The CSMU Controversy: No need to suspend Sothinathan By Ezam Mohd Noor Chief of Angkatan Muda KeADILan
Parti Keadilan Rakyat is extremely disturbed by the decision of the Prime Minister to suspend a deputy minister simply because he raised questions that were critical of the government. The Prime Minister announced to suspend S. Sothinathan as Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment yesterday came as a big shock to many people. While we do not totally share the view of Sothinathan, we believe that the issue of MMC's derecognizing medical degree from Crimea State Medical University (CSMU), Ukraine deserved proper discussion. Parliament is the supreme forum for the representatives elected by the people to debate and legislate state policies. The issue has serious implications and not only the future and welfare of students enrolled in the university, it also reflects the mismanagement and poor planning of our education system. As a result, innocent students and their families become the victims of such bureaucracy. Too often the government makes policies hastily and generally without consultation with the public. When it is challenged, the authorities usually dismiss criticism and simply bulldoze the decisions. KeADILan believes that the government should be responsive to issues of public concerns. Government's policies must be made in a transparent manner. Hence, it is the duty of the Education Minister to answer all queries raised by representatives of the people, regardless they are from the BN or the opposition. Further, the Director General of Health, Ismail Merican, should publicly explain what are the criteria and procedures in the recognition and derecognition of any medical college. He also needs to explain how the decision of not recognizing CSMU was made. The disciplinary action against Sothinathan has jeopardized the principles of free speech; now that even the elected Members of Parliament are gaged and intimidated from questioning unsound government's policies. The Prime Minister's action is in actual fact undermining the sovereignty of the Parliament. It implies that the Parliament has lost its power to discuss issues of national importance. The issue of CSMU is a common concern for the entire nation. KeADILan strongly disagrees that it should not be tied to the interest of a certain ethnic community only. Thus, we also urge all parties to debate the subject rationally and prudently, and to refrain from making racial remarks or accusations. Let us put aside the sentiment of race and look ahead with maturity in order to seek solutions benefit all Malaysians! __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Alternatif-Net : A Discussion Forum Focusing on Issues Related to Justice Forum Perbincangan Maya Yang Fokus Kepada Isu Keadilan Disclaimer: Messages sent do not represent the stand of the Barisan Alternatif (BA) unless otherwise stated Complaint : Send to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Sub : Send blank e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsub : Send blank e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/alternatif-net/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
