Govt defers another helicopter deal

The Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Musa Hassan said the Royal Malaysian Police will add 21 more helicopters to their fleet to improve the efficiency of the force patrolling the nation's waters. [Utusan Malaysia, 12/8/08]

In a report by Utusan Malaysia dated August 12, Tan Sri Musa Hassan announced that the purchase of 21 helicopters by the Royal Police was approved by the Cabinet. The force currently has 12 helicopters patrolling the country's waters but Musa expressed the limited numbers of helicopters were not adequate to effectively monitor our borders.

The total cost of the deal was never revealed to the public; fueling speculation that it may have been similarly overpriced as the recent controversial Eurocopter scandal. Information of the manufacturer, model, specifications, tenders and the company involved remained illusive from the public even two months after the Cabinet's decision to allocate funds for the purchase.

However, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang questioned Musa's claim of the apparent "Cabinet approval" of the deal. In his blog (http://blog.limkitsiang.com), the Ipoh Timur MP wrote "When did the Cabinet approve the purchase of 21 helicopters for the Police...?"

If there was indeed an official Cabinet sanction of the purchase, how could an MP not know about it? Even if such approvals by the Cabinet had indeed slipped Lim's mind , it still does not justify the government's failure to disclose the details of the purchase to taxpayers.

On October 28, the government decided to call off negotiations on the ostentatious purchase of 12 Eurocopter EC-725 Cougars in the wake of falling crude and palm oil revenues. The next project to be deferred was the procurement of 21 helicopters for the Royal Police. The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Amirsham Aziz announced so on the same day during the final minutes of the Parliament session. Indeed, such expensive undertakings like the purchase of the Eurocopters and the ones for the police had to be shelved to enable the government to divert precious public funds to more pressing matters.

Nonetheless, the question arises as to how many more mega projects are still hovering behind the backs of the Malaysian public that need to be scrapped to weather the global economic uncertainty. Whose call is it to make then, on which project goes and which ones stay?

Such of a responsibility lies in the hands of politicians whose cronies would have to endure massive financial setbacks whenever a government deal is called off.
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PAS joins UMNO in racist notion against PKR

Selangor UMNO Youth disagrees with the state government's appointment of a non-Malay to head the state-owned Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS); accusing the PKR of being ignorant of the agency's "history and purpose" for developing the bumiputra community. [Malaysiakini, 28/10/08]

Selangor Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim's decision to appoint Low Siew Moi as acting general manager for PKNS have stirred a hornet's nest in the Selangor UMNO Youth camp. The state youth wing of the Barisan Nasional leading party, UMNO criticised the appointment of a non-bumiputra as general manager of PKNS, citing it as an ignorance towards the struggle of the bumiputra community in Selangor.

Low Siew Moi was a corporate and accounts deputy general manager for PKNS prior to her latest installation as the agency's general manager. Khalid said Low's appointment was only temporary as the current Selangor PKNS general manager Datuk Harun Salim would be retiring at the end of October, while Low herself admitted that a bumiputra should be appointed to continue steering the government agency.

And yet, UMNO refuses to back down despite the appointment of Low being temporary.

According to Selangor UMNO Youth, the purpose of the PKNS was to develop the bumiputra community in Selangor and the recent appointment of a Chinese as the general manager showed that the Selangor state government was doing little to honour that mandate.

"We (Selangor UMNO Youth) are disappointed with Low's appointment as this has never happened in the history of the PKNS. The agency was established to help the bumiputras. If the Selangor government is short of capable leaders to head the PKNS, it can refer to us and we will provide suitable candidates from our list."

"The Chief Minister is seeking to restore support of the other races for PKR but at the expense of the dignity of the Malays. I think he (Khalid) is acting on the pressure of others, probably DAP in their quest to 'assert control over the government'," Abdul Shukur who is Selangor UMNO Youth chief said. [Malaysiakini, 28/10/08]

Abdul Shukur, please get your facts right:

• The appointment of a non-bumiputra has never happened before in the history of PKNS, he says. True but the same can be applied to Malaysia's first astronaut too. We have never sent anyone to space in the past but that certainly did not stop the government from sending Sheikh Muszaphar to the International Space Station.
  
• To restore the support of other races for PKR? Have they not realise that the March 8 Elections have shown that the support of the other races for the Barisan Nasional have been diminishing ?
  
• How does a non-Malay general manager threaten the dignity of the Malays?
• DAP trying to secretly seize control of the government by planting Chinese professionals in high government posts? Try topping that with a more far-fetched statement and Abdul Shukur would be mistaken for a Hollywood script writer.
  

A close study of PKNS's mission statement and vision on their website revealed little about the alleged primary focus on bumiputra development but rather, a holistic development of a Malaysian society. The word 'bumiputra' was, nonetheless, mentioned only twice. You may read it here.

Hence, to say that the PKNS was solely established for the betterment of the bumiputras is both naive and unfounded. By all means, the PKNS was formed for the development of the people of Selangor regardless of race or skin colour.

PAS, a fellow member of the Opposition also came in support of Selangor UMNO Youth's recent spat with the state government and have suggested a few candidates from their party to replace Low as the general manager of PKNS. PAS's move to question Khalid's decision will certainly be monitored closely in the next few weeks as they have surprised many in the Opposition bench for supporting UMNO's notion.

Nonetheless, the Selangor Chief Minister defended his move to appoint Low to spearhead PKNS despite objections from PAS and UMNO and have said that it should not be made into an issue of race.

"(One of) the tasks of the PKNS is to develop the state and bumiputra community under the New Economic Policy, but the results have been rather unsatisfactory. If the Malays manage this themselves and they do not benefit from it, then we have to look at the matter seriously. People get angry over such a change (appointment) but their stand is different when millions of ringgit go down the drain," he told reporters. [Bernama, 28/10/08]

DAP MP for Kampung Tunku, Lau Weng San shared the same sentiment as he said it was about time that skin colour was set aside in the appointment of individuals for high government posts. He also commented that PKNS should be responsible for the development of all races and not just the Malays in Selangor.

"We have to ensure that one is appointed on the grounds of qualification and ability; not by skin colour, religion, race or gender. It is absurd for a government agency to champion for a particular group of people whereas half of Selangor's population are non-bumiputras," Lau said in Selangor State Assembly. [Malaysiakini, 28/10/08]

DAP vice-chairperson Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim also blasted the PKNS staff as a large proportion of them was said to have protested against the appointment of a non-bumiputra to lead their agency. Taking the protests as an example, he also said that a culture had developed where merit was neglected while “less than relevant considerations” such as ethnicity and religion were prioritised.

“I hope the Chief Minister’s decision is respected by all and the PKNS staff will focus on doing their work professionally instead of questioning the prerogative of the state government to appoint the most suitable person for the post.”

“The interference by the senior staff of PKNS runs counter to established management practices and may well be the result of the race-based policies and indoctrination that the nation had been subjected to for the better part of 50 years or so,” he said. [Malaysiakini, 29/10/08]

Truly, the big uproar over the appointment of a non-bumiputra for a post traditionally held by bumiputras was a product of 50 years worth of racial propaganda and discriminative policies set out by the government. However, with people like Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim who understood what it means to be a Malaysian first, the utopian dream of a Malaysian Malaysia does not seem so far-fetched after all. Nonetheless, we still are many milestones away from achieving that goal.
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Eurocopter deal still on behind our backs?

This is in response to the "Govt scraps Eurocopter deal!" article (27/10/08)

PETALING JAYA: Negotiations to purchase 12 Eurocopter helicopters for the RMAF are still on, sources said. When contacted yesterday, a source said high-level officials of the Defence Ministry had not received any instruction from the Government to cancel the programme. [The Star, 28/10/08]

On October 26, it was reported that the government had decided to scrap the controversial purchase of 12 Eurocopters worth RM2.3 billion over recent global economic uncertainties. However, the Royal Malaysian Air Force said that the news of the government abandoning negotiations with Eurocopter was baseless as it had not received any orders to do so.

It was also revealed that the RM2.3 billion deal was overpriced as Brazil had purchase the same Eurocopter models for half of what Malaysia would be paying. Hence, many in the public and the Opposition benches have cried foul and demanded that the deal be reviewed by the Public Accounts Committee and the Anti-Corruption Agency.

Was the Malaysian government lying to the public or was it a mere misreport by the press when it was announced that the Eurocopter deal was to be scrapped?

But then again, any fault by the press seemed irrelevant now as the real concern lies with the money the government would be forking out to fund the purchase of 12 EC-725 Cougars.

What seemed like a brief sigh of relieve for taxpayers with the news of the deal being scrapped has now turned into a costly U-turn by the government which could see the return of every taxpaying Malaysian's nightmare.

LATEST UPDATE (October 28): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has officially announced that the Eurocopter deal was to be suspended for the time being so that funds could be alocated to more pressing projects. He also clarified that the actual cost was RM1.7 billion and not RM2.3 billion as reported by the media.

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Govt scraps Eurocopter deal!

Malaysia will ditch the RM2.3 billion Eurocopter defence deal as it battens down to face the global economic storm, sources said today. [The Malaysian Insider, 26/10/08]

The government has decided to cancel the controversial Eurocopter deal that would have cost the country RM2.3 billion. It was previously understood that Malaysia would purchase 12 EC-725 Cougars to replace the aging Nuri fleet.

Yet, questions were raised incessantly regarding the transparency of then Defense Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's handling of the deal. It was revealed that Brazil had purchased the same Eurocopter models for half of what Malaysia was to pay. The Eurocopter deal, if signed, will cost Malaysia a staggering RM2.3 billion for only 12 units while Brazil paid RM4 billion for its 50 units!

Likewise, the Defense Ministry was also questioned for choosing the costly Cougar when apparently there were cheaper models with similar specifications from other manufacturers on its shortlist.

Read Brazil buys Eurocopters at half of our price for more details.

On October 26, the government finally decided to abandon all negotiations over the purchase of the Eurocopters; ending all speculation and debate over the discrepancies linked to the deal. Najib, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister said that the deal had to be cancelled due to falling revenues from crude and palm oil and the weakening global economy in the wake of a financial turmoil.

The deal itself had received some flak from the Opposition who have called on the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to investigate the irregularities surrounding the high profile purchase. DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang demanded that the deal be put on hold until the air is cleared by anti-corruption agencies before the government proceed with negotiations. PKR Youth have also lodged a police report at the Anti-Corruption Agency in Putrajaya.

With what seemed like an excellent opportunity for the Opposition to find fault in the Prime Minister-to-be, all efforts to undermine Najib's credibility have to be forsaken as there is now no case against Najib with the Eurocopter deal now cancelled.

However, one can only speculate on whether it was a sincere consideration by the government over the ballooning expenses the Cougars might incur or was Najib simply trying to dodge the bad press being thrown at him from all quarters?

Either way, for the RM2.3 billion, the Malaysian people have indeed gained what was not put to waste in overpriced government deals.


LATEST UPDATE: The Royal Malaysian Air Force stated that the deal was still on despite the news of it being cancelled. Refer to Eurocopter deal still on behind our backs?
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Not all Pakatan MPs are aligned with party aspiration?

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 - Pakatan Rakyat MP Zulkifli Nordin accused several parties including his own of disrespecting or insulting Islam in Dewan Rakyat today. [The Malaysian Insider, 23/10/08]

Kulim Badar Baharu MP Zulkifli Nordin (image) made it hard for Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat MPs during the parliamentary session when he implicated that Islam has been insulted or disrespected. He believed that there is currently an inconspicuous attack on his religion, Islam and neither the government nor the Opposition was doing enough to address it.

Zulkifli singled out the Malaysian Bar Council as one of the key players in the alleged "attack" on Islam. He, being a lawyer himself, accused the Bar Council for supporting apostates and demanded for a separate Bar Council for Syariah lawyers to protect Syariah law practitioners.

In August, the Pakatan MP led an angry mob against a forum titled "Conversion to Islam", organised by the Bar Council to discuss matters on religious conversion. His protest ultimately led to the cancellation of the forum - an hour after it started.

Zulkifli recalled the case of Azalina Jailani, who failed in her attempt to convert from Islam to Christianity in May last year. Under Malaysian Law, a Muslim is not allowed to convert out of Islam or denounce the religion. Azalina Jailani or better known as Lina Joy had tried to have the Federal Court intervene to allow her to change her religion but failed.

"In the case of Azalina Jailani, the Bar Council sent a representative to be present in court to ensure she became an apostate," Zulkifli said in the Dewan Rakyat. [The Malaysian Insider, 23/10/08]

"It insults Islam when parties go to court insisting they have the right to use the word Allah like Muslims do," he said in relation to the Catholic weekly, The Herald attempt to get a court order permitting it to use the word 'Allah' in their publications. [The Malaysian Insider, 23/10/08]

Zulkifli's latest outburst may fuel speculation that he is to switch allegiance to perhaps, UMNO in order to forward his ultra-religious cause when clearly the multicultural settings of the Pakatan Rakyat seemed to be holding him back. Nonetheless, Zulkifli has not announced any plans to defect to any sides.

He also moved on to challenged MCA's recent suggestion of appointing a non-Malay as second Deputy Prime Minister; attributing it as another defiance to the position of Islam.

Perhaps Zulkifli Nordin should opt to be an Imam if the simple logic of multiculturalism is incomprehensible to him. Of course, as a Muslim, he is right in defending his religion. But then again, what was he defending Islam against? An imagingary threat is no threat at all.

However, it is true that the issue of a Muslim to converting out of Islam is as sensitive as it is controversial but for Zulkifli to accuse the Bar Council for advocating apostates was definitely uncalled for. Regardless of whatever law there is or was, as long as an individual is seeking a court hearing, the Bar Council has to ensure that the basic rights of individuals are defended.

Whether Azalina Jailani should be allowed to be converted or not was beside the point. But what really mattered was the right for her to be represented in court. How is that an act of apostate-sympathising?

According to Zulkifli, it was an insult to Islam for the use of the word, "Allah" to be disputed in court. With all due respect to Islam, the word "Allah" is neither copyrighted nor it is an intellectual property of someone. Language cannot be copyrighted! The word "Allah" is essentially Arabic and even Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews use the word in their writings and worship.

Hence, if it was insulting for the word "Allah" to be used by Catholics in their publishings, then the word "God" should be disputed in court as well. After all, there are 1.8 billion English speakers in the world and at some point, all would have used the word "God" in reference to the higher power they each believe in. If so, is that an insult to the Christians in England then?

As a Pakatan Rakyat MP, it is utterly disappointing for Zulkifli to scoff at the idea of a non-Malay being appointed as second Deputy Prime Minister. What was even more depressing was for Zulkifli to ludicrously reason that a non-Malay Deputy Prime Minister would "challenge" the position of Islam. Has the appointment of a Malay Deputy Prime Minister challenged the position of other religions in this country? Certainly not! But turn the chess board around and Zulkifli cries foul.

If the Pakatan Rakyat truly practice what they preach, Zulkifli Nordin's ideologies and motives should be questioned once more by his party leaders. Yes, things might get messy especially when it involves religion. But, things will indeed get messy unless narrowminded MPs like Zulkifli are aligned with the same aspirations for a multicultural and multireligious Malaysia.

UPDATE: Many have sent in comments on the nature of this article and there were some who accused it of being anti-Islam. Please be assured that this is NOT an article against the religion of Islam but a commentary on an MP.

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Syed Hamid says other countries envy our ISA

In an interview by The Star on October 22, Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar (image) spoke about his stand on various current issues dominating the headlines in the past few months; including the infamous use of the Internal Security Act (ISA) on civilians. The controversial law drew many criticism from the general public and NGOs alike; particularly the detention of Raja Petra Kamarudin and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok . The true intentions of the ISA were indeed noble but Malaysians know they do not live in an ideal world; with it, the possibility of the preventative law to be abused by certain quarters.

The ISA allows the detention of individuals without trial for an initial period of 60 days until the government see fit for a release. The government may use the law on any person if he/she is deemed a threat to national security or public order.

Yet, Syed Hamid was as clueless as a chicken in the slaughterhouse when he was questioned about the ISA and its relevance in modern times. The following are "interesting" points raised by the Home Minister during the interview:


1. There is a need for ISA to maintain peace and order

"It is about ensuring law and order, peace and security, and comfort to the public. And we must ensure we are not guided by a need to be popular but by public interest ... "

"That’s how I look at all the things that we (the Home Ministry) do -- the bottom line is public interest, which is equal to maintaining public order, maintaining security and understanding perceptions and threats. If we are wrong, then the court can decide that we are wrong. But meanwhile, we cannot wait for things to happen in order for us to take action."

• Is it not the public's interest to do away with the ISA which is oppressive and underminitive to freedom?
  
• Also, how could the court decide whether the Home Ministry was wrong when the ISA itself allows detention without trial?

______________________________________________

2. There are protective measures to prevent the abuse of the ISA

"The other part that people seldom discuss is that after three months from the time of the arrest, there is an advisory panel in which the Home Minister cannot be involved - to advise whether the person should continue to be detained. After that, every six months, it (the order) is subject to review -- to see whether the person’s detention should be continued or not."

• Syed Hamid did not reveal who sits in the advisory panel to monitor arrests made by the Home Ministry.
• Shouldn't the advisory panel consist of NGOs and independent lawyers for it to function as the ministry's watchdog?

______________________________________________

3. Malaysia's ISA is the envy of law enforcement agencies from other countries

"When other law enforcement agencies come here, they say ‘you’re lucky to have the ISA.’ They say, ‘because of your ISA there are so many things that do not happen - the Bali bombing, extremist groups."

"But in Malaysia, we take all these for granted because everybody can go around (safely). When they (the public) are not happy, they condemn the enforcement officers, the police, Immigration, all sorts of things. This is the beauty of living in a peaceful democratic country - to be able to live comfortably. The government is sensitive to public comment, to protests, but it must be legitimate for us to respond to it."

• Which countries were envious of the ISA, Syed Hamid? North Korea?
• The government is employed by the people and not vice versa. Hence, when crime levels escalate, influx of illegal immigrant rises or corruption becomes more prevalent, is it not the public's right to question and scrutinize government agencies?

______________________________________________

4. Public demand for something does not make it right

"People keep on changing their values. Do you remember at one time homosexuality in most countries was an offence. Now it is an accepted social norm -- some countries now have laws that allow for same-sex marriages. The values of society change with time. Somebody in the Opposition was saying, 'why don’t we make this homosexuality acceptable? After all people do it'. But the fact that people do it, does not make it right. The Muslims would never accept it and neither would the Christians. The majority of conventions would tell you it is not allowed."

• Syed Hamid was trying to imply that despite the majority of Malaysians calling for the ISA to be abolished, it does not mean that such move is a wise and correct one.
• The ISA was first drafted by the government to address the communist crisis decades ago. Yet, the Home Minister failed to understand that laws could become outdated and lose its relevance through time.

______________________________________________

(You may read the full interview here.)

Opinions on the ISA may vary from person to person. However, the reality that the law is being abused to achieve political agendas cannot entirely be ignored. The debate on the relevance of the ISA today may go on forever but in any case, the freedom of Malaysians should firstly be upheld and restored.

For as long as there is no guarantee that the arrests under the ISA are transparent, properly monitored and backed with solid evidences, the ISA should all in all be abolished for its doors are forever open to possible abuse and the oppression of freedom and liberty.
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Brazil buys Eurocopters at half of our price

PKR Youth has revealed that Brazil purchased the Eurocopter Cougar EC-725 at RM82 million per unit while Malaysia were paying RM193 million per unit for the same model and specifications [Malaysiakini, 20/10/08]

The Defense Ministry has approved the RM2.3 billion purchase of 12 Eurocopter Cougar EC-725 helicopters to replace the aging Nuri models which have been in service for the past 39 years. To date, a total of 14 Nuris were reported to have crashed and with it, the lives of 107 servicemen.

Yet, it was not a surprise that such high profile purchases of the 12 Eurocopters would stir up a fair deal of controversy and skepticism from various sides.

Former Defense Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who oversaw the deal was questioned for his ministry's decision to purchase the Eurocopters when similar and cheaper models were available from other manufacturers.

On October 20, PKR Youth deputy chief, Mohd Fariz Musa lodged a police report regarding the latest exposé into the much questioned government purchase of 12 Cougars worth RM2.3 billion. In a press conference, he stated that such large discrepancies in the prices both Brazil and Malaysia were paying for the same model merit an in-depth investigation and of course, public scrutiny.

"Brazil have signed a contract to purchase 50 Cougars worth US$1.2 billion (RM4 billion). On the other hand, Malaysia have sealed the deal worth RM2 billion for just 12 units," he explained at the Dang Wangi police station in relation to his report. [Malaysiakini, 20/10/08]

• Brazil gets 50 Cougars for RM 4 billion.
  
• Malaysia gets 12 Cougars for RM2 billion.

Earlier this month, Mentari Services Sdn. Bhd., the company which was involved in the tender, issued a written letter to Najib seeking to explain that Defense Ministry's decision to award the deal to Eurocopter was "too costly". The company chairman, Capt (R) Datuk Zahar Hashim also revealed that his side was shock to learn that the ministry had ordered the Letter of Intent (LOI) to be issued to Eurocopter while the process of evaluation of all bidders was still on-going.

Zahar said that for the price of the 12 Cougars, the government could have purchased 30 Kelowna’s Kazan MI-172 helicopters that could save the federal treasury of RM1.5 billion.

You may read Zahar's 5-page letter to the Deputy Prime Minister here.

However, Najib remained unshaken by the accusations and announced that the Cabinet has given the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) the green light to investigate the alleged chicanery revolving the Eurocopter deal. He also expressed his desire that the committee would not be influenced by any sides and be allowed to study the details of the deal.

• Does the PAC require the permission from the government prior to an investigation of suspicious government dealings?
• Shouldn't the PAC be independent from the government in order to effectively ensure transparency is practiced?

The need for the PAC to seek the permission of the Cabinet to carry out its duties is like asking a student to mark his own examination papers. Can the PAC expect honest disclosure by people involved in the controversy who might have their hands tied or mouths shut?

Following Najib's statements, DAP Petaling Jaya MP, Tony Pua has pressured Najib to respect and honour the independence of the PAC. He also condemned Najib's statements, saying it was a "mockery of parliamentary sessions" by requiring PAC's actions to be approved by the Cabinet.

"They must stop denigrating the Parliament and its institutions to tools of the Executive to achieve their own ends. In addition, they must cooperate fully with the PAC at all times, including if the Deputy Prime Minister himself, or members of his Cabinet are called to be queried on various scandals which affects them or their ministries," Pua who is also a member the PAC said in response to Najib's statements. [The Malaysian Insider, 20/10/08]

There is a dire need for transparency today especially when high profile deals and ostentatious civil projects draw their fundings from the pockets of taxpayers. It is highly unfortunate and disturbing for machineries like the PAC to still stand in need of "government approvals" in order to carry out its duties to keep corruption at bay.

For that itself is already corruption.
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And now the Malays are called immigrants too?

LENGGONG, Oct 19 – The Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) has called on Gerakan Wanita chief Datuk Tan Lian Hoe to apologise and retract her statement which termed Malays as immigrants as it could affect racial harmony. [The Malaysian Insider, 19/10/08]

Gerakan Wanita Chief Datuk Tan Lian Hoe (image) did an Ahmad Ismail à la mode when she was alleged to have called the Malays in the country immigrants - just like the Chinese and Indians here. She was reported to have made those remarks in her speech during a party conference which she reminded Malaysians not to forget their history and roots.

In August, an UMNO politician made a similar racist remark but in his case, towards the Chinese community. The then Bukit Bendera division chief, Ahmad Ismail labelled the Chinese as "squatters" and "immigrants" during his campaigning speech for the Permatang Pauh by-election. He was then chastised by the BN leadership for his offence but was only slapped with a minor 3-year suspension from politics and membership in UMNO. Ahmad Ismail has yet to offer a public apology nor any attempt was made to retract his statements.

Gerakan and UMNO are both components parties of the ruling coalition, Barisan Nasional.

Tan's comments caused an outrage amongst the Barisan Nasional leaders, particularly from UMNO when Utusan Malaysia reported that Tan had questioned the origins of the Malays and had claimed that their ancestors of the Malays had migrated from Sumatra (in Indonesia).

But then again, Utusan Malaysia?

Gerakan released a statement on October 17 that the party would issue a written inquiry to Utusan Malaysia in order to clarify the misreporting on the statements made by the Gerakan Wanita Chief. Party president, Datuk Koh Tsu Koon accused the UMNO-owned daily of misquoting Tan in their report regarding her alleged immigrant-calling. Koh also said that a thorough scrutiny of her original speech would show that Tan was merely backing her idea of "Anak Malaysia (sons/daughters of Malaysia)".

“In her text, she said ‘orang Melayu adalah dari kepulauan Nusantara’ (the Malays are from the Malay archipelago), not ‘pendatang’ (immigrants) from Sumatera, as reported in the media on Oct 12. It was misinterpretation, misreporting and misunderstanding... We hope Utusan will publish a clarification” Koh said. [Bernama, The Edge Daily, 17/10/08]

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi chose to give Tan the benefit of the doubt when he said that Tan would be given a chance to explain herself to Barisan Nasional leaders regarding her alleged statements. [Malaysiakini, 15/10/08]

However, this did not stop UMNO leaders to divulge at every opportunity of rebuking the Gerakan Wanita chief. Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek had reminded Tan to refrain from making further controversial statements in the future that might jeopardize racial harmony and unity among BN members. Puteri UMNO Information Chief Datuk Shahaniza Shamsuddin echoed Shabery's view; calling for Tan to be more careful when making statements regarding such matters. UMNO Cheras division chief, Datuk Syed Ali Alhabshee also expressed his disappointment for the disregard of racial sensitivities by a fellow BN politician like Tan.

Shabery and Batu Pahat MP, Dr. Mohd. Puad Zarkashi also managed a holier-than-thou promo talk for UMNO in relation to the Ahmad Ismail incident which got the "immigrant-calling" ball rolling in the first place.

"UMNO had already acted against a leader who had made what was deemed a racist statement," Shabery told reporters before leaving to China for the Asian Information Ministers' Meeting. [Bernama, 18/10/08]

"If UMNO could take disciplinary action against its members (referring to Ahmad Ismail) who were alleged to have made racist remarks, there is no reason for Gerakan to be fold their arms when one of its member have done similarly, " Dr. Mohd Puad Zarkashi said. (Utusan Malaysia, 15/10/08]

Dear UMNO, a mere 3-year membership suspension does not constitute much of a "disciplinary action" in comparisan to the unlawful arrest under the Internal Security Act of the reporter who brought Ahmad Ismail's racist remarks to the knowledge of the nation.

The bottom line is that it would not be fair for Malaysians to pass judgement over Gerakan Wanita Chief Datuk Tan Lian Hoe for her presumptive remarks in the press. After all, it was Utusan Malaysia who reported that Tan had called the Malays immigrants. Nonetheless, the bigger concern lies in Malaysia's Archilles' heel of rhetoric arguments on the status of races in the country. Such debate cannot change the fact that Malaysia is and will always be a plural nation.

So what if the Malays were the original inhabitants of this land, the Chinese immigrating from China or the Indians from India? Does out-arguing one another on these issues contribute to poverty eradication, decent housing for the poor, rural literacy or the reduction of escalating crime rates? No.

So let us just all agree that we came from Mars and end this bickering.
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Police pack and leave for fear of high crime rates?

KUALA LUMPUR: A police beat base in the Chow Kit area of downtown Kuala Lumpur was closed down because it was in a location that was considered unsafe, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar. [The Star, 16/10/08]

Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar (image) was confronted by Opposition MP Dr Lo’ Lo’ Mohamad Ghazali (PAS-Titiwangsa) over the latest closure of a police beat base in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's notorious red light district of Chow Kit.

A police beat base is a kiosk, manned by a few police officers with the intention to establish a police presence over a designated area.

The Titiwangsa MP had asked why was the police beat base removed from an area where vice-related activities and crimes were rife. He also demanded an explanation by the Home Ministry over the actions taken by the police so far to curb such activities.

The expected course of action by the police is the exact reverse. In fact, higher crime rates should prompt more police beat bases to be constructed, does it not?

The Home Minister, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar reasoned that the beat base had to be relocated because it was situated in a dirty area; hence the possibility of a contagious disease that could endanger the police officers on duty. Furthermore, he assured that the police were already looking for a new location for the beat base in order to give “guaranteed and continued service to the public.”

The only "guaranteed service to the public" is the growing incompetence displayed by a force that has the royal mandate to serve and protect.

Dr. Mohd Hatta Ramli (PAS-Kuala Krai) also joined in the fray when he suggested otherwise - that the police were actually afraid of the criminals rather than being overly cautious over their health or civic cleanliness. He also said that Syed Hamid's response to the issue was not rational nor satisfactory.

"The police are there to make a place safe. If they themselves are scared and run away, then how can we hope for others to want to be there? It is embarrassing and that is why the criminals will always be there,” he said in Parliament. [The Star, 16/10/08]

If the police themselves are afraid of the criminals in Chow Kit, what hope is there for the ordinary Malaysian?

Indeed, Syed Hamid Albar never ceases to amaze the Malaysian public with his 'intelligent' reasoning in order to piece an excuse of justifying negligence. The Home Minister argued that Chow Kit was a filthy place filled with trash.

True but why not just summon the City Hall to clean up the trash?

Syed Hamid also pointed out that due to the large amount of trash, the Chow Kit area poses the risk of a contagious disease. The only contagious disease known to exist in Chow Kit are sexually-transmitted ones. After all, Chow Kit is notorious for its brothels and prostitution rings.

Of course, unless Syed Hamid is trying to imply that the police officers stationed there also indulge in such "recreations" when off-duty?

The Home Minister owes an explanation to the Malaysian people; the police cannot just hide in their excuses of excessive trash or infectious diseases to keep themselves from fulfilling their duty to uphold the law and security. In Chow Kit or anywhere else, the only trash that Malaysians are truly concerned about are the criminals who still roam freely in the streets when they should be behind bars.

But then again, if there was truly a risk of a contagious disease, why only save the police, Syed Hamid?
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Utusan Malaysia calls for the assassination of Teresa Kok?

With three legal suits for sedition amounting to RM41 million already knocking on their door, Utusan Malaysia played it safe by taking a different approach in propagating their political beliefs to the public. This time around, columnist Chamil Wariya (image) wrote a short fictional story about a female politician in his attempt to dodge any legal proceedings whilst sharing his point view on politics.


The link to the literature can be found here (in Malay).
__________________________________________

Here is the synopsis of the short story written on October 12:

The story tells of a Chinese politician by the name of Josephine who is seen as anti-Malay and anti-Islam by the Parti Orang Melayu (Malay People's Party). In other words, Josephine is seen as a racist by the Malays. Nonetheless, she is confused over her notorious image and sought the opinion of her Malay chauffeur, Ahmad regarding the matter.

Ahmad calmly explains that though Josephine might argue that she is representing Malaysians of all races, her actions have proven otherwise. He relates to her recent removal of Jawi texts on roadsigns and replacing them with the Chinese language. Such action, Ahmad says, is disrespectful to the Malays and only favours the cause of the Chinese community. Ahmad also recalls his father's accounts of the infamous May 13 racial riots which was said to be have been instigated by the Chinese in their crusade to deny the rights of the bumiputras in this country. Ahmad expresses his fears that such terror may happen again.

Josephine is also a public figure who believes in the '"New Malaysian Politics" agenda that does away with race-based politics and foresees the future of Malaysia devoid of racial discrimination and segregation. However, Ahmad says not every Malaysian, including among the Chinese community, is not prepared to embrace such "radical social reforms."

Upon Josephine's arrival at a political gathering, she is greeted by a multitude of people, comprised mainly of Chinese students. Among the 500-strong crowd, there is a man who does not agree with her policies and decides to take matters into his own hands. The man rushes up on stage and extends a handshake. Josephine, excited from seeing a fellow Chinese supporter greeting her enthusiastically, reaches out with a wide smile without thinking any suspicion. The man then draws a revolver and fires several bullets ruthlessly at Josephine. She falls dead.

In the midst of panic and confusion, the man shoots himself. The police later finds a note on the Chinese man, saying:

MP Josephine is a threat to peace and harmony. It is better for her to die so that the people of various races in this country can live peacefully in this blessed land. I've sacrificed for the future.
__________________________________________

It was said that the writer intended to target Seputeh MP Teresa Kok who has a fair share of run-ins with the government and UMNO Malay supremacist lately. Teresa herself was alleged to have been anti-Malay by recently questioning City Hall's decision to replace major signboards in Kuala Lumpur with the Jawi text.

Josephine sounds awfully similiar to the real-life Seputeh MP, Teresa Kok.

The moral behind this fictitious account of an assassination of a Malaysian Chinese politician is ambiguous. Was the author naive enough to imply that a death of the female politician could truly restore racial harmony and peace in this country?

The author, Chamil Wariya might also imply that not all non-Malays disagree with the racist ideologies of UMNO by attributing the murder of the fictional "pro-Chinese" politician in his story by a member of her own race; apparently in the name of racial harmony. But who is the author to speak for the non-Malays about their stand on racism?

Of course, in the name of free speech, anyone is free to write anything. However, free speech should be practiced responsibly. Chamil Wariya may be safe from a sedition charge simply because his story was fiction. Nonetheless, the cowardice approach by Utusan Malaysia is making a mockery of journalism.

Why not also write another fictional story about a keris-welding politician who gets shot on his way to the mamak? Or of a Penang politician who gets murdered by a group of illegal immigrants from China while taking his bath?

Utusan Malaysia may be playing safe this time by cooking up a fictional story in order to avoid any legal complications that may arise from a direct commentary on racial politics. But if Chamil Wariya's story was not meant to call for the death of a certain female politician the name of racial harmony, then what was it intended for?

Perhaps, the moral of the story was:
Never be in a room with 500 Chinese students. One of them may have a gun.

Even that is racist.
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UMNO members splash cash to save Utusan Malaysia

Seputeh MP, Teresa Kok will file a RM30 million suit against Utusan Malaysia and columnist Mohd Zaini Hassan for defamation. [Malaysiakini, 9/10/08]

The Cheras Umno division has started a fund to assist Utusan Malaysia in defending itself against a RM30mil defamation lawsuit filed by Seputeh MP Teresa Kok. [The Star, 12/10/08]

On October 9, DAP Seputeh MP Teresa Kok announced that she intends to sue the Malay-language daily, Utusan Malaysia for RM30 million over false reporting and defamation in their article which resulted in her arrest under the Internal Security Act in mid September.

Utusan Malaysia columnist, Zaini Hassan, in his article titled "Azan, jawi, JAIS, UiTM dan ba-alif-ba-ya", accused the Seputeh MP of going to a mosque early in the morning to ask the congregation not to use loudspeakers. Former Selangor Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Khir Toyo, however, also alleged Teresa of leading a petition in the State Assembly to ban the Muslim azan prayer call by mosques in Puchong and Kota Damansara.

Teresa had fervently denied the existence of the petition or her involvement in any movement to ban Muslim prayer call. The columinst, however, challenged the Seputeh MP to undergo a polygraph test to prove her innocence.

Now, the UMNO-owned Utusan Malaysia is slapped with a RM30 million suit in their face for their over-zealous politicking to label to Opposition MP as anti-Malay and Islam.

In the midst of a legal battle, Cheras UMNO has launched a donation drive in a bid to rescue their party's mouthpiece as the prospect of losing the legal suit comes knocking on their door. Its division chief, Datuk Syed Ali Al Habshee got the ball rolling with a personal contribution of RM20,000.

On October 4, the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) announced that the organisation was set to sue Utusan Malaysia for RM1 million over their defamatory report. Utusan Malaysia had earlier reported that the Hindraf's recent visit to the Prime Minister's Hari Raya Open House was unruly, provocative and distruptive to the celebrative mood.

Hindraf also highlighted a commentary in the daily that it had the intention to instigate racial hatred towards to Indian and Hindu community.

"Kalau penyokong Hindraf melakukan penghinaan seumpama itu di kawasan-kawasan pendalaman yang menjadi kampung halaman orang Melayu, mereka sudah pun diajar tentang makna dan akibat berperangai kurang ajar. (If Hindraf supporters pour such insults in the interior areas dominated by Malays, they would have been taught a lesson on the meaning and consequence of misbehaviour.)" [Utusan Malaysia, 3/10/08]

You may read Utusan Malaysia's commentary here.

Contrary to Utusan Malaysia's report, Hindraf insisted that they were "welcomed" by the Prime Minister and had received no objections from the Prime Minister's secretary to their prior written request to attend the gathering. The organisation also challenged public television channel, TV3 to broadcast the gathering on air to prove if Hindraf had behaved unruly or disrespectful as claimed by Utusan Malaysia.

On September 19, Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh has already filed a RM10 million suit against Utusan Malaysia for misqouting him in their report, "DAP diingat jangan bakar perasaan Melayu (DAP reminded not to inflame sentiments of Malays)" dated August 25. Karpal was alleged to have commented on Islam in his welcoming speech at the 15th DAP National Congress. Utusan Malaysia also claimed that Karpal was a politician bent on creating ill-will among the different communities in the country - a statement which was marked as seditious and defamatory by the Bukit Gelugor MP.

The controversial Utusan Malaysia now has to fight a three-front war which might just prove too costly for the Malay-language daily. Three legal battles and the potential loss of RM41 million from their coffers might just put an end to the atrocities Utusan Malaysia have been spiking all these years with their false reporting and mallicious commentaries. But who knows, UMNO is after all their prince in shining armour who is already prancing to their rescue.
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Up next: Datuk Homer Simpson?

India's top Bollywood star has been given a datukship, Malaysia's equivalent of the British knighthood, in a move criticised by opposition lawmakers and the public. [Malaysiakini, 12/10/08]

Bollywood heart-throb, Shah Rukh Khan (image) was among 77 people who were conferred the title Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM), which carries the title Datuk in conjuction with the 70th birthday of Yang di-Pertua Negri of Malacca, Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob on October 11. The honorary title was given to individuals who have contributed immensely over the years to the development of the state.

In all, a total of 758 awards were bestowed this year compared to 1,183 in 2007.

Shahrukh Khan was awarded the Datukship for his apparent contribution for promoting tourism in the state. Six of his movies, including the box office smasher ,"One 2 Ka 4" included scenes of various locations within Malacca.

According to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, the conferment of the DMSM to the actor was suggested to the Yang di-Pertua Negri by former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin.

“It would have cost millions to promote Malacca through advertisements, but instead Shah Rukh has brought Malacca to the attention of the world through his movies. This resulted in many people visiting Malacca. The award was given in recognition of this,” the Chief Minister of Malacca explained during the ceremony. [The Star, 12/10/08]

With all the hype surrounding the possibility of the actor receiving the honour in person, Shahrukh Khan himself did not attend the ceremony after all - much to the disappointment of a multitude of fans who turned up in hope to catch a glimpse of the superstar. It seemed the title was not much of an excitement for the 42 year-old actor.

It was understood that Datin Rosmah Mansor, the wife of Prime Minister-in-waiting Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was also a big fan of the Bollywood star.

Nonetheless, the decision to award the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka to Shahrukh Khan did not go down to well with the public. DAP veteran and party advisor Lim Kit Siang noted that he was not against the conferment of titles to deserving people but priority should be given to Malaysians. He also said that if Shah Rukh Khan deserved the award, so should Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones in their movie, Entrapment which was filmed at the Petronas Twin Towers in 1999.

“I am happy for him but does he even know he is getting the award?” Lawyer Nizam Bashir from Ujong Pasir questioned the decision to award Shahrukh Khan as he had not seen the actor promoting Malacca in his songs or movies. [The Star, 12/10/08]

Similarly on July 2006, former Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team Principal and fiancé to local actress Michelle Yeoh, Jean Todt was awarded the title Datuk by the Sultan of Terengganu. The only thing Todt ever did in contributing to the development of Terengganu was his "mini-investment" into the construction of his new home at the Terengganu Heritage Bay in Pulau Duyong.

The Malaysian Datukship may be an equivalent to the British knighthood but with 700 plus individuals receiving such honours and a growing list of recipients every year, it would not take long for honour titles to lose its value and ultimately, its prestige. Mind you, Malacca is only one state and every state in Malaysia is just as capable of a Datukship spree every now and then.

Next: Datuk Homer Simpson?

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Police tampered with evidences used against Raja Petra?

Key materials based on which the sedition charge against blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin was framed have been tampered with, his lawyer J Chandra claimed today. [Malaysiakini, 9/10/08]

October 9, 2008: The prosecution just admitted that the exhibit which forms the foundation of the charge against RPK was not originally taken from Malaysia-Today but was a police cut-&-paste job.They also did not deny that a large part of the original article is true. [Malaysia Today, 9/10/08]

On October 6, controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin (image) was taken to the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court to face a sedition trial regarding his article, Let's send the Altantuya murderers to hell dated April 25 on his website, Malaysia Today.

The 58 year old was charged for implying Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife, Rosmah Mansor were involved in the murder of Mongolian national, Altantuya Shaariibuu. Raja Petra was arrested on September 12 for another article of his for allegedly "insulting Islam" and have been sentenced to 2 years in detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

If found guilty of sedition, Raja Petra could face up to three years of imprisonment or not more than RM5,000 fine, or both. However, signs of police hanky panky in their handling of the case were already showing.

On October 9, it was reported that the prosecutor admitted that there was a mistake by the police in the exhibit that formed the foundation of the sedition charge. Raja Petra's defence lawyer J. Chandra claimed that key materials used as evidence against the blogger was altered and tempered with; possibly to frame his client.

True enough, the prosecutor conceded that the evidences brought against Raja Petra was not originally taken from his site, Malaysia Today but was also a police cut and paste job. Reports also disclosed that the prosecutor did not deny the truth contained in a large part of Raja Petra's article.

Justice Rozina Ayob, who is presiding the trial was shocked to learn that the evidences were manipulated and could therefore dismiss the sedition charge all together. However, the prosecution sought to stand down on the trial and requested for more time to decide their next decisive step as their initial charge was faulty to begin with. The court was adjourned to October 13.

This was not the first time the prosecutor embarrassed themselves over Raja Petra's sedition charge in court. On the first day of the trial, deputy public prosecutor Farhan Read summoned Harme Mohamed, a 39-year-old information technology expert from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) as trial's first witness. The commission was responsible for the closure on the Malaysia Today on August 27 but the ban on the site have been lifted.

Harme was called to the stand to explain on various technical terms and the basic technology behind website hosting. The prosecutor spent 5 hours questioning the technology expert over the definitions of the internet, servers, internet service providers (ISP), online blogs, Wikipedia and so on.

Judge Rozina Ayob was reportedly annoyed with the prosecutor's irrelevant questions like Wikipedia and blogs and subsequently told Farhan to rephrase his lengthy questions and avoid repetition. However, when asked to explain the relevancy of his questions, Farhan failed to provide a sound explanation and then withdrew his prior queries.

If Raja Petra's trial wasn't already a waste of time, a 5 hour long lecture on the internet and Wikipedia by a lawyer certainly was.

During a cross-examination session, the MCMC technology expert also confessed that he was an avid Malaysia Today reader; browsing through Raja Petra's Malaysia Today at least once a week. Nonetheless, the prosecution intends to call six to seven more witnesses to testify against Raja Petra.

Perhaps six to seven more Malaysia Today readers too?

The disgraceful shams from the public prosecutor further affirms that the arrest of Raja Petra was altogether baseless and unlawful. The fact that the evidence was manipulated and the countless irrelevant questions were enough to show that the instigators of Raja Petra's downfall were indeed running in circles.

The prosecutors of this trial might just stand a better chance in proving that cows could fly rather than making a stab at framing an innocent man of a non-existant crime.


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The reason why Tengku Razaleigh makes a better UMNO president

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has decided not to defend his Umno president post and will quit in March next year when the ruling party meets at its annual general assembly. [Malaysiakini, 8/10/08]

The Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (image) has signalled that he will stepped down from his post in March 2009; making way for his second-in-command Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to succeed him in office. Badawi initially announced that he will see his term through until 2010 but his latest move seemed to have accelerated his resignation.

The biggest concern for Malaysians now is the very man who will take Badawi's place come March 2009. Though Najib was single-handedly picked by Badawi to replace him, the Deputy Prime Minister still have to endure the final internal hurdle within UMNO to be able to cement his place as party president and hence, Prime Minister.

Challenging Najib in his own turf is former Finance Minister Tengku Razaleigh who will be contesting in the party presidential polls in March next year. Nonetheless, Tengku Razaleigh provides the best alternative to UMNO's tarnished image as a racist party. The 71-year old Kelantan prince plans to introduce a few "radical" reforms into the Barisan Nasional scene; if he is elected as UMNO president. One of which is to turn the ruling coalition into a single multi-racial party.

Tengku Razaleigh is the only person so far to have offered himself as a candidate for the party's top post and will pit himself against Badawi's chosen successor, Najib.

The vast majority of Barisan Nasional's parliamentary seats are held by the country's three biggest race-based parties: UMNO, MCA and MIC. Despite being a coaltion of 14 parties, Barisan Nasional is still heavily influenced by its three major partners - primarily UMNO who is the leader of the political bloc. Hence, the outcome of UMNO's presidential polls bears a heavy weight on the country's future.

If elected as party president, Tengku Razaleigh will also assume the post as Prime Minister; provided Barisan Nasional stays in power, of course.

"I am suggesting that BN becomes a multiracial party open to all. Umno members can, for example, be direct members of BN. As soon as I become Umno president I will propose this," he told The Malaysian Insider in an interview. [The Malaysian Insider, 7/10/08]

It is about time for UMNO is open its doors and accept that racial supremacist ideologies of old no longer hold any relevance in today's world. If the Democrats in the United States can accept a negro running for the White House, there is no reason for Malaysians to dwell on racism in politics in the 21st century.

The UMNO presidential candidate's plan to make Barisan Nasional into a single multi-racial party came at the right time when race-based politics are loosing its ground among Malaysians. The aftermath of the March 8 General Elections has proven that the majority of Malaysians were willing to forego their racial loyalties and edge closer towards embracing the reality of a multi-racial Malaysia.

Tengku Razaleigh was also looking to establish direct party elections at all levels of leadership for UMNO; meaning the lower grassroot members would finally have a say in the election of their top leaders.

"We have three million over members. If we give them the right to elect leaders at various levels we can get rid of money politics. There is a need to democratise Umno. Power should be given back to members instead of being concentrated at the top. When the masses are beholden to the leadership, we will not move forward," he told reporters. [The Malaysian Insider, 7/10/08]

"I see UMNO is heading down. And I do not think Umno can survive the next elections. People are simply going for material gains now for themselves and their supporters. People are becoming more corrupt," he added. [The Malaysian Insider, 7/10/08]

Tengku Razaleigh also intended to implement some form of term limit among party leaders of UMNO. He suggested that the party presidential office term should perhaps be restricted to 8 or 9 nine years the most. The longest serving UMNO president thus far was former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad who held his post for 22 years.

The idea of limiting the number of years in office for party leaders could help narrowing down the chances of corruption and ultimately, power abuse.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) president Datuk M. Kayveas also expressed his similar desire for the Barisan Nasional component parties to merge into a single entity; saying the time has come for the coalition to do.

"If component parties are serious about a merger, the issue should be brought to the BN supreme council. I think the time has come for us to discuss the possibility of merging BN parties. We have to make some changes, or we will loose the people's confidence. In order to avoid race-based competition, we should start speaking in one voice," said the former Taiping MP. [The Malaysian Insider, 4/10/08]

PPP announced that they had no intention in leaving Barisan Nasional but will stay to help in the struggle to reform the coalition for the benefit of national stability despite having no parliamentary seats in the the Dewan Rakyat.

However, MCA vice-president Ong Tee Keat did not share his counterparts' enthusiasm for change. He believed that such an ambition should be given more time to be studied first; identifying possible issues that hinder the process of merging the component parties. On a side note, Ong will be challeging for party president in the MCA polls this month.

Sarawak Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office, Bolhassan Di was also pessimistic about the whole idea; saying the ruling coalition would not be ready until all component parties agree on the same political ideology. Bolhassan, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu's (PBB) supreme council member echoed Ong's statement that a proper study should be conducted first before the talk of a merger could take place.

“We should develop gradually, in line with the natural progress of our pople of different races. Is it a good thing (single political party) to have? It is debatable in the context of Malaysia. Maybe, in the next 20 years when people think alike and until such time...not yet,” he said. [The Malaysian Insider, 5/10/08]

The crusade to merge the race-based parties in the Barisan Nasional alliance is definitely a breath of fresh air for Malaysian politics where racism dominates and decides the seats of power. Tengku Razaleigh's reform may seem far-fetched to UMNO hardliners but it was déjà vu all over again for the party. UMNO founder Datuk Onn whilst party president once proposed that UMNO open its membership to the non-Malays. Nonetheless, his aspiration for multi-racial acceptance within the party went unheeded and this led to his resignation from the party in 1951.

Perhaps Datuk Onn's insight into the nation's future was ahead of its era but the time now has come for Malaysians to set aside their racial differences and truly embrace one another as fellow countrymen; by blood and not by skin.
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Another BN component party threatens to quit

United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) threatens to quit Barisan Nasional unless the federal government takes serious efforts in resolving the issue of illegal immigrants in Sabah acquiring Malaysian citizenship. [Malaysiakini, 6/10/08]

UPKO's threat to quit the coalition should be taken seriously by Badawi's regime when another Sabah party, the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) had already pulled out of the Barisan Nasional coalition last month. The SAPP claimed that the ruling polical bloc has lost its spirit of "racial unity" and defiled by racial supremacist policies. SAPP, however chose to remain independent until they feel it was fit to rejoin the government.

UPKO's outburst came in response to SAPP MP of Sepanggar, Datuk Eric Majimbun's latest exposé of a deliberate attempt to alter Sabah's demography by the government. Majimbun discovered that the details of his surname and residential address were duplicated on another MyKAD belonging to an illegal immigrant from the Philippines.

Click here for more details on the controversy.

Majimbun's revelation was only the tip of the iceberg as the sinister plot to manipulate Sabah's demography in favour of the government has been taking place for more than 30 years. Sabah Parti Keadilan had speculated that at least 600,000 of the 1.7 million foreigners in Sabah currently possess a MyKAD and with it, Malaysian citizenship.

It was disclosed that Sabah's population have increased 285 per cent from 1970 to 2000.

With Malaysian citizenship being handed cheaply to countless illegal immigrants, "genuine" Malaysians like 78 year old, Yong Lee Hua from Penampang was robbed of her citizenship; literally. The elderly woman lost her MyKAD last year when her purse was stolen but upon application of a new MyKAD, she was instead issued a red identity card.

Red identity cards are only given to individuals of Permanent Resident (PR) status.

Yong was initially told by the National Registration De­­partment (NRD) that it was "normal" procedure for the department to issue her a PR identity card. When she returned with proof of citizenship documents including her passport and driver’s licence, an official told her there had been a mistake and requested her to apply for citizenship. Her bank accounts have been frozen since.

Yong Lee Hua, a bumiputra was not only stripped of her status as a native but also her Malaysian citizenship. Instead, she was asked by the NRD to reapply for citizenship - an appalling testament to the department's incompetence.

In Sabah, a person is accorded bumiputra status if either one of his/her parents is a native.

Stephen George was another Malaysian who was facing a similar predicament regarding his citizenship. Stephen was born in Brunei in 1956 but returned to Sabah in 1958. He has been applying for Malaysian citizenship since 1975 but to no avail. Upon his last check, he was told by the NRD that his application was with the police and the process might take another year.

UPKO President, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok issued a demand for a complete overhaul of Sabah's NRD. Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar have been called to Sabah for a meeting behind closed doors with Sabah party leaders to address the issue of citizenship plaguing the state. Dompok also assured Sabahan's that his party will be at the forefront in tackling the issue until it is resolved by the government.

“The saddest part is that there are people who can walk into the country through the backdoor and still get their ICs (identity cards). I will take action and help, whatever it takes. I will bring it up to the Cabinet,” he said. [The Star, 6/10/08]

SAPP President Datuk Yong Teck Lee also voiced his disgust over the matter and have demanded that the state NRD be brought under the jurisdiction of the Sabah state government.

“How can a genuine Sabahan Malaysian (referring to Yong Lee Hua) lose her citizenship so casually whereas other foreigners can become citizens so easily? These new citizens have become not only Malaysians but Sabahans with the right of abode and employment in Sabah. They have also acquired rights that surpass that of other Malaysians from the peninsula and Sarawak,” Yong told reporters. [The Star, 3/10/08]

The SAPP President also claimed that illegal immigrants over the decades have managed to attain Malaysian citizenship through dubious means. As a result, these "new citizens" were given bumiputra status and therefore could own native lands. However, he added that the fact of Malaysians losing their Malaysian citizenships without the due process of law was much more disturbing.

Hence, it is high time for the Barisan Nasional government to awaken from its slumber and address the epidemical influx of phony citizens into the country. Irregardless of whether there was ever a malicious attempt to tamper with Sabah's demographic landscape, the government can no longer hide within its own shadows when the statistics and real-life testimonies of true Malaysians have corroborated that indeed, something equivocal has been going on under the noses of Malaysians.

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Has Viagra been distributed freely in Sabah?

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) parliamentarian Eric Majimbun got a rude shock recently when he discovered that he shared the same surname and address in a MyKad allegedly belonging to a Filipino illegal immigrant. [Malaysiakini, 5/10/08]

The population of Sabah have jumped 285 per cent from 1970 to 2000. [NST, 2/10/08]

Sepanggar MP Datuk Eric Majimbun made an astonishing revelation to the Malaysian public when he discovered that an immigrant residing in Sabah shared his surname and address; but they are not related nor do they know each other.

The MyKAD holder's name was Jerome Majimbon, a Filipino immigrant and had apparently acquired Malaysian citizenship. Jerome's residential address, as stated in his MyKAD was Kampung Pomotodon, Jalan Kionsom, Inanam - just like Sepanggar MP Eric Majimbun's.

In Sabah, surnames were considered the same despite having slight spelling variations.

Villagers of Kampung Pomotodon told reporters that they were unaware of anyone bearing the name Jerome Majimbon living in their midst. It was later revealed that the Filipino was an illegal immigrant whose real name was Jerom Maguil.

The Sepanggar MP said he will seek an explanation from the Home Ministry and the National Registration Department (NRD) soon enough. The impostrous MyKAD identity was discovered as a result of Majimbun's truth digging into Sabah's abnormal population hike since the 1970's.

“Just imagine, our population increased by 285 per cent between 1970 and 2000. I will bare all, including proof of people not born in Sabah becoming Malaysian citizens (in Sabah)," he said. [NST, 2/10/08]

The 285% jump in numbers was definitely not due to the failure of any family planning nor the lack of sex education.

Relating to the huge jump in population, Majimbun reasoned that there were many discrepancies in the issuing of MyKADs but the government had done nothing to correct them.

"The problem has been going on for more than 30 years. We should have a computerised monitoring system but, since it is too late, we should start at the beginning. ," Majimbun added. [NST, 2/10/08]

However, the 285% hike in the population could not have been the result of "outdated systems or glitches" in the NRD alone. The latest findings by the Majimbun only intensified what was already haunting Sabah for many years - Project IC.

Project IC was a term given to describe the allegation of deliberate systematic granting of citizenship to illegal immigrants by the Malaysian government -primarily in the state of Sabah. It was said that former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad (image) spearheaded the project but no solid evidences have been brought to light so far.

It was alleged that the mass granting of citizenship and naturalisation of immigrants were carried out to sinisterly alter Sabah's demographic landscape in favour of the government. Apart from the social issues caused by the mass influx of illegal immigrants, Project IC have been linked with the existence of "phantom voters" around the country during elections.

Sabah Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy chairman Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan claimed that currently there are 1.7 million foreigners in Sabah; 600,000 of whom possess MyKADs and hence, were eligible to vote.

On November 29 2006, former Sandakan District Chief Hassnar Ebrahim told reporters that former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, former Deputy Home Minister Tan Sri Megat Junid Ayob and former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Harris Mohd Salleh were involved in the mass granting for citizenships to foreigners. Hassnar also confessed that he had been unknowingly involved in the underground program dubbed by the media, "Project IC" which allowed thousands of illegal immigrants to secure Malaysian citizenship. Many of whom were Indonesians and Filipinos.

It was reported that a middleman would go to every house in a village with MyKAD application forms and collect RM10 for stamp duty. Once the MyKADs were ready, the middleman would return to the village and distribute it to the villagers.

Hassnar Ebrahim was arrested under the ISA in 1998 for two months for apparently "disagreeing" with the country's top echelon regarding Project IC; which he felt was constitutional.

• Harakah Daily's article (in Bahasa Malaysia)
• Bernama's report via Parti Bersatu Sabah's website (in English)

On August 2008, the government embarked on a state-wide crackdown on illegal immigrants in Sabah and 100,000 to 150,000 foreigners were expected to be deported back to their homelands. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the government has shown it has the political will to tackle the issue of illegal immigrants in Sabah.

However, deporting 100,00 or even 500,000 immigrants back to where they came from does not address the real issue head on. A termite infestation is dealt with not by killing the termites but rather the queen and the colony. Likewise, until the government is willing to dig deep and reveal some ugly truths about Project IC, Sabah's sociological dilemma will indefinitely continue to remain unresolved.
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Where is your hak bumiputra when they need it, UMNO?

The Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia)'s hopes of handing a memorandum to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong were dashed when their procession to the Istana Negara was told to stop by the police. [Malaysiakini, 13/9/08]

September 13 marked the first anniversary of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007. The Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS) latest cry for justice against the exploitation of their rights left many Malaysians wonder whether the ever so controversial hak istimewa (special rights), fervently preached by UMNO, apply also to the indigenous peoples of the country.

The JOAS is a network of 21 bodies representing various natives tribes of the country. The 120-strong rally led by the organisation's president, Andrian Lasimbang intended to hand a memorandum to the Agong; calling for more community development policies and the restoration of their rights as natives of the land. The march to Istana Negara was subsequently brought to a halt by the police as the gathering. According to the police, the gathering by JOAD was "illegal" as the organisers did not apply for a permit. However, Lasimbang claimed that the gathering was initially allowed to take place.

"We were given assurances in the morning that the march could go on. All we want is to walk to the palace to hand over the memorandum. JOAS has carried out a study comparing the declaration with local policies concerning Orang Asal (Orang Asli). It is sad that the policies don't meet the standards. We Orang Asal have been marginalised for so long," Lasimbang told reporters. [NST, 14/9/08]

A JOAS member, Mark Bujang also said that the seizure of land by the federal government is a direct violation of their rights as natives. According to him, the native land issues are especially important to the Orang Asli as it is their cultural identity. He and the JOAS condemned the federal government's indiscriminate invasion of their ancestral land.

Regarding the matter of ancestral lands, the government recently announced that 12 hydroelectric dams will be built by 2020 to meet the state's future industrialisation needs. How does the statewide construction of dams affect the Orang Asli in Sarawak?

Read Sarawak turning into a hydroelectric capital of the world? for the financial implications of the project.

The Bakun dam, one of the 12 proposed hydroelectric power plants to be built in Sarawak had seen 2,000 natives from 400 families living downstream being forced out of their homes. The State Land and Survey Department had issued eviction notices to the locals and marked their houses for demolition; claiming that the people living there have been illegally occupying state-owned lands. However, Rumah Apan deputy headman Merang Jok said his people were willing to take the state government to court in order to settle the dispute.

"Our ancestors have been living here since 130 years ago. In fact, the Sarawak Museum has a copy of a gazette dated August 1, 1882, describing a visit by a government leader to our settlement here in Bakun. After living here for so long, we are shocked to receive these eviction notices. Now, they (Land and Survey enforcement units) have already started tearing down our premises," he said when interviewed at the ruins of a longhouse block that was torn down. [The Star, 17/7/08]

The government have since offered RM876 million in compensation to families affected by the construction of mega-dam. The Auditor-General's Report in 2007 revealed that there were still a substantial number of Bakun residents who have yet to receive their compensation, even though they have left their homes 10 years ago.

On September 29, the Sarawak state government announced that work on the construction of the second mega-dam in Murum have begun. Yet, the RM3 billion hydroelectric plant has done more damage than good; especially to communities like the Penan.

"For energy needs in Sarawak, we don't need the Murum, because Bakun is more than enough to supply the state's needs. Of course, (much of) this will not go to the really rural areas but will supply industry's needs,'' says Raymond Abin of the Borneo Resource Institute (Brimas). [Malaysiakini, 30/9/08]

''This is not development for the Penan. This is not assisting the Penan. This is killing the Penan. As our old headman said before, better bomb us now than 'kill' us slowly!'' says Weng, a Penan. [Malaysiakini, 30/9/08]

The controversies triggered by the construction of the Bakun and Murum dams are just a part of what constitutes the bigger concern plaguing the indigenous peoples of this country. The encroachment of their ancestral land is a direct threat to the constitutional rights and cultural identity of the Orang Asli.

In a country where race-based politics still decide the seats of powers, Malaysia's Orang Asli do not have the luxury of any substantial political representation. Hence, cries of injustice by the native communities often go unheard or simply silenced by racial disputes between the other much larger ethnic groups of the country.

JAOS's best bet would be UMNO, who also fights for the same bumiputra rights for the Malay community. However, the rulling party in the Barisan Nasional government have been silent over the many years of injustice done towards the Orang Asli.

If UMNO is capable of preaching about bumiputra rights till kingdom comes, where are UMNO leaders now when Malaysia's other bumiputras need them the most?
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