Hmmm...have you read the recent article from the local rags about the 2006 demonstration by the Umno Youth have nothing in common with the 2007 Hindraf rally Well, there's a little excerpt from an article from Bernama about it that goes a little like this:(Bernama: Wednesday, December 12, 2007): Demos by Umno Youth and Hindraf have nothing in common.
Attempts by certain people to equate the demonstration by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) with efforts by Umno to stand for the rights of Palestinians are difficult to be accepted because the gap in their struggles is very wide, like between the earth and the sky.
The public may still remember when Umno Youth vice chief Khairy Jamaluddin and 10,000 other Malaysians of various religions stood together in a wave of anger towards the United States (US) for defending Israel that openly murdered the Lebanese and Palestinians.
The rally on July 28 last year in this capital city, initiated by Umno Youth, finally managed to hand over a memorandum to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who was here for the Asean Regional Forum (ARF) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, calling for the world power to broker a ceasefire to end the Israeli military campaign.
Fascinating, isn't it? Perhaps later Bernama can teach us - to put it bluntly - to suck eggs as well.
But going to back to the article, while it can be agreed that these two protests - let us not mince semantics and try to differentiate the Umno Youth protest as an 'effort' - are somewhat divergent, it should be understood that the basic principles underlying these two demonstrations do run parallel to one another.
However, before we go on to its similarities, let us first examine the differences between these two protests, if only to while away our time in bemused silence...
1. The organizers of the protests
While the Hindraf demonstration was organized by an NGO of little repute, the Umno Youth protest was staged by a component wing under the ruling coalition, who numbers were added to by other youth sections of Barisan Nasional component parties.
Of course, while this does not automatically imply that the protest staged by Umno Youth was any less - or more, I might add - relevant than the Hindraf rally, it does imply that by Umno Youth protest was afforded a degree of immunity (or should we say impunity).
Indeed, this question is one that is quite salient, as Khairy Jamaluddin himself frankly admitted that he was afforded certain ‘protections’ as the son-in-law of the premier not too long ago. This in turn beggars the question of the degree of hypocrisy on the part of the government to either vindicate or victimize protests protests it endorses to its personal gain.
2. The 'reception' of the police force
While the Hindraf demonstrators were 'tearfully' embraced with violence, the Umno Youth protesters were seen to be handled with velvet gloves, as they were able to force their way - through a cordon of usually baton happy Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel, I might add – to deliver their memorandum with little or no adverse effects.
Again, this alludes that the Umno Youth protesters were afforded certain immunities, especially in light of the following article from the Star:(The Star, July 29, 2006): When there was no sign of this happening, Khairy together with about 200 supporters pushed their way past the FRU line.
In the commotion, some supporters, including Khairy, fell. Other police personnel moved in to form a human chain in front of the entrance to the convention centre.
Despite this, Khairy and a handful of supporters managed to get through. They squatted outside the entrance for two hours.
The fact that the Umno Youth protesters were able to stage their protest shortly after Friday prayers - squatting (constipation, izzit?) in the middle of Kuala Lumpur unmolested for three hours - does indeed raise more than a few eyebrows, especially when there were sporadic reports of scuffles between Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel and the protesters.
3. The supposed 'support'
While previous reports in 2006 published by the local rags had numbered the Umno Youth protest at around 2,000 protesters, today’s article has exaggerated that figure to 10,000 protesters.
Right. Freud probably could say something about this obtuse form of masculine anxiety, but as we are not psychoanalysts, perhaps it is best if we were to not to dwell on the unfortunate lack of genitalia endowment of certain individuals or parties who are trying to inflate the number of supporters it has been able to garner.
So, penile insecurities apart, the inflation of this number does show some form of duplicity on the part of the ruling coalition, especially when the ‘official’ number of supporters for the Hindraf rally was quite obviously underplayed.
These three dissimilarities are of course merely the tip of the iceberg. If given sufficient time, it is assured that many of us could all come up with a host of other differences in methodology and mannerisms between these two protests, not the least of which is the burning of a flag of another sovereign nation, and the sheer anger of the Umno Youth protest when contrasted with the entreaties of the Malaysian Indians.
As for the similarities between these two protests, well...
1. The organization of the organizers
There is not much difference between street protests, as they all do run more or less the same rote: get people on the streets, wave banners, shout till you’re hoarse and so forth. Not much difference there, unless you count the Umno Youth protestor’s tendencies to run amok whenever they feel like it without any repercussions.
2. The need for political mileage
Before I go on, please do let me make this stand: the Israeli aggression against Palestine and Palestinians must be fought. Thankfully, many of us are not ignorant of the atrocities committed by the Israeli government which is backed by the United States.
To be honest, if I had known about this protest by the Umno Youths, I too would have taken to the streets in support of this (though if I did stand beside Khairy on any issue I would have required the help of a psychiatrist after that).
However, not all Malaysians are aware of this issue, or its pressing need to be addressed. It has to be admitted that most Chinese and Indian Malaysians are ignorant of the Palestinian struggle, though this is not their fault.
After all, it is a matter of sensitivities, and while many Malay Malaysians have sensitivities that lie in this direction, most Chinese and Indian Malaysians do not. So to say that the protest by the Umno Youth was justifiable merely because it touches on certain matters is - in a country as multiracial as ours - tantamount to crass duplicity, especially when contrasted with the claims that the Hindraf protestors have no justifiable basis to voice their concerns.
3. The basic ideology
That both protests are similar in ideology - to address an injustice that is obvious to its particular creed – is obvious, so to argue over it is again would do no more than quantify the semantics of it all. Both protests were done to highlight an injustice that was perceived by that particular group, the only difference between these two ideologies was that one was internal, and the other external.
Again, I could wax lyrical about the similarities between these two protests, but we will never really get anywhere other than to further divide ourselves to the betterment of others.
So please do allow me to end this on this note: to claim that the Umno Youth protest was more permissible – merely because we sympathize with the plight of the Palestinians - as "the only way to protest against the Israeli aggression" is wrong.
If indeed that this was "the only way to protest against the Israeli aggression", then it must be noted that our government is one that is weak both within and without, and an insult to a nation that once commanded respect - and more than it's fair share of anger - from the international community.
After all, the Umno Youth is component wing under the ruling coalition, and is part and parcel of the government. It is lead by a member of parliament, and has a strong voice within the government and its policies. To add on to that, the rally organizer is the son-in-law of the Premier of the nation, the very Premier who had invited Condoleeza Rice to Malaysia in the first place.
Would it have been so difficult for him to fax the memorandum over to Condoleeza Rice, as Hindraf was ultimately forced to do?
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Demos By Umno Youth And Hindraf Have Nothing In Common?
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Malaysians Love Gorillas in Government
'Belligerent'. If there was only one word to be chosen to best describe the mannerisms and attitudes of the recent crop of politicians that overrun the echelons of the government and the (un)civil service, this would be the best choice. However, 'cantankerous', 'discourteous', incompetent', 'ineffectual', 'unimpressive' and 'inept' does run a close second.
It boggles the mind to know that amongst the myriad of available cerebral resources that is to be had from within this country, those best left to linger at the bottom of the social rung somehow – against the odds, I might add - manage to climb their way to the top of the political ladder.
There’s a saying that holds true to this:
Is this because of the current political practices in Malaysia? Not the system, mind you, though that is flawed enough as it is. After all, it is an open secret that the supposed separation between the judicial and the executive is non existent, and most Malaysians are quite aware that the Parliament can only be best describe as a kindergarten playground populated with aged bullies.
So let us not question the political system or our politicians for the time being, but rather question ourselves. After all, while Malaysians - as the people of our government - are empowered to say 'yea' or 'nay' to any politician, would-be or otherwise, we find ourselves, more often than not, at the mercy of politicians than the other way around.
There are some who would venture that as a collective, people are unintelligent. They substantiate this by saying that as individuals, people are intelligent, reasoning beings, but as a collective group, people are foolish, mindless organisms. This is unacceptable to me. While there are some elements in this statement which are true, it is a fact that we are more knowledgeable as a collective than we are alone.
But why has it become a political practice - or even a political preference - that the worst amongst us are chosen to be fielded for elections? Why is it that abject allegiance - regardless of how mindless it is – a currency which is more valued than morality? And why is it that seniority - some would venture senility - counts more than integrity and intellect?
It would seem that Malaysians – though enlightened - would prefer chest thumping silverback demagogues who play on our popular prejudices, fears and expectations over those quietly capable individuals who are able to perform in office with the required skills and competencies to manage our interests. Or is it the other way around? Do politicians prefer to be chest thumping silverback demagogues rather than quietly capable individuals?
Being a career politician has its price, after all. Being fielded in an election costs money, and a lot of it. The trappings of a politician - it must be said - do not come cheap, never mind the fact that most politicians are not able to coherently speak without a teleprompter.
But I digress. The fault lays not so much with those in power, but to those amongst us who bequeath that power to them. After all, why is it that Malaysians need to suffer indignity after indignity before we come to our senses, if ever that blessed day comes? Why is it that we are so able to whisper so covertly amongst ourselves, but never able to stand overtly against the supposed powers that be?
It is a sad fact that most Malaysians would still choose to elect demagogues rather than intellectuals to positions of power. It is a sad fact that Malaysians would prefer to hear rhetoric and propaganda playing on our prejudices and expectations, rather than the harsh truths about our country.
To those who think that the ruling coalition will not receive their two thirds majority in the next general election, I hope you are right, but it is highly doubtful that this will happen. It is odd that those amongst us who have voiced our opinions have been labeled as 'the disgruntled' by the ruling coalition as we are the ones who see a better future ahead for us all. But it is worse when those among us voice our opinions only to be labeled as 'the disillusioned' by our fellow citizens - the very people of our beloved country - we are standing up for.
Malaysians fall under the malaise of needing change, but not wanting it. Malaysians see implied adherence to duty, good faith and loyalty as matters which are greater than skill and competence in managing our interests. Because of this, our trust structure - that little two way road between the people and the government - has been repeatedly abused and disabused by both sides of the fence who (ever so vehemently) claim to protect it in favor of short term gains, as opposed to long term goals.
And because of this, that trust structure is being torn down, brick by brick in front of our eyes.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
M for Malaysia - Past, Present & Future
This video was taken from "chongzhemin" on YouTube for entertainment purposes. Enjoy.
A true state of "Democracy" in Malaysia video, drawing parallels to the movie "V for Vendetta".
Malaysia Mis-information Minister claims that the General Elelction every 5 years means that we have democracy in Malayisia.
Democracy is more than having elections. Democracy is the freedom to peaceful gathering. Democracy is the freedom of speech. Democracy is the freedom to express opposing views.
There can be no democracy without elections.
But there can also be elections without democracy.
The administration of the Malaysian government is moving towards complete total hegemonic domination which makes it no difference to the dictactorship of Chancellor Adam Sutler in the movie "V For Vendetta".
Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch commented "Prime Minister Badawi claims to be a reformer, but when it comes to holding onto power, he and his party make one set of rules for themselves and another for everyone else."
It's time for political reform in Malaysia. Vote for change.
People should not be afraid of their governments.
Governments should be afraid of their people.
Someone must stand up for what's right
We'll fight, not out of spite
For someone must stand up for what's right
'Cause where there's a man who has no voice
There ours shall go singing
Jewel's lyrics in her song 'Hands' speaks to me. I hope you enjoy it too. - KL Confidential
Jewel's Hands
If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be that we're all OK
And not to worry 'cause worry is wasteful
And useless in times like these
I won't be made useless
I won't be idle with despair
I will gather myself around my faith
For light does the darkness most fear
My hands are small, I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken
Poverty stole your golden shoes
It didn't steal your laughter
And heartache came to visit me
But I knew it wasn't ever after
We'll fight, not out of spite
For someone must stand up for what's right
'Cause where there's a man who has no voice
There ours shall go singing
My hands are small I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
I am never broken
In the end only kindness matters
In the end only kindness matters
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
My hands are small I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken
We are never broken
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's mind
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's heart
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's eyes
We are God's hands
We are God's hands
Read more...
Post Hindraf Rally - What now?
I strongly agree with the opinion of this article written by Nuraina A Samad (taken from her blog.)
All said and done, we can now talk about what needs to be done -- post-Hindraf rally.
If we still think that everything in this country is so peachy pink and rosy, then there is something really wrong with us.
On Sunday, I saw unhappiness, anger and desperation walk the streets. I am helpless, I am powerless.
But, let me be clear on one thing though-- I take exception to Uthayakumar's memorandum which, in my humble opinion, is laced with racial overtones and littered with distorted facts, and therefore smacks of blatant racism and bigotry.
His kind of politics will only set us all back, as that of keris-wielding chest thumping ultras in Umno has done. We do not need another racist, another bigot.
His memorandum aside, I see and appreciate the real issue at hand -- the deep sense of being severely marginalised and disenfrachised felt by a sector of Malaysians of Indian origin.
I am so sad that it has come to this state of affairs.
This is not the end of this article. Click here for the whole thing.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
MPs as RELA Colonels: Feudal Lords in Modern Malaysia?
You know, as much as there are those out there who vehemently detest the government, credit has to be given to the ruling coalition for coming up with some rather 'interesting' suggestions, the most recent of which can be found in today’s Star under the article 'RELA men won’t be armed at immigration depots':On when MPs would start their duties as Rela Colonels as announced early this year, he [Home Affairs Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Paduka Abdul Rahman Ibrahim] said discussions would be held on Dec 17.
"As honorary Colonels, MPs can be advisers to Rela teams in their constituencies and aid them in their activities," he added.
Given the fact that RELA is a military organization, and that MPs - irrespective if they are members of the Parliament or not - are civil servants, shouldn't there be at least some question as to the wisdom of elevating mere civilians to the rank of feudal lords?
Not that I am implying that our ruling coalition is interested in creating feudal lords, or reverting to feudal systems. No, no, no...far from it. It must be, after all, admitted that most of our MPs fall far short of the requirements of a Shogans, and RELA members...well, suffice it to say that while there is the slimmest of possibilities that they might become samurai warriors in their next life, chances are higher that they'll probably be reincarnated as MPs first.
However, irregardless of the shortcomings of individual MPs and RELA, the elevation of MPs as RELA Colonels within their constituencies poses a number of serious questions.
1. Can this be construed as a constituency based militia?
2. Can 'advice' from MPs who are RELA Colonels be taken as 'orders'?
3. Can this be seen as a move by the ruling coalition moving to 'secure' individual constituencies?
4. Can this be seen as a move by the ruling coalition to circumvent current legal and judicial system that is being challenged?
I know, I know...conspiracies, conspiracies. But look at it this way, if the figures from Wikipedia are correct - averaging out 494,145 members of RELA between 219 members of Parliament elected from single-member constituencies - then on average, 2,300 members of RELA will come under the purview of each individual MP.
While many would scoff that RELA is a military organisation by the barest of definitions, it's members are still essentially soldiers, albeit badly trained and equipped. And no matter how poor their training is, or how outdated their equipment, members of RELA enjoy a host of 'responsibilities' and 'privileges' beyond that of conventional police and military forces.
Like the 'Fingermen' from the movie V for Vendetta, RELA members are in effect empowered beyond conventional law enforcement, and worse, are not individually accountable for their actions. Under Essential (Ikatan Relawan Rakyat) (Amendment) Regulations 2005, Essential (Pasokan Kawalan) Regulations 1966, and Emergency (Essential Powers) Act 1964, RELA members - in the words of the Malaysian Bar – have the right:"...to bear and use firearms, stop, search and demand documents, arrest without a warrant, and enter premises without a warrant and all these powers can be exercised (if) the RELA personnel has reasonable belief that any person is a terrorist, undesirable person, illegal immigrant or an occupier..."
Now imagine that kind of authority invested in 2,300 members of RELA - who are essentially soldiers - under one MP.
If that is not an impressive constituency based militia worthy of a feudal lord, I don’t know what is.
And lets not forget that not all militias are created equal. After all, in some constituencies, the number of RELA members may run up to tens of thousands, while in others the numbers may range somewhere in the tens or twenties. Will this imbalance mean that some MPs in some constituencies – possibly even all - will encourage a conscription drive to recruit more and more members for RELA, to enlarge their militias, and become greater feudal lords?
So is this the face of things to come? Will conscripting RELA members become the preference amongst our future feudal lords?
After all, why should MPs bother going through normal channels when they are able to invoke upon the discretionary powers of RELA to enforce whichever lark that takes their fancy? And why should the government be even bothered to hire and train professional policemen when they are able to pay RM 4.00 per hour (to any RELA member out there, I hear McDonalds pays RM5.00 per hour) to a RELA member who only needs 3-14 days training for a cheaper supply of 'law enforcement officials'?
With some work and a lot of luck, the ruling coalition may even get to jettison the tedious micromanagement of constituencies, reverting all of us back to the good 'ol Middle Ages. So instead of wrangling in Parliament, our feudal lords can while away their time by collecting taxes and hanging up 'Most Wanted' posters of prominent opposition leaders, though they'll need to share their ill gotten gains later to the crown...er, I mean government.
Hmmm...say, don't they already do that now?
