R.A.H.M.A.N prophecy close to fulfillment: Lack of good leaders the BN's DEATHBLOW

Malaysians often like to toy with the idea of the R-A-H-M-A-N formula, which is the surname taken from Tunku Abdul Rahman, whereby all the country’s leaders’ names are derived from the letters beginning with ‘R’ for (Tunku Abdul) Rahman, ‘A’ for Abdul Razak, ‘H’ for Hussein Onn, ‘M’ for Mahathir, ‘A’ for Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the end with ‘N’ for Najib. fulfillment

Is it really the end for BN with Najib as depicted by the “Rahman formula?” While certain soothsayers are of the opinion that its doomsday for BN after Najib, what is taking place in the Malaysian political landscape are better indicators that it’s the end game for BN.

Perhaps the best bet to hedge that it’s the end of Barisan Nasional is based on the glaring and evident fact that the coalition that obtained Independence from the British with Tunku Abdul Rahman at the helm is nowhere near what it used to be.

Since Independence, the subsequent leaders that Malaysia have witnessed in power as prime ministers have begun to diminish in value and the current leadership under Najib Tun Razak is probably a BN that is at its lowest and weakest ebb.

Worries over the ability of BN leaders



If Malaysians, by now, are in a quandary over their future, it is not a situation without basis. In the coming 13th GE, the nation is set to witness a fierce ‘battle royale’ between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat.

While the stage has been set, and even many diehard political pundits are unsure as to what the final outcome will be like, what has become of real concern and of greater worry to Malaysians of all walks of life is the nature, behaviour, and basically the quality and capability of political aspirants from BN to continue to lead the rakyat.

Malaysians, whichever side of the political divide they support, and no matter if they follow the mainstream or alternative media, are of late, witness to the fact that quite a number of BN politicians lack integrity and ability.

Much doubt is now being cast over the sincerity and the leadership qualities of more and more BN politicians

and this where most Malaysians are agreeable to the fact that there is a lack of capable leaders to steer the country forward if BN is to be given the mandate to rule.

Those whom Malaysians witness jostling to lead from BN are basically those whose motive clearly indicate that they have a “what’s in it for me motivation.”

The numbers of those with leadership aspirations that appear to be fuelled by self-seeking ambition have grown within BN leading to a great weakening and dislike for the coalition.

Pakatan Rakyat looms as being a more favorable option



With BN in disarray, the opposition coalition of Pakatan Rakyat has begun to warm up to Malaysians as a viable multi-racial party that hopes to fulfill the aspirations and hopes of every Malaysian in this country.

Ever since PKR, PAS and DAP have merged they have been able to present a formidable front and their union is seen as growing from strength to strength.

The fact that they are able to hold power in the Malaysian states of Penang, Kedah, Selangor, Kelantan, and indirectly in Perak, despite being relatively new in partnership, as opposed to the 55-year BN rule of the country, speaks volumes for the great strides and progress they have made.

In further staking their claim to greater power, Pakatan Rakyat has made progress and great strides in the states of Sabah, Sarawak, Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.

Pakatan Rakyat, unlikely as it might seem, have managed to band together an amazing coalition as the political parties of PKR, DAP and PAS seemingly are of different values, principles, convictions and background.

The fact that they can group together in a united show of power is the best indication that Malaysians have lost a lot of faith and confidence in BN as the prime leader of the nation.

From being an alternative coalition in the beginning, Pakatan is now emerging clearly in more and more states within Malaysia as the possible leaders who will drive the nation forward in the coming years.

Their politics of choice is perhaps what makes them appeal to more and more Malaysians and their leaders are seen as persons of admiration and strength who despite attempts at being discredited by BN have managed the storms well to emerge even stronger and wiser.

Barisan Nasional leaders in disarray



The fact that Barisan Nasional is in a state of flux has been to the advantage of Pakatan and not only has the opposition coalition reaped greatly the benefit of BN going down on a slide but other voices have grown in unison to drown the voice of BN leaders.

This is precisely why in the nation of Malaysia, there are non-political figures who have emerged on the scene to help “set things right.”

While Malaysians may have endorsed their politicians in the general elections, they are also now beginning to lend support to the voices of leaders outside the parliamentary sphere and these are voices that are also rooting for Pakatan.

The Malaysian Bar, Bersih, Suaram and other NGOs and organisations are beginning to eclipse and

overshadow most elected representatives especially those from BN.

This is because of the belief by more and more Malaysians that corruption has destroyed the trust of the people in those holding political office from BN.

If they don’t openly state it, it is understandable.

But Malaysians, irrespective of race or religion, education or social status, are now becoming more convinced that the choices of political candidates they have been having on offer from BN lack the expectations and hopes of most of the rakyat.

Perhaps what Malaysians are looking forward to, after having been under BN rule for so many decades, is to be able to see leaders of capability in which they can be safely assured and put their trust in them that they will do what is expected by the people to move the nation forward for the betterment of all.

Malaysia losing ground on globalization



It’s a fast changing world in which globalization has brought about a number of real, hard facts which BN leaders have either failed to notice or pay attention.

Malaysia will benefit greatly if they subscribe fully to globalization and put in place effective practices to toe the line of globalization.

But the dire predicament the nation finds itself in is to have to put up with BN leaders who want to go about leading the country their own way.

This resistance in adhering to the principles of globalization is actually due to BN political leaders in this country placing self-interests above the interests of the people.

Not only do Malaysians cast doubts over the BN leadership in this country, the international community has also openly voiced concern and they have grave doubts over the politics and policies that are in practice in this country.

While Malaysian leaders might like to contend that this nation is a sovereign state and they will not bend or bow to those whom they view as meddlers in the domestic affairs of this country, it is the absolute right of Malaysians to do so.

But it also pays to pay very careful heed as to what these “meddlers” are saying. By doing so, Malaysia and its leaders have nothing to lose but putting to rest any false claims or allegations that may or are being leveled against its leaders and this country.

This is why leaders in the Malaysian political arena from BN are often viewed with doubt and suspicion, not only by the local community but also the international community. There is obviously no doubt whatsoever now that the BN leadership of this country faces a crisis of credibility.

BN expected to further weaken



If nothing happens or changes in the choice and selection of leaders made available for the people to choose from in the 13th GE, the end result should witness BN further weakened and the nation descend into ruin or become a failed state by lagging in the globalization process.

Malaysians should endorse their choice of leaders without fear or favour and encourage and support the people they view as capable and being able to deliver to the people what the people entrust and hope for in their elected representatives.

Candidates that are doubtful or tainted and lack the trust and confidence of the people should be removed without a further thought by the people. Only those willing to sacrifice and serve the people should command the respect and recognition of Malaysians to safeguard and strengthen the future of the nation.

Malaysia Chronicle

Something 'fishy' about death in lock-up, says CM

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today met with family members of the 36-year-old man who died after just 20 minutes in a lock-up in Tanjong Tokong police station two days ago.

Lim said this was the first time since 2008 such an incident has happened and the state government viewed it seriously.

He urged the police to look into the matter and leave no stones unturned, saying the family of furniture shop worker Cheah Chin Lee wants the matter to be investigated thoroughly.

He added the state would arrange a meeting with senior members of the police force to get to the bottom of the incident as he smells something "fishy" in how Cheah was found dead.

"Cheah was only 20 minutes in the lock-up and he was found hanging from the window grills in his detention garments. The grills are quite highly placed. I know because I have been in a cell before," Lim said.
"We also want to see the truth behind this case and hope that appropriate action be taken on those responsible for Cheah's death," stressed Lim, who is also DAP's secretary general, at a press conference today.

'Death due to hanging'?

Cheah was arrested at about 12am on Aug 13, on suspicion of car theft.
He was taken to the Jalan Pattani Northeast police headquarters at 2am for urine test and was sent back to Tanjung Tokong at 5am.

He was later found dead, hanging from his cell window grills, at about 5.20am.
Cheah's family refused to accept the one-line post-mortem report which stated that he died from "aphysxia due to hanging".

Cheah's three brothers-in-law - See Teik Leong, 52, Yong Yeok Hoong, 42 and Looi Chooi Aik, 45 - were present at the meeting held in Komtar.

They came to meet Lim after conducting Cheah's funeral earlier this morning, while Lim extended his condolences to the family.

Lim was accompanied by his deputies Mansor Othmand and P Ramasamy, state executive councillors Abdul Malik Abul Kassim, Chow Kon Yeow, Lydia Ong and Wong Hon Wai.

Looi, who lodged a police report at the Jalan Pattani Northeast police headquarters yesterday, said the family wants police investigation to be transparent.

"We want the truth that leads to the circumtances of our brother-in-law's demise," said Looi, who is a training manager.

State 'Happy' housing programme

Meanwhile on a separate matter, Lim announced at the press conference earlier that 501 religious school teachers and 307 teachers in Chinese independent schools in the state would be receiving a contribution of RM200 each for the Hari Raya festivities.

The money would be handed over to the teachers in Nibong Tebal and Kubang Semang tomorrow, while teachers in Penang would receive their money on Friday.

Lim also announced that RM50 million would be set aside to fund low and medium-cost homes which required upgrading and maintenance.

About 650 homes would benefit from the state's initiative, dubbed ‘Housing Assistance Programme of Penang, Yes!’ (Happy).

Umno kuat, tapi tarikh luput dah sampai - Mat Sabu

Bhagyanagar : Anti-National Muslims celebrate Independence Day of Pakistan

Bhagyanagar (Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh) : Pakistan’s 65^th Independence Day celebrations was organized by a community at Exhibition grounds, Hyderabad today lead to mild tension there.

Note :Language of the video is Telugu

After knowing celebrations would start with the Pakistani flag hoisting ceremony in Exhibition grounds, Nampally, Hyderabad. VHP, BJP and other Hindu Activists visited the spot to stop this flag hosting. They said it is unethical to host our enemy country flag.

While the police immediately responded took control of the situation and the whole Exhibition grounds, sent back the two groups from there. Now, Situation under control. (Why Police did not arrest Anti-National Muslims who wanted to celebrate Independence Day of Pakistan ? Action should also be taken against such Police personals !)

To Hell with Anyone who Does Not Accept Islamic Rule

Miscreants trying to provoke conflict between Buddhists & Muslims

Dharamsala/Jammu, August 15 (Scoop News) – The Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamsala deeply disturbed and concerned over the circulation of a misleading photograph in some section of the media showing Tibetan monks in their reports on the recent violence in Myanmar involving Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims, said in a statement issued from Dharamsala.

Statement said that a photograph of Tibetan monks standing in front of a pile of dead bodies appeared in many websites in the Muslim countries, especially Pakistan. This photo of Tibetan monks was actually taken during their relief work in Kyegudo (Yushul), eastern Tibet, after a devastating earthquake hit the region on 14 April 2010. The Tibetan monks extended remarkable service in the rescue and relief operations at the time.


The relevant department of the Central Tibetan Administration wrote a letter to a website in Pakistan (ColumPk.com, Urdu Current Affairs Portal) on 30 July to remove the photo from its website, which it did so the next day. But the photo is still in circulation, as some Muslims carrying the photo during their recent protest in Mumbai on 11 August 2012, appeared in Zee News, a leading news channel in India.


Statement appeals to the media across the world not to use this photo, which is being circulated by miscreants to provoke conflict between the Buddhist and Muslim communities.

‘Tanda Putera’ not Malay propaganda, doesn’t feature Kit Siang, says director

 
PETALING JAYA, Aug 15 — Filmmaker Datin Paduka Shuhaimi Baba denied today that her latest movie “Tanda Putera” was promoting a pro-Malay agenda or featured a character based on DAP lawmaker Lim Kit Siang in a negative light in scenes depicting the May 13, 1969 race riots, as suggested by some Umno blogs to the chagrin of Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders.

The award-winning director’s controversial retelling of the administrations of Malaysia’s first two prime ministers amid the bloody May 13, 1969 race riots has been heavily criticised by some PR politicians for its allegedly historically inaccurate depictions.

“This is not a movie to raise dissent. It is one to bring people together. It is just a movie about two great men. If they are from Umno, that’s just history. If they are also Malay, it is also our history.

“We are filmmakers, not an organ to produce propaganda,” Shuhaimi said in a news conference today.

Several film critics have accused the RM4.8 million movie — fully funded by the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) and the Multimedia Development Corporation (Mdec) — of demonising early leftist movements and of being more about hero worship than a proper tribute to the country’s second prime minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, who was also father to the current PM, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The trailer for the movie is reported to show scenes of Chinese groups marching through the streets of Kuala Lumpur after the success of the opposition parties in municipal elections carrying the Labour Party flag and other banners bearing anti-Malay slogans.

The banners written in Chinese characters depicted slogans that translated into “Malays go back to the village”, “Malays go die” and “Take revenge”.

There also have been unverified reports that the film also shows Lim, the DAP parliamentary leader, desecrating a Malaysian flag — which the filmmaker has denied.

“There have been allegations that the character of a prominent DAP leader has been featured in this film. We would like to reiterate that there is no such character in ‘Tanda Putera.’

“Those pictures were sent and shared by people and are widely available online. But that scene is not in the movie,” Shuhaimi said.

“Since the release of the film’s 90-second trailer, many baffling, false and baseless accusations have been made about the film on the internet by those who have obviously not seen the film and are not the usual patrons of local films,” she added.

The director said much research had gone into ensuring her film was historically accurate.

“There are a lot of books that you can read. We referred to books by Cheah Boon Kheng, the NOC report and a lot of other publications,” she said, referring to the National Operations Council that was set up at the time to deal with the fallout from the race riots and headed by Abdul Razak.

She said the movie’s research team had also interviewed former Inspector-General of Police Tun Hanif Omar as well as consultants representing both Abdul Razak’s and Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman’s families. Dr Ismail was the then home minister.

Pesona Pictures executive director Aida Fitri Buyong told reporters the production house was willing to screen “Tanda Putera” for PR leaders but not for its content to be re-evaluated.

“We urge all parties interested to take up the cost for a private screening, but not for (the purpose of) a re-evaluation.

“We already have the certificate from the Film Censorship Board allowing us to show the film with a PG-13 rating,” she said.

‘Let MIC president and PM decide’

MIC vice-president M Saravanan says there is a lot of speculation over choice of candidates.

PETALING JAYA: It is the prerogative of MIC president G Palanivel to decide on the list of party candidates to contest under the Barisan Nasional (BN) banner at the upcoming general election.

“We should allow the party chief to decide on the list. There is no need to speculate on who will contest which seat. Let the president pick candidates he sees fit to contest. I am sure he would pick the right candidate for the seats.

“If he chooses to contest Tapah, I can’t say much. I will have to leave the seat, provided his choice is endorsed by the Prime Minister (Najib Tun Razak, who is also the BN head). There is a lot of speculation at the moment. This is very unsettling,” party vice-president M Saravanan said today.

Saravanan, who is also Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Deputy Minister, was asked to comment if he would contest the Tapah parliamentary seat, where he is the incumbent.

Over the past month, speculation is rife that Palanivel would contest the Cameron Highlands seat, currently being held by another MIC vice-president SK Devamany, who is also Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

Palanivel lost the Hulu Selangor parliamentary constituency in the 2008 general election by a mere 198-vote majority. He was subsequently dropped as the BN candidate for a by-election in the same seat in 2010 in favour of rising star P Kamalanathan, who won the seat with a nearly 2,000-vote majority.

Palanivel was subsequently appointed senator and made Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

Sources reveal that MIC had finalised its list of candidates for the nine parliamentary seats allotted to it under the BN power-sharing system.

‘We must be united’

Speculation is that while Palanivel will contest in Cameron Highlands, Devamany would be moved to a state seat in Perak and subsequently made a state executive councillor if BN wins the state.

MIC’s nine parliamentary seats are Segamat (Johor), Teluk Kemang (Negeri Sembilan), Subang, Kapar, Kota Raja, Hulu Selangor (Selangor), Tapah, Sungai Siput (Perak), Cameron Highlands (Pahang).

In the last general election, MIC won three parliamentary seats.

The three MPs are Human Resources Minister Dr S Subramaniam (Segamat) , Saravanan (Tapah) and Devamany (Cameron Highlands). Kamalanathan (Hulu Selangor) won the seat in the 2010 by-election.

Saravanan said following precedent, the president would be the one to decide on seats with the consent of the prime minister.

“We have had senior people dropped as candidates before… it is all in the hands of the president. I cannot come out and declare myself as the candidate for Tapah without the green light from the party president. We have a system and it should be followed.

“If people start declaring themselves as BN candidates from the MIC, then it would create confusion and problems. We must be united and seen to be united. This is the strength we should build on. I ask potential and aspiring candidates to hold their horses. Wait until you are named as a candidate of a particular seat. Then you can start talking about the seat and all.

“Even if there is a disagreement, let’s discuss things behind closed doors… we cannot afford to squabble over seats at a crucial election like the next one,” he added.

Battle to control Makkal Osai

The Traveler, Wednesday, August 15, 2012

S Subramaniam’s political career ended abruptly on 11/11/11 when an unsuccessful brain surgery left him in coma state.
Political detractors of Subramaniam used to vilify him as a spineless man sleeping on the job for 30 years. That probably be true not only in MIC but also in Nesa cooperative society and his business ventures in Tamil Dailies namely Malaysia Nanban and Makkal Osai.

Periasamy

Tragically, the Nesa president is indeed literally sleeping.
Knowing very well Subramaniam’s medical condition, Nesa is still maintaining him as the president.
What a farce?
Indeed it’s farcical to keep Nesa’s top dog position ‘empty’, at least that’s what the members the Indians in general feel,  but not for the CEO Rajannan and his coteries as their interest precedes the interest of Nesa members until they find another dummy to fill the place.
The ensuing power struggle to take control of Nesa has exposed the land scams Nesa indulged in for several years.
From Nesa, the battle now has spread to Makkal Osai Tamil daily.
Periyasamy, the newly elected Nesa director aligned to Rajannan is the General Manager of Makkal Osai since the daily hit the street when Subramaniam lost Malaysia Nanban after the death of Athikumanan, his proxy shareholder.
But Subaramanim’s son Sundar started slowly clipping Periasamy’s power and influence in the daily. He removed Saraswathi Kandasamy as from the panel lawyer list.
Being in the daily from inception, Periasamy in turn threaten to leave taking along several key people to Thina Kural daily in the hope of destroying Makkal Osai.
 While Periasamy was negotiating secretly with Thina Kural’s management, Sundar out maneuvered him by purchasing 50% stake in Thina Kural recently, effectively killing the planned rebellion.
Cornered to the wall, an indignant Periasamy retaliated by selling the printing machine to his business friend who has issued a lawyer notice stopping Makkal Osai from using the machine.
The notice was served late and thus Makkal Osai was able to use the printer till yesterday.
Today, Makkal Osai received help from an unexpected person.
Samy Vellu’s Tamil Nesan has agreed to print Makkal Osai until they find a solution to the printing issue.
In politics there are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies.
Periasamy, a strong Subramaniam supporter is now working to close Makkal Osai.
What a strange twist?
How did the printing machine ownership ended up with Periasamy?
A source with the knowledge of the matter told Traveler that the late Athikumanan used Periasamy as a proxy.
That worked well for Periasamy now.
Battle to control Nesa exposed the land scams and similarly, the battle to control Makkal Osai bound to expose more scams.
Saraswathi Kandasamy is said to be the prime architect of CEO Rajannan’s strategy in Nesa.
Likewise, the same Saraswathi Kandasamy is said to be the prime architect of General Manager Periasamy’s strategy.
Let’s see where this ends.

Why Dr M is Umno’s (and Anwar’s) fault

Dr Mahathir is probably the greatest politician our country ever had or will ever produce. But Malaysia needs statesmen, not politicians. Not Anwar, who, for all his showboating, achieved little during his ministerial tenures. Not court jesters like Perkasa or most of Pakatan’s own crazies. But leaders with vision, compassion and a sense of honour. Sadly, those traits do not seem to manifest in Malaysian politicians. 

Erna Mahyuni, The Malaysian Insider
“But don’t you think (Tun Dr) Mahathir (Mohamad) should be condemned for all he’s done?”
So asked a young, idealistic undergrad over supper.

My answer was, “No.” The young lady was intrigued enough to let me explain to her just why Dr Mahathir, for all his missteps, did not deserve to be vilified.

This is what I told her.

Dr Mahathir’s greatest flaw is his unwavering belief that the end justifies the means. Yet, as a Malaysian, I find myself unwilling to demonise this highly complex individual who, for better or worse, shaped this nation.

It all starts with the best of intentions and I think our former prime minister really did believe his decisions were for the greater good. But part of the reason he became the über-controlling, extremely paranoid individual we know is due to circumstances. Circumstances on which I blame Umno as well as de facto Pakatan Rakyat head Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Umno may have started out with patriotic, altruistic aims, but by the 80s it had become much like the cesspit we all know and love. It’s every man for himself, with members voluntarily playing a vicious round of musical chairs and the modus operandi being to push your opponent off his chair to win.

Anwar would probably be prime minister now if he hadn’t made the biggest career mistake of his life: Attempting to force Dr Mahathir to step down. Perhaps his ego persuaded him to believe that he could pull off what other Umno members had tried but failed to do. Tun Musa Hitam’s own joint coup attempt ended with his own political career virtually ended.

If Dr Mahathir hadn’t been constantly assailed by other Umno members jockeying for the prime ministership, would he have become a better leader? I wonder that, sometimes.

Smarter politicians would have recognised Dr Mahathir’s propensity to hold a grudge and his vengefulness. But Umno being the doofus-magnet that it is, Dr Mahathir probably realised quickly that he was surrounded by selfish incompetents all too ready to make clumsy attempts to backstab him.

While most of us do wish the supposedly retired Dr Mahathir would just clam up already, you can understand why he’s so vocal. Our prime minister is vulnerable like Dr Mahathir never was. While Dr Mahathir could bend the party to his will, Datuk Seri Najib Razak has to contend with his own set of fools with daggers.

For Dr Mahathir, it’s probably status quo. He’s still gnashing his teeth, feeling as though he’s surrounded by dimwits who won’t stop and listen to him. Because if there was one thing Dr Mahathir truly believed, it was that he was always right.

History proved him wrong, though. And it is a tragedy that what should have been a great legacy is tainted by civil rights abuses, rampant corruption, systemic racism and institutionalised government incompetence.

Before Barack Obama came up with “Yes, we can”, Dr Mahathir had his “Malaysia Boleh.” It should have become a rallying call, our way of believing what Dr Mahathir tried to impart ― that we had potential to be so much more than we are. Instead, it has become a mocking cry we utter when we comment on our nation’s many failings.

Dr Mahathir is probably the greatest politician our country ever had or will ever produce. But Malaysia needs statesmen, not politicians. Not Anwar, who, for all his showboating, achieved little during his ministerial tenures. Not court jesters like Perkasa or most of Pakatan’s own crazies. But leaders with vision, compassion and a sense of honour. Sadly, those traits do not seem to manifest in Malaysian politicians.

Malaysians also reflect the shortcomings of our politicians. We shortchange, empower corruption (boleh settle, boss?), top Asian rankings of laziest workers... because we have come to believe that it’s fine to only care about our own and do whatever it takes to protect our own interests. So long as my family/race/religion/business comes out on top, to heck with everyone else.

It is high time Malaysians start asking of themselves what they expect of their leaders: putting the nation above their own concerns, prove incorruptible and ensure fairness for all.

We should not condemn Dr Mahathir, because in many ways, he reflects all the worst in ourselves. Like him, we are learning too late that the end should never justify the means.

Erna Mahyuni blogs at ernamahyuni.com when she's not subbing for TMI. A slave to Bioware, Bethesda and her mini-zoo of two cats and a rabbit. 

Discrimination at McDonald's

"You Chinese, kan? Tak boleh,"
 

Lee Yan Lin

On the 9 August 2012, Thursday, I had my dinner at McDonald's at Mid Valley (the one on LG floor, not the one opposite cinema). I went there slightly over 6pm, as the dinner value meals only starts at 6pm. I ordered the "Coca-cola Glass Meal", and as it comes with an ice-cream (sundae), I requested to collect the ice-cream after meal. The lady who was serving me consulted another Malay (I purposely mention her race here; it is pertinent to my case) lady whom I assume to be either the manager or supervisor. To my utter horror, the second lady turned to me and said, "You Chinese, kan? Tak boleh,". I was dumbfounded. All I had asked for was to collect the ice-cream a little later, so what did me being Chinese had to do with anything? It wasn't my first time making such request; other McDonald's outlets I'd been to were perfectly fine with it.
I understand that it was a peak hour. I also understand that because of it, they wanted to reserve the privilege of "double-service" to the Muslims who are fasting. But what I absolutely cannot fathom is why was my race being brought into question? If she had told me something along the line of "I'm sorry, you cannot collect it later because it's peak hour", I am sure I would have had a pleasant dinner instead of having to chew my burger in disgust. What's even funnier is that just a few days ago, the whole nation was said to be united when Dato' Lee claimed Malaysia's first Olympic medal. Now, I'm being discriminated at a fast food outlet simply because I'm not a Muslim and I don't fast.

And here's the 2nd issue. The lady who was originally serving me gave me a black glass when she was filling up my tray. There's nothing wrong with the glass, ONLY that the one on offer this week (the week ending yesterday) was the RED glass; the black one was offered more than a month ago. When I asked her why the black glass instead of the red, she smiled at me and said, "Oh, you nak yang merah ke??". I'm sorry, but the signboard clearly said the RED one was the one given out this week. Did she think that because I was a child (I have a small frame, but I'm 21 for goodness sake) I am stupid enough to be an easy prey for her to get rid of old stocks? I really don't know.

I sincerely hope that the McDonald's management will look into this matter. If they cannot ensure their employees' work ethics, I do not see how they can continue to operate in a multiracial society like Malaysia.

Project IC

Sabah possesses the largest number of migrant workers in Malaysia, exceeding even Selangor. One simple question, “Why would the poorest state in Malaysia have such a large number, even to the extent of eclipsing the richest state in Malaysia”? Are there so many ongoing projects in Sabah that the state requires so many migrant workers? If yes, why is it still the poorest state in Malaysia?

Hakim Joe

As the name implies, this is a clandestine project that involves the alleged citizenship drive to naturalize illegal migrants for political purposes, which started in the 1990s, and was targeted against the two East Malaysian states, especially Sabah.

By introducing new elements into the concoction, one adulterates its overall effect and by integrating migrant Muslims from Indonesia and the Philippines into Sabah as Malaysian citizens, it dilutes the concentration of the indigenous people there. By the same token, this does not automatically mean that these new migrants will vote BN but the odds are pretty high that they will and it is a risk worth taking.

The population of Sabah in the early 70s was about 655,000 and the major ethnic groups comprise of 32% Kadazan/Dusun, 23% Chinese and 4.9% Muruts (total 59.9%). These are majority non-Muslims but either Christians or Buddhists. Henceforth, should Umno set up its branches in Sabah during the 70s, they will be in the minority as Malay Muslims only made up 0.4% and Bajaus (also Muslims) made up 13.1% of the Sabah populace (total 13.5%). Lousy odds.

Fast forward it to 2006 and the demographics have been utterly distorted. The ethnic composition of Sabahans are now 17.8% Kadazan/Dusun, 9.6% Chinese and 3.3% Muruts (total 29.7%) whereas Malay Muslims increased to 11.5%, Bajaus increased to 13.4% and “Other Bumiputras” comprised of 14.6% respectively (total 44.5%).

What and who the Hell are “Other Bumiputras” anyway? Let’s not even get into how these new migrants are accorded Bumiputra statuses whilst non-Muslims that have been here for a couple of generations are deemed second class citizens.

In a normal society, the number of the majority ethnic group will increase in tandem with the population increase. Since the Kadazan/Dusun were prominent back in the 60s and 70s comprising 32% of Sabahans, this ethnic group should make up approximately 40% to 45% of Sabah’s population in the 90s. However, this is not what actually transpired. In fact the number of ethnic Kadazan/Dusun almost halved from 32% to only 17.8%.

Sabah’s population increased to 1,307,582 in 1980; 1,736,902 in 1991; 2,449,389 in 2000 and 3.21 million in 2010 making it the state with the highest population growth rate at 3.1% compared to the national average of 2.3%. As per indicated in the previous paragraph, the total number of Kadazan/Dusun declined drastically. Does this mean that the majority of Kadazan/Dusuns in Sabah owns VCD & DVD players whereas most of the Malay-Muslims do not (hence finding other nocturnal activities to entertain themselves)?

Project IC or “Project M” is an ominous long term plan to modify the demographic pattern of Sabah to make it more favorable to the ruling government and certain political parties, especially with regards to changing the electoral voting patterns. In West Malaysia, we have frogs and gerrymandering. In East Malaysia, we covertly change the demographics. It is therefore not surprising that Umno calls both Sabah and Sarawak their “fixed deposits” as in “you will still vote for us regardless of how we abuse and mistreat you.” Example, Sabah was the second richest state after Selangor in 1970. Now it is the poorest state. Even Perlis with only 317 square miles of real estate to call its own and without a single drop of oil in its soil is richer than Sabah.

Any Sabahans out there? Does reading this makes you want to puke?

Let’s discuss migrant workers now before going on to Project IC. Sabah possesses the largest number of migrant workers in Malaysia, exceeding even Selangor. One simple question, “Why would the poorest state in Malaysia have such a large number, even to the extent of eclipsing the richest state in Malaysia”? Are there so many ongoing projects in Sabah that the state requires so many migrant workers? If yes, why is it still the poorest state in Malaysia?

When asked, the top official of the federal Ministry for Women, Family and Community,Dato Dr. Noorul Ainur Mohd Nur said that 27.7% out of the 3.21 million in Sabah comprised of migrant workers with a large majority of them being Indonesians. Furthermore, the immigrant population in the Kinabatangan district in 2010 has already surpassed the local population (73.8% immigrants & 26.2% locals). What this basically means is that there are more Indonesians and Filipinos in a Malaysian district, on Malaysian soil, than Malaysians.

In the 70s, there was no such thing as migrant workers in Sabah. Nowadays they make up more than a quarter of Sabah’s population. In an earlier interview, TDM said that these migrant workers, regardless of whether they overstayed or entered the country illegally, qualify for Malaysian citizenship “if they spoke Bahasa Malaysia”. Does this mean that nothing else really mattered except for the mastery of the language? Does this mean that a convicted murderer or child molester qualifies for Malaysian citizenship should he or she is capable of speaking fluent Bahasa Malaysia?

So, how could anyone get away with it unless it has been sanctioned from up above? An illegal immigrant would first need his history cleansed and that involves the Immigration Department. Then he needs to be “made” a citizen and that involves the National Registration Department. Finally, he needs to register as a voter and that involves the Election Commission. Fortunately (for someone), only one ministry is involved as the Immigration Department, the National Registration Department and the Election Commission all comes under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

If the government of Malaysia is allegedly giving citizenship to anyone who spoke fluent Bahasa Malaysia, then hypothetically there should then be a mixture of Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Hare Krishnas and atheists coming in from all around the world. How then does one justify that only the majority of these immigrants are all Muslims from Indonesia and the Philippines? This is however purely a conjecture as the NRD would not confirm or deny it. Hell, they even said in advance that they would consider not attending any Parliamentary Select Committee if indeed the department were called upon to testify. Basically, it is a subtle way of telling the Sabahans to fuck off. Additionally, the NRD would seriously only consider attending if a Royal Commission of Inquiry is initiated, that is if the RCI really happens.

Should all Sabahans take it as it is? Certainly not! Are all Sabahans taking it as it is? Absolutely so! Sometimes I wonder if you people across the straits have your head properly screwed in. Don’t blame the West Malaysians. We delivered five states in the last general elections (it is just that they took one back no thanks to the Jelapang female dog). Five out of eleven over here is not too shabby. Zero out of two across the sea definitely is.

Anyway, the RCI failed to materialize but in 2007 a PSC was initiated to investigate the existence and functions of Project IC. Bernard Dompok was selected as its chairman but he soon quit as the NRD lived up on its promise and informed everybody that the department will not be appearing before the PSC.

On the first of June this year, our dearly beloved PM announced that the federal government has (finally) agreed to set up a RCI to investigate problems related to illegal
immigration in Sabah. Then nothing happened until Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Mojilip Bumburing, formerly UPKO’s Deputy President, Beaufort MP Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin,
formerly an Umno supreme council member and Senator Datuk Maijol Mahap, a Vice-President in BN’s Sabah-based United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) defected from BN’s fold. Suddenly the federal government officially announced the formation of the RCI including the members of the commission and the Terms of References. Now we wait (again).

Anyway, the members of the commission include Steve Shim (Chairman), a former Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak; Saripuddin Kasim (Secretary), the Secretary General of the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry; Kamaruzaman Ampon (Commissioner) the vice-chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah; Herman Luping (Commissioner) the former Sabah State Attorney General; KY Mustafa (Commissioner) the former Sabah State Secretary; and Henry Chin Poy Wu (Commissioner) the deputy chairman of the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation.

The eight Terms of References include:
1) To investigate the number of foreigners in Sabah given blue Malaysian ICs or citizenships;
2) To investigate if the award of such ICs or citizenships were according to the law;
3) To investigate if those given blue ICs, temporary identification receipts or citizenships through unlawful means have been registered in Sabah’s electoral roll;
4) To investigate if the authorities have taken any action or made improvements to standard operating procedures (SOPs), methods and regulations to prevent any
irregularities in accordance with the law;
5) To conduct a deeper probe into the SOPs, methods and regulations on the award of blue ICs or citizenships to foreigners in Sabah by taking into consideration international norms and standards that are applicable to Malaysia, and to recommend amendments or changes to improve current practices;
6) To investigate the reasons behind Sabah’s population growth according to the following categories:
a) Sabah citizens residing in the state, including those given blue ICs or citizenships through birth certificates (late registration);
b) foreign workers (including family members);
c) illegal immigrants (including family members); and
d) fugitives
and to study their impact on the number of those registered in the electoral roll;
7) To investigate the social implications on the Sabah community following the award of blue ICs or citizenships to foreigners in the state; and
8) To investigate the number of “stateless” foreigners in Sabah given blue Identity Cards or citizenships.

In conclusion, Project IC or otherwise known as “Project M” first begun in the early nineties when Umno decided that they are unable to depend on Sabahan politicians to win their elections for BN. United Sabah National Organization (USNO) was formed as a result of this long term planning and later BERJAYA took over the reins to spearhead BN’s charge to take total control of the state by means of mass immigration and migrant naturalization processes.

Between 1970 and 2000, Sabah’s population increased by 285%, whilst Malaysia's population increased by only 113%. Furthermore, the Kadazan/Dusun/Murut people
increased by 236% as compared to the increase of “Other Bumiputras” by a whopping 631%.

Fact: “Senior citizens (in Sabah) who lose their MyKads are given the MyPR as replacement”…as quoted by NRD Kota Kinabalu.
Fact: Senior citizens in Sabah who has to mandatory change their blue ICs (to MyKads) will sometimes be given the MyPR as replacement. NRD Kota Kinabalu fails to specify under what circumstances or situation will this occur.
Fact: 65,000 Filipino refugees were issued the IMM13 refugee documents in the 1970s.
Fact: In 2008, the federal government stated that 65,000 Filipino refugees were again issued the IMM13 refugee documents that year (coincident?)
Fact: Children of intermarriages between local natives are classified as sino-indigenous and not indigenous people. However, children of marriages between “Other Bumiputras” and foreigners are automatically Bumiputras.
Fact: Any foreigner qualifies for the MyKad if he or she exhibit mastery of Bahasa Malaysia.
These foreigners should however show evidence that they qualify to be classified under the “Other Bumiputra” category first…

If Malaysians of Chinese descent who is born here are called Pendatangs, what do you call those who were born elsewhere but just obtained their MyKads because they can speak BM?

Indian Army's Growing Morale Problems

These guys look pretty sharp

(Asia Sentinel) Low pay, incompetent leaders, other problems, lead to fragging, suicides
Rising incidents of violent face-offs between officers and soldiers in the Indian Army are becoming a cause for worry. The reasons relate to harsh service conditions, risk to life and limb, low pay, incompetent leadership and a culture of humiliation of enlisted men by their officers.

At least three incidents of violence have been reported in the recent past, prompting the defense minister, A.K Antony, and Army top brass to conduct brainstorming sessions to prevent such occurrences from turning into a wider trend. By one count, four times as many soldiers die by their own hand as those killed in combat. In the past 10 years, more than 1,000 soldiers have committed suicide, while another 73 have died of “fragging,” a Vietnam War term born of the practice of disaffected US enlisted men killing their superiors with fragmentation grenades.

The latest incident took place at Samba in Jammu & Kashmir and was triggered by the suicide of a jawan, or low-ranking enlisted man. In April, a jawan turned his rifle on four of his comrades and killed them after being given what was perceived as a humiliating dressing-down by superior office. In May, a violent incident took place in Ladakh, while a similar fracas happened in June last year in Punjab.

Last week, Antony publicly expressed concern about the brawls in the first official acknowledgement of the government’s worry over the issue.

“Each incident is a matter of concern to me but armed forces are better trained to handle such situations. They are handling it in their own way. I also had a brief discussion with the Army chief and they are handling it,” Antony said.

Statistical evidence of suicides and fragging in the 1.1-million strong Indian army points to growing levels of frustration among the jawans. In 2003-5, suicides hovered around the 100 mark. They rose dramatically over the next three years to touch 150 in 2008. Since then the number of suicides has gone down but remains over 100 every year. At last count, 26 soldiers had died so far in 2012.

Multiple reasons have been attributed for the discontent. According to studies by the Defense Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), the major causes of suicides in the army were domestic problems, marital discord, stress and financial problems, with soldiers serving far from home and unable to return to their families to solve the issues. Antony recently quoted the report in the Lok Sabha, or lower house of Parliament.

Psychological aspects relate to the Army being increasingly deployed in low-intensity but long-running and intractable conflict zones in the northeast, Jammu & Kashmir and lately extended to regions afflicted by leftist Maoist rebellions. Rather than being deployed to prevent or fight a war, the army is too often bogged down in domestic insurgencies, guarding its borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh and sometimes being required to bring civilian riots under control. That has created a peculiar situation in which defense forces must deal with multiple goals of eliminating the enemy while ensuring safety and retaining popular support of civilian population.

An Army jawan trained for all-out war situations is often found wanting in handling the emotional animosities of local populations that perceive security forces as instruments of state oppression and interference. In Kashmir, for example, even an inadvertent road accident could lead to riots across the state.

The same soldier ironically is feted by the country and turned into a hero when he succeeds, often posthumously or by sustaining grievous injuries, in killing terrorists, as happened during the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008 or fighting against a foreign enemy during the 1999 high-altitude Kargil conflict in the mountainous border between Pakistan and India, dubbed the world’s highest war.

In fact, along with the army, growing incidence of suicides is being recorded in the paramilitary forces the Central Reserve Police Force or the Border Security Force, which are also deployed in high risk internal conflict areas. The economic factors too cannot be ignored.

The bulk of jawans continue to volunteer for duty from rural areas that are undergoing rapid change due to the effects of urbanization and industrialization. A decade back an Army man’s job was eulogized by folks back home for the sacrifices involved and economic stability that a regular military salary provided.

Today the cost of living has risen much more than the wage increments. Given increased land prices and other avenues of income, the army has lost some of its sheen as a sought-after employer. A recent comment in the Indian media reads:

“An objective review of the manner in which the pay, allowances and status of the military have been lowered over the last two decades reveals some startling facts. The average 'fauji' (soldier) retires at a much younger age than the civilian counterpart who serves up to age 60. Many anomalies abound.”

Indeed, it is important for New Delhi to closely look for solutions to pre-empt the disgruntlement among the jawans turning alarming levels. There are already rising instances of industrial unrest in India.

Dissatisfied workers of car manufacturer Maruti brutally assaulted management cadres recently, killing a senior executive and injuring several others. The Maoist violence in large tracts of Central and Eastern India is linked to mining companies exploiting the local tribal populations resulting in deep grievances.

Unlike its neighbors Pakistan, Bangladesh or Nepal, the Indian army has remained largely apolitical and has worked well under civilian political leadership since India’s independence in 1947. The Indian jawan deserves his due.

(Siddharth Srivastava is a New Delhi-based journalist. He can be reached at sidsri@yahoo.com)

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MIC Welcomes PSC Announcement To Increase Indian Participation In Civil Service

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- MIC on Wednesday welcomed the announcement by the Public Services Commission (PSC) chairman , Tan Sri Mahmood Adam, that the PSC would look at ways to increase the number of Malaysian Indian counter staff and officers at government offices from 1,000 at present to about 3,000 people.

Its president, Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, said since taking the helm of the party, he had made numerous requests to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to increase the representation of Indians in the civil service and in its promotion exercise.

"The Prime Minister has also given a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) to increase the Indian's intake into the government service. Based on this, I had met the relevant agencies to discuss the increase in the intake," he said in a statement, here, today, commenting on Mahmood's statement in his interview with The Star yesterday.

Among others, the PSC Chairman was reported as saying that more non-bumiputras will be appointed as frontline counter staff at government offices nationwide.

Palanivel also thanked the Prime Minister for the move to increase Indian frontline counter staff at government offices nationwide which was an initial step toward achieving the seven percent target of Indians being recruited in the government service.

Two Couples Held For Impersonating Enforcement Officers, Two Fake Pistols Seized

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- Two married couples believed to have posed as enforcement officers were detained with two fake pistols for criminal purposes in two separate raids in Ampang, here, yesterday.

Ampang police chief, ACP Amiruddin Jamaluddin said in the first raid at 12.30pm in Jalan Memanda, police detained a married couple aged 41 and 27, and found a fake pistol, two Customs authority cards, a military identity card, a Crime Prevention Charity Council authority card and a Perak State Sports Council card.

"Also found was 0.18 gm of syabu, believed for their own use," he told a press conference at the Ampang Jaya district police headquarters Wednesday.

Amiruddin said police later detained their friends, also a husband and wife, aged 39, at a house in Ukay Perdana at 11pm and seized a similar fake pistol, handcuffs, taser and face masks.

"With the arrest of the four individuals, police believe they have solved several cases of impersonating enforcement officers," he said.

Where to, Nasharudin?

Former Pas deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa’s recent public appearances with BN leaders have set tongues wagging.

Nasharudin appeared on television news yesterday reportedly asking Pas to leave Pakatan if DAP was adamant about opposing hudud.

Images are also being circulated apparently of him in Mecca seated on the floor next to Najib during a talk

In May, Muhyiddin, Nazri, Khairy and Hasan Ali were reportedly among those who attended Nasharudin’s daughter’s wedding in Bangi. (See NST report and photo.)

Nasharudin was in the forefront of the aborted Umno-Pas unity talks. But his star within the party has faded since Mat Sabu was elected as Pas deputy president.

A grassroots source in Pas told me this morning that top party leaders were uneasy with Nasharudin’s overtures.

The source added that sections in Kelantan too would be uncomfortable if the Bachok MP were to be fielded again under the party banner in the coming election.

The KL Pos website seems to confirm this sentiment when it reported that Kelantan Pas Youth had called for Nasharudin to state his stand. “If he is not interested in being with Pas, it would be more appropriate for him to resign as MP of Bachok than to betray the trust of the people of Bachok in the last general election,” the Kelantan Pas Youth secretary Mohd Nuri Mat Yaacob was reported as saying.