Still Race Based!!!!

Confused is the general feeling I would say among the rakyat who pulled together to vote for change. Our votes certainly proved to be the telling factor in determining the unexpected results in the last General Elections. We wanted an end to race based politics, all we want is good governance and equality for all. Now more than ever we should be looking at merits not the color of our skin. I still don't understand why in the Barisan Rakyat held states there is still bickering and lobbying for fair representation in terms of race!!!!!! Should it not be based on merits and capabilities???
All three opposition parties which have finally closed ranks to deny BN a clean sweep. Their campaign was based on equality for all irrespective of race. Why now do we see bickering and haggling among themselves on who should get what position and the number??? Selangor is a prime example, how come everybody now is haggling that each party should have a fair representation in the state exco??? Maybe I'm naive in the study of political science, but I sincerely feel that the elected Menteri Besar of every Barisan Rakyat held state elect his state exco members based on merits and capabilities. Not based on which party he or she belongs to. Did they not campaign that if elected that everyone will be treated as Bangsa Malaysia and not as an individual race??? Did they not promise the wealth of our beloved Malaysia will be shared by all and not but a select group?
Sure, the electorate might to a certain degree question and ask for representation according to the party that he or she has voted for. However at the end of the day I sincerely feel if we the rakyat are not taken for a ride and are treated with respect and our worries addressed we would not complain or grumble.
The onus is on the Menteri Besar of each and every Barisan Rakyat held state to ensure the electorate that no one will be left out or left behind irrespective of who is elected to the state exco. This bickering and haggling has and must be stopped lest the Barisan Rakyat ends up like BN.
We the electorate on the 0ther hand must also trust the capability of the personality that we have voted for to bring about the change that we have long been denied. It is not an easy proposition to face but if we really want Bangsa Malaysia to be a reality we have to work towards it. Meaning our elected representatives MUST allay our fears and put an end to race based politics. We too must give them a chance to prove themselves. It is still much too early to be saying that they or no better than BN. They have barely started work.
On the other hand PKR/DAP/PAS must come to terms and respect each other. No one party would have been able to achieve this famous victory on it's own. In collaboration all three parties have achieved this victory. All I hope now is that this bickering and haggling about fair representation according to race/party stop and the focus on fulfilling their campaign promises be carried out as a combined entity.

Relevance of BN

It's a whole new world as far as Malaysia is concerned. For most people like me it is both scary and exciting. The prospect of a paradigm shift in Malaysian politics is long overdue. Race based politics is dying and more and more Malaysians are warming up to the idea of one nation one race, THE MALAYSIAN RACE (BANGSA MALAYSIA).

BN however is still harping on the same issues and are trying to stay relevant. UMNO,MCA and MIC are still in denial. It is really mind boggling that the top echelon of each component party still do not realize the main reason for their defeat.

What the electorate wants is good governance,fairness,equality,transparency,justice and peace. The idea of championing one particular group and or race is irrelevant. Representation by race is obsolete. The electorate has shown that it matters not if the individual is Malay,Chinese or Indian or from which party he or she is from. What matters is that he or she is able to champion the rights of all. Sure most would argue that the votes and victories garnered by BR were mostly protest votes but at the end of the day, protest or not it still represents the fact that the electorate has had enough. They want, in fact demand fairness and equality for all irrespective of race and religion.

Which brings up the question of the RELEVANCE OF BN. How are BN and her component parties are to stay relevant?? Surprisingly a smaller component partner (GERAKAN Perak) has raised the idea of an AMALGAMATION of BN and her component parties. Much like PKR which represents all races. Although some may argue that the percentage of malays is high in PKR it matters not. The fact remains PRK is still based as a multiracial party representing all races. Postmortems are well and good but to do it individually by each component party is of no use. It may yield results in answering why the electorate shunned UMNO,MCA,MIC and GERAKAN at the polls. Nonetheless if BN and her component parties do not collectively conduct a postmortem the end result will be the same which will be loss of support.

A two party system in Malaysian Politics is still a long way off. The fact remains however that WE as a nation have finally taken the first steps toward such a scenario. It is in fact a coming of age for the country, one which is overdue. With these first steps taken BN and her component parties need to EVOLVE and CHANGE with the times and not vice versa. Questions will be raised by the electorate on the relevance of BN and as such she will be no longer relevant in the next General Election.

Sour Grapes and Irresponsible Leaders

The General Election has come an d gone and now that the dust has somewhat settled we are beginning to see the true colours of the winners and losers. Heartiest congratulations to PAS/DAP/PKR, the rakyat have now given you the mandate in 5 states and KL. All you need to do now is walk the talk. Do remember who put you there and what it has taken for you to get there yourself. The promise of equality, fairness and good governance in which you have trumpeted throughout your campaign have given us, the rakyat, a semblance of hope that we are indeed 'Malaysia, Truly Asia'.

To the losers, I truly hope that this is an eye opener. It's high time BN take stock of where they stand and come to terms with the fact that they are now dealing with a new breed of electorate. An electorate which has grown and matured. An electorate which can think for themselves and which cannot be blinded by mere promises of luxury and money.

The last couple of days have seen BN leaders react irresponsibly, with statements which are both grossly racial and worse inciting racial disharmony. The protest which was held in Penang yesterday if proof enough that BN Leaders in Penang are spiteful, irresponsible and self serving. I pray and hope that they don't speak for all malays in Penang. The call for retracting all projects funded by the Federal Government in Penang solely because it is now run by DAP is so childish. Kudos to the former Chief Minister (Tan Sri Koh Soo Khoon) in saying that these projects should be carried out despite Penang being governed by DAP.

The onus is now on BN to prove that they are better managers and prove to the electorate that rejected them that they are more capable. Playing the racial card is both obsolete and selfish. I was shocked and disappointed when seasoned MCA/GERAKAN leaders such as Chua Jui Meng and Lim Keng Yaik came out with statements which were biased and racially inclined. We are a nation that is growing and maturing. Racial and religious statements are no longer well received nor accepted by the vast majority who want equal rights and justice for all under the Malaysian sun. We want to live in peace and harmony with all our brothers and sisters in Malaysia. We have proven it by the results of the just concluded general election.

Transparency,Accountability, Good Governance, Fairness and Equality is what we the rakyat demand. Nothing more,nothing less. If DAP/PKR/PAS are able to deliver, so be it. On the other hand if BN are of the impression that they too are able to deliver, the onus is on them to prove it. BN still holds a simple majority in Parliament. They are still in the position to prove that they are able to deliver what the rakyat demands.

However their leaders need to take responsibility in ensuring that race and religion is an issue which cannot and must not be used to further their ambitions. WE the rakyat are of course proud of our ancestry and diversity. It is what makes us as Rakyat Malaysian unique. While we are proud to say that we are Malay, Chinese, Indian,Kadazan, Iban,Dayak and so on we still call ourselves Malaysians. WE the rakyat don't want anybody to be marginalized. All we want is fairness and equality for all.

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR

Kudos to the people of Pakistan!!! We are seeing and have seen lots of changes around the world. Democracy in the true sense of the word has been proven to be alive and well. It started with Australia where John Howard was replaced. We then saw how Gordon Brown seeing how little support he had declined to call for an election after taking over from Tony Blair. Now the people of Pakistan have spoken loud and clear through the ballot box that Musharaf's days are numbered. In America Barrack Obama is slowly but surely pushing Hilary Clinton aside to be the Democratic representative in the upcoming US Presidential Election. It just goes to show that we the people, the rakyat have the power to determine who our leaders should be. We can do it, we should do it, WE MUST DO IT!!! For the sake of our children and future generations.
Time and time again we learn of the many discrepancies and corruption being practiced by the present government. True we get these news from the internet or alternative news sources. However when it comes with documented proof how can we not believe it's true. Corrupt officials blatantly show off how powerful they are and miss use their authority for their own benefit or for the benefit of their family, friends and cronies. In every corner of the country these 'insects' and 'leeches' are thriving at our expense. Who can we blame but ourselves for our lot in life now.
Publicly as well we see how the police have got their priorities wrong. Being used as an instrument by the powers that be for their own benefit. All this while the crime rate is as high as I've known it to be. It's happening before our very eyes but as individuals we are powerless. Collectively however we can determine our future. A better future not only for ourselves but for our children and grandchildren.
This is the most opportune time for us to make a change. The present government wants a new mandate. They need us to stay in power. Isn't it clear now we determine whether they live or die (politically speaking that is). We whine and complain they aren't doing enough to ensure our future but when it's time to determine who should lead us we still pick the same people over and over again. We the rakyat can blame no one but ourselves.
I for one have confidence in our ability to think as Malaysians. I have confidence that the rakyat now have a mind of their own and are a more enlightened lot thanks to the internet and various alternative news sources. No longer are we mislead by the powers that be akin to being led by a bull from the nose. Let us all act collectively. BERSIH has shown we can do act as one, despite all the roadblocks and water cannons more than 40,000 of us showed up to show the present government we want a change. This number would have swelled to over a 100,000 if not for the brutal attacks of our very own police force.
The time is now. Come March 8th I beg all reasonable and level headed Malaysian to choose wisely and tick the right box.

WE ARE THE BOSS!!!

Returning home has always brought a smile to my face. Due to my nature of work I travel very often from time to time. However this homecoming is rather sweet. To learn that Parliament is dissolved and that the General Elections is just a few weeks away brings a new hope for a new beginning. I had the same feeling 4 years ago, however it's so sad to see how things have deteriorated. Crimes rates are higher than I've ever known it to be, the economy is struggling despite the rosy picture being portrayed and worst of all race relations are at it's lowest ebb.
How things can change in such a short time is bewildering. More so when the change is for the worst and not for the better. Surfing the many blogs, the general feeling is the same. WE WANT CHANGE!!!. I couldn't agree more. Of course I do understand that no one is perfect, however taking into consideration the state of the nation our leaders have taken us nowhere!!! However it is up to us, the rakyat, to determine who represents us for the next term. Currently our leaders don't realize or should I say have forgotten that we are their boss, we are the ones who pay their salaries and they are the ones who should be working for us. Not the other way round. I know I am merely echoing the call for change which is being demanded by concerned and discerning Malaysians.
The need for change is ever more needed here and now. As I have said before, we the public are the BOSS. We determine who will lead us, we are the ones who determines our own future and the future of our children. Vote wisely and vote carefully is all I can say to my fellow citizens.

FREEDOM AND EQUALITY NON EXISTENT – Part 2

Much has been said about the recent advent of public outcries via public marches and gatherings. As far back as I can remember there has never been a spate of public marches and gatherings happening in such a short space of time. I am drawn to the one and only comment of my posting ‘Freedom and Equality – Non Existent Part 1’. “Our country is evolving. We had been under the yoke of colonisation for long..long time; both colonisation of country and the mind”. I cannot help but agree with “gukita”. However when evolution is forcibly halted it becomes time bomb waiting to explode.

Whatever is said and done Malaysia is still a ‘Fledgling Democracy’. True, we are celebrating 50 years of Independence but the country is still searching for its true identity. We still argue whether we are should call ourselves ‘Bangsa Malaysia’ after 50 years. Our politicians still rant and rave about ‘Ketuanan Melayu’. It is a delicate situation indeed for a fledgling democracy. Like it or not Malaysia is a multi racial country with the majority being ethnic malays. It is an oxy moron when we get some politicians saying that we should never use the racial card to garner support and political mileage. On the other hand politicians from the same party are clearly using the racial card by saying the malay position should never be questioned or threatened. This only serves to confuse the masses and further push the racial divide even wider. Is this what they really want?? If so why?? Are they using our racial heritage to ensure we will never be able to progress and actually live together harmoniously despite our racial differences??

History must never be taken lightly. We must learn from it in order NOT to repeat past mistakes. Malaysia’s independence was built on public marches and protests whether the current government wants to admit it or not. To say that it is not our ‘culture’ is to be in denial. The fact remains that this is the first time the ruling coalition has experienced such a consolidated movement and expression of dissatisfaction. Public dissent is on the rise and they (the ruling coalition) are clueless in how to be answerable. Blanket clampdowns and denials of permits will only serve add fuel to the already simmering fire.

If we are a democracy why the clampdowns and why the rejections of permits to hold peaceful gatherings?? Public safety has been used as an excuse. The fear of the peaceful gatherings turning violent is another. Stating public safety overrides public freedom can be accepted to a certain degree but then again that’s why we have our police force. To ensure public safety is guaranteed. Guidelines and regulations can be extended to the organisation or party requesting a permit. Adhering to those set of guidelines and regulations is the responsibility of the organisation and or party requesting the said permit. The authorities i.e. the police should be there to facilitate and ensure that all guidelines and regulations are abided. If any of the guidelines and or rules are broken the police can haul and charge the leaders or the said organisation or party. The heavy handedness used which was broadcasted all over the world has done nothing but damage the country’s image. One of course can blame the organizers of the peaceful gathering but on the other hand if it were to have been left alone and run it course without any intervention it would have shown that we are indeed a country striving and thriving in a healthy democracy.

Peaceful gatherings are held in many developed countries all over the world. The police are always present. They are there to ensure the gathering proceeds peacefully and runs its course. Facilitating traffic and monitoring the situation is their objective.

We are certainly going through an evolution. An evolution of awareness and maturity. Demands of accountability and fairness on many issues are being put forward. A government who fails to deliver will only subscribe to its doom. Efforts which use heavy handedness and force will only show that the ruling government is unable to deliver and is unwilling to face the obvious reality of its weaknesses. True we are not Myanmar or Pakistan for that matter. Unfortunately we are heading to towards being such countries.

The governments hold on power is slipping and it knows it. The people have risen and must be heard. Let there be a level and fair playing field. Democracy demands that the majority be heard. Democracy demands that the majority rules. Let the people speak, let them be heard. The government is our elected leaders. If they fail to listen and continue to deprive us fairness, equality and our constitutional right to peaceful assembly, its time for them to learn the hard way. I am not supporting or advocating violence, they have to be taught the hard way by means of removing them from office via the ballot box.

Freedom and Equality Non Existent - Part 1

My past and current occupation has taken me far and wide. While we celebrate 50 years of independence from Colonial Rule, the media can’t proclaim the same. Impartiality, fairness and equality are far from being practiced in any main stream media in Malaysia. The general public is being fed lies upon lies day in and day out. I am so very thankful that I have the internet and cable television where I get more credible news and updates on what is really happening in our own country. What a sad state of affairs one would think. However that’s the simple truth.

In all of my travels, more so in western countries I witnessed ‘Freedom of the Press’ in the true sense of the word. The media, be it print, television or electronic portray the news and events as they are. For a very long time the public here in Malaysia is denied of such reporting. The ‘Bersih’ walk is just one example of how the media here has misreported the whole event. However, we who have access to the internet and international news coverage know better. There is no need for me to reiterate what actually happened on that HISTORIC DAY.

If we are to be considered as a Developed Country by 2020, we need to unshackle the press. Freedom of the press is one of many factors which will determine Malaysia being recognized as a developed nation. Until it is proven so, there is no way the international community will acknowledge our status. I sincerely believe that there are reporters and journalists in the main stream media who are earnest and honest in what they want to report. However, if they are still restricted in doing so by the powers that be how can we say that Freedom of the Press is alive and well here in Malaysia. Control and manipulation of what is being printed and broadcasted is clearly being practiced by the state. One only needs to exercise his or her basic logic to see through it.

It is also very evident that the state uses the media for its own personal benefit and glorification. However they fail to realize or are oblivious to the fact that the Malaysian public has matured and are more intelligent. We the public now are beyond the lot that takes everything being reported as gospel or lock stock and barrel.

The media must be allowed to tell both sides of the story. The media has a social responsibility to the public to do so. They cannot and must not be curtailed or restricted in reporting what is right and detailing all facts. Personally I remain impartial until I have been given both sides of a report before I make any judgment. However I am denied the whole facts as the media here only reports one side of the story. One clear example is the opposition has never been given the ‘PROPER’ opportunity to express themselves. Coverage for the opposition is very limited if any at all.

Having spent time in many developed countries like the US and UK both the ruling government and the opposition are given equal time and opportunity in as far as the press is concerned. Isn’t that what Democracy is all about? Having the freedom to express ourselves and be heard? Be it a ruling government official or a member of the opposition? How are we to exercise our democratic right as citizens to choose who is to lead us if only members of the ruling party is given the opportunity.

Facts must never be distorted or held back. It is the whole truth or nothing at all. Both sides must be given equal opportunity to speak or be heard. Like it or not the media has a role to play and has a social responsibility. History has shown in many countries around the world that the media has had a hand in exposing corrupt officials and corrupt practices. Why is not evident here in Malaysia one would think. It is definitely not due to the lack of quality reporters and or news editors. State control is the issue here and nothing more. More often than not ‘small frys’ are exposed but never the ‘big fish’. Until such time a level playing field is evident I personally have my doubts on the credibility of our news media. Do we have to wait for another 50 years to go by before we really see Freedom of the Press???

Speaking Out

It is so sad and worrying to see the current state of affairs in our beloved Malaysia. I must admit that I have been reading blogs for the last 1 year and to see the how we have deteriorated to this level is indeed SO VERY SAD. Sitting here it so overwhelming and I wish to give my two cents worth on a variety of issues but quite honestly I just don't know where to start or to begin. Politics, education, race, economy, the media and the government are just a few of the topics which I have an opinion of. Comments coming from a man on the street who has nothing but a SPM level education may not carry much weight if any at all but I still feel the need to say my piece as I am a Malaysian Citizen and thus have a right to voice my views however insignificant it may be. Further to that I firmly believe that if more Malaysians like me, who I sincerely believe constitute the majority of the population speaks up and out we can make a difference. Which is why I have chosen to talk about speaking out in my first blog.

Before even touching on matters or topics which I mentioned above I personally believe that I must voice out why I intend to finally speak out. More than once I have added comments to blogs which I have read under the 'anonymous' tag. I feel it is high time more of us should come out and be heard and let our 'leaders' know that we are not just merely voters or people trying to eke out a living and survive. As a parent, safeguarding the future of our children is why we work so hard. Unfortunately the current state of affairs is rather worrisome. The threat of racial violence is becoming more apparent than ever before (since May 13th 1969). Violent demonstrations which we as normal citizens never dreamed of witnessing on our very own shores is now happening in front of our very own eyes. Why has it come to this? How is it that a country known all over the world for its' religious and racial tolerance the past 25 to 30 years is slowly going down the road of racial riots?

Speaking out can make a difference, I may be only a little voice but a little voice put together with other little voices becomes a thundering roar which no government can deny or ignore. Touching on the media, we are denied true and fair reporting on anything and everything. Personally I have stopped buying any newspapers and only on occasion watch the news. I have instead turned to the internet and watch foreign news coverage to get fair, true and concise reports and news. Imagine that!! A local individual turning to foreign media to know what is really happening in his own country. How sad is that???!!! What of other under privileged citizens who can’t afford the internet or cable television??? They are fed biased with one sided views, opinions and news and as such form an opinion which is unfair and unjust.

I firmly believe, we, the current generation of citizens have evolved and matured to better understand the intricacies of politics and governance. A large percentage of us have had some form of exposure overseas be it via education and or occupation. It is this exposure which endows us the experience and knowledge that what is going on in our dear beloved country is not right. However we do not question the powers that be for fear of persecution. We have been institutionalised to think that whatever is done by the present government is for own good and therefore is beyond question. However as I have mentioned we have evolved and have matured. Moral values, such as tolerance and respect for each other which have been instilled in us by our parents while growing up in a multi racial country has given us a solid foundation. However this very foundation is now being threatened. The very essence that makes Malaysia unique is now under threat. Long have we enjoyed racial harmony, celebrating each and every religious festival together. Sharing our joy and happiness. Now it seems for the sake of support and political greed race is being used to garner support. Dividing and destroying what makes us special and unique. We need to look to ourselves really if we want this to carry on happening. History has taught us so much, our past mistakes are lessons learnt which we need to heed. We just cannot afford to let past mistakes haunt us instead it should teach us not to repeat those very same mistakes. Again I reiterate that we as individuals should speak out and be heard. We don’t want racial tensions, we don’t want race related issues being raised where we begin to be suspicious of each other due to different races. Living together in peace and harmony is what every individual wants. More so people like me with a young family. We have so much to live for. Our children have much to live for and their future has to be secure.

This is why , now more than ever our voices need to be heard. The silent majority of peace loving Malaysians who want nothing more than peace and harmony for ourselves and our family. To live life without fear and give our children a future. Say no to any form of racial discrimination in every aspect of life. Let us all come together and make our voices be heard. Come out of our shells and do what is right for the sake of our family and national unity. I sincerely hope and pray more loyal citizens such as myself come out to make ourselves heard and make a stand. The time is now!!!!