Star Editor-in-Chief Wong Chun Wai in his blog yesterday on “The realities of Malaysian politics” wrote:
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“Anwar Ibrahim has revealed a signed document between himself, DAP’s Lim Kit Siang and PAS’ Hadi Awang that none of us have heard of until now – an agreement to uphold the rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution. The Sept 8 agreement pledged to uphold Malay rights and the status of Islam as the official religion.
”Anwar also said that the social contract between the races were already agreed upon by all members of the coalition. He also revealed that the four-paragraph agreement could not be changed by any party, according to The Star.”
The imputation that I had signed on behalf of DAP a “secret” compact with the other Pakatan Rakyat leaders to uphold Malay rights and the status of Islam as the official religion as provided in the Federal Constitution is baseless, mischievous and unworthy of a professional journalist.
This is because Wong’s insinuation imported the innuendo that the DAP and I had all along opposed these two constitutional provisions but in a most opportunistic and dishonest act of political expediency, I had agreed in Pakatan Rakyat to a secret document “none of us have heard of until now” to support them.
The September 8 joint statement by Pakatan Rakyat leaders which Anwar referred to in the Star report yesterday, “Anwar: Pakatan committed to ensuring Malay rights”, which was signed by Anwar as the PKR leader, Datuk Husam Musa as PAS National Vice President and myself on behalf of DAP, was issued to all media, including the Star. I put it up on my blog the same day.
Wong has only himself to blame if he did not keep himself informed of what actually happened as getting properly briefed by Star reporters on the political beat.
But what is most mischievous, unprofessional and unacceptable is the insinuation that the DAP and I had concluded a dishonest and opportunistic secret agreement to uphold Articles 3 and 153 of the Malaysian Constitution on Islam as the official religion and Malay special rights when we had been opposed to these two provisions all along.
My position and that of DAP on Articles 3 and 153 had never changed in the past 42 years since the formation of DAP.
Although Article 3(1) states that “Islam is the religion of Federation” and did not specifically use the term “official religion”, the DAP and I had always supported Islam as the official religion and the constitutional guarantee for freedom of worship for other religions.
We have also never shifted from our stand that Article 3 does not provide the basis for an Islamic State which is contrary to the secular character of Malaysian nation-building agreed by the major communities on the attainment of independent nationhood and an important feature of the Merdeka “social contract”.
As far Malay special rights, I declared the DAP’s stand on Article 153 in my first speech in Parliament on February 23, 1971, where I said:
“The DAP has also been accused of opposing special rights for Malays. We again invite the government to produce a single instance from our speeches and statements to show that we have opposed efforts to raise the economic standards of living of Malays.
“As democratic socialists, we are dedicated to the abolition of poverty and economic backwardness regardless of race. We want to create a classless community of Malaysians based on fellowship, co-operation and service, where there is no exploitation of man by man, class by class or race by race.
“We support any measure which will help better the lot of the Malay poor. But we are strongly opposed to the use of Malay special rights to enrich the new Malay rich to make them richer, while the mass of peasantry and poor are exploited as ever.”
In my first speech in Parliament more than 37 years ago, I stressed that the basic problem in Malaysia was an economic and class one, and not a racial problem.
I warned: “Any attempt to impose racial theories and solutions to basically socio-economic problems of the have-nots is dangerous as it will pit one race against another, which must culminate in a racial holocaust. It will also be founded on the monstrous falsehood that all the haves in Malaysia are non-Malays, while the Malays are the have-nots.”
Those who are interested to know more of what I said in Parliament in that first debate after the lifting of 21-month suspension of Parliament following the May 13 riots should look up my first book, “Time Bombs in Malaysia” published in 1978 or wait for a 30-year Reprint expected by the end of the year.
Wong should make amends for the unfounded innuendos and the grave injustice of his mischievous and completely unwarranted imputation and insinuation against the DAP and myself – as it does not serve the cause of a rational national discourse to chart a new blueprint to create a more united, cohesive, progressive and prosperous Malaysian nation in the aftermath of the March 8 “political tsunami”.
#1 by melurian on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 12:41 pm
come on, it’s open secret you have pact with pkr and pas, just like iraq had wmd but just donno where……
#2 by Godfather on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 12:49 pm
Wong Chun Wai and his MCA bosses need to deflect attention, and will spin anything to get the current MCA leadership crisis off the front pages.
Don’t worry Kit, we will set the record straight through the alternative media. The old Mamakthir is also fanning racial sentiments, which has always been his “divide and conquer” style of administration, and he is trying to impose this on the next administration. We have to resist this at all costs.
#3 by cintanegara on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 1:02 pm
The assumption we got all these whiile was Umno was a big bully to other component parties in BN. Now, we know that DAP is putting aside thier principles and ideologies for the sake of gaining power.
#4 by Prasad on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 1:09 pm
Hey cintanegara don’t you get tired licking UMNO’s backside
#5 by k1980 on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 1:16 pm
That’s how Wong Chun Wai managed to get his datokship
#6 by frankyapp on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 1:32 pm
My goodness,what have you done,wong chun wai ? How could you write an article like this against Mr.lim kit siang and the DAP when you know it’s not true The racial situation is quite bad now and you are adding more fuel to the fire.Are you alone on this matter or there’s a hidden hand or hands ? I always respect you as a pro-news editor but now am very disappointed that you compromised your integrity with some shameless people.What’s happening to you ? Self first or country first !!!
#7 by Loh on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 1:35 pm
Is Wong a Chinese or has he become NEWMalay? Sorry, he can’t be but maybe his grandson, if he follows the path traced by TDM’s grandfather.
#8 by Damocles on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 1:37 pm
Uncle Lim, you gave him the right, royal, screwing he so richly deserves!
#9 by shortie kiasu on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 2:29 pm
Even if there is a pact among Pakatan Rakyat component parties on the matter already spelt out expressly in the constitution, there is nothing wrong to reinforce and revisit the social contract.
As political parties and normal citizen, it is our duty to uphold the constitution.
It is not known what is this Wong Chun Wai of the Star trying to prove and why should he, as managing director of the Star get involved in politics and start a campaign of Oposition bashing?
If he has an agenda then he should just resign from the newspaper and join a political party to champion his political agenda.
It is unbecoming of such a senior executive of a major newspaper in the country to get himself carried away by the fancy of his partisan views on the political scene in the country.
It is downright dangerous with him sitting as the managing director of the Star.
Anyway we never read the Star, a newspaper with biased reporting.
#10 by PureMalaysian on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 2:30 pm
Wong has a family to feed too. So he needs to bend or kneel or even lick the toes of those in power now. Otherwise, he would be replaced.
So please spare him the rod! ;)
But as a rule of thumb, those editors from the govt-controlled-medias are nothing more than puppets.
#11 by FY Lim on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 2:35 pm
Well, if you studied Wong Chun Wai’s actions carefully, behind these actions are clear hidden political agenda like organising the ” coffee talk ” just before the PRU-12 by inviting personalities like Chandra Muzaffar etc.
He has no journalistic integrity at all and can even twist and turn situations and events to suit his means and ends.
Summing up, a newspaper editor not worth his grain of salt at all.
#12 by k1980 on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 2:43 pm
After PR takes over the govt, Wong CW will be appointed chief editor of the Kamunting In-house newsletter, to be circulated among the new inmates there
#13 by Tonberry on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 2:57 pm
A eunuch is forever a eunuch. When did you ever see a eunuch get back his “precious” one? A eunuch will forever stay loyal to his master no matter how badly his master treated him(e.g. waving the keris at him, calling him pendatang..)
#14 by JDoe on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 3:35 pm
Make a police report against him for fanning racial sentiments.
#15 by monsterball on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 3:42 pm
Character assassinations have begun by UMNO.
Notice..all these months…90% talk party…no work at all.
#16 by cu on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 4:31 pm
Do you know that:
Independent father Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra was overthrew by UMNO in 1969 because Independent father loved and treated all the races loyalty Malaysian equity.
In 1977, having acquired substantial shares in The Star, a Penang-based newspaper, Abdul Rahman became the newspaper’s Chairman. His columns, “Looking Back” and “As I See It”, were critical of the government, and in 1987 Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad banned the newspaper. This led to a split in UMNO, with Abdul Rahman and another former Prime Minister, Tun Hussein Onn, setting up a new party called UMNO Malaysia, but its registration was quashed by Mahathir Mohamad, who set up his own UMNO Baru (“New UMNO”).
The current UMNO is not Independent Father UMNO,it may call
Independent Father Traitor UMNO.
#17 by Mr Smith on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 4:35 pm
Kit,
How can one who thrives on journalistic prostitution be a professional journalist.
Now lets see what Wong has got to say?
#18 by ch on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 4:58 pm
Dear All,
I believe that the federal government is embarking on a wider scale ploy of discrediting Pakatan Rakyat. This ploy is probably hatched by UMNO think-tank with the view of preparing an early snap election next year or early 2010. We can clearly see that UMNO is currently aggressively harping on several sensitive issues which are close to the Malays like Article 153, Ketuanan Melayu, NEP, etc. etc. Similarly, discrediting reports on Pakatan Rakyat held state governments run into pages thick on major dailies. RTM had broadcasted an audio of Nga Kor Ming vigorously replying leaders from BN at the recently concluded Perak state assebly with the view of convincing the Malays that the Perak MB is under the thumb of Kor Ming. I wouldn’t be surprised if thousands, if not millions of VCDs will soon be distributed in the Malay heartlands showing how dosile the Perak MB was and how lively and chirpy Kor Ming at the assemble meeting. In other words, UMNO is preparing an onslaught on Pakatan Rakyat.
Members from Pakatan Rakyat must wake up from its slumber and map out counter attack strategies. Or they may stand to lose big in the next election around.
Keep to heart the adage- lull before the storm. UMNO is planning a tidal wave on Pakatan Rakyat.
#19 by Loh on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 5:05 pm
Sorry, off-topic
From CheDet at http://test.chedet.com/che_det/2008/11/racism-and-2008-elections.html#more
///When the Barisan Nasional did badly in the March 2008 General Election, foreign observers and many in this country were jubilant because they claim that it marked the demise of racial politics and racial parties in Malaysia.///–TDM
It might be the wishful thinking of some, but the rejection of race-based politics was clear. One has to trace the history of politics in the country to understand why politics had become race-based. Though Malays were favored over non-Malays by the British during the colonial rule, the people did not feel direct discrimination during that period, and the people of different races as subjects of the British lived in peace among themselves. The people were not apolitical but they did not hold racist bias against one another.
The politicians could have approached the British to negotiate independence, as a united Malayan party. But in response to the demand by the British that the people of different races could live in peace, the leaders then considered it proper to prove that they represent the people of different communities by having the representatives as the leaders of the different communities by virtue of their position as leaders of political parties comprising members of the community. That was a top down approach in the organization of political parties to meet the condition imposed by the British for negotiating independence for Malaya.
The Alliance government formed by the three main race-based parties was able to forge national unity. Unfortunately the good intention of the British and that of Article 153 in the constitution were to prove detrimental to the development of the country as later history serves to prove.
May 13 has changed the course and destiny of the nation. While some who feel compelled to justify that NEP created a large section of Malay middle class while at the same breath claiming that NEP has yet to achieve its objective after having overrun twice its promised duration, people who are not in denial would claim that without NEP, Malays would have as large the size of their middle class with their confidence intact that they could meet the globalised world without handicap offered as in golf games. Further without NEP as the protective umbrella for corrupt practices, cronyism and nepotism, and as a means to create vote bank and extending the government services as the extended arms of UMNO, the country would not have been reduced to its sorry state as a low income country, earning only one-sixth of Singapore on per capita GDP when we have infinite times more in resources than her.
UMNO politicians have proven that political career as UMNO leaders is by far the most profitable enterprise the country could ever provide. Inspired by the racist path TDM, and Najib have shown the way, UMNO politicians outdid one another just to be recognized as heroes of the community after having convinced the vote bank that they are still weak and vulnerable. Their contests proved to the non-Malays that smarting pains at NEP did not pay, and they felt that they had nothing to lose voting for a change.
Yes, the people, at least the non-Malays were voting against racist politics. The Malays especially the families that are internet savvy opened their ears and eyes on how UMNO politicians, their families and cronies have taken advantage of their support. That was how tsunami on 308 election was made.
///I did not agree with this simplistic view and I had put my thoughts on this blog. I believed that it was rather protest against the failures of the Abdullah Government that caused many Barisan Nasional members and supporters to vote for the opposition. But many still insist that race based politics is no longer relevant in Malaysia. Is it?///—TDM
It was certainly a protest against AAB government that made the government fair badly in the election. It was a protest that the hope which AAB brought to the country after the people have patiently waited for TDM to retire turned out to be futile. But the fault lied more in the way TDM had destroyed the country rather than the ineptitude of AAB as PM.
TDM has given hope to the people that the police would be made professional, the judiciary would return to its past independence and glory, corruption in the civil services would be reigned in through Hong Kong- typed ICAC, and most important of all that government policies would be fair to all from his pronouncement that he would be PM for all Malaysians. But unfortunately TDM was quick to incite racial tension by accusing AAB for having not done enough for Malays. The Keris-wielding Education Minister introduced obstacles to AAB’s effort to getting the police to implement the full recommendations of the Royal Commission on police reforms.
PM AAB made a fatal mistake in getting his son-in-law to climb the UMNO political ladder. It was said that he had done it out of duress, to keep his daughter happy. Poor old man!
/// If it is because the Malaysian electorate had rejected racial politics, why did they vote for such parties as PAS, a very Malay Muslim party, and DAP, a Chinese dominated party. Even the Keadilan is made up of violently racist Hindraf Indians, Chinese dissatisfied with the MCA’s representation of the Chinese in BN and self-serving Malays who could not find a place in the other Malay parties.///–TDM
The parties that formed the government are race-based, and those in the opposition can only be the leftovers of citizens who are not in the political parties forming the government. It is because UMNO had been successful in showing the Malays that they can bully others when they are in numbers, and other non-Malay parties in the government have proven that they had no say in getting a fair deal for all Malaysians, Chinese voters chose the opposition during the 308 election. Many Malays cared more for the teaching of the religion than to support the injustice perpetrated by UMNO. They selected the opposition including DAP. The Chinese were willing to vote PAS, because UMNO is worse. DAP has a large Chinese memberships not because it did not allow membership to other races, like the constitution of UMNO prohibits, but it is the reality of the political situation. People chose the opposition because they rejected the racist policies practiced by UMNO.
///Truly Malaysian politics have not been decoupled from racial sentiments and loyalties. And it is going to remain so for as long as the different races prefer to be separated and divided, prefer to strongly uphold their languages, cultures and their historical origins and links. All that is said about reforms and liberalism is mere lip service.///–TDM
The race-based political parties led by UMNO have monopolized the government since independence. UMNO policies ensured that government policies are race based. TDM believes that UMNO has the naturally right to dominate other minor race parties, and as far as political career goes, the ambitious ones have only one single route, to be a NEWMalay, and be member of UMNO. What was more dangerous is the thought behind the statement. What is left unsaid is that unless non-Malays followed TDM’s way, or that of his grandfather, to be converted to Muslim, and marry Malays, they will continue to be discriminated till eternity. The statement above implies that it is official policy of the government that purification process is in action. Hence Hindraf is correct that ethnic cleansing has been ongoing, though through non-violence means.
Had the above statement been made by any other aspiring UMNO politicians, one would think that he might be positioning for political stratagem. As the person helming the government and party for over two decades, that shows the philosophy that underpinned his administration. It paralleled that of Hitler in creating master race, and hence the concept of ketuanan Melayu. Have Malaysians escaped his ugly clutch, not yet. He is creating a dynasty for his son.
It might be discernable why a true blue Malay would want to insist assimilation. But for a person who could only be so classified because of ‘carelessness’ in the constitution defining Malays, TDM’s chauvinism is unfathomable. Was it because he was a staunched kerela Indian and he had been forced to give it up, and severed his link with his true ancestors, in Muslim tradition, that he wanted it a price for other non-Malays to be accepted as equal citizens of Malaysia? Psychologists will no doubt have fertile fields for research.
#20 by fong on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 5:46 pm
Well, here is one for you if you think that economic grounds is the only reason for many to migrate.
I will be leaving this country within the next one year.
If you must know, currently I am earning a five figure salary, living in a luxury condo in the heart of KL, own another landed property in Bangsar and have two kids who are three and five respectively. I also have a maid, who for a mere RM500 a month, helps my wife to look after the home and kids.
Yes, I will be migrating to the land of the white-man soon. And guess what, I don’t even have a job to go to yet in this white-man’s land. But you know something? It doesn’t matter to me as I know that with my skills, I can get a job there if I look in the right places.
They do not ask me if I am Muslim or a bumi before giving me a job. All they look at is my CV which speaks for itself. And I don’t need to be connected to a “Dato”.
I wouldn’t even mind taking up a lower level job as long as I can look after my family and at the same time give my kids the option of a better and fairer future. There is no guarantee that my kids will become scientists or doctors. But merely knowing that they have a fair option is more then enough for my family to decide to take this giant step to uproot.
My lifestyle in this white-man’s land will definitely be different. But just as I had strived for 10 years in Malaysia to create my wealth from nothing at all, what is there to stop me from doing it all over again? In fact with the same effort, I should be much better off.
To put it bluntly, I am prepared to take the risk of emigration at the age of 38 with my family “on tow”. The question arises – why should a person in my capacity want to leave when I have all that a person can wish for?
Some should stop looking with malice at people like me who make a choice to migrate for the betterment of our family future. He might want to do a proper study on how much Malaysia stands to lose from skilled people leaving this country simply because they have had enough of it.
Please crawl out of your tempurung and look around at the amount of money that is being wasted in this country to make the well-connected malays rich. They have nothing to complain about as the government is prepared to give you anything even when in many cases you might not deserve it.
I know of malay students in University Malaya. I know them well. You see, I didn’t get the chance to do a proper science course locally and had to struggle to fund my overseas education by begging and borrowing.
Please, feel free to furnish me facts so that poor souls like me would be convinced that the policies of this country are just and fair.
If you have ever heard of the simple saying, “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day, teach him how to fish and he eats for a lifetime.” you will realise that many non-malays have learned how to fish but the government is still handing out fishes to the malays.
One day the fish will run out.
#21 by hopelezz on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 6:13 pm
To:fong
very well said .. many share the same sentiments but are unable to do anything solid just yet .. again there is hope now
#22 by cvl on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 7:25 pm
Fong say “One day the fish will run out”…
The rejoinder then is so what whether youre served a fish or you kail for it…the fish has ran out..better get the fish served while they abound instead of fishing for it.
#23 by monsterball on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 7:33 pm
Fong ..If you want to migrate…go ahead….but no need to paint the hole picture..to justify your obvious selfish reasons.
Thousands…if not at least a million stay put..to fight for our rights. If all the Negroes in USA think like you…USA will never have a black President.
I pointed out the reasons for guys like you migrating…45 years ago!!
Have not the scenario changed for the better….in Malaysia…with a strong opposition?
And just ONE country …where whites do not have discriminations…does not mean all whites are good.
Australia is desperately needing manpowers to build the country.
The history of convicts..turned colorless is natural.
Get the facts right…and goodluck to your obvious very selfish personality.
It is guys like you…that makes UMNO happy.
You surrender…without giving a good fight to claim..what is rightfully yours..and who is UMNO??…a nobody…..as far as we..who choosed to stay put and claim our rights.
We think like Malaysians.
You think like a Chinese….that’s the difference.
#24 by monsterball on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 7:35 pm
You have been sucked in by UMNO to play race and religion politics.
Tell me….did you vote for oppositions or BN.
#25 by Loh on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 7:40 pm
Sorry, correction :
“TDM has given hope to the people that the police would be made professional…”
should read “PM AAB has given hope…”
#26 by monsterball on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 7:40 pm
I have a suspicion…Fong…is a pro BN man…putting such ideas to Malaysians.
I even suspect “fong” is a Muslim
In blogging…faceless…nameless…can say anything.
#27 by cu on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 8:10 pm
Tell the whole world, our land Malaysia have been hijacked by
INDEPENDENT FATHER trailtor.
This country is not running by the INDEPENDENT FATHER UMNO.
The government is control by the
INDEPENDENT FATHER Traitor UMNO and they disguised their name under the Independent Father Image Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra.
They hijacekd the Independent Father name Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra for their controling of this country and the Malay.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra in heaven will be pleased if there is justice to his traitor.
Tell people to realized this. Your dream will come true.
The current UMNO is not Independent Father UMNO,it may call
Independent Father Traitor UMNO.
#28 by dawsheng on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 8:23 pm
“How can one who thrives on journalistic prostitution be a professional journalist.” Mr Smith
Exactly. Wong Chun Wai (deleted)
#29 by James on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 9:00 pm
It is a well-known fact that this Wong fella sold his soul to get his Datukship. (deleted)
Not to worry. Most sane & alert residents of this land know this & will not be influenced by his yarn-spinning & bad-mouthing. Such despicable acts.
#30 by dawsheng on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 9:14 pm
Now he say is freedom of speech, I have only two words for Wong Chun Wai, (deleted)!
#31 by undergrad2 on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 9:50 pm
DAP leaders may not have compromised the long term political interest of their party, but it would be equally misleading to conclude therefore that there is no understanding of some kind among some of its leaders not to push their agenda too strongly.
When it comes to crunching the numbers, we are still a democracy and PKR must realise that it cannot hope to win without the support of the Malays. The average Malay voter would be asking the PKR leaders, come next GE, what is in it for them? By supporting the present crop of UMNO leadership, Malays as a people do not seem to be reaping the benefits of policies like the NEP to the full. By supporting PR they are not even in the equation.
Are Malays that naive to believe that PKR leaders can afford to take away something from them without giving anything in return and still hope to solicit for their support?
#32 by undergrad2 on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 9:57 pm
“My lifestyle in this white-man’s land will definitely be different.” fong
Welcome to the land of the free and home of the brave! Stories like yours never grab the headlines over here anymore. They are normal everyday stories of everyday Americans that you don’t get to read but hear all the time.
#33 by Jong on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 10:00 pm
How do you think he got that “datuk-ship”? – UMNO running dog of coz!
#34 by zak_hammaad on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 10:00 pm
Interesting to note that uncle Lim believes in the ‘social contract’ that so many others ridicule? That article 3 does not provide the basis for an ‘Islamic State’ is subject to DAP’s imagination because neither was a basis provided for secularism; State ‘character’ is based upon social norms and demographic realities. Islam, which inherently opposes the concept of secularism means that the latter can not be a value or system by which the country can be governed.
#35 by Jong on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 10:03 pm
It’s crazy, it’s sickening and it’s so terribly sad to know how some people are able to stoop that low to get rewarded.
#36 by imranj78 on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 10:27 pm
The question that I have is why Anwar Ibrahim had to arrange for a document to be signed by the 3 PR parties.. DAP, PAS and PKR. Could it be that Anwar himself was not confident of DAP’s stand on Islam and the Malay rights?
#37 by GilaPolitic on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 10:43 pm
Malaysians learnt a good lesson from the Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s frequent use of an Arabic verse from the Al-Quran as a term of reference in his CAT governance in Penang. He speaks the truth nothing but the truth on his Arabic verse ” Amar Ma’ruf Nahi Mungkar ” in Arabic means ” Enjoin what is Good and Forbid what is Evil”. A general Arabic verse does not belong to any specific race or religion. Why the Penang Oppositions are so afraid and piss- off with this Arabic verse raised here ?
Nabi Muhammad s.w.at. verse his followers that “The Evil always afraid to listen to good enriching chanting and good verses from the Holy Saints”.
Malaysians also advised or rudely tell off the Star Editor-in-Chief to be more careful and prudent in writing his sensitive comments in his blog yesterday on “The realities of Malaysian politics”.
Hope not another stupid “CHI HUA HUA” doggy stories to please his cruel masters in his blog.
Sensitive article in his blog which might wrongly digested by many IT savvy readers indirectly will affect the popular of the STAR paper like other racist media and subject to be boycotted. The Board of the STAR publication must ensure its Editor-in-Chief must acts fairly, impartial, prudently and professionally in carrying out his non-bias duties and good journalism in his blog or in the STAR.
Otherwise, the STAR paper will lose its popular “the People’s Paper” among many readers from the young readers and more educated readers. The investors and stakeholders of the STAR are also worried about the share price sensitivities if the readers stay away.
Malaysians believed that the well educated smart Uncle Wong must listen to LGE’s Arabic verse on ” Amar Ma’ruf Nahi Mungkar ” .
Speak no evil, Listen no evil, See no evil,
Write no evil, Do no evil, Read no evil. –
The Realities of Truth Bangsa Malaysia.
#38 by katdog on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 11:37 pm
Ha Ha! Who reads the Star anymore? Half of the articles/opinions there are BS pro government propaganda. Even more hilarious is how much the Star is pro-MCA. Notice the Star tends to spend a lot of time covering MCA events.
The Star newspaper has not been impartial for a long time. Anybody that reads the Star and thinks he is getting an unbiased view is probably either naive or dumb or both.
#39 by harrisonbinhansome on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 11:40 pm
I have long abandon reading Wong Chun Wai’s the Star. He is a one party press in a multi-party country.
#40 by Rocky on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - 11:43 pm
ha ha…now I know why i only buy stars only Tuesday and Sat instead of everyday like b4…wong chun wai is a joke….he needs to ensure his survival la..can’t do that by writing the whole and he is not all that brave. comments on Dr.M was after Dr.M left office, while Dr.M in office he dare not say anything. That is Wong Chun wai lo. Freedom of speech…well try doing that in the Star la.
#41 by GilaPolitic on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 12:13 am
Oops…I forgot about buying any the STAR papers for past 25 years but I am getting the said paper FOC from ccoffice. Never ever read any front bullshit pages but only read some foreign news, sports and luck 4D, TOTO and Big Sweep.
Yes….Never trust the Star share too….never invest in this dormant counter controlled by a failed party. Otherwise got your buddy badly hit with stock price free fall to recession hell soon.
It is very unfortunate for Little Editor-in-Chief has to degrade his profession to serve his masters for baised comments in his blog. He lost his respect from all truth Malaysian readers forever.
Little Wong rebutted in his blog: “This is what discourse is all about. We need not agree with each other, but as a general rule, I think we are mature enough to be able to discuss such issues without putting down each other, resorting to name calling or sounding like a bully.”
Who is the BIG Bully in Malaysia ?
Another sandiwara of war of words between Uncle Lim and Little Wong so that the master Ong vs Chua war of words in MCA is cover up by the STAR.
We believed the SUN Editors like Terence Fernandez and R. Nadeswaran are better respected professionals in their fields. They are impartial, fair, prudent, professional and excellent journalists in Malaysia.
Dont worry, we get the SUN FREE for Life too.
Why buy the STAR when you can get the SUN for FREE for LIFE ?
Do you agree with me ?
Gila – Gila Politic Bangsa Malaysia
#42 by bc on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 12:41 am
I do not whether I get it right, is he got a special title of one only “datuk-ship” or “Datuk Shit”?
Can anyone tell me? Please.
#43 by darccw on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 2:57 am
I disagree with Wong Chun Wai on this issue and I agree with haris Ibrahim.
http://thedandelions.wordpress.com/2008/11/20/wong-chun-wai-faces-off-lim-kit-siang-mahatir-faces-off-najib/
#44 by chengho on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 6:15 am
The realpolitik of Malaysia is the malay form the majority and always.For the 6 million new voters 70% is Malay . Malaysia hope is when the Malay is more liberal and color blind . but just like any body if you keep on pushing them to the wall they have no choice but to fight back . Obama won the caucasian vote only 43% , latino/asia 65% and African american 95 % even US not totally color blind.
DAP must demonstrate what they preach on democratic and liberalism . let see if the Malay can become the secretary general of DAP.
#45 by undergrad2 on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 8:16 am
“…but just like any body if you keep on pushing them to the wall they have no choice but to fight back.” chengho
An interesting look into the Malay mind and an opportunity to understand what is happening! Failure to do so will mean an opportunity lost and come next general elections it would be too late!
#46 by ahkok1982 on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 8:36 am
Ah Wong Ah Wong…
Bark boy, Bark!! This MF Wong is really a shame to all malaysians. Damn, and he shares the same surname as me. My ancestors would be spinning in their graves because of this running dog.
BN did a real good job in cutting his balls off because it is very evident that he does not have any right now.
#47 by taiking on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 9:06 am
Chengho:
“The realpolitik of Malaysia is the malay form the majority and always.For the 6 million new voters 70% is Malay.”
Actually what is malay? It is not a race. It is a political creation and given legal recognition. It is a collection of a large number of different races from india indonesia, phillipines, middle east and china. We do not know the actual breakdown. But dont be surprised that chinese could well be the majority homogeneous race in malaysia.
#48 by zak_hammaad on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 11:46 am
imranj78 Says:
>> Could it be that Anwar himself was not confident of DAP’s stand on Islam and the Malay rights?
Anything is possible with Anwar, as we know he is an unstable schizophrenic. As any amphibian, he will try to choose the right time and place to set his plan in motion. Fortunately none of his ideas and actions make any sense and the rakyat is beginning to see him for what he really is. DAP’s stance on Malay rights and the status of Islam has been very clear for the past 40+ years and PAS’s stance has always been clear too. It is Anwar’s insecurity that makes him act unilaterally where there really should not be a need.
With time slipping through his hands, Pakatan are well advised to seek a viable alternative figurehead who is neither divisive nor as clueless as Anwar.
#49 by zak_hammaad on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 12:22 pm
taiking Says:
>> Actually what is malay?
The Encyclopedia of Malaysia, volume: Early History, has pointed out a total of 3 theories of the origin of Malay:
1. The Yunnan theory, Mekong river migration (published 1889)
2. The New Guinea theory (published 1965)
3. The Taiwan theory (published 1997)
The rest can be read at wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_Malays – But they still remain “theories”. When you read “Malay”, the term has many levels of meaning depending on the context in which it appears. On a Malaysian daily, it would mean “Malaysian Malay”. Whereas on an anthropological research paper, it could mean anything relating to the entire Malay archipelago.
The Malay ethnic group is distinct from the concept of a Malay race, which encompasses a wider group of people, including most of Indonesia and the Philippines. Thus, in a narrow sense, and out of nationalistic pride, a Javanese man wouldn’t say he’s a Malay. But in a broader sense, the Javanese are also members of the larger Malay ethnic family, which in turn is a member of the even larger Malayo-Melanesian-Polynesian-Austronesian family.
The tribal proto-Malays (whose history in the region extends to 5000BC) were a seafaring people. Present day Malays of the Peninsula and coasts of the Malay Archipelago are “anthropologically described as deutero-Malays” and are the descendants of the tribal proto-Malays mixed with modern Indian, Thai, Arab and Chinese ancestry.
For 2000 years, the traffic of traders between the Malayan Archipelago and India and to a lesser extent China resulted in frequent intermarriages.
#50 by kenghuei on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 1:14 pm
The Star is a BN controlled paper and “Datuk” Wong Chun Wai is a BN-man in a sense, this is not independent journalism so to say, full stop.
But I believe that DAP stand on Islam and Malay rights has been consistent. It is a party fighting for democracy and an equal Malaysian Malaysia (similar to S’pore). For this to happen, you need full meritocracy, which means there should be no racial differentiation. But even if the Social Contract can or should be reviewed now, we all also know that the Malays today have yet to achieve what the NEP originally stood for, so the part on Malay privileges is still necessary too. Of course, with 60% Malay majority, by simple Maths, any effort by the goverment would still benefit more Malays than non-Malays..Islam has to be the official religion too and the Monarch system in M’sia with the Malay rulers can never change. So, it is really pointless to think about or rather impossible for DAP to go against these constitutional facts.
In my opinoin, the reason why DAP has always been labelled as a Chinese chavaunist party is because it just doesn’t attract enough non-Chinese to join. If u’re a Malay, and has the options of joining PKR and PAS, or even Umno, why would you think of joining a Chinese majority party? Unless you truly believe in its democratic and secular struggle and can overcome the racial barrier. But I see that DAP is trying gradually to open up to more Malays at least (Tunku Aziz as Vice Chair), though it will take time to change this, just as it takes time for a chinese PM or for NEP to be abolished.
I’m not sure if I’m qualified to mention anything about Islam, but I do not quite agree with zak_hammaad that Islam and secularism cannot go together at all. We do see progressive Islamic nations today like Turkey and Jordan and if you look at even PAS today, has been engaging more and more young, bright professionals like VP Husam Musa himself.. So rightly speaking, Malaysia should strive towards being a secular nation with Islam as its official religion and not an Islamic nation. Ultimately, it is either way, nothing in between…
#51 by Thinking Two on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 3:04 pm
Stop buying and reading The Star newspaper.
I have stopped that since the beginning of 2008.
He is just another crony of MCA.
#52 by bc on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 4:10 pm
This country is heading to doom in few years times if still insist on this bumiputra policy dragging other races to develop and blocking others races business to grow.
We have more democratic countires surronding Malaysia.
This bumiputra policy is blocking people to come in and people inside with brain to go out.
What loyalty to you expect people to be loyalty if the governments policy special privilege to only one race over the rest at no deadline. This is multi-races country.
Many non-bumiputra have waited 50 years, it is enough already.
Do not be foolish to drag all the people in this country to doom.
Withouth all the races working hard, this country can’t have enough money to run yearly.
If this country do not based in race for administration but based on performance, you can expect we can outrank the Singapore.
Which one you choose bigger cake to share or small cake share by all corrupted people first then the crumbs for the general people to beg the mercy by of the corrupted people to give more crumbs to eat to lives.
#53 by zak_hammaad on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 4:13 pm
kenghuei Says:
>> It is a party fighting for democracy and an equal Malaysian Malaysia (similar to S’pore).
Malaysia is not like S’pore, that is why the latter was kicked out of the Malaysan federation in 1967! Ignoring the social demographics of Malaysia will be DAP’s last folly. Singapore is primarily describes as a Chinese state because of the 75% who are Chinese. Even in the work-place for example, it is insufficient to call yourself ‘Singaporean’ without the additional addage of racial identity. Like Malaysian Malaysia, Singaporean Singapore is not a practical or national identity.
>> For this to happen, you need full meritocracy, which means there should be no racial differentiation.
In S’pore, ‘meritocracy’ is fast becoming a by-word for elitism. There is clear racial differentiation in certain aspects of civil service, which I hope you are aware of (if not, then I am happy to elaborate).
>> So, it is really pointless to think about or rather impossible for DAP to go against these constitutional facts.
I agree and I would also add that DAP’s democratic/secular version will remain a pipe-dream as this struggle is not shared by the growing Islamised %. It would also be very arrogant to think that only DAP’s vision and values can overcome the racial barrier. Islam already provides a just and equitable solutiont to the ‘problems’ that the non-Muslim minority in Malaysia seeks. It would be more effective to challenge ill-perceptions of the Malays on the reality of what Islam promotes and calls for.
>> We do see progressive Islamic nations today like Turkey and Jordan
‘Progressive’ is but a word that has been created to antagonise Muslims as opposed to moderate. For the vast majority of Muslims, this word entails compromising the fundamentals of their faith which they will never do. Islam is dynamic enough not to barter it’s cemented foundations for the sake of being accepted by those who themselves fail to understand it. Politics is an inherent part of Islam (not vice versa) and every facet of daily life, whether social or economic or military etc. has been catered for. Until and unless you understand this comprehensiveness of Islam as a complete and growing way of life that is revising for many Muslims, you will not be able to understand how alien secularism is in Islam and thus rejected.
Malaysia is perhaps best described as having the potential to fulfill the conditions of an Muslim state. Such a state would be more beneficial for it’s non-Muslim citizens, but it is misinformation and dark propaganda that keeps people like you away from understanding what it really means in terms of rights, justice and equality etc.
Adios.
#54 by zak_hammaad on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 4:17 pm
bc, I could not agree more, Malaysia’s achilles heel has always been not putting the most competent people in positions of authority and responsibility. With natural resources and infrastructure to match, it should rattle the government’s conscience as to why we lag behind many other developing nations!
#55 by cintanegara on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 4:21 pm
More democratic countires surronding Malaysia?
How about the recent statement made by Singapore PM that they are not ready to have non Chinese to be the PM ?
#56 by tohkinwoon on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 4:42 pm
Kit Siang is a true Malaysian who has since he joined politics, dedicated and committed himself to the struggle for a fair and just Malysian Malaysia. Let me share with you an experience of mine. About 30 years ago, I went to observe a meeting of the Dewan Rakyat from the public gallery. Kit Siang was then moving a private member’s motion calling on the then government to set up a Commission of Enquiry to find out why the failure rate among the Malay students in science and mathematics in the SPM examination was so high.He was concerned that if this trend was not corrected and corrected quickly, it will hamper the progress of the Malays and hence the nation. As a former teacher of science and mathematics before I became a university lecturer, I could vouch for his facts. It was his concern for the wellbeing of another community that touched me. From that point on, I never believed the vicious propaganda that he was a racist and an anti-Malay perpetrated by some of the mainstream media
#57 by Loh on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 5:47 pm
///Malaysia is perhaps best described as having the potential to fulfill the conditions of an Muslim state. Such a state would be more beneficial for it’s non-Muslim citizens, but it is misinformation and dark propaganda that keeps people like you away from understanding what it really means in terms of rights, justice and equality etc.///— Zak_hammaad
Does it mean also that no other state in the world has the potential? So, as Muslim state it would still be an experiment, as none existed before. How then can one foretell that it would be beneficial for non-Muslims? Granted that Muslim state might be better for non-Muslims, that would not be the case in Malaysia when as a secular state as provided by the constitution, the ruling government deprives the right of non-Muslims even before they have made this a Muslim state.
It is interesting that the core value for good people such as justice and equality has been mentioned. UMNO claims that when there is no special privilege treatment for Malays, there was no equality as in a golf game, used by TDM for comparison. It was said privilege for a 15-year period was needed, and subject to review. On the eve of reviewing the privilege provision, organized events resulted in the advent of NEP for 20 years. 38 years have passed, and yet NEP continues. Malaysians have not understood what it means to be really just and equal, indeed.
For what was said to be true, either UMNO leaders are not true Muslims; they are not fit to be Muslims and not fit to be in the government.
#58 by shamshul anuar on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 6:33 pm
Dear Cintanegara,
That is what we call law of human nature. We may be willing to accomodate different belief, faiths, customs. We may be willing to elect a minister from different race but when it comes to the top post, we ussually are quite reserve.
Hence, the statement by Pm of Singapore. My point is that naturally the biggest community in Singapore, the Chinese would likely to prefer a Chinese as PM. Just like Malaysia where PM is likely to be a Malay male ( Muslim).
Nothing surprising about it. So far only Christians become British PM. Similarly while Australia prides itself as a land of free and democracy, it is unlikely a Muslim to be elected as its PM.
Simply because Malays are not likely to elect a Chinese as their leader does not mean that they are racist. They are just like all of us. Just as it is suicidal for Malays to think that DAP will elect a Malay as its SEcretary General. All Malays understand that even being a Chinese is not enough in DAP. You must be of blood relationship to the Emperor. Hence, why other senior leaders were “bypassed” in DAP. That is also the reason why Penang DAP Chairman did not get the coveted post of Ketua Menteri of Pulau Pinang.
So, before Uncle Lim talks about racial preference, why not get rid of nepotism. You know, putting his son first before other senior leaders. No need to talk about non Malay being PM. Solve the glaring weakness in your party first.
#59 by ryan123 on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 7:29 pm
cintaUMNO:
The fact is based on racist reason or meritocracy? For UMNO racists like you, the reason is pure simple.
Try not to rationalize cronism, corruption, racism. And I bet that you will live a happier life.
#60 by Thomas Lee on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 8:49 pm
One rule everyone needs to observe is to deal with the issue at hand and not attack a person’s character.
Both Kit and Chun Wai are my good friends, and throughout the years I have known them, they are gentlemen who will attack issues and not persons.
Kit has never said any unkind word against any person, although he will not hestitate to challenge the person’s faults and oppose his views. Even in his attack on the person’s views he has always been very careful with facts and figures. He doesn’t condemn any view without justification.
Take the case of Lee Lam Thye, who quit the DAP. Or Kua Kia Siong. Kit didn’t say anything bad against them for abandoning the party. He even told other party leaders not to attack the characters of these two persons. He had also never hit out personally against those in the KOKS (Knock Out Kit Siang) plot, but bear the hurt without damning these former party leaders, many of them groomed by him personally.
Even when dealing with BN leaders, he doesn’t attack them on their character but on their misdeeds such as immorality and corrupt practices.
He is gentleman enough to greet the prime minister at the latter’s open house each year.
I don’t think Kit was attacking Chun Wai personally. He was simply reacting angrily against what he perceives as the distortion of facts.
That is Kit, a gentleman par excellence.
As for Chun Wai, I can vouch that he is also a gentleman and true journalist. Although we don’t see eye to eye on many political issues, I have much respect for him as a journalist of integrity.
To allege that he was given the top job of editor-in-chief and awarded a datukship because of his being alleged a running dog of the MCA and BN is a very unfair and unkindest cut.
I have been a journalist for nearly 35 years and I can say that Chun Wai reach the pinnacle of journalist by sheer hard work and demonstrative abilities. He is intelligent, articulate and, you may be surprised to know, humble to boot.
No, I am not saying all these to curry favour because I need the contract job in Star. I am a God-fearing Christian who will not allow injustice and unrighteousness to flourish, even against those I disagree with. I will stand up and defend anyone unjustly condemned.
I may disagree with what Chun Wai wrote but I respect his God-given right to write what he believe to be the right thing.
My plea to fellow Malaysians is that we should learn to respect and even love each other, irrespective of colour, creed, culture, conviction and class. Attack the issues but not the person.
Remember everyone of us is a creature of God, a kalifah Allah.
#61 by zak_hammaad on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 10:37 pm
cintanegara Says:
>> How about the recent statement made by Singapore PM that they are not ready to have non Chinese to be the PM ?
PM Lee Hsien also stated that a 2-party system is not suitable for S’pore and gave an examplified reason to this end in last Tuesday’s Home supplement of the ST. Comparing Malaysia to our southern neighbours is not politically sensible.
#62 by zak_hammaad on Thursday, 20 November 2008 - 11:00 pm
Loh Says:
Does it mean also that no other state in the world has the potential?
Not entirely, but Malaysia remains a viable example because of it’s social and economic structure.
>> So, as Muslim state it would still be an experiment, as none existed before.
That is not what I said. History is witness to what we term as the perfect (and open) governance under early Islamic rule. The fact that this was taken away from the Muslims due to their own subsequent weakness and corruption does not mean it did not exist. It does not exist today that is for sure.
>> How then can one foretell that it would be beneficial for non-Muslims?
Good question, for answers, you will again need to look into the pages of history and see the benefits that non-Muslim citizens enjoyed under a Muslim state. One example we may recall is the command of the Prophet on his death bed: “Observe scrupulously the protection accorded by me to non-Muslim subjects”. Another narration reports: “whoever oppresses non-Muslim subjects, shall find me to be their adversary on the day of Judgement (against the oppressing Muslims).” – The directions as well as the practice of the Prophet constitute the highest law for Muslims equally to the Qur’an.
History has witnessed the coexistence of Jewish and Muslim populations under the shade of the Islamic Caliphate for 13 centuries. Jewish citizens of the Islamic state enjoyed living standards that were at par with their fellow Muslim citizens. Non-Muslim and Muslim citizens both had protected access to welfare, peace, tranquility and security, as documented by Will Durant in his book “The story of civilization”.
Also, the early Caliphates were not totalitarian and in fact societies were not highly regulated at all! The ahkam (ruling) in regards to Islamic governance is classical and not new. The practical jurisprudence of it fills volumes and it’s there as a dymanic guide for all peoples and places for all times.
>> …that would not be the case in Malaysia when as a secular state as provided by the constitution,
Care to provide reference for this?
>> …the ruling government deprives the right of non-Muslims even before they have made this a Muslim state.
How are the rights deprived when Islam more than restores those rights? Are you saying that non-Muslims are happy with the current perceived prejudices and limited rights and would accept the status quo than something that is better? If you think that the Muslim majority is willing to relinquish political power and patriotic pride (that in some cases smacks in the face of the faith they claim to adhere to), then you are mistaken. Only Islam can rectify their lot and in the same manner improve the situation of the non-Muslims in all spheres of daily life. Islam is broadly about rights and limitations; and for the sake of social cohesion and peace and security (that all Malaysians so desire) it has laid out these legislative principles.
I totally understand and agree with your stance on the NEP, this is not a religious matter but a political decision that has been made outside of the jurisdiction of Islam. As I said before, the Muslims are in much need of a true representation of their faith that non-Muslims are; this would right all the wrongs they continue to experience.
Let’s agree for example that UMNO are fit to govern, what is the practical and realistic alternative? I know Malaysians are never prone to bloody revolutionary methods to change leadership as is the case in other countries, but don’t think that democracy or secularism will provide you with this chance either. These latter values are simply tools by which governments cement their power without any regard for national welfare. Take Algeria as a textbook example if you will from amongst many.
Just as you may claim that Muslim states are not a solution for all people and places and times, likewise democracy and secularism are neither monolithic entities nor suitable for all people and places and times. The difference is that former has never been given a real chance to flourish under the watchful eyes of the powers that be and the latter is being imposed upon those who do not identify with it. Values and systems are moulded according to the customs and norms of a people.
Night night.
#63 by wtf2 on Friday, 21 November 2008 - 7:38 am
this so called editor guy should be in his midlife phase – people who’d lived a trivial life till then will either try to strike it big – like the way UMNO politics is play: by creating a lot of controversy and attention – or continue to live a nondescript live ekking out a menial living salary.
So this i say to him – if you can’t make a living to your satisfaction – please find another job and don’t try to belittle others by spreading misinformation and behaving like a misfit with an impressive title.
#64 by Loh on Friday, 21 November 2008 - 3:38 pm
From the Federal Constitution:
Quote:
Article 3 Religion of the Federation.
(1) Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation.
Article 11. Freedom of religion
(1) Every person has the right to profess and practise his religion and, subject to Clause (4), to propagate it.
(2) No person shall be compelled to pay any tax the proceeds of which are specially allocated in whole or in part for the purpose of a religion other than his own.
(3) Every religious group has the right-
(a) to manage its religious affairs;
(b) to establish and maintain institutions for religious or charitable purposes; and
(c) to acquire and own property and hold and administer it in accordance with law.
Article 8 Equality
1) All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law.
(2) Except as expressly authorised by this constitution, there shall be no discrimination against citizens on the ground only of religion, race, descent or place of birth in any law or in the appointment to any office or any employment under a public authority, or in the administration of any law relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of property or the establishing or carrying on of any trade, business, profession, vocation or employment.
Article 12. Right s in respect of education.
(1) Without prejudice to the generality of Article 8, there shall be no discrimination against any citizen on the grounds only of religion, race, descent or place of birth-
(2) Every religious group has the right to establish and maintain institutions for the education of children in its own religion, and..
(3) No person shall be required to receive instruction in or take part in any ceremony or act of worship other than his own.
Unquote
The above serves to show that Malaysia is a secular state, though the term is not used.
#65 by zak_hammaad on Friday, 21 November 2008 - 5:54 pm
Loh, your info above does NOT show that Malaysia is a secular state. In fact it shows quite the opposite. Secularism is generally the assertion that governmental practices or institutions should exist separately from religion or religious beliefs. Alternatively, it is a principle of promoting secular ideas or values in either public or private settings over religious ways of thought.
Definition of this word further elaborate that a secular state is a state or country that is officially neutral in matters of religion, neither supporting nor opposing any particular religious beliefs or practices. A secular state also treats all its citizens equally regardless of religion, and does not give preferential treatment for a citizen from a particular religion over other religions. In one sense, secularism may assert the right to be free from religious rule and teachings.
None of this has ever been true of Malaysia, nor is it the case. the word “secular” is NOT MENTIONED at all in our country’s constitution. Additionally, the inherent problem you find in the constitution is that is it open to so many interpretations, with clauses and sub-clauses that seem contrdictory or aborigatory.
Furthermore, the article on Malay Special Rights is mentioned explicitly in Article 153; this contradicts Article 8 that you cited above.
There is no consensus in the interpretation of the constitution of Malaysia (on being secular or not). I, for one, have heard from Constitutional expert like Dr Aziz Bari, which argues otherwise. In fact, Dr Aziz Bari himself insisted that the Malaysian constitution is silent on it’s ideology.
On July 17, DPM Najib said that Malaysia is not a secular state but an Islamic nation with its own interpretation. He said the country had never been affiliated to secularism but was always driven by the fundamentals of Islam as it is clearly stated in the constitution that Islam is the official religion.
“We have never been secular because being secular by Western definition means separation of the Islamic principles in the way we govern a country” he further added “We have never been affiliated to that position. We have always been driven by our adherence to the fundamentals of Islam…”
He also said that Malaysia does not want to be stereotyped with the Western definitions of a secular and a non-secular state.
Good day.
#66 by frankyapp on Saturday, 22 November 2008 - 12:21 pm
Mr,Loh, article 11,freedom of religion,does it includes malays ? Cos I know many malays who wanted to change their islam religion have been threatened by the Islamic authority of the government. Can you enlightened me ?
#67 by zak_hammaad on Saturday, 22 November 2008 - 1:31 pm
frank, freedom of religion covers all Malaysians. But since the M’sian constitution defines a Malay (from other things) as a Muslim, it becomes legally impossible to choose another religion as it would be impossible to change one’s race; such are the apparent ills of mixing race with religion! I would however, like to point out that cases involving Malay Muslim converts is rare and incidents that do get reported are often blown out of proportion to serve the interests of one party or another.
Article 11 covers all Malaysians; however since Malays are defined as Muslim (and are hence already Muslim), this clause no longer applies because within Islam, there is no recourse for apostacy. The Qur’anic directives speaking of freedom of choice and there being ‘no compulsion in religion’ is general and applies to all people. However, once one chooses to become a Muslim, he/she has excercised this right and freedom to choose. Thereafter, they can not renegade on the choice unless they are are found to be mentally unstable or coerced.
I hope this helps clarify some confusion that exists out there.
#68 by Loh on Sunday, 23 November 2008 - 11:24 am
///Furthermore, the article on Malay Special Rights is mentioned explicitly in Article 153; this contradicts Article 8 that you cited above.///— Zak_Hammaad
Good point; the original version of article 153 had a clause that it was subject to review after 15 years. That was a caveat. The Article was intended to be removed when protection for the weaker section of the society was deemed unnecessary.
///On July 17, DPM Najib said that Malaysia is not a secular state but an Islamic nation with its own interpretation. ///—Zak_Hammaad
Najib said it in 2007 that is 50 years after the constitution have been in place. But Tunku the founder father of the nation said it much earlier that the country was a secular state, and he and his colleagues in UMNO wanted it that way. So if we are going to support an argument based on personality, Tunku should outweigh Najib. Tunku accepted that taken together, with provision of the Islamic religion as the Religion of the federation, the country was with those exceptions, an Islamic state.
From the explanation presented, Zak could be correct to say that Malaysia is not completely secular in its support to the Islamic religion, but the constitution does not prescribe for governance based on Islamic laws. It is therefore not an Islamic state. On the scale between secular and Islamic, it should therefore be leaning towards secular, as the founder of the country the Tunku had clearly expressed it to be.
UMNO controlled government has most of the time 2/3 majority in the parliament. Who knows that in desperation for power, they might work to change it, in the future? One wonders whether all Muslims want the country to be an Islamic state.