Ragu, Rajeswari and the list goes on?
By Ivan Loh. The Star. 25.9.08
”They will have to issue the temporary identity card by Monday or Tuesday as ordered by the Tuanku,” said Sivanesan. ”He was very sympathetic towards Ragu and said that this (Ragu’s problem) should not have happened,” he told reporters Friday outside the Istana Kinta after meeting with the Sultan here.
Sivanesan said Ragu would need to get his temporary identity card first and apply for the MyKad later. ”I will try my best to help him with his application to get his citizenship,” he added. Ragu, who was also outside Istana Kinta here, said he was still unhappy as he had yet to obtain his citizenship.
He said the temporary identity card was for people like the Bangladeshis and Vietnamese. ”I’m a Malaysian citizen, why can't I get citizenship like anyone else,” he added. Odd job worker Ragu has been carrying a temporary identity card since 1998 because he was unable to obtain a permanent identity card.
He was abandoned by his parents at the age of four in Parit Buntar and had been under the Social Welfare Department’s care until he was 16. When he gets the temporary identity card, Ragu will need to renew it annually.
In 2004, he had his temporary identity card revoked by the National Registration Department without any reason given. He has not been able to get a job to support his family of four and has since travelled across the country with his family to appeal to the NRD to issue him with a MyKad.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The interesting fact is Ragu had been under the care of Social Welfare Department until the age of 16. Subsequently he had been issued with temporary identity card which he had been renewing every year until NRD revoked it in 2004.
It’s very appalling as issues of this nature which involves basic rights of citizens seem to be affecting Malaysians of Indians origin more often than anyone else. Not long ago M.Rajeswari age 22, who was six months pregnant, was arrested in Brick Fields,
In both cases, the authorities involved were negligent, unprofessional and lackadaisical. They did not show any willingness to help these affected Indians. Why is this so? Is there any prejudice in this case? Or could we say this is one reason why Hindraf was born?
Not everyone out there could be Ragu nor every Rajeswari could meet a good Samaritan staff to help them out. Simply asking someone to get a certification from Sultans and ministers is nothing but a pathetic excuse to deny ordinary people’s basic rights, all in the name of requirements and procedures by unscrupulous officers whom I would regard as inhumane.
It is not suffice to propagate “I’m PM for all or I’m leader for all Malaysians. It’s time for leaders to prove to their citizens they truly care for all Malaysians. And they need to walk the talk so that the civil servants could be more caring toward all Malaysians regardless of their ethnical back ground.
Is it TRUST or TEMPLE that was demolished? updated
Photo: malaysiakini
So it’s true lah. I received a text message in the afternoon stating that the Sri Mahakaliamman temple in Ampang Jaya, Selangor was demolished on 19th Sept 08. The message carried a sender’s number which seemed to be of a third party service provider. Unsure of its fact, I wrote to Malaysiakini providing it with the whole content of text message I had received for confirmation.
And now it’s confirmed. According Malaysiakini’s report today @ http://www1.malaysiakini.com/news/90385 that says Samy slams temple demolition in Pakatan-controlled Selangor. It’s shocking; how could this happen in a state that is controlled by Pakatan Rakyat. Selangor government had promised there would never be a similar incident in the future and in less than 6 months we have to face with another demolition. The PR government owes a detailed explanation and unreserved apology to all Indians in
Or is it a sabotage by BN henchmen in PR government? There seems to be deliberate attempts by certain parties to create unrest among Malaysians of different ethic groups for political mileage. Pakatan Rakyat needs to explain before it’s too late. Those responsible for the demolition must be made answerable and prompt action must be meted out against them.
I’m very sure Indian community will be angered and it worries me!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
According to Ampang MP, Puan Zuraida, they only came to know of the temple being demolished as it was underway. As she was away, she immediately requested her party members and Aduns to rush to the scene. However by the time they reached the scene it was too late as MPAJ had nearly completed the demolition.
Zuraida also claimed that she had settled the situation with the local Indians and temple committee members and promised to do her best & take action against those responsible. The MP suspected agent provocateurs & possible hidden MIC supporters were involved and were suspected to be behind this effort. No further complaints were brought up to the opposition in regards to that and she was surprised with the police report and Samy’s statements.
Read surind blog here
You know how I feel about you Syed Hamid Albar?
WE WANT JUSTICE FOR RPK AND OTHERS
When I read Syed Hamid has signed the papers to detain Raja Petra today for the next 2 years under ISA without trial my hatred for the Home Minister grew to the size of a mountain. I despise you to the worst and you seem to me more evil than human.
You are not home minister but evil minister.
You have sinned by arresting Tan, the reporter of Sin Chew news paper
You have sinned by arresting Teresa Kok
You have sinned by arresting RPK and extended his detention for 2 years without trial
You have sinned by arresting the 5 leaders of Hindraf movement which has resulted the emotional suffering of their family members.
You have sinned by detaining many others under ISA without trial and also made their families to suffer.
I think you have done great injustice to many innocent people. And the fact that you have made your worse actions during a fasting month, the holiest period for Muslims I believe you have condemned yourself with worst karmas that in god’s eye is not forgivable at all.
I feel very soon you are going be answerable to all your misdeeds. I believe there are thousands of them who are despising you right now. The pain and suffering of these innocent people is going make our lord you and I believe to be very unhappy.
I think your judgment day is nearing.
My prayers and wishes to RPK and all other ISA detainees and their families.
Great power MUST come with Great Responsibility
While sharing my happiness with Teresa and others on her release from ISA, I think we have a serious problem with police in
The legendary American President Franklin Roosevelt (1882-1945) have had in numerous times spoken about power and responsibility during in office.
He remarked in his 1945 state of the union address: "In a democratic world, as in a democratic Nation, power must be linked with responsibility...." (From Living Ideas in America, ed. by Henry Steele Commager, p. 703 of the 1951 Harper & Brothers hardcover.)
And in a letter dated sometime in 1908, Theodore Roosevelt said something to this effect, “...I believe in power; but I believe that responsibility should go with power..." (From T.R.: The Last Romantic by H.W. Brands, pp. 628-9 of the 1997 Basic Books hardcover; the letter was published by Harvard in The Letters of Theodore Roosevelt, 8 volumes, 1951-54.)
In discharging his duty as home minister, Syed Hamid is seen to be very negligent and irresponsible. We now know police have been blatant in some cases such as Teresa's, Tan and Raja Petra. Arresting people by solely relying on accusations that is unsubstantiated must stop.
Law and order is to safeguard the innocent public, lest that not be used for wrong purposes. Home Minister please be responsible and please remember an ex-colleague of yours who is very knowledgeable even remarked, it was strange to arrest people only to conduct investigation later. Show your good side.
Truth exposed: Prime Minister and Ministers for all Malaysians?
In his press conference on 16th Sept 08, Datuk Ibrahim had candidly acknowledged the existence of “brick walls” that had constantly stopped him carrying out his planned reforms in judiciary and other related areas in the country. Frankly, through out my adulthood life I had never seen a serving minister in Malaysia who was so honest in admitting the shortfalls of the very government he was serving.
He shared his thoughts that reflected the current position of leaders and government. He emphasized a fact that is crucial to the leadership of this country is to “TRUST” all people in Malaysia. Hence, I’m appalled to learn the inconvenient truth that the PM and his cabinet have deceived the people all this while despite his promise to be the PM for all and ministers who said they were ministers for all. Zaid’s says:-
- The government is not fully committed to the basic principles that respects all rights of all citizens that demonstrate one system, one people and one nation
- The leaders and ministers practice discrimination.
- The country lacks commitment and conviction to implement reforms
- Rule of law is merely a lip service
- The leadership doesn’t respect and trust its multi-ethnic citizens
- Leadership practices racism, ethnocentrism and bigotry
- ISA should not be invoked on ordinary citizens of this country
If these are the issues affecting this nation, it makes all the senses for Malaysians to worry. Imagine we have a government that is led by all those racists and bigots. In fact the present government has lost its moral ground to rule Malaysians with this revelation. Bangsa Malaysia will remain as another slogan and nothing more under the circumstances.
Zaid Ibrahim had this to say on his resignation, “I hope this will trigger people and government to do something about the changes that we so badly require. His action and principle deserve tribute from every citizen who truly believes as Malaysian.
Are there anymore leaders and ministers in BN who thinks Malaysian to emulate Zaid Ibrahim, in his or her spirit of true Malaysian?
Is Anwar walking the tight Rope?
916 was the day that for most of us, expecting for some “major changes”, as quoted by Anwar. It came and left with only disappointment. The two press conference (16th and 18th Sept) held by DSAI did not articulate any strategic moves nor did he name the MPs who were claimed to be supporting Pakatan rakyat.
My contention is this.
1) If the MPs are serious of Pakatan rakyat why are they keeping mum at this crucial hour? Isn’t’ this time for them to show their solidarity for Anwar, Pakatan and their commitment to this nation?
2) If the MPs are so reluctant to reveal their identities, can they be trusted in the new government? What is the level of their commitment? How to trust fence sitters who are not willing to come out of their shadows?
3) Anwar is risking his own credibility by trusting these MPs so much. The last thing we want to see, his credibility being doomed by some irresponsible MPs who are more interested in looking after their personal interest. Does Anwar realize this?
4) What if the PM refuses to call for emergency parliament session? What is Pakatan Rakyat going to do about it?
If Anwar is unsure of their commitment, it would be better that he just wait for the next parliament sitting in October which is less than a month. By then Anwar could re-strategize his next cause of action that includes “No Confidence Motion” against prime minister.
Logical Zaid vs. Illogical Syed
Most Malaysians would agree with me if I say our ministers are least impressive and logical opposed to the ministers of a neighboring country that is known as lion city. And if at all we are impressed, it’s only for their ability in flip-flopping. Topping the list of flip-floppers is our home minister Syed Hamid Albar.
However I find we have had one exceptional “man of his word” minister who had just resigned his position as the De Facto Law Minister. I'm referring to Dato Zaid Ibrahim.
It’s pretty interesting to compare the two ministers named "logical" Zaid and "Illogical" Syed of their comments over ISA here.
“Logical” Zaid (Ibrahim) impressed many with his comments:-
“This government should be a government of law based on principles and rules. If we use the ISA this way, we are showing that we are reverting to the old days”
“If Raja Petra or Teresa Kok had done something very wrong, then use the laws like Sedition Act or the Defamation Act or the Penal Code.”
Pointing out that many people, including senior politician bloggers, had written articles which could be deemed as seditious yet they did not face any consequences.
“The ISA is open to abuse. If we cannot be fair in implementing it, then we should confine its use to terrorists.”
“If we have to use the ISA to detain people, it shows that we have no confidence in our enforcement agencies.”
“People who say the ISA is still relevant do not know what it is like to be detained without proof or trial. They have not gone through it personally.”
“We don’t use the ISA on everyone. It is very selective and subjective.”
"Of course, we have to consider racial sensitivities but the government should find other proactive solutions and deal with them openly."
“Illogical” Syed (Hamid) disgusted many with his comments:-
“Tan Hoon Cheng was detained under section 73(1) of the Act in order to ensure her safety.” (Question: Since when ISA has been used to protect the detainee? Oh ya! I remember; was Saiful protected under ISA too?)
“The police intelligence indicated that there were threats to her life after she reported on Bukit Bendera division Umno Chairman Datuk Ahmad Ismail’s alleged racist remarks. (Question: So what action police have taken against those threatening her life?)
“Ahmad is a party member. We have taken action against him. He has been punished and we have suspended him for three years. But at the same time there is a report against him and we are investigating the report” – (Question: You are standing at the rostrum in your capacity as home minister and not Umno officer. Why then until today no action against Ahamd? If the Umno president and deputy president who are PM and DPM respectively, could be satisfied with the evidences produced that found Ahmad guilty, wouldn't you agree with me that the same could be used as evidence to apprehend Ahmad for his wrongs? )
“We have no intention of holding a reporter as after all she was just taking notes of the comments made by a certain party that led to a public debate” (Question: since you say so why the need to arrest her under ISA? )
“Teresa Kok was arrested due to her comments on mosque and Azan recently. Her comments have created public disorder and problems.” (Question: Is it? Where is the evidence? I heard the de facto law minister (I perceive he knows law better than you do) saying, “it’s strange you arrest people under ISA and than investigate later)
“The police need not refer to me. It’s their discretion and their assessment of what happened. There has been no malice on their part” (Question: Then why did you say that you were only doing your job referring to the arrests?)
Now who do you think better represents the people of
source: malaysiakini/NST/the Star
Saluting RPK …..
In a time of uncertainties when the nation is ruled by people who are aliens to virtues and values, we have defenders like you RPK who risks his own life for the sake of truth and justice. I can’t thank you enough for inspiring this nation.
And for that I dedicate the following quotes in honouring you!
On your attributes as true Muslim
“The best of persons in God's sight is the best amongst his friends; and the best of neighbors near God is the best person in his own neighborhood.”
- Prophet Muhammad (570-632)
(RPK, you are indeed one of the best as the thousands supporting are the testimony to your credit)
“Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”
(We believe you are truthful to god as we can see how much love ordinary Malaysians have for you)
“This world is a prison for the Faithful, but a
- Prophet Muhammad (570-632)
(Your preference to be jailed for the sake of truth proves your faithfulness to god)
On your fight for equality among races and religion
“I detest racialism, because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man or a white man”
-Nelson Mandela“As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
-Nelson Mandela
“Before the throne of the Almighty, man will be judged not by his acts but by his intentions. For God alone reads our hearts.”
-Mahatma Ghandi“A religion that takes no account of practical affairs and does not help to solve them is no religion.”
-Mahatma Ghandi
On your spirit and strength to fight injustice
“The time comes in the life of any nation when there remains only two choices - submit or fight. That time has now come to
-Nelson Mandela
“It is said that no-one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones,”
-Nelson Mandela
“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”
-Mahatma Ghandi
“I believe that a man is the strongest soldier for daring to die unarmed.”
-Mahatma Ghandi
May god bless you, Theresa and all other ISA detainees. Thank you Heroes!
“Quotes” that question the wisdoms of Ministers.
Infamous quotes by Home Minister
1. “Journalist must be blamed too” according to Malaysiakini.
2. “Reporter’s life was threatened” according to the Star.
He is a senior member of Malaysian cabinet. He has held numerous positions before being appointed as home minister. And what he said instantaneously caused me to puke from my stomach. How in the world a man who had studied and practiced law could come out with such lame and most inappropriate reasons. It is an insult to the wisdom of ordinary Malaysian.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Infamous quotes from Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department who is also the Minister -in Charge for Religious Affairs.
1. “Detainees themselves to blame” according to the Star.
2. “What can Anwar give me?” -the Star
3. “Is he willing to give me the post Deputy Prime Minister?” - the star
4. “I am grateful at being made a minister in charge of the religious portfolio although I am not an Ulama” - the star
Wow, isn’t that something to have come out from a minister who holds religious affairs’ portfolio? To me he only seems to be interested in blaming others without basis and acquiring material gains for himself. Is this also part of religious practice?
Does UMNO-BN risk its own extinction?
While I was watching a video clip which can be linked from this site, I heard this famous speaker Chopra saying; according to him some great scientists in their findings have concluded a permanently victorious species risks its own extinction an obvious reference to humans. The immediate thought that struck my mind then, does this also apply to Umno-BN?
Over the past 50 years the Umno with its coalition parties in BN had been continuously victorious, having won almost all generals elections. They have had also been enjoying exclusive authority over government, legal system and judiciary. For civil servants Umno is more of a religion than political. Undoubtedly Umno leaders have had become closed to invisible with the power vested in their name.
So, going by the theory could we say Umno risks with its own extinction? It seems so if we observe the current political scenarios in the country. Some of the happenings in the last one year that had caused this government became the most unpopular in the history include (Source-malaysiakini);
Bloody tragedy in Batu Burok on 9.9.2007 in Kuala Terengganu – Police shooting at protestors caused many to sustain serious injuries.
Bersih Rally on 10.11.2007 – Memorandum to His Majesty yang DiPertuan Agung. The rally attracted more than 40000 participants.
Tun Mahathir’s continuous criticism on Pak Lah's leadership and his government and the infighting in UMNO.
Hindraf Rally on 25.11.2007 – Dissatisfied with BN government’s treatment the minority Indians marched to the street. More than 30000 Indians took part. Police brutality and detainment of 5 Hindraf leaders under ISA resulted majority of Indians turn their back on BN.
General Election Tsunami on 8th March 2008 that caused Umno-BN losing 2/3 majority.
A flimsy second sodomy charge against Anwar Ibrahim that made people and the world to disbelieve the government.
Alleged involvement of the DPM’s wife in the murder of Altantuya and the subsequent disappearance of PI Balasubramaniam over his SD. Until today the police have yet to give a satisfactory explanation on his whereabouts and issues mentioned in his SD.
Dr.Osman’s Statuary Declaration on the result of a medical test conducted on Saiful Bukhari refuting the latter’s claim that he was raped (sodomy).
The revelation of Ramlang, the Imam who witnessed Saiful’s swearing on Koran, discrediting the swearing proper.
Anwar’s major victory in Permatang Pauh By-Election on 26.8.2008 despite the ferocious attack from Umno leaders.
Bukit Bendera Umno division chairman Ahmad Ismail’s controversial remark, calling Chinese “the squatters” that enraged the Chinese community.
The most recent arrests of RPK, Theresa and Tan of Sin Chew News Paper under the draconian law ISA that appears too political.
Show Cause letters issued by Home Minister to 3 news paper, Sin Chew, The Sun and Suara Keadilan an attempt that undermines press freedom in the country.
These and more are the issues that have placed the police, legal system and BN government into losing their credibility and trust of the people. These are the indications that suggest Malaysians at large eager to see the Umno-BN hegemony to end
With all burdens and flaws accumulated over the years, I could foresee the end is nearing for Umno-BN; however the question that puzzles me is why they don’t realize of their self-destruction process.
"With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility."
Malaysiakini reported:
“Raja
“ISA arrest widens: Sin Chew journalist held by police at 8.30pm”
“ISA dragnet widens: MP Theresa Kok too at 11.18pm”
Theresa Kok and Sin Chew Daily journalist Tan Hoon Cheng have been arrested along with RPK under the draconian Internal Security Act. In the midst of repeated calls by various bodies and individuals on the government to refrain from invoking ISA, the government's latest highhanded approach reflects its’ insensitiveness to the wish of Malaysians.
It also shows the government of the day is somehow incapable to resolve issues that affecting the nation and her people.
Peter Parker, the Spiderman would say this, “with great power comes great responsibility.” But I’m extremely doubtful if this could make any sense in our country. Perhaps it would be more precise to say “in
Inept Accolade to Award
In The Star yesterday, a particular topic caught my interest. “What a Howling Shame” by Veera Pandiyan in his column "Along the Watch Tower" was in reference to the “impeccable” English applied in an advertorial in the NST on 23.8.08. This is what I wrote to Malaysiakini on the following day, 24 .8.08 expressing my dismay . Surprisingly it did not get published.
I reproduce the same here, please read...
University Tun Hussein Onn, published an advertorial in the NST (23.8.08) on page page 43, to congratulate Her Highness, Yang Amat Mulia Raja Zarith Sofiah, on the award of an honorary doctorate of Philosophy in Education at its 7th convocation ceremony.
Virtually every sentence in every paragraph is not only wrong grammatically, the gender of Her Highness has also been changed. One has to pause and wonder with dismay and disgust at the ineptitude of the administrators of this University who are guilty of gross negligence in allowing this advertorial to be published.
They are also guilty of committing an act bordering “Lese Majeste” (disrespect of Royalty) to not only the recipient of the award but also to the chancellor of the University, who happens to be her husband, His Highness the Tengku Mahkota of Johor.
Her Highness Raja Zarith Sofiah, is a lady who is an author of distinction who writes in beautiful English. Her writing on family values, ethical behaviour as well as her pieces on “Mind Matters” have been well received by her numerous readers.
This advertorial demeans Her Highness and all that she has achieved. If this is the level of competence in the English language at tertiary level, especially amongst University administrators and academics, then it is indeed a very sorry state of affairs.
The minister of Higher Education should ensure that those responsible for the publication of this gibberish should publicly apologize to their majesties. The Vice-Chancellor should take responsibility of this disgraceful episode and resign forthwith.
All institutions of higher learning in this country have been tainted by this advertorial. Perhaps the NIE should conduct a suitable programme to ensure all administrators and academics in our Institutions of higher learning are competent in the English Language.
This is the original piece appeared in NST ( An apology was made in the same paper later)
You and I the most dangerous predators of the land
FACT…
“According to scientists, if insects disappeared from this planet earth, all lives would stop or ceased completely in 5 years time as they are so important to the ecosystem. On the other hand if we human species disappeared, this planet would flourish in 5 years time.” What it means is that we the human species are the most dangerous predators on the earth.
The dark side of human species
We are multiplying like cancer-cells, we are couching, we are plundering, we are spreading and we are destroying. Humans are the only species that kill its own kind most frequently in the name of god. We are the only species that capable of racism, ethnocentrism, bigotry and hatred and war. We are only species that cause the destruction of other species and at this moment risking our own destruction.
The bright side of human species
We are the only species that ask ourselves where did we come from; what is the purpose and meaning of our existence; what happens to us after our death; do we have a soul; does god exist; if he does, does he care about us……
Watch here the world renowned mind and body healer speaks…
I must confess if only we had one Deepak Chopra in
We are one, all of us are created for one and only purpose, unfortunately we are so preoccupied with our infighting over race, religion and material.
Will we ever learn?
Malaysians' Unity in Diversity
It concerns nation; that is how it sounds, malaysiakini has almost all topics on Ahmad Ismail’s racial remark. Something must be fundamentally wrong in
What can we possibly do to strengthen our unity in diversity? Just few days ago a good friend of mine sent an email to me. A very good piece indeed, in fact I find the message is full of moral values that indirectly offer solutions to some of the concerns of our national unity. Well, it’s a speech of former president of
Abdul Kalam says on…..
Forgiveness
In my search for evolving a peaceful and prosperous society, I got a part answer. My search for real truth continues. I visited an ancient Christian monastery in
Giving a trait of Happiness
Similarly, I had a memorable experience in the birth place of Swami Vivekananda, a youth monk of India who could keep the audience spell bound in eastern and western society with his inspirational messages of spirituality and practical life, I explained the Tawang experience to the disciples and they too felt the Tawang experience indeed is beautiful and they added "Trait of Giving " will add to peace and happiness.
Good Deed results in good actions
I visited Ajmer Sharif (in the state of Rajasthan) where I participated in the Friday Namaz. Here, the Sufi expert told me that Almighty's creation, the man, has been challenged with another powerful creation of Shaitan. Only good deeds lead to good thinking, good thinking results into actions radiating love as commanded by Almighty.
The message from all these and other spiritual thinkers is that there are many ideas and spiritual thoughts which transcend religions, geographies and time. If only we could bridge the spirituality among religions and nations, many of the problems like the gaps between haves and have nots, deprivation causing unrest leading to extremism, the remnants of past animosities and war and several other road blocks to peace and prosperity can be tackled. I am sure the youth of
Dialogue of Cultures
I would like to recall one incident which commonly occurs in many parts of my country. I have witnessed this event when I was a young boy (10 yrs). In our house, periodically I used to see three different unique personalities meet. Pakshi Lakshmana Shastrigal, who was the head priest of the famous Rameshwaram temple and a vedic scholar, Rev Father Bodal, who built the first church in
To read the whole speech click here