Wednesday, 5 March 2014
Saudi women demand end of male control - Al Jazeera
Activists say the laws restricting women in the kingdom are not based in religious teachings.
Saudi Arabia is also the only country in the world that bans women from driving [Reuters]
Saudi women activists have petitioned the country's consultative council to back a demand to curb the "absolute authority" of male guardians over women in the kingdom, a signatory has said.
Activist Aziza Yousef told AFP news agency on Sunday that "rights activists have petitioned the Shura (consultative) Council on the occasion of the International Women's Day [on March 8] demanding an end to the absolute authority of men over women".
They demanded "measures to protect [women's] rights," in their petition to the Shura Council, she said.
Saudi Arabia imposes a strict interpretation of Islamic law, forbidding women to work or travel without the authorisation of their male guardians.
It is also the only country in the world that bans women from driving, and a woman cannot obtain an identification card without the consent of her guardian.
Laws in the kingdom enforcing such restrictions on women "are not based on religious" teachings, said Yousef.
The petition, signed by 10 female activists, also calls for allowing women to drive.
Three female members of the Shura Council presented a recommendation that women be given the right to drive in October, but the male-dominated 150-member assembly blocked the proposal.
Women in Saudi must obtain permission from a male guardian to perform "certain surgeries" and to "leave the university campus during study hours," she added.
She cited a recent case in which a pregnant student had to give birth on campus after a women-only university in Riyadh denied access to paramedics.
And a university student died in February after paramedics were prevented from entering her campus because they were not accompanied by a male guardian, a must according to the strict segregation rules in the Muslim kingdom.
The Shura Council is appointed by the king and advises the monarch on policy, but cannot legislate.
Minister praises how Singapore promotes national unity, religious harmony – Bernama
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup (pic) says Malaysia is looking at Singapore's model to further promote national unity and religious harmony among its citizens.
"Overall, our national unity and religious harmony is quite good. Every religious festivity such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Christmas, Pesta Kaamatan in Sabah, Hari Gawai in Sarawak, the leaders open their houses for the people to visit," he told Bernama at the VIP Complex in Changi Airport today.
Kurup was here on a three-day working visit begining Sunday to see and understand national unity and religious harmony among Singaporeans.
"We are here to study Singapore's way of managing community centres and how Singaporeans, permanent residents and foreigners alike integrate themselves via various activities at community centres.
Apart from officials from the Department of National Unity and Integration, Prime Minister's Department, his delegation included 30 top religious leaders of all faiths from Malaysia.
"We will do some analysis on this (community centres). I will forward this to the government for consideration if it is something that will promote national unity, understanding, peace and promote harmony," he said.
Among the places visited, by Kurup was Anchorvale Community Centre, an integrated complex in Sengkang West Constituency Office.
He was received by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Culture Community and Youth, Sam Tan and Member of Parliament for Ang Mo Kio Group Representative Constituency, Dr Lam Pin Min.
At the centre, Kurup said: "I can see the elderly and the young interacting at the centre.
"I was told that that is a centre for them to mingle around and to promote national unity. That is one component in the process towards promoting national unity.
"I also made a courtesy call on Acting Minister of Culture, Community and Youth, Lawrence Wong and we talked about the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act.
On Monday, Kurup visited Tampines and met with Masagos Zulkifli, the Senior Minister of State, and Ministry of Home Affairs.
"There I learnt something. He brought me to his service centre where he provides a lot of services to all communities. It is not only to unite the people but also to maintain relationships," he said.
On Tuesday, Kurup said he visited Harmonis Centre initiated by Muslim groups and "I can see that it is accepted by all".
"The centre is a place for them for interfaith dialogue and to make people understand, appreciate, and respect the religion, so that they do not hurt each other.".
Kurup also visited Onepeople.sg Centre and met with Member of Parliament Zainudin Nordin.
He said the centre's concept is similar to 1Malaysia - People First where you need to integrate to establish the national identity.
Kurup said his visit together with religious leaders was to familiarise them with what Singapore is doing in promoting national unity and religious harmony.
"From the feedback that I received, they are very happy and overall our visit has been very fruitful," he said thanking all those involved, particularly the MPs and the minister concerned who were so kind to give us all the information. – Bernama, March 4, 2014.
Stand up against ethnic and religious extremists
The Malaysian Bar welcomes the recent urging 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 urging 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 proposal 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 proposal to continue working together for a cohesive and united Malaysia.
CHRISTOPHER LEONG is president of the Malaysian Bar.
Anwar wants Malays to read Ramayana
Anwar encourages the Malays to read classical Hindu texts and for Hindu's to read the Quran to better understand each other.
KAJANG: Pakatan Rakyat candidate for the Kajang state seat by-election Anwar Ibrahim told a group of Malay youths that to understand the Indian community they needed to read and understand classical Hindu texts such as the Ramayana, Mahabharatha and the Thirukkural.
He said that it was vital for them to do so because it would enable Malaysians to better understand one another.
“Yesterday I met a group of Malay youths. I told them to read the Ramayana and Mahabharatha. I also told them to read the Thirukkural,” said Anwar who is Permatang Pauh MP and Opposition Leader in Parliament.
The Ramayana is an epic poem that narrates a journey of virtue to annihilate vice portrayed by Prince Rama and King Ravana. It was authored by sage Valmiki.
Mahabaharata is a tale of war between cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
Both texts are the greatest Sanskrit epics on ancient India.
“The Thirukkural is a summary of thoughts in Indian society touching on every aspect of life,” the PKR de facto leader explained.
Anwar was speaking at a dinner function attended by 150 Indian representatives from various NGOs, parent teacher associations, temple committees and associations at the Metro Prescott Hotel last night.
On the same theme he also encouraged Hindus to read the Quran.
“I am confident that this is the new Malaysia. I am still Muslim and Malay,” Anwar said.
He explained the insecurities present in the mind of the Malays and said that the challenge now was to change the Malay mindset.
“Malays see this land as theirs and feel like they are bowing down to the Chinese. My challenge is to break that perception.”
Anwar blamed the Umno-led federal government for the Malay community’s unreadiness to change their perception.
“They (BN) must be ready to lead because this will not make the Malays lose out. We need to build up the Malay community’s self confidence,” he explained.
Touching on the Indian community he acknowledged that there was a high percentage of the community getting themselves involved in criminal activities.
“Even though the Indian population is small, they are over-represented in Sungai Buloh,” he said in reference to the prison he was imprisoned in for six years.
The talk was part of Anwar’s campaign for the Kajang by-election.
Pakatan is fielding Anwar whereas BN has fielded MCA vice president Chew Mei Fun.
Kita party founder Zaid Ibrahim and dangdut singer Herman Tino are contesting in the by-election as independents.
The state constituency has 39,278 registered voters, majority of whom are Malays. Nomination has been set for March 11 and polling on March 23.
The Kajang state seat fell vacant following the resignation of incumbent assemblymen Lee Chin Cheh of PKR on Jan 27.
The state seat comprises 39,728 registered voters. At the last general elections in May, 2013, the seat saw a voter turnout of 87.9% with 541 spoilt votes. It has 48% Malay voters, Chinese 41%, Indian 10% and others 1%.
KAJANG: Pakatan Rakyat candidate for the Kajang state seat by-election Anwar Ibrahim told a group of Malay youths that to understand the Indian community they needed to read and understand classical Hindu texts such as the Ramayana, Mahabharatha and the Thirukkural.He said that it was vital for them to do so because it would enable Malaysians to better understand one another.
“Yesterday I met a group of Malay youths. I told them to read the Ramayana and Mahabharatha. I also told them to read the Thirukkural,” said Anwar who is Permatang Pauh MP and Opposition Leader in Parliament.
The Ramayana is an epic poem that narrates a journey of virtue to annihilate vice portrayed by Prince Rama and King Ravana. It was authored by sage Valmiki.
Mahabaharata is a tale of war between cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
Both texts are the greatest Sanskrit epics on ancient India.
“The Thirukkural is a summary of thoughts in Indian society touching on every aspect of life,” the PKR de facto leader explained.
Anwar was speaking at a dinner function attended by 150 Indian representatives from various NGOs, parent teacher associations, temple committees and associations at the Metro Prescott Hotel last night.
On the same theme he also encouraged Hindus to read the Quran.
“I am confident that this is the new Malaysia. I am still Muslim and Malay,” Anwar said.
He explained the insecurities present in the mind of the Malays and said that the challenge now was to change the Malay mindset.
“Malays see this land as theirs and feel like they are bowing down to the Chinese. My challenge is to break that perception.”
Anwar blamed the Umno-led federal government for the Malay community’s unreadiness to change their perception.
“They (BN) must be ready to lead because this will not make the Malays lose out. We need to build up the Malay community’s self confidence,” he explained.
Touching on the Indian community he acknowledged that there was a high percentage of the community getting themselves involved in criminal activities.
“Even though the Indian population is small, they are over-represented in Sungai Buloh,” he said in reference to the prison he was imprisoned in for six years.
The talk was part of Anwar’s campaign for the Kajang by-election.
Pakatan is fielding Anwar whereas BN has fielded MCA vice president Chew Mei Fun.
Kita party founder Zaid Ibrahim and dangdut singer Herman Tino are contesting in the by-election as independents.
The state constituency has 39,278 registered voters, majority of whom are Malays. Nomination has been set for March 11 and polling on March 23.
The Kajang state seat fell vacant following the resignation of incumbent assemblymen Lee Chin Cheh of PKR on Jan 27.
The state seat comprises 39,728 registered voters. At the last general elections in May, 2013, the seat saw a voter turnout of 87.9% with 541 spoilt votes. It has 48% Malay voters, Chinese 41%, Indian 10% and others 1%.
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.
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.
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 GheeVarious 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.
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.
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