The Chest-Thumping Village Heroes After Skulking In Shadows

I've already expected that as soon as Obama departed Kuala Lumpur for Manilla early in the morning, the chest-thumping heroes that I've mentioned about in my previous post (read here) have started to talk in things that can make certain people puke like a billy goat. These people made comments based on Obama's statement from yesterday's town hall meet at UM stating that Malaysia cannot succeed unless given equal opportunity.

No sooner after the President's departure, the first chest-thumping style statement comes from the Home Minister himself who refuted the president's statement and immediately said in his own way of almighty style saying that Putrajaya has been fair to everyone including non-Muslims. However, this was contradictory to what NGOs, The Bar Council and SUHAKAM have told in a one-hour closed door session with Obama at Ritz-Carlton KL. Anyone who have heard and read the myths of the lazy native would surely can figure that Zahid's statement falls under the myth of "lazy natives lack of courage to fight for truth and be truthful for themselves"

See also: Utusan Ignores Obama's Statement on Equal Opportunity for Non-Muslims

Zul Noordin should have been putting up this statement earlier rather than throwing a stone but hiding his hand as what he had shown when issuing his press statement following Obama's visit. Read here

The religious NGO ISMA is no doubt the worst offender of the lot noted claiming that Obama is handicapped thinking. However, it is imperative that one should not underestimate that the expatriates working in KL can also serve as eyes and ears for the higher global organizations, as an expatriate friend of mine have introduced me to one such person who can do these kind of  roles, especially should a their own person is threatened or intimidated. Their logic of "my religion is better than yours" apart from certain supporters from both Malay-majority parties of both divides is actually a congruent of "The religious intolerance and the dominating and selfish Muslim attitude of imposing their values on others."

Also read: Malaysia Today - Coming Home To Roost

ISMA's comments have resulted in a response from Zaid Ibrahim who said by three twits:

Zaid Ibrahim's comments via Twitter: (2.23 pm - 2.25 pm)

Government has been fair to Non-Muslims according to Home Minister. Fairness is subjective, equality better test. On equality there is no doubt that Muslims are treated differently. ISMA does not even recognize equality for non-Muslims. Sad thing is neither Zahid nor PM will dare contradict ISMA.

Because of the "white man from the west is always right" mentality, nobody dared to stand up and ask tough provocative questions and matters (like the foreign journalists do) while the #POTUS is in town. Either they didn't have the inspiration to question or as the myth of the lazy native points out - hesitant of asking lest inviting provocation from peers.

Also read: 

Simple questions cast Asean youths in poor light  

Wasted opportunity as future leaders throw weak questions at Obama, says NGOs

No doubt, this has shown what some of us think that these "jaguh kampung" are on the emotional fuel when at home and there's no white man outside, but should one come, they would mellow and become meek. Thus the mantle to carry on fighting what some of the people who have passed fighting for the same thing has become harder and harder each day comes. Yet they keep forgetting the adage of "menang tersorak kampung tergadai"

The Chest-Thumping Village Heroes of Malaysia

Today, on the second day of the long-awaited Barack Obama's visit to Malaysia, he was seen and photographed by local and international photographers visiting the National Mosque in the morning before going for his list of engagements of the day here. 

Interestingly, many netizens, upon seeing the photograph have started to ask why is someone from the west who is allowed to visit mosques, suraus and etc, whereas usual non-Muslim Malaysians and other people especially Opposition politicians resulted in brickbats, and screaming from the Malay-race crusaders like Perkasa, Pekida and even from UMNO themselves, despite the fact that they are being invited by the mosque committee days ahead before then.

Is there a problem when people with different religious beliefs visit mosques or churches in other countries, especially in the more-matured-society countries? Absolutely not. All were welcome provided that those who visit are decently dressed and they do not make a ruckus in the places of worship. These are the two core and common rules that would definitely make sense whenever one visits the place of worship.

The gist of the story is that Malaysia is full of people who thinks they are better than the rest of the lot there, claiming themselves to be the race protectors. However, upon seeing a white man from the west, they cower, perhaps due to the mentality that the white man from the west is always right. Why are those chest-thumping race-champions not making a sound at all when a prominent white man walks into a place of worship? If this happens, it indeed shows, as the myth of the lazy native demonstrates, the weakness, selfishness and the negligence of the those who claim to be superior than the fellow Malaysians who do not follow their holier-than-thou claims. 

This mentality was subtly shown prominently last month. If you look at the trend of the news coverage within the first 10 days right after the Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 went missing, our authorities seem to be in-adept in handling the crisis. Looking at how they take the questions, they have been conflicting statements one another. 

And there's the DCA director who's inadequate in addressing theies  international press questions, leaving to Hishamuddin Hussein to deal with it (you got to give a small compliment of how he addresses himself) whereas, whenever there's an airflight crisis, it is always the DCA first that will have to deal with it instead of the ministers and other relevant parties.

It's a norm and a reality that most international journalists and reporters would definitely pose hard and tough questions. However, many do not see the kind of standard seen in the local press, as their quality of writing give a meek and docile impression / perception that they are trained to non-critical of the government. Anything against it is a seen as a sign of capitulation to the enemy (Cold War mentality). Hence I've always been insistent that the National News Agency should display the names of the reporters who write their articles as a sign of showing real authorship and responsibility.  

The old Malay adage of "menang tersorak kampung tergadai" seems to be forgotten in the minds of those lower-level rungs supporters of political parties of both divide. However it is noted that UMNO commits more mistakes than any other Malaysian political party because they are in the political driver's seat. It is critical to be reminded that while these people scream of all sorts of rhetorics for political support, it leaves the nation and the fabrics of foundation in tatters.

The Passing of "Unker" Bernard Khoo a.k.a Zorro

Sometime ago I knew that my blogger buddy Bernard, a.k.a Zorro Unmasked was not in a good condition, as the last time I visited him at the UMMC a few months ago, he was undergoing treatment to remove the cysts in his kidneys. Late last week, I became aware that he was to undergo another surgery on Monday. Though it was reported successful, things have taken downturn after that, with another friend of mine said that he might not last that long already.

I eventually decided that I would want to visit him while he's still breathing during lunch hour today. Anura, my other blog buddy a.k.a Galadriel also wanted to go to, as according to her. Having regretted not speaking to my granddad further a week before he passed away 5 years ago, I am determined that if possible to say something to him before he goes off eventually or to hear what wants to say if possible. 

Unfortunately, my other friend Duke inform all of us that Bernard left us just before 11 a.m. I wasn't aware that he had cancer for nearly 2 years or so. And the my original plan of the day got cancelled for that. I can only

What can I remember about Bernard?

Well, first time meeting him was back during the first B.U.M (Bloggers United Malaysia) in Subang Jaya in 2007. It can be said that Bernard is one the two bloggers originally hailed from Perak, apart from Stephen (Shanghai Fish) and myself, though from different towns. After the first BUM, we would eventually meet up at a few other gatherings with other bloggers at events like the Anak Bangsa Malaysia opening, and even other rallies as well. Or informally, we would happen to bump to one another and having drinks with some of the folks at the regular drinking outlet at Taman Desa.

Some of us like Galadriel, Mob (Chris), Aliza, SK Thew (Mage) and Kerp and the younger generation tend to call him Uncle Bernard considering his seniority over the rest others. It's quite sad to see another senior age blogger to go off after Captain Yusof (The Ancient Mariner) and Dalilah (One Bouncy Breast).

I can remember at times we would go around areas as the Special Bunch group such as visiting the by-election areas. I've been to a few of the places there with the group, whenever I am available. A proud moment with compliments from him was doing the first scouting at Bukit Gantang by-election prior to the group spending a week at Taiping. It was by coincidence that I went there following my granddad's passing in Penang that I eventually decided to give them a head start. This was written 5 years ago on 27 March.

I know Uncle Bernard can at times be sarcastic, pulling my legs and at times pestering me over a few things including relationships which I felt I am still not ready yet despite my age. A sarcastic remark at me by him during the Bagan Pinang by-election landed him in hot soup by some mutual friends of ours as some other people overheard that sarcastic remark. Things cooled down eventually.

I intended to visit him today as to make peace and forgiveness over a few things, but it didn't happen. So, "Unker", if you have to apologize over what you have at me, you have my forgiveness and vice-versa.

Now that Bernard is gone, I wonder how can we carry on the his desired fight to achieve a new Malaysia? How can Malaysia reach Vision 2020 if there are still many who have this conservative mindset? I don't like an outcome where people only realize the mistake 300 years later as the Galileo history has shown in example. Will it only happen after even myself gone too in 40-50 years to come?

I will be getting real drink later to salute in his honor.
Farewell, as you ride off to the sunset!  

P.S: I also managed to dig up some old photos and found some clear images of him for savor.

This was sometime in 2008 at the NPC.

Sunday night vigils at MBPJ, remember?

Shot at Chris (right)'s request