Malaysia may have an Imelda Marcos in the making with the latest report that Rosmah Mansor, the wife of PM Najib is believed to be in possession of the most expensive ring ever purchased by an unemployed wife of a Malaysian Prime Minister, reportedly costing a whooping RM73.48 million. Let’s hope that this report is untrue. But if it is true, than both Najib and Rosmah will have a lot to answer to the people in particular and his party in general. I think if this issue if not treated well, then I can expect the worse for Najib that includes the lost of the people’s confidence towards him that can eventually cost him his premiership; just like that of the Tunisian President and his extravagant wife.
Most would agree that purchasing a ring of that price is beyond the affordability of Najib’s income alone, because Najib is neither a Vincent Tan nor an Ananda Krishnan. And to say that it is Rosmah that has the cash to purchase it is even more absurd. How could she when she is unemployed and is merely a housewife. Did she not say this or words to the effect in one of her interviews with the press? This then give rise to speculation that the money to purchase the ring may have come from a number of sources, one of which (God forbid) is through corrupt practices. I know that corruption is a hush word to use and is most difficult to prove. But Najib and Rosmah should have known that to commit themselves to such extravagance is to subject them to public scrutiny. Being a public figure, there is little place to hide for the couple because every move they make is being closely watched and monitored.
Now, the million dollar question is how did the custom clearance form that was transacted in April this year come into the possession of a blogger? I am not at all surprised because there will be someone from within that is only too willing to divulge such information; probably for money or probably out of sheer public responsibility and conscience that this particular transaction has all the trimmings of a massive corruption that need to be exposed.
This is indeed a sad beginning for Najib who of late has been under extreme pressure over a number of domestic issues and matters of state. I am now beginning to feel extremely sorry for Najib because he seems to be out of touch with reality and this becomes only too obvious in his indecisiveness at decision making. He has now acquired the traits of Abdullah Badawi where U Turns, diversions and deception seems the hallmark of his leadership.
Both Najib and Rosmah are now on a European tour and what awaits them when they return is to face a public opinion that will now question the integrity, sincerity and honesty of the couple over the purchase of the ring. Keeping silence over this issue is not an option for the couple as more revelation of their ‘misdeeds’ are bound to appear. I think this issue will be a major turning point in Najib’s political career and as I have so often heard people say, “Rosmah will be the cause of Najib’s downfall”. Will this ‘prediction’ fall true?
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
YELLOW GREETS PM NAJIB IN LONDON
Wow…………the Queen of England wore a yellow dress when PM Najib had an audience with her. Did she not know that yellow is a highly sensitive colour in Malaysia? Or was the Queen trying to snub PM Najib? Or was the yellow colour a patch up work by some IT wizard? Whatever assumption one makes, this is sure to be news, not in the mainstream media, but certainly in the alternative media.
If indeed the Queen did wear a yellow coloured dress, I personally think this cannot be a coincidence. London too was abuzz with the Bersih rally on July 9th in front of the Malaysian High Commission, and the illegal yellow coloured shirt was prominently displayed by the protestors. Surely the Queen knows this and what the yellow colour signifies. Fortunately, no arrests were made since our Malaysian laws in respect of the yellow colour, have no legal standing in London.
Malaysia certainly has set much unique precedence with its Malaysia Boleh slogan. But they have stretched the slogan a bit too far where even a specific colour can be subjected to the law. Yes, it was black once before, now it is yellow and what next. This law is so unique that my friend from India had a big laugh upon hearing that there is such a law in Malaysia making it illegal to adorn a certain colour. I personally think the initiators of such a law have gone loco, and this must have permeated down into the head our leaders and even infected some of our lawmakers.
In the next few days, I will be receiving some friends from Singapore and I am now in serious dilemma. Will I tell them not to wear anything yellow or anything with the shade of yellow? What if they drive into Kuala Lumpur in a yellow coloured car? Will they need to abandoned their car outside the borders of Kuala Lumpur, and takes a taxi into town? These are serious questions requiring serious answers for I do not wish to see my foreign friends arrested, yelled at and dumped into a dilapidated cell.
I sometimes think how nonsensical people can be when they fear that their position is in jeopardy. In the case of the yellow shirt, I think Hishamuddin feared for his position and likewise some others in the government too. I do not understand the process taken by Hishamuddin in declaring that the yellow coloured T shirt is illegal. Who makes and decides upon the punishment if someone were to breach the law. It seems so simple; just announce it and bingo, it becomes law. Now, go on with the arresting spree. Strip off anyone seen wearing a yellow shirt. Handcuff them and shove them into the van. If they resist arrest, just kick them or do whatever you like with them. Now you see what has become of that rotten law; abuse by our men in blue onto the ordinary people who were merely demanding their constitutional rights.
I have just returned from the obligatory Friday prayer at Bukit Antarabangsa mosque and you know what? The sermon was on the responsibilities of a leader. I think the sermon is timely because it is closely related to the happenings in this country today i.e. the massive abuse by leaders, issues of corruption that goes unabated, ignoring the plight faced by society today, arrogance and several others. The imam concluded by saying that leaders will be questioned for all their deeds and misdeeds on earth in the hereafter, and ends the sermon with a stern warning that the wrath of Allah is indeed severe for those who have ignored and failed to heed the teachings and exemplary deeds of Prophet Mohammed PBUH and the holy Koran.
I just wonder, how many of our leaders (referring to the Muslim leaders) today are in strict compliance with the teachings and exemplary deeds of Prophet Mohammed PBUH and the holy Koran? Yes, no one will know it except when one is buried six feet under.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
If indeed the Queen did wear a yellow coloured dress, I personally think this cannot be a coincidence. London too was abuzz with the Bersih rally on July 9th in front of the Malaysian High Commission, and the illegal yellow coloured shirt was prominently displayed by the protestors. Surely the Queen knows this and what the yellow colour signifies. Fortunately, no arrests were made since our Malaysian laws in respect of the yellow colour, have no legal standing in London.
Malaysia certainly has set much unique precedence with its Malaysia Boleh slogan. But they have stretched the slogan a bit too far where even a specific colour can be subjected to the law. Yes, it was black once before, now it is yellow and what next. This law is so unique that my friend from India had a big laugh upon hearing that there is such a law in Malaysia making it illegal to adorn a certain colour. I personally think the initiators of such a law have gone loco, and this must have permeated down into the head our leaders and even infected some of our lawmakers.
In the next few days, I will be receiving some friends from Singapore and I am now in serious dilemma. Will I tell them not to wear anything yellow or anything with the shade of yellow? What if they drive into Kuala Lumpur in a yellow coloured car? Will they need to abandoned their car outside the borders of Kuala Lumpur, and takes a taxi into town? These are serious questions requiring serious answers for I do not wish to see my foreign friends arrested, yelled at and dumped into a dilapidated cell.
I sometimes think how nonsensical people can be when they fear that their position is in jeopardy. In the case of the yellow shirt, I think Hishamuddin feared for his position and likewise some others in the government too. I do not understand the process taken by Hishamuddin in declaring that the yellow coloured T shirt is illegal. Who makes and decides upon the punishment if someone were to breach the law. It seems so simple; just announce it and bingo, it becomes law. Now, go on with the arresting spree. Strip off anyone seen wearing a yellow shirt. Handcuff them and shove them into the van. If they resist arrest, just kick them or do whatever you like with them. Now you see what has become of that rotten law; abuse by our men in blue onto the ordinary people who were merely demanding their constitutional rights.
I have just returned from the obligatory Friday prayer at Bukit Antarabangsa mosque and you know what? The sermon was on the responsibilities of a leader. I think the sermon is timely because it is closely related to the happenings in this country today i.e. the massive abuse by leaders, issues of corruption that goes unabated, ignoring the plight faced by society today, arrogance and several others. The imam concluded by saying that leaders will be questioned for all their deeds and misdeeds on earth in the hereafter, and ends the sermon with a stern warning that the wrath of Allah is indeed severe for those who have ignored and failed to heed the teachings and exemplary deeds of Prophet Mohammed PBUH and the holy Koran.
I just wonder, how many of our leaders (referring to the Muslim leaders) today are in strict compliance with the teachings and exemplary deeds of Prophet Mohammed PBUH and the holy Koran? Yes, no one will know it except when one is buried six feet under.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
WHERE ARE YOU IBRAHIM ALI?
Gone are the blistering, howling and smut talking good for nothing Perkasa boss Ibrahim Ali. Many had asked where Ibrahim Ali was during the Bersih 2.0 rally. Was he directing his operations from under the skirt of a lady? Or was he just too scared; a coward for a better word, to be arrested by the police since he is one notable person named illegal to enter Kuala Lumpur? Didn’t I say that should he want to join the rally with his warriors, please ensure that he is physically fit? Otherwise, he would just collapse before he could run.
Now, we all know the caliber of this person named Ibrahim Ali who will abandon his charges even before the battle drum could begin. I think I have been right all along to place him at the lowest end of the leadership spectrum; an empty vessel makes the most noise kind of person. Sure he can talk and convincingly draws the crowd, like the 16th century medieval story of the pipe piper luring all the rats away from the town of Hamelin. Yes, Ibrahim Ali fits well into this story. In this regards, I salute UMNO Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin for not mincing his words and dared the authorities to arrest him for defying his ‘illegal status’ (some say it was wayang kulit), although UMNO Youth challenge against the rally was miniscule.
I am told that there are several retired military officers (some senior ones though) are with Perkasa. With the leadership example shown by Ibrahim Ali (I no longer called him Field Marshal), I hope my dear ex-military friends in Perkasa would now consider abandoning Perkasa for the cause perpetuated by Ibrahim Ali has nothing to do with defending the Malay rights. On the contrary, it is all about perpetuating his own rights and strengthening his wavering status in society, since he knows he is a political outcast and is unacceptable by any political party; certainly not UMNO. Should my friends in Perkasa still believe in the existence of Perkasa, then it would be best that someone from among the ex-military retiree takes over. At least there is some semblance of leadership and less talk.
With Bersih 2.0 over and a declaration made by the organizers that they do not foresee holding another rally in the near future, this is a good indication to the government and in particular the Election Commission to rethink its strategy in dealing with the demands of Bersih. A window of opportunity is now offered to the government and the Election Commission to rethink its hard stand on Bersih demands, and if nothing is done, I sense that it will no longer be Bersih to take the lead, but it will be the Malaysian people themselves. This would then be difficult for the government to handle.
And should another demonstration erupt over these demands, it will not be political or racial; it will be the entire Malaysian population against the government. I hope my prediction is wrong.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Now, we all know the caliber of this person named Ibrahim Ali who will abandon his charges even before the battle drum could begin. I think I have been right all along to place him at the lowest end of the leadership spectrum; an empty vessel makes the most noise kind of person. Sure he can talk and convincingly draws the crowd, like the 16th century medieval story of the pipe piper luring all the rats away from the town of Hamelin. Yes, Ibrahim Ali fits well into this story. In this regards, I salute UMNO Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin for not mincing his words and dared the authorities to arrest him for defying his ‘illegal status’ (some say it was wayang kulit), although UMNO Youth challenge against the rally was miniscule.
I am told that there are several retired military officers (some senior ones though) are with Perkasa. With the leadership example shown by Ibrahim Ali (I no longer called him Field Marshal), I hope my dear ex-military friends in Perkasa would now consider abandoning Perkasa for the cause perpetuated by Ibrahim Ali has nothing to do with defending the Malay rights. On the contrary, it is all about perpetuating his own rights and strengthening his wavering status in society, since he knows he is a political outcast and is unacceptable by any political party; certainly not UMNO. Should my friends in Perkasa still believe in the existence of Perkasa, then it would be best that someone from among the ex-military retiree takes over. At least there is some semblance of leadership and less talk.
With Bersih 2.0 over and a declaration made by the organizers that they do not foresee holding another rally in the near future, this is a good indication to the government and in particular the Election Commission to rethink its strategy in dealing with the demands of Bersih. A window of opportunity is now offered to the government and the Election Commission to rethink its hard stand on Bersih demands, and if nothing is done, I sense that it will no longer be Bersih to take the lead, but it will be the Malaysian people themselves. This would then be difficult for the government to handle.
And should another demonstration erupt over these demands, it will not be political or racial; it will be the entire Malaysian population against the government. I hope my prediction is wrong.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
ZAINUDDIN MAIDIN SPEAKS
Something worthy has come out from the mouth of former Communication Minister Zainuddin Maidin who became famous for the comments he made regarding Bersih 1.0 rally on Al Jazeera TV network. I am still puzzled as to what was actually said by him or what he actually meant to say to the Al Jazeera interviewer that was spoken in English with a thick Kedah accent.
This time around, Zainuddin has somewhat mellowed. He was reported to have said that he supported the idea of allocating air time to the opposition lead party leaders to appear on national TV to present their respective party manifesto during the up-coming general elections. This is a marvel idea that was practiced by the Singapore PAP government during the recently held general elections, despite the PAP having a tight reign over all state apparatus; more so the media. But I do not know whether this idea is acceptable to the Najib’s administration. And even if Zainuddin’s idea is not acceptable to the government (which is most likely), the technology today has given people much easier and speedier access to the news broadcasting via the internet, and in real time too.
A good example of real time reporting via the internet was during the Bersih rally. I monitored the live events of the rally and the minute by minute reporting via Mob TV.my. The visual coverage was extensive and I find it strange that Najib, Hishamuddin and including the IGP could report something that contradicts with the actual happenings that took place during the rally, particularly that of the police actions in handling the crowd. If the three could say that the police acted in total fairness, professional, non provocative, orderly and were not in any way violent towards the crowd, then I say that all three were wrong. I can also say that the numbers that participated in the rally as provided by the IGP in his press interview was grossly inaccurate.
I viewed a video on You Tube of an incident at the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station where a policeman was seen yelling and screaming like a man possessed by the devil, to a crowd that is peacefully walking out of the station. There were several Muslim women folks in the crowd, and I did not see any provocation by any member of the crowd that could have angered the policeman. What was featured in the video is certainly not an act of professionalism by a policeman. I think the policeman ought to be taught manners in dealing with a peaceful crowd, more so if there are women in the crowd. What bothers me most is that the policeman is a Malay, and to be seen screaming like a mad dog at a group of Malays in the presence of the women folk is outrageous and plain kurang ajar. If only the parents of the policeman had seen the video, they would have been ashamed.
Certainly, we did see a minister in complete denial, or was he plain ignorant of the action of the policemen in the Tung Shin hospital chemical laced water spraying incident? Despite the video recording featured on You Tube, Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai has denied that there was no water spraying incident at Tung Shin hospital. If the minister is blind, then I can forgive him for being ignorant; but he is neither blind, deaf nor mute. A quick denial seems to be the common strategy adopted by our leaders when faced with a serious question. But they are quick to exploit issues that serve their best interest. Now, will the minister makes a quick U Turn to what he has said, just like his boss in the ‘stadium-no- stadium’ affair?
Finally, to Zainuddin Maidin, I hope your noble suggestion can be heard by your colleague in government, and if they don’t, I suggest you write an open letter to Najib and post it in your blog. And isn’t this one of the demands made by Bersih 2.0?
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
This time around, Zainuddin has somewhat mellowed. He was reported to have said that he supported the idea of allocating air time to the opposition lead party leaders to appear on national TV to present their respective party manifesto during the up-coming general elections. This is a marvel idea that was practiced by the Singapore PAP government during the recently held general elections, despite the PAP having a tight reign over all state apparatus; more so the media. But I do not know whether this idea is acceptable to the Najib’s administration. And even if Zainuddin’s idea is not acceptable to the government (which is most likely), the technology today has given people much easier and speedier access to the news broadcasting via the internet, and in real time too.
A good example of real time reporting via the internet was during the Bersih rally. I monitored the live events of the rally and the minute by minute reporting via Mob TV.my. The visual coverage was extensive and I find it strange that Najib, Hishamuddin and including the IGP could report something that contradicts with the actual happenings that took place during the rally, particularly that of the police actions in handling the crowd. If the three could say that the police acted in total fairness, professional, non provocative, orderly and were not in any way violent towards the crowd, then I say that all three were wrong. I can also say that the numbers that participated in the rally as provided by the IGP in his press interview was grossly inaccurate.
I viewed a video on You Tube of an incident at the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station where a policeman was seen yelling and screaming like a man possessed by the devil, to a crowd that is peacefully walking out of the station. There were several Muslim women folks in the crowd, and I did not see any provocation by any member of the crowd that could have angered the policeman. What was featured in the video is certainly not an act of professionalism by a policeman. I think the policeman ought to be taught manners in dealing with a peaceful crowd, more so if there are women in the crowd. What bothers me most is that the policeman is a Malay, and to be seen screaming like a mad dog at a group of Malays in the presence of the women folk is outrageous and plain kurang ajar. If only the parents of the policeman had seen the video, they would have been ashamed.
Certainly, we did see a minister in complete denial, or was he plain ignorant of the action of the policemen in the Tung Shin hospital chemical laced water spraying incident? Despite the video recording featured on You Tube, Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai has denied that there was no water spraying incident at Tung Shin hospital. If the minister is blind, then I can forgive him for being ignorant; but he is neither blind, deaf nor mute. A quick denial seems to be the common strategy adopted by our leaders when faced with a serious question. But they are quick to exploit issues that serve their best interest. Now, will the minister makes a quick U Turn to what he has said, just like his boss in the ‘stadium-no- stadium’ affair?
Finally, to Zainuddin Maidin, I hope your noble suggestion can be heard by your colleague in government, and if they don’t, I suggest you write an open letter to Najib and post it in your blog. And isn’t this one of the demands made by Bersih 2.0?
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Thursday, July 14, 2011
POST BERSIH – A COMMENT
I seem to have caused a lot of unhappiness among some readers over my stand on Bersih. I’ve even been shot down for what they think that I am being anti-kerajaan and what not. Some even referred me as being pro-Anuar, pro-opposition, pro-PAS and what have you. To my ‘detractors’, I humbly say this, “come on, have some sense put into your brains and please reflect seriously whether my stand on Bersih was a political one, or was I merely reaffirming Bersih rights and that of mine too, that it was a stand for our own constitutional rights; not for Anuar, PAS or that I am anti-kerajaan”.
I believed in Bersih for all they stood for, regardless of who the promoters were; be they Malays, Chinese or Indians. It wasn’t about toppling the government through the streets. Neither was it about promoting the opposition’s cause or for a particular race or religion. It was to be a rally, uniting all Malaysians to demand their rights for an election reform; their constitutional right that is enshrine in our constitution, and their response to Bersih’s call is overwhelming.
I believe too that the rally was to be a peaceful gathering, but was demonized (you know by whom) repeatedly over the mainstream media, even before the rally could get started. Now, who said that the rally was to promote violence and is therefore a risk to national security? Who said that the rally was to promote a particular political party, individual or a group of individuals? Who said that the rally was to cause fear, that blood will be spilled and business will suffer losses? Who said that a people’s street demonstration is not a Malaysian culture and that the rally had shamed the country? There are far too many ‘who said’ that I can list down, but suffice for me to list just a few for those who still think that Bersih had all the bad intentions, and worse still, of toppling the government through street violence.
Contrary to all the negativities being said about the rally, Bersih has been consistent about their cause and that it was all about being peaceful uniting all Malaysians for a common demand that rightfully is theirs. Rest assured that I will be first to challenge Bersih if indeed their intention was to topple the government through street violence, for I am now a strong believer in non-violence activities.
Since the July 9th 2011 ‘incident’, the nation has been fed with all sorts of stories relating to the Bersih rally; both the positive and negative side. But what is important now I think, is for all the parties involved to sit back and to ponder the impact the rally had on all Malaysians and the nation as a whole. If the government feels that there is a cause to reflect into the demands by Bersih, be forthright enough to say that there are issues that needed to be resolved. Likewise, if Bersih thinks that the rally had seriously dented their credibility, and that their cause has fizzled out, then think about building new approaches that can be more palatable to the government. To both parties, taking a hard stand over issues that affects the people is unworthy and irresponsible.
And to my worthy ‘detractors’ please avoid being personal in your comments. To claim and say that my ‘supporters’ are out to ‘bodek’ me is totally out of place and of bad intention. What good is there to ‘bodek’ me? Seriously, what can I offer them for supporting me? I cannot give them shares. I cannot give them APs. Neither can I appoint them to take charge of a GLC. The only thing I can offer them is a cup of teh tarik. So who am I………..I am just a pensioner and a nobody. And is writing my views (sometimes critical) and comments wrong? And should we ever meet, please identify yourself and let’s sit and talk like all good gentleman do.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
I believed in Bersih for all they stood for, regardless of who the promoters were; be they Malays, Chinese or Indians. It wasn’t about toppling the government through the streets. Neither was it about promoting the opposition’s cause or for a particular race or religion. It was to be a rally, uniting all Malaysians to demand their rights for an election reform; their constitutional right that is enshrine in our constitution, and their response to Bersih’s call is overwhelming.
I believe too that the rally was to be a peaceful gathering, but was demonized (you know by whom) repeatedly over the mainstream media, even before the rally could get started. Now, who said that the rally was to promote violence and is therefore a risk to national security? Who said that the rally was to promote a particular political party, individual or a group of individuals? Who said that the rally was to cause fear, that blood will be spilled and business will suffer losses? Who said that a people’s street demonstration is not a Malaysian culture and that the rally had shamed the country? There are far too many ‘who said’ that I can list down, but suffice for me to list just a few for those who still think that Bersih had all the bad intentions, and worse still, of toppling the government through street violence.
Contrary to all the negativities being said about the rally, Bersih has been consistent about their cause and that it was all about being peaceful uniting all Malaysians for a common demand that rightfully is theirs. Rest assured that I will be first to challenge Bersih if indeed their intention was to topple the government through street violence, for I am now a strong believer in non-violence activities.
Since the July 9th 2011 ‘incident’, the nation has been fed with all sorts of stories relating to the Bersih rally; both the positive and negative side. But what is important now I think, is for all the parties involved to sit back and to ponder the impact the rally had on all Malaysians and the nation as a whole. If the government feels that there is a cause to reflect into the demands by Bersih, be forthright enough to say that there are issues that needed to be resolved. Likewise, if Bersih thinks that the rally had seriously dented their credibility, and that their cause has fizzled out, then think about building new approaches that can be more palatable to the government. To both parties, taking a hard stand over issues that affects the people is unworthy and irresponsible.
And to my worthy ‘detractors’ please avoid being personal in your comments. To claim and say that my ‘supporters’ are out to ‘bodek’ me is totally out of place and of bad intention. What good is there to ‘bodek’ me? Seriously, what can I offer them for supporting me? I cannot give them shares. I cannot give them APs. Neither can I appoint them to take charge of a GLC. The only thing I can offer them is a cup of teh tarik. So who am I………..I am just a pensioner and a nobody. And is writing my views (sometimes critical) and comments wrong? And should we ever meet, please identify yourself and let’s sit and talk like all good gentleman do.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Saturday, July 9, 2011
WHO FINALLY WINS AND WHO LOOSES?
Disgusting………..that’s what I can conclude after monitoring the ugly happenings around the city over the Bersih rally from the internet and the minute by minute flow of reports that I get from friends who are at the scene of the rally. Disgusting, because the government has allowed the police absolute freedom to do what they think is legally correct, thus absolving any blame and responsibility should the situation deteriorate into anarchy and complete public disorder. Is this a responsible government that we yearn to have; the slogan blaring government of ‘Rakyat di dahulukan; Pencapaian di utamakan’. That slogan has no relevance now and it is best that it be changed to ‘Rakyat diperbodohkan; Kuasa memerintah dikekalkan’.
What I saw is likened to a state that is under severe emergency rule where people are just being picked up randomly and paraded into caged vehicles. Such a scene is what I regularly view happening in some third world down trodden African states on Al Jazeera TV network. Where these caged people are taken to is unknown, but hopefully they are being fed and kept alive. There wasn’t any looting, burning or killers running amok by Bersih supporters that had been drummed up endlessly by the government, its media and leaders prior to the rally. It was peaceful by all standards and clearly it was a people’s show of unity to demand what is rightfully theirs, that is, free and fair elections.
The ugly situation that Malaysians and the entire world witnessed today, I believe could have been avoided, if parties to this whole episode have placed the nation’s interest first before self. Common sense has to prevail and although the parties may not be able to reach a conclusive understanding or agreement over some dissenting issues, the least is that an effort has been made to get parties to talk and to develop some comforting levels of understanding. Cutting off any attempt at a negotiation between the parties is totally wrong, and this will further incite intolerance, bitterness and hate. This is what happened between the government and all other parties. But who are we to blame? Are the demands by Bersih too difficult to meet? Or is the government by declaring that Bersih is an unlawful organization; hence the Bersih rally is automatically declared an illegal assembly that need no further consideration?
Bersih’s primary agenda and demand is purely for an election reform, which is suspect, flawed and abused to favour the ruling government during an election. Proof of that has been made known to the Election Commission (EC) and the government on several occasions, but was never given a good hearing. It would appear that what is good for the EC is deemed good for the people. The use of the indelible ink that was to be applied during the last GE was somehow withdrawn the very last minute for reasons best known to the EC. The largest democracy in the world i.e. India had used the indelible ink to a great success. Even some down trodden African states had use it, so why can’t we, if indeed we are a practitioner of democracy of the western model? Losing public money for the purchase of the indelible ink and later throwing it away is of no concern. It’s the people’s money anyway; not mine, so why worry. There is no public accountability, no conscience.
Some lessons of this afternoon’s rally have to be learnt by both Bersih and the government’s apparatus. While both parties claim success, the losers as of now are obviously the business concerns, traders and shop owners. The main loser can only be realized in the next few days or months when world opinion begins to be heard and foreign direct investment begins to dwindle, and it will only be then that the full brunt of the government’s folly will be felt.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
What I saw is likened to a state that is under severe emergency rule where people are just being picked up randomly and paraded into caged vehicles. Such a scene is what I regularly view happening in some third world down trodden African states on Al Jazeera TV network. Where these caged people are taken to is unknown, but hopefully they are being fed and kept alive. There wasn’t any looting, burning or killers running amok by Bersih supporters that had been drummed up endlessly by the government, its media and leaders prior to the rally. It was peaceful by all standards and clearly it was a people’s show of unity to demand what is rightfully theirs, that is, free and fair elections.
The ugly situation that Malaysians and the entire world witnessed today, I believe could have been avoided, if parties to this whole episode have placed the nation’s interest first before self. Common sense has to prevail and although the parties may not be able to reach a conclusive understanding or agreement over some dissenting issues, the least is that an effort has been made to get parties to talk and to develop some comforting levels of understanding. Cutting off any attempt at a negotiation between the parties is totally wrong, and this will further incite intolerance, bitterness and hate. This is what happened between the government and all other parties. But who are we to blame? Are the demands by Bersih too difficult to meet? Or is the government by declaring that Bersih is an unlawful organization; hence the Bersih rally is automatically declared an illegal assembly that need no further consideration?
Bersih’s primary agenda and demand is purely for an election reform, which is suspect, flawed and abused to favour the ruling government during an election. Proof of that has been made known to the Election Commission (EC) and the government on several occasions, but was never given a good hearing. It would appear that what is good for the EC is deemed good for the people. The use of the indelible ink that was to be applied during the last GE was somehow withdrawn the very last minute for reasons best known to the EC. The largest democracy in the world i.e. India had used the indelible ink to a great success. Even some down trodden African states had use it, so why can’t we, if indeed we are a practitioner of democracy of the western model? Losing public money for the purchase of the indelible ink and later throwing it away is of no concern. It’s the people’s money anyway; not mine, so why worry. There is no public accountability, no conscience.
Some lessons of this afternoon’s rally have to be learnt by both Bersih and the government’s apparatus. While both parties claim success, the losers as of now are obviously the business concerns, traders and shop owners. The main loser can only be realized in the next few days or months when world opinion begins to be heard and foreign direct investment begins to dwindle, and it will only be then that the full brunt of the government’s folly will be felt.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Friday, July 8, 2011
HISHAMUDDIN – SHOOTING OFF THE MARK
Malaysian Insider, today Friday 8th,2011 reports that Home Minister Hishamuddin Hussein has assured that the military will not be deployed during the Bersih rally slated for noon tomorrow, despite it being declared an illegal rally. He went on to assure that even the internet services will not be disrupted.
You see, what trouble Hishamuddin has got into by shooting off his mouth without thinking? Didn’t he say earlier that the military will be used; a statement that I suppose he made without due consultation with the military. He must have been shaken by someone to retract his earlier statement and to realize that the Armed Forces have the King as the Supreme Commander, not him as the Home Minister. In this regards, the Defence Minister Zahid Hamidi is much wiser for not saying anything to suggest that the military will deployed during the rally.
Even the statement he made to assure that the internet services will not be disrupted is not within his portfolio as Home Minister. I think it is the portfolio of the Communications Minister Rais Yatim and rightfully such a statement must come from the latter. Till now, we are yet to hear any statement from Rais Yatim to confirm or deny what Hishamuddin has said. I think Hishamudin has gone slightly overboard and this is an indication of his lack of knowledge and understanding on the workings of the various ministers and ministries within the government. And being the cousin of the PM is he assuming that he has the authority and mandate to speak and utter statements that are not within his ministerial responsibility? We can now imagine what we will be getting into if he takes over the mantle as Malaysia’s Prime Minister one day.
It is only a few hours left before we see, or we do not see the Bersih rally. It is going to be one massive deployment for the police to the city, and rightfully so. It will be a sleepless night, not only for those policemen on standby, but this also includes the IGP and his Deputy. I can visualize how busy it is going to be for all those manning the police operation rooms at Bukit Aman and throughout the country. This is reminisce of my days as a staff officer manning the Brigade Operations room in the late 60’s/early 70’s in HQ 6 Brigade, Sg. Petani.
I do not know whether I am going to have a good night sleep tonight thinking of what will happen at noon tomorrow. To all my readers who want to be with the rally tomorrow, please do not forget to adorn your yellow, blue and green T shirt. Good night.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
You see, what trouble Hishamuddin has got into by shooting off his mouth without thinking? Didn’t he say earlier that the military will be used; a statement that I suppose he made without due consultation with the military. He must have been shaken by someone to retract his earlier statement and to realize that the Armed Forces have the King as the Supreme Commander, not him as the Home Minister. In this regards, the Defence Minister Zahid Hamidi is much wiser for not saying anything to suggest that the military will deployed during the rally.
Even the statement he made to assure that the internet services will not be disrupted is not within his portfolio as Home Minister. I think it is the portfolio of the Communications Minister Rais Yatim and rightfully such a statement must come from the latter. Till now, we are yet to hear any statement from Rais Yatim to confirm or deny what Hishamuddin has said. I think Hishamudin has gone slightly overboard and this is an indication of his lack of knowledge and understanding on the workings of the various ministers and ministries within the government. And being the cousin of the PM is he assuming that he has the authority and mandate to speak and utter statements that are not within his ministerial responsibility? We can now imagine what we will be getting into if he takes over the mantle as Malaysia’s Prime Minister one day.
It is only a few hours left before we see, or we do not see the Bersih rally. It is going to be one massive deployment for the police to the city, and rightfully so. It will be a sleepless night, not only for those policemen on standby, but this also includes the IGP and his Deputy. I can visualize how busy it is going to be for all those manning the police operation rooms at Bukit Aman and throughout the country. This is reminisce of my days as a staff officer manning the Brigade Operations room in the late 60’s/early 70’s in HQ 6 Brigade, Sg. Petani.
I do not know whether I am going to have a good night sleep tonight thinking of what will happen at noon tomorrow. To all my readers who want to be with the rally tomorrow, please do not forget to adorn your yellow, blue and green T shirt. Good night.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
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