Malaysian population in 1949

4 get prestigious 2016 Merdeka award

They include pioneer filmmaker L Krishnan.

KUALA LUMPUR: Pioneer filmmaker Lakshmanan Krishnan was among the four outstanding individuals who received the prestigious 2016 Merdeka Award tonight.

He was selected in the education and community category for his outstanding contribution to laying the foundation for the modern film industry in the country.

It was also for his instrumental role in developing early acting talents, including Malaysian film icon P Ramlee, and laying the foundation for the modern film industry in Malaysia.

Three other recipients were pro-chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Dr Salleh Mohd Nor for the environment category and distinguished Prof Dr Looi Lai Meng for the health, science and technology category.

Meanwhile, professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Prof Dr Wan Ramli Wan Daud was selected for the outstanding scholastic achievement category.

The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, who is the Merdeka Award Trust royal patron, presented each recipient a Merdeka Award trophy, a Merdeka artwork by local artist Latiff Mohidin and RM500,000 at the ceremony held at the Malaysian Philharmonic Hall here.

Present were the Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, Petronas chairman Sidek Hassan, as well as president and group chief executive officer Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin.

More than 700 guests attended the presentation ceremony.

The nomination and selection that begins in January every year, focuses on achievements.

This year’s ceremony marks the completion of the rigorous annual Merdeka Award nomination and selection process, both in Malaysia as well as internationally, to identify outstanding Malaysians and non-Malaysians, who have contributed to the nation.

The Merdeka Award was established on Aug 27, 2007 to recognise and reward excellent individuals and organisations whose works and achievements have not only contributed to the nation’s growth but have also inspired greatness in the people of Malaysia.

It is a prestigious award that honours their outstanding efforts and role in living the “Merdeka” spirit.

Is the Indian Blueprint another promise?

The Indian Development Blueprint is in the making now.

I was one of the invitees in the panel discussion for this agenda.

A blueprint is a plan. In this context, it is a plan/target/guideline for the development of Indian Malaysian. YBhg Thasleem Mohd Ibrahim questioned the panel members on the whereabouts of his and the late K Pathmanaban’s blueprints. I wonder the same. What happened to them? Have we achieved our target? I have never seen one, have we been propelling without a direction all this while, if not, where is it?

MIC could have launched a site for all Indians to contribute their ideas and suggestions just like what was done by Najib Abdul Razak before presenting Budget 2017. It would have given every Indian Malaysian a fair chance of voicing out their opinion , even those Indian Malaysians who are residing overseas at the moment. It wasn’t implemented and the invitation to the panel discussion was only sent to about 100 plus people from various NGOs and agencies.

We have so many productive young bloods who are eager to tell you how things can be sorted for betterment and yet, there is no platform for them.

The panellists did not discuss any specific topic or debate on suggestions that came in from participants; they only presented on their achievements. No presentation on their vision planning for National Transformation 50 (TN50) or at least another 10 years in line. They also did not discuss the setbacks that they have faced and how they are planning to prevent it in future. Isn’t that a crucial component to analyse before renewing a blueprint?

Upon arriving, we were told that the framework has been done and they are looking for additional inputs - I lost my enthusiasm. If it has been drafted, why wasn’t it shared via email to all the invitees, we could have had a very productive discussion that afternoon. We would be aware of your plans and areas that needs improvisation. Wouldn’t that also promote transparency? I felt wasted.

We have written many articles on areas to look into for Tamil schools and Indian development;

Tamil school development

Bahasa Malaysia; Changing threat into treat for SJKT
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/bahasa-malaysia-changing-threat-into-treat-for-sjkt/
Better choices after SPM
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/better-choices-after-spm/
Students safety is no joke
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/students-safety-is-no-joke/
Hindu NGO proposes “MRSM like” Tamil schools
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/hindu-ngo-propose-mrsm-like-tamil-schools/#.V8VGnBf3a6w.facebook
Tamil schools; your contribution counts
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/tamil-schools-your-contribution-counts/#.V8QNVjf5AU8.facebook
Where are we heading with Tamil schools?
http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/342959

Indian development
Need for an Indian agenda
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/need-for-an-indian-agenda/
Budget 2017; Checklist for MIC
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/budget-2017-checklist-for-mic/#.V7bg5jdabP8.facebook
Indians in your manifesto for GE14
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/indians-in-your-manifesto-for-ge14/#.V4w_-Qqclu8.facebook
Indians in your manifesto for GE14
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/indians-need-new-economic-policy-to-be-independent/#.VwipZwyD4NI.facebook
Indians need new economic policy to be independent
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/indians-need-new-economic-policy-to-be-independent/#.VwipZwyD4NI.facebook
Wake up call for Indians in the government sector
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/wake-up-call-for-indians-in-the-govt-sector/#.VvSm-XsGG9A.facebook
Additional TV channel in RTM solely for Malaysian Indians
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/additional-tv-channel-in-rtm-solely-for-indian-community/#.V3m7v7CmP-w.facebook
SEED; No push back
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/seed-no-push-back/
PM, push MIC for overhaul
http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/359450#.WAXDVXEHGfU.facebook
MIC in real action
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/mic-in-real-action/
4 mil Malaysian Indians by 2025
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/4-million-malaysian-indians-by-2025/
Enact or lose confidence
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/enact-or-lose-confidence/
Power to make changes in the wrong hands
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/power-to-make-changes-is-in-the-wrong-hands/
MIC can do better
http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/mic-can-do-better/

These are articles that we have written in 2016 alone and we have addressed countless issues in our articles. There are suggestions in each article although the title might not sound relevant to the blueprint. We have written many more, but those are directed to PM himself in improving on his administration, thus are not included here.

Read and grab my points, its impossible to let you know all these within an hour of open discussion slot at your blueprint meeting. That is why a ‘suggestion site’ is important.

Among all the articles that we wrote, I would like to specially highlight on the first article ‘Need for an Indian agenda’ - this is a compulsory component if you are serious about increasing the Indian equity by 2020 - or even 2025 now.

The establishment of a Malaysian Indian Investment Holdings ( MIIH ). We submitted the proposal to the then-minister in the PM’s Department during one of our events in the Royal Selangor Club and there has been no feedback till now. It has to co-exist together with SEED and SEDIC to ensure a balanced growth.

We don’t wish to claim ownership, we want this to be executed and serve the poor and needy. Grab the framework and work on it. The only thing that we demand is transparency, whatever you do, publish and keep us in the loop.

The PM in his speech at MIC’s recent AGM mentioned that there is “pushback” from the Indian community in almost any plans that he tries to carry out for us. Isn’t surprising? When we have so many people voicing out their dissatisfaction over insufficient aid and attention from government, how can there be a “pushback” from the community towards government initiatives? Something is wrong in between.

YB Dr S Subramaniam, you must take full responsibility and step down from your health minister position temporarily for at least six months to sort things out in MIC; completion and approval of blueprint from PM and fixing the pushback. How long are we going to just talk and fight for Tamil schools, temples, and now, crematorium sites in AGM, blueprint discussion, etc?

Fifty-nine years is not sufficient to sort out basic matters yet? MIC must create a platform to engage our people with top leaders in the government like Ali Hamsa and Irwan Serigar Abdullah. 1MINE held an event with Irwan last year pertaining the future of the ringgit in this country and participants were pleased with his very friendly gesture and willingness to help Indian Malaysians in business.

YB Subra, prove your commitment to our community and take the effort to keep MIC relevant. We are tired of just talk of blueprint but not being able to witness anything related to it; launch the site and let us know what is being planned and can be expected from your end.

We are tired of repeated empty promises.
_____________________________________________________________________
S GOPINATH is president of the Malaysian Indian Network of Entrepreneurs Association (1MINE).
indianmalaysians

This part was censored in Msia

This part was censored in Msia

‘Joining PAS makes you a better Buddhist, Christian or Hindu’

PAS supporters’ wing representative Balachandran GK wows the crowd at the party’s muktamar with his address, peppered with Islamic terms and even a quote from the Quran.

PENGKALAN CHEPA: PAS is not just for Muslims and can help its Buddhist, Christian and Hindu members to become better adherents of their faith, says PAS Supporters Congress Information Chief Balachandran GK.

In his address at PAS’s 62nd muktamar today, Balachandran explained that the Islamic values inculcated by the PAS leadership enhanced the understanding of one’s own religious values, making non-Muslim members better persons.

Balachandran also hit out at MIC President Dr S Subramaniam over his quit threat in relation to the proposed amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965.

He said it showed Subramaniam was weak and did not understand the issue.

“If he does not understand the issue, he can call us. We can teach Subramaniam about Islam if he does not understand.”

Following the tabling of the bill last month, Subramaniam, together with MCA President Liow Tiong Lai and Gerakan President Mah Siew Kong, said they will quit their Cabinet posts in the event the bill is passed in Parliament.

Balachandran, who wowed delegates with his speech, peppered with Islamic terms and even a quote from the Quran, said PAS’s strength was not the now defunct Pakatan Rakyat, but Islam, and this was why the party could go it alone.

He also said that race should not be the basis for any political party’s struggle and it was important to understand each other’s religions.

“We are with PAS as it is a party based on Islam,” he said, adding that Islam was fair.

“Hidup Melayu (Long Live Malays) does not guarantee safety, Hidup Islam (Long Live Islam) guarantees safety for all,” he said to cheers from the delegates.

This is why, he said, it was important for the PAS leadership to include the supporters’ wing in its activities so that the non-Muslims could see that PAS was meant for all.

Good Samaritan saves mother and daughter on KTM Komuter

PETALING JAYA: A Good Samaritan came to the aid of a woman and her daughter, protecting the two from a group of robbers on the KTM Komuter train.

In a Facebook post, Reena Peter claimed that she was set on by a group of young thugs while travelling via Komuter to KL Sentral on Saturday evening.

The boys, she claimed, had attempted to rob Reena and her daughter in the train, which was emptier than usual.

However, the robbery was thwarted by the Good Samaritan.

In an attempt to save Reena and her daughter, the man engaged in a fight with the mob and knocked out the leader of the group.

After the fight, the thugs got left at the next station. However, Reena and her daughter, who were in shock, did not have time to say thank you to their saviour.

Not wanting to let the good deed go unnoticed, Reena shared her experience and expressed her appreciation to the man in a Facebook post.

Her post has since been shared over 300 times.

Below is her recollection of the encounter:

“First I would thank the guy in the above picture for saving my daughter and me. This (Saturday) evening my daughter and I were travelling to KL Sentral. Since it’s a Saturday, there were less people in the KTM.

“A gang of boys came to us and knowing we were alone, started to misbehave with my daughter and me. They even threatened us and asked us to give them all of our money and phones. The guy in the photo attached came in like an angel and fought with the mob.

“The head of the mob collapsed and the rest got down at the next point with their head. We were in an a trauma after the attack and were not able to ask this angel’s name or say thank you. But my daughter got his picture on her mobile. If any one know this guy please share that Ms Reena and her daughter said thanks.”

Attempts to reach Reena for further comment have been unsuccessful.

The Star is also working on identifying the Good Samaritan.

Ugly secret of beauty clinic

BUKIT MERTAJAM: A health and aesthetic beauty clinic in Icon City here has been temporarily closed down by the state Health Department.

An enforcement team led by health inspector Dr Koo Jian Wei sealed off the premises after finding that it was not a registered clinic in a two-hour raid yesterday.

The clinic had displayed on its front glass panel that it provided medical services such as health screening, vaccinations, immunisation, pregnancy tests, wellness treatments, alternative medicine and even minor surgery.

The closure was done under Section 4(1) of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998, which specifies that no one can run a private medical clinic unless it is registered with the Health Ministry.

The team also seized equipment and medical supplies from the clinic.

When contacted, Penang Health director Datuk Dr Zailan Adnan said the raid was conducted following complaints and tip-offs from the public.

Under Section 91 of the same act, the seal will be removed if the licence or certificate of registration of the clinic can be produced within 21 days.

RAPAT kecewa IGP ambil remeh kes pecah kuil di Ipoh

Uncle: Doctors delayed certifying Tinasha's death

The family of deceased teenager G Tinasha claim that her suffering was prolonged as doctors purposely kept her on life support despite knowing she was brain dead.

The 14-year-old passed away in Petaling Jaya's Assunta Hospital on Nov 21 last year after being admitted on Nov 16 for a fever.

Her death was shrouded in controversy with the family alleging medical staff were negligent in preventing her death and then delaying in confirming her death.

They said after pressing several months for the detailed medical report, they finally received it three weeks ago and were shocked to learn the brain death test was done thrice on Tinasha, although the Malaysian Medical Council’s (MMC) guideline calls for only two.

It states that a person should be declared brain dead after two tests done for ‘Brain Death Certification’ with the second six hours after the first.

The guideline also states that a “person certified to be brain dead is dead” and “the non-recognition either through ignorance or choice” can be construed as unethical.

“If the law states that after the second test she should be declared dead, why didn’t they do so? It is unfair to us to keep her alive even when she was gone,” said Tinasha’s uncle, I Ramesh.

"We believe the doctors could have prolonged certifying her death," he added.

Tinasha’s mother, I Uthayabavani (left), said the family had no idea the second and third tests were administered until they received the medical reports.

She and Ramesh were speaking at a press conference today at their home in Petaling Jaya.

She added the family has already lodged a complaint with the Private Practice Control Unit (CKAPS) under the Health Ministry and also the MMC.

The MMC has fixed a hearing on Tinasha’s case for April 16 to probe the matter further.

Up in arms

Tinasha’s family are also up in arms over not having received their daughter’s post-mortem certificate despite it being almost four months since her death.

“Every time we ask, they tell us it is further delayed by several weeks. We have already gone there a couple of times already,” Ramesh told reporters.

Meanwhile, the family also alleged that the hospital bill of over RM50,000 charged to the girl’s insurance company contained extra charges for procedures and drugs that were not administered.

“Some of the medicines that we were being charged were not even given by the doctors to her. The same goes for some of the procedures we saw in the itemised bill,” alleged Uthayabavani who claimed she was with Tinasha (right) the whole time during the ordeal.

They said they found discrepancies in the types of medicines that was given to her and the amount for with they were charged as compared to prices outside.

They also alleged for some of the procedures billed, they had no recollection of the doctors administering them,adding when they consulted their own doctors, they were told they were unnecessary.

The family has already lodged a formal complaint with the insurance company to investigate the discrepancies and were told the process would take a month to complete.

CEO denies accusations

When asked if the family was going to pursue the issue and sue the hospital, the family said a legal suit would only be the last resort.

“We are not in it for the money [...] we want to utilise available avenues first for our case to be heard. Suing will not get the case anywhere.

“Let our daughter’s death be a sacrifice so that it can shed light on the various issues surrounding it so that no other family has to go through it,” said a grieving Uthayabavani.

Assunta Hospital chief executive officer Peter Leong when contacted today, denied the accusations of negligence and instead encouraged the family to go through proper channels if they were unhappy with the treatment Tinasha received.

“If they do have any such allegations, they can lodge a complaint and let the Health Ministry or MMC investigate,” he said.

Non-Muslims should also be allowed to give out their holy books, says civil society group

The move to distribute one million translated copies of the Quran for free should be accepted as a gesture to promote cross-cultural understanding and enhance unity, said a civil society group, pointing out that other religious bodies should also be allowed to do the same.

The Centre For A Better Tomorrow (Cenbet) co-president Gan Ping Sieu said in the spirit the "principle of mutuality" and for educational purposes, other religious bodies should be encouraged to distribute copies of their holy books or religious literature.

"Despite living alongside each other for close to 60 years since independence, we are shamefully ignorant of each others' beliefs and practices. Such ignorance breeds contempt and suspicion. As a result, we collectively become susceptible to fear-mongers and those who fan religious hatred.

"But if we are grounded on basic knowledge of others' beliefs and traditions, we are less likely to develop prejudice against those who are different from us.

“On the contrary, we may learn to appreciate the beauty in other faiths, which is useful in helping peel off layers of suspicion or prejudice some of us have built up over the years," he said in a statement today.

Gan said government agencies at both federal and state levels should adopt a holistic approach in educating people of all major faiths and their respective histories.

He said such efforts should be in accordance to Article 11 (4) of the Federal Constitution, which allows the state to restrict or control the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam.

As such, he said the Attorney-General Chambers can draw up guidelines, after consultation with various religious bodies, on the dos and don'ts of such educational efforts.

This include the correct and respectable way in handling holy books which he said would prevent people to claim ignorance on where to draw the line between "educational" and "proselytising".

He said the relevant religious authorities should also have dialogues with interfaith council – Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) – as well as other religious bodies to find out their grievances and address their concerns.

A message circulated through social media and on messaging app WhatsApp had said non-Muslims should not accept a copy of the Quran because "the minute you do, you will have to fill in a form claiming it just for record purposes, but actually they will track you down and convert you or change your records stating that you are a Muslim”.

“Be reminded that the Quran is their holy book and it’s not to be touched by others and once it’s in our possession we can't dispose (of) it or put it anywhere because it’s considered as a holy book. Please be safe and exercise your rights and politely reject it," the message read.

The message also said the project to distribute a million free copies of the translated Quran had already started in Klang.

But two groups, the Malaysia Reverted Muslims (MRM) and the Islamic Information and Services Foundation which produced translation of the Quran, have both denied handing out the texts to non-Muslims in Klang.

On February 9, the MCCBCHST urged non-Muslims not to accept the free Qurans.

The council said it rejected the project aimed at reducing misconceptions and Islamophobia.

It added that the actual intention appeared to be propagation of Islam and while Malaysia's laws did not allow non-Muslims to proselytise to Muslims, there were no laws banning Muslims from doing otherwise.

However, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) had said non-Muslims can return copies of the Quran after accepting them and it is also untrue that they will be converted to Islam just by filling up a form.

Race and religious relations have frayed further after the general election GE13 last year when the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) blamed its heavy losses on the Chinese minority, fuelled by Malay-Muslim groups that seek more puritanical Islamic laws across Malaysia.

Malay rights groups like Perkasa and Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia had claimed that Malay rights were being threatened but their often inflammatory statements and actions had been denounced by moderate Malaysians, including Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup who had said their actions went against the very values that the nation was founded upon.

Critics have also accused prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak of pandering to conservative views in his party, Umno, so as to remain in power.

Amid worsening race and religious relations in Malaysia, a group of 25 prominent Malays comprising retired high ranking civil officials had published an open letter asking for a rational dialogue on the position of Islam in a constitutional democracy.

Besides garnering support from 22 Muslim activists and 93 civil society groups, the open letter has inspired Malaysians, fed up with fraying race and racial relations, to start similar petitions online. – March 3, 2015.

Dad shocked at son’s excellent STPM results

Father says the Form Six student was too involved in football and had to be reminded to concentrate on his studies.

FMT

KUANTAN: K Mathavan was shocked to see his son Kabilan named one of Pahang’s excellent students in the Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) because there were times when the second child of three had to be reminded to pay less attention to football.

“He loves football, especially if Manchester United is playing. He not only watches football, but also plays in the evenings,” he said. Kabilan, a student of SMK Ketari, Bentong, said he was quite “scared” to get the results, as he had obtained a C in geography in the second and third semesters.

“I was disappointed when I got the C grade. But I decided to meet my teachers and discuss how I could improve my grades. I did not expect to get an A in my final results,” said the student who received an Accumulative Credit Point Average (CGPA) of 4.0.

Kabilan’s sister, who is studying in Form Four, felt challenged to emulate Kabilan’s success.

“We are always competing in everything…and now he has a reason to “talk big” about his success. I have to listen about him until I get similar results,” Kaarrtini, 16, said.

A student of SMK Muadzam Shah, Rompin, Khamisah Ismail, 20, did not let her routine of helping her mother Rosidah Rasman, 43, sell nasi lemak be a deterrent to getting a 4.0 CGPA in her STPM after she got 9As in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).

She said, as the eldest of three siblings, she had to help her mother prepare the ingredients for the dish as soon as she reached home from school, while her mornings began at 5am when she had to help her mother at the stall near their house in Ladang Rompin, near here.

– BERNAMA

Father missing since Jan 2013; family demands answer

'Two years, and no info if dad's dead or alive'

A frustrated son has turned to Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar for help after police failed to solve the mystery of his father, who has been missing for almost two years.

T Rajev lamented that the Kajang district police headquarters was not serious in finding his 46-year old father S Tharmalingam, as it has been passing the case around, among different investigating officers.

"My family and I have suffered as we do not know the fate of our father and the police are not serious in finding him," Rajev said after submitting a memorandum of appeal to the federal police headquarters at Bukit Aman this afternoon.

He was assisted by Suaram coordinator Tarmizi Anuwar, who said he hoped the memorandum would prompt the police to be more serious in this investigation.

Rajev (right) said his family could not contact his father since Jan 7, 2013, and he finally lodged a police report on April 1 that year, after returning from his studies in India.

He lodged the police report after they were forced to break into Tharmalingam’s house, where they discovered it to be in a mess, with bank documents relating to certain individuals left behind.

These information, Rajev said, was passed to the police but their investigation had been slow and constantly changed hands.

He claimed the investigating officers gave various excuses, including being on courses, or having other cases to handle.

"Don't give excuses, such as the investigation is being conducted in stages, as police have had almost two years to investigate.

"Give us the final word on whether our missing father is still alive or otherwise," he said.

Muslim boy 'forced' to lodge report against Hindu dad

A 14-year-old schoolboy has alleged that he was locked up in a room in an Islamic missionary centre in Negri Sembilan for more than three hours.

S Thiyaggurudeen said he was locked up before being forced by two of his teachers to lodge a police report against his Hindu father, who is trying to change the boy's religion from Islam to Hindu.

The boy, who goes to a school near Port Dickson said two Muslim teachers took him out of the school on Feb 13 and made him drink some 'air penawar' before forcing him to sign the police report blindly.

He was forced to sign the police report against his father at the Lukut police station, the boy said.

In Malay traditions, 'air penawar' commonly refers to water which is prayed over giving it healing properties.

He related this in a police report he lodged on Feb 17 on the incident, sent to Malaysiakini by PKR leader S Jayathas.

The boy said he was taken to the missionary centre where he was grilled for more than three hours by a group who claimed to be Islamic affairs department officers.

He was eventually rescued by his father who managed to track down the boy's whereabouts.

The teenager is still listed as a Muslim on his MyKad identity card although his father is a Hindu and his mother an Indonesian Muslim.

His father, S Ganesan, had applied to the Syariah Court to change his son's religion but was told he needed to wait until the boy is 18 years of age to obtain his consent.

Hindu, Muslim, back to Hindu

Ganesan said the police report the two teachers forced his son to sign alleged that Ganesan had been physically abusing the boy since 2012 to ensure the boy left Islam.

"Until now, I have not received an explanation from the school as to why the teachers acted in such a manner," an unhappy Ganesan told Malaysiakini.

Ganesan himself was once Muslim. He converted to Islam when he married a Muslim woman in 1982 but was successful with his apostasy application in 1987 along with his wife and three kids.

His second wife, an Indonesian Muslim, left for Indonesia with the couple's second child after divorcing him.

Thiyaggurudeen is the eldest child from Ganesan's second marriage and has faced problems with his identity card and birth certification ever since.

Ganesan tracked down his son after being tipped off by a security guard at his son's school.

Both the teachers, when confronted, denied any suggestion that they took the boy anywhere, Ganesan said.

Teachers or religious officials?

"About three weeks before the incident, the school had acknowledged my request not to teach my son Islamic Studies after I explained his status and his situation to them," he further said.

Ganesan said he lodged a police report regarding his son's ordeal on the night of Feb 13, while Thiyaggurudeen lodged his own police report at the Seremban police station on Feb 17.

Jayathas said that the teachers had acted in an "improper manner" by bringing the child about without the father's consent.

"There is rule of law in this land. There is no need for teachers to behave like religious officials," he said.

10 reasons why Indians beat their wives... in chess

I admit, that line was used by a major advertiser earlier (in just about the only ad that an Indian features). You see, we live in a world of stereotypes. When I write my articles, I deliberately make it controversial (much to the trepidations of the editors). After all, if you write and nobody reads, then you can consider it a ‘syiok sendiri’ piece.

Whenever I post my thoughts, I will get a barrage of comments, both in support and sometimes I appear to hit some raw nerves. Ahh... but that's the objective of a good writer, yes? After all, how interesting would an RTM2 news type be to the average reader.
                      
Let's face it, in Malaysia, the Indians occupy a unique position. They are not a majority in any polling districts but if memory serves me right, they can swing the votes from a BN to an opposition victory in at least 28 constituencies. Now the present government has a majority of 44 seats, with almost 27 of the Indian-swinging seats going to BN in GE 2013. Wait, wait... see the last line of this article for the punchline.

Okay, I digress. Back to the “Kalingas”. Now I lumped all Indians into one group but we fellows are a finicky lot. So here's the top 10 reasons why we:

1. Look like an Indian, talk like an Indian but...

Some of the "Indians" will be offended when a Malayalee or Ceylonese, is called an Indian. Even though it's 2015, there remains a time-stuck group that still holds onto ancient customs and prejudices. In that group, the Ceylon Tamils (popularly known as kottes/Ceylonese in Malaysia) and the Malayalees (known as the mallus or "yellows") consider themselves elitist.

This is because in British rule, these two categories of Indians were the most educated (due to their ‘study first’ philosophy) and hence, the Brits placed them as estate managers, clerks and station masters, that is, in any position that a white man need not helm.

It was common till the late 1980s to see institutions like Sime Darby, Guthrie, KTM, Telekoms and LLN to be staffed at the senior level by either kottes or mallus. (Of course, the question of who is superior will make another story).

It must be remembered that while the Brits placed them there based on their qualification, these days "kulitfication" decides who sits there. As a result, you get madmen/racists/bigots helming senior positions. You can decide for yourself which system is better.

2. Consider a little ‘nip’ a welcoming thingy

Truth be said. Born as an Indian man in Malaysia now is really "suey". Unless you are good-looking like the Bangladeshis (and hence the Malay girls fall for them), if lucky, you will get to date an Indian girl from Batang Berjuntai.

Sorry lah, all the city-bred Indian girls will only "layan" the expatriates. If you don't believe me, go to Skybar and observe. Go on, try your luck. I'd always wondered in the 1980s why I, a (reasonably) good-looking professional witty Indian man could not attract the "tangachees" in Beetlenut but an ugly fat plumber from Newcastle was getting all the attention.

Of course, thanks to the Filipinas, all Indian (and most Punjabi) men no longer feel dejected. In fact, we are now the stars with honorary Philippine citizenship. Remember no Ceylonese or Mallu father is going to allow his high-class doctor/engineer/accountant/pengarah daughter to marry a Gaunder Indian gentleman, even if he was a successful but ugly lawyer like Indi Nadarajah or Alan Pereira.

Worse, if you were an ordinary TNB (yes, a few Indians are still there) meter reader. So what else do you do... if you were a professional with money, head to the Royal Selangor Club. If you were a scrap metal tycoon (and don't play play, many own Ferraris and Lambos), you head to Chakravathy.

And for the TNB meter-reader types, you can find us in Armada Hotel and Cobra Club in PJ. But all of us are united by Chivas and Johnny. When we are adequately inebriated, all our troubles seem so far away, like yesterday. So, in the end, given the lack of business opportunities, government positions and luck with women, all Indians find solace in Regal and Walker.

With these two best friends with us losers, now we rule the world better than Obama, sing better than Shah Rukh, fight better than Jet Li and look better than Brosnan. Hence, so we imbibe. Really, can you blame us?

3. Have an inferiority complex

It's true. See the above paragraphs. If you were not given any chances, pretty soon, you will think that there was something wrong with you instead. You see, we Indians have been forgotten when our stupid forefathers drafted the NEP.

Razak craftily looked after the Malays' interest while Sambanthan was probably too busy counting his son's dowry to be bothered about the Indians. He should have yelled and thrown tables and chairs (like done now) and made Razak and Dr Ismail agree to include the Indians in the NEP.

Then, with our Chinese brethren (thanks to Siew Sin who stayed awake and dished out contracts quickly), we too would have had the same opportunity to prosper in society. I am most upset because the Malays are always claimed as the poor when it really are the Indians and the Orang Asli who count as hardcore poor.

Just because Ananda, Gnanalingam, Arumugam, Tony Fernandes and AK Nathan are billionaires (and account for 99.9% of the Indian wealth), the other 1,987,423 Indians are forgotten when it comes to government assistance - unless it's election time or Merdeka Day when we get our 20 seconds of fame on TV.

Imagine, if we were treated equal, we would have gotten: free overseas education, cheap housing, extra classes to pass exams, subsidised loans, government  jobs, free shares, lower entry results to higher education, "park anywhere" on prayer time rights, virtually no speeding tickets and many more.

The least Sambathan could have done was to give an extra shot of Henessy to Tunku, he then may have voiced up for us. Contrast this with a recent comment by Najib that Indians are bumiputera. I better send in my request for some free shares before the extremist NGOs start to show their posteriors.

4. Are related to Michael Jackson

The world needs healing. Obama is half white and he is proud that he is black. But we Indians, are usually dark brown (if I said black, thousands of Nigerians in KL may be offended) and we apply the ‘Fair & Lovely’ cream so that we can become fairer.

Worse, I've actually heard non-Indian Malaysians say that the fair Indians are Ceylonese and Malayalees, and the darker ones are the "estate" type. It's amazing that after almost 60 years of Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka, with all the bulls**t slogans propagated by the politicians, the four major races (the Indonesians now outnumber Indian Malaysians) are no wiser as to each other's culture than we were in 1897.

It was proven when a government educational commission recently sent Thaipusam greetings to Buddhists. Well, you can see where our "world class" education has taken the society to. In Malaysia we excel by lowering the benchmark instead of upgrading our abilities.

Coming back to the colour bar, we Indians are somewhat cowed by our skin colour. Of course, there are some of us who have decided to become (rapper) BAD and now take on names like "Resh" (Suresh), Knife Andy (Kalliandy), Maran Sammy (Munnusamy) and Big Nate (Banganathan). It appears to me, nobody believes that it doesn't matter if you're black or white.

5. Are lawyers

There was a minister who encouraged the Malays to be like the Chinese who went into business and took risks. He also said don't be like the Indians who play safe and become lawyers and professionals.

As a professional in my sane years and then as a businessman in my foolish years (just for the record, I'm now retired with insanity), I've actually been in the full spectrum of "life" in Malaysia. I think I can speak with authority as I was a product of the "Malay" school (yes, from a kampong too), articled in a "Chinaman" firm with an Indian boss, mastered in a "White man's" society, worked in a cut-throat global business and finally retired to an Indian farm - I've been there all.

I think Indians have been gifted with the language skill that Bill himself would have been proud of. Also, we Indians can never tell a story without intrigues and diversions. There must always be a plot, motive (sorry, in Malaysia no need motive lah...) and a hero.

Move aside Barbara, call us the true romantist. Hence, if you want murder, mystery and a hero - alas, law is your calling Mr Watson. Now if they only allowed song as a defence, you could hear the defence in Anwar's case, may I venture, singing Shaggy's "It wasn't me".

And those are the top five reasons. Why only five and not 10 - hey, we Indians always exaggerate lah.

And the cliff-hanger results: If a clever Indian wanted to be deputy prime minister of Malaysia, (how do you think Nick Clegg, leader of the third largest party with 28% of the votes, became the deputy PM in UK?) all he has to do is to make sure, of the 27 king-making polling districts, 23 seats voted the other way.

Voila, Pakatan in power in GE14. No need to beg the Sabahans and Sarawakians. Aiya.

10 reasons why ‘puak Cina’ succeed in M’sia

 

SATIRE Since the Chinese in Malaysia have no testicles to decisively reprimand a certain minister for his racist rants, let me, an Indian Malaysian, remind them what being a Chinese is about.

At the outset, I got help for this article from one originally written by Dr Chan Lui Lee of Melbourne so 90 percent of the wisdom is his but 100 percent of the sarcasm is mine.

This is also meant to be a wake-up call for those who threaten everyone else (by using state machinery) and think that the country owes them a living and everyone else is a threat.

Just to get the readers into the mood, here's a famous song as a teaser.

Twenty years of crawling were bottled up inside him.
He wasn't holding nothing back - he let 'em have it all.
When Tommy left the bar room, not a Gatlin boy was standing.
He said, "This one's for Becky, as he watched the last one fall.
(And I heard him say,)
I promised you, Dad, not to do the things you've done
I walk away from trouble when I can
Now please don't think I'm weak, I didn't turn the other cheek,
And papa, I should hope you understand
Sometimes you gotta fight when you're a man.

- Kenny Rogers

Chinese people don't go about bombing, terrorising others and creating religious hatred. They don't enter into a country on the pretext of humanitarian reasons and then, try to take over the country by applying warped ideologies.

They don't impose "no go zones" for their hosts and don't demand separate laws for themselves. They don't hatch plots to kill non-believers nor do they harbour or finance such attempts.

They live peacefully with everyone on Earth and if you sent them to Mars, they will make it very liveable too. Take along the Indians too, then it would be a thriving technology-spurred economy.

Why do Chinese succeed in life?

Here is why the Chinese are welcomed almost anywhere:

1. There are over 1.4 billion Chinese on this earth. They are like (after all, all look the same) carbon copies of each other. You get rid of one, five magically appears (like ballot boxes in some countries).

They acknowledge that they are replaceable, they are not particularly 'special'. If you think they are smart, there are a few thousand more people smarter than them. If you think they are strong, there are a few thousand people stronger than them.

2. They have been crawling all over this earth for far more centuries that most (except for the other hardy people, the Indians) civilisations. Their DNA is designed for survival. They are like cockroaches. Put them anywhere on earth and they will make a colony and thrive.

They survive on anything around and make the best of it. In Klang, they threw pig parts into a broth to feed their coolie lot a 100 years ago and today it's a delicacy. Some keep migrating but others will stay and multiply.

3. Nobody cares if they succeed as individuals or not. But their families take pride in knowing they have succeeded. Yes, some will fail. They take nothing for granted. They don't expect privileges to fall on their laps. No one owes them anything.

4. They know they have nothing to lose if they try to succeed. They have no fear in trying. That is why Chinese are attracted to gambling. They thrive on taking risks. Winner takes all.

5. From young they are taught to count every cent. What they take for granted like money management, is not something other cultures practice at home with their children. (It didn't surprise me as I was like them too - some say I'm more Chinese than most Chinese).

But the truth is not all societies or cultures teach their young this set of survival skills because it is considered rude.

Yes, most of them can count wonderfully because they are forced to and the logic of money is pounded into them from the beginning of time (when mama tells them how much she has spent on milk and diapers). Nobody lowers the benchmark to allow them to "pass" Mathematics.

6. They acknowledge life cycles. They accept that wealth in a family stays for three generations. That, every fourth generation will have to work from scratch. That is, the first generation earns the money from scratch, second generation spends the money on education, third generation gets spoiled and wastes all the inheritance. Then they are back to square one.

Some families hang on to their wealth a little longer than most. I'm not sure where Yap Ah Loy's wealth is now but I sure hope his descendants are benefitting from it.

7. It is their culture to pressure the next generation to do better than the last. Be smarter. Be stronger. Be faster. Be more righteous. Be more pious. Be more innovative. Be more creative. Be richer. Be everything that you can be in this lifetime. And if you have some money, take it to the next life when you go.

8. Their society judges them by their achievements... and they have no choice but to do something worthwhile because Chinese New Year comes around every year and Chinese relatives have no qualms about asking them straight in their face - how much are you making? When was your last promotion? How big is your office? What car do you drive? Where do you stay?

You have boyfriend? You have girlfriend? When are you getting married? When are you having children? When is the next child? When you getting a boy? Got maid yet? Does your company send you overseas?

It never ends... so, they can't stop chasing the illusive train - they are damned to a materialistic society. If you are not Chinese, consider yourself unlucky.

9. They have been taught from young that if you have two hands, two feet, two eyes, and a mouth, what are you really doing with them? "People with no hands can do better than you!"

Chinese people never beg, they earn their living. They don't expect government contracts, they get it... well, with their hard-earned money. They sometimes buy it but that's economics.

10. Ironically, the Chinese also believe in giving back to save their rather materialistic souls. Balance is needed. The more their children succeed in life, the more their parents will give back to society as gratitude for the good fortune bestowed on their children.

Yes, that is true. See the Vincent Tans in Malaysia. And that is why Chinese society progresses in all environments.

Nobody pities them and they accept that. No one owes them anything and they know that. There are too many of them for charity to reach all of them and they acknowledge that. But that does not stop them from making a better life. Opportunity is as we make of it.

So, pardon them if they feel obliged to make a better place for themselves in this country we call home. They are not ‘puak pendatang’ and it is the same home as you and me. It is in their DNA to seek a more comfortable life. In whichever country they reside in.

But if history were to be our teacher, look around this globe. Almost every country has a Chinatown but how many government/countries are 'taken' over by the Chinese people.

Don't be afraid of them overwhelming your majority, they are not looking to conquer. China is probably the only major power (besides India) that didn't go on a crusade to further its boundaries and religion.

I think their real religion is money and there's no harm in that. The more money they make, the more to go around. Win-win for all.

If they have moved away from China and Chinese-governed countries, they are not looking for another country to administer. They are more interested in making money than to run a country, seriously.

Their representatives are only there to look after their collective welfare. I don't think a Chinese wants to be prime minister in Malaysia. He'll be better off being a business tycoon for sure.

They prefer to blend in and enjoy the fruits of their labour. They enjoy the company of like-minded people of all races. After all, just like you and me, they are only passing through a small period in the history of time... so, use their skills and we can all progress forward together.

Calling for a boycott of Chinese-owned business is not only foolish but in the end, self-destructive.

---

RAMESH RAJARATNAM is more offended than the Chinese by a recent racist rant by a minister and hopes to educate the masses for a win-win situation.

Government Committed To Work Together With Indian Community Based On 'Nambikei' - PM

Datuk Seri Najib Tun RazakKUALA LUMPUR, Feb 2 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Monday reiterated the government's commitment to stand by the Indian community and work together based on nambikei (trust) towards overcoming the challenges faced by the community.

The Prime Minister said the government is also committed to help the Indian community in achieving the success the community strives for.

Najib said this in his message in conjunction with the Thaipusam celebration tomorrow in his blog www.najibrazak.com.

"As our Hindu brothers and sisters observe this day by offering prayers of thanksgiving and fulfilling their vows at temples throughout the country, let us come together in solidarity to show our respect for each other's religious festivals," he said.

Najib said: "As the Malaysian Hindus mark the auspicious festival of Thaipusam, we are, once again reminded of our rich and diverse culture.

"As Malaysians, we are indeed blessed that people of different faiths and ethnicities live together in peace and harmony."

Thaipusam will be celebrated tomorrow nationwide. More than three million devotees, spectators and tourists, both local and foreign, are expected to converge at a few hot spots among them Batu Caves in Selangor and Waterfall Road in George Town, Penang.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin said Malaysia was fortunate that the majority of the people adopted a rational attitude even though there were elements out to destroy unity and cause racial discord in the country.

"We are also thankful because the people support the government's efforts to preserve the peace in the country using existing laws," he said in a statement in conjunction with Thaipusam.

On Thaipusam, Muhyiddin said he hoped Malaysian Hindus would further intensify efforts to enhance racial harmony, unity and patriotism besides contributing to national development and the people's wellbeing.

He said Thaipusam like other major festivals could be celebrated full of joy by not only Hindus but all Malaysians who loved peace, harmony and multi-racial unity.

He said large scale religious celebrations in the country were the manifestation of freedom of religion practised by the government and the people.

"Although Islam is recognised as the official religion of the federation and Muslims form the majority of the population, it does not negate the freedom of others to practise their own faiths.

"It is also the same with language, culture and customs. Each community is free to practice their own language, culture and customs without any restrictions," he said.

Muhyiddin said although this was taken for granted, these freedoms must be valued by Malaysians in this blessed land.

"In some contries, minorities are discriminated and their rights trampled on.

"But this does not happen in Malaysia. The rights and freedoms are protected by the Constitution and the country's laws," he said.

He said Malaysia was very blessed because of the tolerant nature of its multi-racial people which has been the case since the very beginning and had brought about the desired unity and harmony.

"This formula has been accepted since Merdeka (Independence). Its effectiveness is proven because Malaysia is a success story," he said.

Meanwhile, MIC President Datuk Seri G. Palanivel in his Thaipusam message urged those who are offering prayers of thanksgiving and fulfilling vows at temples to do so with calm and orderliness, given the big crowds expected at major temples like in Batu Caves, Penang and Ipoh.

He hoped devotees going to temples for prayers follow the guidelines set by the temple authorities to avoid unwanted incidents.

"I would like to take this opportunity to wish all devotees in Malaysia and all over the world a blessed Thaipusam," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Gov't gets three months' stay on Navin MyKad issue

The High Court has granted a conditional stay of three months, from today, for the National Registration Department and Home Ministry to get a decision on their application to appeal the court order granting teenager M Navin a MyKad.

The stay was granted by Justice Hue Siew Kheng in Kuala Lumpur today, on an application filed by the National Registration Department (NRD) and the Home Ministry.

"It is up to the Attorney-General's Chambers to push for an earlier date at the Court of Appeal," Justice Hue said in chambers.

Navin's lawyer Annou Xavier (left) told reporters outside court that should the AG's Chambers fail to get an early hearing date within the three months, the NRD would have to issue the MyKad to Navin.

In ordering the MyKad to be issued to Navin on Nov 25, Justice Hue said the decision of the NRD and ministry not to do so is unjustified.

Navin, 16, is of mixed Malaysian and Filipino parentage.

The NRD and the Home Ministry filed their notice of appeal against Justice Hue's decision last month.

Birth certificate revoked

It was reported that Navin was issued a Malaysian birth certificate and also an international passport, but the authorities revoked the birth certificate on July 21, 2010, based on Article 15A of the Federal Constitution.

They cited special circumstances on grounds that his father did not register his marriage.

As a result of this, Navin filed the originating summons application in December 2013, in which he sought a declaration that he is a Malaysian citizen and for the NRD to issue him a MyKad.

In her order to the NRD to issue the MyKad, Justice Hue said the NRD's first letter dated July 25, 2011, was unjust and too harsh in deciding not to issue citizenship on grounds of Article 15A of the Federal Constitution, following the father's failure to register his marriage.

“This is truly an error in law, as Article 18 of the Federal Constitution makes no reference to parents on whether they are legally married or not. It is irrelevant,” she said.

She further cited Article 7.1 of the United Nations' Convention of Rights of the Child, which states the child shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have the right from birth to a name, the right to acquire a nationality and. as far as possible, the right to know and be cared for by his or her parents.

Ponggal makes its mark in Sarawak

State minister urges more to join in for bigger celebrations next year.

FMT

KUCHING: The Tamil harvest festival, Ponggal, marked by the Malaysian Indian community at a special function at the Kuching Waterfront today received government encouragement for celebrations to be held every year.

State welfare, women and family development minister Fatimah Abdullah encouraged the organisers to come up with a bigger event next year, adding the state government was ready to encourage more non-governmental organisations to join in.

Fatimah lauded the event as this enabled social interaction to foster understanding among the various communities and pave the way for respect and harmony in a multi-racial country.

More than 108 people took part, most of whom gathered under the canopy to cook a sweet dish made of rice and milk.

Other activities at the celebration, held by the Sarawak chapter of the Malaysian Hindu Sangam, included cultural dance performances, a Kolam drawing demonstration and kabbadi games.

Malaysia Hindu Sangam president Mohan Shan said he was happy to see a large multi-racial turnout, despite the drizzling rain.

He said that among the functions of the Malaysia Hindu Sangam was the preservation of the culture and traditions of the Hindus and added that today’s event was a great achievement for the Indian community in Malaysia.

- BERNAMA