I regard class differences as contrary to justice and, in the last resort,
based on force.
Albert Einstein “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere . . .
Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Martin Luther King
Jr.
"All humanity is one undivided and indivisible family, and each one of
us is responsible for the misdeeds of all the others. I cannot detach myself
from the wickedest soul."
"The True Measure Of A Man Is How He Treats Someone Who Can Do Him Absolutely
No Good." Samuel Johnson
--- On Fri, 1/21/11, YW Loke <ywloke.m...@gmail.com> wrote:
From: YW Loke <ywloke.m...@gmail.com>
Subject: [beritamalaysia] S'pore Malays too cowardly to speak up - Ibrahim Ali
To: beritamalay...@yahoogroups.com, bmalay...@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, January 21, 2011, 9:42 AM
http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view
=item&id=6623:ibrahim-ali-spore-malays-too-cowardly-to-speak-up&
Itemid=2
Ibrahim Ali: S'pore Malays too cowardly to speak up
Friday, 21 January 2011 11:58
Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali claimed today Singaporeans Malay
were afraid of speaking up against their marginalisation, despite
recent reports suggesting the community was irked with Malaysian
leaders' repeated citations of their purported oppression.
Ibrahim was responding to Singapore Berita Harian readers who were
reportedly unhappy with former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad
for claiming that the minority group was marginalised.
"No Malays in Singapore dare to talk the truth about the treatment
they received," said Ibrahim.
Yesterday, national news agency Bernama reported several Singapore
Berita Harian readers as saying that Malays on the island-republic
enjoyed progress without subsidies and on equal treatment with other
communities.
One reader, Sallim Ahmad, reportedly said it had become Mahathir's
theme that "the Singapore Malays are being marginalised until the end
of world."
He also said the position of Islam was protected although it was not
the official religion in the republic.
Another reader called Kamariah Lim Li Hwa was quoted as saying: "We
the Malays of Singapore feel at ease and are grateful that the
Singapore rulers execute our trust with transparency."
Ibrahim claimed today, however, that these remarks did not represent
the Malay community in Singapore in its entirety.
"That is a planted statement. The statement does not represent the
voice of the majority of Malays in Singapore," said the Pasir Mas MP.
"So, don't manipulate the issues. We know what is happening," he added.
Dr Mahathir recently warned against dispersing Kampung Baru's Malay
residents in the same way Singapore had scattered the Malay community
and diluted its voice.
He wrote in his blog that while Malaysia is being governed by a Malay
majority government that cares for the fate of Malays, "let us not be
so sure that there will never be a government where the voice of Malay
representatives is removed."
In June, Dr Mahathir told a rally of Malay NGOs that Malays in
Malaysia risked becoming marginalised like their Singapore
counterparts because of political divisions.
The former prime minister had said: "If we do not think deeply about
the future of our community then there is a possibility that we can
become [like] the Singaporean Malays and have no power."
Today, Selangor Anti-Fraud Coalition (GAPS) chairman Hamidzun
Khairuddin said Dr Mahathir had a right to make such remarks as an
elder statesman.
"What is wrong with his statements?" asked Hamidzun.
"I am sure Tun Dr Mahathir made his statements sincerely. He was
looking at it as a statesman who has wide knowledge and experience in
the Malay and Muslim community in the Asian region," added the group's
leader.
Hamidzun also said the local airing of the comments by Singapore
Berita Harian's readers showed that Malaysia practised freedom of
speech.
"It shows that this country respects the opinion of Singaporean Malays
who can rebut what Tun Dr Mahathir said," said Hamidzun.
He then pointed out that Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew had
similarly criticised Malaysia.
In September, Lee reportedly claimed that if Malaysia's founding
father Tunku Abdul Rahman had decided to keep both nations together 45
years ago, much of what Singapore had achieved today in terms of
equality among the races would be likewise be achieved in Malaysia.
"Now we have a very polarised Malaysia - Malays, Chinese and Indians
in separate schools, living separate lives and not really getting on
with one another," Lee was quoted as saying in an interview with the
New York Times.
- Malaysian Insider
____
http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view
=item&id=6607:dr-m-has-lost-touch-with-reality&Itemid=2
Dr M has lost touch with reality
Friday, 21 January 2011 06:43
It is nauseating and irksome to read Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's
occasional diatribes against Singapore Malays. The latest was reported
in Berita Harian on Jan 8. He said that if the Malays in Malaysia were
not united, their destiny would be like the Malays in Singapore. He
further commented that if Malay unity in Malaysia is not maintained,
they would be left behind and suppressed, as the Malays in Singapore
have been.
Such unfounded statements reveal two things. First, Dr Mahathir has
lost touch with the realities in Singapore. Second, he is still
looking at Singapore Malays through an outdated prism, seeing them as
they were at the time of Separation.
The progress Malay Singaporeans have made since then was attested to
by the late Samad Ismail, a highly respected Malaysian journalist and
intellectual. He said Singapore Malays have made remarkable progress.
He personally had witnessed this on his visits to Singapore to see his
relatives. They had climbed the social ladder and secured respectable
social positions for themselves. Indeed, there is a growing number of
Malays in Singapore who have made the grade through their own efforts
and not through any public assistance.
Malays on both sides of the Causeway belong to the same race. However,
they have had different historical experiences. Let us briefly examine
the differences:
First, different political philosophies: Singapore has been governed
by a multiracial party since independence. The party seeks the best
available talents from all races - and they serve all Singaporeans,
regardless of race, language or religion. In Malaysia, the ruling
coalition is dominated by a Malay-based party. The coalition
government balances the interests of its different component parties,
most of which are tied to particular races.
Second, different educational systems: Singapore has a single national
education system, with English as a medium of instruction. The mother
tongue languages are compulsory for students of different ethnic
origins. This bilingual system of education has proven successful.
In Malaysia, the education system has gone through many dramatic
changes. The experiments of teaching mathematics in Malay and then in
English and now back to Malay has caused much disruption. There are
racially based quotas in the admission of students to tertiary
institutions. This has resulted in many non-Malay students furthering
their education abroad - and remaining there.
Third, different social environments: The overwhelming majority of
Singaporeans live in housing estates with people of other races
besides their own. This encourages social integration. The daily
interaction of the different races in housing estates and at places of
work has reduced feelings of racial exclusiveness among them.
In Malaysia, the social environment is such that the sense of racial
exclusiveness is evident in daily life. There are many racial enclaves
within cities. The rural areas are predominantly Malay. The 1Malaysia
slogan is aimed at breaking this social separateness. By contrast,
'One Singapore' is not a slogan - it is a reality.
Malay Singaporeans are different from Malay Malaysians because each is
the product of different policies. For Dr Mahathir to assert that
Singapore Malays have been left behind, marginalised and suppressed
reflects his ignorance of the social transformations happening in
Singapore. One can detect a false sense of superiority in him every
time he indulges in his bashing of Malay Singaporeans. He needs to be
reminded that the rise of the Malay Malaysians is due more to
'Malayocracy' rather than meritocracy.
For Dr Mahathir to indulge in making sniping remarks about Malay
Singaporeans is unethical. Self-introspection - an examination of the
real position of Malay Malaysians - would have been more therapeutic.
-Straits Times
____
S'pore Malays outraged by Mahathir's comment
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/153978
____
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/153995
The debate on Interlok and Hindraf
Jan 21, 11 8:48am
'For some Indians to resort to book burning shows the extent to which they
are hurt not only by the novel but by society's attitude towards them.'
Nine arrested at 'Interlok' demo at Batu Caves
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/153920
Prakash: If the (pariah) word cannot be replaced, then the book (Interlok)
itself should be replaced next year by another suitable Malay novel. There
are other great Malay writers and novels. For example, Shahnon Ahmad's
'Ranjau Sepanjang Jalan' is also a great piece of writing which I think has
more unifying potential than Abdullah's superficial and misrepresented piece
of fictionalised social commentary.
'Ranjau Sepanjang Jalan' would make non-Malays understand the sufferings of
the poor Malays in the early post colonial days and they would be more
appreciative and understanding of the NEP and affirmative action taken by
the government to help bring the Malays to the mainstream of development.
The NEP is one source of discontent among non-Malays who feel that they are
being short changed and Shahnon's novel would help them realise that without
institutional intervention many Malays would continue to be as Lahuma and
Jeha (the two key characters in the book). Understanding and appreciation of
the spirit of NEP would work wonders in fostering unity.
For some Indians to resort to extreme measures such as burning the book
shows the extent to which they are hurt not only by the content of the novel
but by society's attitude in ridiculing their feelings and labeling them as
ignorant of the merits of the novel.
While I do not condone the burning of the book, I can understand the hurt
that they felt as much as I understand why peace-loving Muslims took to the
streets over the Maria Hertogh court decision a generation ago.
Louisg: Literature is a thinking subject you cannot copy or memorise from
textbooks. You have to intellectualise and understand the writers' mindset b
ased on the situation and the culture at that time.
As a student, you would be encouraged to criticise the book in as
constructive a manner as possible. Varying views are always encouraged and
sometimes you can disagree with the author by justifying your reason.
But in our education system, critical thinking is never encourage. When
students raise critical questions, the teachers will just shut them up.
That's the kind of Malay literature that will be taught, and rightly it
should not be allowed.
Good literature books usually address the social causes of society but this
book does not. Till and unless the government education system is open and
encourages intellectualisation, people will always be on guard about such
books like 'Interlok'.
Md Imraz Ikhbal: HRP (Human Rights Party) thinks they are invincible and
requires no partners in their battle against injustice. It's high time they
re-evaluate their position and seriously consider being less racist, less
greedy for power and more cooperative with Pakatan Rakyat, the only
formidable force currently to stand up against Umno and their political
cohorts.
Like it or not, Malay votes are crucial to win in any nationwide election in
this country and that is a mathematical certainty. And verily, no Malay or
even Chinese in their right minds will support a racist party that fights
for Indians only. Twenty people at yesterday's protest in Batu Caves is a
pathetic number and are mere ants to be squashed and silenced by a draconian
government.
Anonymous_4076: HRP have the guts to take on the PM at Batu Caves. That is
why they have always been different from others who talk but fear action. I
just received calls from my friends who saw the action by HRP and Hindraf.
They were impressed by the spirit of those guys. Huge crowd were chanting
and booing the police and Najib Razak. The police immediately panicked and
began arresting them.
Rolls-Royce: Hindraf is "popular" and can easily galvanise the support from
among the Indian community for a simple reason that most Indians are
desperate, ignorant and easily manipulated.
Having said that, I do not mean at all that Hindraf has no right to
demonstrate or make demands. I was an ardent supporter of Hindraf (and in my
own little way probably have done more to help the Indians than some your
leaders), and I have written countless postings petitioned the Pakatan
leaders to pressure the government to release those detained under ISA.
Hindraf has a right cause, but the wrong strategy. The country was
completely screwed up over the last 50 years and just when there is some
gleam of hope, Hindraf must destroy everything. Why must Hindraf be so
impatient with Pakatan? It has been more than 50 years, why can't you just
wait a little longer and fight along side with Pakatan?
Well, Hindraf leaders think their heads are too big for their hats now.
Temenggong: Hindraf exists because all the other parties have failed the
Indians. Is this so hard to comprehend? Why Hindraf cannot wait a few years
for Pakatan Rakyat to perform?
Hindraf saw right away that Pakatan only want their votes but have no
intention to resolve their problems, some of which could have been
accomplished by the Pakatan state governments in a matter of days. They can
even do this now in a week if they really wanted to. Indians are not going
to wait for decades before switching parties again.
Anonymous_3e4b: HRP by itself is nothing. Work with Pakatan and Malaysia
will be a better place for all. Pakatan on its own will get majority support
of Indians as most Indians know BN can't help them.
I was at the Thaipusam celebration in Penang and I chanced upon a banner put
up by the Kampung Buah Pala's residents acknowledging and thanking the
Penang government for helping them secure a just deal after being forced to
vacate by a developer who is very close to BN.
Dr Suresh Kumar: Friends, since the arrogance of Pakatan is rearing its ugly
head, HRP/Hindraf has no choice but to go it alone in the 13th GE. Well, as
many of you believe that they will be a casualty in the polls, even losing
their deposits, I believe they might win at most two seats. This may sound
insignificant but it will go a long way.
Even if they don't win at all, so what? HRP's struggle has just begun. It
will only pick up momentum. They will emerge even stronger the next time
around. However, the real losers will be Pakatan. Pakatan has everything to
lose, so they must be magnanimous and engage HRP.
Pemerhati: A lot of the energy of the politicians is focused on trying to
get as many votes as possible to get elected. In Malaysia, they put in a lot
of effort to please the Malay and Chinese communities because they
constitute around 80 percent of the population and pay very little attention
to the smaller minorities like the Indians, Orang Asli and Penans.
That explains why Lim Guan Eng got very excited when one Malay girl in
Malacca got raped but no important BN or Pakatan leaders have taken any
serious interest in the large number of Penan women raped by the loggers or
the mistreatment of the Orang Asli.
Hindraf was born as a result of the atrocities committed against the Indians
by the police and BN and their anger translated into votes for Pakatan in
2008. Even though Pakatan has treated them badly so far, they should again
vote for Pakatan because BN is a much greater evil.
After Pakatan comes into power and if it does not change, then they could
rethink their strategy.
Adha: Hey folks, stop the squabbles. Like it or not, everyone is entitled to
air their opinions. People are subscribing Malaysiakini with their own money
and not someone else's. So let common sense prevail.
While I agree with some of the commentators in a certain extent, however
reality tells us we need a formidable coalition to oust the mighty Umno/BN
machinery. Like it or not, in the current scenario, Pakatan is the only
alternative to bring down BN.
Yes, I agree, Pakatan have its weaknesses. But BN has been ruling this
country for 50 over years and Pakatan a mere three years. So let's give
Pakatan a chance to rule the country.
Docs: Did Najib Razak request that all Indian religious artefacts be removed
at the Batu Caves temple site prior to his visit, similar to his request
before visiting the Christmas party held at Archbishop Murphy Pakiam's
residence recently?
____
Hisham: Those exploiting Interlok are narrow-minded cowards
http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=
item&id=6652:hisham-those-exploiting-interlok-are-narrow-minded-
cowards&Itemid=2
Muhyiddin suggests possible solutions to Interlok row
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/154070
PAS Youth forum moots changes to 'Interlok'
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/154029
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