by Dr. Chen Man Hin
Raja Nazrin’s deep and superb insight and analysis of the country’s political situation makes him eligible to be personal adviser to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
This was demonstrated by his keynote address to students at the first Malaysian Student Leaders Summit 2007 on Sunday.
He deplored the lack of national unity and commented that “..yet, 50 years after Merdeka, we are still grappling with concerns about unity.”
This is happening because of the strains on unity by introducing a bumiputra policy in 1966, the NEP in 1970 and Islamic state during Dr Mahathir’s premiership.
To make matters worse, at the UMNO general assembly last year, the ultras rejected the concept of ‘bangsa malaysa’ and proposed the implementation of a ‘Malay agenda’ where Malays are conferred ‘ketuanan melayu’ status, while the rest are plain or ordinary Malaysians.
Then last month, the deputy prime minister heightened the unease amongst the people when he unilaterally announced that Malaysia was Islamic and not secular, claiming that the constitution did not state Malaysia was secular. This claim was contrary to the declaration by former prime ministers, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Razak and Tun Hussein Onn that the Malaysian constitution was secular.
Raja Nazrin called on the students (and the people) to get a copy of the Constitution. He said “the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It guarantees the rights of every Malaysian. The integrity of that document must be protected at all cost.”
This is the constitution which is the basis of the “Social Contract” agreed on by our forefathers. The contract knows only citizens as Malaysians and not bumiputras and non-bumiputras.
There is no mention of an NEP except for an affirmative action clause in article 152 conferring special rights for indigenous ethnic communities without at the same time overriding the rights of other races.
The country needs to re-invent itself to return to a state of equilbrium where there is national unity, political equality, economic justice and religious freedom
Let us start with the advice by Raja Nazrin to respect and adhere to the Constitution.
#1 by izrafeil on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 8:30 am
Raja Nazrin is a the rare voice of reason, I sincerely hope Raja Nazrin can become a unifying force in our country.
#2 by sotong on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 8:32 am
Enormous damage had been done to the country in the last few decades……..is it unreasonable for the ordinary people to ask for an honest, responsible, accountable, open minded and competent leader/s to protect the country and her ordinary people!
#3 by Libra2 on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 8:44 am
Don’t be surprised if Raja Nazrin is criticised at the next UMNO assembly.
UMNO will never accept his advice cos the party thinks it knows best what the country needs.
An arrogant party never accepts advice or criticisms.
And the PM thinks Khairy is a better adviser than Nazrin.
#4 by bumi-non-malay on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 8:56 am
We seem to wait for Royalty to wake Malaysia up….why wait just unite on this Merdeka and wear Black and line the Streets of Malaysia especially Dataran Merdeka in Support of
Freedom of Religion
Freedom From Racism
Freedom of Press
After all surely there is no law that is not going to stop that and no Police Permit is required….by stealth we can suddenly be declared Islamic State….then by Stealth we can also show them the Anger of the people……
Let the live telecast show the world or all over Malaysia what is Wrong…..a mind set thing!!
#5 by ENDANGERED HORNBILL on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 9:07 am
I have met Raja Nazrin close but once and have watched him from a distance over a period. This man is cosmopolitan, an egalitarian, a man for all seasons, a principled person and one raised well by educated and reasonable parentage, notwithstanding their kingly credentials.
So I think YB’s suggestion is to be welcome though I wish it had been the other way around – Nazrin as PM and Pak Lah, an elderly statesman adviser. Period.
No one can argue that this is not the BEST formula for the country at this juncture of Malaysian history. Period.
No one can come even close to Nazrin’s ability, common sense and leadership qualities. No, not AAB; heck, certainly not Najib, a pale and insulting comparison by far. The rest of the UMNO pack are best left in the sack. PERIOD.
#6 by undergrad2 on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 9:17 am
“There is no mention of an NEP except for an affirmative action clause in article 152 conferring special rights for indigenous ethnic communities without at the same time overriding the rights of other races.” Dr. Chen
I believe it is Art. 153, Dr, Chen.
#7 by ENDANGERED HORNBILL on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 9:18 am
Sorry, “YB’s suggestion” should read as “Dr Chen Man Hin’s suggestion”
#8 by Bigjoe on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 9:21 am
At this juncture, I don’t even have faith going back to the Constitution actually is that sound. Certaintly most of the original ideals is still there but frankly, its also a compromised document today with inconsistencies, thanks to UMNO ultras.
Raja Nazrin sounds more like someone with more ideals than actually real vision and plan.
When the highest office in the land confuses principles over authority as the PM did by declaring Malaysia is not a secular country but a parliamentary democracy, what hope is there that the original ideals can be upheld???
#9 by smeagroo on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 9:23 am
Not only just Personal Adviser. Get him as Internal Security Minister and Finance Minister post too. We have had enough of our dodo bird.
#10 by sotong on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 9:36 am
The ordinary people do not need him to hold a powerful and important postion in the government.
Just let him talk and unite the people. This is what real leadership is all about…..the people will unite and find common grounds to face the challenges and future together and our nationhood sealed.
#11 by ENDANGERED HORNBILL on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 9:48 am
And Khairi’s statement that “UMNO is not racist” is like saying the Earth is flat, the moon revolves around the sun; there are eight days in a week, thirteen months in a year and it will take light years for Malaysia to become egalitarian!
So, there are Oxford grads and there are others like Khairi who happened to cross its threshold; the former have their minds polished, the latter have lost their minds.
To say UMNO is not racist is to say it is not ethno-centred, not bigoted, not parochial, not chauvinistic, not race-biased. KJ, please, “if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck!”. Quacking like a duck and saying that UMNO is not racist is like the ugly duckling insisting that it is a swan with pedigree. FAce it, UMNO is racist, duckfooted and lame for as long as it continues to champion racist policies. PERIOD.
#12 by FuturePolitician on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 9:50 am
PM should resign, dont think he be around to invite Raja Nazrin. AAB would not be able to understand what Raja Nazrin is trying to explain to him.
Sorry, it is factual.
We need a responsible leaders and responsible NEW representative of the people., who will justly apprehend all those whom has erode the people’s wealth.
#13 by raverus on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:00 am
Will not work even R.N is the personal advisor, they have different concept?
#14 by RealWorld on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:14 am
Hmm where is that baboon, Godfather?? I am indeed surprised to not hear of his usual whingeing here. Maybe it is too early for him.
#15 by RealWorld on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:18 am
“FAce it, UMNO is racist, duckfooted and lame for as long as it continues to champion racist policies. PERIOD.” – ENDANGERED HORNBILL
It is mind boggling for me to hear you going on and on about UMNO being this and that. However, you seem to conveniently turn a blind eye whenever likes of you issued racist statements here.
I am not saying that you are a blind bigot, what I am saying is if you want to be righteous, at least walk the talk.
#16 by RealWorld on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:20 am
“The rest of the UMNO pack are best left in the sack. PERIOD.” – ENDANGERED HORNBILL
Well, unfortunately that is not your decision alone. The rakyat will decide democratically. PERIOD.
#17 by Cinapek on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:21 am
The Constitution is supreme when it is premised that the Govt. practices the rule of law. But when the Govt. renegades and practices the rule of man, the Constitution goes out the window.
This is precisely what is happening in Malaysia. The Constitution drawn up at the founding of the nation based on the social contract is now a mockery because those in power has chosen to move the goalpost to suit their own interest. The main culprits are UMNO abetted by the eunuchs of the MCA and Gerakan, and the invisible MIC and other BN component parties.
What more can you say about the rule of law when immigration records that can be used as evidence in a high profile murder case can be conveniently deleted when it could imminently incriminate people in high places? Or special explosives available only to the Govt. authorities can be made available to their own police to be used for murder?
This country now is under the rule of man, period.
#18 by RealWorld on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:24 am
“Enormous damage had been done to the country in the last few decades……..is it unreasonable for the ordinary people to ask for an honest, responsible, accountable, open minded and competent leader/s to protect the country and her ordinary people!” – sotong
Dude, what are you talking about?? It is the rakyat who decide who govern and administer this country. And come the next GE, we are all given the opportunity to select.
#19 by lakshy on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:27 am
umno know what is written in the constitution. Dont think they dont. They just know the rakyat are too illiterate to understand or do anything about it.
#20 by k1980 on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:32 am
Is this what is meant by an Islamic state?
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/National/20070806083851/Article/index_html
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/National/20070806082134/Article/index_html
#21 by RealWorld on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:39 am
“They just know the rakyat are too illiterate to understand or do anything about it.” – lakshy
Just because the rakyat voted for BN overwhelmingly in the past GEs, you are now saying that they are illiterate?? :(
Instead of being a sore loser and whinge like a little kid denied of candy, why dont you work a little harder the next GE?
Branding the rakyat illiterate just show how low you really are. And I bet people like ENDANGERED HORNBILL will conveniently be silent on this.
#22 by Godfather on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:40 am
Why are we making suggestions/recommendations that we know deep in our hearts will never be taken up ? First, Badawi’s inner circle won’t allow this to happen because it could (God forbid!) work against their conscience. Second, I can’t see why Raja Nazrin would even bother getting involved with the leader of the den of thieves.
Don’t expect thieves to have a conscience or change their stripes. When stealing has become so easy, there is zero incentive to change.
#23 by Godfather on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:41 am
Eh, the UMNO poodle RealWorld is back to defend the den of thieves.
#24 by ENDANGERED HORNBILL on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:44 am
Realworld, as I’ve said in an earlier posting on yr tit-for-tat with Godfather, I can recognise a whore when I see one. And I did say that whether you are a cyber whore or not is yr prerogative, but please don’t parade yr sound-bites here where we want meaningful exchange and comments. All yr sound and no substance bespeaks yr childish pranksterism, not yr brains. Kicking up a dust storm so that others cannot have their say and digresses does not contribute to a meaningful dialogue. You have not verbalised yr arguments; blowing bubbles form a frothy mouth doesn’t come across as either intelligent or worthy of any meaningful engagement. If I were RPK, he’d have said ‘f**k-off”. I am not RPK, so I’d just suggest a modicum of dignity and sense; otherwise, cease and desist.
#25 by RealWorld on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:44 am
“Eh, the UMNO poodle RealWorld is back to defend the den of thieves.” – Godfather
Good morning, finally work up eh?
#26 by Godfather on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:45 am
Woke up, not work up. At least not worked up yet.
#27 by Godfather on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:47 am
RealWorld:
After a day’s absence from strategising with your UMNO masters, what are your orders now ? More of the same ? Deny us the right to vent our views ? Distract us from the core issues ?
#28 by RealWorld on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:48 am
ENDANGERED HORNBILL,
A ‘whore’? That is a pretty harsh word to use especially when one has no idea what it means literally.
You are truly right, you are no RPK. You are just a nobody who hide in your little cyber world.
Meaningful exchange of comments?? Well for one who thinks that Godfather’s thrash is gold, I pretty much rest my case. After all, gimps runs in packs.
#29 by Godfather on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:50 am
Eh, stop distracting us lah. This thread is about Dr Chen’s suggestion for Raja Nazrin to be special advisor to your Sleeping Beauty. What do you say to that ?
#30 by RealWorld on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:50 am
Hey Godfather, thanks for the correction. Am sure your mummy is real proud of her boy now.
#31 by RealWorld on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:52 am
Sleeping beauty??? Petty insults now, eh?? I can surely see the core issues now.
#32 by Godfather on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:54 am
OK, OK, as special advisor to Badawi, if that’s what you want. So, what do you say to that ? No need to consult your masters. Just want to hear your personal position.
#33 by ihavesomethingtosay on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 10:56 am
Ignore the cyber-scum form barisan najis.
#34 by RealWorld on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 11:01 am
Godfather,
Firstly, I dont think Raja Nazrin’s speech alone is adequate enough for likes of you. Seeing you resort to petty insults, I pretty much come to the conclusion that you can take a gimp to Raja Nazrin but you cannot take the gimp out of a gimp. If you seriously think resorting to petty insults will move the people to vote for a regime change then I be more than happy to leave you with your wet dreams (do remember to wash your hands ok?) :)
Since when will a royal member wanna be active in politics?
As for Raja Nazrin’s speech, how come I dont see that many malays or indians in DAP leadership? What happened to Msian Malaysia?
#35 by Toyol on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 11:03 am
Its not just UMNO who is racists, also BN. Why need a party separate for Malays, Chinese and Indians. Why can’t they have a party for all Malaysians. It just goes to show that the govt whether consienciously or otherwise is already dividing the races. Its making a mockery of the Malaysian identity. Even the ex-PM had the foresight to propose the Bangsa Malaysia but was shot down by UMNO Youth..led by the biggest racists of all!
In govt forms, race is still a requisite field…WHY? Can’t we all be Malaysians? We already speak the Malaysian lingo. Raja Nazrin referral to the Consitution implies that he too wants a Malaysian identity…for all.
#36 by RealWorld on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 11:03 am
“Ignore the cyber-scum form barisan najis.” – ihavesomethingtosay
See, another one with petty insults.
I mean if this is the so called standard in the opposition, then no wonder the rakyat gave BN 91% mandate the last GE.
#37 by Godfather on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 11:05 am
Very good, RealWorld. At least you are contributing to the discussions. At least this UMNO poodle has a position.
As to whether the DAP is truly Malaysian, given its lack of membership from the Malays and Indians, that is something that Kit has to answer. I am not affiliated to any political party, but I would support an electoral pact that consists of PAS, DAP and PKR.
#38 by Godfather on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 11:12 am
Sleeping Beauty er, Badawi, in a recent speech, talked about the pride of a bangsa Malaysia, a concept which was previously shot down by his own people like Ghani Othman and the UMNO Youth leadership.
What do you say to that, RealWorld ? It would appear that you are in favour of a bangsa Malaysia.
#39 by RealWorld on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 11:15 am
“At least this UMNO poodle has a position.” – Godfather
Name calling again. Apa punya standard la!
“I would support an electoral pact that consists of PAS, DAP and PKR.” – Godfather
Errr… you did say that you will not vote for Jeff Ooi. So how?? :)
Electoral pact of PAS, DAP & PKR … care to elaborate a little. PAS is fighting for an Islamic state. A little inconsistent eh? And how can you govern the country when your idealogies are different and united under a marriage of convenience?
As for the DAP’s Msian Malaysia thingy, come on dont push it back to Kit, and claiming that you are not affiliated and all. If you support Msian Malaysia, tell me then why the DAP party and leadership consist of very few or none Malays & Indians??? You must at least have a position on this ‘core issue’ , have a back bone and dont be a lalang and push it back to Kit.
#40 by RealWorld on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 11:18 am
Godfather,
Arent you Malaysian? My ic is blue, what colour is yours? Do you see a race thingy on your ic?
#41 by ethnicmalaysian on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 11:22 am
It is interesting how RealWorld and its ilk goes on about the fact that the rakyat is the one that has voted in the BN time after time which illustrates that the rakyat (or the majority at least) has done so because the BN is at the end of the day, the true viable govt that the people trusts and believes to be good. So all the diatribes against the BN are really smokescreens, hot air and rantings of the lunatic fringe. This is also amply illustrated by our illustrious MPs who have the temerity to challenge those who criticise them to stand against them in their constituencies. Such is the arrogance and overwhelming confidence that come what may, their victory is all but assured, with the full backing of govt funds, machinery and media. I guess 50 years of incumbency and uninterrupted power do tend to result in that kind of behaviour.
I don’t believe that this is because the people are illiterate or stupid. It is more a result of fear and insecurity. Fear of a particular race dominating the economy, fear of loss of racial rights, fear of breakdown in law and order should the incumbent lose, fear of religious extremists, fear of globalization and so on. And who but Umno who are the master exponent in the arts of the politics of fear mongering and demonisation. ‘Divide and rule’, so long the strategy used by the Brits is now effectively assumed by Umno. Why have national unity when racial unity is all that is required to maintain power? Because if national unity is achieved, Umno loses its reason for being. Because people will then go beyond the racial and religous veil and ask the tough questions on issues like equality, corruption and abuses, which Umno will find much harder to deflect, as compared to ketuanan and privileges.
So unity is merely a mirage, something to pay lip service to by the BN, so long as racial politics and entrenched policies of demonization of the non Malays continue to be the order of the day, and the mindsets of the Malays continue to be shaped by such strategies. And RealWorld and other Umno/BN troopers will continue to be smug and confident in their aura of invincibility.
#42 by Godfather on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 11:22 am
I never said that I would not vote for Jeff Ooi. I said we had a tiff, but it wasn’t big enough to prevent me from voting for him if he were to stand in my constituency. That’s what I was trying to tell all those who had run-ins with Jeff Ooi previously – vote for him since he can keep the BN thieves in check.
An electoral pact is not necessarily the same as the BN form of politics with a common manifesto. An electoral pact can simply be an agreement not to duplicate contests against BN candidates. Nothing more. These people can agree to disagree.
#43 by RealWorld on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 11:27 am
ethnicmalaysian,
Of course, I am confident of victory in the next coming GE. The rakyat will return us with a huge mandate again. You can be sore and rant about govt funds, machinery and media for all you want (do you think the opposition will not do likewise if they are in power?)
#44 by Billy on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 11:28 am
His Highness, Raja Nazrin, spoke out against corrupted leaders. I, for one, would not expect UMNO to change an iota of their current attitude and behaviour, at least not in this century. If you are a monkey and someone is waving a comb of bananas infront of you, I am sure the monkey will find it irresistable not to grab the bananas. The NCER with the hugh pile of bananas coated in it will prove too much for the corrupts to ignore.
Keep up the good work. Every thing you say, is a subtle pressure on UMNO to change its ways, although it may akin to pouring water on a duck, but every statement you made these days pose as a beacon to the many lost souls of this nation.
Daulat Tuanku!!!
#45 by RealWorld on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 11:34 am
Godfather,
You have still not explain the Msian Malaysia thingy. Nevermind, I will leave it at that as it is obvious that you dont have a position.
Kinda odd for someone who supports Msian Malaysia and the electoral pact of DAP, PAS, PKR but has no position on the lack of malays and indians in DAP.
“An electoral pact can simply be an agreement not to duplicate contests against BN candidates. Nothing more. These people can agree to disagree.” – Godfather
Thank you very much! No wonder the rakyat rejects such an ‘agreement’ and merely see this a wayang or marriage of convenience.
#46 by achia3 on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 11:41 am
Godfather and all…..let us not get distracted by UMNO Cybertroopers from the “RealWorld”, who may well be paid by our hard earned tax payers cash. RealWorld…get a life….. UMNO may need you to gather more phantom voters in the next GE cause a storm is coming.
#47 by RealWorld on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 11:49 am
Dear achia3,
Like I have said, petty insults and making wild assumptions aint gonna cut it if you are harping for a regime change. You like to think that I am a ‘cyber trooper paid by tax payers cash’, eh? Dude, do yourself a favour, dont get too ahead of yourself ok?
Your Godfather wanted to hear my opinion and I responded. You lot wanted a discussion but when things get too hot, you bail. Anyway, I am sure your Godfather is a big boy and thus can stand on his own feet.
#48 by RealWorld on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 11:54 am
I wonder where is that Godfather now ……….
I am still waiting for his take on Msian Malaysia; why no/not many malays & indians as members/leadership in DAP.
#49 by sotong on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 11:56 am
I don’t think there is any Cybertroopers here.
#50 by shaolin on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 - 12:11 pm
Raja Nazrin can be a great and understandable Ruler,
He has great foresights and precise viewpoints.
We need this kind of Quality leadership,
To lead Malaysia to greater heights of Unity & achievement;