Former Selangor Mentri Besar, Datuk Seri Mohamad Khir Toyo thought he was doing the state, people and nation a great service when he tried to mid-wife a UMNO-PAS Selangor State Government after the March 8 general election.
He wrote on his blog that he arranged for a muzakarah between PAS leaders and the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi after the general election and offered PAS the mentri besar post, deputy mentri besar post as well as four executive councilors in a PAS-UMNO coalition government in Selangor to champion Malay interests.
There is some discrepancy in Khir’s account from that of Selangor PAS leader and MP for Shah Alam, Abdul Khalid Samad, who had attended the muzarakah, with the latter recounting that Khir wanted the Deputy Mentri Besar post although Khir claimed that he was willing to be left out of the state government line-up if that would encourage PAS to accept the “power-sharing”.
Khalid, who had described the muzarakah as “coloured with a racial agenda” of Umno, had denied that PAS harboured any intention of any power-sharing arrangement with UMNO in Selangor as PAS had already agreed to the proposal to name PKR’s Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim as Mentri Besar.
In the Berita Harian today, Khir was quoted as saying that discussion over his Umno-PAS power-sharing arrangement went on for four days but was unsuccessful because of external influences.
Right-thinking Malaysians must find it most shocking and outraged that the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who had just presided over a RM100 million 50th Merdeka national celebrations and repeatedly pledged to be Prime Minister of all Malaysians and not just for any one race, could give his blessing and endorse the formation of a one-race, one-religion government for the most advanced state in Malaysia – Selangor – in the year 2008!
Abdullah owes all Malaysians a full and proper explanation!
#1 by sj on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 10:50 am
“Please don’t make us angry, coz you wouldn’t like us when we are angry, be careful with your remarks, be it you are chinese, indians, mat saleh or even malays”
You can choose not to be angry and ignore hurtful remarks, or would you rather choose to be angry and be blinded by anger and lose all sense of reasonable mind and go all way out to hurt people and be branded as a BAD BAD PERSON? You are an adult, you are responsible on your own actions. If you are angry, what makes you think that other people are not angry as well?
#2 by sj on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 10:55 am
“A united country with a stronger sense of a Malaysian identity rather then racially based identity. This Malaysian identity would be a mix of all the races but it is inevitale that this identity would be strongly influenced by the majority in Malaysia which are the Malays. What do you guys thing? Isn’t this just natural and right?”
This I agree, but looking at the current situation, the current goverment will definitely shoot this idea down. Time and again their actions does not match their words. They are still preaching Ketuanan Melayu left right and centre. Why are still believing them? Why dont we choose a better alternative? Why do we still get carried away on the RACE part where one RACE is the TUAN the other is the HAMBA? That is the SAME IDEA AS NAZI.
#3 by citizenwatch on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 12:35 pm
If the UMNOputeras are reading the comments here thus far, they are going to be gloating and gleeful as they have managed to cause some form of consternation among those logged in. It’s from the beginning being their strategic plan after the March 8 election to cause some split in PR and among the various bloggers and races and at the same time DIVERT attention from their other current sinister acts and plans.
Please do not fall into UMNO’s trap.
#4 by hafiz on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 1:10 pm
Agreed wit you YB! Actually it is not about malay itself! tha muzakarah actually is for UMNO survivor.
Umno sekarang ini terlalu nazak dan terdesak! mereka Ingin menjerat orang lain…maka, PAS menjadi sasaran! Mujurlah, PAS tidak sebodoh disangka!
#5 by lakshy on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 1:39 pm
YB,
DAP is still seen as a Chinese party. Is it not time to talk to PKR about a merger? Wont this be the true representation of the wishes of all Malaysians as seen in the ballot box?
And shouldn’t PKR/DAP merged party then pull in PPP/Gerakan/MIC/MCA etc into the merger as the true representative of Malaysians?
One party…………for Malaysians!
That would be the way forward.
#6 by lakshy on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 1:53 pm
zak_hammaad,
India is a nation of many different and diverse peoples who have different religions, and cultures and languages. Yet everyone is referred to as Indian and treated equally. If any preferential treatment is given, it is to the backward castes, which is not dependent on which region or religion or language they speak.
China is also a nation of very diverse peoples with different cultures, food, religions, but united by Shih Huang Ti’s actions, by one language. But everyone is still considered a Chinese.
And what do you think of countries such as America and Australia? You think it is white man country with one religion, and one language? Do you realize that these are countries with huge immigrant peoples, but all are treated equally when they are citizens. Heck, even with PR status in that country one gets treated better than being a third class citizen in this country if you are a non-malay.
So who is carrying the baggage, and creating barriers huh?
#7 by kenghuei on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 2:10 pm
YB Lim and all,
This is indeed something of grave concern to all Malaysians who are propagating a Malaysia for all. Our dear Prime Minister in his capacity of Umno leader has just starkly shown to Malaysians that he is indeed a PM who fights for the Malays more than other races.
If we were ever to believe Khir Toyo of course. This is in fact, a highly sensitive issue and YB is right that PM owes the rakyat a proper explanation! But as he always does, remaining silent when he ought to speak up and speaking up when he should be silent :)
True, AAB as Umno president and Khir as an Umno supreme council member are qualified to fight for Malay unity..but they must not forget they are also PM and ex S’gor MB who represent all races!
In fact, this revelation of Umno-PAS unity talk is not surprising given that today, BN’s support during the last GE was mostly frm the Malays (mostly rural) rather than Chinese or Indians compared to 1998 or 2004..so it is of their interest to gain credit for looking after Malays interest while discrediting DSAI/PKR/PR for having neglected the Malays or become ‘the tools of Chinese/Indians’ as mentioned by DSAI in his speech in Cheng.
But I do not think Malays are disunited today because of the PAS/extremist or Umno/secular divide, but rather more between an honest/clean/moderate and corrupt/self-centered/extravagant leadership! Obviously, BN is still not awaken from their pre-election mentality of racial politics…Even MCA president-to-be Ong Tee Keat commented on this saying, MCA should also pick up this lesson for perhaps, a Chinese unity talk??!
To all my Malay frens..don’t be fooled. This is not a Malay unity effort so to say, it is merely political gain for Umno and PAS (if ever happens). Though I am very glad that PAS has stood firm against any political business with Umno..and remains committed to PR’s agenda. Khir Toyo is such a fool to doom Umno himself by revealing all the deals about MB post and 4 executive councillors post to PAS should they agree to form S’gor govn with Umno. And dragging DSAI into the picture for preventing this from happening will only strengthen DSAI position as a leader who fights for all races! And hello..hasn’t the rakyat already chosen by the ballot box who to rule S’gor? Are u not trying to thwart the rule of law and democracy? Wake up, ‘Toyol’!
What we need now is Malaysian unity, not Malay unity. We are now in the 21st century, close to 10 years before 2020, not in post-independence era anymore. Much challenges lie ahead for Malaysia to compete in the world stage with developed countries, esp S’pore or even Thailand..and this can only be done if Malaysians of all races are truly united as one.
#8 by grace on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 4:17 pm
These fellas are people without priciples. They are willing to sell them just for a few dollars more.
#9 by i_love_malaysia on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 5:18 pm
In Malaysia, the BN UMNO is trying hard to get PAS into its arms so that they can bully other minorities in this country!!! Just look at other countries with minority races, they are well taken care of instead of being bullied and marginalised!!!
If it is not their religion that teaches them to bully others, so it must be their own selfish desires and personal interest that motivate them to do so!!! God forbid!!!
#10 by i_love_malaysia on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 5:34 pm
Someone or more than one here who said that Malaysian identity must be Malay identity because Malays are the majority here, then we should ask what about the world identity??? should it be Chinese identity because Chinese are the majority in the world!!! Please dont try to talk about Malay identity when Malays are no longer wearing sarong & songkok every where but troushers, shirts and ties etc, so dont be a hypocrites!!! As human being, we should adopt what is good and noble and discard what is bad to progress!!! If Proton Perdana is bad, change it to Merz, dont continue to subsidize a company that is not competitive and too proud to admit own short coming!!! Tak malu ke!!!
#11 by i_love_malaysia on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 5:44 pm
The world or Malaysia will be a very boring place if every one looked the same, talk tha same, eat the same, wear the same even with the same colour, every thing the same in order to have a united identity, so called world identity or Malaysia identity!!! Boring boring boring!!! Time to accept differences in everything even in twins and wisdom will grow and Malaysia and the world will be a better place for you and me!!!
#12 by zak_hammaad on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 5:57 pm
m.hwang, thank you for your response. If you read my post carefully, you will see I wrote:
“Most non-Malays continue to identify themselves with the country of their namesake. We continue to identify ourselves with the languages we speak and with the culture we are ingrained with from our namesake countries (i.e. India and China). We continue to seek a heritage that runs paralell to Malaysia’s own.”
I never mentioned that Chinese consider China to be their home and I did not even hint at anything suggesting Chinese to ‘go back to China’ – So please accord me the respect not to misquote or misunderstand me. I believe it’s these misunderstandings that are causing unecessary hate and pain.
I agree with you that Chinese schools are equipped in providing better secular education and I have no problem with non-Chinese sending their children there. I also agree with you on a meritocratic system, but national stability is always at the forefront of many Malaysians (re: 1967 riots).
I do not agree that cultural values will mutate and inevitably be intertwined with the other cultures in Malaysia to the extent, that they are acceptable to all. Most cultures invariably are based upon religion and there is no way religion will ever be compromised by any of the races.
Social justice remains the only value that unites, but again it is defined differently by different people.
I hear a lot of people talking about identities… Can someone please define what a “Malaysin identity” is. Instead of throwing general and cheap slogans, please be more specific and explain how you would achieve this identity and upon what basis?
How do the non-Malays minorities expect a “Bangsa Malaysia” when there are no tangible unifying factors?
#13 by law1999 on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 6:24 pm
ZAK
We can have MALAYSIAN identity if we can for go a few things:
1. Allows all the races to inter marry.
2. Make no compulsion for either party to follow the religion of any one spouse. That mean FREEDOM of RELIGION.
3. On Political side. UMNO, MCA, MIC can admit all races.
This will do away segregation by RACE.
Can our government do it.?
The answser is no because we are govern by IMMATURE people.
That why we have this things call:
Malaysian-Malay
Malaysian-Chinese
Malaysian-Indian
and lain lain
We can talk until the COWS come home we can NEVER able to achieve BANGSA-MALAYSIA.
#14 by kosong on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 6:28 pm
Zak_ham bodoh lah..Cina and hindus born in Malaya wheregot identify themselves with China and India. Only in the small minds of the Melayu lah…propagating such cock to serve their agenda. Cinas and Hindus born in Malaysia (truly racist country) only know Malaysia as their country. You sungguh bodoh lah..how many have gone back to their China or India even to visit.
Don’t talk about unity lah…you people only clever to talk about Melayu unity cos’ that’s the most important thing. Who cares about the other races. After all this time, still the same old shit by the same only people with shit for brains. When the country prospers, all the Melayu can unite and plunder the wealth lah…when the country turns into shit because of shit Malay leaders , all you people are still talking about is still unity…Unity against what? Unity against the Cinas and Hindus cos’ less to plunder??
Worst of all, all this so-called leaders are hypocritical..Islam this and that and in the mean time, C4, backstab and sodomize people….and not even real bumis…just INdos from Palembang in disguise…what shit is this?
#15 by zak_hammaad on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 6:55 pm
lakshy , I totally disagree that everyone in India is “referred to as Indian and treated equally” and I challenge you to explain the differences in caste and the injust caste system that does not treat everyone equally. Caste differences are treated like differences is race where a particular ethnic make-up has a pre-meditated place in society and is not allowed to rise above a social level.
There are over 300 indigenous languages spoken in India and each area has it’s unique characteristic. Some are more patriotic on a regional level than nationally, others distrust central government and want autonomy because of these huge differences in race, culture, language and even religion.
Examples of these are: Asam, Manipur, Nagaland, Bihar, Jammu.
Minorities in Malaysia enjoy a level of freedom and liberty that very few other minorities in any other country enjoy. This is because there has been a concrete drive to create a unique and cohesive social harmony and national stability.
The best foundation for any Malaysian unity as I mentioned needs to be based upon social justice. In the context of the geo-social race reality, it is with Malay unity first and foremost, where this social justice needs to be streamlined within a workable consensus from all Malaysians.
#16 by badak on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 7:24 pm
There was…. Zak _ harnmaad .. way back during the early 70s.Before everything was looked at and tag as haram non haram.. Halal non Halal.
Back then it was normal to see non muslims visiting chiness friends during chiness new year.Now they ask food halal or not? who are the caterers? must be Malay ..NOW Indian caterers also haram.
In national schools non Malays are not allowed to bring cook food from home.Reason non Halal.
When it is brought up at PTA meeting ..Its sensitive .But sensitive to who.
#17 by Dr. W on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 8:01 pm
Khir Toyo, before you attempt to struggle on the news once again.
Please explain the reason why your office destroy documents shortly after Selangor was conquered by Pakatan Rakyat. Dun think that we have forgotten.
You piece of corrupted junk, as far as I know you are already history and a joke since 8th of March.
So be prepared for the worst. After the ACA guys took care of the immigration rats, eventually Bodohwi will have to set more umno-heads rolling in order to please the people.
And I hope yourswill be on that list. Enjoy.
#18 by isahbiazhar on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 8:13 pm
In desperation Abdullah forfgot he was the Prime Minister of Malaysia.He became a racialist Malay fighting for the Malays.How unfortunate!We have to forgive him for that because after all he is a human.One reason he is giving way to Najib after having caused many blunders.It looks like only Nik Aziz is fit to become the next PM.
#19 by riversandlakes on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 8:42 pm
The age of impunity is over!
#20 by zak_hammaad on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 9:02 pm
law1999, some of your suggestions are fantastically unrealistic and a possible cause for instability and social disaster. Let’s examine them in a little more detail:
>> 1. Allows all the races to inter marry.
For most Malays, it is Islam that defines their way of life and not secular laws. Islam is a complete and comprehensive way of life that encompasses all social, economic, legal, military, political facets. Clearly a lot of these facets are not fully applied in Malaysia, but the fundamentals do not and will not change for any given every time or space.
Inter-racial marriages are not the problem here as most Malaysians are open to this idea. The problem is with inter-religious marriages because religion is the biggest factor for people. A Muslim man or woman can marry a Muslim from any race; but when it comes to marrying non-Muslims, there are strict conditions to be met for the male gender.
>> 2. Make no compulsion for either party to follow the religion of any one spouse. That mean FREEDOM of RELIGION.
This is hypothetical because very rarely will no. 1 be implemented (in terms of inter-religious marriages).
>> 3. On Political side. UMNO, MCA, MIC can admit all races. This will do away segregation by RACE.
I agree that this is a very plausible idea and the opposition has shown how this can work (for example Penang). I think gradually a lot of Malaysians are coming around to see this in practise. The BN of today is a hodge-podge of incompetent and clueless leaders and it will take a fresh approach from the younger and more dynamic people to lead. I very much like the Singapore model of government where the most competent people are given positions of responsibility. I agree that there is nepotism to a little extent, but the funny thing is that Malaysia also practises nepotism but with negative results :^) This is because they do NOT put the best people in charge of the most responsible roles.
It may be that BN no longer has people with leader qualities, and this is where the opposition can capitalise. If they can show a successful working model of alternative governship, political change may be coming sooner than you think. However, to try and separate Islam for politics is suicide because there are equal number of people who are anti-secular as there are pro-secular.
As for Malaysian-Malay, Malaysian-Chinese, Malaysian-Indian; this is a fact of most nation states. In Singapore, you are identified by your race and in Britain, you are identified by your race (i.e. British Asian); this is not the problem. The problem is when these categorisations lead to discrimination, this is why we have to fight.
I also know that in Britain there is a proposal for “positive discrimination” for the minorities! If an employer got 2 applications, they would be forced to choose the minority application over white. Clearly this is being frowned upon by the white majority as racism. Where do you draw the balance between social justice and national stability?
I leave with a quote from LKY:
“If I were in authority in Singapore indefinitely without having to ask those who are governed whether they like what is being done, then I would not have the slightest doubt that I could govern much more effectively in their interests.” [Mr Lee Kuan Yew, 1962]
#21 by badak on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 9:12 pm
UMNO is screaming their head of off .Defending the NEP.MALAYS holds less then 20% of the economic pie, they shout.. Who are they trying to bluff.
When it comes to statistics they will use the figures that suits them.When they talk about races they use 65% bumis 35% non bumis.So the MALAYS will get a bigger cut on government funding and aid.This figures are so wrong .Just because all orang Aslis and the euration communities are also BUMIS.But when this group of BUMIS applies for any government funding and aid.In the column which ask for race or BANGSA ..THEY COME UNDER LAIN LAIN.
This is the UMNO led BN GOVERNMENT who also shout they are fair to all.
#22 by fish-warezmasterz on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 9:36 pm
I smell some bad comments about Malays..Please my friends,we dont hate Malays,we just hate some BAD UMNO LEADERS esp Pak Lah and KJ.i wonder why so many young people especially born after 1957,angrily questioning about our rights in Malaysia.Malays never treat non Malays unequally.Im a mix chinese.My dear friends,have you guys ever been in Kelantan? over there,its a one-race one-religion state.Mr Lim, there is no racial hatred there.Kelantanese are living happily.We can see malays having meal at kopitiam chatting.chinese/indian there can speak Kelantan dialect.However under BN government,this thing did not happen. That includes Penang (under pure chinese-Gerakan) .But wait,have u ever heard chinese/indian from kelantan complained about Nik Aziz? no right.Only stupid UMNO leaders made anti-malays,anti-non malay happen.We must stop this..
#23 by fish-warezmasterz on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 9:43 pm
ey guys,forgot to add lah..this post is very useful,wrote by Dr Mahathir..i read comments from posters,much more interesting.its about Social Contract.ive just read.please read if you were born after 1957.learn history first before making any accusation..
http://test.chedet.com/che_det/2008/07/the-malaysian-social-contract.html
#24 by imranj78 on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 10:29 pm
i_love_malaysia,
it is not only futile but irrelevant to talk about a `world identity’ as there is no single force unifying all the humans in the world except that we all share the same DNA. As such, your argument of a world identity is impractical nor achievable.
let me hear you out then. if you think that a Malaysian identity should not be a mix of all our cultures with a tinge of stronger Malay emphasis is not right; what would you consider appropriate then? i find it hypocritical that some people preach and preach for Bangsa Malaysia and a Malaysian identity but when it comes to integration, refuses to acknowledge where in the world they are (that is in Malaysia, not in China, India, Europe etc..)
#25 by undergrad2 on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 11:24 pm
“…in Britain, you are identified by your race (i.e. British Asian)” zak_hammaad
U.K. does not have a national ID and their DL does not identify you by race or religion.
In the U.S. the state ID or DL has no reference to race or religion. The only time you are required to identify yourself according to your race would be when you are filling up those census forms every five or four years. Even then you don’t need to.
#26 by zak_hammaad on Thursday, 24 July 2008 - 11:47 pm
undergrad2, I used the word ‘identified’ very liberally and did not mean it in the context of ID cards. BTW, have you ever applied for a job or anything else for that matter within the public services sector in the UK? Have you travelled to the US recently? If so, were you accorded a safe passage through security and customs? Do you think that racial profiling is a necessary evil in the fight against “terrorism”?
I think you keep on missing the point here; In regards to the UK, the government is drawing up plans to discriminate against the white majority in order to accomodate ethnic minorities in the work place. This is their prerogative because they think this will be partly good for social cohesion and integration. Different countries act in different ways specific to their needs. Malaysia is no different.
As a final post on this particular thread, I just wanted to highlight a blatant fact that many are failing to understand. There is a world-wide revival within the Muslim faith and a re-surgence of Islam. Muslim majority countries world over are preparing to deal with the effects of such a re-awakening. Some are accepting it, some are fighting it, some are partial to it in certain aspects government policies.
badak is correct in saying that the issue of halal and haram was not as prevalent in the 70′s for example as it is now. This is a direct result of this revival and whether non-Muslims like or not, they will have to appreciate and live with it where they are a minority.
In the West, Muslims are fighting for their rights, but they are not demanding equal representation or law changes to accomodate their religious needs. They must (as citizens of those countries) obey the laws of the land and refrain, where possible from those that are in direct contradiction with their fundamental beliefs.
I believe the non-Muslim minorities in Malaysia need to inspect the world and see how fairly they are treated in contract to other minorities around the globe. Agreeing to disagree is a positive start :^)
#27 by m.hwang on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 12:01 am
Kathy : thank you for your affirmation.
imranj78 : I agree with you that the Malaysian identity or Bangsa Malaysia will be one that is deeply influenced by the majority Malay.
dear zak_hammaad
I apologise if I’ve been misunderstood. It was never my intention to imply that you are telling the Chinese to go back to China.
I said, inter alia,
“In fact it hurts when people tell us to go back to China cause what is there to go back to?”
This is from my personal experience and also words and actions uttered by our so called leaders, ministers and MPs from UMNO.
I believe the Bangsa Malaysia can be centred around the strength in all our cultures AND need not be centred around religion because all cultures, including Malay culture existed before religion (even before Hinduism) arrived. The best of our cultures actually have similar values like the rights of the individual, non-coercion against another being, be true to oneself, not to slander or commit libel, loyalty to family and friends, respect to elders, respect to the Rulers etc…
What is the definition of Bangsa Malaysia? How will it be like? I have no idea exactly how it would turn out to be but based on fundamental values of humanity it can be something to be proud of. However if we continue to ruled by a party that is so obbsessed with race supremacy, Bangsa Malaysia will never ever happen, that I can be sure. The ‘non-supreme’ races will never participate wholeheartedly and give full support to a government that tells them they are not equal.
#28 by undergrad2 on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 12:43 am
“In regards to the UK, the government is drawing up plans to discriminate against the white majority …” zak_hammaad
Drawing up plans to discriminate?? Is this yet another instance of your liberal use of the word “discriminate’??
Here it is called affirmative action.
#29 by undergrad2 on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 12:47 am
The aim of affirmative action is to end discrimination.
#30 by badak on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 1:03 am
The BABA NYONYA is a culture that evolve in malaysia.The culture that is strongly bounded in the MALAY AND CHINESS culture.Now the Malays had lost it roots or refused to acknowledge its culture.
Before the 80,s you can hardly see muslim ladies wearing the tudung.Now even children as young 4 years old are using the tudung. Before the Kebaya was the dress of choise now you can never see that any more.
What i am trying to say is now everything is about haram or halal.Even the ink which was suppose to be use in the last election had to be approved by the fatwa council.The fatwa council only look at the aspect of the MUSLIM.What about non muslim .DID the BN GOVERMENT consulted the non muslim about using the ink. Pork and acohol is not serve at any goverment funtion.Yes we have all accepted this.What about beef, most Hindus and some chiness do not eat beef. Yet it is served without informing those who don,t consume beef.
#31 by tourman53 on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 1:42 am
Aah!
Need to come to realisation quickly and take action. If you sit by quietly,
it may have serious personal consequences – Do read the Collapse of
Civilisation by Jared Diamond – . . . .
when we started work around 1973, a 1.3 Litre Japaness car was RM 7000
Today the equivalent let’s say it is RM 60000…………8.5 times
In 1973 a double storey house was about RM 45,000…or less
Today it is about RM 300,000…………6.6 times
In 1973 an Engineer’s pay was RM 1000
Today it is about RM 2000 +/-…………2 times….
From 1973 to 2008……..35 years……what is the Trend.?
Bearish !!!!
In a stock market when the trend is bearish , what do we do?..Exit !!!
When a country’s trend is bearish what do we do?…..?
This Bearish trend is more difficult to turn around as compared to the
stock market
I have used these 3 items House, Car & Salary as a measurement of the
country’s performance for the past 35 years…
There is a book I saw in MPH bookshop entitled :
Malaysia: The Failed Nation
some of you may be interested to read up.
I agreed with the writer…..
This morning I was having Coffee at McDonald ( now the coffee..100 %
Arabica beans..is quite good
@ RM 2.90….free refill !!. I asked how much per hour is their pay?
RM 3.00 ! x 8 hours = RM 24 per day… x 25 days = RM 600 per month
My friend’s daughter works part-time during her University days…she
worked at Gloria Jeans Coffee
.the pay Australian $ 14.00 ( @ 3.15 = RM 44 per hour…..x 8 = RM352 per
day !!! x 25 days = RM 8800 per month.
13.3 times more !!!!! ……Price of houses in Perth is about the same in
KL
Price of cars are about 23 % cheaper…in Perth.( Australia )
I think more and more people are becoming aware of this Bearish trend.
Developed country by 2020?…means High income country
Let’s look at some as of year 2005 ( Financial Times )
USA GNP per capita US$ 35400
UK GNP per capita US$ 25510
Australia GNP per capita US$ 19530
Singapore GNP per capita US $ 20690
These are developed countries by income measurement
Malaysia GNP per capita US$ 3540
Year 2020..developed country?
Really…a sad story.
Worrying Trends, isn’t it??????
Ringgit sliding further and further under BN
Recently, I interviewed some fresh graduates applying for jobs with my
engineering company. I accepted two applicants on a starting salary of
RM1600. It struck me as odd that 15 years ago, I myself started work as a
fresh graduate engineer for the same pay.
Indeed, if you compare the salaries of graduates now and 15 or even 20
years ago, you’ll find little difference but that their purchasing power is
vastly different. It’s the same story when you compare salaries of shop
assistants, office staff, factory workers and others.
To compound the effect of inflation, the ringgit has depreciated greatly
against all major currencies. The real income of most Malaysians has moved
backwards.
This is why many Malaysians suffer under the petrol hike. The root of the
problem is that our real incomes have shrunk in the face of inflation and
depreciated currency.. Malaysians have not been spoiled by subsidy but are
unable to move out of the time lock of stagnated and depreciated incomes.
If you compare the per capita incomes of Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and
South Korea, they are a few multiples of ours although at independence all
these countries were the on the same economic level as Malaysia.
What has gone wrong? We were the rising star of East Asia, a country rich
in natural resources with the most promising potential.
The reason is massive corruption, plundering of resources, wastage of funds
for huge non- economic projects, anti-public interest deals with
politically-linked companies and passing-of-the -buck to the man in the
street..
Four decades of NEP where education, economic and employment policies are
defined by race ensured that meritocracy took a back seat.
Our university standard has declined and the today best and brightest of
our youth emigrate to escape the racial inequility only to contribute to
the economies of foreign lands.
The reputation of our judiciary which was held in high esteem worldwide has
sunk so low that foreign investors now insist on arbitration in Singapore
in case of any dispute.
We also have a slew of oppressive laws such as the ISA, OSA, Uuca and PPPA
which stifle free speech and are designed to keep the ruling parties in
power.
We have become less attractive to foreign investors and now lag behind our
neighbours in Asean for foreign direct investment. Even some corporations
who have established themselves here are moving out.
All the economic and social malaise cannot help but affect the value of our
currency. The strength of a country’s currency is after all, a reflection
of its fundamentals.
Furthermore, Bank Negara has a policy of weak ringgit to help exporters,
never mind the burden on the common folk. The government is
pro-corporation, not pro-rakyat.
While the poor and middle-class are squeezed, an elite group gets
breathtakingly rich. We have the distinction of having the worse income
disparity in Asean. A re-distribution of wealth is under way from the poor
and middle-class to a select group of politically-connected elite.
The end result of this re-distribution will be a small group of super-rich
while the majority are pushed into poverty and the middle-class shrinks.
This is what happens when the rich gets richer and the poor get poorer
There is much that is wrong with Malaysia. The responsibility for pulling
the country backwards can be laid squarely at the door of the ruling
regime. It is BN’s mis-governance, racial politics and culture of patronage
which has seen the country regress economically and socially.
We seem to be sliding down a slippery slope, further down with each passing
year of BN’s rule. Another five years of BN rule and we’ll be at
Indonesia’s standard under Suharto. Another 10 years and we’ll be touching
the African standard. What a way to greet 2020.
Is there any hope for Malaysia?
Faced with the reality that BN will never change, many Malaysians desperate
for change turn their lonely eyes to Anwar Ibrahim.
Pakatan Raykat has promised to treat all races fairly, to plug wastage,
fight corruption, reform the judiciary and make Malaysia more competitive.
Capt (Rtd) A. Asohan RMAF
Manager,
Health, Safety, Security & Environmental
MMC Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd
#32 by Kathy on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 7:32 am
Well said Undergrad2. It is time to end discrimination. It is not the Malays or Chinese or Indians or the other races in Malaysia that we dislike, it is the way, BN has been running for the longest time – dividing up the country for its own greed and gain.
It is the selfish ways of UMNO, MCA, MIC and other component parties in Malaysia that is hurting all Malaysians.
By the way, Zak, it is not impossible to inter-marry and yet maintain seperate religious beliefs. In India, parents can be practising different religion and still married to each other. So is in the USA. The difference here in Malaysia is that we are tied to the laws made by men (BN????) that it is a must for non-muslims to convert to Islam before they are able to marry a muslim believer.
I know many friends and relatives that marry other race spouses and it is fine with the family. The diversity and cultural experiences are great. If only everyone can see that point and not harp on who should be the greatest.
#33 by yhsiew on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 8:45 am
Pak Lah should stop playing the racial segregation game. Apartheid is not welcome on this land of ours.
Racial segregation will only bring more woes and sufferings to the already complicated multi-racial Malaysian society.
#34 by undergrad2 on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 8:58 am
“In the West, Muslims are fighting for their rights, but they are not demanding equal representation or law changes to accomodate their religious needs.” zak_hammaad
Muslims are ‘fighting for their rights’ and ‘not demanding equal representation’??
American Muslims, for example, are more assimilated and less marginalized than those in France and Germany. Any problems posed by large minorities in countries such as France and Germany are more due to their difficulty in assimilating to western culture than to their being Muslims. The high unemployment and high crime rate among such groups is not because they are Muslims but because they are recent immigrants from poorer parts of North Africa. When you suggest Muslims are fighting for their rights the suggestion is that they are being denied their rights because they are Muslims. Nothing can be further from the truth.
Nothing represents a gross distortion of the truth than to imply that Muslims in the U.S. and in Europe would have to ‘fight for equal rights and equal representation’ – whatever the latter may mean!
The refusal to allow the wearing of the hijab in state schools in France, for example, is not because they are Muslims but because of France’s secular tradition. In the U.S. where there is a clear separation of state and religion, American Muslims are free to don the hijab to schools and to their workplace.
A Democrat from the state of Minnesota made history recently by becoming the country’s first Muslim elected to the House of Representatives. In a country that is predominantly Christian (American Muslims are less than 1% of the total U.S. population) the fact this happens at all is testimony to the freedom and equal rights minorities of whatever religious tradition enjoy. They even use taxpayers’ money to build footbaths at airports to cater to the needs of Muslims – and in a country where there is a clear separation between state and religion it has attracted public criticism.
There is always racial discrimination in any society but any discrimination Americans face today is more due to their status as minorities than to their religious beliefs.
“They must (as citizens of those countries) obey the laws of the land and refrain, where possible from those that are in direct contradiction with their fundamental beliefs.” zak_hammaad
Implicit therein is the suggestion that Muslims deserve to be treated differently than the rest of the population. Why should Muslims be treated differently from the rest of the population??
#35 by undergrad2 on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 9:15 am
By the way, the U.S. government through Secretary Condi Rice has delivered a tight slap to the face of Rais Yatim, our Foreign Minister who delivered a protest note to the U.S. alleging interference with Malaysia’s internal affairs!
Rice said “The United States doesn’t recognise this very firm barrier that it is simply internal affairs when a case of this kind comes up, but we are going to continue to work with Malaysia.”‘
#36 by limkamput on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 9:46 am
Kathy is always supporting Undergrad2, I wonder why!?!
Anyway I support also on this issue. The problem is some religions like to impose on others or expect others to follow their way. That is totally wrong.
Ya, on Condi Rice, I think the US has been talking and talking. But does it make a difference (this does not mean I disagree with the stand taken)? Ask Rice to go tell the military junta in Myamnar and make a difference there.
#37 by Kathy on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 11:19 am
Let them talk all the want. We can choose to hear or not. Like the military junta in Myanmar, they choose to ignore the world and do things their way (even it is wrong way).
#38 by lakshy on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 1:30 pm
When I was studying in Canada, I lived with a family from Trinidad. The husband was muslim, while the wife was born a Hindu. No one changed religions to marry the other. And as things turned out, the man became a more devout Hindu than the wife, without converting into Hinduism!
In Malaysia you will see many examples of men of one religion married to women of other religions with none having to convert.
I dont know………….cam you really force religion onto a person?
Do all Hindus believe in exactly the same things with regards their religion? Do all Christians, although they read the same Holy Book, believe in the same things? Do all Muslims……
Does that make them any as God’s Children in the eyes of God?
#39 by lakshy on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 1:43 pm
Well Zak………….whether you like it or they like it or not, they are all referred to as Indians, and treated as such.
But in Malaysia, I will be Non-Malay or non-bumi first! Ha ha…….I actually prefer to be a non-bumi by the way, as I dont need a tongkat to survive!
Dont twist facts Zak. The caste system is a societal system and I agree it is practised. The higher castes or those who still follow this caste concept, may not step into the house of someone of a lower caste. But then again, whats different here is not this societal issue.
Its not what caste you are that ends up being a barrier to getting jobs and scholarships, and university seats and government projects!
Where do you have companies advertising……..Caste: Brahmin!
And if I read your last statement correctly, you are saying that all Malaysians should be of one relligion! If thats the case, I better chow lah.
What about China Zak?
All countries are made up of different peoples. They become citizens with equal rights. But not in Malaysia. Even if you are born here, and if you are non Malay, an Indon who migrates over (legally or otherwise) has greater rights.
Can you kapish? I cant, and I dont think the younger generation can or will accept it.
#40 by lakshy on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 1:45 pm
What the heck the Serbians who migrated over during their crises probably already have better rights than non-malays who are several generations in Malaysia. And all because of what, religion?
So thats what it all boils down to? Convert to Islam and you get equal rights?
Where got meaning!
#41 by lakshy on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 1:59 pm
“CAN a person who is Muslim choose a religion other than Islam?” When Egypt’s grand mufti, Ali Gomaa, pondered that dilemma in an article published last year, many of his co-religionists were shocked that the question could even be asked.
And they were even more scandalised by his conclusion. The answer, he wrote, was yes, they can, in the light of three verses in the Koran: first, “Unto you your religion, and unto me my religion”; second, “Whosoever will, let him believe, and whosoever will, let him disbelieve”; and, most famously, “There is no compulsion in religion.”
#42 by i_love_malaysia on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 2:43 pm
imranj78 Says:
Yesterday at 22: 29.39
i_love_malaysia,
it is not only futile but irrelevant to talk about a `world identity’ as there is no single force unifying all the humans in the world except that we all share the same DNA. As such, your argument of a world identity is impractical nor achievable.
let me hear you out then. if you think that a Malaysian identity should not be a mix of all our cultures with a tinge of stronger Malay emphasis is not right; what would you consider appropriate then? i find it hypocritical that some people preach and preach for Bangsa Malaysia and a Malaysian identity but when it comes to integration, refuses to acknowledge where in the world they are (that is in Malaysia, not in China, India, Europe etc..)
—————————————————–
All our us are created in the image of God, our identities are the identities of children of God!!! When every one of us in this world acknowledge God and knowing our true identity, the need to identify with culture etc will become irrelevant!!! Anyway, it is practical and achievable, may be taking slightly more time!!!
We should not and never impose on another person of one’s culture just because we think we are the majority here, that’s why I said that Malay as majority in Malaysia should never impose their culture on other races, else the majority race in the world will want to impose their culture on other races in this world using the same argument that they are the majority (or that they have the longest, best or finest culture) in this world!!! One should not do to others what they dont want others to do to them!!!
If one’s culture is good, practical, useful etc etc. , you dont have to force it on others and people of other races would even pay money to learn e.g. Japanese language & How to prepare Japanese food etc etc
As for me, I eat everything as long as it is nice whether it is Chinese, Malay, Indian, French, Turkish, Italian, Japanese, Korean etc.
I speak 6 other languages other than my own mother tongues, I leant them not because people forcing me to learn them but because languages are created by God and there’s no such thing as certain language used by certain race is of lower quality because short of certain terms or phrases to express themselves or some sounded rough, but once you know that language, you will love them!!!
#43 by kcb on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 3:16 pm
The following is quoted from Malaysiakini:
“YOUR SAY: ‘MCA hypocrisy revealed for all’
Jul 25, 08 9:35am
Now that news has broken out that Umno has talked to PAS, why is MCA so quiet? DAP is the devil for cooperating with PAS, but not Umno?’
On PM for all M’sians, but minus S’gor?
Kenny Gan: MCA has always castigated DAP for working with PAS. Before the 2008 elections, MCA tried to whip up fear among the Chinese that DAP’s co-operation with PAS meant support for an Islamic state.
After the elections, MCA’s Ong Ka Chun demanded that DAP apologise to the Chinese for misleading them and forming state governments with PAS.
Now that news has broken out that Umno has talked to PAS about sharing power, why is MCA so quiet? DAP is the devil for cooperating with PAS, but not Umno?
Or is it that MCA dare not speak up against their Umno masters?
MCA’s hypocrisy has been revealed for all to see. Their trousers have slipped off and their stark impotence is not a pretty sight.
Do Chinese need any more proof that this pointless and powerless party cannot represent them and only exists to serve itself?”
Ha ha ha
Mr. Ong KC please say something!
#44 by zak_hammaad on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 5:20 pm
undergrad2 , I hope you are noting all the ironies within your posts :^) I rest my case.
#45 by pathfinder on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 6:51 pm
Between the devil and AAb, I chose the devil to be the PM. You know why? Because I can’t stand an incompetent devil.
#46 by undergrad2 on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 7:21 pm
zak_hammaad
If you were a lawyer representing a client, and if that is all you have to say, then your client would do better defending himself.
Mere assertions do not win arguments. I too rest my case.
#47 by undergrad2 on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 7:30 pm
I’d urge zak_haamaad, to come down from his high pedestal and ‘educate’ us lesser mortals further on his ideas about Muslim theology and the resurgence of Islam.
#48 by 318 on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 7:31 pm
kcb what sak mca to say something ask all the mca hump chaat
#49 by dr suresh kumar on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 7:36 pm
Imaranj78,
I suppose you didnt quite decipher my statement.I never mentioned the word `all’ successful and independent malays are against BN.What I did mention was that the 3rd group of malays who chose to go against the BN comprised of those educated and `enterprising’ ones,including the protest voters.And I also mentioned that this group is simply too small in numbers.I conceived this perception of mine only after my discussions with my malay friends and also through some malay commentators in some forums elsewhere.(If you want a tangible explanation to this,I shall request you to see what mak figaro has to say in reply to my comments in susan loones’s blog titled`you can’t shut me up plz’).Therefore this is not an illusion but a mere fact.
Having said the above,I would like to ask you,how on earth could you think that BN is the lesser evil of the two?Whats your rational on this?How could you come up with a unilateral comparison,when there was no other govt which ruled the nation other than BN for the past 50 yrs?Let the PAKATAN rule before you decide who is the lesser evil.How much worse can PAKATAN get,compared to this parochial BN putras?After 50 yrs of independence we the ordinary people of Malaysia are still immersed in racism as you can see from this forum and elsewhere.This evil policy is no better from the British yet these UMNOputras have the audacity to condemn the British.Billions of the tax payers money have been used up bailing out companies which are alligned to those corrupt BN leaders,the quota system has eroded the education standard of our schools and universities,churning out mediocre graduates day in and day out just to make the numbers at the expense of brilliant and highly qualified non-bumis,temple demolitions,body and bible snatchings,white elephant projects,space tourist,well the list can go on and on.I think your `lesser evil’ part is only your figment of imagination.
I am not a die hard supporter of PAKATAN,since independence not only my family and I but also 85% of indians never failed to vote for BN and we have learnt a bitter lesson so now I want to see a change for the betterment of our nation.BN has simply failed the non-bumis and also the poor bumis.There is no an iota of doubt on this.
PAS certainly doesn’t look to be head and shoulder above PKR as you claimed,if they are then what is the need to have secret talks with a desperate regime which got buggered in the recent 12th GE?
What happened to all those swearings hurled at each other just before the 12th GE?PAS is just being made a pawn and they are compromising on their principles of spirituality,fairness and good governance.Worst of all the BN goons are trying to lure them with promises of power and positions.Why is that BN only talking about malay unity now when they are in doldrums?The slowly growing confidence for PAS among the non-bumis will be lost if at all they hook up wth UMNO.
The question of non-malays making the malays angry doesnt arise at all ,in fact it should be the other way round as we the non-malays are very much at the receiving end.Remember Malaysia is probably the only nation in the world today who has an affirmative policy for the majority,meaning the minorities are supporting the majority.This is a very big dubious distinction already for the nation.Its time for all of us as ,while appreciating each others race,culture and religion to move forward as a nation and focus all our energies towards nation building to regain our past glory and not indulge in activities that can be detrimental to the country.
The malays are re-assesing support for Anwar,what?Come on guys Anwar is not important here,the ideology is.No one is indispensable.
If you want a strong Malaysia with a strong human capital,sound economy,peace and a good future for your children then go for a change as BN has certainly failed on all these aspects.The choice is yours no one can force you.And don’t make it look as though you are doing a favour for the others.Be magnanimous enough to accept the reality for the sake of our beautiful nation.To our malay brethrens rest assured we non-bumis are not anti-malays,but merely voicing out all those discriminations and obstacles put in front of us for far too long.
May god bless our nation.
#50 by Hishamuddin on Friday, 25 July 2008 - 7:40 pm
YB Lim,
We are talking about Mr Flip Flop. What is impossible ???
Maybe he will change his mind tomorrow and say he was not involved fully in the meeting…hahhaha