Volunteers keep Seaport Tamil school going

Left with just 28 students, former teachers have taken to guiding primary school students on a pro bono basis.
FMT FOCUS
PETALING JAYA: Despite their existence protected under the Federal Constitution, Tamil schools have always found themselves in a lurch due to lack of support from the government.

They used to number in the thousands but now there are only about 500 left after many rubber estates, which used to house vernacular schools, were taken away in the name of development.

One such school is the Sekolah Tamil Seaport, which is the only Tamil school remaining in Kelana Jaya.

In December last year, the school headmistress, under the instruction of the Education Ministry, took away all of the school amenities to a new one in Kampung Lindungan, about 4 kilometres away.

However, 28 of the 115 students have refused to move to the new school, and their parents and former students formed the ‘Save Our School SJK (T) Seaport Movement (SOSS)’.

For now, they have several former teachers guiding the remaining students, on a pro bono basis.

“I’m doing this to preserve the Tamil language and our culture,” said G Murugasu, one of the five teachers volunteering at the school.

Although the teachers do not have a fixed salary, parents have collected donations to contribute towards their daily expenses.

When FMT visited the school last week, only two teachers were present, as the rest were on leave.

“They have other commitments. We cannot force them because they are doing it on a voluntary basis,” said Murugasu, who retired from the service in 2002.

Asked if it was possible for one teacher to teach so many subjects, he said that it was a normal practice at several other Tamil vernacular schools.

“There are schools where the teachers teach various subjects. Here, our emphasis is on reading, writing, Mathematics and languages,” he said.

Touching on the forced closure of the school, an upset Murugasu said that the school must be allowed to continue its operations.

“Why should the school be closed? There are 30 students here and there is a building to cater to them.

“The new school (in Kampung Lindungan) can focus on the Indian community there,” said Murugasu, who used to teach at the Seaport Tamil school in the 90s.

‘Give back school’s operating license’

He also asked for the school’s facilities to be returned and urged the government to provide the necessary for the school to continue operating as usual.

A check by FMT found that the school library, sports facilities store and science laboratory were all left bare, possibly taken to the new school.

“Apart from this, students are deprived of text books, the RM100 book vouchers, Food Supplementary Programme (RMT) and milk scheme,” said Murugasu.

K Letchimy, who operates the school canteen, said she has three children studying the school and would not budge from her decision to keep them in the current school.

“We don’t want to transfer our kids as the school in Kampung Lindungan is a far from where we live,” said the 40-year-old Letchimy, who lives in Lembah Subang.

Letchimy also claimed that she was ‘harassed’ by the school headmistress who is now heading the Tamil school in Kampung Lindungan.

“The headmistress always calls, telling me if I transfer my children they will receive the RM100 book vouchers. But we don’t want it. I just want our children to be schooled here,” she said.

Asked if it was alright for one teacher to teach her children several subjects, Letchimy said she has no problems with that. “I have no qualms. My son who is in Year Six is a better student now.”

Malaysia Tamil School Boards president, R Kannan, pointed out that the new school, which was completed in December last year, is built on a one-acre land.

“This is contrary to PKNS’ promise that it will build a new school on a five-acre land. What difference can a one-acre land make? The so called improvement is only on paper,” he said.

On the school license being revoked, Kannan said it was daylight robbery.

“The school’s operating licence was taken away from this school. We are now requesting the Education Ministry to give back the operating licence,” said Kannan.

Kannan, who is also part of the SOSS, is also requesting the Selangor state government to gazette the land to the school as promised in 2008.

Last week, several parents from the school submitted a memorandum to the United Nations (UN) and Suhakam in an effort to retain the old school.

The school, which was taken over under the name of development by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) in 1965, was founded about 80 years ago.

The Education Ministry has said that it would not recognise the 28 students if they continue studying in the old school, including the six students who are due to sit for UPSR later year.

SOSS will also be admitting 21 pre-school students beginning this month.

‘Haze reduces visibility, makes Palani invisible’

The environment minister, says an MIC man, should be appointed as the country's Special Envoy of Temples in India.

PETALING JAYA: The haze that has enveloped Kuala Lumpur and Selangor over the past few days has not only reduced visibility but has also made Natural Resources and Environment Minister G Palanivel invisible, former MIC strategy director S Vell Paari said today.

“While a large portion of Malaysians are suffering as a result of inhaling the unhealthy-level of polluted air, Palanivel seems to be oblivious to it.

“He does not have even the courtesy to call for a press conference to calm ruffled feathers of the rakyat. He should be the one explaining to the people about the haze,” he said, taking an aim at his party president.

“As the minister responsible for environment, Palanivel has a duty of care to the citizens of Malaysia to explain the real situation. But I think he is not even bothered,” he said in a press statement today.

He said the behaviour of Palanivel was unbecoming of a minister in charge of the environment as he seemed not to be bothered to tackle issues effecting the ministry.

“Palanivel is not bothered to issue any directives for the safety of our children and the elderly. Do we need this kind of a irresponsible minister?,” questioned Vell Paari, an outspoken party leader who was dropped from MIC central working committee (CWC) in July last year.

The country, especially the Klang Valley, has been experiencing haze over the past week due to bush fires caused by the ongoing drought. The burning of agriculture land in Indonesia has not helped alleviate the situation here.

The air pollutant index (API) climbed to as high as 137 in Port Klang on March 3, with seven parts of Kuala Lumpur and the states of Selangor and Negri Sembilan recording levels above 100, which is classified as unhealthy.

An API reading of between 0 and 50 is considered good; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy; and 301 and above, hazardous.

“From May till September last year, we experienced one of worst haze situations in the country. During the period, Palanivel reacted very late, only after getting lambasted by various politicians and non-governmental associations.

“Since then, we have had flash floods, dam outpouring in Cameron Highlands and now an equally bad haze, but Palanivel is no where to be seen. Does he need to be pushed every time?” asked Vell Paari.

Set KPI for NRE minister

Vell Paari said Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin seemed to have taken over the responsibilities from Palanivel as they are the ones who are on the ground when a natural calamity occurs.

“The prime minister and his deputy cannot do it all, while Palanivel goes on his usual holidays to either India or Australia.

“In my opinion, Palanivel should be appointed as the Special Envoy of Temples to India. That is what he (Palanivel) does best.

On a more serious note, Vell Paari said Najib should set key performance index for ministers like Palanivel and ensure these ministers be truthful in giving their performance figures.

“I am very curious to know if Palanivel has any KPI as he is seen to be nowhere near of fulfilling it. I am sure issuing statements once in a blue moon does not satisfy the KPI.

“I request the prime minister to publicly announce the KPI set for the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and its minister because all Malaysians need a well-equipped, responsible and caring Natural Resources and Environment Minister,” he stressed.

Why the Hindraf ‘MoU’ was doomed to failure

Lim Teck Ghee

Various explanations have been advanced as to why P. Waytha Moorthy resigned from his Deputy Minister position in the Najib administration and why the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Barisan Nasional and Persatuan Hindraf Malaysia never got off the ground.

Predictably the two parties to the agreement have sought to blame the other side for this debacle. Waytha has pointed the finger squarely at the Prime Minister and his lack of leadership qualities and insincerity in implementing the MoU. From the other side, statements from the Prime Minister’s Umno cabinet colleagues, Khairy Jamaluddin and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, have depicted Waytha as being selfish, ineffective in representing Indian issues and as “not a team player”.

Comments from both aligned and unaligned commentators have been more circumspect in assigning blame for the failure of what can be regarded as a landmark MoU between the ruling party and a dissident political force. While some have lauded Waytha for quitting his position in government when he realized that the Prime Minister was not going to honour the pre-election commitments made to the Indians through the MoU, others have questioned Waytha’s impatience in giving up so quickly and easily.

The latest post by Raja Petra Kamarudin summarises the concern of more than a few observers that “eight months is too early to bail out”. According to Raja Petra, who has a consistent, even if sometimes controversial, record of raising the bar on political standards himself, Waytha should “publicise his MoU with Najib and list out which of the promises were supposed to have been delivered in six months, which he says were not delivered. Surely not everything had a six-month timeframe.”

Raja Petra, has a point. But it should not only be Waytha and the Hindraf central committee that are answerable. The government needs to table its own version of which parts of the MoU have been implemented during the period of Waytha’s tenure in the cabinet; which are being planned for implementation in the next few months; and the schedule for implementation of the full programme of Indian advancement leading up to the next general election.

After all, the Prime Minister in his delayed (and rather mild) response to Waytha’s resignation had noted that “I would like to stress that, in line with my dream to form a more approachable government that always gives help to those who need it, we will implement socio-economic development programmes for the Indian community, as well as the other races.”

So these details of which parts of the MoU have been implemented and which have not, should not be difficult to share with the public, even with Waytha’s departure. For interested members of the public, the full MoU is available on Hindraf’s website (see http://www.hindraf.co/index.php/news-statements/1168-mou-hindraf-bn) but not in any other government website, including the Prime Minister’s Department to which Waytha was attached.

Real reason for Hindraf MoU failure

In retrospect, it is clear that the MoU never stood a chance of succeeding even if Waytha decided to stay the course and not bail out prematurely as some have described it. There were three strikes against Waytha and the MoU.

The first was that he was fighting for an Indian cause against a bureaucracy that has been dominated by the Malay agenda, and is run by a predominantly Malay civil service.

The second is that the implementation unit and the independent budget that he was counting on to tackle the problems of Indian marginalization would have cut into the turf of existing power groups and alignments, including those associated with the MIC and other Indian interest groups aligned to the BN.

But perhaps the most potent strike was that of a Prime Minister who vacillated between his 1Malaysia vision and the ketuanan Melayu culture and ethos of his own party, and who eventually decided that his own vision had to give way. Whether this was because of political expediency or political dishonesty will have to be left to the public to decide.

The fact that Najib met with Waytha in 16 separate meetings is not indicative of a leader who had no time for the Indian cause or saw it as unimportant. It may have been due to sheer political expediency but I personally think Najib was initially sincere and confident that he could push through at least some parts of the MoU agreement which would have kept Waytha in his cabinet and swayed Indian support back to the BN.

But the combined resistance ― mostly from within the civil service but also from Umno and some MIC politicians as well ― was too great.

Is any meaningful social engineering for marginalised Indians possible?

Some 800,000 displaced estate workers and the estimated 350,000 stateless persons of Indian origin tell a story not simply of neglect but of deep-seated political negligence. It also tells of the way in which institutionalised racism has blighted the civil service. This institutionalised racism is the most damaging legacy that BN rule has left the country. It is now so embedded in the civil service that it can hold politicians ― even the Prime Minister himself ― to ransom.

Raja Petra is right when he warns that “(t)here is no quick or fast track to social re-engineering”. But how can any social re-engineering come about when the civil service and implementation machinery is not responsive and accountable; is opposed to change; and sees any reform as undermining national (read Malay) interests.

A stronger, more forceful and principled leader in the Prime Minister’s seat may be able to trigger the social re-engineering that the country badly needs. But such a leader does not appear visible at all on our horizon.

Are the Police and MCMC investigating and taking any action against cyber lies and falsehoods about Muslims being converted to Christianity calculated to incite racial and religious animosity and hatred in country?

By Lim Kit Siang

Are the police and the Malaysian Multimedia and Communications Commission (MCMC )investigating and taking any action against the lies on the Internet about Muslims being converted to Christianity calculated to incite racial and religious animosity and hatred in the country, in the larger plot to pit race against race and religion against religion in Malaysia?

It is recently reported that a photo of a women’s rights activist, Yu Ren Chung and several others attending a government function has been circulating in cyberspace as ‘proof’ of the country’s Muslims being converted to Christianity.

The photo circulating in blogs since 2012 shows him among with a group seated on wooden benches, many of them women wearing headscarves.

In actual fact, the photo was taken at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation’s (Istac) main hall in Bukit Tunku, Kuala Lumpur, and not at a church as alleged by the blogs.

The event was hosted by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) on Feb 29, 2012 to discuss the National Family Policy, and was attended primarily by civil servants as well as a small number of NGO representatives.

However, Malaysian and Indonesian blogs have used the photo claiming it shows Muslims who had just been baptised, with some blaming DAP and PAS for the issue.

It is most shocking that Istac has become a church.

But what is most reprehensible and deplorable are the devious and wicked designs of irresponsible elements in our midst who are prepared to go to any lengths to incite racial and religious animosities and hatred in the country to pit race against race and religion against religion to set the country aflame.

An example must be made of these irresponsible and despicable people and actions out to destroy the peace and harmony of plural Malaysia.

Are the police and the MCMC taking pro-active actions to hunt down the perpetrators of such foul and despicable deeds to pit race against race and religion against religion to send a strong warning that the guardians of law and order will not stand idle at such provocative and anti-national actions calculated to cause mischief and disharmony in plural Malaysia but will strike strong and hard against such anti-Malaysia and treasonous activities.

DAP MPs will be demanding in the forthcoming Parliament reconvening next week what action the authorities have taken against such cyber lies and falsehoods calculated to sow discord and disharmony in our multi-racial and multi-religious nation.

Press Release | Stand Up, Speak Out and Unite Against Ethnic and Religious Extremists

The Malaysian Bar welcomes the recent call by the Prime Minister for all Malaysians not to pay heed to the extremist elements in Malaysia.

The Prime Minister has succinctly identified the dangers, for Malaysia and Malaysians, of pandering to these elements, describing their actions as wrong and tending to destroy the trust between races.  He has warned that we must not let these instigators overpower us.

The Malaysian Bar echoes the call by the Prime Minister for us as citizens to come together and support each other in building trust, cohesion and unity for the preservation of harmony.  The reminder by the Prime Minister for us to have faith in ourselves and our fellow Malaysians does not come too late.

The Malaysian Bar supports the call by Lim Kit Siang for all moderate Malaysians to stand together and unite to isolate extremists and traitors who wish to create chaos by inciting racial and religious hatred, conflict and tension.

All quarters should rise above politics in addressing and working for harmony and unity.  Support each other towards the common goal, and endeavour to stamp out extremism in our country. There should be no place for bullies, bigots and racists.  The issue of ethnic and religious tension is far too serious a matter for games of political one-upmanship.

We encourage all Malaysians to heed the Prime Minister’s call to continue working together for a cohesive and united Malaysia.

Christopher Leong

President

Malaysian Bar

Principals Can Close Schools If Haze Worsens - Muhyiddin

PUTRAJAYA, March 4 (Bernama) -- Principals and headmasters can close schools under their jurisdiction if the air pollutant index (API) reading exceeds 200 during the current haze enveloping the Klang Valley, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Tuesday.

Muhyiddin, who is also the education minister, said the Education Ministry had activated the standing instruction for schools to take the appropriate action should the haze worsen.

The principals and headmasters had only to notify the district education officer of the closure of their schools, he told a news conference after chairing the 67th meeting of the National Council for Local Government, here.

"The principals and headmasters are empowered to make decisions in accordance with the guidelines," he said.

Also present at the news conference were Urban Well-being, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan and the deputy minister, Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique.

Muhyiddin said that should the API reading exceed 100, students at risk of suffering asthma attacks were discouraged from participating in outdoor activities.

If the API reading exceeded 150, all outdoor activities would have to be scrapped, he added.

Today, seven areas in the Klang Valley, including Banting, Kuala Selangor, Port Klang, Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam in Selangor, recorded an unhealthy API as of 1 pm.

According to the Department of Environment (DoE) website, the API reading exceeded 100 for Banting (121), Kuala Selangor (102), Port Klang (117), Petaling Jaya (121) and Shah Alam (117). Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur recorded an API reading of 115 and Nilai in Negeri Sembilan, 110.

API readings of between 0 and 50 indicate that the air quality is good; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy and 300 and above, dangerous.

Mah Meri: Gasping for breath beneath palm fronds

'More beautiful than women, horses and all other animals': Welcome to the Arab beauty contest where million-dollar CAMELS with false eyelashes and lip filler compete for huge prizes

• Visitors trek across desert for lavish event in Liwa, United Arab Emirates
• Men happily declare they prefer camels to their wives - and all other women
• Prize camels can change hands for as much as £1.8million at all-male event
• Festival also features camel races and milking competitions

Thousands of men leer on, playboys skid around outside in expensive cars, and top models command fees reaching into the millions as part of the biggest beauty contest this side of Dubai.

But, unlike most pageants, it is not women on display but camels - a situation which suits the exclusively male attendees just fine.

Visitors to this sprawling event held annually in Liwa, United Arab Emirates, happily admit that they consider the winning camels - which change hands for almost £2million each - more beautiful than their wives, and indeed any other woman.

+12

'Sexy, yeah?': One of the prize camels poses for the cameras in the United Arab Emirates

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2571324/More-beautiful-women-horses-animals-Welcome-Arab-beauty-contest-million-dollar-CAMELS-false-eyelashes-lip-filler-compete-huge-prizes.html#ixzz2uwWQltI9 

ISLAM'S FINAL VERDICT ON MS.WORLD PAGEANT :IT IS "WORST THAN BUYING AND SELLING SLAVES" AND IS A FORM OF "HONOR KILLING OF WOMEN"

Miss World demeans women.
Since the premiere held in 1951 in the United States, a competition for the World Beauty Queen (Miss World) got a response in many areas.However, the event is organized by the Miss World Foundation was also condemnation and rejection by various communities in different parts of the world. 
Not least in the Middle East. female human rights activists in Iraq, for example, considered that this kind of event is a form of honor killings of women. Wave rejection came from the Muslim community. In Iraq, the Islamic militant group in 2006 threatened to kill Miss World Iraq, concerned ultimately forced to flee to Jordan. pros and cons
 In 2002 Miss World haunts Nigeria to cause physical violence. Nasr al-Islam group hunt down a local journalist named Daniel Asyoma. 's due to an article in the local media were very hurt Muslims. In the article, the reporter wrote, if Prophet Muhammad was still alive, would undoubtedly approve of this event. "It could be also marry one of the contestants," wrote Asyoma who then fled to the outside Nigeria.
.So, what are the views of  fatwa institutions in Muslim-majority countries related to Miss World? The fatwa institutions agreed that Muslims should not organize and participate, either as facilitators, participants, or cheerleaders in contests that emphasize the beautiful face. 
View as presented by Dar al-Ifta of Egypt, Saudi Arabia's Council of Senior Ulema, al Assembly Palestine-Ifta, the fatwa and each institution in Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, Tunisia, and Morocco. 
According to Sheikh Hisamuddin Affanah, this contest is contrary to the principles and values ​​of Islam, as well as the form of imitation of the Western culture. The event has the potential to degrade women. Beautiful face and body used as a medium of propaganda and promotion. "It's worse than buying and selling slaves," he said.
BUT KILLING WOMEN FOR HONOR BY STONING,MARRYING AND RAPING LITTLE GIRLS ETC.ETC.ETC, IS NOT AGAINST "PRINCIPALS AND VALUES OF ISLAM".
SOURCE PLEASE USE GOOGLE TRANSLATE  http://www.republika.co.id/berita/dunia-islam/fatwa/14/03/01/n1raxd-fatwa-tentang-miss-world-di-dunia-islam-1

Air quality in six locations in Klang Valley and Perak record unhealthy levels

Six locations in the Klang Valley, Putrajaya and Perak recorded unhealthy air quality this evening.

Air quality continued to deteriorate in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya as air pollutant index (API) for Cheras and the administrative capital registered a reading of 105 and 110, respectively, as at 5pm today.

Port Klang, which had consistently recorded unhealthy readings today, recorded 131 while Banting was at 117.

Outside the Klang Valley, air quality in Seri Manjung registered 107 while Kg Air Putih in Taiping recorded an API of 102.

Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam are hovering near unhealthy levels, at 95 and 98 respectively while Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur recorded a reading of 91.

An API reading of between 0 and 50 is considered good; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy; and 301 and above, hazardous according to the Department of Environment.

In a Bernama report last week, Malaysian Meteorological Department (JMM) director-general Datuk Che Gayah Ismail said the current air quality had no links with the eruption of Mount Sinabung in North Sumatera, Indonesia or other outside factors.

Instead, the unhealthy readings have been traced back to domestic sources such as smoke from forest fires, factories, vehicle emissions and the open burning of land.

The hot and dry weather, without any rainfall for several days, had only made the situation worse, Che Gayah had said.

Earlier today, the authorities carried out cloud seeding which saw slight rain in various parts of the Klang Valley. – March 3, 2014.

MIC man challenges Waytha to contest in Kajang

The former deputy minister can use the by-election to prove that he still commands support of the Malaysian Indian community, says its youth chief.

PETALING JAYA: A MIC leader today challenged former deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department P Waythamoorthy to contest the Kajang by-election to prove that he still has the support of the Malaysian Indian community.

“Instead of sitting in his office and issuing press statements targeting Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and MIC, he should make a comeback as a politician and contest the Kajang by-election,” said former MIC Youth information chief S Subramaniam.

He said the by-election would be the best opportunity for Waythamoorthy to prove that he indeed had the support of the two million strong Malaysian Indian community.

“He wants to champion the cause of the community. It would be better if he contested in the Kajang state seat by-election. Although it would be an uphill battle for him to win the seat, at least he will know how many of the 4,000 Indian voters in Kajang support him.

“I challenge him to get at least 50% of the Indian votes. This will prove that he is indeed an Indian leader acknowledged by the community. Otherwise he should just zip up because he threw away an golden opportunity to serve the community as a deputy minister.

“He did a disservice to the community by resigning as deputy minister. He thought he would become a hero with the resignation but he was wrong. His action backfired. Now he is struggling to find a platform to say whatever he wants,” said Subramaniam.

He said if Waythamoothy can muster more than 2,000 Indian votes in Kajang, “I would personally support him to raise Indian related issues to the government.”

Three days to accept challenge

Subramaniam said anyone can claim that they had the peoples’ support but the most important thing is to prove it.

“We give him three days to accept the challenge. If he fails to stand up to this challenge then he should stop his mini-serial of issuing press statements every day,” added Subramaniam.

The MIC man also wanted Waythamoorthy to answer three questions before running down the government and MIC.

“Firstly, what is the status of the class action suit against the United Kingdom government in the Royal Court of Justice in London for US$4trillion (US$1million for every Malaysian Indian)?” he asked about the suit filed by Waythamoorthy on Aug 31, 2007.

In the suit, Waythamoothy on behalf of Hindraf, wanted United Kingdom to pay each Indian family in Malaysia RM1 million for bringing their ancestors from India to work in Malaysia about 100 years ago.

“Secondly, Waythamoorthy must unveil details of how much government funds he received and how he spent it while he was a deputy minister,” he added.

Subramaniam said Waythamoorthy must also answer queries as to the fate of RM800,000 banked into the Hindraf account in 2007.

A Malay’s perspective on HINDRAF’s plight

As a 50 something Malay who grew up in the estates during the 60′s & 70′s, I have many friends from the estates. Although I was from a poor family, with the assistance of the government I was able to move myself up the ladder to a comfortable position today.

Firdaus Alam, a former estate boy

I have been following the HINDRAF movement for some time since pre GE12. They have risen against the tide of Malaysian politics to address various issues ranging from statelessness, education, employment, institutionalized discrimination, forceful religion conversion etc.

In the beginning after their rally in 2007, like many Malays, I was upset with their allegation that the Malaysian Indians have been treated unfairly in Malaysia.

Do the Indians hate the Malays? Impossible!!!

Malays have a closer cultural affinity to Indian Malaysians than to Chinese Malaysians, to be honest. Well, from my point of view anyway. Malays don’t have any qualms eating at an Indian restaurant, but do you see many Malays eating at Chinese restaurants? So from a Malay man’s perspective, I was confused with the statement from Hindraf that the Malays are marginalizing and discriminating the Indians.

Then there was the allegation by the Malay media spin doctors that they were connected to LTTE and therefore are aggressive towards the government to create havoc in a stable country like ours.

As I started reading more of HINDRAF since their rally, I began to understand their movement better. I found out that they had sent over 3,000 memorandums to the government on the plight of the poor Indians prior to their rally which was to no avail.

Then they did an eye catching act by initiating the law suit in Britain to catch the attention of the government as it had spread like wild fire in the international scene.

This is when I realized that they were seeking attention to address the issues that the Indians appear to be hoodwinked or sidetracked due to political interests and are not, per se, against the Malay community.

As usual the Indian parties within the BN coalition discarded them as a nuisance and the government followed suit by further sidelining them without even listening to their plight.

As a 50 something Malay who grew up in the estates during the 60′s & 70′s, I have many friends from the estates. Although I was from a poor family, with the assistance of the government I was able to move myself up the ladder to a comfortable position today.

In retrospective of my yesteryears, I began to enquire about some of my Indian friends from the estate. Many had dropped out after Form 3 & Form 5 without continuing their education due to their parents’ financial (dis)ability although I must admit some of them were indeed cleverer than I. Even the Tamil school in my estate looks the same as it was 40 years ago.

After the HINDRAF leader resigned from his position, I had the opportunity to go through their MOU with BN and noted that their demands seeking to streamline the statelessness issues affecting the displaced estate workers, their well-being, increasing educational opportunities as well as employment and business opportunities appear to be a fair demand for them.

Oh, yes!!! I always have a favorite tag line amongst my Malay friends, “Nothing wrong with the Indians, look at AK and TF. They are symbols of Indian success in the country”.

Actually, I used to argue with my friends that they are only looking at it in a superficial manner because it is obvious Hindraf is fighting for the poor Indians, not the urban, educated, middle class or rich Indians and similar ones in other races but the bottom 60- 65% who live in small towns, rural areas.

Another indicator that I always reflect on is the number of Indian beggars, homeless ones, suicidal rate and the increase in gangsterism amongst the Indians compared to the 70′s & 80′s. Why is there such a sharp increase over the last 30 years? Do we even question this or rather conveniently ignore it?

I believe it is these Malaysians that Hindraf fights for when the other communities contemptuously shun them as a societal sore even when they are Malaysians!

Another spin that has been created by the Malay media is that the Indians are encroaching into the rights of the Malays. I think this is bullshit. I think what the Indians are seeking is a piece of the cake in the nation – not the whole cake; therefore, the other stakeholders like the Malay and Chinese need to understand their plight and work with them to address it.

Obviously, the Indian political parties in BN are ineffective as they had let this segment of our community slide down the scale in the development of the nation.

Now, after the resignation of the HINDRAF bloke from the government, it appears that the Malay media has gone on spin again. I fail to see why the Malay media is trying so hard to influence the Malay readership when reasonable and sensible Malays in the street are aware of the problems faced by the Malaysian Indians.

In all fairness, I think the request made by HINDRAF to lift our fellow Malaysian Indians is a fair one.

The Malay politicians in this country need to come to their senses and think more objectively rather than playing politics in protecting their useless allies by running away from their responsibilities to ensure the well-being of the Malaysian Indians who also happen to be our brethren.

As for my Malay folks out there, many of us came from a rural settings and have been fortunate that the system has been helpful for us to progress in our lives. It is about time for us to view things beyond just fluttering the eyelids and acknowledge that something needs to be done to improve the state of the Displaced Estate Workers and their generations.

Thank you.

Rise of religious classes in public schools questioned

(Sydney Morning Herald) – Segregating children based on religious faith, or for other classes, has detrimental effects and is at odds with the inclusive philosophy of public education.

Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic scripture classes are growing rapidly in NSW public schools, and students are on waiting lists for the popular ethics classes.

But as the popularity of the religious and ethics classes grows, some academics argue that segregating children based on religious faith, or for other classes, has detrimental effects and is at odds with the inclusive philosophy of public education.

Ethics classes, which started in 2011, had about 13,000 students this year, up from 8000 12 months ago.

About 250,000 students in NSW public schools get Christian religious education, with the largest providers coming from Catholic and Anglican churches.
The NSW Islamic scripture program teaches more than 22,000 Muslim students, up from 17,000 at the end of 2010. The number of students taking Hindu dharma classes has doubled in the past five years and is fast approaching 10,000. Judaism classes are attended by 2700 students.

Southern Cross University sociology of religion expert Cathy Byrne says segregation on religious grounds is outdated, inappropriate and educationally unsound.

”International research has shown children learn best about these ideas when they are given the opportunity to dialogue with others of their own age,” she said.

Dr Byrne said ethics classes have ”a fine and worthy intention” but ”even if you have a school that has ethics volunteers, you can still get the outrageous distribution of inappropriate fundamentalist and proselytising material”, she said.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/rise-of-religious-classes-in-public-schools-questioned-20140301-33sq6.html#ixzz2uraQW7jp

TIME: Losing Faith: Malaysia Should Be An Example Of Religious Tolerance

Page 50, March 2014 issue

Yes, Ally Hazran Hashim and Siti Kassim are among the unsung heroes and heroines of Malaysia and I welcome the public to pinpoint and identity more “unsung heroes” out to save Malaysia from the voices and forces of hate, bigotry and intolerance

By Lim Kit Siang,

On Saturday (1st March) I issued a statement calling on Malaysians to pay tribute to ordinary Malaysians who are the country’s unsung heroes who dare to stand up for a better Malaysia whether in terms of a better education system, clean elections or inter-religious harmony, for they are the salt of the earth who will ensure that Malaysia will achieve her greatness instead of becoming a failed state.

I named three persons, viz:

· *Mohd Nor Izzat Mohd Johari, the head of Suara Guru Masyarakat Malaysia (SGMM), who is facing mean, petty and punitive persecution although he had rendered great national service in spearheading the protest against the woes of the badly-planned and poorly-conceived student-based assessment (SBA) system; and

· *Royal Malaysian Air Force pilot Major Zaidi Ahmad who is facing court martial for his patriotic duty of speaking up about the indelible ink fiasco in the recent 13th General Elections; and

· *Azrul Mohd Khalib, social activist, who led a Malaysians for Malaysia group to spearhead a “Walk for Peace” movement among ordinary Malaysians who care about the country to push for national healing in the face of the worst racial and religious polarization in the nation’s 56-year history.

On my Facebook on the statement, Linda Chong wrote:

“Mr Lim Kit Siang, I think U have left out Ally Hazran Hashim in his role in meeting up with fellow christians in a Kajang church lately…please check this up.”

I checked up and I agree with Linda that Ally Hazran Hashim qualify to be among the unsung heroes who are making unusual efforts to help make a better Malaysia.

A Star article dated Feb. 9, 2014, entitled “Moderate Muslims fight back for multifaith Malaysia” by Hariati Azizan chronicled Ally’s great deed and is commendable reading by all Malaysians who want a better Malaysia.

This is from the Star article:

In the spirit of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, some Malaysians are seeking to promote diversity, peace and understanding.

WHILE some irresponsible groups have been swamping churches with banners and messages of hate, training consultant Ally Hazran Hashim, 47, decided to rally some friends to gather at his hometown church, the Holy Family Church in Kajang, with flowers, oranges and messages of love last Sunday.

This small act of compassion and harmony is exactly what the country needs amid the religious and racial tension that remains unabated.

“It was basically to show the Christians in Kajang that not all Muslims are against them. I also wanted to create awareness for all Muslims that such acts of love sharing will bring respect to our faith, Islam. Islam means peace and we represent the true Muslim believers who want peace, love and unity among all Malaysians regardless of race and religion.”

Like many, Ally is disheartened by the actions of certain groups who have been fanning racial tension in the country.

“It has prompted me to do something that will bring the focus back to unity. I really believe Malaysia as a multiracial community loves peace. It is only a few who are creating or being used to create disharmony.”

Driven by his dream of unity, Ally wasted no time in meeting Father George Harrison about organising the “Love & Peace Offering”. As soon as Father Harrison agreed, he posted a shout-out on Facebook.

“I was touched by the response I got. Some people from Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya also gave their support and said they would join me.

“I was amazed with more than 15,000 likes from other FB members and groups, and well-wishes from many Muslims from all over Malaysia. I even got a message from Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir who couldn’t join us in Kajang as she was in London during that time. That was a real motivation for me to go forward with the event.”

To his delight, he adds, a group from a Hindu temple also said they were interested in joining him.

Ally admits he has been a moderate Muslim from young.

“My personal conviction and my upbringing was always to respect other religions, and as my mother used to say: ‘Never condemn others because it is as if you are condemning your Creator himself.’ That is what I have always believed in and hold on to till today,” he says.

Fear of reproach and criticism did not enter his mind even once.

“I only wanted to go back to the basics and remind people that God created us all as human beings and the purpose of the Creator is to see everyone living peacefully, loving one another, sharing and understanding and respecting each other.

“Anyway, when God is with me, why should I be afraid of human beings? I am sharing peace, which is Islam’s true meaning, with people of other faiths. I don’t see anything wrong in preaching our faith through a simple gesture of a love offering. Let this be a sign for those who are against the true teaching to repent and understand what Islam really means.”

Still, although he believes moderation is the right path to take (“Moderation always wins … Islam speaks of moderation,” he says), Ally feels there are times when a strong stand is needed to maintain peace.

“This is where I feel the authorities have failed, because they have not taken stern action against those who try to provoke and create unrest among races in Malaysia.

“The extremists must be brought to the court of law so that it will deter others from creating chaos and putting fear among peace-loving Malaysians.”

Ally says he has lodged various police reports against Man Namblast and Mohd Hidayat who insulted Thaipusam on Facebook, the petrol bombing at Penang’s St Assumption Church, and also the May 13 demonstration by some Malay NGOs in Seberang Prai.

“I hope action will be taken against them. I have also written to our top leaders and the religious leaders to ask them to put a stop to this racial and religious instigation.”

With some friends, the human behavioural physiologist who runs a training consultancy firm in Kajang is working to organise more interfaith gatherings, beginning with a visit to a few places of worship in Brickfields on Feb 23.

“My humble wish is that everyone will start the ball rolling in their own states too.”

His mega plan, however, is to organise a gathering of all faiths in Kajang soon, he says.

“Kajang can be the starting point of unity and peace sharing among Malaysians of all religions… let the Kajang candle light up Malaysian unity. Watch my Facebook space under the name Ally Hashim Hazran and join us.”

The label “moderate Muslim” makes her uncomfortable but lawyer Siti Kasim did not have to think hard about which side she is on when it comes to “extremist” Muslims.

“I have been following closely the development on the way our country is moving towards the ‘Talibanisation’ way of life. The issue of the banned words generally and the usage of the Allah word specifically is the icing on the cake. I can see the situation getting from bad to worse,” says Siti, who was one of the people who organised the visit to the Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Klang last month to help defuse the brewing religious tension in the country.

Very much a believer that her faith is between her and God, Siti says the attitude and behaviour of the noisy “extreme” groups riled her up so much that she was determined to make her stand on the issue.

“I feel my country has been hijacked by extremists who have a very narrow view of what Islam is. I feel these people are insulting me and other Malays, as if we don’t have our own brain to think.

“These so-called defenders of Islam and Malay rights act as if they are representing Islam and all Malays. Every time I read the news, my heart rate goes up another notch.”

When she talked to her friends, she realised they felt the same way. “We felt we must do something. So we agreed to go to the Klang church to show solidarity with our Christians friends. I wanted to get other friends to join me, so I set up an event page on Facebook and sent invitations to everyone on my Friends’ list.

My other friends had the same idea and they started to use the event page to get their own friends on board, and it just went viral from there.”

The response was astounding and 30 people turned up at the church to give out flowers to the congregation as a peace offering.

“I was surprised! We just wanted to be there to show to our Christian friends that there are other Muslims who disagreed with what was going on. We also wanted to tell these so-called Muslim NGOs that they do not speak on the behalf of all Malays and not to take us for granted,” she shares.

Siti Kasim is known for her strong voice in the human rights circle – she once chastised Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar for backing down from her comment that freedom of religion is a human right for all – and this is seen in her frank words on the matter.

“The authorities seem to be endorsing these extreme groups. It seems like no one from any political divide is willing to risk their political career to do what is right. No one is willing to come forward officially to condemn their behaviour.”

Siti also says she is a strong proponent for a secular state.

“The state should be neutral. This neutrality is what is meant by secularism. It is a political principle where a secular state may be supported by religious believers and be the home of widespread religious belief.

“To me, secularism is the best guarantee for a multifaith situation. Religion will flourish under secularism. No one would be able to use religion as a political tool.”

When asked if she was worried about backlash or being reproached for her stand, Siti says, “Worried? In all honesty, I am not. I am more worried and angry at the way our country is going. I really don’t care if anyone criticises me or calls me names as I have been called a murtad many times over. I am not afraid of them as they are not God. I am only answerable to God.”

Siti calls on those who are concerned about Malaysia’s slide towards intolerance to come out and speak up.

“Show the authorities that the silent majority is no longer going to be silent. If the politicians aren’t able to do their job, we are no longer going to be quiet. More and more people are beginning to realise there is no reason to be in fear anymore. We do not have to go into battles to win the war, but speak up and stand up we must.”

Siti shares that she and her friends are not planning visits to other churches but will support other solidarity initiatives in other towns and states.

Last week, she went to support Ally’s unity initiative in Kajang.

“He contacted me to go and support him there. So I went with a few other friends. I hope there will be others, especially more Malays, who will organise the same.”

What Siti is planning is to get people out to Putrajaya on March 5 for the Leave Hearing (for the Allah case) at the Federal Court.

“I hope to show the public and the authorities that there are citizens including Malays who do not support the banning of the word Allah.”

Back to her issue of her discomfort at being called a moderate Muslim, Siti has this to say: “A Muslim is a Muslim. There are no two ways about it. The question is, which version of Islam I believe. I believe in universal goodness and compassion.

“My stand on interfaith issues is very simple. Respect. If we want other religions to respect ours, we must give the same courtesy to them too.”

From the Star report, we have uncovered another unsung heroine, lawyer Siti Kassim.

I welcome more inputs from Malaysians to pinpoint and identity the unsung heroes who are doing their patriotic duty to build a better Malaysia and not to allow the voices and forces of hate, bigotry and intolerance to destroy our multi-racial and multi-religious Malaysia.

(Media Statement in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, 3rd March 2014)

Selangor Water MoU Focuses On Implementation Of Langat 2 Project - Muhyiddin

KAJANG, March 3 (Bernama) -- Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the restructuring of the Selangor water industry focuses more on efforts to ensure the Langat 2 Project can be implemented, not to raise water tariff.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the MoU between the federal and Selangor governments focused more on important issues such as the date for commencing work, the acquisition of more than 75 plots of land and the appointment of the contractors.

"That (water tariff increase) I do not know, so far we are just discussing the important stage of ensuring that the problem of water shortage in the Klang Valley can be resolved immediately.

"To me, this matter is of more importance, although the question on water tariff is also important but since water management is under the purview of the state government, it's too early for me to say there is an improvement or otherwise," he told a media conference after chairing the meeting of the Barisan Nasional (BN) By-Election machinery for the Kajang state constituency at the Hulu Langat Umno office, here Monday.

He was commenting on the statement by the PKR strategic director, Rafizi Ramli, that the agreement might result in a rise in the water tariff.

Commenting on the hot weather and the haze that occurred in several states now, Muhyiddin advised the public to comply with the advice issued by the Health Ministry to ensure that they remained healthy.

Waytha: Let Kajang be Indian referendum on BN- Malaysiakini

 

Persatuan Hindraf Malaysia (PHM) chief P Waythamoorthy has urged that the Kajang by-election be a referendum on BN's contribution to the Indian community.

The proposal comes after Waythamoorthy drew flak from his former BN colleagues who dismissed his claims that the ruling coalition failed to help the Indian community.

"I now urge Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein to join forces with their 'team players', MIC, and come up with a full report of what the government has done for the Indian community over the last 20 years.

"Both Khairy and Hishammuddin are most welcome to go around with their team players to the 10 percent Indian voters in Kajang and present their case.

"This exercise, if both the ministers dare do, would give them a yardstick to gauge what they and their team players have done for the community," he said in a press statement today.

Khairy (left) and Hishammuddin had critcised Waythamoorthy for attacking BN after quitting the government and accused him of not being a team player when he was deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department.

Waythamoorthy was appointed as deputy minister after throwing his support behind BN in the last general election in exchange for the ruling coalition's support of the movement's blueprint on helping the Indian community.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the two parties but Waythamoorthy resigned on Feb 10, after nine months in government, claiming BN had refused to uphold the agreement.

"Hindraf maintains its claim that the Indians in Malaysia have been marginalised from the mainstream development of the country," said Waythamoorthy.

He said there had not been any significant allocation for the Indian community for almost 50 years and any allocation in recent times have only come in the form of election goodies.

"All the so-called allocations that had come by in the last five years (were) in piecemeal manner manned by the existing political parties without much accountability, transparency or a monitoring process, except for rhetoric whenever aelection came by.

"The whole purpose of the Hindraf MOU with BN was to ensure that a special unit is dedicated to ensure that a fair amount of funds are allocated on a targeted basis for the uplifting of the Indian poor to resolve their issues permanently," he said.

NGO dedah salah laku terbaru Taib Mahmud

Job vacancy for 'Yes tuan' deputy minister - Malaysiakini

 

 The humorous forces that dwell in Malaysian cyberspace have struck again, this time with a ‘job vacancy advertisement’ in the Prime Minister’s Department.

The posting comes in the wake of Persatuan Hindraf Malaysia chairperson P Waythamoorthy’s (left) resignation as a senator and deputy minister early this month.     

Among others, the advertisement stated that all “kooja thukis” (apple polishers) are encouraged to apply for the position.
         
It also contained the images of several Indian Malaysian leaders such as MIC’s M Saravanan and P Kamalanathan, who drew flak for kissing the hand of Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin during the Hulu Selangor by-election in 2010.

Others portrayed were Malaysian Indian United Party (MIUP) chief S Nallakaruppan and Makkal Sakti Party president RS Thanenthiran.

The advertisement, posted by the Facebook user ‘Bolehland’, stated that candidates with the experience of shortchanging the Indian community would have an added advantage.

Other requirements include being a BN team player, and the applicant must be able to communicate in the BN language of “Ya Tuan” (yes, master), “Boleh Tuan” (can do, master), “Jangan takut Tuan” (Don’t be afraid, master) and “Orang India semua sokong Tuan” (All the Indians support you, master).

Aspiring candidates were told to contact ‘Najib’ if interested.

All MIC leaders qualified

The advertisement is gaining in popularity since its emergence, with hundreds sharing it with their friends.

As for the comments in cyberspace, Indian NGO leader Rajaretinam Armuggan wrote: “Kelayakan asas.... mesti sedia jadi pengkhianat kaum!!! Serta sgt suka tunduk dan cium2 dan jilat Umno... walaupun dipukul ditendang berkali2...” (Basic qualification, must be prepared to betray the race, as well as bow, kiss and lick Umno... despite being kicked repeatedly).

Another user, Sathy Vel Naidu said, “And the winner is ‘Ketta’Karuppan”. This was an obvious reference to Nallakaruppan, where the first four alphabets of his name “Nalla” means “nice or good” while “Ketta” means “bad”.

Whereas Radha Krishna Subramaniam remarked, “All MIC leaders are qualified for the job.”

'World must recognise M'sia belongs to Malays'

Islamic NGO Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) today demanded global recognition that Malaysia is the land of the Malays, claiming that scientific study had proven that the Malay civilisation was older than Angkor Wat or Borobudur.

"Like how the world recognises that China is for Chinese, India is for Indians, England for the English, Ireland is for the Irish, and Germany is for Germans, surely Malays have their own land," Isma's vice-president II Abdul Rahman Dali said in a statement today.

Claiming unspecified "scientific research", Isma said that the Malay gene has been proven to exist before that of the Chinese.

"This region, which centres at the land of the Malays, is called the Cradle of Human Civilisation, which gave birth to other ethnicities.

"So it is valid that this land belongs to the Malays originally," he said.

He also claimed a recent research showed that the Kedah Tua Malay civilisation in Lembah Bujang dates back to the 2nd century BC, thus confirming that the civilisation was older than archaeological and historical sites such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur in Indonesia.

"As such, we want the Chinese, Indians or anyone not to question the Malay position anymore. We also want the whole world to recognise Malaysia, which is known as Malaya, as the heritage and right of the Malays," Abdul Rahman said.

Isma's statement today comes following months of increasing demands by several Islamic and Malay rights NGOs, including Isma and Perkasa, to strengthen Malay supremacy in the country.

The calls grew louder ever since a kangkung-themed flash mob, organised by PKR's Machang Bubok assemblyperson Lee Khai Loon, which angered such NGOs who claimed the act of stuffing the leafy vegetable into an effigy of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak was an affront to Malays and the rulers.

Racial and religious tension in the country have escalated of late, partially due to the Court of Appeal ruling in October last year that Catholic weekly The Herald is not allowed to use the word ‘Allah’ to address God in its Malay texts.

The Christian community in Malaysia, especialy those in Sabah and Sarawak, have used the term in Malay copies of the Bible for years, however, various other quarters have claimed that ‘Allah’ is exclusive to Muslims.

‘Guan Eng ignoring Indians’

A coalition of NGOs in Penang made demands to Lim Guan Eng to address problems plaguing the Indian community there

GEORGE TOWN: A coalition of local NGOs here has called on the Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to directly address Indian issues, inclusively and effectively in Penang.

Coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations and Concerned Citizens on Indian Affairs in Penang chairman N Ganesan said Lim would never find permanent solutions for fundamental Indian issues in the state by sidetracking the problems.

He also reminded Lim that it was the social responsibility of his Pakatan Rakyat administration to resolve the Indian issues.

He said Lim should firstly set aside time to hear out lay Indian public views and opinions on arising matters pertaining to the community.

Secondly, he said the Chief Minister should forge close working ties with the coalition, representing 51 Indian-based NGOs and Hindu temples in Penang, to address and resolve the issues.

He said there were fundamental problems in the manner the Indian and Hindu social, political and economic issues being handled currently by the state government.

He said these were matters for the state government to deal with, not for Lim’s administration to delegate and relegate them to peripherally related agencies to handle them.

“Currently Lim had been viewing Indian issues narrowly.

“He ignores our requests to hear our views on various issues affecting the community

“He seems not to understand the fundamental dynamism of Indian issues in Penang.

“He also does not have time for us despite us requesting a meeting with him three times,” lamented Ganesan at a press conference here today.

Also present were coalition members V Nandakumar, SV Manimaran, P Janarthan and P Asokan.

For instance, he said the issue of Hindu burial ground and crematorium in Batu Lanchang was yet to see any positive resolution because Lim had not found the time to hear the coalition’s petition.

Demands in the petition

The coalition submitted the petition to the Chief Minister’s Office this morning.

Ganesan said demands in the petition were minimum social responsibilities and costs for the state government.

Among the coalition’s demands are:

1)The current two cremation incinerators must be restored to operating conditions with the necessary statutory compliance achieved.

2)Competent personnel need to be appointed to manage, operate and maintain the facility.

3)The management of the crematorium has to be consolidated with the appointment of competent and experienced manager.

4)Independent continuous audits of the management and technical aspects need to be performed by reputable audit firms and the reports of each audit to be made public.

5)The state government needs to provide financial and other necessary resources and expertise for the request we have set forth above.

6)On successful implementation of the items above for the Batu Lanchang crematorium, it is the desire of the Indian community that another similar crematorium be set up at a suitable site on the mainland. The Indian population in the 55-95 years segment is expected to triple in 20 years’ time and much of this growth is expected to happen on the mainland.

“We are interested in achieving a sound and amicable solution to the matters.

“We have been very patient with him and had given him almost three months to respond but he responded by deflecting and ignoring our requests.

“His disregard for the seriousness of the matter and towards representatives of the Indian community of Penang is in stark contrast to his otherwise daily rhetoric of inclusiveness.

“Given this, we cannot help but conclude that the Malaysian Malaysia of DAP was nothing more than just another political perversion,” said Ganesan.

MIC hits back at Waytha

'Don't blame us for your failure,' says secretary-general Prakash Rao

PETALINGJAYA: A top MIC official today chided Hindraf leader P Waythamoorthy for his remarks about the party, saying he was blaming it for his own failure as deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
MIC Secretary-General A Prakash Rao told FMT his party saw itself as part of a brotherhood in the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.

Referring to Waythamoorthy’s recent resignation, he said the former deputy minister was too greedy and wanted to handle all government funds meant for the Indian community.

“Waythamoorthy failed to shine as deputy minister because he was a lone ranger,” he said.

“He did not even bother trying to work with MIC since the day he signed the memorandum of understanding with BN. Thus, it is not fair for him to ask MIC to leave BN.”

Yesterday, Waythamoorthy challenged MIC to leave BN, accusing it of acting as a propaganda mouthpiece for the government and ignoring issues affecting the Indian community.

In a press statement, the Hindraf chief said MIC was founded to protect the rights of Malaysian Indians, who were then mostly plantation workers, but had failed to do so.

Prakash Rao rejected the accusations. “MIC is more focused on finding solutions to our community’s problems through BN consensus,” he said. “We prefer to fight from inside to find solutions then fight from outside.”

He added that MIC had managed, through the years, to benefit the Indian community through educational and economic programmes.

He also said Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and MIC president G Palanivel had been working closely in the past three years to finding fast-track solutions to uplift Indians economically.

“Our priority is to uplift the Indians to be on par with national development,” he said.

‘Local councils still in dire straits’

Only a portion of the 24 councillors were appointed in each local authorities in Selangor, says a coalition of NGOs

PETALING JAYA: A Selangor-based coalition of NGOs today expressed concern over the state government’s delay in appointing a full batch of local councillors across the 12 district authorities in Selangor, saying this might lead to potential policy snags.

The Coalition of Good Governance (CGG) spokesperson Jerald Joseph said despite the need to appoint 24 councillors in all the local governments by Dec 31 last year, the state has so far only appointed a portion of them.

He said for Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), only 19 of out the 24 councillors were appointed

“The whole of PJ is divided into 24 zones and each councillor is supposed to take care of one area. Now there are five zones which are not represented,” he told a press conference today.

Another NGO leader from Friends of Kota Damansara, Jeffrey Phang, claimed that some local governments were mulling over the rise in property density (plot ratio) in areas surrounding the Mass Railway Transit (MRT) project.

“This is going to have a serious impact in places like PJ, which is already very crowded. Who is going to oversee our interest ?” he asked.

Most of the local councillors in Selangor were appointed from the Pakatan Rakyat coalition parties of DAP, PKR and PAS, except a 25% quota which is supposedly reserved for the NGO members.

The appointment of councillors involves a great deal of horse-trading and political negotiations.

Jerald said while the NGO coalition places restoration of local council election as the ultimate agenda, they were concerned that even the current interim measure of having local councillors appointed by the state was not transparent.

For example, he said, the guidelines for councillors appointment was kept in the dark and the 25% quota allocated for NGO members was diluted.

“The CGG believes that this delay in appointments affects the running and functioning of local governments and thus the need of having local government elections is more urgent,” he said.

He said the state executive councillor (exco) for local government Teng Chang Khim has promised to hold local government elections by end of this year, but the details have not been forthcoming.

The CGG would be organising a public forum on March 12 in Kajang to invite all Kajang bye-election candidates to state their commitment on local elections .

The Pakatan-ruled states has argued that the federal laws have prevented them from holding local government polls, but civil society said the problems can be solved by the state appointing individuals who win in local elections.

Dr M: Religious clerics dividing Muslims

(MM) - In a scathing post against the ulama (clergy) class, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad accused its members today of disuniting Muslims in Malaysia for worldly and political gains.

The nation’s longest-serving prime minister also defended himself against anti-hadith accusations, claiming that Islam and its adherents have become weak from blind faith perpetuated by the clerics.

“In Malaysia, schism also happens when those who are called ulama and are proficient in Arabic isolate themselves and break the unity of Muslims, just because they do not attain a post in the world and not chosen to be a Yang Berhormat,” Dr Mahathir wrote in his blog yesterday.

Yang Berhormat is the Malay honorific commonly used to refer to federal and state lawmakers.

“The schism is ongoing up until now. Therefore Muslims have become weak and they have to beg for support from non-Muslims … There is no neutral ulama who is urging Muslims to unite and be brothers again,” he added.

Dr Mahathir also questioned the public’s unquestioning acceptance of these ulama and their interpretation of Islam solely due to the group’s proficiency in the Arabic language, which is regarded as central to the faith.

“Is it wajib (compulsory) for us to accept whatever is taught by those religious scholars who speak Arabic although it runs counter the Islamic teaching in Quran or hadith?” the veteran statesman asked.

“It is very dangerous and confusing when anybody, just because they are proficient in Arabic and received a bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies, can be labelled ulama.”

According to Dr Mahathir, the clerics are also to blame for the division among Muslims of different denominations, in addition to starting feuds against non-Muslims that is contrary to Quranic teachings.

“The weakness of Muslims and the insults against Islam is caused by their teachings that cannot be questioned, which begs for unconditional loyalty only for them,” he added.

Dr Mahathir’s comments came after he was accused of being a deviant and anti-hadith stemming from his support for outspoken scholar Dr Kassim Muhammad, who was similarly labelled.

According to the former prime minister, his critics have rejected and refused to consider his opinions on Islam simply because he is not proficient in Arabic.

Dr Mahathir insisted that one is no less a Muslim even if one does not speak the language, and pointed out that some Arabic-speaking Muslims behaved poorly and caused more harm to their fellow followers of Islam.

He also questioned Muslims who prioritised the hadith over Quranic teachings, and who consequently advocate the violent and cruel punishments prescribed in the hadith.

Hadith — the collection of Prophet Muhammad’s deeds and sayings — were collected and documented by scholars in the 9th century after they were previously passed down orally for over 200 years.

Islamic scholars have used hadith as basis for the Islamic code of law and an essential complement to the Quran, despite contradictions to Quranic teachings.

Earlier this month, Kassim, a controversial social science and Islamic academic, delivered a lecture at the Perdana Leadership Foundation where Dr Mahathir was patron, during which he lambasted, among others, the Muslim clergy class of imitating the Christian priesthood caste.

His lecture has since been derided by some clerics and members of Islamist party PAS, who subsequently used it to attack rivals Barisan Nasional and Umno as allegedly supporting an anti-hadith movement.

Why Muhyiddin has not countermanded the mean, petty and punitive directive to transfer Nor Izzat from Jerantut to a rural school for spearheading the protest against the SBA weaknesses

By Lim Kit Siang,

The Najib administration prides itself on its efficiency and “People First, Performance Now” slogan, but almost a week have passed and the Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has yet to countermand the mean, petty and punitive directive to transfer Mohd Nor Izzat Mohd Johari, head of Suara Guru Masyarakat Malaysia (SGMM) from Jerantut to a rural school for spearheading the protest against the weaknesses in the implementation of the student-based assessment (SBA) system.

Instead of thanking Nor Izzat for his contribution in forcing the Education Ministry to face up to the crisis faced by teachers as a result of dismally-conceived implementation of the SBA, resulting finally in the SBA system being put on hold last week, Muhyiddin is allowing the “Little Napoleons” in the Education Department a free hand to penalise Nor Izzat and other teachers for their courage and conviction in speaking up about the SBA weaknesses.

When Nor Izzat’s punitive transfer to a rural school with only 24 hours’ notice became public, Muhyiddin disclaimed responsibility, denying that he was involved in Nor Izzat’s transfer.

But what has Muhyiddin done in the past week to countermand Nor Izzat’s punitive transfer.

I have been informed that Muhyiddin had done nothing and Nor Izzat’s 24-hour transfer directive has not been countermanded.

Nor Izzat and others who have stood their ground to point out the weaknesses of the SBA system had performed an important national service and should be commended and rewarded for their conviction and tenacity to act in the interests of the teachers and even more important the students.

Instead of being grateful to Nor Izzat and the teachers involved, they are instead being victimised by mean, petty and punitive bureaucratic actions.

It has been suggested that Nor Izzat should be conferred the “Tokoh Cikgu” for the Year 2014. Muhyiddin should give this proposal serious consideration.

I suggest that the over 400,000 teachers in the education service be given an opportunity to express their views whether they agree that Nor Izzat should be conferred the title “Tokoh Cikgu” for the year 2014.

Muhyiddin should meanwhile take immediate action to revoke all mean, petty and punitive directives issued to Nor Izzat and other teachers for their role in criticising the weaknesses in the implementation of the SBA system?

(Media Statement in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, 27th February 2014)

LAWASIA Concern at Karpal Singh Conviction on Sedition Charges

As the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific, LAWASIA joins others in the international legal community in recording its concern at the recent conviction of senior lawyer and leader of the Malaysian opposition party, Karpal Singh, on sedition charges. 

Mr Singh faced charges under the Sedition Act 1948 for a statement made by him to the media during a constitutional crisis in Perak in 2009 where he indicated his view as a lawyer that the Sultan of Perak's actions in removing the Chief Minister of the Perak government would be justiciable. 

While appreciating that the conviction is a matter for the courts, LAWASIA's concern arises where the Malaysian government had, in 2011, indicated its intention to repeal the Sedition Act, which is widely regarded as draconian and a relic of colonial era laws. 

In this context, it notes the view of the Malaysian Bar that "the decision to proceed with the prosecution of YB Karpal Singh under a law that the government has slated for repeal is inexplicable and raises the spectre of selective prosecution." 

Further, it notes that the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers indicate at Article 23 that lawyers "have the right to take part in public discussion of matters concerning the law, the administration of justice and the promotion and protection of human rights…" 

In addition, it endorses the view of the Malaysian Bar that "The right of a citizen (in this case a senior and experienced lawyer) to voice an opinion on a constitutional law point, that is, whether the decision of a Ruler of a State is justiciable in the courts, is clearly within the scope of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 10 (1)(a) the [Malaysian] Constitution.” 

As an association comprised of the peak legal bodies of Asia and the Pacific, as well as individual judges and lawyers, LAWASIA is dedicated to protecting human rights and upholding the rule of law. It shares the concerns of others that the prosecution of Karpal Singh in these circumstances indicates a disregard for fundamental constitutional rights of freedom of expression as well as the universally-accepted responsibilities that adhere to members of the legal profession. 

Isomi Suzuki 

PRESIDENT 

February 26, 2014

Access To Higher Education Improves Lives - Najib

PETALING JAYA, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said a quarter of Malaysians aged between 18 and 24 are now pursuing higher education, thanks to the government's continued efforts to improve and widen access to education to citizens.

The prime minister noted that when Universiti Malaya took its first batch of students in 1959, there were only slightly over 300 students enrolled in higher education in this country, before the numbers improved to about 4,500 in 1967.

"Today, with increased access to education, it's estimated that one in four Malaysians aged between 18 and 24 are in higher education," he said when opening the Unitar International University's new campus in Kelana Jaya, here today.

Present were Second Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, Unitar chancellor Datuk Mohamed Nizam Tun Abdul Razak and chairman Datuk Seri Dr Suleiman Mohamed.

Najib noted that increasing access to education at every level for all could improve the odds of success for those who were born in less fortunate circumstances.

"Over the years we've fought poverty through education," Najib said, adding that education was also a potent medicine to address income inequality.

"Today, we see many sons and daughters of fishermen, rubber tappers and farmers return to their kampung during Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and Deepavali as doctors, engineers and lawyers," he said.

The prime minister drove home the point that widening access to education should go hand in hand with efforts to increase the quality of education.

In this connection, Najib called for greater collaboration and engagement between local and international universities, saying that Unitar was one of the institutions created for this purpose.

He said armed with education, people would be able to overcome challenges that may come their way.

"And an educated person is not just about having a degree but, more importantly, having the right attitude towards life," he added.

On Unitar, which was set up in 1997, Najib hoped the university which was named after his late father, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, could continue to grow into a top private institution of higher learning based on the spirit and legacy left by the creator of the National Education Policy.

"On behalf of my family members, I wish to congratulate Unitar on the launching of this new campus and pray that it will continue to progress in providing quality education to the community," he said.

The new 15-story campus building built on an environment-friendly concept also has facilities for the disabled group and capable of accommodating 8,000 students.