Selamat Hari Raya

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my friends and readers of my blog Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

May we take this opportunity to spend precious times with our family and loved ones. May we also take this opportunity to visit our family and friends.

To those who are travelling back to kampung or away for a holiday, I pray that your journey to and fro will be safe and joyful.

In our joy and happiness celebrating this wonderful occassion, let us also say a silent prayer to all our loved ones who have gone ahead of us, and that they shall always be in our hearts and thoughts.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri....from Ikmal, Soraya and family.

Temple Demolition in Ampang

I want to say something about the demolition of the Sri Maha Kaliamman temple in Kampung Tasek Ampang and the controversy that surrounds it.

I was so shocked and sad when I first learned about it. A friend of mine sent me a text message informing me of it. I actually did not believe it, and thought how stupid can the government be by actually allowing such incidents to happen again. This was actually one of the main issues or factors that actually worked totally against the BN, especially in Selangor when the temple in Shah Alam was demolished then.

I called some of my friends up who confirmed the incident. They were obviously mad about the whole issue and were disappointed that MPAJ and the Selangor State Government were responsible for the demolition. What happened to the promises by the PKR about protecting and upholding the rights of the Hindus (Makkal Sakhti) and of other faiths?

But what I would like to do here is take this opportunity to actually tell all my friends, especially Hindu friends how sad and sorry I am that this had happened again. I feel embarrassed, angry and sad that the people in this beautiful country of ours have to go through this problem once again. Even sadder when we, as a nation, are preparing to celebrate Hari Raya AidilFitri together.

We must respect all faiths that are being practiced throughout the world and in this country. Article 11 of our Constitution says and I quote “ Artikel 11 Perlembagaan Malaysia menyatakan bahawa Islam merupakan Agama rasmi Persekutuan. Sungguh pun begitu setiap orang berhak mempraktikkan agamanya sendiri.” – (googled it under Perlembagaan Malaysia).

Everyone has the right to practise whatever his belief and religion. That is enshrined in the Constitution. No person or persons, organisations or authority should have the right to demolish any places of worship for any religion without exhausting all avenues first. These avenues must also be spelled out clearly, so that everyone knows what needs to be done first before such demolition can actually take place.

I am sad when Dr Xavier, the Selangor State EXCO in charge alleged that the demolition was done because the temple (or shrine as he put it) was on State Forest Reserve land. He might be right, but he should have discussed it first and seek proper recourse and arrive to an amicable solution. We must understand the sensitivities and it is only right if there really is a need to demolish, it must be done amicably, after much discussion and consultation, with dignity and honour. After all, I trust that we Malaysians are a reasonable lot and open to rational discussions and views.

And as the EXCO in charge, it is unbecoming of him to answer that MPAJ did not inform him first. If that be the case, then he is no better than the infamous Dato Seri Syed Hamid Albar, who could not exert control over his portfolio. Dr Xavier must not answer like a bureaucrat. He must not hide behind rules. Politicians are entrusted by the Rakyat to make policies, and those policies which are not good for the country and rakyat – well that is why MPs, State Assemblymen and so on are called policy makers. To make or change policies for the good of the country and her Rakyat.

If there is a need for the proposed Race Relations Act - this is it. I am actually not totally in favour of the Race Relations Act as yet, because I do not need an Act to tell me how to treat my friends of various races and beliefs. But this might just swing it for me, if this proposed act will address problems, controversies and issues such as these for all faiths and religion.

I pray to god that such insensitive acts will not happen again in this great country of ours.

September 16 2008 - What It Really Means To Us

September 16 2008 – What it really means?

16 September 2008 came and left us. The date itself has a great significance for many. The most important throughout the years is the celebration for the formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963, when PersekutuanTanah Melayu merged with Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore to be collectively known as Malaysia.

I agree with the calls from many groups and individuals for Malaysia to celebrate every 16 September as Hari Malaysia. It is a momentous moment for us apart from 31 August as our independence day. One date is when we become an identity of our own as a nation without having to answer to anyone and the other is when we became united to become our country as we know it now (minus Singapore).

This year, 16 September 2008 took an added significance. It was supposed to be the date when Pakatan Rakyat led by Anwar Ibrahim was to take over the Government. I can tell you that days, weeks and even months leading to this date, politicians from both sides of the divide could talk about nothing else but the supposed takeover on this date. Does Anwar have the numbers? Who are these MPs willing to jump over? How much was promised or what was promised in terms of positions for these ‘ frog’ MPs? – these were among the questions asked during those days.

Even on the eve of 16 September 2008, Anwar Ibrahim confidently said that he would take over the next day. Then 16 September 2008 came and 16 September 2008 left. I don’t have to tell you what happened or did not happen as we all know about it by now.

I spoke to many people on this matter– politicians (both sides), business folks, friends, the public in general. I was curious and did an unscientific survey, did they really buy Anwar’s claims of the change of Government? Did they really believe in Anwar Ibrahim to be the next prime minister? Did they believe that Anwar is the best person to lead the country? Are they still buying Anwar telling them to be patient and that the change is imminent?

Well, here are the answers:-
i. They do not love Anwar Ibrahim, in fact they don’t like him. However, they think he is a good politician - a good strategist.
ii. They don’t think Anwar Ibrahim should be the next prime minister. They believe he has over politicized everything and has lost the respect of many in and outside Malaysia.
iii. They don’t think Anwar Ibrahim is the best person to lead Malaysia.
iv. And it is not that they are buying into Anwar’s claim that change is imminent and for them to be patient, but they are hoping for a change because they are fearful what they see in front of them now and what the future holds for them if it continues as it is. And because of that, they are willing for a change in leadership.
v. And they are not confident BN can change in order to change the country’s fortunes.

So, what does it really mean? They don’t like Anwar Ibrahim and don’t think he is the best person to lead Malaysia. Yet, they are ready, prepared and want a change in leadership.

The date right now is known to be an Anwar Ibrahim hoax. A 916 sandiwara by the man. PAS and DAP and the whole nation got duped by Anwar Ibrahim. Now, as much as I agree with that, we should step back, analyse deeper into the issue and ask ourselves “ Why were so many people, including the normal rakyat who are not politically inclined were more than willing to believe Anwar Ibrahim that a change in leadership is imminent?” and “Why is it so many people are ready, prepared and yearning for a change in leadership” even when they do not believe in Anwar.

The answer lies in us – UMNO, MCA, MIC, Gerakan and all other component parties in BN, especially the first four. We are actually to be blamed for the rakyat’s loss of confidence in the Government as the Government is us. We are the ones responsible for them not being confident that we can lead and change the country’s fortunes.

We have not given any reason for them to start believing in us again! It is not that PAS and DAP are doing a great job in managing Pulau Pinang and Perak. The situation is worse in Kedah where nothing seems to be moving. And Pakatan Rakyat led by PKR is doing a poor job in Selangor, especially bungling on issues like the demolition of the Sri Maha Kaliamman temple in Kampung Tasik, Ampang for example.

But how can the Rakyat turn to us for protection and hope, if we, the BN, do not give them any reason to believe we have changed and we can do it!

I believe it is not that they want Anwar Ibrahim. He just happens to be there and has managed to convince a lot of people that he is a good alternative. But the Rakyat wants someone whom they can trust and have confidence in to lead them and to bring the country forward. And the Rakyat wants to believe in the group we call ministers and deputy ministers to chart the fortunes of the country and the Rakyat's fortunes.

I hope this proposed leadership transition from Pak Lah to Najib will happen and bring about real and clear changes. And these changes must not be initiated by Najib alone, but must also be embraced by everyone from the top leadership right down to the ordinary member on the ground. It must be done, seen and felt in all component parties in BN.

Then we will win back the Rakyat’s confidence and trust in us.

Liar ! Liar ! Pants on Fire !!!!!

I read with great interest today in Utusan Malaysia today (Front page, right column) that reported Parti KeAdilan Rakyat man , Fairul Azrim Ismail (30), admitting to have had sex with a working girl from China, but yet claiming he was set-up…… into having sex??!!!! He claimed that Badan Pencegah Rasuah (our ACA) set him up to have sex with the girl.

Now I don’t claim to be all good and this article is not meant to be the ‘holier than thou’ type. But to claim he was set up into having sex? Plain stupid!!!!

Fairul, you were probably not thinking straight or were thinking not using your big head when you wanted to have sex, or when you were having sex. And now you are again showing you are not thinking using your big head by saying you were set-up into having sex. You either wanted it and went for it or you could have refused it even when offered to you. It all depends on you and what you want. I doubt you were forced into having sex with that lady!

Stop lying and making up stories, then taking the easiest route by blaming the Government for everything, including your ‘libido issues’. Step up. And don’t forget, in Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor and Kelantan, Pakatan Rakyat is the Government.

Same thing happened (though of a different nature) when I read in the papers yesterday and today about Tian Chua’s statement that” Pakatan Rakyat representatives had a couple of meetings with the prime minister’s aides.” He further claimed that initial feedback was positive.

Next thing I know, in other papers and even Malaysiakini, Anwar Ibrahim himself in Kelantan denied that such meetings ever took place. Now - Which is which ????? Do we believe the Advisor to the party or the Information Head who is also one of the party’s spokesperson and a main player in Pakatan Rakyat?

Stop making up stories. Stop making wild and incredulous claims. Stop confusing the Rakyat!!!!

I am glad to see that other opposition parties like PAS and DAP are not going down the same path of making wild and crazy claims.

I have to admit I have greater respect for PAS and DAP as political parties. They seem not to be too involved and not too desperate in the whole leadership transition saga. And for Haji Hadi to stick to his principles about the party’s struggles and aims rather than sacrificing that for power if such a takeover were to happen, shows that he is a principled man for his struggles and not give in to his lust for power.

I would have to say the same for DAP. They are more concerned about their fight against ISA rather than being involved in totally incredulous story making and such nonsense by PKR. As Lim Guan Eng said “Let Anwar Do The Talking”, further saying that they had agreed that it is best left to Anwar to do what he wants. In other words, actually distancing themselves for a potential major fall and embarrassment should Anwar’s claim prove to be unfounded.

At the end of it all, I am so sick and tired of all these charades and political games they play. I just wish everyone would get on and just do the work we the Rakyat have entrusted them with. Be it the BN or PR, please start being the best and most credible Government and opposition we have ever had.

ISA Arrests

I am happy that Teresa Kok has been released. Initially, when she was detained under the ISA for her involvement in the Azan issue, I felt it was justified as the Azan issue was and still is an extremely sensitive issue. It could get many Muslims angry and riled up. It is seditious in nature and would have caused many problems, especially when race relations are so fragile now.

But now that things are much clearer, I am surprised and in fact appalled by the whole exercise. At least based on initial reports today, I am made to understand that Teresa Kok was detained under the ISA only to be questioned and investigated along with to ascertain her involvement in several issues like the Azan issue and others.

It is my belief that the ISA should only be used in extremely serious circumstances, amongst which are those affecting national security and harmony. The ISA Act is also a preventive act in nature ie to prevent the individual or individuals from causing harm or affecting national security and harmony. But it is not to be used when only to investigate or just on suspicion! It should only be used when you have totally clear and absolute proof of the matter.

Dato Seri Syed Hamid looks pretty stupid now for authorising the use of ISA. As the minister in charge, he did not utilise his wisdom and ultimate authority to sanction or overrule the suggestions made to him. Again I say, he has made a mockery of the ISA Act by authorising its use on this particular manner. Cases such as this and that of Ms Tan (Sin Chew Daily reporter)are why some quarters are calling for a repeal or review of the ISA.

The ISA Act is still relevant and needed for its proper use ie national security and harmony and as a preventive action when there is absolute proof. However, we need to ensure that abuses such as that committed by Dato Seri Syed Hamid do not happen again.

Cuti-cuti Malaysia....Nak Cuti Lagi???

I was reading the STAR (18 September 2008) and came across this report on page N18 - Govt Staff Seek Salary Advance, Extra Holiday.

It was reported that Cuepacs president sent a letter to the Chief Secretary (KSN) asking for salaries to be paid a few days earlier so that they would have money for Raya celebrations and the holiday. It was also reported he further requested for October 3 2008 to be a holiday so that civil servants can enjoy a longer break.

Now, I can understand the request for advance payment. In fact I would like to suggest that these advance payments are made not only for Hari Raya Aidilfiti but also for Chinese New Year, Deepavali and whatever else major religious celebrations.

But to ask for a day off??!! Just so that they can enjoy a longer break? To be honest and direct about it, I am appalled and totally disappointed with Omar Osman (Cuepacs President) and I assume the committee for requesting it. Have we not way too many holidays already as it is. In all fairness, if we were to calculate properly and taking out the weekends, national and state holidays including Hari Raya, Chinese new Year, Deepavali, Agong's birthday, Merdeka and what nots, we are probably officially working about 220 days to 240 days out of 365 days a year. Don't forget the annual leave (some 14 days others more or less), medical leave (if any), we are probably looking at about 200 days +- a few days in a year that we are actually working.

I sincerely hope Omar Osman's and his committee's views are not shared by the majority of the civil service. We need more effective working hours, more effective working days for Malaysia, not less. How do you want to develop Malaysia if we have civil servants more concerned about holidays and leaving the office right on the dot rather than being concerned with finishing their work.

I want to put in my personal experience though, which I find very gratifying. I have interacted closely due to my nature of work and political involvement with several ministries, amongst which are Education (MOE), Higher Education (MOHE) and Agriculture (MOA). I find the officers there very committed to work and do not care about leaving on the dot. I know of officers who work til late, way after the normal office hours and those who even go in during weekends and holidays just to finish their work properly. To these officers and I know for a fact there are many of them, I salute you and pray that God will reward you.

This is what the country needs. Commitment and dedication, perseverance and a will to succeed individually and collectively as a nation, for the nation.

To Omar Osman and his committee ie those who want this extra day off - just go apply using your annual leave allocation. As the malay saying goes ' (Jangan)kerana nila setitik, habis rosak susu sebelanga'.

I leave you for today with an article from YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir from his blog www.chedet.com on this matter titled Cuti-Cuti Malaysia....

Cuti-Cuti Malaysia

1. There are only 365 days in a year. Take away 104 days of Saturdays and Sundays weekends and we have left 261 working days. But Malaysia is multi-religious and we must not work during Raya, Chinese New Year and Deepavali. But we must also not work on Wesak Day, Taipusam, Christmas, New Year, Federal Territory Day, various Muslim holy days and I do not know what else.

2. But we must not work on by-election polling day also. Then there is the Agong's Birthday and the birthdays of all the Sultans and Governors.

3. We seem to find more reason for not working. If the holiday falls on a weekend, then have a long vacation beginning the day before Saturday and the day after Sunday - four days in all.

4. I love all these. Kuala Lumpur is cleaner when people leave the city for balik kampong on Raya and Chinese New Year. It is exhilarating to drive on streets which are almost deserted.

5. But I ask myself are people like me, a pensioner being paid and not working? Or is the country on automatic - administering itself? Or is it that there really is not much work to do that we can close up for one-third of the year?

6. We are still a developing country. Developing requires work. Rich developed countries can afford not to work. August holidays see the cities like Paris and London bereft of traffic.

7. I believe, but I may be wrong, that when you are trying to catch up with someone running ahead of you, you must run faster than him. We have this great ambition to become a developed country. If we move slower than our objective can we catch up? I think we cannot.

8. A developed country today and a developed country in 2020 is not the same. In 2020 it will be far more advanced and richer than in 2008. The developed status is not static. It is moving.

9. Even if it seem to be growing slowly percentage-wise, but its one percent is bigger than our 5 or 6 percent. Our base is lower. To catch up we must really grow faster.

10. Can we grow faster by not working? I think not.

11. Lets look at the implication of having holidays. If workers have to work on holidays they have to be paid twice their daily wage. If they work beyond working hours they have to be paid four times their wages. And many industries just cannot stop operating.

12. All these add up to higher cost of production and therefore we will be less competitive. For a trading nation which depends on exporting goods, raw material and services, the cost of our exports is important. We will not be competitive especially against low-wage countries. But not to worry. The Government will make us competitive by withdrawing subsidies and giving them back again under different headings in the budget or off-budget.

13. Its a bit early but I would like to wish everyone Happy Hari Raya. Please drive slowly. We want you to come back after a very relaxing 4 - 5 days holiday. Do not worry about unfinished work. It can take care of itself.

P.S. I think the Government and the private sector should consider retreats. It's not a holiday of course but comes very close to a holiday. Besides you can become a savvy agriculturist.

Let's Get On With It

It has been an interesting last 24 hours in Malaysia. The whole nation was gripped and actually still is, with the whole Anwar Ibrahim changing of government saga. Politicians from both sides are sweating over it – Pakatan Rakyat MPs smacking their lips and smiling cheek to cheek waiting for the supposed change, and of course imagining whatever spoils and positions they might be able to get their hands on once in power. BN MPs and Cabinet members, sweating and wondering if they would have to soon leave their offices, ministries and suddenly learn to live on the other side of the world. Lest us not forget the main players in this whole game, and in all fairness I would call it a game because that is how Anwar Ibrahim is playing it.

Pak Lah, Najib, Anwar – currently all playing it cool and steadfast in their own beliefs over the whole saga.

Oh yeah, I wonder who will be Anwar Ibrahim’s Deputy if he comes in power – Lim Kit Siang? Karpal Singh? Husam Musa? Or who?

It is easy for Anwar Ibrahim and gang to claim so many things, including supposedly having more than 31 BN MPs ready and committed to hop over to Pakatan Rakyat. Then the next claim says that he has not only MPs but also Ministers and Deputy Ministers in this team. On this note, I want to digress a little. If there are Ministers and Deputy Ministers willing to hop over, that means they are unhappy with what they have right now and will only be willing to do so if they are given betters deals, maybe in terms of money or much better and senior positions in the cabinet. So, to all you wannabe Ministers / Deputy Ministers from Pakatan Rakyat who have stuck it with him through thick and thin and supposedly am willing to do practically anything for him, forget it! Positions, especially the juicy ones are already filled by these so called frog MPs.

But what I really want to see is the end of all these games. I am seriously sick and tired of all these claims, lies, half truths and what nots that have been going on, especially since 8 March 2008. All these crap that have been happening since then have really screwed our country up, economically, politically and torn into the very fabric of our society.

What Anwar and gang have been doing the last couple of months along with the fact that BN folks actually dancing to his tune have done no favours for the country and society. No concrete and positive developments have taken place the last few months. The country seems to have stagnated in terms of economic / business development. We have actually gone backwards in terms of racial harmony and integration. Everyone is so jittery and I bet no one feels settled right now.

It is time for all these drama to end. Anwar Ibrahim – stop grandstanding. If you have the 31 MPs you have been shouting whole day yesterday, then name them and get on with it. Prove to the world that you really have them. You seem so scared that something might happen to them if you name them. Well, you have been so clever all these while in your political strategies, I am sure you can ensure that all these people will remain committed to you until the end process and not change their minds halfway. Stop giving excuses or shifting goalposts and just get on with it.

Should you not do it in the very immediate future, then you would lose all credibility and people would not believe you anymore. Also, stop dreaming about it and be a good opposition.

BN members of cabinet, stop dancing to his tune and start being the Government – govern the country, develop the country and let’s make this country better than where we are.

The people have voted BN in, albeit with a lesson to be learned. Understand and learn that lesson and be the Government the rakyat wants. The people have also given the opposition a bigger mandate than 2004 to be hopefully a good and credible opposition. So Pakatan Rakyat have to be just that ie what the rakyat wants, which is a good and credible opposition.

So let’s get on with it, roll up our sleeves and get to work on this country for all of us, our children, grandchildren and all.

ISA Arrests on September 13 2008

I would like to comment on the recent arrest of three individuals under the ISA Act. In principle, I agree that Raja Petra Kamarudin and Teresa Kok should be arrested under this Act as what they had allegedly said or written were seditious in nature. They also have the means and are capable to continue saying or doing such acts that are seditious and potentially harm the country and the people.

However, I fail to understand the whole process of the arrest under the ISA Act and subsequent release of Tan Hoon Cheng, the reporter from Sin Chew Daily. The reason given by Dato Seri Syed Hamid Albar, the Minister in charge, that the arrest was done to protect her is unjustifiable. In the first place, you do not arrest someone especially under the ISA just to protect that person from a potential danger. Then, even if she were in danger and the arrest was done to protect her, what circumstances or factors have changed in the last 24 hours that had made that threat go away and warranted her release ? I would also like to state that this individual reported based on her perception of the matter, rightly or wrongly perceived. The argument if it were right or wrong or whether that was responsible reporting should be dealt through another channel and not in any way by using the ISA Act. As a reporter, she reports how she sees it, and does not have the potential other than through her reporting to cause further harm and damage on this matter to the country and the people, unlike Raja Petra or Teresa kok.

In addition, I would like to comment on Dato Seri Syed Hamid's statement as reported in the newspapers on Sunday, 14 September 2008. Dato Seri said he was informed on Friday of the impending arrests and did not want to interfere with it. He also said as the minister (in charge), he did not want to interfere with the administration of enforcement (STAR, 14 September 2008). I would like to think that as the minister in charge and head of that ministry, he is duty bound, especially in major and sensitive cases such as invoking the ISA Act, to use his judgment and make the correct decision.

Invoking the ISA is a very serious matter and should only be used as a last resort. One must already exhaust all other means and avenues before using the ISA. The ISA should also be used sparingly in only very serious and severe circumstances. The arrest of Tan Hoon Cheng under ISA and her subsequent release a day later and especially the reason given by Dato Seri Syed Hamid makes a mockery of the ISA Act. Such actions and justifications by the Minister in charge are what make people question the ISA and its usage although in nature this Act is essential to the country.