr Mohd Hatta said that if the police themselves felt unsafe in a beat base, then it would be even worse for the public.

“The minister has to resign if he is worried about the safety of police in that area. Maybe it would be better to put the beat base in army barracks,” he said.

Dr Mohd Hatta then managed to raise the issue again during his own debate on Budget 2009 saying that Syed Ali’s response was not rational.

“The police are there to make a place safe. If they themselves are scared and run away, then how can we hope for others to want to be there?

“It is embarassing and that is why the criminals will always be there,” he said.

Dr Mohd Hatta said if the place is dirty, then it is up to the police to organise gotong-royong activities to clean it up or if they did not want to then they should move to Putrajaya or Parliament.

“And what is this about contagious diseases on Jalan Haji Taib? The only kind of contagious diseases that are present there are sexually-transmitted ones.

“Is the minister scared that his charges will contract such diseases? That kind of thing is a matter of choice. In any case, if this is what he is worried about then we are worried that the police are not above this.”

Dr Mohd Hatta added that the police had to be brave people and that they were a different breed altogether when facing demonstrators. He said he hoped that the minister would clarify his written answer in the House as this is not the kind of police that the people want. (The Star Online)

***** A totally idiotic explanation by Syed Hamid. I wonder if he's been smoking anything strong lately. Will the cops agree with his findings? Or are they too busy trying to demonize Hindraf? Or perhaps they simply don't care what the public think of them anymore. Pathetic.

Reject People Who Don't Respect Country's Leaders:Najib. We Too Must Reject Leaders Who Don't Respect The Country

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today called on the people to reject any form of unruly behaviour towards the country's leaders.

The deputy prime minister said the government did not want such behaviour to become a norm because it could undermine unity and security of the country.

Citing as example the unruly incident at the Hari Raya open house of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and other Muslim cabinet ministers in Kuala Lumpur last Wednesday, he said such action could cause losses to the country.

"If there are parties with other motives, who don't understand the culture of courtesy, are rude and don't respect the leaders, the people must reject them.

This kind of action cannot become a norm," he said when launching the countdown for the Fei-World Endurance Championship (WEC) 2008 in Gong Badak near here.

Last Wednesday, a group of Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) supporters caused a disturbance at the cabinet open house at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) when they cut queue to get into the hall to present Abdullah with a bear and a Hari Raya card bearing 300 signatures calling for the release of Hindraf leaders detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Najib said the government held the open house to enable the people to meet and greet the national leaders without having to observe protocol.

It was a unique culture which was not practised anywhere else in the world and it showed the peace that the people in this country enjoyed.

"Never in other countries can the the people meet their leaders so easily. (But) this value of peace will be destroyed if certain parties have other motives. This value of peace cannot be ignored," he said.

He said that if such actions persisted, it might not be possible to practise the open house concept in future and that would be a loss. (Bernama)

***** Najib should be reminded that his advice cuts both ways and that there will be no more free passes for our so-called pemimpin to do as they please. They will get the respect if they deserve it. No more kowtowing just for the heck of it and our pemimpin should stop expecting mindless public obedience as their birthright.

Hishammuddin Says ISA Use Not Justified Against Reporter But Evasive On The Other Arrests

Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said he personally felt that the Internal Security Act (ISA) should not have been used against Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng, and would be raising the matter at the next Cabinet meeting.

He said although he agreed to the use of the ISA to protect national security, it should not be invoked to save or protect any individual, which was given as the reason for Tan’s detention.

“For the other two cases (the ISA arrests of Malaysia Today news portal editor Raja Petra Kamarudin and Selangor executive councillor Teresa Kok), I feel the authorities are better in the know of the risks they posed, but I do not have the information to comment if the arrests were justified.

“But in the context of the reporter, the minister concerned (Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar) has stated the reasons but I personally feel the ISA should not have been used for the reasons he mentioned,” he told reporters after the launching the book Malaysia: From Traditional to Smart Schools - The Malaysian Education Odyssey, here on Monday.

Hishammuddin said in a multi-racial country like Malaysia, threats to the nation’s security and racial harmony must also be considered.

He also said the decision by the government to use the ISA should not be disputed by its members openly, but instead at the Cabinet.

He differed in this from de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who opposed the use of the ISA against civilians, and who has tendered his resignation over the issue. -- Bernama

***** Hishammuddin's statement is ambiguous at best and does him no favour.

Umno Perceived By Many As Racist, Says Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah

Umno is now perceived by many to be racist because its leaders cannot articulate effectively to the masses about the pre-Independance social contract, nor can they defeat abuses of the New Economic Policy (NEP).

Umno has lost its intellectual capacity to address misgivings among Malaysians and this has led to a perception that it is a racist party.

To further compound this, Umno leaders have lost credibility in the eyes of the public following the stunning losses in the March 8 general election, party veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said.

Speaking on Saturday at the opening of Kelantan’s People Action Council (MTRK) forum on Independance at the Grand Riverview Hotel, the Kelantan prince said it has now become common to see people define Umno as a racist party.

Why it has reached such a stage can be traced to three reasons, Tengku Razaleigh said.

The first is because parties with self-interests capitalise on the definitions of freedom and human rights to portray Umno as racist besides condoning a mischievous interpretation of the Federal Constitution.

The second is the complacency of Umno leaders who have allowed certain quarters to question the social contract and while rebuffing critics, Umno has not been able to shake off the stigma of been perceived as racist, he said.

Thirdly, there is no sincere effort to address the misgivings and misinterpretation over the definition of racism in the country.

Racism is where one race advocates hatred against the other and its actions underpin it, such as when the Nazis executed the Jews, explained Tengku Razaleigh.

''Umno advocates none of the above. It has never sought to close down any vernacular schools in the country. It knows how to co-exist with other races but yet, it is perceived to be racist,'' he said.

Umno needs to reinvent itself by upholding the social contract when studied through, is designed to be fair to all races, he said.

Tengku Razaleigh said many non-Malays believed that Umno or the Malays are the drivers of Malaysia. ''Of late, the Malays have become reckless and bad drivers until the Government is branded as inefficient,” he said.

Tengku Razaleigh said another step towards reinventing the party is to restore the moral credibility in the party.

''Is it too late? I hope not but Umno must come to terms about regaining the trust of the people. It must be seen as trustworthy.''

Corruption is an open secret in the country either through the public sector or within Umno until it has become a crisis to the party where only rich candidates would be voted while competency is ignored, he added.

Later, he said there is a need for stronger leadership in the country as it would prevent certain quarters from raising questionable issues which can further divide rather than mend relations among Malaysians.

Asked whether he thought Pakatan Rakyat could form the next federal government by Sept 16, Tengku Razaleigh said it is doubtful as there are disagreements within the alliance so it may derail the process. (The Star Online)

***** Tengku Razaleigh has touched on the issues but surprisingly he has absolved Umno of practising racism. Perhaps having never been on the receiving end, he can be excused for not appreciating racism's evil presence in the country.

BN To Evaluate Public Opinion To Regain People's Confidence, Says DPM. Just Read The Blogs Najib

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today the Barisan Nasional (BN) would listen to and evaluate the "vox populi" and do what ought to be done to regain the people's confidence in the BN government.

The deputy prime minister said the BN respected the decision of the people in the recent by-election in Permatang Pauh in Penang and "we have to evaluate the voice of the people if we want to remain in power long".

He responded thus when asked to comment on a statement by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that in the Permatang Pauh by-election on Aug 26, the opposition did not win but the BN lost.

Najib, who is the Member of Parliament for Pekan, had earlier handed over aid to mosques and surau in his constituency in view of the approaching Ramadan fasting month.

"The BN has to do what is necessary to regain the people's confidence in the BN and, God willing, this will be done so that we have more support," he said, adding that one by-election could not be used to gauge support for the BN.

In the Permatang Pauh by-election, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim beat Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah of the BN and Hanafi Mamat of Angkatan Keadilan Insan Malaysia (Akim) by a majority of 15,671 votes.

Commenting on the undivided support of Sabah elected representatives for the BN government, Najib said he was confident the Sabah elected representatives would continue to support the BN government leadership.

Anwar had claimed that the Pakatan Rakyat coalition of PKR, DAP and PAS would form the federal government on Sept 16 after several MPs from the BN cross over to the PR.

"God willing, the BN government will prevail. Let's see what the opposition has to say if they fail (to form the government) on Sept 16," Najib said. (Bernama)

***** All this talk of 'vox populi' is basically a public relations gimmick. As if the buggers in government, especially those in Umno, don't know what they've done or how lowly the people think of ruling party politicians.

Najib and his fellow pemimpin2 should instead spend time reading the various blogs to get a good idea of the real 'vox populi' and ignore the sycophantic hogwash their advisors and hangers-on think that they wish to hear.

But do you really feel that our umnoputeras want to know the unexpurgated truth? Fat hopes. Already they have tried to seek vengeance on Malaysia Today for publishing embarrassing reports. They only want to hear what pleases them and there are enough kowtow masters to attend to that need. We can safely dismiss this Najib talk as another sandiwara Umno.

Interesting report from The Star Online: Umno perceived as racist, says Ku Li

KL Mayor 'Disappointed' By Poor Response To Merdeka Celebration. I'm Not Surprised, Are You?

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan is disappointed with the attitude of city folks, especially business owners who have yet to display the Jalur Gemilang (national flag) or put up decorative lights on their buildings even though the 51st year of independence (Merdeka) will be celebrated on Sunday.

If there was a flag, it was too small and not strategically placed, he told a news conference at his office Wednesday.

Ab Hakim said the owners of these premises seemed half-hearted in their efforts to celebrate and their attitude disappointed him although they had been given reminders.

"Look at the buildings here. Only a few put up the Jalur Gemilang and decorative lights. It's not wrong for me to say that no festive atmosphere can be felt for Merdeka. Don't wait for a minister to come down and ask them (premises owners) to put up the Jalur Gemilang and decorative lights," he said.

Ab Hakim said the public could buy the national flag at cost price from City Hall's treasury department in Jalan Raja Laut or its eight branch offices. "DBKL (City Hall) will also give out the Jalur Gemilang for free to those who pay taxes at the counters," he said. (Bernama)

***** Either this datuk bandar guy has been living in cuckoo land for the past few years or he's so out of touch with reality that he actually feels disappointed at the tepid public response! Just take a look at the cars on any road in any city or town and you'll notice that an overwhelming majority of them are not flying the flag.

Over the past decade the government has made the flying of the Jalur Gemilang synonymous with loyalty, gratitude and appreciation of the rakyat for our kerajaan. Now that the people are pissed off with these government chaps, especially those from Umno, they see no reason why the public should help boost the egos of these corrupt politicians by listening to and obeying their exhortations.

Therefore the KL mayor and all his superior officers can cry with disappointment and scream for flags to be flown till the lembus come home, but no way brudder. No way are we going to give you the pleasure of pushing us around and forcing the flag down our throat.

Why China Has A Serious Credibility Problem

Whether it’s gymnasts’ age or a killer virus, China is the victim of a credibility problem of its own making
The investigation initiated by the International Olympic Committee into suspicions that Chinese gold medal-winning women gymnasts at the Beijing Olympics are under-aged has predictably angered Chinese people and commentators, who have responded with bilious rage on the Internet

“Why is China being subjected to this humiliating investigation when it has submitted a copy of (gymnast) He Kexin’s proof of age as required by the IOC,” wonders a blogger. “Some of the European and American female athletes look like guys — not only in their aggressive manner, but in their bone structure, body shape and facial features,” observes another. “Should we demand more testing, more intrusive and extended investigation than what the IOC has conducted so far?”

The mere fact that these investigations against Chinese gymnasts have been launched amounts to a serious loss of ‘face’ for China, with the implication that its word is being disbelieved. But in fact China has only itself to blame for the credibility crisis it faces: in the court of international opinion, it has in the past been caught making wilful misrepresentations of the truth, both on the sports field and off it. Indicatively, Chinese gymnast Yang Yun, who won individual and team bronze medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, said later in an interview on state-run Chinese television that she had been 14 at the time of those Games.

Far more seriously, in 2003, as a killer virus claimed lives across southern China, authorities continued to maintain — despite media exposes to the contrary — that it was no more than a mild case of “atypical pneumonia”. Only when it exploded in their face did authorities acknowledge the gravity of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Although China has since then made some progress in its information dissemination system during emergencies, its knee-jerk response to the latest allegations relating to underaged gymnasts shows that its first reflex when it’s caught is to cover its tracks — and rather inexpertly at that.

Little wonder then that China finds itself easily disbelieved. In this case, as in the earlier cases, it has only itself to blame for the credibility crisis it faces.(DNA News)