Aug 26 has made it into the current history of Malaysia as it marks the return of Anwar Ibrahim into Parliament after trouncing his BN opponent Arif Shah. The results are as follows:
Anwar - 31,195 votes
Arif Shah - 15,524
Hanafi, 92.
Majority - 15,671.
Voters - 58 459
Voters turnout - 47 410 or 81.1%
Racial breakdown: Malays 69.4%
Chinese 24.5%
Indians 6.0%
Others 0.1%
The win I believe would mark a new phase towards democratization and nation building in Malaysia.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Flip-flop government for a flip flop prime minister
As we all know, premier Abdullah is famous for his flip-flop decisions whether it involved dissolution of Parliament or the reduction of fuel prices. Now he must be happy to note that a ministry is also following suit.
Ministry of Culture, Heritage and Arts have suddenly made an about turn in its decision. So, the Avril Lavigne concert is back on schedule.
This is definitely bad for the image of this country in the midst of the 51st Merdeka celebrations.
Ministry of Culture, Heritage and Arts have suddenly made an about turn in its decision. So, the Avril Lavigne concert is back on schedule.
This is definitely bad for the image of this country in the midst of the 51st Merdeka celebrations.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
UiTM brouhaha
I am appalled by the reaction of the UiTM students to march and express displeasure to Selangor MB Khalid Ibrahim's office following suggestions made by the latter. Even the UiTM Vice Chancellor was riled up.
A report on Malaysiakini stated the following:
In a TV interview, the vice-chancellor warned unnamed parties not to look for trouble and pledged to defend the university as "the last Malay bastion".
In addition, Dr Ibrahim has warned that the estimated 119,000 UiTM students throughout the country and its graduate population of 350,000 are upset with Khalid for his alleged interference in the internal affairs of the university, "especially when the bangsa asing (foreigners, in this case, non-Malays) themselves did not ask to be admitted to the Malay university".
First of all, I would openly support these students had they demonstrated for true amendments in the University and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA 1971) that curtails the freedom of students.
There are no need for a brouhaha from the students over a suggestion made by the Selangor MB. I repeat, it is a suggestion.
Next, the assertion that only UiTM represents 35% of Malay Bumiputra students actually a LARGE number. Malaysia has about 10 public universities. UITM only has Malay Bumiputra students. In other public universities, Chinese and Indians still constitute 30% and 10% respectively. While I don't have the digits to substantiate, I can fairly vouch for the fact that the majority of the students in public universities are Malay students.
Dr Ibrahim should have been wise enough to call his students to campaign for real amendments within the (UUCA) that would provide autonomy for the university administration. Since the UiTM is provided for under Article 153, there is definitely no need to fear.
The other point that I want to raise is the VC must not have referred to non Malay fellow Malaysians as bangsa asing'. It actually shows that Dr Ibrahim ain't ready to mix with people who are not of his kind.
One more thing, Dr Ibrahim. UiTM is provided under Article 153. It is not special privilege. It is the special position.
A report on Malaysiakini stated the following:
In a TV interview, the vice-chancellor warned unnamed parties not to look for trouble and pledged to defend the university as "the last Malay bastion".
Dr Ibrahim estimates that UiTM students comprise only 35 percent of the university student population in the country, and "this shows that Malays are still far behind other students".
See also another paragraph from the same report:In addition, Dr Ibrahim has warned that the estimated 119,000 UiTM students throughout the country and its graduate population of 350,000 are upset with Khalid for his alleged interference in the internal affairs of the university, "especially when the bangsa asing (foreigners, in this case, non-Malays) themselves did not ask to be admitted to the Malay university".
First of all, I would openly support these students had they demonstrated for true amendments in the University and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA 1971) that curtails the freedom of students.
There are no need for a brouhaha from the students over a suggestion made by the Selangor MB. I repeat, it is a suggestion.
Next, the assertion that only UiTM represents 35% of Malay Bumiputra students actually a LARGE number. Malaysia has about 10 public universities. UITM only has Malay Bumiputra students. In other public universities, Chinese and Indians still constitute 30% and 10% respectively. While I don't have the digits to substantiate, I can fairly vouch for the fact that the majority of the students in public universities are Malay students.
Dr Ibrahim should have been wise enough to call his students to campaign for real amendments within the (UUCA) that would provide autonomy for the university administration. Since the UiTM is provided for under Article 153, there is definitely no need to fear.
The other point that I want to raise is the VC must not have referred to non Malay fellow Malaysians as bangsa asing'. It actually shows that Dr Ibrahim ain't ready to mix with people who are not of his kind.
One more thing, Dr Ibrahim. UiTM is provided under Article 153. It is not special privilege. It is the special position.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Article 121(1A), Conversion to Islam 9.8.2008
I strongly feel against the 300 plus protesters from various different groups such as Muslim Consumer Association, PAS, GPMS and so forth.
I am writing this entry in support of Bar Council's bold decision to carry on with the forum despite it being interrupted by protesters who are religious bigots.
As much as the protesters may feel that the position of Islam has been threatened by running the forum, I actually believe otherwise.
The protesters has actually disgraced the faith of 1/5th of mankind. Islam, based on my understanding, is universal. The way the protesters were shouting, "India, Cina shut up" conjures the exclusivity that was never there during development of Islamic civilization. In fact difference of opinions is seen in the fourth source of Islam - ijtihad.
At the same I admit to concur with the statement as mentioned Adjunct Professor of Law, Dr Mehrun Siraj on NTV7 9.8.08. "Malaysia is 50 years old. If not now, when?
The behaviour portrayed by the protesters are definitely unIslamic. There were also racial slurs hurled at the ndian and Chinese minority. Isn't this against the values and traditions of Malay culture? There were more akin to people in Dark Ages.
I am willing to make a statutory declaration that no one attempted to bad mouth, insult provoke or confront Islam and its followers. It was the Muslim protesters who began the provocation.
When Archangel Gabriel delivered the first sermon to Prophet Muhammad, the first line was and is, Read in the name of God...
Relating the first sermon to this forum, had the protesters participated in the forum they would have learnt some new aspects of the law.
Alas, they did not. Instead they behaved like and are now 'jahil'.
And create a source of embarassment to the government and unto themselves in the presence of foreign dignitaries who were there.
On a larger perspective the image of Islam as a peaceful faith has been tarnished.
As for me I am clearly disturbed by this protest. It clearly shows that national unity on a community level is a mirage after all.
Reports of the forum and protest can be seen here.
I am writing this entry in support of Bar Council's bold decision to carry on with the forum despite it being interrupted by protesters who are religious bigots.
As much as the protesters may feel that the position of Islam has been threatened by running the forum, I actually believe otherwise.
The protesters has actually disgraced the faith of 1/5th of mankind. Islam, based on my understanding, is universal. The way the protesters were shouting, "India, Cina shut up" conjures the exclusivity that was never there during development of Islamic civilization. In fact difference of opinions is seen in the fourth source of Islam - ijtihad.
At the same I admit to concur with the statement as mentioned Adjunct Professor of Law, Dr Mehrun Siraj on NTV7 9.8.08. "Malaysia is 50 years old. If not now, when?
The behaviour portrayed by the protesters are definitely unIslamic. There were also racial slurs hurled at the ndian and Chinese minority. Isn't this against the values and traditions of Malay culture? There were more akin to people in Dark Ages.
I am willing to make a statutory declaration that no one attempted to bad mouth, insult provoke or confront Islam and its followers. It was the Muslim protesters who began the provocation.
When Archangel Gabriel delivered the first sermon to Prophet Muhammad, the first line was and is, Read in the name of God...
Relating the first sermon to this forum, had the protesters participated in the forum they would have learnt some new aspects of the law.
Alas, they did not. Instead they behaved like and are now 'jahil'.
And create a source of embarassment to the government and unto themselves in the presence of foreign dignitaries who were there.
On a larger perspective the image of Islam as a peaceful faith has been tarnished.
As for me I am clearly disturbed by this protest. It clearly shows that national unity on a community level is a mirage after all.
Reports of the forum and protest can be seen here.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Article 121 (1A) Federal Constitution
I write this in response to the Malaysiakini report, 'Sensitif' berforum isu tukar agama. It was the response of Home Minister, Syed Hamid Albar over a forum organised by the Malaysian Bar Council. While he highlighted the fact that there would be topics such as religious conversion discussed, he displayed his shallowness in the following statement.
"Saya tak tahu apa matlamatnya, apa isu kandungannya (forum), soal ini dalam negara kita ada proses dan prosedur.
"Kalau ada perkara yang kita tidak puas hati, ada forum (cara) untuk kita menyelesaikan masalah tersebut, bukan melalui perbincangan terbuka yang boleh membangkitkan salah faham atau ketegangan."
His statement indicates that he has got no inkling of an idea what the issue is about and yet he comments. Its a pity that Malaysia has a shallow Minister who interferes into issues without having full knowledge on the matter concerned.
Talking about forums, that's what premier Abdullah also claimed but he had no guts to defend forum organisers when Article 11 forums in Johor and Penang was ambushed certain Islamist groups.
Commenting on the event ABIM felt that the event is "kurang bersesuaian dan boleh menimbulkan salah tanggapan di kalangan masyarakat."
Dear ABIM members, had you bothered to find out a little further you would have known more. For beginners, one panelist is a Syarie lawyer for JAWI who was a former Syariah court judge and the other is a Senior Fellow at IKIM. If these enlightened people can talk about it, I don't see why ABIM should make an issue out of it.
"Saya tak tahu apa matlamatnya, apa isu kandungannya (forum), soal ini dalam negara kita ada proses dan prosedur.
"Kalau ada perkara yang kita tidak puas hati, ada forum (cara) untuk kita menyelesaikan masalah tersebut, bukan melalui perbincangan terbuka yang boleh membangkitkan salah faham atau ketegangan."
His statement indicates that he has got no inkling of an idea what the issue is about and yet he comments. Its a pity that Malaysia has a shallow Minister who interferes into issues without having full knowledge on the matter concerned.
Talking about forums, that's what premier Abdullah also claimed but he had no guts to defend forum organisers when Article 11 forums in Johor and Penang was ambushed certain Islamist groups.
Commenting on the event ABIM felt that the event is "kurang bersesuaian dan boleh menimbulkan salah tanggapan di kalangan masyarakat."
Dear ABIM members, had you bothered to find out a little further you would have known more. For beginners, one panelist is a Syarie lawyer for JAWI who was a former Syariah court judge and the other is a Senior Fellow at IKIM. If these enlightened people can talk about it, I don't see why ABIM should make an issue out of it.
Monday, August 4, 2008
1st August to Independence Day
1st August. Opposition Leader Dr Wan Azizah quit from her position yesterday, as Member of Parliament (MP) (Permatang Pauh) paving way for hubby cum de facto opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim to be in Parliament. With Independence Day looming in the horizon, the biggest concern is whether Anwar Ibrahim would be arrested. Would his independence be curtailed via bias use of the police force.
Election rule states that a by-election must be held within 60 days. I heard from reliable sources that Budget would be tabled in August prior to Aug 31st. August 29 to be exact. Based on that I am predicting that there would be two scenarios that would happen.
Scenario 1: Anwar would be arrested, charged and found guilty in the court of law got sodomy. This would dim his chances to stand for an election. Probably Wan Azizah will have to reprise her role as MP based on the strong ground support.
Scenario 2: Anwar stands for a by election and wins the seat hands down.
Deputy Premier Najib Razak for once admitted it would be tough to win by-election in Anwar's turf. Current hot favorite who may stand for Permatang Pauh is Ezam Noor. Common sense would tell you not to trap a lion in a lion's den. Premier cum UMNO president would need to find a scape goat to be sacrificed in at the lion's den. Annuar Musa was nore realistic wgen he commented that BN should simply boycott the by election. All this would most probably take place within Aug 1 to Independence Day that falls on 31 Aug. Only then can Anwar fullfil his dream of reclaiming Putrajaya on Sept 16.
Election rule states that a by-election must be held within 60 days. I heard from reliable sources that Budget would be tabled in August prior to Aug 31st. August 29 to be exact. Based on that I am predicting that there would be two scenarios that would happen.
Scenario 1: Anwar would be arrested, charged and found guilty in the court of law got sodomy. This would dim his chances to stand for an election. Probably Wan Azizah will have to reprise her role as MP based on the strong ground support.
Scenario 2: Anwar stands for a by election and wins the seat hands down.
Deputy Premier Najib Razak for once admitted it would be tough to win by-election in Anwar's turf. Current hot favorite who may stand for Permatang Pauh is Ezam Noor. Common sense would tell you not to trap a lion in a lion's den. Premier cum UMNO president would need to find a scape goat to be sacrificed in at the lion's den. Annuar Musa was nore realistic wgen he commented that BN should simply boycott the by election. All this would most probably take place within Aug 1 to Independence Day that falls on 31 Aug. Only then can Anwar fullfil his dream of reclaiming Putrajaya on Sept 16.
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