Merdeka Day Ponderings

So today is Merdeka. We're already 57 years old, or more precisely, Malaya is 57 years old, while Sabah is 51 years old. There are only two people in my life as I know of who is at the same age as of Malaya and Sabah. The Malaysian formation is only 51 by come 16 September. I don't need to repeat again about the history as every young Malaysian would have learnt a big chunk of this in secondary school whether you like it or not.

We may be 57. We already have been freed from the colonialism that was the English, Dutch and the Portugese, in cumulative, but is it completely?

Not really. We're not totally freed largely on  the aspect of of our mind. How we act and how we rule is still following what happened almost 60 to 70 years ago. The idea of independent thought, unconventional ideas and acts that are to break the existing mold, boundaries and rules are still considered alien to many Malaysians, especially those in the older generation. Having a different set of thoughts can at the extreme be considered as crime by some. Just because of that, some are thrown into the prison cells while we seem to be neglecting the bigger evil, of those who cheat,  rob and murder still runs wild. And to summarize a point to ponder from today's The Malaysian Insider editorial, even if Malaysia is viewed as a shiny apple in the postcards and images that we see, it is not what it seems to be, especially if you are observing how things are happening inside and at the surface astutely.

We still are thinking a few steps behind of the people from nations have moved a lot of their society obstacles aside. We still can't even win a single Olympic gold medal and even fell behind to our poorer neighbours in certain aspects. And some are worried that the society is starting to move backwards in social apperances and thinking towards prior the 16th century or earlier. Will this be prolonged until we reach 2057, when Malaya is officially 100 years freed from the English?
 

On that question, it is possible that it could happen as the result of the sins of the older generation and the present generation's ignorance. While we keep ignoring the signs and the cower in the threat of being hauled for saying something that is breaking the convention, the warning is that we could only live to see it regretting whenever an apocalyptic event occurs. The horsemen of Apocalypse do not know anyone by its religion or skin. It will claim whoever is on their path, regardless of a person claiming to be holier than thou. So, are you going to realize it only at the twilight of your life when you have the chance to do it right when you have able limbs to move around? I don't really like such outcome in the end, because gleefully, it can be used as ammunition for myself to rub more wounds on those who would start lamenting when that time comes.

Will you be willing take the risk to yourself if you choose to leave it as it is, even it will cost you in one way or another?   

The idea of Merdeka is not just about waving flags, heading to Merdeka Square to celebrate, seeing those propaganda videos played in cinemas and on TV. It also means independence of the soul meaning you are who you are and only you decide what you want to end up. A person should be given the chance to decide for themselves of what they wish to do and they only need to be reminded that they are responsible for their actions and be ready for their consequences. It's sad to see there are certain Malaysian friends, despite being Malaysians who are not given the chance to really think and decide, whereas are compelled to accept blindly what others authorities say and not allowed to question for themselves. That is not the proper freedom within the framework system that one is entitled for. There's no such thing as this applies to certain groups while the other group cannot have the same thing as others. To be consistent, it's all or nothing.

Let's put another example. Say there is a law introduced where it is considered bad on moral grounds, bad because it goes against the Money 101 principles, are you going to keep quiet and meekly accept it or do you start to come out and prove that they are actually wrong or something? No wonder, the famed man, the Pendita Zaaba, as well as the book Mental Revolution (Revolusi Mental) has posed a problem that was on Malays previously, but Malaysians now that we are poor in the soul and who does not have the spirit of adventure as certain Malaysians do.

Our administrators have yet to have some of the solutions matched to the current time. The solutions we had are still archaic in time and nature. Britain may no longer be our colonial master but the rules in the past have been put into their archives acknowledging that time has catched up with the old terrors like Sedition Act, the Eady Levy, etc.. Come to think in the next two decades or so, are we going to be a subject of chastising of other countries, even from our financially poorer neighbors who say that we still use obsolete things to make ourselves omnipotent but foolish?

Let's finally go back to the Merdeka history. We seem to be seeing only figures from Tunku to Najib all the time whenever we drive around the streets of KL. But what about other figures who have also contributed indirectly to Merdeka, the left-wing figures like Ibrahim Yaacob, Ahmad Boestaman and etc..? What about the anti-British freedom fighters who fought at the cost of their livelihood of the likes of Tok Janggut, Dato Bahaman or even Dol Said? Aren't their figures supposed to show up to show our appreciation for their contribution? Have we forgotten them already?

A year or two ago, people have raised the issue of our flag resembling the American flag and the tune of our national anthem resembling the Memula Moon song. They brought it up on the historical perspective and even showed the alternative flag the Sang Saka flag. Instead of getting to know the other side of our national history, other people jumped up and down like mad dogs, screaming all sorts of nonsense. Couldn't these people digest such possibility and acknowledge that these resemblances are perceived by some that we are copycats instead? And again as to repeat the earlier question, are you going to only notice / realize it when your life's at the end?

That's also some food to ponder and Selamat Hari Merdeka folks.

You've Got Warned

A Realist Implications of The Allah Appeal

The Federal Court today affirmed at a narrow 4-3 verdict of  the Court of Appeal's judgement that the "Allah" word is exclusive to Muslims of Malaya, (note that I use Malaya deliberately) because the issue has stem up from the Muslims in Malaya whereas this ruckus has never and did not occur in Sabah or Sarawak. People who either originated from either of the two first-class states or whom have worked in these two states for a certain period of time would observe that there has never been the case like in the peninsular.

It's preferred to put a realist point of view on this matter, considering that I am despised the subject of theology and religion (it was never my forte) and avoiding the common clash of comparisons between Islam and other races that others would have highlighted; and finally to look at the bigger picture of how the issue could impact on the national and worldview manner.

The affirmation of the Appeal Court's ruling and the sign of reluctance by the four judges in today's session can give several implications with some as the following (see also LoyarBurok's opinion, dated 28 January 2014):

a) On the technical aspect of the ruling, it can be a very dangerous precedent because on the execution stage of a SOP (similar to how execution of the hudud law) a Muslim religious body can simply enter and raid a place of worship of other faiths based on an alleged complaint irregardless of time or sometimes without a raid warrant. Hence, the 10-point solution that was agreed upon prior to the Sarawak 2011 state-elections is possible to be swat aside by people and authorities who feel emboldened by today's outcome. 

b) The support of argument by the COA that it confuses Muslims and can pose a security threat to them may give inference and portrayal to non-Muslims, observers and analysts that the Malays are, as depicted in the 1970's book Revolusi Mental, that they are "more often led by sentiment", that is easily prone to emotional vulnerability and mental astray. As one cynical observer said in exact words about his own race, "The court just ruled that Melayu-Islam is the stupidest bangsa yang senang ditipu."  It's not something supposed to be celebrated contrary to the reactions of the Muslim NGO-s parading outside the courthouse in Putrajaya.

c) Socially speaking, this means continuation of accepting oppression that fate is more powerful than changing oneselves, although this issue was among the issues highlighted by the prominent thinker, the late Za'aba (Pendita Za'aba) - including the poverty of soul. Another person also highlighted that the ruling also means of not giving about making Bahasa Malaysia as a language of knowledge.

"Jika kamu tidak tutup mulut kamu daripada terus memperkotak-katikkan Islam, kita akan tutup mulut kamu dan jika kamu mengkhianati Sultan, kita akan pancung kepala kamu.
"Biarkan kamu mati daripada terus menjadi parasit," katanya semasa berucap dalam perhimpunan di depan perkarangan Istana Kayangan di Shah Alam, hari ini.
- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/bahasa/article/perkasa-mahu-pancung-kepala-pengkhianat-sultan-selangor#sthash.of0yz863.dpuf

"Jika kamu tidak tutup mulut kamu daripada terus memperkotak-katikkan Islam, kita akan tutup mulut kamu dan jika kamu mengkhianati Sultan, kita akan pancung kepala kamu.
"Biarkan kamu mati daripada terus menjadi parasit," katanya semasa berucap dalam perhimpunan di depan perkarangan Istana Kayangan di Shah Alam, hari ini.
- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/bahasa/article/perkasa-mahu-pancung-kepala-pengkhianat-sultan-selangor#sthash.of0yz863.dpuf

"Jika kamu tidak tutup mulut kamu daripada terus memperkotak-katikkan Islam, kita akan tutup mulut kamu dan jika kamu mengkhianati Sultan, kita akan pancung kepala kamu.
"Biarkan kamu mati daripada terus menjadi parasit," katanya semasa berucap dalam perhimpunan di depan perkarangan Istana Kayangan di Shah Alam, hari ini.
- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/bahasa/article/perkasa-mahu-pancung-kepala-pengkhianat-sultan-selangor#sthash.of0yz863.dpuf

d) The original ban order was from the previous minister Syed Hamid Albar. With today's incident considered, a hint has already been provided that whoever says that the ban applies only to the Herald or Sabah / Sarawak, he / she is accidentally or deliberately insincere and lying.

e) The long standing issue of dominating and selfish Muslim attitude of imposing their values on others will remain there until events that break the mold and convention (ref: highlighted by Raja Petra during Anwar Ibrahim's visit to UK in 2010) . No sooner after the decision today, Perkasa and Isma have been making selfish, imposing tone statements. For instance, Perkasa's Ruslan Kassim said as if it was in the 16th century, "Jika kamu tidak tutup mulut daripada terus merperkotak-katikan Islam, kami akan tutup mulut kamu dan jika kamu mengkhianati Sultan kami akan pancung kepala kamu! Biarkan kamu mati dari terus jadi parasit." (If you don't shut your mouth from ridiculing Islam we will shut your mouth and if you betray the sultan we will behead you! Better to die than becoming a parasite!")

There still remains a standoff as JAIS (Selangor's Islamic Department) has still yet to return the seized bibles and this outcome can make them said, "no way Jose". It's like a kid stealing another kid's toy, and never returning it back although the kid who steals it is clearly in the wrong.

---

I grew up watching apocalyptic and war movies. If there's one common theme from watching those movies, the four horsemen of Apocalypse (Death, Famine, Pestilence and War) knows no bounds, whether if you have sangreal blood or not. Thus, those who claim "Ketuanan Melayu" or those who scream of blood transfusion being contaminated by the tainted Cadbury chocolates  and etc.. will need to have their heads checked and rethink again because the apocalypse knows no one special.

Ring-fencing oneself to avoid this issue will not last indefinitely until to a point where one will be thrust into making a choice to determine the life and death of a person and the country. Currently the situation right is deliberately done to make middle Malaysia to "abandon all hope" of fighting to right the wrongs and instead from comments by some people, to get people to roll over and die, submit and let them do as they please.

We seem to forget the proverb "menang tersorak kampung tergadai" - it seems to well etched in some of us that while they scream the country is having other, but bigger problems than this. By the time Malaysia gets disfigured and unrecognizable, it is too late to save, that I often mused, "sampai kiamat tak mahu sedar." If I have the last laugh when that happens, the one who starts to ramble and say all sorts of nonsense about this is deserved to get mobbed or slapped first. After all, I would say, didn't I warn you and yet you didn't listen?

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

A Different Ballgame Together

Serdang's MP Ong Kian Ming gave his own analysis of the recent Kajang by-election describing the 3 percentage increase of popular votes as a signal of increase support for Pakatan. His analysis has been published on Malaysiakini here.

However, in the overall statement, I am not in agreement with it because Kajang is just a different ballgame compared to other areas. As Kajang is considered an urban area, it can be said that a Pakatan victory is almost certain, regardless of the vote majority.

The East Malaysia such as the upcoming Balingian by-election is a different ballgame. The challenge there is the Malayan-style of politics can hardly work in there, with people do not take kindly to the people from the Peninsular in particular to meddle with the state affairs. I once recalled having some friends going over to Batang Ai to see the campaign during that by-election. However, it was noted that the form of persuasion and thinking of people there are not as the same as it was, subsequently some gave up and left days before the polling day.

The much tougher ballgame challenge that Ong and his coalition colleagues should understand and tackle immediately would be the rural areas of the peninsular. One area of instance would be in Lenggong where I was told that almost the majority of voters there do not have Internet and clearly rely on the MSM - hence most would believe of the stereotypes of "Chinese taking over the country and etc."

It is important to understand these ballgames are not the same as one another. It clearly depends on the location and whether it is situated in Peninsular or in East Malaysia.

#MH370 Thoughts and Observations

As this weekend marks the 7th anniversary of this blog, I originally intended to write a few observations that I noticed during the yesterday's unusual appeal trial of Anwar Ibrahim until today's incident where a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 craft crash landed in the sea 153 miles of the coast of Vietnam, prompted me to put that writing aside to talk briefly about the incident.

While we all put our hopes and prayers on whether most of the 239 people including two infants will be able to make it out unscathed, the focus on the issue is on one of the things that MAS group CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya had stated earlier on. 

In the press statement, Jauhari stated that there has never been such a MAS-related flight accident for over 20 years, but however did say that the craft is nearly 12 years old. The craft or the vehicle age is the gist of the subject here. 

At this point time, most press updates stated that there's yet to be seen of any wreckage meaning, should the plane crash lands, with the entire craft intact, there's a better chance for rescue teams to see find any survivors (e.g Hudson River airplane crash) or by usual means, the craft breaking into two halves. In the mean time, it is 15 hours since the crash landing so we're hoping that if there are still survivors, they are still hanging on until help arrives. 

There are several probable causes why the plane could crash despite clear telemetry and data feeding to the control center:

a) Cabin depressurization malfunction: if this could be the cause, the pilot must execute a 35,000 feet to 10,000 feet drill in order to stabilize the pressure within the stipulated time. This drill is obviously trained and mandatory bi-annually. Failure to do so could result in the plane nosediving towards impact point. This is arguably the most common sign of a start towards a plane crash. 

b) Electrical or cargo fire: if there is a case of fire in either holds, the pilot will have to fly at a lower altitude of 10000 feet or less, then ensuring that the fire is put out adequately before the oxygen system is activated. Failure to do so can be potentially disastrous, worst case scenario is the plane explosion.

c) Monitoring team on the ground fails or neglected to provide sufficient data and information for the pilot to act accordingly, thus resulting in human error in piloting the vehicle.

d) As it have be alleged, there two people traveling on a false passport, thus leading to as what United States of America to believe - hijacking and deliberate crashing at the neutral waters 

Escalation to National Disaster

Foreign presses are doing round-the-clock coverage of the disaster. This has appeared across most major world news channels including BBC, CNN, Al-Jazeera, and ABC. However, local TV stations have not shown the coverage round-the-clock. This, coupled with the authorities late-than-expected responses prompted many people wondering whether the government and the media are not very honest and not focusing on today's incident but rather on Anwar Ibrahim's trial yesterday that they still keep playing on and on. Malaysiakini has reported that the 'no update' by authorities have made family members in China angered.

In other words, there are still many people still want to play "village hero" but buckled when facing international pressure. The other question remains on why only Malaysia Airlines would be the only party giving out the press statement but not the PM, his cousin or even the Department of Civil Aviation giving out information as well. This of course can cause anger from international parties. Other countries are dragged in because there are more than half of the total passengers who are non-Malaysians, 153 of them being Chinese nationals. 

The whole thing can become a national disaster. China and other nations can elect to take action against Malaysia via the International Court. Likewise, Boeing can choose too as a result of remarks, appearing on Al-Jazeera of someone from the airlines earlier on saying that there was not much of a worry about on the incident - but the craft was manufactured by Boeing.      

MAS Mismanagement?

The aborted share-swap agreement between Air Asia and Khazanah could also indirectly play a part in this incident. In fact there have been warnings all around that MAS could not cope with the intense pressure of maintaining their 100+ airplane fleet due to the share swap. And this could be the result of the aborted deal.

The replacement of the MAS Engineering director with someone not as well competent as he does a few years ago, can also be attribute to the negligence in maintenance. All-in-all MAS top management is going get the big heat for this disaster from all fronts, in addition to relevant government officials.  

It All Goes Back to our Automobile Policy

A similar domestic incident such as this, but not an aviation craft was the Genting bus incident which occured last year. The investigation report points a possible reason contributing to the accident was largely due to the age of the vehicle. All in all it all goes back to the issue of vehicle acquisition ability.

Vehicles at the older age tend to generate higher safety risks and maintenance cost.  

Sad to speak, the top brass and policymakers in Malaysia had an inappropriate picture. People wanted to replace aging cars, not to stock up more cars at home for nothing. At the same time, external factors such as inefficient, unsatisfactory to the proper standard of public transportation, geographical factors and time constraints prompted the need of getting a transport for oneself. Thus the stereotype of acquiring a vehicle  as a privilege stated by a certain politician is no longer correct, but it has already become a priority.

The prices however, is a factor of hindrance. Actual vehicle prices, including service taxes and import taxes paid to the Customs department including the mandatory car insurance forms from about half or up to 63% of the marketed (RRP price), depending on the vehicle engine's CC. In the present age's scenario where Malaysia's economy has yet to reach it's full target potential, the policy remains in efficient. Not even the January-announced NAP nor the Barisan Nasional's election manifesto of vehicle price reduction promise can solve the issue. The latter is viewed as a broken promise by some parties.

On the individual perspective, as a person who is not born rich or rich inherited, supporting a policy of getting a vehicle at a artificially inflated price is morally viewed as:

a) Not honest with oneself having calculated viewed many perspectives on the subject of vehicle acquisition.

b) On the financial factor, indirect saying that you are willing to burn more of your hard-earned money to get something 

c) Government indirectly implies telling people that safety risk increase by aging vehicles can be neglected as it is unlikely any incidents can be happen except from the human factor.  

These can be put under the stereotypes of the lazy native persons that Malay Dilemma or The Myth of The Lazy Native has related and narrated about

The bus incident last year still has yet to awaken policymakers and politicians as well as other people alike that this thing as a privilege is already a wrong believe and a stereotype. Few can understand that people falling in between the 80% of the total population (poor and mid-class) people would want to acquire a much better and efficient vehicle, but not at the kind of present ridiculous inflated prices.

Liberalism Is Mentioned In Vision 2020

Politicians and even ministers from the both sides have lauded the Sabah-born federal Minister, Joseph Kurup whom on last Friday have brought a long-awaited proposal to remove the "race" field seen in most official forms as an indirect effort foster unity among Malaysians. You can read last Friday's article here.

As far as I recalled, this "race" field is no longer a required field in Singapore on most official forms except on certain scenarios, for instance a Chinese translator. The Singapore Manpower has clearly specified that if there is a need to require the "race" field, clear and sound reasons are required to be given prior to the potential candidates for the job, lest to invite trouble of law from the Ministry itself. This practice has already been in place for many years though.

Two weeks ago, a group of people lodged a police report in response to the Malay NGO's chicken slaughter and slap offer gathering held at Jalan Tun Perak at the Brickfields police station. When submitting their report, they requested to have the race code replaced with "Anak Bangsa Malaysia". Although the computer form doesn't allow them to change, the police officers in charge of report taking that night were gracious enough to allow them to make that amendment. This was  documented in Haris Ibrahim's account here.

Muhyiddin Yassin responded that the idea will have to be presented to the Cabinet for consideration, while right-wing Malay NGO Perkasa's Ibrahim Ali has rejected outright, reasoning that it is equivalent to removing Malay privileges. You can read Ibrahim Ali's response here.The next day, ISMA, in addition to Perkasa showed signs of opposition to the idea, according to them inviting liberalism.

Do you think that Kurup's idea is likely to go through? High probability of no likely.

However, the "Mudah Lupa" syndrome rears its head here, not just the majority of Malays, but most of us Malaysians as well.

Looking back at a math's exercise book that I kept at home that states about the Vision 2020, the liberal society was listed as one of the nine challenges in facing 2020. This is what is said about Vision 2020's fifth challenge: (from Ministry of Education's website)

MEWUJUDKAN MASYARAKAT YANG LIBERAL DAN BERTOLAK ANSUR, DI MANA MASYARAKAT PELBAGAI KAUM DI MALAYSIA BEBAS MENGAMALKAN ADAT, KEBUDAYAAN DAN KEPERCAYAAN AGAMA MEREKA DAN PADA MASA YANG SAMA MELETAKKAN KESETIAAN MEREKA PADA SATU NEGARA.

We are six years away from 2020. Considering how the social-political-economical level in Malaysia, it is unlikely we can reach the target. In other words, we've broke the set philosophy that was set. The one who came out with this concept is none other than Perkasa's patron and ex-PM, Dr. Mahathir himself. 

The question, has Perkasa and ISMA as well as other NGOs involved in the Malaysian human-rights arena forgotten about this thing before shooting their mouths? To say no, implies that they are rejecting what the old man is outlined about the concept in 1991. At that time, it's about 30 years away. We're six years from the deadline - where are we now?

If Kurup's suggestion gets a go ahead and becomes a new law due to popular support from people from all races, from both sides of political divide, who is it that is going to die from it? It can be definitely assured that the races in the world will never go extinct at all despite various threats. Do bear in mind that any Constitution amendment that involves the main religion do require participation from the "Council of Rulers" even it has been passed in Parliament, so there's no way to be cowed by an non-existential threat.

Waking Up At The End Of The World

Here we are at the very last day of 2013. As I have predicted more than a year ago, things have not gone better and things have been rolling downwards on the hill. The number one matter that will be etched in the minds of the people will be the higher costs of living with no higher income to offset the inflation. The current national economy state is in a very precarious situation that the Najib administration has introduced the GST tax, and has done another round of their so called subsidy rationalization on advice by his circle of con-sultans. 

With things have not improved, certain civil societies and groups of people have little choice but to come out tonight to the streets to show their signs of protest against the measures introduced by Najib. The former PM, Dr. Mahathir did say a week ago that Najib’s team should be cutting their costs first instead of passing the buck to the Malaysians of all groups. Considering that Malaysia is unlike countries in the Middle East or in Thailand, people come out as a last resort, not because they like to, but pleas to the Federal government (since control is centralized ) have most of the time been turned away for various excuses.

I knew that Barisan’s win in the elections doesn’t come cheap. I asked myself a question more than a year ago that they will win largely due to Malay and women votes, but at what exact cost? The price hikes is one of them. There remains a high number of theft cases and pass-by killings of innocent people. Income for the living is a main factor for anyone who wants to survive. There’s still plenty of people still homeless and below the level of poor income. Yet, although there have been plenty of announcements from the federal government, many feel it is still merely cosmetic and lack substance.

The main gist of this New Year’s Eve posting is about being appalled by the characteristics exhibited by certain quarters in the matter of bread and butter affecting issues as well as cases of senseless crimes. While people scream of innocent blood being spilled either physically or financially, these people scream at those people as ungrateful, traitors of the country, asking them to leave the country if unhappy and other sorts of negative adjectives. Part of the reason identified is due to the culture. Most of such remarks, by the count of numbers and the identity of those who said are in fact the Malays themselves.

The narrative established by the English and even repeated again in some published books like Revolusi Mental and even Dr. Mahathir’s The Malay Dilemma has in fact spells out the many traits of the lazy native. Despite various efforts in the attempt to disprove the myths, unfortunately press statements and illogical and irrational actions done by many quarters In this case have pointed the relevance of the myth, even centuries have passed. Many Malaysians are still poverty in soul. There is a lack of realistic attitude and are not capable of effort. I often look at the end that when a situation dies down, people tend to shake their legs but do not have the acquisitive instinct, lack of originality of thought, imagination and the spirit of adventurism.

In the months since GE 13, I have noticed that some of the promises indicated in the winning party’s manifesto have been broken, such as “toll reductions” and “car price reduction”, thus reflecting of the attitude of making and doing promises as warm as a fowl’s manure (Malay idiom – hangat-hangat tahi ayam)

Some of the actions and responses to criticism by other non-government parties are perceived backwards done by certain government agencies and ministries have demonstrated their lack of confidence and the emotional vulnerability that is exhibited by many lazy natives. I am quite surprised that many people even defended their leaders without even thinking and even kiss their feet and hands in showing their 

I think civil society should not rely solely on politicians and mass news media but instead to think on solutions without including them in the problem-solving issues. Because when people do, you can see people manipulated by the press making plenty of police reports based on what they’ve read.  There is a need to remind these politicians, especially in the opposition PAC that they should not mistaken people support as devotion to Anwar Ibrahim or Lim Kit Siang but as conditional support; that is “we choose you because we don’t like BN” 

A week ago, PAC chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan warned of more losses for the ruling coalition especially, in urban and semi-urban areas if prices continue to spike. I don’t really think it is likely because the mindset of people are mostly conditioned to “accept everything regardless”. The English and Malay Dilemma narrative also points out this fatalist attitude as a stumbling block in national progress at the international stage. 

As to summarize the entire thing, it is unfortunate to see that there are still many Malaysians who are unwilling to take a radical step in improving the nation. Many are still in other words, victims of scaremongering about non-existent events that can never happen because of present laws and regulations and what is written in the Federal Constitution. When looking at the other side of the coin, statements made by many parties implied that they are still conditioned to be meek and docile, with lack of inquisitive and adventurism.

No wonder because of these traits, we often didn’t perform well in the worldwide stage of tournaments of big spectacle like football. Don’t blame the coach but as what Khairy said one time, the Malaysian team performs well in the first 20 minutes but fall apart by the start of the second half.

Let’s be honest with ourselves for a moment. Let’s take car issue as an example. With the exorbitant price of cars (since there’s artificial tax included), at the tough situation of higher costs, do you feel honest of yourself to splash two times of your own hard earned money of the actual cost of a car to buy a car? If your answer is yes, then you get the drift. Otherwise, there must be something wrong with your reasoning and logic. To go to the most basic of honesty: if your government leaders asks you to jump off the roof, will you jump considering that you are seen as kissing your leaders’ feet or hand?

Many don’t want a repeat of the Greece / Ireland fiasco. Many are wondering what really happens to Vision 2020. Many are still living a hard time with approximately 4 million Malaysians plus politicians are still squeezing the lives of others including children. There are still post-Merdeka generation people who don’t even realize they are condemning Gen-Y and their unborn descendants to hard times. Gen-Y and subsequent generations no longer have the conservatism point of view as their previous generations do.

I often believe that there society change has to be done by doing things not by mere cosmetic but a radical with substance. Yes, I know that there are questions on how reliable our opposition politicians are, but you have to answer yourself who’s really running the country and who’s making more mistakes than those people in question?  

As what Raja Petra said in one of his postings a few weeks ago, it might take about 100 years or so, after we are long gone before people realize the mistakes of the past generation. I tried to warn people that if you just turn away warnings and think that nothing happens from your own shell, you could be in the wrong. Considering how our society is conditioned to accept without questioning, it would take one major disaster before you all people wake up. I’d be happy to gloat at you people to see who’s in the wrong eventually!

I wish I am right when you wake up at the end of the world.

Can PAS Skirt The Trap?

The PAS’ Muktamar has already kicked off in Shah Alam and the main question is whether Mat Sabu will still remain as the deputy president or will it be Nik Amar taking over instead? We’ve also seen how the mainstream media, especially the Malay dailies as well as a majority of politicians hoping for the “theological” faction of the party to win big in this edition’s Muktamar. 

If one can understand the present political lines in right now, having the theological faction to win is actually, and many still do not know that the party is walking into the trap setup by their rivals, UMNO. UMNO, considering that they have lost much support from their non-Bumi partners managed to scrape through in the general elections. The assessment from the election is that those votes and support are a foregone loss for them. For that reason, the direction that is to be taken by them is that they need to portray themselves as more Malay and Islamic as well.

That sets up the ante for PAS to match them. If PAS is to better them, they need to be more religious and pious in nature by them, hence the theologians must lead the party – according to UMNO’s view. But indirectly, they will lose the support of their non-Malay partners who supported them as the alternative to the non-Bumi BN parties (MCA / MIC). They must understand again and again, that their support is not because people are pro-Pakatan, but a result of frustration and anger over the incompetence of the BN regime.

While I do not have much to comment but to wish that Mat Sabu continues another term as PAS’s no. 2, it is clear that the PAS party must be willing to adopt a more progressive and pragmatic approach in the view that it is now the 21^st century and the fact that many people are tech savvy, Gen-Y in particular and no longer place religious and tradition restrictions on them in their quest to pursue their interests and stretching their creativity.

Turkey, in the pre-Erdogan and from the start of the Ataturk period has demonstrated itself as an ideal model society with the rules that the country is predominantly consists of Muslim people. The reason is because that the country’s constitution, as I have written previously, is silent on the official religion of the country. Instead the constitution puts that as neutral, while the Ataturk administration strictly forbids the factor to be included in the daily administrative affairs. As what Ataturk described in his own words, “the religion will be elevated by itself, if it ceases to be a political instrument.”

Should Mat Sabu wins, it can be said as putting UMNO’s trap back to the drawing board and PAS’s successful clearance of a trap hurdle. But their fight is not over for there’s still plenty of members who have yet to understand the real big picture. Their agenda, even as to compete with UMNO will never get past the final hurdle: consent of the Ruler’s council, for the Rulers themselves also have to take into consideration of their non-Malay subjects as well.

The most important thing is right now as what some commentators have said is to get PAS progressives leading the party, rather than walking backwards.