Najib Looking Forward To Open Second Penang Bridge

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is looking forward to the opening of the Second Penang Bridge which is scheduled for early next month.

"Plans for the Second Penang Bridge was first unveiled in 2006. I am looking forward to opening it to the public next month," he said in his latest tweet Wednesday.

The 24-km bridge - of which 17km is above the sea and seven kilometres over land - was designed with environmental sustainability in mind and links Batu Kawan on the mainland to Batu Maung on the island.

Once opened, it is expected to reduce congestion on the existing Penang Bridge by 25 per cent.

The RM4.5-billion bridge, a Federal government project, is the longest in Southeast Asia and is expected to be able to handle 100,000 vehicles daily.

The bridge was originally planned for completion on Nov 8 last year and to be opened to the public by the end of November, but was postponed to this year.

Pregnant teenager alleging gang-rape charged with adultery in Sudan

A pregnant teenager who says she was gang-raped has been charged with adultery in Sudan, and faces a possible sentence of death by stoning. The country's judiciary has received millions of pounds in aid from the UK.

The 18-year-old Ethiopian, who is nine months pregnant, is being held in a police cell and until recently was sleeping on a bare concrete floor without a mattress or suitable food or clothing, according to the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) network.

SIHA accused Sudan of discriminating against the alleged victim because she is both a woman and a migrant, and demanded her immediate release or transfer to hospital.

The young divorcee claims that last August, when she was about three months pregnant, she was lured to an empty property in the capital, Khartoum, and violently gang-raped by seven men. She reported the incident to a police officer at the time, but he decided against pursuing an investigation because of the Eid holiday. He was initially charged with negligence, but this was dropped on Tuesday.

According to SIHA, the attack was filmed by one of the men on his phone and circulated on social media six months later, leading to the arrest of both the alleged perpetrators and victim. The case came to court earlier this month. Five men, understood to be between 18 to 22, are accused of adultery; a sixth, who says he did not have sex with the woman, is accused of gross indecency.

The woman is charged with adultery, although she denied the charges and is pleading not guilty on the basis that the sexual act was against her will. Her attempt to make a complaint of rape has been denied on the technicality that she is under investigation on other charges and she should have complained at the time of the incident. Her request for bail has been denied by the attorney general.

"The intention to place culpability on the part of the victim is of great concern and seeks to deflect and reduce accountability of the perpetrators, but more disturbing is that the charge of adultery carries with it the potential sentence of death by stoning if found guilty," SIHA said.

Although rarely carried out, SIHA noted, the sentence of stoning for adultery has been handed down twice in recent years, against two women, Intisar Sharif and Laila Jamool, in 2012. Following appeals in both cases, the sentences were overturned.

The Sudanese government has been criticised for the mistreatment and marginalisation of foreign nationals, with Ethiopians often a target of xenophobia. SIHA said the Sudanese media has sought to undermine the alleged rape victim by falsely claiming that she has HIV and stating that she is a prostitute. "There have even been cynical attempts to falsely claim that the men were accidently prescribed hallucinogenic drugs by a chemist beforehand."

Hala Alkarib, regional director of the SIHA network, said: "Impunity and silence on crimes of sexual violence committed against IDPs [internally displaced persons], migrants and impoverished women in Sudan has been a pattern for years.

"This case brings to light the obstacles in bringing complaints of rape, let alone negotiating the legal system through to prosecution. There is an urgent need for article 149 of the criminal code referring to rape to be reformed to protect victims and pursue justice."

She added: "Successful prosecution of rape is the exception as opposed to the norm and most certainly does not reflect the level of incidence. Instead victims face the risk that they will instead be prosecuted for adultery, being re-vicitmised by the judicial system, and threatened with the ultimate sentence of death by stoning."

The case is likely to raise questions over Britain's donor support for the justice system in Sudan. A Department for International Development (DfID) document says it will provide up to £20.6m over the period March 2010 to March 2014 to fund a "safety and access to justice programme" in Sudan and South Sudan.

The programme is intended to support rule of law partners to "improve the daily experience of people requiring access to security and justice through infrastructure development and by strengthening the institutions' ability to respond effectively and efficiently to the requirements of social peace and tranquillity".

But the support to Sudan was cut off last month, earlier than planned. A DfID spokesman said on Tuesday: "We condemn absolutely all human rights abuses and stoning is an abhorrent practice. DfID recently ended its support to the Sudanese judiciary in light of the deteriorating operating environment and our deep concerns about human rights abuses."

Last year a Somali woman who alleged she was raped was sentenced to a year in jail. She was later acquitted after a worldwide outcry.

Putrajaya shoots down Tamil secondary school proposal in Penang

The Penang government today expressed disappointment that its application to set up the first Tamil
secondary school in the country in Bagan Dalam in Butterworth has been rejected.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (pic) said the state's sincere offer to set aside a piece of land for the building of the school was not considered by Putrajaya or Barisan Nasional's Indian-based party, MIC.

"We are only asking for one Tamil secondary school in the whole country. It will not jeopardise anyone.

"One Tamil secondary school is not excessive. We would not be able to sustain more than one anyway," he told a press conference at his Komtar office today.

Lim said he will make an appeal to Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, before taking the matter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Asked what other options the state has in pursuing the matter further apart from going to Muhyiddin or Najib, Lim said the state cannot do much as the setting up of the school, even as a private institution, would require a license from Putrajaya.

"We also would not have the funds," said Lim, who is the Bagan MP.

The state was informed via a letter dated January 8 from Education Department director-general Datuk Dr Khair Mohamad Yusof that there are no provision under the Education Act 1996 for the setting up Tamil secondary schools.

The letter stated that the act only provides for national secondary schools to cater to the education needs of all races in the country.

Lim said he wrote to the ministry last year about the application several times, explaining that a Tamil secondary school will cater to the education needs of the Indian community in Bagan Dalam, which makes up 24% of the total constituents, but the state never received feedback until Khair's letter.

He said Deputy Education Minister P. Kamalanathan was not telling the truth when he reportedly denied receiving any letters about the application from the Penang government.

"He said there were no letters from Penang, but then the education department has actually sent us a reply. Kamalanathan should not lie," he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy, who is also state education exco, said the state had even appealed to BN parties to put politics aside and give their support for the setting up the school.

However, he said even the Indian-based parties did not voice their support and it was the Chinese educationist group Dong Zong that backed the state's proposal instead.

"I think the federal government fears that this will set a precedent and other places may request for Tamil secondary schools too," he said.

To this, Lim quipped: "No. I think if we have it in Penang, then they can forget about Penang." – February 19, 2014.

Thasleem: Report ISMA to religious authorities for abusing Islam

Muslim NGO urges police action on Utusan, Isma

Jihad for Justice accuses both of threatening racial harmony.

KUALA LUMPUR: A Muslim NGO today urged the police to take stern action against Utusan Malaysia and Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) for allegedly threatening racial harmony in the country.

Thasleem Mohamed Ibrahim, speaking as president of Jihad for Justice, told reporters here that he lodged a report with the Brickfields police station yesterday against Utusan Malaysia deputy editor Azman Anuar and Isma over articles appearing in the Umno-owned daily and an online portal which he said accused non-Malays of insulting Islam, Muslims and Malay rulers.

He said the accusation had been “manufactured” to provoke anger among Malays against non-Malays.

“Both their articles, dated Feb 16, clearly provoked hatred against the non-Malays and this provocation is not healthy for peace-loving Malaysia,” he said.

He added that the “ulterior motive” of inciting hatred and fear was evident in both articles.

“I here challenge Isma and Azman Anuar to prove their allegations that Muslims are facing real conspiracies from Christians and chauvinists,” Thasleem said.

He urged Isma to be careful when quoting Prophet Muhammad and not let off like a “loose cannon” in order to create hatred.

Isma in its article urged Malays to be aggressive in fighting back against threats posed by non-Muslims. It’s president, Muhammad Fauzi, said an unnamed anti-Muslim group were baiting the country’s Muslim majority and causing social and religious tensions.

Thasleem also blamed police inaction for the tense situation.

“The police has been very selective in taking action and a few Umno-friendly NGOs have got away with daylight robbery and murder, figuratively speaking,” he said.

He called on Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar to demonstrate his assertion that there were no “selective investigation and prosecution” by immediately investigating anyone creating racial tension.

Mahathir takut Anwar jadi MB yang cemerlang, kata Manivanan

Beliau menambah ketakutan yang Mahathir sedang lalui bukanlah ketakutan yang biasa-biasa.

PETALING JAYA: Ahli parlimen Kapar, G. Manivanan bertanya siapa yang sebenarnya takut dengan Langkah Kajang, adakah Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad atau Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Katanya, Langkah Kajang yang dicanang-canang sebagai langkah sumbang Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) oleh Umno dan Barisan Nasional (BN) nyata hanyalah omongan yang sebenarnya mengoncangkan parti yang memerintah itu.

Menurut beliau, bekas orang ‘nombor satu’ Umno itu menggambarkan ‘ketakutan’ beliau sekiranya Anwar Ibrahim menjadi Menteri Besar Selangor kerana ini akan menyerlahkan kewibawaan dan kepintaran bekas Timbalan Perdana Menteri itu.

“Mahathir yang menunjangi kerajaaan ketika zaman ledakan reformasi, menyedari kekuatan dan keupayaan yang dimiliki oleh Anwar Ibrahim yang boleh mematahkan plot politik Umno dan mereka hilang punca dengan strategi terkini politik yang bakal menjadi batu asas kepada kemaraan Pakatan Rakyat ke Putrajaya,” katanya dalam satu kenyataan kepada FMT.

Katanya lagi, strategi politik Anwar Ibrahim ini akan kembali membuka ruang kepada rakyat terutamanya generasi muda untuk mengenali sosok dan kebolehan serta kemampuan pemimpin ini.

Beliau menambah rekod cemerlang beliau terutamanya ketika mengemudi Kementerian Kewangan daripada 1991-1998, yang disebut era emas kewangan Malaysia adalah sesuatu yang Mahathir tidak mahu berulang kembali di Selangor, seterusnya menjadi kayu ukur Anwar Ibrahim sebagai Perdana Menteri pertama dari Pakatan Rakyat.

Beliau mendakwa Mahathir takut provokasi-provokasi keagamaan dan perkauman yang sengaja diwujudkan oleh Umno kebelakangan ini akan tenggelam dan terpadam dengan penghargaan dan kefahaman rakyat tentang demokrasi yang diperjuangkan oleh Anwar Ibrahim.

Katanya, ditakdirkan Anwar Ibrahim menang di Kajang, dan seterusnya menjawat kerusi Menteri Besar Selangor seperti yang diramalkan oleh Mahathir, maka segala rancangan sulit Umno untuk merampas Selangor Darul Ehsan melalui pintu belakang akan menemui jalan buntu.

“Dalam memperkatakan perkara-perkara buruk berkaitan Fitnah Liwat II dan sebagainya , Mahathir adalah individu yang sebenarnya cukup mengetahui bahawa Anwar Ibrahim pasti akan menang di DUN Kajang dan seterusnya mendaki hierarki politik sekali lagi,” ujarnya.

G. Manivanan berkata kenyataan Mahathir bahawa calon-calon lain akan hilang deposit, jelas menggambarkan Mahathir mengakui Anwar Ibrahim telah cukup bersedia sebelum turun bertanding di Kajang.

“Mahathir secara terbuka juga menegaskan bahawa BN harus bertanding di DUN Kajang, tanpa mengira komponen mana yang menghantar calon. Tindak tanduk Mahathir ini sebagai satu respon ketakutan yang luar biasa dan jelas memberi tekanan kepada Datuk Seri Najib Razak selaku Pengerusi BN yang mungkin berkira-kira untuk tidak menghantar calon seperti pengamatan beberapa analisis politik tempatan,”dakwa beliau.

Beliau menambah ketakutan yang Mahathir sedang lalui bukanlah ketakutan yang biasa-biasa.

“Beliau mempunyai asas yang kuat untuk menjadi gentar dan takut serta telah memulakan gendang perang untuk menghalang kemaraan Anwar,” katanya lagi.

PSM: Ball is in Pakatan’s court

Despite campaigning and supporting the coalition in the past, we have yet to be accepted as an official partner, says PSM sec-gen S Arutchelvan

PETALING JAYA: The ball is in Pakatan Rakyat’s court to decide if Parti Sosialis Malaysia is to be a part of the coalition, said its secretary-general S Arutchelvan.

Arutchelvan said that PSM had already shown a keen interest in joining forces with Pakatan since last year but no official invitation has been forthcoming till today.

“Pakatan’s top leaders have to make it clear if they want us as an an official partner as we don’t have any issues working with their grassroots,” said Arutchelvan.

On not being invited for the March 8 Pakatan Rakyat convention, themed ‘Pakatan Bersama Rakyat’ (A pact with the people) at the Setia City Convention Centre, Arutchelvan said he was not perturbed.

He said it was the organiser’s prerogative to invite whom they pleased, and PSM had no issues with it.

Arutchelvan said that PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution once declared that the door was closed to PSM joining Pakatan, but its de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim said otherwise.

He added that PSM will continue its good track record in fighting for the marginalised communities and focus on issues such as minimum wages, hospital privatisation and many matters of concern to lower income group.

“Even during the elections, we worked with Pakatan grassroots on common issues which was championed by both sides. We never had any problems with it,” said Arutchelvan.

Yesterday, Saifuddin said Pakatan has not decided if PSM is to be part of their coalition or even extend an invitation to attend its convention on March 8.

However, NGOs such as Bela Tani, Turun, Geramm and C4 have been invited for the convention.

India may give visa-on-arrival for M’sians

Soon Malaysians going to India need not apply to visas here as it will be isued at the entry points.

KUALA LUMUR: India is about to introduce visa-on-arrival (VOA) for visitors from 180 countries, including Malaysia, as part of its immigration reform designed to attract more tourists.

The Indian government, in a high-level meeting earlier this month, cleared the initiatives for VOA facility for 180 nations along with the electronic travel authorisation scheme.

However, nationals from eight countries – Pakistan, Sudan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia and Sri Lanka – will not get the facility and have to apply for visa through the embassy.

“It will be done in stages and not immediately,” Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Syed Akhbaruddin told The Malaysian Reserve over the phone from New Delhi.

He said the plan needed a lot of infrastructure preparations which would take time.

The issue of VOA has sprung up many times in the past but could not see the light of day, partly due to resistance from Indian intelligence agencies raising security concerns.

These agencies have been persuaded to drop their opposition to the plan.

To some, it is India’s way of reciprocating to the Malaysian government’s decision to allow VOA for Indians travelling to Malaysia from a third country namely Singapore and Thailand.

The Indian government plans to put in place the infrastructure by the next tourist session in October. The VOA and electronic travel authorisation will be initially used at airports in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Goa and Trivandrum, according to reports from Indian newspapers.

Malaysia provides the highest traffic to India among all Asean countries and it is estimated that more than 150,000 Malaysians travel to India each year.

About 8% of Malaysians have an Indian origin, mostly from southern India and that leads many to travel to South India from Malaysia.

The “golden triangle” comprising New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur is another popular destination among Malaysians. Malaysia is also an important tourist destination for Indians.

Meanwhile, some believe that the facility may not make much difference for Malaysian tourists to India despite being a good move.

“So far, the visa process for Malaysians travelling to India is simple and efficient.

The system is online,” Malaysia’s Tourism director Amran Abdul Rahman told The Malaysian Reserve over the phone from New Delhi.

He noted that the decision was not official yet and his department had not been informed of the move.

“Malaysians by nature are people who want their peace of mind so they would want to have a visa before they travel to another country.

“They would not want to get in a long queue and wait at the airports. Moreover, the airlines will also check the visa status for passengers,” Amran noted.

The Indian High Commission in Malaysia, when asked about the VOA facility for Malaysians, said it had not been informed of any decision yet.

This content is provided by FMT content provider The Malaysian Reserve

Admit your weakness, Waytha tells Najib

The Hindraf chief says the PM is using Khairy as a shield against criticism.

PETALING JAYA: Hindraf chairman P Waythamoorthy has demanded a public admission from Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak that he had reneged on his promises to the Indian community.

In a media statement released today, he said Najib must admit that he had been too weak to honour the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hindraf that he signed before the 13th general election.

Referring to yesterday’s statement by Khairy Jamaluddin, he said the Umno Youth leader was being used by Najib as a shield against criticism.

“Khairy’s irrational defence of his boss is immature and imprudent,” he said in the statement.

“Would Khairy be able to perform if his ministry’s budget is taken away?”

Khairy, who is Youth and Sports Minister, said on Twitter that Waythamoorthy, while serving as a deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (PMO), had demanded control over all government budgets for the Indian community.

Waythamoorthy said Khairy “should read the MOU first and understand what his boss committed himself to.”

He added: “The entire Cabinet should be embarrassed that their boss reneged on his promises to the Indian community.”

Waythamoorthy said Najib expressed admiration for Hindraf’s proposed socio-economic programmes when he submitted them in the first month of his service with the Prime Minister’s Department.

Najib was equally amazed that hundreds of volunteers and experts in various fields were offering to help the government and Hindraf implement a “comprehensive and practical plan” for the benefit of Indians, he added.

“The Prime Minister committed himself to a special unit to be headed by a director-general and four assistant directors-general with a minimum of 50 team members to be set up within the PMO to oversee the various socio-economic problems faced by the Indian community,” he said.

“The unit would be given a special budget with autonomy to enable it to carry out its tasks in a focused and targeted manner.”

He said he tried for eight months to persuade Najib to fulfil his commitments, but “the Prime Minister did not do anything proactive to make the unit and budget a reality.”

“It became very clear to me there was no political will on his part.”

He said he explained to Najib how various government agencies had failed to deliver their service to the Indian community.

“An example is the Education Ministry’s failure to provide Tamil schools with proper infrastructure and the lack of scholarships and education placement in public universities and matriculation.

“The Agriculture Ministry, for example, failed to provide alternatives for the displaced plantation workers.

“The relevant government agencies and Menteris Besar of the various states also failed to provide land both for economic as well as settlement of Indian labourers displaced from estates after having served the nation four to five generations.”
Meanwhile, DAP vice chairman M Kulasegaran called upon Najib to apologise to the Indian community for betraying the trust given in the previous general election.

“The prime minister must realise that his commitment was to the Indian community, not Hindraf. Najib must apologise for his historic act of betrayal,” he said.

Kulasegaran, who is also Ipoh Barat MP, said that it was now proven that Hindraf made a mistake in trusting Najib, who is not really keen in addressing the plight of the minority group.

“And it is proven when Najib did not even try to dissuade Waythamoorthy from quitting his post. With the general election over, Hindraf has outlived its usefulness for the government,” he said.

Malaysian Indians – Hindraf = UMNO Advantage

At the end of the day, Indians are arguing with Indians which will not solve any problems. Everyone has to take a stand to leave HIndraf alone and let them heal themselves. By throwing hatred amongst our own race will create more damage. This is what UMNO is expecting so that they can take advantage of the situation.

Saravanan

Hindraf was an organization which championed the poor Indian cause of Malaysia and was the back bone for Malaysian Indians since 2007. Due to the Hindraf rally, UMNO lost 2/3 majority in the 12th general election. This was a great impact for the 52 years long serving UMNO-led government. To counter attack Hindraf, UMNO sponsored many Malay NGOs to stabilize their position.

The 13th general election saw another different scenario where Hindraf signed a MoU with Barisan Nasional to find permanent and comprehensive solutions. PM Najib played a leading role to conquer the heart of the Hindraf leader by giving flowery promises. After winning the General Election with a better result than the GE12, PM Razak appointed Waytha (Hindraf chairperson) as a deputy minister under the Prime Ministers department. The whole pact caused anger for many Malaysian Indians. With great ambition, Hindraf started their duty to resolve problems but till 8 months none of the promises were delivered because PM Najib had no intention to solve the Indians’ problems and have been a blockage for deliverance.

After 8 months of Waytha working as a deputy minister, he finally came to the conclusion that UMNO made use of Hindraf and the poor Indians’ situation. Hindraf chairman P Waytha Moorthy resigned from all positions in the government and the Senate on Feb 10.

The failure of the Hindraf and UMNO promises made many Malaysians hate UMNO and Hindraf. Several NGOs openly called Waytha a traitor, though openly the Hindraf chairperson asked for forgiveness. Day by day the situation is becoming sourer. According to Hindraf, they tried their level best but unfortunately they weren’t aware that this is a trick of UMNO to kill Hindraf’s cause and popularity.

I am following the grassroots sentiment and netizens’ comments. It is not favouring Hindraf nor UMNO. Those criticisms against Hindraf or UMNO is not going to solve any Indian problem. There is a proverb in Tamil: “Either you be helpful or do not intend to harm anyone”. The Indian community has to take a stand not to harm anyone. At the end of the day, Indians are arguing with Indians which will not solve any problems. Everyone has to take a stand to leave HIndraf alone and let them heal themselves. By throwing hatred amongst our own race will create more damage. This is what UMNO is expecting so that they can take advantage of the situation.
At the same time, Hindraf members should let people give their opinions, as by counter attacking they will cause more damage to the society. I urge the Hindraf Chairperson to play smart. We don’t need hatred and damages. It would be nice if all parties, NGOs and leaders, work for the future of the marginalized Indian community. Our one and only target should be UMNO because the Indian community has been cheated for 56 years. This is not a short period. They failed again after signing an agreement with Hindraf. So the sole cause is PM Najib (UMNO). There is no point shooting blanks at a person who asks for forgiveness. The aim and target should be UMNO and their leaders for failing Malaysian Indians. Do not give chances for others to take advantage of the tense situation.

Open Letter to Ex-Senator Waythamoorthy

Dear Moorthy,

I am writing you this open letter with hope that it will reach you as all my attempts to reach you directly over the telephone and SMS and requests to meet you directly through your associates FAILED!

I am one of the many thousands of my fellow brothers and sisters who were on the streets in November 2007, taking the water cannons and tear gas from the police and FRU, stood steadfast to the struggle that you and your friends voiced to the government of Malaysia.

I am also one among the many supporters of Hindraf who gave our hard-earned money to support Hindraf’s cause back then.

Furthermore, I am also one of the many Hindraf supporters who were upset with you when you left the country and ran away to UK, leaving your other friends to rot in jail!

And last but not least, I am one of the many Indians in this country who lost our trust and hopes in you when you decided to sign a deal with the BN government and accepted the deputy minister’s post!

For all these reasons above, I believe I have the locus standi to voice out my opinion to you.

First of all, you made a blunder by gambling with our Indian community’s fate. Who are you to represent the poor Indians in Malaysia? Didn’t you just abandon many of those who stood with you and suffered life in prison, while you escaped to London? Your decision to threaten the government and the opposition with support only to the coalition that signs an agreement with you clearly shows how you choose to gamble with our life and future.

And when you chose to sign a pact with BN, didn’t you anticipate that you were going to have a tough time getting it materialised?

Today, after already disappointing and failing the hopes and aspirations of thousands of poor Indians, you are coming out to the public crying foul of the Najib administration for your failures! You have lost our trust and support long ago. And do you think we will be fooled again now with your so-called revelations of how ineffective the government is? Do you think we will buy your story? Are you coming out with statements after statements to convince us and build back your already diminished support?

You have to come clean this time, really. If you were wise, you would have remained an NGO leader and pressured the government to get things done for the Indians. With pressures like these, I am sure the Najib government would have done something. The reason I’m saying this is not because I’m not a supporter of Najib or BN, but I can see that at least he does something for the Indians as compared to the opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, whom I honestly cannot recall having done anything for the Indians. I can only remember him as a racist till today.

Coming back to you Moorthy, if you think you need to get back the support and trust of the Indians, work hard to get it because we are not prepared to be fooled again, we are not prepared to let someone ride on us again. Enough is enough, so enough of your public statements, enough of your attacks on Najib, we are not buying it. Think of some other ways to convince us, and to be fair, we will consider whether to give you another chance or not!

Thank you.

Yours Sincerely,

R. Jambulingam

Draw up a blueprint for Tamil education

By S.Param,

Tamil is said to be one of the longest-surviving languages in the world. It has been described as the only language of contemporary India which is recognisably continuous with the classical past and having one of the richest literatures in the world. Tamil literature has existed for over 2,000 years and the earliest epigraphic records are said to be found on rock edits and hero stones dating to the 5th century BC.

The Sangam literature, which has been described as the earliest period of Tamil literature, is said to be dated from circa 300BC to 300AD. Tamil language inscriptions written circa the 1st century BC and 2nd century AD have been discovered in Eygpt, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The variety and quality of classical Tamil literature has led to its being described as one of the great classical traditions and literature of the world. (Wikipedia)

Malaysia is one of the few countries outside of India that has provided a conducive environment and support for this oldest language in the world to flourish. The existence of more than 500-odd Tamil primary schools in the country, many of which are fully aided by the state, is a testimony of the government’s sincere effort in promoting and sustaining the language among the Tamil-speaking population.

The recent announcements by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak that several new Tamil schools will be built and more funds will be made available for Tamil schools indicates the government’s willingness in meeting the Indian community’s desire to improve Tamil language education in the country.

Despite the many political challenges, it is indeed heartening to note that the government is steadfast in its promise to safeguard the existence of vernacular schools in the country.

The Indian community, especially the Tamil-speaking Indians and others who have shown great interest and support for the language, are indeed grateful to the PM for the financial pledge and support. This augurs well for the government and the future of Tamil schools in the country.

MIC, which has been in the forefront in championing the Tamil schools issues for ages, should take the lead by setting up a special committee comprising of academics, community leaders and NGOs to draw up a blueprint for Tamil education. This special committee should among others also look into the recent proposal to set up the first Tamil secondary school in the country.

Having said that, the time has come for those who take pride in the Tamil language to join forces to stand up against certain individuals who are urging the abolishment of Tamil schools in the country.

It is understandable those who are not familiar with Tamil and its contribution to the world and the Indian community at large would perceive it differently. However, it is indeed saddening to note that another Indian, who happens to be a BN coalition party leader, painting a very negative picture of Tamil schools in the country.

Timely intervention

I don’t know what this particular politician is up to. He has been known in the past to stir up unnecessary issues with regard to Tamil schools. This time around his moronic statements about Tamil schools has somewhat riled up the Indian community. However, the timely intervention of the PM in favour of Tamil schools recently has somewhat helped to neutralise the issue.

Many view the PM’s announcement of incentives and financial allocation to Tamil schools as a slap to those who are urging the abolishment of vernacular schools.

The time has come for the government to view those who are urging the closure of Tamil and Chinese schools as seditious. Appropriate legal action should be taken against such individuals or groups as it is a deliberate attempt to stir up ill-feelings and tension among the multi-racial peace-loving population.

Don't give up hope, Waythamoorthy!

 

COMMENT Dear Waytha: Remember November 2007, when we held you in great esteem and “carried” you on our shoulders?

The five who were then arrested and held under the Internal Security Act became our heroes, not just for the Indians, but for many others as well.

Many of us were disappointed when you quietly left the country. However, your campaign overseas proved otherwise. You somehow managed to raise the plight of the Indian community in many parts of the world.

However, you have, in the meantime, allowed your appointed people or those who claimed to have been appointed by you to make their own personal deals with the government. Yes, they were making hay while the sun was shining.

When I met you in New Delhi in early 2012, I was impressed with the international acclaim of your struggle. You did speak to me of your disappointments with some of your former supporters.

This was proof of the loss of grip of your leadership here in Malaysia. I also noticed that you have not, in many ways, recognised the sufferings of your close allies, some of whom moved towards the opposition because of the lack of proper local leadership.

Initially, when you returned to Malaysia, I rejected the information passed on to me that you have already some secret dealings with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak or his representative.

This trust I had in you because of my faith in you of superbly tackling the 2004 tsunami relief work as our representative in Sri Lanka. You made great personnel sacrifices then.

MOU shocker

But, your comments on the terms you had laid to the political parties differed and when you agreed to sign the memorandum of understanding with Najib for lower demands shocked me.

I was invited for the ceremony but I refused to attend it after reading the draft content. I just could not believe it!

You seemed to have abandoned many of those who toiled with you, including the five ISA detainees who had their lives almost turned upside down, and the many people who were hounded by the police Special Branch.

You never went out of the way to personally discuss with your former colleagues who rallied around you. Pardon me if I am wrong, for I inquired and I was informed of the negative.

Out of the blues, you had new advisers whom you seemed to trust more.

Even with all these doubts I did make my personal decision to give you a chance. Obviously, you have failed or rather blundered! You filled your office with many of your “trusted” people as your staff or volunteers.

A government department does not work that way. My one visit to your office last year was enough to learn that you do not trust anyone than those of your team.

You willingly went into that office and your open criticism of the government within days of being in the government showed that you have no knowledge of procedures you have to follow in a post you requested to be in.

Your brother needs help

Dear Waytha, I am so sorry for you because you went into this post in government without the backing of the majority of Indian NGOs.

After you returned from overseas, you have only trusted a handful of people. In 2007 you had the support and trust of hundreds of NGOs and general community backing in Malaysia. Living on past glory never works.

You may claim that you have the support of grassroots. Yes, perhaps you have. But, they must be seen to be with you.

Anyway, do not give up hope. In this effort you need the support of all parties and do not isolate them. It is time to unite and work peacefully for a fair deal.

Please go and look after those who slogged for your cause. Your brother needs help. Many of those whose cases are pending need to be dealt with.

I am always free for discussion.

Yours in service,

A Vaithilingam

---

A VAITHILINGAM is a former president of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST).

Waytha asks KJ: You tried working with no money? - Malaysiakini

 

Former senator and deputy minister P Waythamoorthy has hit back at Khairy Jamaluddin for so quickly siding with the prime minister without first understanding his frustrations.

Countering Khairy's call that he has been ineffective and money-minded, Waythamoorthy said he quit from his government posts because Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has been nonchalant about a special unit he wanted to address issues of the Indian Malaysian poor.  

"Khairy's irrational defence of his boss is immature and imprudent," Waythamoorthy said in a press statement today.

"Will Khairy be able to perform if his ministry’s budget is taken away and he is expected to function as the youth and sports minister?"

The Persatuan Hindraf Malaysia leader resigned from his government posts last week and called Najib a liar for not fulfilling the memorandum ofm understanding signed with the BN, just before last year’s general election.

The pact earned Waythamoorthy a senatorship and a post of deputy minister, supposedly to take charge of issues affecting the Indian Malaysian community, after the BN was returned to federal power.

'No political will on PM's part'

During his short stint, Waythamoorthy said, Najib had at first agreed to set up a special unit with at least 50 members to help the poor.

"The unit would be given a special budget, with autonomy to enable it to carry out its tasks in a focused and targeted manner," Waythamoorthy said.

"However, after eight months of persuading him to fulfil his above commitments, the PM did not do anything proactive to make the unit and budget a reality. It became very clear to me there was no political will on his part."

He added that the special unit is needed because the other ministries had failed in this area.

For example, the Education Ministry did not provide Tamil schools with proper infrastructure and lacked scholarships and placements for Indian Malaysians in public universities.

The Agriculture Ministry too failed to provide alternatives for displaced plantation workers, while government agencies and state governments didn’t provide land aid for the displaced, long-serving estate workers.

Hisham joins 'Waytha-whacking' tweet crew - Malaysiakini

After scathing criticism from Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, another cabinet minister has come forward to label former colleague P Waythamoorthy as "selfish".

Also taking to Twitter, Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said Waythamoorthy resigned as deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department last week to "cover up his own failure".

"Waytha(moorthy)'s move of blaming the government and (Prime Minister) Najib Abdul Razak is a political ploy to cover up his own failure.

"He is clearly insincere in championing the cause of the Indian community in a holistic manner, like he claimed before," he said.

Hishammuddin had also tagged Housing and Urban Well-being Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan (right) and MIC onto his posts slamming the Persatuan Hindraf Malaysia chief.

He added that resigning after nine months and then attacking the government also shows that Waythamoorthy was "insincere and selfish".

He stressed that making significant changes would take more than nine months - the duration for which Waythamoorthy was part of the cabinet.

BN is sincere

Responding to a question by another Twitter user, Hishammuddin said that BN will continue to help the Indian community "with or without Waytha(moorthy)".

"We have the mandate to govern and Waytha(moorthy) should understand... BN is sincere in helping the Indian community. This is not about just one man or one group's struggle," he said.

He also said that the Indian community will be able to see through Waythamoorthy's "narrow-mindedness".

Hishammuddin's vitriol comes after fellow cabinet minister Khairy accused Waythamoorthy (left) of quitting because he could not control funds for Indian community development.

In a tit-for-tat, Waythamoorthy today asked Khairy if he would be able to function as a minister if the allocation for his ministry was taken away.

Waythamoorthy yesterday urged Najib to resign for not upholding his side of the bargain in relation to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between BN and Persatuan Hindraf Malaysia.

The lawyer-turned-activist had campaigned for BN - following the MOU signing - and was appointed senator and deputy minister after the 13th general election.

He remained unpopular among his cabinet colleagues, however, when his calls for action on deaths in custody were slammed by Hishammuddin and Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

On Monday, Waythamoorthy apologised to the Indian poor, especially those who voted for BN in the last general election, for failing to implement the programmes promised in the MOU.