I watched 'Tiger' - a Malayalam movie yesterday.
In a scene, the protagonist played by actor Suresh Gopi says the following:
"The one word used by politicians to cheat people - development."
Looking at the statement from a Malaysian context, certain parties does actually use the term in every election campaign.
And yet, where is the development for the poor? Why are there underdeveloped areas?
Development can also mean development of the mind. This has been neglected and left to rot as every education ministers who takes charge make changes according to their whims.
As a result, our education standards are low.
We may have more universities than Singapore but lesser intellectuals.
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Losing political power
"Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely" - Lord Acton
The above saying goes to show acquirement of power can change not only an individual but also large groups of people. The problem only crops up when the group of people are no longer in power.
In the article "Restructuring federal-state relations" (Aliran Monthly Vol 28 No 4 2008) Francis Loh, listed 8 instances where the Barisan Nasional bungled in conducting their business amicably with the Pakatan Rakyat state governments in the PR governments. Among them are the decision by Azalina Othman, our Tourim Minister to cancel the memorandum of understanding between her ministry's Tourism Action Council (TAC) with the PR State TACs.
On the other hand, the smaller BN parties that were literally crucified in the recent elections have become much more active in raising issues. Leaders in the Gerakan, MCA and MIC have called for the release of Hindraf 5 from detention in Kamunting, Perak.
Datuk Ong Ka TIng raised the issue of faith and inter racial relations in Malaysia during his maiden speech in the newly convened Parliament session. His counterpart from the MIC has been raising issues such as the low intake of Indians within the Malaysian civil service. In fact the Datuk Samy Vellu has even campaigning modernise the party by attracting the professionals and the younger generation.
Had they did this earlier, these smaller members of the BN wouldn't have been massacred by voters in the General Election.
The loss of five states and the traditional 2/3 majority have definitely created an impact to the BN and Prime Minister Abdullah has had to schedule his transfer of power just 100 days after entering his second term in office. This definitely for more professionalism from the BN government since Malaysians would be more aware and would definitely compare the efficiency of the BN against the PR. Also all elected representatives must remember that they are elected by the people. Policies and decisions must take into consideration the needs of the people. Priority should be given to the rakyat and this must be beyond party priorities.
The above saying goes to show acquirement of power can change not only an individual but also large groups of people. The problem only crops up when the group of people are no longer in power.
In the article "Restructuring federal-state relations" (Aliran Monthly Vol 28 No 4 2008) Francis Loh, listed 8 instances where the Barisan Nasional bungled in conducting their business amicably with the Pakatan Rakyat state governments in the PR governments. Among them are the decision by Azalina Othman, our Tourim Minister to cancel the memorandum of understanding between her ministry's Tourism Action Council (TAC) with the PR State TACs.
On the other hand, the smaller BN parties that were literally crucified in the recent elections have become much more active in raising issues. Leaders in the Gerakan, MCA and MIC have called for the release of Hindraf 5 from detention in Kamunting, Perak.
Datuk Ong Ka TIng raised the issue of faith and inter racial relations in Malaysia during his maiden speech in the newly convened Parliament session. His counterpart from the MIC has been raising issues such as the low intake of Indians within the Malaysian civil service. In fact the Datuk Samy Vellu has even campaigning modernise the party by attracting the professionals and the younger generation.
Had they did this earlier, these smaller members of the BN wouldn't have been massacred by voters in the General Election.
The loss of five states and the traditional 2/3 majority have definitely created an impact to the BN and Prime Minister Abdullah has had to schedule his transfer of power just 100 days after entering his second term in office. This definitely for more professionalism from the BN government since Malaysians would be more aware and would definitely compare the efficiency of the BN against the PR. Also all elected representatives must remember that they are elected by the people. Policies and decisions must take into consideration the needs of the people. Priority should be given to the rakyat and this must be beyond party priorities.
Power transfer or an impending loss of power?
The time line of the transfer of power from Badawi to Najib is confirmed. While no time line was given, the voices from the grass roots indicate the unhappiness over the dismal performance in the March 8, 2008 general elections.
The question that looms, however, is whether Najib would be able to take over the presidency as he wuld have to face a contest from current vice-president Muhyiddin Yassin and several other UMNO personalities.
Externally would Anwar Ibrahim, the de-facto leader of PKR be the spoiler by regaining the control of Parliament. After all the Pakatan Rakyat is only 30 seats short of a simple majority in the Parliament.
The question that looms, however, is whether Najib would be able to take over the presidency as he wuld have to face a contest from current vice-president Muhyiddin Yassin and several other UMNO personalities.
Externally would Anwar Ibrahim, the de-facto leader of PKR be the spoiler by regaining the control of Parliament. After all the Pakatan Rakyat is only 30 seats short of a simple majority in the Parliament.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Petro politics
UMNO Youth Exco leader Sazmi Miah proposed that a ten percent salary cut for all ministers, their deputies and civil servants be imposed in line with unpopular Cabinet decision to increase petrol prices. Currently ministers and deputies would take a ten percent reduction off their entertainment allowance.
I don't agree with the notion that there should be salary cut for the civil servants and those working in the private sectors simply because the executive seem to earn much much more. Ten percent off the premier's entertainment allowance is RM1,886.50. This amount alone can be an average pay for an average Malaysian working in Kuala Lumpur. A PTD officer's first salary could be slightly lesser than that.
In this case Sazmi was definitely off track in calling the rakyat to take a salary cut.
Another point of argument is there should be no reason for the increase to take place when Malaysia is part of OPEC. In USD, Malaysia's current petrol price is 0.84 cents, whereas Kuwait's is 0.21 cents.
I don't agree with the notion that there should be salary cut for the civil servants and those working in the private sectors simply because the executive seem to earn much much more. Ten percent off the premier's entertainment allowance is RM1,886.50. This amount alone can be an average pay for an average Malaysian working in Kuala Lumpur. A PTD officer's first salary could be slightly lesser than that.
In this case Sazmi was definitely off track in calling the rakyat to take a salary cut.
Another point of argument is there should be no reason for the increase to take place when Malaysia is part of OPEC. In USD, Malaysia's current petrol price is 0.84 cents, whereas Kuwait's is 0.21 cents.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
