Archive for category nation building
Najib cannot be more wrong as PAS polls outcome is a win for PR and a loss for UMNO
Posted by Kit in 1Malaysia, Elections, Najib Razak, nation building, Pakatan Rakyat on Saturday, 11 June 2011
When history is written in the future, the present period may be described as the most exciting, challenging and momentous period in the nation’s history since Merdeka and formation of Malaysia as for the first time in half a century, Malaysians feel that it is within their power to effect far-reaching changes affecting not only themselves, but their children and children’s children.
Just look at the news on online portals and they reflect the multi-facted turmoil affecting the country.
For instance, if we look at the main news headlines on The Malaysia Today, we read the following:
• “Kit Siang, Soi Lek agree race column outdated”
• “Ku Li calls for RCI on power deals”
• “Ex-cop claims AG concealed billion-ringgit scandals”
• “Najib: People, not slogans, decide who wins Putrajaya”
• “PAS polls outcome a win for DAP, says Najib” Read the rest of this entry »
Perkauman sempit Utusan: Said Zahari
Posted by Kit in Articles, DAP, Media, nation building on Saturday, 11 June 2011
Oleh Amaluddin Zhafir
10 June 2011 | Roketkini.com
“Kenapa tidak? Kalau ramai orang Melayu dalam DAP, boleh jadi calon DAP, itu bermakna satu perkembangan dalam kesedaran politik orang Melayu.”
Kata-kata di atas dilontar penuh semangat oleh tokoh wartawan Said Zahari ketika saya bertandang ke rumahnya di Subang Jaya semalam (9 Jun).
Pertama kali ketika menjejak ke ‘kubu’ beliau – yang dipenuhi dengan ratusan buku di rak-rak – Said Zahari atau terkenal dengan panggilan Pak Said yang sudah berusia 83 tahun sedang merenung luar dari jendela biliknya. Read the rest of this entry »
Welfare state: DAP dares Najib to enact minimum wage
Posted by Kit in Economics, nation building on Saturday, 11 June 2011
By Boo Su-Lyn
Jun 11, 2011 | The Malaysian Insider
KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — As Umno and PAS battle over their welfare state policies, DAP’s Lim Guan Eng said today Penang’s welfare policies were sparked by Barisan Nasional (BN)’s failure to impose a national minimum wage and increase real wages.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday that the results of the recent PAS party election was a victory for the DAP, pointing out that the new PAS line-up now championed a welfare state and not an Islamic one. Read the rest of this entry »
Kit Siang, Soi Lek agree race column outdated
Posted by Kit in 1Malaysia, nation building on Saturday, 11 June 2011
By Melissa Chi
The Malaysian Insider
Jun 11, 2011
KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — Political foes Lim Kit Siang and Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek have unanimously agreed race columns should no longer exist on identification papers such as birth certificates and identity cards (IC).
The DAP parliamentary leader said he does not see any reason for the race column to remain.
“It has been more than half a century, we should all be Malaysians, in line with the 1 Malaysia concept,” Lim told The Malaysian Insider.
As for data collection purposes, he said that can be done through census.
“I think we should move towards regarding everyone as Malaysians… (Racial classification) should be a secondary purpose instead of the overbearing objective,” the Ipoh Timur MP said. Read the rest of this entry »
Anak Malaysia
Posted by Kit in nation building on Friday, 10 June 2011
By Kalimullah Hassan
June 10, 2011 | The Malaysian Insider
JUNE 10 – Funny, isn’t it?
It’s not easy to be categorised as anak Malaysia in Malaysia. Fact is, it’s impossible to have your official documents state that you are a Malaysian.
I admire Hannah Yeoh and her husband Ramachandran Muniandy’s attempt to list their child as anak Malaysia. Perhaps they have started the national debate that may one day see the change in policy that many of us anak Malaysia have wanted all these years.
When my eldest child was born in 1984 in Muar, Johore, I faced that dilemma. My birth certificate says I am a Pathan as are both my parents. But my wife is Malay, although she comes from a mixed background, tracing her roots to Sri Lanka and China as well. She is Singhalese, Chinese and Malay. Read the rest of this entry »
DAP backs couple’s ‘Anak Malaysia’ bid
Posted by Kit in 1Malaysia, nation building on Thursday, 9 June 2011
By Debra Chong
June 09, 2011 | The Malaysian Insider
KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — The DAP pledged today to back Hannah Yeoh and Ramachandran Muniandy all the way to court in their bid to register their newborn child as an “Anak Malaysia” for her official ethnicity.
In a statement today, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said he has directed the party’s legal adviser, Gobind Singh Deo, to represent the interracial couple in court should they decide to pursue the case.
“Forcing Hannah and Ramachandran to choose either Indian or Chinese is repugnant when they just want their child to be known as Malaysian,” Lim said.
“By deliberately forcing us into ethnic boxes BN is not celebrating diversity nor creating a common Malaysian identity, but opportunistically playing divide-and-rule politics,” the Penang chief minister added, criticising the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition. Read the rest of this entry »
Anwar stresses ‘twin pillars’ of religious concordat
Posted by Kit in Islam, nation building, Pakatan Rakyat, Religion on Tuesday, 7 June 2011
By Terence Netto
Jun 7, 11 | MalaysiaKini
COMMENT Cynics may scoff but Anwar Ibrahim’s tack with regard to the rights of non-Muslims in Malaysia remains consistent, as the latest meeting between the PKR leadership and representatives of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) indicated.
Some attendees at last night’s meeting in Kuala Lumpur could not help but recall a similar encounter between PKR and MCCBCHST in Petaling Jaya in December 2007 that dealt with the same issues but was held in a less fraught atmosphere than presently prevailing.
Then, matters to do with forced conversions, temple demolitions and the incipient rise of the ‘Allah’ issue brought furrows to non-Muslim brows. Read the rest of this entry »
History education in M’sia: Deep roots of contestation
Posted by Kit in Education, nation building on Monday, 6 June 2011
By Dr Lim Teck Ghee
Monday, 06 June 2011
Most Malaysians – including members of the specially appointed government committee to review the history curriculum – may not be aware of the deep roots of the current controversy on the narrow religious and ethno-nationalistic approach that has come to dominate history education in the country. The following essay provides information on two studies that have examined the roots of the contestation on history education, especially with regard to the history curriculum developed for schools and the assigned textbooks. 1
Santhiram’s work: Textbooks that divide
The earliest academic study on the subject was undertaken by Dr R. Santhiram. The study published in 1997 is a pioneering attempt at examining the extent to which the educational system – as exemplified in the curriculum and textbooks – was reflective of a multiracial and multicultural society. 2 Focusing on selected lower secondary school textbooks and using quantitative content analysis and qualitative strategies, the paper’s general conclusion was that while some textbooks provided curriculum content appropriate for a multicultural society, others had concentrated heavily on majority race identity. 3 Read the rest of this entry »
Is Najib ready and prepared when Tahrir Square comes to Malaysia?
Posted by Kit in 1Malaysia, nation building on Monday, 6 June 2011
The wind of change in Malaysia continues to blow strong and hard 39 months after the 308 “political tsunami” – this is the most important message from the weekend’s PAS party elections.
Mukriz Mahathir, one of the aspirants for the highest Umno leadership position when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak stumbles and falls, said “Congratulations to the DAP and PKR for succeeding to influence PAS to the extent that only those aligned to them (no ulama) were elected as PAS vice-presidents and even the deputy president”.
I say to Mukriz: “Congratulations for your wild, baseless and irrational comments as it is the best demonstration and proof to all Malaysians, particularly to the young generation of all races, that there is nobody in UMNO and Barisan Nasional who could live up to their aspirations for change to make up for Malaysia’s lost decades in building an united, just, democratic, progressive, prosperous and competitive nation.” Read the rest of this entry »
The fate of Malaysians
Posted by Kit in nation building on Sunday, 5 June 2011
By Othman Wahab
June 05, 2011 | The Malaysian Insider
JUNE 5 — Such is the fate of Malaysians that we have to stomach insults and condescension on a daily basis. If it is not Datuk Ibrahim Ali, it is Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein or Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin or Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
At least one of them will insult our intelligence on a daily basis. In a speech to mark the Yang diPertuan Agong’s birthday, the prime minister warned those who caused disunity and stoked the embers of discord that their time is up. His administration would come down hard on them.
Seriously, does he expect us to believe this? Perkasa and Ibrahim and Utusan Malaysia have cornered the market on creating discord in the country and nothing has happened to them. Read the rest of this entry »
Will we vote for Ibrahim Ali?
Posted by Kit in 1Malaysia, Mahathir, Najib Razak, nation building, Perkasa, UMNO on Friday, 3 June 2011
– Lucius Goon
The Malaysian Insider
Jun 02, 2011
JUNE 2 — This is a serious question. Will we vote for Ibrahim Ali?
I believe this is a relevant question for Malaysians to ponder because with each passing day this Perkasa mouthpiece seems to have pushed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and other Cabinet ministers from the mainstage of decision-making and politics.
After watching the local political scene for a few months, we can conclude a few things: Ibrahim is Umno and Umno loves Ibrahim.
Najib is scared of upsetting Ibrahim and Perkasa, probably out of some fear that the right-wing group can influence the outcome of how Malays vote and/or concern that not bowing to Ibrahim’s wishes will upset Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, supporter and patron of Perkasa. Read the rest of this entry »
Perkasa, you have done enough
Posted by Kit in 1Malaysia, Najib Razak, nation building on Friday, 3 June 2011
– Dr Kamal Amzan
The Malaysian Insider
Jun 02, 2011
JUNE 2 — As a man of science, I am a sceptic and don’t believe in many things.
But I believe in the spirit of being a true blue, white and red Malaysian, not differentiated by skin colour or religion.
I believe that Malaysians should only be recognised by their citizenship and contribution to the country and not where our forefathers hail from, who’s equal rights are protected and upheld in the constitution.
I believe that this country is blessed and rich enough to be shared by all Malaysians who are mature enough to live together, without being antagonized by politicians every day. Today, politicians appear as a group of selfish, hypocrite Malaysians who lives like a king amongst paupers, burning racial sentiments that brings no benefit to the masses or the nation.
A group that never seems to learn who are the masters and who are the servants in a democratic society. Read the rest of this entry »
Nakhaie buries Najib’s 1 Malaysia!
Posted by Kit in 1Malaysia, Najib Razak, nation building on Friday, 3 June 2011
– P. Ramakrishnan
The Malaysian Insider
Jun 02, 2011
JUNE 2 — If an ignorant man talks nonsense we can easily forgive him for you don’t expect any spectacular wisdom from an ignoramus. But when a person who is perceived as educated and scholarly speaks rubbish, you are rightly outraged.
This is exactly what happened when Mohd Nakhaie Ahmad, the former president of the Islamic Da’wah Foundation Malaysia (Yadim) and one-time lawmaker-turned-traitor to the voters who elected him, came out with statements which are clearly scandalous, seditious and atrocious regarding the non-Malays in this country.
Nakhaie questioned the loyalty of non-Muslims in the country, declaring that the community’s rights must be re-evaluated — obviously forgetting his own shameful past when he showed no loyalty to the party that sponsored him as a candidate and those who elected him. He had displayed a total absence of integrity without any qualms when he became a frog and leaped over to the Barisan Nasional. He is not in the least qualified to talk about loyalty. Read the rest of this entry »
Mixed race: Where do we draw the line?
Posted by Kit in Education, nation building on Thursday, 2 June 2011
Malaysiakini Your Say | Jun 2, 11
‘We have one rule for some people, another rule for others, while Muslims seem to get the best deal as no matter what the situation, they still be bumiputera.’
Students of mixed parentage denied varsity admission
Borneo Son: Every deserving Malaysian should be given admission to university and/or scholarship regardless of ethnic/religious background if Malaysia is to become a progressive nation.
Read the rest of this entry »
A guide to West Malaysians for Sabahans
Posted by Kit in 1Malaysia, nation building, Sabah on Thursday, 2 June 2011
by Erna Mahyuni
The Malaysian Insider
Jun 01, 2011
JUNE 1 — Since I have written a guide for West Malaysians about Sarawak, perhaps it is only fair I write about Sabah. But writing “Sabah 101” seemed boring so I flipped it around and now here’s a handy reference for Sabahans dealing with the influx of West Malaysians thanks to AirAsia.
1. Most West Malaysians really don’t remember September 16, 1963, and when asked, will only remember that “Malaysia gained its independence in 1957.” Don’t blame them; blame our badly-written history textbooks. Incidentally, they were written by West Malaysians.
2. West Malaysian Muslims are a lot more uptight than the ones in Sabah. If you take them to a soto stall that is situated outside a Chinese coffee shop, don’t be offended if they refuse to eat in fear of the food not being halal (kosher). If they are Malay and Muslim, make sure the eatery has a halal signboard.
3. Expect them to be very nosy about what race or religion you are. If you happen to look Chinese but greet them with the Muslim salam or you look Malay and are eating pork in front of them, prepare for either looks of shock or ones of taking offence. West Malaysians seem to get offended easily, for some reason. (Proof can be found in the comments of my columns, funnily enough written by people in West Malaysia) Read the rest of this entry »
A dream of Malaysian unity
Posted by Kit in 1Malaysia, Brain drain, nation building on Thursday, 2 June 2011
– CKL
The Malaysian Insider
Jun 01, 2011
MAY 31 — I have read with sadness the many letters you have published regarding Malaysia’s brain drain. I am one of those, who left Malaysia for many reasons, chiefly, because I did not see any future for my children in a country which had become increasingly racist, moving from moderate to fundamentalist Islamic and also increasingly intolerant.
To those who say that I am unpatriotic and that I should stay on to help change the country, I tell you that it cannot be changed! Whilst working as a professional in Malaysia, I also served for 14 years in the Territorial Army of Malaysia (Rejimen Askar Wataniah), rising to my last rank of Major.
Rejimen Askar Wataniah is the army reserves of Malaysia and we undergo weekend military training every fortnight. During those years, not only was I prepared to risk life and limb for King and country, but I also initiated and helped set up Askar Wataniah societies in mainly Chinese tertiary institutes which recruited Chinese students into the Askar Wataniah. Every year, those societies recruited some 100+ Chinese students into the Rejimen Askar Wataniah, compared with a miserly 10+ in the regular army.
I expected nothing from my efforts because I enjoyed my time in the Askar Wataniah and I was patriotic, then! But I certainly did not expect brickbats and every effort being made by my fellow Malay officers to run me down because they were jealous (my efforts in recruiting such large numbers of Chinese into the Askar Wataniah had caught the attention of the military top brass and also assorted politicians, in particular MCA politicians) or as one of them told me, “perasaan dengki” which Malays always seem to have for those who are more successful than they are. Read the rest of this entry »
Something to ponder before migrating
Posted by Kit in Brain drain, nation building on Thursday, 2 June 2011
– From a doctor who stayed
The Malaysian Insider
Jun 01, 2011
JUNE 1 — It has been illuminating reading the various stories of the people who left and the people who stayed. I personally feel it is the individual’s choice and I agree largely with the opinions of John Rahman. However, I do want to share a couple of angles from a physician’s perspective.
1. To all those who have migrated whose parents are still alive, please make provisions for them if they are left behind. Most people write about the opportunities they need to give to their children but rarely mention what happens to their parents when they migrate.
As a doctor, I see this every day. There are many elderly patients who are admitted to hospital and their children are all living abroad. It is very sad. Read the rest of this entry »
A fight for Malaysia
Posted by Kit in Brain drain, nation building on Wednesday, 1 June 2011
— Dr Kamal Amzan
The Malaysian Insider
Jun 01, 2011
JUNE 1 — The country of nasi lemak, rendang, pasembor, rojak and yong tau hu.
A nation of colourful festivals and public holidays that dot the yearly planner, turning any calendar into a polka-dot collage.
It is where you find everyone is related. We are somebody’s “uncles”, “aunties”, “pak ciks” and “mak ciks”, akin to a super big family celebrating our differences in fashionably colourful ways.
A country blessed with pristine, tranquil mountaintops, sandy white beaches and whatever remains of our rich rainforest heritage everywhere.
A place where the east converges before greeting the west.
This is my country. My home, my heaven and my paradise. Read the rest of this entry »
I will not give in to fear
Posted by Kit in 1Malaysia, Brain drain, nation building on Wednesday, 1 June 2011
— Lim Ka Joy
The Malaysian Insider
Jun 01, 2011
JUNE 1 — Dear Malaysia,
It is with great joy and hope and also some apprehension that I undertook this task of writing why I have decided not to forsake you even though I have watched you grow from bad to worse over the years.
I speak to you as a single entity because that is what you are. You are a nation. Though not every part of you will understand this, but I am sure your brain does and that is all we need at the end of the day.
Just for the purposes of a personal intro, I am your average Gen-Y Malaysian who hails form Kuching, Sarawak. I was a victim of discrimination after SPM and STPM. However, thanks to my parents who funded the major portion my tertiary education, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in December 2008.
That year, my dad encouraged me to look for a job overseas. “Don’t work in Malaysia,” he said, “it is not worth it. Salary is one reason for leaving, but with the current un-meritocratic and un-progressive stance on politics, education, economics and social issues, our country is going down the proverbial drain.” Read the rest of this entry »
Using history to make us intelligent, not stupid
Posted by Kit in Education, History, nation building on Wednesday, 1 June 2011
By AB Sulaiman | May 30, 11
Malaysiakini
Some years ago, a concerned parent and friend drew my attention to the peculiar case of the current History textbooks for Forms 4 and 5 students. He hinted that apparently they were decked with omissions, errors, half-truths, an exaggerated role of the Malay ethnic group, and minimising or omitting altogether the considerable contribution of non-Malay individuals.
The texts furthermore exaggerated the role and influence of Islam toward the development of human civilisation and the country. His daughter had found the subject unbelievable, bordering on the ridiculous, and also very boring, but had studied on because she had to.
Read the rest of this entry »
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