Migration is a realistic option

Malaysia is going down the failed nation route

1. This country is eroding.
2. Utusan is a joke of a newspaper who thinks their agenda of helping malays by continuing unquestioning loyalty to UMNO will perpetuate the malays survival, even at the expense of dumbing down the malays. Their overzealousness to prove Anwar as the protagonist of all evil in the world is made with the assumption that the malays are emotional and unthinking, and by goign through the moral high ground they can guarantee Anwar's destruction. I'm no big fan of Anwar post-2008 after all the miscalculated political missteps, but when Wan Azizah says it isn't Anwar, that's good enough for me. I trust Wan Azizah understands the concept of loyalty, as it is taught in Islam, is predicated upon truth and goodness, not upon deception and political calculation. So Utusan - may your editors find peace in themselves, and may the once-proud newspaper forever die a slow, painful death through making themselves an irrelevant space filler in dirty drains. The expected reaction to this is that this is a treacherous thought to allow a powerful symbol of Malay power, but in truth, Utusan has been a traitor to the malay agenda by ensuring the continued ignorance, prejudiced, unprincipled and emotional views to be propagated to unthinking malays.
3. Seeing Tun's blog on how to develop a university town today is another revolting idea. Tun is brilliant, but a supernormal Einsteinic, Alexander the Great he is not. His brilliance should have been focused on institutional building for continued malay development, not for short-cut, original but ultimately untested ideas. Instead, he cultivated a sycophantic following forever asking his ideas on development and regarding it as unquestionable truth. Malays will only progress once they start taking responsibility for themselves, and not waiting for a supreme feudalistic ruler to bring them to success. The sooner Tun really retires, the better for the malays. Najib should outflank him, and outflank him now.

Malays, Chinese and other non-Malays II

10. Another day, another flip-flop. Or perhaps, a recalibrated and elaborated comment. At the end of the day, where is my position on issues? Do I trust or do I mistrust?

11. At the end of the day, we the Muslims, the Malays, the Malay-muslims, individuals, need to build our internal capabilities. We should not be dependent on handouts from the government, which equates to a handicap, not a permanent handicap but one we should grow out of. The Malays cannot be perpetual children depending on handouts and protection from parents, but slowly building up its own capabilities and maturity to take over the role of protectors.

12. Coming from that point of view, we should be wary. We shouldnt be naive. The Chinese has enormous organisational capability, so should we. The fact that we dont, the fact that we are so divided is the crux of the issue. The Chinese can sit down and agree on issues of common benefit to the community, like Chinese education. Even if there are disagreements, it is self-suppressed for the greater good. We should learn from this, not envy this unnecessarily, and invoke the fear that they will overcome and dominate us.

13. At the moment, many Malays are cowed into supporting UMNO. See Tun M's rant about Nik Aziz, deliberately pointing fingers at the inadequacies of his rival, exaggerating some of the views held by the some strains within PAS instead of looking at his strengths, not that I'm expecting him to do that. Tun understands the Malay psyche perfectly, that they sit back and look to see the winner in a duel, and then herd unthinking to the winner's camp. It's the classic feudalistic viewpoint. Deliberately sidesteps the fact that UMNO kicked PAS out of BN when they were already united back in the 70s. Ridiculing the Islamic state as a mindless cutting off hands brand of Islam without elaborating on the distributive justice, and therefore equating PAS's orthodoxy as some form of Talibanism.

14. I want the best for the Malays, the Muslims. It's not good to distinguish this identity, although in certain situations it needs to be done. But the best is for people to be educated, to be strong, to have convictions and to be firm. Not cower in fear.

15. For that to happen, people like Tun must be relegated to the background. His comments only inflame PAS's supporters, and further drive the wedge into the fractures. UMNO cannot continue in this 80s mode. If Tun really says he wants unity, it is by appealing to common interests. Economic strength, yes, but morality, justice and other human capital aspects are just as urgent and important, if not more. The common interests are that wealth is redistributed to middle-class and lower-class malays. The scholarships given out to outstanding students is the start of a dedicated, intensive program for the development of the malays - which perhaps must be a mandate for Teraju. No giving out of freebies to buy silence. Silly, crap cronistic businesses which drain life out of the community and the nation is killed off ruthlessly. No selective decisions based on you-know-who, but purely based on merit., starting with the malay community first if the political will is not there to implement it within the NEM.

16. Tun has done wonderful things as a PM. At the same time, the nation disintegrating in front of our very eyes cannot be rehabilitated with the same dosage that Tun has been dishing out. I am ashamed of the DSAI trials in 1999 as it is now. It is a sham trial, especially when RTC and CSL is walking around freely. This is gross injustice. Tun M doesnt recognise the damage this is doing to the nation, and insists that procedurally this was correct. If he cannot / will not recognise this as a defect, he cannot rectify it, and the damage to institutions and the national psyche this causes far outweighs his contributions. He should remain silent and let Najib do damage limitation, not that Najib doesnt have enough problems with models, NEM or Mongolian.

17. Malaysian politics is described as sham, colourful, interesting etc. In fact, it's a lie. It's too dishonest and it overshadows all the good work the government could have done. If Tun desists, PKR will probably shoot itself in its foot, femur and face. But right now, it's a reminder of how bad things were before in Tun's time. Probably, he is in fear of being painted in the same colours as Mubarak, Gaddafi and Ben Ali.

Malays, Chinese and other non-malays

1. Utusan went to town Saturday on PAS back-tracking and giving support to the Malay agenda. TERAS Chairman (?) said that the Malay economic issues must be addressed satisfactorily and not be glossed over by Pakatan Rakyat. In Primaya, there was this CNY celebration which was quite strange as it was the first time a Chinese celebration was held there after 3 years. Reading MI makes you want to knock your head against a wall when Chinese chauvinists go over the top in their criticisms of anything UMNO. (and you can sort of visualise the kid gloves when talking about MCA or other non-Malay partners in the BN)
2. There is truly a need to go to a common concensus on upholding basic principles. Addressing the truth for instance is a good start. So, call a spade a spade if you must, no covering up. (what was the word scully used again? obfuscation?) That goes not just to Chinese chavs, but also the more blinkered of all politicians.
3. Let's start by listing too many of the contentios issues and try to lay it down to rest once and for all. First, is UMNO a British stooge who won independence? To my knowledge, this is not true. Looking from the British perspective, once decolonisation became a policy due to the burden of maintaining far-flung colonies, there was only the question of who their preferred partner will be. Regardless of the fact that their insistence on the Alliance arose from the fear of "islamist" / left-leaning elements in Hizbul Muslimin or other less savoury alternatives, the due process was accorded and recognition must be given when there was support to the Alliance from the populace (through democratic elections) as well as the monarchs of the federated states. In the end, the federation model and its subsequent Constitution became the de facto model of the state. The question of a British stooge does not arise.
4. Social contract - citizenship in return for power, and later on the acceptance of Malay dominance through its monarchs and special position. That remains, and should not be questioned.
5. NEP was introduced, and was the right prescription for the issues of economic disparity amongst the races in the 60s. (It should have brought about greater social cohesion. The fact it does not means that the pendulum has swung too much the other way)
6. So now that I have affirmed UMNO's position, there is no issue right? Wrong. UMNO has made major mistakes - the vasectomy of judiciary prime amongst the loss of confidence in public policies. Malays are angry that the Malay-centric policies do not benefit the general classes, the non-Malays are angry at continued marginalisation due to the ineffective execution of Malay-centric policies as a whole. in 3/08, the Opposition made massive political inroads.
7. Then they started making a mess of things. Instead of taking on issues they were mandated to do, like becoming a more effective public administrator, they started to act like UMNO 2.0 and BN 2.0. Politicking about taking over the federal govt through the backdoor. Acting like schoolkids on the Perak takeover. Bleeding elected reps, members and supporters - no signs of coagulation yet. Talking daft things on changing State constitution, not recognising a Federally appointed State Sec, even when procedures have been followed etc. Token support for justice in the form of ISA etc, but full-blooded support when one of their own is "unjustly treated' - DSAI, TBH etc. If BN thot the voters are daft, PR acted like the voters are daft. At least, BN is actively wooing neutrals and fencesitters. PR acts as if the votes they gained in 2008 are their perennial property.
8. In the end, here we are. The Chinese electorate are invigorated. They are sophisticated, socially instinctive to safeguard their own interests and unwilling to take risks as regards to their self-interest. The Indians are too fragmented to impact on the political scene, so the stakes are between the large Malay electorate and the solid Chinese king-makers.
9. What of my personal view? The need to always speak the truth, stand up for truth. If anything, the issues are still issues of what people will bring to eat at the table. Looming global challenges are looming. Our politicians continue to squabble about the arrangement of the deckchairs on the Titanic after crashing into the iceberg. Chinese issues and Malay issues are different, but the solution is the same. Return to the needs of social justice and equality. The same concepts that Islam came to enforce. Let us not be too defined by the colour of our skin. Malays have progressed since 1969, we are no longer a race of fishermen and farmers. Many are now professionals. Unfortunately, the continued awkward execution of NEP means that we are now a race of government officers, GLC professionals, toll booth operators, bank tellers, and others. Create a level playing field. Let the Malays compete. Let them find the solutions. Let the government step back. Allow Islamists to dominate Malay society. At least we wont be reading daily news items of abandoned babies.

Continuing turmoil in PKR; Back to basics; Concerns on the future; Bravery and courage to stand up for truth

Continuing turmoil in PKR;

1.       DSAI was labeled a dinosaur by Dr Asri recently. How can we be definitive and decisive about such a divisive figure in Malaysian history. And I say this as a compliment, not as a source of deriding and spin the likes that Utusan is fond of.

2.       DSAI has many strong point – his convictions, principles and courage are exemplary. His ability to convince and articulation of thoughts on issues of values and morality is legendary. Mass mobilisation in 74, 98 nad thereafter are examples of these abilities. The negatives however would be to see how he synergises, builds and leaves a legacy of success once he is gone, a true test of leadership. Dependence on DSAI is now such that people see without him, PR would spiral back into chaos. And that is a huge problem, an acide test of leadership not a sign of it. I shall hold the similarities with Hitler and comments made by Dr Rozhan on the dangers of charismatic leaders, but again this is a warning sign.

3.       If we want Malaysia to stand on truth, the realities of the community, on principles of diversity and success – then old-timers such as LKS, Karpal must go. DSAI should begin to plot how Malaysia should stand as a democratic nation found on ideals of liberty, plurality and respectful religiosity (– not secularism) – you know, stuff that DSAI has lectured the world over, and find concrete action steps to do this, not on rhetorics and speeches alone. The PKR elections is a clear demonstration of a botched execution for all to see – no denial should be done, but clear up this mess and stop blaming others. DSAI should be magnanimous enough to do this, and more from within the party should do this. There should be an avenue for PKR young turks to rise within the party, ingrained with the principles and ready to take decisive action.

 

Back to basics

4.       The need to go back to basics on qiyam, tilawah, reflections on tafseer, jamaah and superegoratory prayers, fatherhood and role modeling, ma’thurat; NJ is on the verge of being terminated yet still active in delivering aid and support to flood-stricken areas in Kedah, JL is talking about the creation of a Hidayah Centre TC in KK with a cadre of muslim preachers, the need to setup hospital visits, plans are afoot for a high-impact program on inter-faith dialogue on science, society and etc, the selling of ibn Kathir’s tafseer, and these were good timely reminders.

5.       Missing solat Isya’ and Fajr are examples of hypocrisy – so extra effort should be made to pray this at the surau.

6.       Personal strength should be based on these simple acts, and these should be my jihad.

 

Concerns on the future

7.       These are clearly concerns I need to take heed of, and if I can surmise them:

• Strengthen basic ‘amal
• Think through positions, seek alternative views and promulgate your own
• Think through best ways to effect change, be brave and have bold BHAG ideas – be a mover and shaker
• Strengthen networks

 

Bravery and courage to stand up for truth

8.       At the end of the day, once I set my position, think through what are the best ways to effect those changes with lasting stickiness. No small amount of bravery is required, and again this comes from the strengthening of the core through back to basics amal.

 

 

Perak fiasco..

There is no case for defiance and acting irrationally. The law is clear, having had the required defections and the support, BN should form the new Perak state govt, no matter how shoddy, how low and how dirty the whole thing is. Let’s be principled here, the week earlier, when Mr Bota jumped, not many blinked an eyelid. DSAI looked triumphant indeed. When the same thing happened, with the roles reversed, the response was very much different. No matter that there was suggestion of a buyout if BN was the beneficiary, and the poor downtrodden souls in Pakatan actually gains support from believers in their “struggle”. Bullshit.

DSAI, LKS, Karpal – stop this bloody nonsense. TG Nik Aziz, TG Hadi Awang, Ir Nizar – stand your ground, take a principled stand, and end this standoff against the Perak Sultan, who I believe acted in the best interests of everyone. Why should there be additional wastage of expenses to have another round of elections just to prove how polarized Perak, or for that matter, the whole country is?

DAP and PKR cant control their ADUNs when temptations of *insert your own hypotheses here* arise. Gutless, guileless and unprincipled. It’s OK if there was an issue they had disagreed with, like the giving away of freehold land like the land belongs wholly to the state and the current generation. What actions we take echo in the future generations too, don’t you know? That was an unresolved issue, and if that was the beacon that attracted people to leave their party, that’s fine by me. At least it teaches the 18 DAP guys that running this multiracial country with a Malay-Muslim majority won’t be that easy. But no. defections come about after some silly press conferences about medical leave and barely believable, I’m being polite here, excuses.

Politics stinks – but PAS comes out of this smelling like roses.

Malaysian politics aged 51 - a gloomy outlook

Wednesday, September 03, 2008; 10:26:57

Akram has thought things through in his recent piece about DSAI planning to jump ship to UMNO. Seeing as it were about my mistaken prognosis taken from the comfort of 300km away from the heat of the battle of Permatang Pauh, where the majority was reducing until KJ’s ‘act of sabotage’ as AAB would have put it had he been informed of it by another party willing to do so, I am more inclined to believe the perspectives put forth by an UMNO footsoldier more familiar with the ground terrain on the ground. I have had previous experiences as well in carrying out campaigns on the grounds even going to the extent of giving speeches to the ‘ceramah kelompok’ and rousing and stoking the flames of rebellion close to 10 years ago – inciting reasons to push TDM aside, although I had hoped that even in those frenzied times, I mustered enough calmness then not to have said things I would have regretted now.

TDM had his flaws, but his strengths in administration and policy-making far outweighed these faults – particularly on not able to stomach talented deputies (over)eager to consolidate their own power bases. Tun Musa learnt and felt penitent and Malaysia as a whole remained as it were, but as for DSAI, this is a street-fighter with finely honed and stage-managed intellectual credentials who will fight tooth-and-nail to protect his rights. Don’t get me wrong that I’m denigrating DSAI here cos I absolutely admire his fighting spirit and his famed charisma and charm over ordinary people. In other societies and communities, these three leaders would probably be celebrated and asked to lead their followership to the promised land, or wherever it is they want us to go, and everyone will knuckle down and move. When you are in a small area and you have three lions, they will knock the living daylights and then some out of each other and the victor will take the stage. Except that in this case, the followership is so disgusted, disillusioned and apathetic to this show, as the joke sms goes, they would pretty like the idea of chucking all of these people out of the chopper in the sky and make everybody happy.

That sums up my feeling now.

What happens next? It’s very uncertain – DSAI is pretty much hell-bent on becoming PM, DAP is riding on his coattails, PAS is being left behind, UMNO doesn’t know the ground is breaking underneath their feet, let alone be able to take action, and therefore pulling BN down with them. What’s left is DSAI’s power play as others don’t seem to be able to manipulate the strings as expertly as he has done and the only person capable of standing up to DSAI is left unwanted and deserted by UMNO. If TDM enters the fray, conditionally on AAB exiting himself before 2010 of course, things will be even more chaotic, but at least UMNO would have an even chance of correcting itself under his firm leadership.

DSNR? He has failed himself and the nation by declining the opportunity to take the risk and show he is with the people’s wishes in pushing aside the incumbent PM. Loyalty is not a factor here. There are ways where this could have been done discreetly had he wanted to.

So in the meantime? Slow growth, low FDI, Malaysia continues to plod along. I think I echo Akram’s call – Pak Lah – it’s time to go. You have had your chance, you have done your best, but for the sake of the nation, we need someone of higher caliber.