INDIANS - TIME TO GET REAL.

Recently, newspapers reported the story of K.Kamine Devi. Although she scored 10A1 in last year’s SPM, the Public Service Department turned down her application to study medicine overseas. This after the PSD had issued a statement recently guaranteeing scholarship for students who scored 9 A’s in their SPM. To add insult to injury, her application for a matriculation programme was also rejected. Kamine Devi is an Indian.

She is not the only Indian in the lurch. Lost out simply because of skewed education and affirmative action policies. Also, Kamine Devi is not the only unfortunate Indian. There are many with a similar story.

A fortnight ago, M.I.C Central Working Committee Member S,Murugasen in a letter to Malaysiakini revealed that out of 751 successful candidates for Jawatan Pembantu Penguatkuasa Gred N17 only 10 candidates or 1.3% were Indians. Now, for the uninformed, Grade N17 are support staff and is usually open to applicants with SPM or equivalent qualification. There are more likely from the lower and lower-middle income families who may have discontinued studies after Form 5 to find a job in order to support their families.

What I found interesting was the M.I.C’s Central Working Committee Member’s expose that “whenever the issue of low percentage of Indians being accepted into the government employment is raised, the standard answer is that there were insufficient number of applicants. However, feedback from divisional level M.I.C Youth leaders is that many Indians Youths do apply for governmental jobs but are not called for interviews and out of those called only a very small percentage have been successful”. Quite startling and hard-hitting especially when during the recent general election, M.I.C gave a glowing report card about job opportunities for Indian youths. Yet three months later, M.I.C in public is talking about unfairness. Is M.I.C in the government or now running with the opposition?

Still on the same point, a letter from the Inland Revenue Board published in NST on Monday, June 23, 2008 stated that the Inland Revenue Board does not have race quota in recruitment of new officers. Now let me remind everyone that I also believe in the fairy god-mother and Santa Claus. According, to the Inland Revenue Board, in their recent recruitment exercise only 2,16% (324) of the total applicants (15,018) for the post of executive officer Grade 7 were Indians. And of the number of successful applicants, 2.47% ( eight) were Indians who fulfilled the criteria set for the job. As for the total application received (916) for the post of administrative assistant Grade 11, only 0.44 % (four) were Indian applicants. Of the total number of successful applicants (190) all four of them were successful.

Even in the Johor Bahru courts, the majority of the Indians are only employed as court interpreters. This is a sunset position as there are already some judges who encourage litigants born after 1970 to converse in Bahasa Malaysia. They are often urged to speak in Bahasa Malaysia without the aid of an Interpreter. So, it is safe to say that in years to come the job of interpreters especially Tamil and Chinese Interpreters will become redundant. With that another job opportunity in the civil service closes for Indians.

The private sector does not look promising either. Go to the banks and other office's and count the number of Indian faces there. Even, legal firms which once provided Indians with clerical job opportunities employ fewer Indians. If there is one segment of the Indians population who has better prospect of finding jobs, at least clerical jobs are those who can speak Mandarin. Trust me if you can speak Mandarin, you will never be jobless.

Last week, the Star gave a breakdown of the intake into public universities. Out of the 40,184 STPM and equivalent candidates, 6.84% were Indians. The number of places awarded to Indian student for critical courses are as follows:-

What can be seen is that the Indian intake into public universities is ridiculously and unfairly small.

Hoping for an overseas scholarship to study one of the critical courses will be like waiting for Godot. There is a better chance of witnessing the Halley’s comet.

So what’s the point I am making? Indians must realize that in the near future it is going to be nearly impossible for Indians to get employment in the civil service. In the private sector which is dominated by the Chinese, there is a “national service” pressure for companies to provide employment for Malays first before Indians. Just have a look at the banks and see how many Indians are employed. Indians are already finding it really difficult to near impossibility in getting scholarships. Indians must prepare now for their children’s future. Indians must begin to look elsewhere and not rely on the government to educate their children.

The only way for Indians to uplift themselves and their families is through education. That means Indian parents must make every possible sacrifice for their children. My sister, brother and myself are eternally grateful to our parents for the sacrifices they made to ensure that we got the education we want. My parents received not a single sen from the government yet my parents sacrificed their yesterday for our tomorrow. The saved every single sen to pay for our education.

To study, one needs money. Indian parents must realize that the realistic option for their children education are private universities or to study abroad. Whichever option, one needs money and lots of it. I just wonder how many parents and particularly from the lower and lower middle class Indian families actually put aside of money each month for their children’s education. However seeing the number of empty beer bottles on the table of the ever grateful Chinese coffee shop owner only, I fear a bleak future for many Indians. Add to that, is the sad sight of seeing children wasting their valuable studying time every night sitting together with their mothers watching Indian serials on Astro. Sometimes I just wonder if Indian parents ever care for their children’s future. There are many Indians who would not buy a computer for their children but have no qualms in installing Astro. Just where are their priorities, I often wonder. At least one can see Malay parents buying for their children computers at Courts Mammoth even if it is purchased through installment plan. Believe me, Malay children are really good or at least better than Indian children when it comes to computer technology.

Let me advise Indian parents, save and save all your money. Invest in your children’s education even if you could only educate them to have only trade skill. Education, that’s the best gift you can give your children. Cut out or at least reduce the beer, forget the cigarettes and disconnect Astro. That’s a good start. The savings made, put it into your children’s education account and see it grow. It is hard but sacrifice now and be assured you will reap benefits later. With education, the world and not just Malaysia opens opportunities for your children. Your children will never need to be victims of quota system and affirmative policies. Instead the world awaits and welcomes them.

The writer welcomes comments at anfalaw@streamyx.com

WHEN DOGS COME INTO EDUCATION

Many years ago, my friend who was a lecturer at a teachers training college in Johor Bahru lamented at the quality of the trainee teachers there. His profound words “education has not gone to the dogs but instead dogs have come into education” remains etched in my mind.

Now let me make it clear that it is not my intention to insult teachers. I have uncles and aunties who were school teachers and incidentally my good mother was also a teacher. Many of my school teachers had a great impact in my life and most of all Mr Chakravathy of Sekolah Menengah Tinggi Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. I still remember going to see and inform him that I will be leaving for teachers training. Instead he tore into shreds my teachers training selection notification and sternly told me to continue with my studies. Phew! what a right decision it has turned out to be.

Reading, Hannah Yeoh’s latest posting in her web-log www.hannahyeoh.blogspot reminds me of my friend’s profound words.

Hannah Yeoh is the DAP Assemblywoman for Subang Jaya. This law graduate from University of Tasmania and incidentally where I too graduated from, was a student of SMK Subang Jaya and was also the Head Prefect for the year 1995/1996. For years there has been a tradition of an annual Prefect Reunion where former and present prefects attend the function which is actually a private function.

What has made Hannah really upset is because some cabbage brained teachers saw it fit to issue a threat to the school prefects to withdraw their invitation to her and even worst to issue an ultimum that should Hannah be invited the function will be cancelled. I just wonder how sensisitive would her presence be at the function. Do the teachers think Hannah will turn the prefects reunion function into a political function and give a political ceramah or use the opportunity to recruit members for DAP? Come of it !

How true are the profound words of my friend said years ago. Dogs have indeed come into education. The school and the teachers of SMK Subang Jaya rightfully should feel proud that one of their students had not only qualified as a lawyer but also has now been elected as an Assemblywoman. Instead, these dumb-asses saw it fit to cast Hannah as an outcast for no other valid reason but simply because she was a DAP Assemblywoman. Had she been a BN Assemblywoman, the school would have had a special assembly and everyone connected with the school from the Principal to the tuck-shop operator to the lolly-pop man would have jostled to kiss her her arse in the hope of getting some “peruntukkan or surat sokongan”. The PIBG Chairperson would have been there with a garden of flowers pinned on his bush-jacket giving an off tangent glowing speech about the government and pleading for “peruntukkan untuk PIBG”.

It is sad that there are teachers who have been so brainwashed that they live in a blinkered and skewered world devoid of any logical and sensible reasoning. I still remember when I was selected by my class teacher to speak on the best book I have read and why to the class. I told the class the best book I read (then) was Time Bombs in Malaysia by Lim Kit Siang and went on to talk about what Lim Kit Siang said about the real situation in Malaysia and what was Malaysia’s future. Through out the session, the teacher felt really uneasy and after I had finished sarcastically quipped “lain kali baca buku yang lebih bermanfaat”. She just could not accept “such books”. She would have been happy as a button if I had said that the book I read was “ Hikayat kura- kura lawan arnab”. Incidentally when I became the top student for History, she presented me the book “The Malay Dilemma”.

Coming back, it is really despicable that teachers have became agents and tools of the government and has no qualms about and are willing to intimidate, instill fear and threaten others against others who do not share their belief - all hallmarks of the government. Teachers not only ought to impart knowledge but also identify role models which their students can emulate. Who better than their ex-students as role models. They ought to be proud of the achievements of the schools’ ex- students. Sadly, the teachers of SMK Subang Jaya are blissful to live in their cloistered coconut shell and see it fit to demean and mortify their own (ex) student. Would the teachers of SMK Subang Jaya reacted in the same manner had Hannah Yeoh been the Assemblywoman from BN? Surely not !

Rightfully, the parents of SMK Subang Jaya should demand an explanation from the Principal and identify the dumbass behind the withdrawal of the invitation. In fact that person could be a real threat to other students for that person may have his/her own agenda to poison the young minds at SMK Subang Jaya with his/her own skewed thoughts and other propaganda.

Truly, we can do without these petty minded teachers who are nothing who only know how to only froth the rulling party’s agenda.

RACIAL STREOTYPING OR SIMPLY PLAIN MISCHIEF

Reading, Kosmo June, 19 I came across an article about KRU Films new movie Notti. According to the movie’s lead actress Fara Fauzana, she is to play the role of five characters. No doubt it may be daunting to play that many roles but it is not impossible or that it has never been done. Afterall, a Tamil box office currently playing in the cinemas has the lead actor taking on ten roles including one that of George Bush!

Anyway, it not her multiple roles that caught my attention but her revealation that among the roles she would be playing would be “Watak orang jahat pula melakukan kerja seperti membunuh dan menjual dadah. Itu adalah watak orang Cina”.

Now hear it clearly- the murderer and the drug trafficker character is to be a Chinese. We can safely assume that Notti being a Malay movie, it is targetted for the Malay audience. That being the case, what’s the big idea of specifically making the murderer and the drug trafficker in a Malay movie to be a Chinese. Are the movie producers sending the message that murderers and drug traffickers are exclusively or usually Chinese? I am not saying that there are no are no Chinese who are murderers or drug traffickers but equally there are murderers and drug traffickers also from the Malay community.

Crime is never associated and or ought to be associated with any one community. To do that is simply being racist. Notti being a Malay movie, could the directors not make the baddies also from the same community. Will there be a problem if it is done? But as it is now done, it is nothing more than racial stereotyping or at the very least mischief making. Since the lead actress is already playing four other roles, no harm will be done if she also plays the role of the murderer and drug trafficker without the neccessity for her to step into another community’s shoes.

BLESS THIS MAN

At a time when Malaysians are peeved off at the petrol hike, this story as appeared in the STAR June, 19 really brought a smile to my face. I read the news no less than three times and I visualised the whole scene.

Anyway, though what he did may be wrong but one has to be thankful for small mercies. At least all those lucky motorist ought to be. Afterall God acts in mysterious ways. If this man is ever caught and charged, I am most prepared to assist him pro bono. The very least to mitigate on his behalf for leniency.

Here is the article… read on

HOW MUCH INCOME DOES ONE NEED MONTHLY?

Just how much income does one need in order to have a reasonable and decent standard of living or to be able to support his family?

Here are two scenario’s. I found these interesting reads from the internet and newspapers.

Someone earning RM3,000-00 per month

(bench mark of an average Malaysian family per month). Family of four – father works, mother doesn’t and there are two children one school going and the other an infant.

The calculation :

· Electricity and water bills – RM100 (no air-conditioning, home theatre system or water

heater);

· Phone bill (Telekom Malaysia Bhd) – RM100;

· Meals – RM775 (based on three meals for the whole family at RM25 per day);

· Father’s refreshments, light lunch and the tarik during working hours – RM155 (that’s a

measly RM5 per day);

· Car instalment – RM400 (a modest Proton Saga Aeroback, seven-year repayment

period);

· Petrol – RM300 (driving in the city to go to work and take the son to school with very

minimal toll payment);

· Car and life insurance – RM650;

· House mortgage repayment – RM750 (low-cost or low medium-cost housing repayment

for 30 years, which can stretch on after retirement);

· Tuition ( a norm for every child) – RM80 (if there is one that cheap);

· Pocket money for the child to take to school – RM20 (that’s less than RM1 a day, is that

enough?);

· School fees for various activities, books and uniforms – RM130 (there is always something

to be paid);

· Milk powder for the younger child – RM50 (the least expensive ); and,

· Miscellaneous – RM100 (shampoo, soap, detergent, rice, sauce, toilet paper and other

household items).

The total for the above comes up to RM3,610 and that’s a clear deficit. And notice that the expenditure has not included some of the common things like satellite television subscription, mobile phone bills and Internet fees.

There are also no provisions for other kinds of family leisure. And the RM3,000 monthly wage has not taken into account the deductions for income tax and Employees’ Provident Fund.


Someone earning RM6,000 per month

Even if one is earning RM6,000 and having an ordinary lifestyle there is still a deficit each month.

The calculation :

Gross salary RM6,000.

· Net after EPF RM5,340;
· Net after Tax RM5,090;
· Less Housing Loan RM1,000;
· Less Car Loan RM600;
· Less Petrol RM350;
· Less Hand Phone RM150;
· Less Wife Allowance RM500;
· Less Parent Allowance RM500;
· Less Two Children Kindergarten RM350;
· Less House Electric RM120;
· Less House Water RM60;
· Less House Telephone RM80;
· Less House Food RM500;
· Less Own Lunch RM180;
· Less Car Instalment RM150;
· Less Medical RM100;
· Less Personal Insurance RM500;

Balance RM50

What is clear is that, it is becoming to rather difficult to have a decent living standard even if one is earning RM6,000. If that is so, just imagine those earning RM1,500 and below. Spare a thought for them. Who do you blame. The same people who promised “Aman, Selamat dan Makmur” – Barisan Nasional.

Incidentally here are some of the excesses of Barisan Nasional (ref : www.malaysiawaves.com).

This list below is hardly exhaustive as these are the ones uncovered so far – the tip of the ice-berg, if you will! What lies beneath could be much larger :-

1. The Bank Bumiputra twin scandals in the early 1980s saw US$1 billion (RM3.2 billion in 2008

ringgit) wasted;

2. The Maminco attempt to corner the world tin market in the 1980s is believed to have cost

some US$500 million (RM1.6 billion);

3. Betting in foreign exchange futures cost Bank Negara Malaysia RM30 billion in the 1990s;

4. Perwaja Steel resulted in losses of US$800 million (RM2.56 billion). Eric Chia was charged

with corruption for allegedly steering US$20 million (RM64 million) to a Hong Kong based

company);

5. Use of RM10 billion public funds in the Valuecap Sdn Bhd operation to shore up the stock

market.

6. Banking scandals of RM700 million losses in Bank Islam;

7. The sale of M.V. Agusta by Proton for one Euro making a loss of €75.99 million (RM348

million);

8. Wang Ehsan from oil royalty in Terengganu amounting to RM7.4 billion from 2004 – 2007;

9. For the past 10 years since the Philharmonic Orchestra was established, this orchestra has

swallowed a total of RM500 million;

10. In Advisors Fees, Mahathir was paid RM180,000; Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (Women and Social

Development Affairs) RM404,726; and Abdul Hamid Othman (Religious Affairs) RM549,675

per annum;

11. The government has spent a total of RM3.2 billion in teaching Maths and Science in English

over the past five years. Out of the amount, the government paid a whopping RM2.21

billion for the purchase of information and computer technology (ICT) equipment of which

the breakdown of costs is unknown;

12. The commission paid for the purchase of jets and submarines to two private companies,

Perimeker Sdn Bhd and IMT Defence Sdn Bhd amounted to RM910 million;

13. RM300 million to compensate Gerbang Perdana for the RM1.1 billion “Crooked Scenic Half-

Bridge”;

14. RM1.3 billion has been wasted building the white elephant Customs, Immigration and

Quarantine (CIQ) facilities on cancellation of the Malaysia – Singapore scenic bridge;

15. RM100 million spent on the Parliament building for renovations and to patch up leaks;

16. National Astronaut Programme – RM40 million;

17. National Service Training programme – yearly an estimate of RM500 million;

18. Eye on Malaysia – RM30 million and another RM5.7 million of free tickets;

19. RM4.63 billion ‘soft-loan’ to PKFZ;

20. RM2.4 million on indelible ink;

21. Samy announced in September 2006 that the government paid compensation amounting to

RM38.5 billion to 20 highway companies. A RM380 million windfall for 9 toll concessionaires

earned solely from the toll hikes in 2008 alone;

22. RM32 million timber export kickbacks involving companies connected to the Sarawak Chief

Minister and his family;

Bailouts –

23. Two bailouts of Malaysia Airline System at RM7.9 billion. At a time when MAS

incurred losses every year, RM1.55 million was used to but three paintings to decorate its

chairman’s (Munir) office;

24. Putra transport system bailout which cost RM4.486 billion;

25. STAR – LRT bailout costing RM3.256 billion;

26. National Sewerage System bailout costing RM192.54 million;

27. Seremban – Port Dickson Highway bailout costing RM142 million;

28. Kuching Prison bailout costing RM135 million;

29. Kajian Makanan dan Gunaan Orang Islam bailout costing RM8.3 million;

30. Le Tour de Langkawi bailout costing RM3.5 million;

31. Wholesale distribution of tens of millions of shares in bursa Saham Malaysia under the guise

of NEP to cronies, children and relatives of BN leaders and Ministers worth billions of

ringgits;

32. Time Asia magazine issue on March 15 2004, a South East Asian economist at Morgan

Stanley in Singapore, Daniel Lian, figures “that the country may have lost as much as

US$100 billion (RM320 billion) since the early 1980s to corruption. “Mind you, this is only

corruption and it does not include wastages and mismanagement which would increase the

amount!.

Food for thought?

Norman Fernandez

EVEN THE MONKEYS ARE LEAVING

I came accross this news in the June 15, 2008 edition of Kosmo. A houseowner claims that a group of monkeys entered into his house and stole his International Passport.

Yes ! you heard it right ! Monkeys stealing International Passport. That's a first !

Just goes to show that things are really getting bad in Malaysia so much so that even the monkeys want to leave. Maybe it just want to get away for a while.

- Melbourne bound ?

Perhaps...

Fuel hike protest at Kampung Baru.

More pictures at the people's parliament.

Shock and Awe

May 24, 2008
MELAKA, May 24 (Bernama) -- The government has no plans to increase fuel price despite the price hike of petrol by 30 per cent in Indonesia beginning Saturday, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said. - Bernama

June 4, 2008
PUTRAJAYA, June 4 (Bernama) -- Petrol and diesel prices will go up by 78 sen and RM1 per litre respectively at midnight tonight, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced Wednesday. - Bernama

June 9, 2008
GEORGE TOWN, June 9 (NST): The current prices of petrol and diesel will be maintained until next March even if world oil prices touch US$200 (RM660) a barrel, said Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad. - NST

June 10, 2008
PUTRAJAYA, June 10 (NST): The government has not decided whether the prices of petrol and diesel will stay at the current rates until March or if they will be reviewed monthly. - NST


July, 2008 ?????
It's as good as anybody's guess but the rakyat better be ready for another "shock and awe" move from the government.

Meanwhile, Anwar Ibrahim says that fuel price will be cut if the opposition gained power. Read more here

All cabinet members and deputy ministers will take a 10 per cent cut in their entertainment allowances

By referring to Malaysiakini report on the 10% cut off their entertainment allowance, we can derive that a Minister will have, on average about RM 10,000.00 per month "to play" while a typical rakyat has to fork out an extra RM 200 to RM 300 from his only source of income. Mind you, a typical rakyat does not get any "entertainment allowance" from his employer.

RENUNGILAH WADAH MUFTI PERLIS

Lihat negara kita yang kaya dengan berbagai hasil. Sepatutnya kita akan tetap kukuh dan setiap rakyat akan menikmati kekayaan ini dengan adilnya. Namun, disebabkan pembaziran, harta negara yang sepatutnya dapat dimakan puluhan tahun, tetapi surut mendadak dalam masa beberapa tahun.

Maka, yang patut mendapat bantuan dan hak, tidak cukup untuk sampai kepadanya. Barang keperluan pula bertukar menjadi mahal. Pembaziran memusnahkan kehidupan rakyat bawahan dan menghalang hak yang sepatutnya sampai kepada mereka.

Maka betapa wajar untuk para pembazir itu dipersaudarakan dengan syaitan. Apatah lagi dalam banyak keadaan, pembaziran itu lahir dari keangkuhan dan kesombongan. Sifat-sifat itulah jua yang menjadi asas kepada kekufuran syaitan.

Soalannya, mengapakah apabila kita membicarakan tentang pembaziran, kita hanya terbayang orang-orang bawahan di kampung ataupun bandar. Jika kita ingin meminta supaya setiap warga negara ini berjimat dan jangan membazir, maka bermulalah daripada atas. Bukan sekadar untuk mengenakan si miskin yang sekian lama telah berjimat dan sudah tidak tahu apa yang hendak dijimatkan lagi. Mengapa kita hanya terbayang rakyat yang berada dalam rumah persendirian dan berbelanja dengan wang poketnya yang sudah lelah?

Kita sepatutnya terlebih meneliti semula bagaimana perbelanjaan yang menggunakan harta negara dan rakyat yang sedang berjalan di istana-istana, kediaman-kediaman rasmi kerajaan di peringkat negara dan negeri? Apakah wajar di kala ini keraian untuk orang-orang besar sama ada sultan atau menteri begitu mewah? Makanan yang dihidangkan untuk mereka, harga satu meja kadang kala boleh dimakan oleh ratusan rakyat bawahan. Karpet yang dipijak oleh mereka harganya ribuan bungkusan nasi yang dimakan oleh ‘orang biasa’.

Apakah patut pada saat yang sebegini, ada istana atau kediaman rasmi menteri yang hendak ditambahmewahkan? Apakah patut orang-orang besar ini diraikan dengan hiburan atau pertunjukkan dan konsert yang menelan puluhan ribu ringgit sempena sesuatu kunjungan mereka?

Wang itu, wang negara. Wang itu, wang rakyat. Apakah dalam masa yang sebegini mereka masih mendapat peruntukkan untuk bersantai, bermain golf dan ‘berhiburan’ dengan menggunakan wang rakyat bawahan yang disuruh menjimatkan nasi lemak dan air kopi mereka?

ONE

I am only one

But still am one

I cannot do everything

But still I can do something

And because I cannot do everything

I will not refuse to do the something that I can do


-Edward Everett Itale-

Johor DAP Vice Chairman Wore Songkok.

This is a photograph of me in my younger days. Note the headgear / songkok.

"TO WEAR OR NOT TO WEAR THE SONGKOK" - THE STAR SUNDAY 9, JUNE 2008.

PRESS STATEMENT
VICE CHAIRMAN DAP JOHOR
NORMAN FERNANDEZ

ISSUE: REPORT IN THE STAR SUNDAY 9, JUNE 2008
“TO WEAR OR NOT TO WEAR THE SONGKOK”.

The Sunday STAR 9th June, 2008 reported at pg N4 “ To wear or not to wear songkok”. Having read the news, I wish to clarify the issue and also make my personal stand.

1. My statement as appearing in the STAR would seem to imply that I am questioning the wisdom of DAP Central Executive Committee and that Sdr Dr Boo Cheng Hau, Johor DAP State Chairman/Adun Skudai and myself are of the same view. That is far from true. I have not and wish not to criticize the CEC.

2. I wish to make it clear that what I meant and was referring to, is the stance by the DAP National Legal Advisor Sdr Dr Chen Man Hin who had been quoted in the paper as saying that the songkok ought not to be worn. As such Sdr Dr Chen Man Hin’s statement runs contrary to the decision of the CEC. The CEC had already decided with regard to the wearing of the songkok. I wish to make it very clear and reiterate that I hold steadfast to the decision of the CEC meeting held in Penang after the election which left to the respective state committees to decide the decision whether to wear or not to wear the songkok.

3. In the recently concluded 12th General Election, DAP Johor won the Parliamentary seat of Bakri while winning the State seats of Skudai, Senai, Mengkibol and Bentayan.

4. The Member of Parliament for Bakri is Sdr Er Teck Hwa. The State Assemblymen are Sdr Dr Boo Cheng Hau, Skudai, Sdr Ong Kow Meng, Senai, Sdr Ng Lam Hua, Mengkibol and Sdr Gwee Tong Hiang, Bentayan.

5. In the aftermath of the election, the wearing of the official attire (No.1 Suit) in the Dewan Undangan Negeri Johor became an issue. The official attire or the No.1 Suit as it is known consist of a Jacket and a songkok with the crest.

6. The CEC of the DAP in its meeting held in Penang after the general Election, decided that the decision on whether or not to wear the songkok will be left to the individual state committee to decide.

7. In accordance with the directive of the CEC, the Johor DAP State Committee thereafter at its meeting held on the 20th April, 2008 discussed the issue of wearing the formal attire, namely the No.1 Suit and more importantly the wearing of songkok.

8. Save for the Assemblyman for Bentayan who was absent, all other Aduns and the State Committee members present expressed their views.

The wearing of the songkok was an emotive issue and the Committee Members were reminded of the unfortunate events of 1990. There were a diverse of views. The pros and cons of wearing the official attire and more importantly the wearing of the songkok was freely debated. The State Committee also took into account the unfortunate events which happened to the then DAP Aduns namely Pang Hok Liong and Wong Peng Sheng in the Johor State Assembly in 1990 The Johor state DAP remained steadfast in its stand that the events and incidents and the use of force to the then DAP Aduns had no justifications.

In the end, the state committee taking account of the winds of change and the new politics brought about by the 12th General Election, in its meeting on 20th April, 2008 resolved that that all Aduns shall and must wear the official attire together with the songkok.

It was the general consensus that the wearing of the songkok was not or ought not to signify cultural submission or capitulation of principles but instead the wearing of the songkok with the state crest state crest was as a sign of respect to His Highness Sultan of Johor who will be present for the opening of the Dewan Undangan Negeri. In any event, the wearing of the songkok was only for the period when His Highness Sultan of Johor was present.

9. Thereafter on May 13, 2008, at an informal meeting held at the Gelang Patah Parliamentary Liasson Office and attended by among other by all the DAP Aduns save for the Adun of Bentayan, the two DAP State Vice Chairmen namely Norman Fernandez and Ahmad Ton and the DAP State Secretary, Sdri Gan Peck Cheng. A brief discussion on the issue was held once again it resolved to maintain the decision of state committee of April 20, 2008.

10. At the said meeting, the Johor State DAP Chairman then directed the Johor State DAP Secretary to send a formal letter to all Aduns to remind them of the decision and compliance of the state committee’s decision of April 20, 2008. A draft of the said letter was immediately prepared by Norman Fernandez and given to the Johor State Secretary for her action.

11. Yesterday, 7 June, 2008 the State Chairman made a shocking revelations claiming that apparently the CEC on April 21, 2008, that is a day after the Johor DAP State Commmiteee had resolved to wearing the official attire, the CEC had revoked its decision to let the individual state committee to decide on whether or not to wear the formal attire and more importantly the songkok.

If it was true that the CEC had revoked the decision of the Johor State DAP, then I have to also question why the Johor State DAP Chairman did not to inform the Johor DAP State Committee until yesterday. Regretfully, I am made to understand that the CEC did not and never had revoked the decision of the Johor State DAP.

Further, had the CEC revoked the decision of the Johor DAP State Committee, question also arises as to why the Johor State DAP Chairman on May 13, 2008 had given a directive to the Johor State DAP Secretary to send out to a formal letter of reminder to all the DAP Aduns notifying the decision of the Johor DAP State Committee of April, 2008. Was it play acting by the Johor State Chairman?

12. Today’s report in the Star “To wear or not to wear the songkok” has left me no opportunity but to clarify what has indeed transpired so far and also to make my personal observation and stand public.

13. Sdr Gwee Tong Hiang (Bentayan) from the onset had said he will not wear the official attire and the songkok and is prepared for any consequences arising. While I do not agree with Sdr Gwee, nevertheless I must say that at the very least he has stated his stand openly, never mind rightly or wrongly his decision may be.

14. Sdr Ng Lam Hua (Mengkibol) has steadfastly stated that he will wear the official attire and the songkok. The Sunday Star reported the reason for his decision and I salute him for his courageous and forward thinking.

15. Sdr Ong Kow Meng (Senai) has expressed his concern and stressed the importance of the DAP Aduns being united. He has repeatedly said openly that has no objection to wearing the songkok.

16. Since the stand of the other three Aduns are clear, what then is the stand of Sdr Dr Boo Cheng Hau (Skudai). From Sdr Dr Boo’s statements and conduct, I am now of the view that it is plainly clear that he do not wish not to wear the songkok but instead is and has been seeking an excuse or rather any excuse for justifying not being able to wear the songkok. Blaming it on the decision of the CEC ( when there was none) would naturally be a good cover. Little wonder that he prefers to ignore the decision of the Johor DAP State Committee of 20 April, 2008 and instead finds refuge and reasons on statements by certain DAP leaders as justification in not wanting to wear the songkok.

I am made to understand that the Secretary General had made it clear that the final decision on the wearing of the formal attire and the songkok is with the respective individual state committee. That’s precisely what the Johor DAP State Committee in its meeting on April 20, 2008 did – agreeing to wear the official attire and the songkok. As such I am deeply dissapointed by Sdr Dr Boo’s attempt to drag the Secretary General into this issue.

Dr Boo Cheng Hau must find courage to state his stand openly whether he will or will not be wearing the official attire and the songkok. The shilly shalling has to stop and he should not divert blame or justification not to wear the songkok on the Secretary General or the CEC. The onus is on Dr. Boo to prove that the CEC had on April 21, 2008 revoked its earlier decision. Until then the directive of the CEC must be held to be true and remain.

17. I had from the onset been firm in my conviction that the wearing of the songkok should not be viewed as cultural submission and the capitulation of principles but to view the wearing of the songkok with the state crest as a sign of respect to His Highness Sultan of Johor. Rightfully, the Aduns ought to be play the role of his Majesty’s Loyal Opposition representing the subjects of the Sultan and not instead behave as bunch of defiant protagonist.

18. It has been 18 long years since DAP had any representation in the Johor State Assembly. During this time politics and peoples perceptions on many issues have changed. Sad, that for some Aduns, despite the winds of change as seen in the 12th general election, small mindness still remain. Perhaps these Aduns ought to have been forthcoming during the election campaign by telling the voters that if elected they will defy the Sultan and not wear the songkok. I wonder if they would still be elected.

19. I am most upset that the proud occasion of the opening of the Johor State Assembly on June 19, 2008 is going to end in one ugly saga. I call upon all the Johor DAP Aduns to wear the official attire and the songkok.

Norman Fernandez - the opinion expressed are the writers’ personal opinion. Norman Fernandez would welcome readers comment on this issue at anfalaw@streamyx.com.

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PULAU PISANG – RIGHT TO OPERATE LIGHTHOUSE GRANTED IN PERPERTUITY TO SINGAPORE.

Pulau Pisang measuring 178.4 hectares is situated about 15km off the Johor coastline in the Straits of Malacca.

History

In 1885, an agreement was reached between the Sultan of Johor and the Govenor of the Straits Settlement in Singapore pursuant to which the Sultan granted to the government of the Straits Settlement a plot of land on which to build and maintain a lighthouse and a roadway access to the lighthouse.

In 1886 a lighthouse was erected and in accordance with 1885 agreement, the lighthouse was managed and maintained by the government of the Straits Settlement and later by Singapore which continues to do so to the present.

The 1885 grant by the Sultan was not reduced to writing at the time but it was subsequently recorded in an express written indenture signed on the 6.10.1900 between the Sultan of Johor and the Governor of the Colony of the Straits Settlement after the Sultan of Johor had sent a reminder to this effect to the Governor of the Straits Settlement.

According to the Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman as reported in the Harian Metro May 27, 2008, Singapore has been granted 0.4 hectares of land which includes the lighthouse, the access road and the jetty. Further, since 2002 the Malaysian government has made it a condition that those working at the Lighthouse must register with the Marine Department, Immigration Department and also with the Royal Customs at Kukup. Every forthnight, when there is a changeover of personels, both personnels goes through the procedure. The Menteri Besar seems to paints a rosy picture that local villagers in Pontian are allowed to go to the island to cultivate and harvest fruits. However the letter by a reader to www.bloglimkitsiang.com seems to suggest otherwise. (see letter below).

SOVEREIGNITY AND OWNERSHIP
In contrast to Singapore’s continuous assertion to ownership and sovereignity of Pedra Branca, Singapore has not asserted soveregnity of Pulau Pisang.

Singapore’s (then) Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. S. Jayakumar in 2003 in his parliamentary reply is quoted as saying “ Let me say upfront Pulau Pisang belongs to Malaysia. We have never disputed Malaysia’s sovereignity over Pulau Pisang but our MPA however has a right to operate the lighthouse there and the plot of land as well as the road leading to the lighthouse has been granted in perpertuity so long as Singapore operates that lighthouse. It is an indenture between the Johor Sultanate and the Straits Settlement,”

THE CONCERN AND QUESTION
Note the key words “ granted in perpeituity”. In the light of Pedra Branca, the government should urgently clarify clearly the status of Pulau Pisang and confirm if any right in perpertuity actually exist and the actual extent of that rights. Numerous letters have been written about Malaysians not allowed entry or shooed away from Pulau Pisang. Has the right to maintain and manage the lighthouse and the road leading to the lighthouse been extended to Singapore maintaining security of the island and making the island a restricted zone and thereby arbitrarily preventing Malaysian from the shores of Pulau Pisang or landing at the Jetty at Pulau Pisang. There seems to be an unwritten no trespass zone rule in operation. Here is a letter “Kedaulatan Pulau Pisang” as appeared in www.bloglimkitsiang.com where the writer raises concern that Pulau Pisang may someday face the same fate as Pulau Batu Putih (now Pedra Branca).

“ Kedaulatan Pulau Pisang

Letters by Azmi

Salam sejahtera YB, saya adalah seorang anggota TLDM yang pernah ditugaskan untuk memantau kehadiran petugas rumah api warga Singapura di Pulau Pisang. YB, Pulau Pisang adalah pulau yang tidak dihuni, dimana penduduk asalnya telah berpindah ketanah besar di Pontian, yang tinggal hanya dusun dan perkuburan yang tidak terjaga, Ia terletak di perairan Pontian Johor dan jauh daripada Singapura.

Persoalannya mengapa kita yang telah 50 tahun merdeka masih memerlukan bantuan Singapura untuk mengawal selia rumah api tersebut, adakah Jabatan Laut tidak berupaya untuk mengawal selianya. Disini saya ingin memaklumkan kepada YB, selama penugasan saya di pulau tersebut, kami tidak dibenarkan memasuki persekitaran rumah api, malah menggunakan jetinya juga dilarang apatah lagi memasuki kedalam rumah api. Maka sepanjang penugasan kami di sana, kami hanya memerhatikan dari jauh warga Singapura keluar masuk, tidak lebih dari itu.
Merujuk kepada kemenangan Malaysia keatas kedaulatan Pulau Ligitan dan Sipadan adalah atas dasar pembangunan dan kawal selia Malaysia di pulau tersebut, begitu juga kehilangan kedaulatan Pulau Batu Puteh kepada Singapura juga atas alasan yang sama.

Tidakkah kerajaan Malaysia berasa risau dengan kedudukan Pulau Pisang yang mungkin akan dituntut haknya oleh Singapura pada masa akan datang (tidak sekarang, mungkin 50 tahun akan datang. Tuntutan ke atas Pulau Batu Puteh pun dilakukan setelah puluhan tahun ia mengawal selia pulau tersebut). Ada atau tidak perjanjian antara Malaysia dan Singapura yang jelas menyatakan bahawa kehadiran Singapura di Pulau Pisang hanya mengawal selia rumah api sahaja.

Apakah para penasihat Kementerian Pertahanan atau Panglima Angkatan Tentera tidak sedar akan perkara ini. Tidakkah PAT terfikir, sekiranya berlaku konflik antara Malaysia dan Singapura, dengan mudah mereka boleh menempatkan pasukan elitnya di pulau ini. Mahukah kita buah pisang berbuah dua kali? kehilangan kedaulatan wilayah kepada pihak yang berada jauh dua kali ganda jaraknya daripada kita.

Saya amat berharap YB dapat memanjangkan persoalan ini kepada Menteri Pertahanan semasa persidangan parlimen. “

Siti Nurhaliza in a ghazal tempo, waxes lyrical about Pulau Pisang.

PULAU PISANG

Pulau Pisang
Pulaulah Pisang
Pulau Pisang rumahlah api sayang
Pedoman kapal belayar malam (x2)

Sebelum ajal
berpantang mati
walaupun tercampak dalam lautan dalam (x2)

Pedoman kapal
Pedoman kapal belayar malam sayang
Sarat bermuat buah keranji
Walaupun tercampak lautan yang dalam
Tidakkan lupa segala janji.


The loss of Pulau Batu Putih (now Pedra Branca) though it may only be a granite outpost is already painful for Malaysians and Johoreans. The loss is felt even deeply by the Johor Malays. May the government learn the lessons from the loss of Pulau Batu Putih and ensure generations to come will never have to reminisce the loss of Pulau Pisang by singing the song.

SALINAN SURAT PEMANGKU SETIAUSAHA KERAJAAN JOHOR YANG MELEPASKAN HAK PULAU BATU PUTIH.

Di Syurga Kita Tanya NYA

Kita tidak perlu bersengketa

kamu dan saya

tentang empunya nama NYA.

Biarlah…

bila kamu dan saya

sampai di syurga

kita tanya pada pemilik nama

siapa antara kita

layak menggunakan nama NYA

kerana hanya empunya nama

boleh menjawab

boleh menentukan.

Hasil Nukilan, Norman Fernandez

KARPAL SINGH CONTROVERSY. NOW THE MUFTI OF PERAK ENTERS THE FRAY.

The Mufti of Perak is the latest to wade into the controversy surounding Karpal Singh’s statement regarding the extent of the powers of His Majesty Sultan of Perak. My personal view on this saga has already been made known. In brief, I am of the opinion that although Karpal Singh may be right in law, nevertheless it would have been politically prudent to leave it to others to make their observation or at the very least Karpal Singh ought to have put his views in temperate language.

Yesterday when I purchased a packet of nasi lemak for breakfast, the wrapper was from a page of Harian Metro and lo and behold! The page carried a statement of the Mufti of Perak.

Briefly this is what the Mufti said rebuking Karpal Singh. “Jangan menyakiti perasaan orang lain. Jangan menimbulkan kebencian dan kemarahan rakyat.” Fair comment I suppose.

Now, that’s strange when the rebuke and warning comes from someone who had a hand in the controversy surrounding the siege at Church Of Our lady Of Lourdes on November 6, 2006. At that time no one including the Mufti thought of prudence. No one bothered about “menyakiti perasaan orang lain” or even was concerned that the mobsters could “menimbulkan kebencian dan kemarahan orang lain.” In fact, in the aftermath, there was not even a ounce of decency from anyone to apologise to the Catholics. The Mufti did not rebuke anyone or condemn the mob that gathered outside the church. Worst of all, until today no one knows whatever has happened to the police investigation. Till today no one has been charged although a prime suspect was indeed arrested.

But in Karpal Singh’s case there has been a bee line to the police station to lodge police reports against Karpal Singh. The police has super efficiently and in meteorite speed wrapped up the investigation and papers sent to the Attorney General’s Office.

The long and short of it, is that, its time people stopped this SELECTIVE “menyakiti perasaan and jangan menimbulkan kebencian dan kemarahan” claptrap. Being hurt or being angry is not the exclusive domain of any one community or religion.

NOW THIS WAS THE ARTICLE POSTED ON NOVEMBER 20,2006 IN MY BLOG. PLEASE READ…

THE EVIL SMS THAT LAUNCHED A PROTEST.

All right thinking Malaysians and particularly Catholics are outraged at the intimidating actions of ill informed groups of Muslims who on November 5, 2006 pursuant to an SMS came in droves and gathered outside Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Silibin, Ipoh Perak causing fear and anxiety to the worshippers.
(Read The Herald November 12, 2006)

The SMS message said:-A number of Malays will be baptized by Dato Azhar Mansor this Sunday at the Slibin Church, Ipoh. Recently 600 students from Ungku Omar Polytechnic have converted to Christianity. Revealed by the Perak Mufti this afternoon at the state masjid. Please forward to all who stand for Islam.
(Translation)

The original SMS in Malay (and unedited) said:-Sejumlah Melayu akn dibaptiskan oleh Dato Azhar Mansor Ahad ini di Gereja Selibin IPO. Seramai 600 plajar Poli teknik Unku Omr Ipoh telah msuk Kristian baru2 ini. Pendedahan oleh Mufti Perak ptg ini di masjid Negeri. Sampaikan SMS kpd orang-2 yang mahukan ISLAM .(sic)

That malicious SMS ( which had indeed been circulating for almost three days before the incident ), on November 5, 2006 was enough to mobalise Muslim protestors ranging from individuals to political parties-read PAS and Muslim NGO’s to gather outside the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. In truth what was to take place and did indeed take place in the Church was the First Holy Communion celebration for 98 children.

In the aftermath and in the days following the incident, the Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Harussani Zakaria began to shed some light on the issue. He first revealed that a woman from Selangor whom he later named as Raja Sherina as the originator of the text message. The woman had apparently on October 21, 2006 at 9.33 am sent the said SMS to him.

According to the Mufti, this woman had claimed that she had studied at the International Islamic University and the Al-Azhar University in Cairo. On her return from Egypt she was doing social work with missionaries when she converted. However, she claimed that she later returned to Islam.

The Mufti further claimed that the woman and her husband had come back to his house on October 22, 2006 to confirm the substance of the message.

According to the Mufti, the Perak Mufti Department then decided to record his meeting with Raja Sherina and copies of the VCD were later handed over to Special Branch, Perak Menteri Besar, the Prime Minister’s Department and the Islamic Development Department for further action.(read NST pg.12).

Thereafter on November 2, during a meeting at the conference room of the state mosque with members of non-governmental organization the Mufti once again brought up the issue of the SMS. The Mufti then claimed that on November 3, 2006 he was informed that a number of NGO’s who attended the meeting would hold a peaceful protest against the alleged baptism. As the highest religious official of the state, the Mufti could have and should have in no uncertain terms stopped the proposed protest. Instead he made some sheepish attempt by discouraging the protestors before leaving town for Syria.

What all this means is that as early as October 22, 2006 and some 12 days before the alleged baptism ceremony, the Mufti and many others already had knowledge of the SMS and the impending “baptism “. Thus the Mufti as a religious leader could and should have acted with greater responsibility first preventing the protest and secondly and more importantly verifying the authenticity of the SMS. Neither of this was done. Instead time was spent doing a VCD recording!. The 12 days was a period long enough for the Mufti and all concerned to do among others number of thing:-

a. Investigate further about Raja Sherina background and verify the truth of her claim;

b. Since the national mariner Azhar Mansor was said to be going to perform the baptism rites, why did the Mufti or other authorities not contact and obtain confirmation from him. After all he was in Langkawi. A denial by Azhar Mansor could have expeditiously resolved and concluded that the SMS was false;

c. Find out the procedure how one is baptized into Catholism. For the uninitiated, in Catholism only a priest can conduct the baptism rites. Thus no lay Catholic and worst of all a recent convert would not be allowed to perform the baptism rites and that includes Azhar Mansor even if he had converted;

d. In the spirit to ensure religious harmony, the Mufti could have verified the authenticity of the SMS with the Church. Naturally this would have been easier had there been open channels of communication;

e. Investigate and verify if there was any truth that 600 students of Ungku Omar Polytechnic had indeed converted to Christianity.

Perhaps it may not be wrong to assume that what was hoped for, was to catch the Church in the act. That would have been sensational news and Azhar Mansor would have been the icing. Instead and thankfully the SMS and the alleged event has turned out to be one big hoax and now the Mufti is scurrying away and hoisting the blame solely on the messenger. The SMS turned out to be not only malicious but also mischievous, irresponsible and has without any doubt has damaged inter-religious relationship. Now the authorities are searching for Raja Sherina and Raja Sherina (if caught) could be charged under the Sedition Act or under the Multimedia and Communication act.

Strangely, the Mufti now advises that should anyone receives similar text message on such issues, he should forward them to the police and the authorities instead spreading them. Fair advice, Then why did he without first verifying the authenticity of the SMS, on November 2, 2006 made the SMS known to others particularly to the NGO’s .? As a religious leader, does he not know that his exalted position requires him to act with prudence and a greater responsibility is required from him.

This is what Johan Jaafar writing in his column NST Point Blank on November 18, 2006 (about the Mufti) had to say:-

“Now this person have been known to make ridiculous statements on almost everything-banishing AIDS sufferers to an island, giving out fatwa (decrees) that smoking is haram and even stating frightening figures about Muslims who have become apostates”.

Incidentally, in February 2006 the Mufti made a sensational revelation claiming that 250,000 Muslims (of which 100,000 were Malays) had apostised themselves while 100,000 more had submitted their application to do so. Never mind that he was never able to substantiate his claim save for stating that these figures were obtained from “reliable sources”. Still it was enough for some NGO’s and political parties read PAS to go on the overdrive. In the end on November 11, 2006 Malaysiakini reported the findings by Dr Mohd Azam Mohd Ali, professor of law at University Technology Mara who basing on official data obtained from the state syariah court, religious departments and the National Registration Department recorded that from 1999 to 2003 there were 750 applications. Of these, only 220 were granted throughout the five years and most of these were applicants who were converts to Islam. Clearly the figures bandied around by the Mufti has been debunked.

The Catholics and Non Muslims are most relieved at the swift reaction and response by the police and the government. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that firm action must be taken against those who had spread the SMS message because the “SMS message is dangerous as it can lead to racial disputes and create a tense situation”.

The Prime Minister according to a report in the NST is reported to have told his cabinet that this was a matter which could not be treated lightly. The Prime Minister also wants those responsible be severely punished because “they did with the intent to provoke anger”. The good Prime Minister could not be more correct. Catholics and Non Muslims are most comforted by the Prime Minister when he returned to the issue of the said SMS during the UMNO General Assembly when the Prime Minister when addressing the issue of intolerance said:-

“It is this same group who makes such proclamation that are conjuring imaginary threats aimed at inciting Muslims, hoping that they (Muslims) will become more intolerant of others.Their agenda is to see Malaysia torn apart, for us to fail as a multi racial, multi religious nation. This is not Islam.For example, so many SMSes have been sent, claiming mass baptisms of Muslims and the purported formation of a Malay Christian Association. There are even those who claim- without proof-that hundreds of Malay Muslims have become apostates.This kind of incitement whips many Malays into a frenzy because we do not have a culture of seeking to verify what we hear, preferring to believe everything we are told.It is such unfounded claims which lead to many becoming angry and even militant.But when the lies are exposed, those who create them scurry into hiding, nowhere to be seen and not even attempting to rectify the situation or to calm things down.”

The good Prime Minister could not have said any better. He has soothed the pain and anguish of the Catholics. However the authorities must show courage and take this matter seriously and not only investigate but also apprehend and prosecute the individuals and groups that have deliberately tried to sow hatred and racial ill-will in this country.

If the perpetrators and those involved are not apprehended and prosecuted, then there is every danger that an ill-informed group could merely being suspicious of the language and skin-tone may on a Sunday appear at the church doorstep to inspect and verify if the Indonesians migrants, Sabahan and Sarawakian or even Filipinos attending praise and worship are indeed Christians.

Never again should the Catholics and Non Muslims be subjected to such trepidation and that the legitimate exercise of their faith including religious and holy ceremonies in peace should be respected and protected.

Surah al Hujraat 49 : 6 - O you who believe ! if a sinner comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest ye harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what ye have done.

Surah al Hujraat 49 : 12 – O ye who believe ! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible) for suspicion in some cases is a sin.Fr Bernard Paul : “ A sad state of affairs.. because it shows how gullible people are and how quickly they believe in lies rather then checking first before responding. They are disrupting our religious service.

This is our Sunday celebration ! Its unjust…

KEMPEN RUMAH SELAMAT SEMASA CUTI SEKOLAH

Desperate Dr M plays the race card

Source : MalaysianInsider

JOHOR BARU, May 17 ─ Desperate times call for desperate measures. So Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today played the race card ─ something the former prime minister has not done since he was a young, upstart Umno politician in the 1960s.

You can read the full news here, but some of his more extreme remarks were :

“If we don’t speak up, if we choose to keep quiet, we will lose our rights and the other races will take over,”

“What does it say? Malaysia for Malaysians! This is the reality of the present situation. If we do not speak up, if we choose to keep quiet, we will lose our rights and the other races will take over..." - on the memorandum forwarded by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf)

"Today, the Malays have lost their political power and the non-Malays no longer respect the Malays and the Malay institutions.."

"Technically, I am now without a state and am asking Britain for asylum,"-P Waythamoorthy

P Waythamoorthy, who has been living in self-imposed exile after organising the mammoth Hindraf rally last November, denounced the government for allegedly revoking his passport.
The Hindu Rights Action Force chairman, who has been in London since he fled the country last December, said he has sought asylum in Britain after learning that Kuala Lumpur had cancelled his passport.

"Technically, I am now without a state and am asking Britain for asylum," the chairman of rights group Hindraf told AFP in a phone interview. "This is a very cowardly act by the Malaysian government against me in order to undermine me, but it really undermines their credibility locally and internationally."

Waythamoorthy said immigration officers at Gatwick airport told him that Kuala Lumpur had revoked his passport when he last entered Britain.

"The revocation of my passport is a last desperate attempt by the government in crippling my international lobby for the cause of Malaysian Indians and this unwarranted act has given me strength to continue the fight," he said from London.Immigration: He should come back

Malaysian immigration officials told AFP they were unaware of the passport cancellation and said Waythamoorthy should return home to check the status of his travel document.

But Waythamoorthy said Kuala Lumpur intended to force Britian to deport him so he could be arrested under Malaysia's Internal Security Act (ISA), which allows for indefinite detention without trial. Waythamoorthy, along with his brother P Uthayakumar and four other Hindraf leaders, angered the government in November by mounting a mass rally alleging discrimination against minority ethnic Indians.

Waythamoorthy fled Malaysia in December to lobby the international community for support, while the other five were detained under the ISA. The Federal Court on Wednesday refused to release the five. Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific advocacy director T Kumar called on Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to give a "full explanation on the rationale for the cancellation."

"This is the first time I have heard of a political activist's passport being revoked by his own country's government," he told AFP.

EC says Govt rejected use of ink but PM says he merely gave "advice"

EC chief: Cabinet rejected indelible ink

Election Commission chairperson Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman today dropped a bombshell by revealing that the cabinet had rejected the use of indelible ink in the March 8 general election on the day Parliament was dissolved.“I have not told the country about this (before) but what happened was that cabinet rejected our proposed law (on indelible ink) on Feb 13 - the day dissolution of Parliament was done,”...(read the full news at Malaysiakini)

No Instruction For EC To Scrap Ink Plan, Says Abdullah
KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 (Bernama) -- The government did not instruct the Election Commission (EC) to scrap its plan of using indelible ink in the last general election.Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said, although in principle the government made the decision, it was delivered in the form of an opinion and not instruction. (read the full news here)

New Straits Time Friday, May 2, 2008

Karpal saga - Johor DAP Vice Chairman agrees with Nathaniel Tan

Possibility: Karpal alone to sink Pakatan kapal?
Posted on May 10th, 2008 by Nathaniel Tan

It’s just a question, before diehard Karpal supporters start flinging brickbats. I must say I felt for the poor guy, who talked about rushing out to war and suddenly finding comrades you expected to be there behind you conspicuously missing. In this case however, perhaps it was a case of one general not consulting fellow generals, colonels and privates before rushing out.

I’m the last person in the world to comment about where royal boundaries begin and end. It’s simply not my area of expertise. But from a purely political standpoint, surely there is a need for some nuance here. The question I believe should face YB Karpal is, is it worth it?
Yes, I can totally sympathise with being unflinchingly true to ones principles. It is admirable no doubt.

For me, one principle is knowing what to give and what to take, to maximise the good of the people. Having recently rewatched Hot Fuzz with polytikus, I know the dangers of being obsessed with the greater good, and indeed, the line must be drawn somewhere. Indefinite detention without trial or torture for instance. Or even, I’m prepared to concede, super (and I mean super) dramatic cases involving serious overstepping of boundaries where the royalty or religion is concerned.

But drawing the line at the Sultan’s objection with regards to the appointment of a state religious chief? At a time when race relations are facing unprecedented challenges, and the unscrupulous (Utusan) waits to pounce on absolutely anything remotely perceived as anti-Malay? It’s not about sweeping everything under the carpet until Pakatan sweeps into power. It’s about being respectful of people’s beliefs, and what they hold sacred. If indeed someone’s right to swing his fist ends where your nose begins, I think we may have reached more than a few nostril hairs by now.

I think even Anwar, even riding the height of his credit ratings, prefers to consult with the party before deciding on major policy stances, statements, and the like. I certainly shouldn’t presume to tell others how to do their job, but perhaps not making such consultations has resulted in YB

Karpal’s current unenviable position?

Again: especially if you share my view that this is no slippery slope yet, is this really the place to draw that line?

'Allah' case: Court grants leave for judicial review

Source : MalaysianInsider

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 – The preliminary round is over. After 2 hearings held over the past 10 days, the Catholic Church can now proceed to the next level and properly seek a judicial review of the Internal Security Ministry's decision to ban The Herald from using the word “Allah” in its publication.

This morning, Justice Lau Bee Lan from the appellate and special powers division of the Kuala Lumpur High Court announced before a full courtroom that the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Murphy Pakiam, as publisher of The Herald, has been granted:

• Leave to apply that the Internal Security Ministry's decision under the “Garis Panduan Penerbitan” (Publishing Guidelines) dated March 1, 2007, which prohibits The Herald from using the word “Allah” is illegal, null and void; that the paper is entitled to use the word “Allah” and that the word “Allah” is not exclusive to the religion of Islam.
• Leave to quash the Ministry's decision to disallow The Herald from publishing the word “Allah”.
• And an order to stay the Ministry's order until the court decides on the matter.

Later, outside the courtroom, Derek Fernandez, one of the 5 church counsel, explained to the waiting reporters that Justice Lau had basically agreed that the church's application “is not a frivolous application ... not a waste of the court's time”.

The next move, he added, would be for the church to file a substantive application, which they will do so within the next 2 weeks. “Hopefully, (the court hearing for the judicial review) will be fixed within 6 months,” said Fernandez.

KEEP POLITICS AND ZEALOTORY OUT OF FOOTBALL. SELAMAT DATANG CHELSEA.

Last Saturday, Chelsea played Manchester United. Manchester United would have clinched and retained the premiership title had they beaten Chelsea. Instead my team, Manchester United lost 2-1.

I watched the game at Hamiid Restoran, a popular eatery in Tampoi Indah which on match days is filled with English Premier League fans. That Saturday, it no different and with the typical multiracial crowd. Among them there were a sizeable number of Malay youths. When Chelsea scored they clapped and cheared. When Manchester United equalized they groaned and when Chelsea stole it at the end up went the roars and the high fives. It did not matter that Chelsea’s manager was an Israeli and that the Chelsea team also has an Israeli international Tal Bal Haim.

I cannot be wrong when I say that Chelsea is a popular team worldwide and that includes muslim middle east. To date no mullah’s has issued any fatwas against supporting Chelsea or for the matter against Avram Grant or Tan Bal Haim. Infact Chelsea is scheduled to play in the middle east.

So it comes as a surprise when a group of wet blanket decide to protest the visit by Chelsea to Malaysia. Maybe they are not against Chelsea per se but their bone of objection is rather against Avram Grant and Tal Ben Haim. According to the coalition of 21 muslim groups’ spokesperson Muhamad Azmi Abdul Hamid, Israel is a rogue state and therefore this duo should be prevented entry. He further claims that the coalition intend to hold a massive protest at the tour match if the government did not bar the Israeli duo. He then pronounces an edict that Malaysians should boycott the match. My ass ! who is he to tell Malaysians to boycott the match or have the audacity to claim that his group represents Malaysians.

Let me ask this small minded person. How come he did not organise a massive protest when two young Malays footballers left for a brief training stint with Chelsea. None of them protested outside KLIA, threatened them with bodily injury or labelled them friend of the Jew. So lesson one is that if benefit is to be gained then it is all right to befriend a Jew. If the reason for their objection is that Malaysia has no diplomatic ties with the State of Israel, then the objection once again holds no water. Pray, tell me how come this group never objected when the government invited imminent Jews to participate and speak in conferences on Palestinian and Israeli conflict? So lesson two is that any Jew who is prepared to condemn the Jews may be welcomed to Malaysia. He is kosher. Just the other week, the Second Finance Minister Md Nor Yakcob urged the Malays to copy the Jews. No one kicked the Minister’s kaboosh and no group behaved like bats out of hell. The conclussion is that, there is only a small minority who wish to be vocal with their shifting principles. The majority of the Malaysians, thankfully, common sense still prevails.

Thus, credit must be given to Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Ahmad Albar for his courageous and wise decision to allow the Israeli duo to come to Malaysia. It may not have been an easy decision for him, considering that Malaysia do not have diplomatic ties with Israel and also not want to offend or incur the wrath of Malaysian Muslims. Rationality prevailed over emotions. Syabas and terima kasih, Datuk !.

No one is denying that the Israel- Palestinian conflict has gone on too long. The fault lies with both sides and deep rooted. Both the Israelis and the Palestinians are equally to be blamed for perpetuating the conflict for so long but must we bring religion and politics to sports? It is worth remembering that sports is the best way to foster good relationship. Sportsmen and genuine fans forget about colour and creed of the sportsmen. To them it does not matter if the footballer is an Israeli or a Jew or for the matter an Afgan Taleban. Sports transcend all and genuine fans just want to enjoy the beautiful game and wish to keep it free from politics, zealotory, and racist bigots. Syed Hamid Albar rightly epitomizes forward thinking Muslims when he said “we do not look at the aspects of politics”. Well said.

So to this group my advice is protest if you wish to but disrupt you shall not do. Please do not to shove your politics and religious zealotory on us, genuine football fans. Selamat datang to Malaysia, Chelsea. I will be supporting Malaysia.

Graftbusters Formed

A few of the leaders at DAP Selangor has decided to form a 'Graftbusters' team to assist in the process of identifying and weeding out corruption. The team is currently led by the DAP MP for Segambut, Lim Lip Eng and comprises of Gobind Singh, MP for Puchong, Lau Weng San, ADUN for Kg Tunku as well as other DAP Selangor Legal Bureau lawyers.

And they need your help. Read more here.

Zahid suggests family be told after conversion to Islam

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30

Non-Muslims who are converting to Islam may only have to inform their family after their conversion and not before, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said although he respected the decision of the 18th Syarak (Islamic)/Civil Law Coordination Conference on Monday, the government was still studying the issue before making a decision.
The conference participants unanimously agreed that a non-Muslim does not need to inform the family first of his/her wish to convert to Islam.

"The proposal (by the prime minister that a non-Muslim must inform his/her family before converting to Islam) was acceptable and not rejected by the conference. But the announcement on conversion requires a suitable formula," he explained after presenting certificates to trainees of the Baitulmal Skills Training Institute at the International Youth Centre in Cheras, here yesterday.

Zahid said this was important to avoid suspicions among non-Muslims, and therefore required careful study so that the conversion would not affect the convert's relations with his or her family.

Top Islamic authorities, including legal and spiritual advisers, were also against Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi's "inform the family" proposal, Malaysian Islamic Development Department's director-general Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz said in a statement received yesterday.

The department's approval is needed to implement any rule relating to Islam. But the government can still get Parliament to pass a law which would override the department's objections.

Wan Mohamad said it was up to converts to decide whether to inform family members.
He said it should be "left to the discretion of the person who wishes to embrace Islam to determine how and when it is appropriate to inform family members. ... The existing laws for conversion to Islam and related matters are sufficient."

The failure by many converts to inform their families has led to disputes relating to funerals. In several instances, Islamic officials seized bodies for Muslim funerals, while non-Muslim family members disputed that the deceased had ever converted.

Islam is Malaysia's official religion. Non-Muslims are free to practise their religions but often lose out in interfaith disputes involving Islam. Malays are Muslim by law, and it is difficult for them to leave Islam. — Bernama, AP

PENJELASAN TERPERINCI SERTA KOMENTAR - NORMAN FERNANDEZ NAIB PENGERUSI DAP NEGERI JOHOR.

Isu : MUAT PAMER ARTIKEL MENGHINA AGAMA- AGAMA BUKAN ISLAM DALAM
LAMAN WEB PAS JOHOR BAHRU.

Isu : MESEJ ‘DARAH KARPAL HALAL DIBUNUH’

Minggu lalu, satu artikel Bahasa Inggeris yang membandingkan agama Islam dengan agama-agama bukan Islam dan secara khusus agama Kristian, Buddha dan Hindu telah dimuat papar dalam laman web PAS Johor Bahru.

Saya telah menerima aduan daripada pihak awam berkenaan dengan artikel tersebut. Melayari laman web tersebut, saya mendapati bahawa aduan pihak awam adalah benar. Saya percaya tidak salah untuk pihak PAS meletakkan apa-apa artikel yang mengagungkan agama Islam ataupun bertujuan menegakkan syiar Islam tetapi adalah tidak sesuai untuk memuat pamer artikel yang rata-rata bertujuan dan berniat meremehkan, merendahkan dan menghina agama-agama lain.

Saya telah terus memaklumkan kepada pimpinan PAS rasa ketidakpuasan saya terhadap tindakan pihak PAS memuat pamer artikel yang menghina agama-agama lain. Saya juga telah meminta agar artikel tersebut yang jelas telah di muat turun dari laman lain di keluarkan. Ini tidak dilakukan sehingga kontroversi mesej ‘darah Karpal halal dibunuh’.

Sebelum saya beredar kepada isu seterusnya, saya ingin menyedari sahabat-sahabat dari PAS bahawa jika orang Islam mendapati filem kartun-kartun dalam suratkhbar Denmark ataupun filem Fitna dari Belanda menghina Islam dan mendemonstrasi menuntut maaf, pernahkah PAS berfikir bagaimana perasaan orang bukan Islam apabila PAS memuat artikel yang menghina agama orang bukan Islam. Orang bukan Islam juga mempunyai perasaan dan orang Islam tidak harus berfikir bahawa mereka mempunyai lesen bebas untuk menghina agama dan merendahkan agama orang lain. Allah telah menyatakan agama ku agamaku, agama mu agamamu. Bagi saya agamaku Kristian adalah agama yang cukup sempurna. Tetapi percayalah saya tidak akan merendahkan mana-mana agama yang lain. (Dalam weblog yang seterusnya saya akan menceritakan insiden penceramah yang menghina agama kristian dan lain-lain agama bukan Islam dikhayalak umum dan musibah yang melandanya diakhir hidupnya).

Belum isu ini reda, sekali lagi saya menerima panggilan talipon memaklumkan bahawa seorang lelaki telah meletakkan mesej dalam petilaung (shoutbox) laman web PAS Johor Bahru bahawa Karpal Singh telah menghina Islam serta darah Karpal halal dibunuh. Tergamak saya membaca mesej tersebut apatah lagi bila PAS-DAP-PKR kini bersama dalam Pakatan Rakyat.

Sekali lagi saya telah memaklumkan kepada pimpinan PAS tentang mesej ini dan meminta untuk dikeluarkan serta merta. Namun mesej tersebut tidak dikeluarkan sehingga mesej tersebut mendapat perhatian umum dan media. Akhirnya Karpal Singh sendiri bertindak membuat lapuran polis.

Saya percaya kita harus berhati-hati agar laman web resmi parti tidak disalah gunakan dan wajar menyedari apa-apa kenyataan yang dimuatkan dalam laman web resmi parti harus lah disifatkan sebagai pendirian parti ataupun bersetuju dengan pendirian penulis. Kalau tidak kenapa dimuatkan. Jika ianya dimuatkan atas dasar kebebasan bersuara, setujukah jika ada orang mempersendakan Tuan Guru dalam laman resmi parti misal kata DAP ataupun PKR ?

Saya berhak mempertahankan pemimpin saya. Setakat ini apakah bukti kukuh yang Karpal Singh telah menghina Islam. Selama ini beliau hanya mempertahankan apa yang tersirat dalam perlembagaan. PAS sudah tentu sedar bagaimana tiga hari selepas pilihanraya saya bertikam lidah dan mempertahankan poster-poster Tuan Guru Nik Aziz daripada dikoyak rabakkan oleh pihak Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru. Saya tidak teragak-agak mempertahankan poster-poster Tuan Guru di koyak rabakkan kerana status Tuan Guru sebagai pemimpin dalam Pakatan Rakyat. Saya tidak kesal berbuat demikian dan tetap bersedia mempertahankan mana-mana pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat.

Semoga kedua-dua isu ini menjadi satu pengajaran untuk kita semua dan mengambil iktibar daripada apa yang berlaku.

Akhir sekali saya amat berterima kasih di atas kenyataan maaf daripada PAS dan tindakan susulan yang telah diambil.

KENYATAAN UMUM - NORMAN FERNANDEZ NAIB PENGERUSI DAP NEGERI JOHOR.

ISU KOMEN ‘DARAH KARPAL SINGH HALAL DI BUNUH’ DALAM LAMAN WEB PAS JOHOR BAHRU

Pada hari Isnin 28hb April 2008 jam 4 petang, lelaki yang telah memuatkan mesej ‘darah Karpal Singh halal dibunuh’ yang telah dimuat dalam kotaklaung (shoutbox) laman web PAS Johor Bahru telah datang ke pejabat saya bersama dengan bapanya dan diiringi beberapa wakil Dewan Pemuda PAS Johor Bahru yang diketuai YDP Pemuda PAS Johor Bahru Sdr Rosli Kemin.

Lelaki Melayu berusia 18 tahun yang menggunakan nama “Alif” (nama sebenar telah diberitahu dan dirahsiakan) dalam laman web tersebut mengakui bahawa beliau adalah orang yang telah memuat mesej dalam laman web PAS Johor Bahru.

Lelaki tersebut adalah seorang pelajar kolej tempatan dan di pejabat saya beliau menulis satu surat kepada Pengerusi DAP Kebangsaan Sdr Karpal Singh.

Didalam surat tersebut, beliau telah menyatakan rasa kesal terhadap apa yang dilakukannya dan meminta maaf daripada Sdr Karpal Singh. Beliau juga berjanji tidak akan meletakkan apa-apa mesej yang yang boleh menyinggung perasaan, ofensif serta menyalahi undang-undang dalam mana-mana laman web. Beliau meminta maaf daripada Sdr Karpal Singh dan merayu agar Sdr Karpal Singh berbesar hati dan bersedia untuk menarik balik repot polis yang telah dibuatnya terhadap lelaki yang memuatkan mesej dalam laman web PAS Johor Bahru.

Seperti yang sedia maklum susulan daripada pendedahan mesej menjemput membunuh Sdr Karpal Singh, satu lapuran polis telah dibuat oleh Sdr Karpal Singh di IPK Pulau Pinang. Siasatan kes tersebut telah di pindahkan ke Johor Bahru. Saya telah dimaklumkan bahawa lelaki tersebut telah menyerah diri kepada pihak polis dan pihak polis Johor Bahru telah merakam satu percakapan dalam siasatan daripadanya.

Saya akan menghantar surat minta maaf daripada lelaki tersebut kepada Sdr Karpal Singh untuk beliau memutuskan tindakan yang selanjutnya. Memandangkan usia mudanya dan kerana janjinya untuk tidak melakukan perbuatan sedemikian dimasa hadapan, saya akan mensyorkan agar Sdr Karpal Singh menerima mohon maaf lelaki tersebut seperti yang di tulis dalam surat tersebut. Saya juga harap Sdr Karpal Singh akan bersedia dan bermurah hati untuk menarik balik laporan polis yang telah dibuatnya.

Norman Fernandez
Johor Bahru

Rencana (Ahad 27.04.2008) - Mingguan Malaysia

DAP upset over ‘kill Karpal’ call

Saturday April 26, 2008. The Star.

JOHOR BARU: The state DAP is upset over a comment left on a PAS website that called for the murder of DAP national chairman Karpal Singh and is calling for an apology.
Johor DAP vice-chairman Norman Fernandez said that it was unacceptable for the message to be posted on the Johor Baru PAS website especially when Pakatan Rakyat was trying to introduce a new era in politics.
“We want them to take the comment out, apologise to Karpal and ensure that no inciting messages will be put on their website henceforth,” he said.
The comment dated April 24 was listed on the website Shoutbox and was written by a commenter called “Alif” who alleged that Karpal had insulted Islam and that “darahnya halal dibunuh” (it's justifiable to kill him).
He added that for Pakatan Rakyat to succeed, mutual respect was needed and it was the responsibility of the webmaster to ensure that such comments did not appear on the party website.
Meanwhile, Johor PAS Commissioner Datuk Dr Mahfodz Mohamad said the comment posted was not the stand of the Johor PAS.

MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS ON REASONS FOR BARISAN NASIONAL'S ELECTION DEFEAT.

Diagnosis

Overeating – gorged themselves and ate too much of the people's money.

Heart failure – did not have a heart to really care about the rakyat.

Rectal cancer and constipation – did not expel all the shit from the system.

Diabetes – fondness for sweet things, i.e. saying sweet things to try and con the rakyat ( in plain English, lying)

Stroke – stroked too much of their own ego and became too arrogant.

Overworking – too busy running here and there cutting deals for own benefit.

Alzheimer's – forgot to play the proper role of an elected representative.

Obsessive-compulsive neurosis – obsession with cleaning, especially sweeping things under the carpet.

HP6 – a mutation of the deadly H5N1 ( bird flu) virus which manifests itself in the form of idiocy or semi-idiocy, thus the descriptor ' half past six ( HP6)'. Many members of the BN are infected. VD – Very Deaf. Did not listen to the grievances of the rakyat and did not heed the healthy advice and feedback from bloggers.

Color Bind – a form of visual impairment which is directly the opposite of being color blind. There is a fixation on color and everything must always be discussed in terms of 'color' – Malay, Chinese, Indian etc.

Liver problems – failure to de-Liver on promises.

'Inverted Cerebranus' – a new form of disease where the cerebrum and anus are transposed causing highly irrational and objectionable behaviour, like brandishing ancient weapons and ranting racial slurs and threats.

Prognosis Not good and definitely a terminal case. Chances of recovery are 1 in a gadzillion, about the same odds as Osama converting to the Jewish faith and becoming a messenger of world peace.

Cure No known cure. Euthanasia recommended. Suggest to drink lacquer – at least it will ensure a beautiful finish.

-By Political doctor