PM Najib could have done Better!

In my recent post “Will Najib release the 5 Hindraf leaders?” I had predicted Najib, upon assuming his premiership would surprise Malaysians and one that could be was the release of Hindraf leaders and other ISA detainees. My prediction came through; indeed, the new PM released 13 detainees, two from Hindraf.

But then frankly, Najib has missed his biggest opportunity that stood right before him. Instead of releasing all, he chose only 13 of them. For Hindraf this will not be seen as sincere gesture by the new PM. Any sensible person would know this is nothing but another attempt to convince Indians especially the Indian voters in today’s election.

I would not know who would win the election today but there are certain “Najib factors” that could result in favour of opposition, what otherwise could have been BN’s bright opportunity.

The release of 2 Hindraf leaders instead of 5 did not reflect the true aspiration of the government to regain Indians support. It appears to be a bait to convince voters than anything. Indians know this.

The latest report by the committee appointed by health ministry has somehow denied the strong evidence of brutality in Kugan’s death, disagreeing with the second pathologist port-mortem report. This could very well mean, the perpetrators responsible for Kugan’s death could escape sentence or even go scot-free.

Also another latest report that states the police had confiscated all evidences including photos and papers on Kugn’s case from pathologist office in University Hospital. It shows gross hard-handed attitude of authorities that can only be perceived as obvious attempt to destroy evidences.

If Indians in both Bukit Selambau and Bukit Gantang were to take these as considerations, I bet BN would not get the required Indians' votes to win convincingly.

The lesson Selambau can learn from UMNO youth election!

I refer to Malaysiakini’s report on “KJ’s election: Mahathir spews venom”

TDM, the number one critic of KJ once again took a swipe at him. Malaysiakini equated his condemnation to spewing venom. This time he directed his accusation to the collective youth members of UMNO for electing Khairy despite the disciplinary committee finding him of guilty for money politics.

But the night he was elected as chief, Khairy in his acceptance speech said “They thought Khairy is over, but here I am despite all the odds.” Yes, Khairy was correct; most of us thought Khairy did not have any chance of winning, but he proved us all wrong by winning convincingly.

Whether Khairy was involved in money politics or not we wouldn’t know and TDM’s allegation that the youth group bent over backward for Khairy is not easy to believe either. However what we do know is Khairy had strong opposition outnumbering his own supporters. Hence, in my view the use of SWOT approach would be useful to analyze the process of UMNO youth election and the contributory factors for KJ’s ultimate winning which in this case could also be a crucial lesson for PKR Selambau in the upcoming by-election.

Strength of opposition

For anti-Khairy faction – Khairy was opposed by majority of 486 votes.

For PR in Selambau – The nation knows of the anti-government mood of majority voters who favour alternative choice in PR.

Weakness of opposition

For anti-Khairy faction – The Disunity factor among opponents. Mukhriz and Khir destroyed their opportunity to topple Khairy by refusing to work hand-in-hand and instead they chose to test their individual strength, causing faction within those opposing Khairy. This obviously became advantage to Khairy.

For Opposition in Selambau – The selfish attitude among opposition groups and PKR’s failure to convince the disappointed factions especially the Indians on their choice of candidate has resulted in the emergence of many possible independent contestants. If PKR fails to keep them away, it might give BN an easy walk over victory. Such instance would be very unfortunate to those groups such as Makkal Sakti who ferociously fight the government for their rights and demands.

Opportunity for Opposition

For anti-Khairy faction - Had many favourable reasons to defeat Khairy – KJ was found guilty for money politics just few days before election. He had many critics including TDM. Many top guns including Muhyiddin were against him. Unfortunately KJ’s contestants missed to exploit these opportunities.

For Opposition in Selambau – Selambau is held by PKR. Majority voters support opposition move and a crucial number of Indians have become BN haters. Many recent incidents including the killing of six Indians by police are very fresh in people’s memory. All these could be advantageous to opposition.

Threat for opposition

For Anti-Khairy faction – Khairy was incumbent deputy chief. He knew the loyalists who worked with him for 11 years. The PM is his father-in-law. He is privy to certain privileged information. Also, Khairy played his role well, both as leader championing Malay rights and ultra-Malay who has the intelligence and competence. Understandably KJ opponents failed to overcome the threats.

For opposition in Selambau – PR’s inability to choose the most qualified and trustworthy candidate as we have seen in the case of Perak. The continuous attack by BN to disrepute PR politicians has caused severe damage in PR’s stability and good governance. More importantly the new UMNO line up led by Najib may cause people to reconsider a second chance to BN.

As the by-election is inching in, the underlying questions that remain unanswered are:-

1. Will the people who oppose BN realise their divisiveness is the strength for BN?
2. Can’t they see if a divided UMNO youth could bring victory to Khairy, could also a divided opposition bring victory to BN?
3. Why that is so important the candidate of your choice must get the opportunity and not others?
4. Can an independent who claims to represent one ethnic group with mere 9000 voters convince the majority Malays and Chinese to vote him in?
5. Are you prepared to see the Pakatan Rakyat losing to BN because of your doing and selfishness?

It’s only hoped Khairy’s election serves as lesson in the upcoming by election. Selambau folks, for heaven sake please do not be detracted by few disgruntled individuals who fail to see the big picture.

Read it in Malaysiakini

Will Najib release the 5 Hindraf leaders?

Now that Najib has become the president of UMNO, days away to assume the role of PM, can we expect him to do the right thing by releasing the ISA detainees especially the Hindraf Leaders?

I predict he would do so for few reasons.

1). He needs to show Malaysians that he is different from Pak Lah and his leadership style and he was not involved with his predecessor in detaining people.

2). Winning the upcoming by elections is seen as most important endorsement of his leadership. Releasing the 5 Hindraf leaders may diffuse the tension between Malaysian Indians and government. Strategically he could use it to woo Indian voters in Selambau.

3). He may be the PM of Malaysia but in the eye of many Malaysians he has full of scandals and his reputation is badly tarnished. Shifting people’s focus on freeing ISA detainees could give him the space to win back voters who have been angered over the political instability in Perak.

4). Nothing could hinder Najib if he wants to re-arrest the ISA detainees after their release. However the strategy to release them could pave him an opportunity to know if Indians had supported BN in Selambau.

So be prepared for some breaking news. I expect Najib to surprise Malaysians if he assumes the post of PM before 7^th, the by-election date. What say you?

10 MMMs I’ve come to respect most

You may ask what I mean by MMMs.

Well, it simply means Malaysian Malay Muslims. That’s right; over the last one year or so we have been listening and watching many pragmatic Malays in Malaysia. In many ways they demonstrate their positive beliefs and traits that affect the ordinary Malaysians especially the non-malays in one way or another.

Being a non Muslim who has been taught to respect other religions as my own, I have always maintained all religions including Islam are godly. Each time I’m faced with questions that ask me which religion is superior, I would recall the phrase my late father used to profess me; “river, no matter where it begins, always it confluences in the sea; likewise is the religion you embrace, you will reach the feet of god if you understand the meaning to truthfully follow its’ teaching” Hence, when I come across a handful of pragmatic notable Malay Muslims defending the equal rights of all Malaysians regardless of ones color and creed, they most certainly earn my respect. More of their likes in my view will help us Malaysians to become a truly multi-racial and multi-religious bangsa Malaysia.

The 10 Malaysian Malay Muslims whom I have come to respect are:

1) Spiritual Leader Tok Nik Aziz.

Representing a party that is known to be hardliners, his humbleness in life is exemplary to those who self-flatter themselves as religious Malay Muslims. His respect for others and their faiths and his virtue in treating all people as equal shows his true quality as religious person. He truly makes a fellow Muslim proud for his attributes and earning the respect of non-Muslim for fairness he displays.

2) Tunku Aziz – founder of Transparency International and VC of DAP.

To my understanding, Tunku Aziz is one of the few with admirable personality who never compromise principle and virtues for anything that comes his way. His position, actions and views have always emphasized the interest of all Malaysians based on equality, honesty and integrity. Tunku is a class by himself and a true Muslim compatriot who is highly respected by all right thinking Malaysians.

3) Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim

Like many Malaysians I first sympathized him for the inhumanely manner he was treated. He won my respect when he started voicing for fairness to other races. His call for ketuanan rakyat openly is something I find worth praising. His quote “anak melayu- anak saya, anak cina- anak saya and anak India pun anak saya” impacted me so much. If we could have leaders who claim to represent Malaysians to accept this mantra, Malaysia would soon become the dreamland of plural society.

4) Datuk Zaid Ibrahim – the former defacto law minister

I started admiring his courage and pragmatism when he became vocal in addressing the weaknesses in UMNO and government. His decency and ethical politics made him to outshine most Umno politicians. His choice to resign from the ministerial post over government biasness won my highest respect.

5) Raja Petra Kamaruddin- Malaysia Today

Born royal, grew up ordinary but lead a life of true warrior. His courage to voice against corruption, disparity and prejudice is not easy to match. His willingness to become a sacrificial lamb for good governance is adorable. I’m sure there must be thousands of Malaysians who are willing to accept RPK as their god brother or god son.

6) Datuk Nizar Jamaluddin – the legitimate Perak MB.

He was an ordinary man before GE 12. However, as elected Menteri Besar, he proved himself as one worthy leader. Though he comes from Pas which is pro-Malays and Muslims, as leader and MB Nizar demonstrated true professionalism. There will not be much to worry when leaders like Nizar run public office.

6) Haris Ibrahim

He is an ordinary lawyer and blogger (The people’s parliament) with extra-ordinary qualities that truly demonstrate his compassion and love for fellow humans. His tireless calls for equality among all Malaysians and to establish Bangsa Malaysia is something that has made him larger than life. Malaysians can be proud to have Haris Ibrahim as fellow Malaysian.

8) Azli Rahman

A Malaysian being in the profession of teaching, he now base in US. What made me impressed upon him is the way he articulate his impartial views on humanity, race and religion. Every word penned by him reflects his in-depth understanding and respect for fellow being. It would be tremendously great if Malaysia had a person like Azly to lead local educationists.

9) Dr.Syed Hussin Ali

He is a former UM lecturer specializing in sociology and anthropology and current deputy president of PKR. His qualities surfaced when he refused to contest in general election, a trait most politicians in Malaysia unable to emulate. His simple straight forward principle in life often amazes me. He may not be the shining star but his attributes are. Islam can be proud of this man.

10) Azmi Sharom

Azmi is law professor at UM and a columnist for ‘the Star’ daily. His column ‘The New Brave World’ is the favourite of many Malaysians. He is one of the open minded Malays who capture the many prevailing issues via his writing that are bothersome to Malaysians at large. Azmi Sharom is an exemplary of modern Malay who believes in himself and possesses the wisdom, quality and competence.

To all of you remarkable Malays, I am proud to calling you my Malaysian brothers; I’m proud to boast that my Malay brothers are truly amazing and if Bangsa Malaysia becomes a reality, it would be because of people like you.

Selambau Predicament

For most Malaysians who wished to see strong opposition, it was a relief when the Selambau state assemblyman resigned ending the month long speculation of his purported joining to BN. The reasons the ex-adun Arumugam stated for his resignation among others were intimidation and harassment by BN members. With such serious allegation one wonders why until to-date there no action is taken by authorities to probe into his complaints?

In the meantime Selambau electorates are facing a by-election to select their new assemblyman. Whilst MIC has had announced their candidate in Ganesan, PKR made their choice in novice Manikumar. Unfortunately many Indians and their related bodies, including Makkal Sakti in Selambau have expressed their disapproval over the PKR’s choice.

The unexpected reaction by Indians in Selambau is certainly a cause for concern. To be fair to these people, I think PKR especially Anwar must understand the choice of right candidate who is acceptable to majority locals is crucial. PKR should not take things for granted ‘perceiving any candidate will do and most Malaysians would accept one as long as they wear opposition’s cap’. And to make matters worst it is expected up-to seven candidates could be contesting for the seat. Such attempts by independents could bring disastrous result to PKR as votes could sway, resulting PKR’s possible loss in election.

Wanting to represent the rakyat is not an easy task be them Makkal Shakti or other independent Indian aspirants. Having a mere 7,000 Indians as voters does not guarantee any candidate a victory. One should remember, you are going against a mighty BN, unless you are united under one entity as strong opposition, chances to win is nothing but a hope.

Sensibly speaking, opportunity is there for easy win but will Indians in Selambau be sensible enough to outwit BN? It’s time for them to engage in some serious thinking.

Role of Tree in History

The recent historical event that took place under a rain tree in Perak refreshed my memory about the history lesson I learned when I was small.

The Malacca sultanate which descended throughout the peninsular had an interesting story. Parameswara, the runaway king of Sumetra while resting under a tree called Malacca, witnessed a mouse dear outwitted his hunter dog. Mesmerized by the strange incident he believed it was a good omen. For this reason he decided to establish his kingdom there and proclaimed the place as Malacca. That was some 600 years ago.

Today, our Malay rulers are proud to acknowledge they are the descendants of Parameswara the king who built the Malay empire.

The Perak state assembly speaker Siva Kumar made another historic moment when he reconvened the assembly under a rain tree on March 3^rd 2009. If one were to take a closer look at the event, he or she would realize there are many similarities to that of Malacca.

Parameswara was chased out of his country. He was on the running until he founded Malacca under the Malacca tree.

Sivakumar too was denied his rights to enter the state assembly where he is the speaker. Left with no choice, he invoked his rights to reconvene his assembly under an Angsana tree and the session was witnessed by the whole world.

If it was Parameswara 600 years ago, it is Sivakumar 600 years later.

The interesting part; In Hinduism the name Parameswara is referred to Lord Siva. In the same note Sivakumar (lord Muruga) is the name of the son of lord Siva @ Parameswara. If Malacca tree became famous because Parameswara (the father), so is the Angsana tree in Perak because of Sivakumar (the son).

Malaysiakini can play a lead role to stop the alleged Police Brutality and abuse to Malaysians?

I refer to the Malaysiakini’s article on “Police brutality, torture and murder.

The article in Malaysiakini yesterday will certainly help people to understand the real concern of Indians over the police brutality in this country. And with this one doesn’t have to search for anymore evidence to prove his allegation.

In the report, Malaysiakini named the victims. Those victims included are Kugan Ananthan (believed to be murdered), B.Prabhakar (victim of torture), Tharma Rajen (died in police custody- suspected involvement of police), M.Ragupathy (died during police custody due to lack of medical attention that he badly needed), Sundra Raju (died in Police custody), Vivashanu Pillai (arrested but police claim he escaped when body was found mutilated) and the list goes on. Regardless of their background, these victims were believed to have been treated worst than animals by the authorities.

Over the years, leaders, NGO activists and many others from various segments have made serious attempts, calling on the police and government to prevent these brutalities. However, thus far the calls and appeals have never been taken seriously. In cases where evidence surfaced to show police brutality, very often than not we saw ministers and government officials competing to defend the perpetrators by ignoring people and human rights as the basis.

So where do we go from here? The author in her report also identifies the reasons for such outcome is lack of independence, accountability and transparency on the part of the police in its investigation of allegations of police brutality.

While I believe it’s not easy for us to go after the police each time we encounter police brutalities, there is one option I think we should seriously look into making the police more accountable and professional. This thought came to me after reading a purported confession statement (not in Malaysiakini) made by a police officer in Malaysia. If a police officer who is duty bound to protect us could betray our trust to murder one of us, all for a reward of RM50, 000 what guarantee do we have on our lives, let alone criminals and suspects of wrongdoing.

So, the truth is there seems to be an inclination to pecuniary benefits and people are willing to go against their faith and law to achieve them and in cases of paid uniformed officers it makes no difference. In the absence of true professionalism and lack of good governance people could become victims easily. Thus, having understood the “money power” in such instances, wouldn’t it make sense if the rakyat throw pecuniary benefits (offer of reward) to “inside informers” so that we could bring the bad apples to book? It may sound as crazy idea nevertheless it could be one of the effective measures considering the fact that we are all materialistic animals.

I’m referring to monetary rewards. A reward that many in the blue uniform cannot resist, what’s more in this case, it is for a good cause. There are over 26 million people in Malaysia. Creating a reward fund of RM 1million is not difficult if we really want. A reward of RM250, 000 to RM 500,000 for anyone who could provide strong evidence that leads to the apprehension of corrupt police officers will create fear and jittery among the potential corrupts to abuse their power. They know with such huge monetary reward available for informers who could be amongst them, their position and freedom will be at stake as someone out there could be watching over them all the time.

How can the plan be implemented?

The measure I’m suggesting here is to protect all Malaysians although Indians make the most for now. Malaysiakini, being the most outspoken media has earned the trust of most Malaysians and hence, it has the moral ground to initiate “A Reward Fund” for the purpose of rewarding informers who could help us uncover abuses and corruption in the system. Let us treat this as a national service where aspiring Malaysians come together to contribute their nominal share in an attempt to help this country maintain law and order.

Two steps to raise the needed fund.

1) Contribution from Individuals and corporations and Associations.

2) Through News Dailies. All major dailies of all languages (Malay, English, Chinese and Tamil) could join hands. The dailies could make their effort known through announcement and charge an additional 0.50sen for their Sunday edition. I’m sure in a single day, the RM1 million fund (could be much more) could be realized.

The entire collected amount could be channeled to a “trust committee” that comprises people of highest integrity, or bodies such as Bar Council or Transparency International to manage and execute the reward strategy implementation. (Malaysiakini must have a role in the committee).

This measure, if could become an effective tool in apprehending wrongdoers in the “uniform” institution, may help us prevent abuses, corruption and negligence both in government and governmental institutions. It could also provide the victims and their kin with opportunities to institute legal suits against the responsible parties. Above all, the publicity, bad reputation and loss of integrity as a result of revelation of abuses will be something the institutions and government will be unwilling to barter in protecting a few bad ones among them.

On my part, I pledge RM100.00 to Malaysiakini or others should they wish to initiate this effort. Let’s take it upon ourselves; no violation, no vengeance, no breaking law and no discrimination.

It’s worth rewarding people for the sake of Justice.

Speech by Raja Perlis caused goose pimples on me!

Daulat Tuanku! Daulat Tuanku! Daulat Tuanku!

No one has said it so preciously like Raja Perlis did. The Tuanku called them as “narrow minded people”, criticizing those who advocate Ketuanan Melayu and creating racial intolerance and divisions among Malaysians.

Two famous quotes in Tamil remind me of His Highness' words of wisdom today:-

1."To us all towns are one, all men our kin. Life’s good comes not from others’ gift, nor ill. Man’s pains and pain’s relief are from within. Thus have we seen in visions of the wise!” Tamil Poem Pura-naanuru, cirsa 500B.C

2. Ruling righteously himself and safeguarding subjects from others, A monarch may be deemed divine by his people. Kural Verse 388

Read this to understand why the Tuanku created this great impression in me…

By News Straits Times 6/3/2009

---

Equal rights for all Malaysians, says Perlis ruler

2009/03/06

KANGAR: The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Syed Jamalullail, yesterday took to task those propounding the "ketuanan Melayu" (Malay supremacy) policy, accusing them of using "narrow-minded ways to achieve personal objectives". He said every Malaysian, irrespective of age, gender, social status or religion, enjoyed equal rights. The ruler said some Malaysians were making a big issue of the "ketuanan Melayu" issue and asking that supremacy or rights be given only to a particular race. "It is very unfortunate to see these self-interested parties raising sensitive issues which could dampen the spirits and hopes of millions of people. In Malaysia, every race is tuan," he said in his speech at the launching of a seminar on the Federal Constitution here. The seminar was jointly organised by the state government and the Biro Tatanegara.

Continue..

Deputy Prime Ministers, Then and Now –" A Devil & Angel Story"

Reference is made to malaysiakini’s report on “I can prove Najib tried to bribe me”.

“I can prove Najib tried to bribe me” quoted malaysiakini referring to the open challenge of a PKR leader to Najib’s alleged corrupt attempt to lure opposition assemblymen in Perak. And before the story settles down I have another also from Malaysiakini before my eyes making me completely flabbergasted...

As an ordinary citizen of this country, I strongly feel the rule of law, in reality does not exist in Malaysia. Can anyone blame me or any others who share same perception with me? The period from 1997 until present day will always be remembered by Malaysians at large as the most trying times especially in the subject of good governance. In fact it’s the period we could say Malaysia turned its back to justice and human rights.

I can’t help but to compare and relate the different treatments accorded to Anwar and Najib. (I’m saying with full of conscience)

In my vivid memory I remember how the then DPM Anwar Ibrahim (1997-98) was accused of wrongdoings and sacked by his boss TDM. Anwar was beaten up (black eye incident) by the IGP and tried for sodomy and abuse of power. Many of these allegations were dubious, not proven in the eye of public. It was the first time in history when we witnessed mattress was brought to court as evidence. The chain of events that surfaced, slowly but surely diminished our hopes and trust in the institutions. Young children who never heard words such as “liwat” or sodomy started uttering them without knowing the meaning, thanks to Malaysian police. Despite all the “benefit of doubts” on his side, Anwar was found guilty and sentenced to jail. As Malaysians who abide by the laws, we accepted the verdict of the court although privately we thought otherwise. That was some 10 years ago.

Once again Malaysians are subject to similar situation now. The current DPM Najib is also being accused of many wrongdoings. At least 4 major accusations varying from corruption to murder have been hurled at him; Altantuya’s murder and the subsequent disappearance of Private Investigator Bala, DPM’s alleged involvement in fabricating Saiful Bukhari’s sodomy case allegation, Euro-copter purchase involving billions and the alleged 50million offer to PKR’s Fauzi Muda to lure PKR assemblymen to BN. The accusation is intensified to new level today with a massive coverage by Malaysiakini and many blogs on internet about a detailed news report on Altantuya’s murder published in “Liberation French Daily” in France.

The crucial question that flashes now in our mind, why is the double standard here? If the entire legal and judiciary fraternity in Malaysia could join hands to nail Anwar then, why the same standard is not followed in the case of Najib now, especially with so much of evidence and allegations surfaced? What the authority is going to do about all these allegations? We pose these questions here; Dear AG, will you be able to rise to the occasion to try Najib? Dear IGP will you be brave enough to investigate into Najib’s wrongdoings? Dear MACC, will you be impartial in investigating the alleged corrupt practices of DPM?

I shall emphasize unless the DPM goes through all these trials, he would not be able to garner support, respect and whatsoever assistance from ordinary Malaysians. Not only that, would he also be regarded as the first and most tainted PM Malaysia has ever seen.

Of course Najib is entitled to his rights to pleading innocent until proven guilty. But can we apply the same criteria to a man who will lead us and this country as PM? Remember Elizabeth Wong, all she did was sleeping in her own room, a little sexy; if she could be forced to resign from her position for sleeping innocently(which she resigned gracefully with honor) what say you about a man who is going to hold the most important position that affects the whole country? I remember a famous quotes by TDM, “a leader not only must be clean but must be seen clean”. Unfortunately in Najib’s case, we can say neither clean nor seen to be clean?

The issues, attitudes and prejudice which are explicitly obvious are what prompt me to conclude the DPMs then and now have different sets of rules to follow - The rules say Anwar must die but Najib must live forgetting the ultimate verdict is with people. Not Indians, not Chinese and certainly not Malays but all Malaysians, believe me it’ll be Malaysians’ Verdict. Najib has to go through the cleansing process if he truly wants to represent Malaysians!

I plead, make me wrong on this one – prove to Malaysians the rule of law is indeed alive and kicking in Malaysia.

read my article at malaysiakini

Also read more here:

here

here