When MARA goes backwards

When will we learn that ethics, truth and keeping to the letter of the law is non-negotiable? The "tolong melayu" mentality, when it helps crass, money-driven characters sets us back as a community. Internationally, the perception of a community that's without principles sticks. Time to change this.

Here's an Australian broadsheet(?) commentary on the MARA transaction. Wondering why AMANAH / PAN / Pakatan Harapan isn't pushing this issue louder that it should be. Guess too busy bickering amongst themselves first, huh?

http://www.theage.com.au/national/corrupt-malaysia-money-distorts-melbourne-market-20150622-ghu6a0.html


Incidentally, came across the following link whilst looking up inflating S&P agreements - doesn't seem to be a legal issue here in Malaysia. Wondering if there's an ethical implication to this?

The endless suffering of a Malaysian

1. Comments made that the seeds of the present development began during Tun's time is off-tangent and irrelevant. What is needed is an unflinching focus to the issues at hand.

2. The developments show who the real power brokers are in Malaysia:

UMNO warlords - and as PM, the incumbent with tentacles of the multiple levers of power, the UMNO president is extremely powerful.

3. Government machinery and the legislative is demonstrated that it can be (mis)directed at the PM's (or voluntarily and independently by his lackeys's) orchestration, supported by a minimal number of compliant ministers. Constitutional monarchy limits the monarchy's role to pre-defined mandates. 

4. Within a democracy, that leaves civil society. That implies an informed, rational public, not wont to flipflopping on the basis of old fears. All democracies have the same risk limitations of an irresponsible leadership playing on perceptions and fears - all prone to power hungry leadership. See the US.

1MDB

5. It appears as if there is a governance mechanism failure. Investment failures, excessively incurred fees to bankers, overvalued asset purchase, failure to adjust for risks (eg what if Edra fails to list?).

6. Separating incompetence to outright corruption is a separate matter. What then if there are evidences of moneys transferred to personal accounts, or if there are missing unaccounted for billions given that government assets were transferred to 1MDB at horrendously low valuations?

7. Other items of TH / TNB purchases of 1MDB assets are less clear-cut as each has its own Board with their own fiduciary duties to carry out, and we hope they are given the strength of their souls to take the most conscionable action.

8. The defence of Item 6 have been that: not for personal gain, not taxpayer's money, presumably then taken at face value will be for political funding. And there is no law to regulate political funding. Obvious benefactor of this political funding is the President of the ruling party so no leg for the first comment, and if we consider undervaluing of government assets transferred to 1MDB as taxpayer funding through "opportunity cost", there is basis for grossly incompetent mismanagement rather than outright corruption. The personal account under own name is pure stupidity though if true and for this alone is worth a sacking… What is also of interest is the ultimate destination of the funds, and every single RM must be accounted for, and every single overnight interest receipts of that account clearly recorded. There should not be any deliberate overlooking of facts in favour or fear of the incumbent.

Political reform

9. Possible sidetracking that questions may even be asked of DAP's (others too but the more controversial ones will probably be DAP's) funds. Is DAP funded by these agencies - foreign "democratic" lobby groups, external "Chinese" diaspora groups, mainland China interests, foreign missionary groups - in addition to DAP's admission of funding from small traders, and if they do receive some from the above listed groups, how much? 

Democratic representation of Islamic interests

10. For so long, PAS has been the face of political Islam. The tension between ulama and the progressives have been going on for some time now and been cyclical. To note, when the ulamas lost they did not leave the party.

11. Let's leave aside the "I am more Ikhwan than you" which is non-beneficial in the wider picture. Morsi's experience is also worth reflecting on to learn from.

12. Now the progressives lost and there is a purge. So a splinter group - GHB- has emerged as counterbalance to PAS in case PAS joins UMNO. New dynamics have emerged. Islamic NGOs have been quick to declare support.

13. How effective are the NGOs from the politics? From the perspective of mass mobilisation, not so much on a national scale, but there has never been an Islamist progressive party before. Assuming they are able to win and secure a commanding voice in lawmaking and enabling an influence in the socio-political-economic sphere, then there is good in this. Otherwise, major resources are wasted and there  will be a missed opportunity in escalating the benefits of the NGOs in the social development of the Malays, very apparent in providing alternatives to education from preschool all the way to diploma levels, and in healthcare. Other successes have been sporadic.

Personal character of a leader

14. Shame that people will bow so low. Even if it's a donation, even if it's for the party, come clean. Deal with the ramifications. That's a leader.

15. Hiding, political machination, yet gob firing off on supra-ideals of character - talk of ayam berkokok keliling kampung.

16. Note to self - in matters of public interest, the need to act more in accordance with a democratically elected representative of the people rather than a priviledged patrilineal blue-blood is an accepted normality, lest you run foul of moral legitimacy of your seat. Cos this isn't a corporate appointment, you are the leader of a nation encompassing morality, values, and not just the mean average paycheck of your "subjects" (in reality, your bosses).

Aid in Gaza: We don’t have the words to deal with this level of suffering

http://gu.com/p/4afep/sbl

Making sense - fielding some crazy curve balls

Many issues - and just the way the thought process goes at the moment.

1. Workplace - expats see the world through their own lens that just may be totally different from my own. Hence, challenge to find common platform unless clear and open comm exists. In this case, that situation exists but may sometimes be clouded by personal self-dount and creeping mistrust. The trick is to continually engage and show commitment.

2. Next place - putting interest in the progress of Smarts is good. Will need to arrange for a chat and put my best foot forward to show interest, willingness, understanding to get this completed.

3. Singapore muslims - challenging, crazy environment to practice but I do hope they do much better than I am coping with my life atm.