How East Malaysia Can Lead in Political Transformation

Carolyn Khor, Murray Hunter and Lim Teck Ghee

 

Amongst the advantages of an East Malaysian-led or influenced government is its potential to reject pressure from racial and religious extremism. Unlike the Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak have historically been more tolerant and diverse in their religious and secular practices. By promoting inclusivity and pluralism, an East Malaysian bloc can mitigate the influence of extremist ideologies in politics and the civil service.

 

Another is the much more multiracial and polyglot communities in the two states and the absence of the traumatic May 13 racial chapter of history which not only transformed Peninsula politics and society.  Its  dark shadow is repeatedly raised by Peninsula politicians to stifle the nation’s progress to a psychologically and mentally liberated society.

 

To address the challenge of political transformation effectively, we have compiled a list of  issues and assessed how East Malaysian parties and leadership can create and provide much-needed change to the current political landscape. From social cohesion to economic development, and environmental sustainability to indigenous rights, there are numerous areas where East Malaysia can lead the way in driving positive change.

 

The success of political transformation in Malaysia also hinges on the active participation of all stakeholders from East and West, especially the younger generation, including think tanks, professional elites, NGOs, media, and businesses— both big and small. It is only through collective action and collaboration that we can overcome the barriers to change and build a progressive, more inclusive and equitable society.  Collaboration among stakeholders from wherever they are - and not just from Putrajaya and the capital cities - is key for leveraging local and regional interests and driving national change.

 

Here's a possible framework for how parties in East Malaysia could collaborate to form a cohesive bloc:

 

1. Identifying common goals and priorities

Parties in East Malaysia should convene to arrive at shared objectives and priorities that resonate with the people’s interests and aspirations. Common goals could include identifying and effectively addressing the root causes of racial and religious tensions; strengthening the everyday ways to fight against racism and injustice; and taking action against growing systemic racism by reforming structures, policies, and practices that contribute to the wealth gap, socio-economic disparities, and to inequalities in educational access, outcomes, and beyond.

 

This includes the clamping down on extremism such as that we are witnessing today with “Sock-gate” that threatens not just the spirit of multiracialism but also the livelihoods of innocent employees and their families. If unresolved, it constitutes a danger to the retention and influx of local and foreign businesses and investment and may trigger an emergency.

 

Once this balance has been restored, only then can we progress, as other countries in the region have, without the distractions from extremists and polarising forces intent on  imposing their narrowly constricted racial and religious values onto the rest of the country.

 

 

2. Continuous dialogues among East Malaysian parties and stakeholders

Any ongoing dialogue and collaboration should be strengthened and expanded, allowing participating parties to engage other parties and stakeholders to discuss strategies, coordinate actions, and address differences constructively. The recent merger between the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) is one good example. The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation’s (UPKO) current good relationship with the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) are positive indicators for a more inclusive and forceful voice from Borneo at the federal level. These parties must also prioritise building trust and solidarity among themselves, recognising the diversity of perspectives and interests within the bloc to foster a strong sense of unity and purpose. And they can and must reach out to the smaller Peninsula parties.

 

Collaboration should extend beyond political parties to include civil society organisations, community leaders, and grassroots movements. By engaging with diverse stakeholders, the bloc can strengthen its legitimacy, broaden its support base, and ensure that its agenda reflects the needs of the people.

 

As a united bloc, parties in East Malaysia can then leverage their collective influence to advocate for policy reforms and legislative initiatives that advance the region's and national interests. The bloc can also amplify its voice and effectively negotiate with other political stakeholders.

 

3. Coordinating electoral strategies

Needless to say, political parties exploring opportunities for strategic collaboration to maximise their collective impact should start discussions as early as possible to avoid potential problems and to start groundwork early on a common platform. If candidate selection can be agreed upon sooner than later, voters will be more inclined to decide on the right candidate on election day. 

 

4. Commitment to save Malaysia

The bloc can withstand any challenges or opposition from detractors by creating a strong force through cementing relationships and institutionalising cooperation. This includes collectively winning as many seats as possible to empower the bloc to effect positive changes in parliament. The window of opportunity is now evident, considering the fragmented government formed after the 15th general elections. The East Malaysian grouping can take heart that their current 25% share of the 222 parliamentary seats will increase substantially after the next redelineation  exercise. But it is not only numbers that count. Is there the quality, pragmatism and most important of all, idealism in the East Malaysian leadership that can make the difference in policy making and implementation that comes after the next GE?  We have seen Pakatan falter, and many now conclude, fail in reformasi.

East Malaysian parties now possess the advantage of being courted in national issues and policies due to the evolving and fluid political environment. With the current power dynamics, contrasting ideologies and competing interests, East Malaysian parties and politicians now hold the opportunity to drive bold messages and actions of reform and unity which can contribute to a better - and not the same - Malaysia.  Immediate action can begin by East Malaysian activists and political parties taking the lead in organising parades, marches and similar events to bring home to Malaysians the diversity and unity that they are committed to protecting and nurturing.

 

See these links as examples

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhFO7Bj8eL8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-BColWKoLs

 

 

The leaders in Sabah and Sarawak may not be perfect, but there are no other options since the Semenanjung leaders appear to have their hands tied and mouths gagged. Indeed, an East Malaysian bloc offers a unique opportunity to break the Peninsula-centric and Malay bureaucracy-dominant mould that has long defined and continues to hold back Malaysian politics and national progress.

 

Last but not least, collaboration among parties in East Malaysia with the West presents a promising avenue for contributing to a broader transformation that brings the nation back to our original secular roots and identity.

 

 

LIM TECK GHEE is a former senior official with the United Nations and World Bank.

 

MURRAY HUNTER is an independent researcher and former professor at the Prince of Songkla University and Universiti Perlis.

 

CAROLYN KHOR is a former ministerial press secretary, a former United Nations Volunteer and an independent researcher/writer.

 

 

 

Policy Transformation: A Truly Malaysian Leadership and Ideology Is Needed

Murray Hunter, Lim Teck Ghee and Carolyn Khor

Two recent news items reveal the enormity of the policy challenges that the country faces in dealing with not only domestic issues but also in keeping up with a rapidly transforming region and world. 

The first is the disclosure by PMX of our education. According to Anwar, “If we look at the bare facts, some of these are concerning. Let us refer to the latest Pisa report, which is a compelling case (of the country's) level of success.

"Out of 81 countries selected in the analysis, we are number 51 particularly in Science, Mathematics and English language. Even among seven Asean countries,we are the worst of all."

The second is by the World Bank which, in its most recent report, stated what has been evident but which the politically correct institution for the longest time ever has refrained from emphasising in its reports during the previous decades.

"Malaysia is another country which has underachieved. It has tremendous potential and should not be satisfied with the growth rate we are seeing.

"It is a country which has continued to restrict competition especially in the services sector.

"Its skilled people choose to leave and work in Singapore. Malaysia's challenge is to generate that virtual cycle between creating human capacity and encouraging new opportunities for Malaysians within Malaysia".

The policy malaise and failures of politicians and the policy makers and implementers in the civil service are much worse than that officially acknowledged.

For half a century now, Malaysia has experienced the stutifying effects of the NEP and its successor policy frameworks.  West Malaysian-dominated political elites and policymakers have attempted to appease racial and crony interests by designing and implementing a raft of policies that have brought some economic growth.

This has been at great cost to the nation’s development, its human resources and its capacity to equitably share within the country and keep up with the rest of Asean, Asia and the world in productivity.

It is not only Pisa and world universities rankings that we need to be concerned about. In 2000, we stood at 61 out of 174 countries in UNDP’s human development index. Today we stand at 62 out of 191 countries. In 2010 we ranked 10th in world competitiveness. The latest International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness ranking places Malaysia at a dismal number 27.

Over the last six years, Malaysia has seen several changes in government. However, no change of government has led to substantive policy change that has brought fairness and equality to all citizens and induced our brightest and most talented to remain in Malaysia. 

Leakage and corruption, under performance, mismanagement, wrong priorities - these have hobbled and continue to hobble our economy and society. In the next phase of the nation’s development, they may be the strait jackets that can bring Malaysia to its knees - and worse.  

This scenario could well develop as the two main engines of growth for the nation’s economy during the last half century begin to falter.

Diminishing oil and gas revenues combined with the structural decline of the fossil fuel industry and the country’s loss of attraction to investment from abroad and what is retained domestically point to a fiscal and economic crisis that is just around the corner as the political situation of instability and policy ineffectiveness deepens.

The intrinsic changes than can make a difference

For the sake of Malaysia, there needs to be a radical change in mindset and practice, and the development of empathy to connect with the people the government serves. It is not just policy, but the intrinsic changes that will make the difference.

Thus, the most important impetus of any government led by an East Malaysian element is the stance that would make way for a new culture and ideology within the government and bureaucracy. People and our children can then wake up each morning with excitement about what is happening in Malaysia and come onboard the journey.

Those who have visited the seats of government in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu will have some understanding of the changes in perspective that such a government could make. This could potentially realign the bureaucracy back towards inclusion and pluralism, where decisions are made with consideration for merit and worthiness, and with social justice, irrespective of race or religion, also taken into account.

 

Back to inclusive grass roots government

Due to the strong sense of community in Sabah and Sarawak, ministers turun ke padang or go down to the ground to look at problems and issues with a sense of solving them to the stakeholders’ satisfaction. Ministers in Sabah and Sarawak are usually well-versed in their respective portfolios and spend a lot of time dealing with citizens’ issues in their local constituencies.  Some in West Malaysia do similarly but partisan race and religious political agendas and a Malay dominant bureaucratic apparatus have undermined the impact and sidelined minorities. For example, the issue of vernacular education continues to fester and poison in West Malaysian when it is a non issue in Sabah and Sarawak. 

Taking a wider perspective of MA63

It is time to bury old hantus (ghosts). The MA63 has been a bone of contention in East-West Malaysian relations for too long. Many East Malaysians feel colonised due to Putrajaya’s lip service to the agreement over the decades. For instance, the 20 per cent oil royalty has not yet come to fruition even though it was one of the promises made before the general election.

There is also renewed talk of secession on both sides of East Malaysia. The failure to meet expectations of the MA63 and the continuing advance towards Islamization the nation is taking has dismayed many in Sabah and Sarawak, making cession a talking point of late. The recent outpouring of hate in the KK Super Mart sock issue may look like political wayang in the peninsula, but it has potentially calamitous repercussions for nationhood in Sabah and Sarawak.

These are symptoms of a much bigger problem. A snatch of power has been going on for years in Putrajaya.  It has produced not just the  marginalization of Sabah and Sarawak, but of all the states. It is time to shift the balance of power back to the states through decentralisation, with a completely new look at how federal-state relations are conducted.

This should become the new template that the government in Malaysia would operate upon. No more top-down decision-making. More power of the states to run their own governments. What we need are leaders from  political and civil service sectors with qualities that inspire change and growth. Serving the people must be the mantra in everyday practice and not just as rhetoric or as a slogan.

Reinstating local elections

This delineation of power philosophy must run down to local government. Local government must be re-empowered through the reintroduction of local elections. Being a councillor should not be a reward for political hacks. Councillors should be representatives of the people to solve people’s problems at the local level.

Local government should be a nurturing field for future leaders. This is very important as a source of new blood in Malaysia’s political leadership.

Financial management

After the hefty spending during the Covid-19 pandemic, and building a public debt of up to RM 1.5 trillion, a period of prudence is required in budget management. Balanced budgets are needed and surpluses would be even better. It is time to make Malaysia a financially responsible and self sustaining nation.

This means cutting back on government wastage and leakages. This means introducing zero-based budgeting and program-based budgeting to prune down costs. Inefficiencies within the civil service must be tackled immediately and over the next decade to obtain an efficient administration. Corruption at all levels must be tackled head-on, including at the lower and middle levels of the service. Procuring must be transparent. Punishment for corruption and money laundering must be made much more severe to be a real deterrent. 

These actions could potentially trim 30 per cent or more from government spending. New taxes on the T20 would help lift revenues. Together with eliminating inefficiencies these budgetary measures would make Malaysia one of the more fiscally responsible nations in the region.

Affirmative action has reached its used-by date

The most robust development comes from fiscal policies which are needs-based, rather than based upon any form of affirmative action. Affirmative action has created an ‘assistance-reliant culture’, and a sense of entitlement, which has eroded the ‘hunger’ inside our economy and the competitive drive that brings innovation. This drive can be clearly seen in our neighbouring countries of Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Projects should not be created and sponsored by the government, which are biased to benefit corporations or parties; but in effect are rent seeking and have little economic justification or social utility.

New values, philosophies and ideology will go a long way in creating a Malaysia for all citizens. An East Malaysian-led government implementing the above proposals could break the nexus of favouritism, privilege and entitlement in favour of an egalitarian and communitarian vision for the nation.

If the above could be the nature of a new government, then it must have the people who can make it happen. Part 3 will consider this issue.

 

●       Second of a three part. The first can be viewed at

 

LIM TECK GHEE is a former senior official with the United Nations and World Bank.

 

MURRAY HUNTER is an independent researcher and former professor at the Prince of Songkla University and Universiti Perlis.

 

CAROLYN KHOR is a former ministerial press secretary, a former United Nations Volunteer and an independent researcher/writer.

 

The East Wind as Game changer in GE16

 

Lim Teck Ghee, Murray Hunter and Carolyn Khor

For years there has been talk of a ‘third force’ to radically change the nature of politics and government in Malaysia. The noble objectives included unity, opportunity and socio - economic growth, while avoiding race, religious, and geographical divisions. Although these principles have some general support, attempts of launching new parties have come and gone, leaving the race-based Semenanjung dominant party status quo intact and unchallenged.

Malaysia is losing its competitive position in the region. The economy is not evolving in a way to structurally prepare for the future, and the wellbeing of the Rakyat is deteriorating. These are undeniable truths which the great majority of Malaysians from all races and sides of the political divide are in agreement.

The government needs to be run by people, with a clear intent of being for the people, and driven by a vision of a Malaysia that can evolve and cement an inclusive and cohesive nationhood that all citizens will be proud of.

This emergence can come from the political leadership of East Malaysia, who have repeatedly shown they are capable of transcending the race and religion divide. East Malaysian leadership can lead the change towards a new generation of younger leaders, with new ideas for policy development, with implementation by people who care about what happens.

The political leaders of Sabah and Sarawak have long governed with philosophies very different from what Malaysians have experienced in Semenanjung. Adenan Satem stands out as the role model for a new united Malaysia but unfortunately he was not able to complete his mission with his early demise.

The East Malaysian people have a sense of nationalism that others in Semenanjung have lost to other narratives. These narratives are perpetually causing division and regression, at the cost of cohesion and advancement.

Many in Sabah and Sarawak also have a sense of patriotism which has withstood the test of MA63, the unequal relationship of the three component states of the federation, their status as stepchildren in budget and development allocations, and the numerous other ways in which they have been discriminated against by Semenanjung dominant coalition governments.

Frankly, it’s time to look east to Sabah and Sarawak and for the Semananjung dominant political pundits to stop ignoring what is happening in the other half of Malaysia. It is time to take their principles, culture and lessons and incorporate them into an administration and government that governs for all Malaysians.

The East Malaysian political leadership can unite and nurture Malaysia towards maturity and new hope. This is not to underestimate the challenge as society, economics, and politics of Sabah and Sarawak are also diverse, and there has never been a strong and resilient Borneo perspective. However, both territories have enough in common to provide a fresh look at where Malaysia should go. And this can begin with GE16.

There are two basic strategies for this possibility to be rolled out and achieved.

1. Create a movement in Semenanjung and Sabah and Sarawak with local citizens, activists, and politicians.
2. Work with a bloc of existing parties in a coalition (a reverse takeover of the unity government). This would mean East Malaysia parties with Semenanjung partners becoming the largest bloc in parliament after the next election and leading a new government.

 

It is indeed very possible for East Malaysia as a bloc to be the largest grouping in the next sitting parliament after the GE. The East Malaysian bloc will not just be the kingmaker in the next election, it can take the leadership.

Besides being established partners of past BN governments and the present Unity Government, coalitions such as GPS and GRS would fare even better if they continue to engage and form alliances with one another to present themselves as a united East Malaysian front in preparation for the next election.

This is so that, in the event, talks between PH and UMNO break down in the future, the East Malaysian bloc may continue to push for inclusive policies, including MA63 and other policies, and in doing so, become the stabilising and positive factor in the fractured political landscape that is likely to emerge after GE16.

With 56 seats up for grabs in the next election, and perhaps more seats after the delineation exercise, GPS and GRS may safely hold at least 30 seats and may even be in a position to add more to their new partnership. Should the delineation exercise result in expanding East Malaysia’s parliamentary representation to at least 1/3 of the total parliament seats, this will greatly increase East Malaysia’s weight and participation in the country’s na

 

It is evident that East Malaysian MPs have more gumption when it comes to matters related to racial and religious issues. In contrast, Semenanjung parties are either too emotionally and financially invested to think straight or are just trying to score political points by fanning matters and issues to the extreme. The issue of using only Bahasa Melayu for communication with government departments was promptly shot down by Sarawak Premier Abang Jo. Similarly, the UEC has been accepted by the Sarawak government since 2014, whereas this remains a contentious matter on the peninsula. Other than that, Tiong King Sing regularly stands his ground when he broaches issues that no other non-Muslim MPs dare to talk about.

 

Looking at the political situation today, Semenanjung parties are all established and have little room left for improvement. This is especially the case, ever since reforms have taken a backseat to compromises and power-brokering, and procuring a larger slice of the political cake.

 

That being the case, smaller parties on the Peninsula should also form alliances with Borneo parties such as Warisan. Although Warisan’s attempt to enter the peninsula fizzled out during the last election, it would be beneficial if there is communication between Warisan and all the smaller parties of the peninsula, such as PSM, PRM, Muda, Gerak Independent and the Green Party as soon as possible. This can be the foundation for strategically engaging other coalitions further down the road.

 

Some independent observers are forecasting that there will most likely be a hung parliament after the next GE, similarly to GE14. Should this happen, there is opportunity for existing blocs to realign with a East Malaysian grouping leading to potentially more than a new coalition government. This bloc, led by East Malaysia parties and including  parties based in the Semenanjung, can reignite reformasi and lead to a new type of politics.

 

Malaysians from all communities are sick and tired of the same-old, same-old polemics of the past, and GE16 is the time to get it right. If the existing Unity Government needs a push in the right direction, it can only be achievable if the East Malaysian bloc unites and 'serbu' (charges into) West Malaysia to keep the old guard on their toes.

 

We are confident that many voters will agree with the above premise. We recognise that some will see it as improbable or will scoff at the idea of an East Malaysian party bloc leading a future coalition. The pundits may dismiss or disregard the above proposition, but can they present a better alternative?

 

There is an urgent need for a new unity in the country. This can be shaped by the outcome of GE16. The east wind can be the transformative catalyst.

 

●       first of three parts

 

 

Lim Teck Ghee is a former senior official with the United Nations and World Bank. Murray Hunter is an independent researcher and former professor with the Prince of Songkla University and Universiti Perlis. Carolyn Khor is a former ministerial press secretary, a former United Nations Volunteer and an independent researcher/writer.

A time to understand human rights: Human Rights Day on 10 Dec

A time to understand human rights: Human Rights Day on 10 Dec
Malaysia is still rated fairly free despite fall in Human Development Index ranking.

Reuters

The existence of a Human Rights Day ironically translates into an apparent lack of human rights in the world, even with laws which are supposedly meant to protect the innocent.

In 1950, the United Nations General Assembly declared 10 December as Human Rights Day. It has been twenty years since 1993, when a mandate of High Commissioner was created for the promotion and protection of all human rights during the World Conference on Human Rights held in Vienna the same year.

Furthermore, Women’s Rights are now acknowledged as a fundamental human right. Discrimination and acts of violence against women are at the forefront of the human rights discourse.

Human rights cover a wide range of issues including access to basic necessities, equality, life and the right to tell the truth. In the Universal Declaration of Human the first and second article states that:

1. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood;
2. Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

Human Rights in Malaysia

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in a survey done under Human Development Index (HDI), Malaysia has backslidden in its ranking, from 61st place in 2011 to 64th place out of 187 countries in 2013.

Two massive rallies, dubbed Bersih 2.0 and Bersih 3.0, held on 9 July 2011 and 28 April 2012 respectively attributed to the drop in the HDI ranking. Bersih is the Malaysian acronym for Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections, and aims to promote free and fair elections in Malaysia. During Bersih 2.0, over 1600 protesters were arrested while over 500 protesters were similarly detained for Bersih 3.0. Riot police also used tear gas and water cannons on protesters at both rallies.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM), a human rights organisation in Malaysia, is still actively pursuing the case of the Defence Ministry’s controversial Scorpene submarine purchase through the French court. The world still mourns the death of a central figure in the Scorpene deal - Altantuya Shaariibuugin, who was blown up with C4 explosives in 2006 and her immigration records erased.

Another blatant violation of human rights in Malaysia is the rape of indigenous Penan women in Sarawak. Workers of a large timber conglomerate had been constantly harassing the local women, but there has no action taken against them, even though the incidents were broadly publicised.

Do laws protect or are they used to prosecute and silence the victims?

In Malaysia, the Internal Security Act (ISA), which allowed for detention without trial was replaced with the Security Offences (Special Measures) 2012 Act (SOSMA). SOSMA and the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) which replaces Section 27 of the Police Act have been criticised as being even more draconian and restrictive.

The officially endorsed policy of preferential treatment towards the majority practised in Malaysia is another instance of human rights violation, according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Any attempts to question or discuss the matter will be dealt with by the Sedition Act or the Printing Presses and Publication Act.

Even Christians in the country are not spared. A recent ban on the use of the Arabic word ‘Allah’ by Christians created international headlines and much negative publicity.

Ops Lallang, an operation carried out in 1987 saw a total of 106 people arrested under the ISA. Forty people were detained without trial for two years and sent to the Kamunting Detention Centre. These people included political figures, social activists and individuals. Two daily newspapers, The Star and Sin Chew Jit Poh had their publishing licences revoked for a period of time.

Custodial deaths and the licence to kill

According to SUARAM, there have been 12 custodial deaths alone this year. Two other high-profile deaths were Teoh Beng Hock and Gunasegaran who died the same day – 16 July 2009.

When Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said, “I think the best way is not to compromise with them, don’t give anymore warnings to them, [if] we have evidence, we [will] shoot first”, it created a furore among right-thinking Malaysians.

With such a statement, Ahmad Zahid has displayed a lack of understanding about the rule of law.

Your right is just as much my right

Just a few days ago, an UMNO division head asked for the 1Malaysia slogan to be changed to 1Melayu during the party’s General Assembly. Such blatantly racist statements are nothing new in Malaysia. Even former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew has claimed the minorities face systematic marginalization in Malaysia.

It is bizarre how a human can treat another human with so much contempt, and this plainly justifies the existence of something like Human Rights Day. Laws are written by men, but some men manipulate the law to favour the rich and influential. Can we then blame the 47% who voted the present government into power?

While most would frown upon giving out election goodies and rightfully view it as a form of vote-buying, the Prime Minister has been quoted as saying ‘you help me, I help you’ during a state election campaign in Sarawak in 2011.

It comes as no surprise at all that immediately after the General Election and heavy spending, the prices of all essential goods shot up, due to a hike in petrol prices, the removal of the sugar subsidy and a rise in electricity tariffs. To add insult to injury, an impending Goods and Service Tax of 6% will be imposed from April 2015.

Inflation affects the livelihood and affordability of the average wage earner. Although a moderate inflation rate is healthy for the country’s economy, knee-jerk changes to the country’s fiscal policies will create shock and unrest. To make things worse, the Prime Minister’s wife, who apparently obtained the cabinet’s approval to represent the country for official visits using the country’s jet plane, has displayed spendthrift ways unbecoming of someone in her position.

How UMNO equates itself with the great Nelson Mandela who passed away on 6 December this year is yet another mind-boggling claim. One fights for human rights, while the other fights against it. One helped in the removal of the noxious apartheid policy, while the other promotes superiority of a certain race.

Facts are indeed stranger than fiction.

So what are Human Rights? Human Rights are the ability to treat another fellow human being with goodwill and mutual respect to achieve peace and unity. In Malaysia, with things as they are now, that ideal scenario is a long time coming. Until then, we still need Human Rights Day.

** Article published in MSN Malaysia

Press statement by YB Zuraida on NFCorp’s failed takeover by Japanese company

Press statement by YB Zuraida on NFCorp’s failed takeover by Japanese company

Prime Minister Najib Razak should just liquidate the National Feedlot Corporation and recover the RM250 million soft loan that was given to the agricultural company run by Sharizat’s family. That is the only way to hold Sharizat’s family accountable for the mismanagement of funds. The board of directors which includes Sharizat’s husband and children inappropriately spent the people’s money on luxury items unrelated to the agricultural business like purchasing high-end condominiums and prestigious cars.

It is simply illogical that any company would want to inject RM20 million into a debt-ridden company that operates at a loss with no foreseeable opportunity for a turnaround. For Kirimitomas Agro to even consider a deal like that, we can only imagine what negotiations went on behind closed doors. Regardless, it is still not a worthwhile deal.

Kirimitomas Agro would be better off just starting with a clean slate with no encumbrances. In fact, there are qualified local companies that are equally suitable to provide similar services to the public. Malaysia is an agricultural-based country and the government should have no problems at all identifying experienced companies with good track records. This is in contrast to the NFC, a company that does not even have a track record to begin with.

Since the NFC expose, ‘Condo Lembu’ has become a household name.  The severity of the matter goes to show that our country sorely needs transparency and good governance. The ‘gravy train’ has been practiced for far too long and people should be made aware that this habit is selfish and deprives our children of a good future. It is morally wrong and it is ethically wrong. As they say, monkey see, monkey do, and we need leaders who can show a good example. If the big boss ‘makan’, the small ones ‘makan’ too. We do not want this culture to be cultivated any further. Instead, we should focus on transparency, good governance and efficiency.

Kirimitomas Agro Sdn. Bhd. (KASB) is a joint venture between Otoshitos Sdn. Bhd and Hannan Food Group. Prime Minister Najib Razak announced KASB as willing parties to take over the scandal and debt-ridden National Feedlot Corporation in April this year but replied in parliament yesterday that the deal has fallen through.

YB Zuraida Kamaruddin

Ahli Parliament Ampang

24/10/13

Related links:

Link to Malaysian Insider article
Link to Malaysiakini article

Raven Murugesan touches the hearts of all Malaysians

Link to MSN

A simple act of kindness goes a long way.

What is an act of kindness? Do we really need to ponder what kindness is? Don’t human beings have an innate sense of kindness and compassion that outweighs logical reasoning?

Has the world forgotten about all the heroic deeds of ordinary folks? Strangers who save one another out of burning buildings; or people who do not know how to swim diving in to save a drowning child; or people who donate their organs to others just so they can live another day?

The above simple act of kindness by Raven Murugesan was shared on Facebook over 9,000 times as of 11PM last night. Raven had suggested to a Muslim cashier to drink and eat a little before continuing work at the checkout counter of a supermarket in Kepong. This occurred during breaking fast time and so only one counter was open at that time.

Many people are overwhelmed by the bombardment of racist and racial remarks made by certain quarters intended to aggravate the fragile interracial tolerance of the country. Even so, little acts of compassion such as the above transcend all barriers and offer a glimmer of hope in humanity.

“I cried when I read it. I was so thankful there are mindful non-Muslims”, said Samsiah Ismail, a Facebook user who was touched by the kind gesture and shared the post with her friends.

What Raven had done is very touching and speaks volume of our human character.

Carolyn Khor

Sometimes even under extreme conditioning, it is still impossible to erase that benevolence which is almost instinctive and second nature to the human psyche. However, something must be really wrong somewhere when people start to behave otherwise.

Raven revealed that he has received more than 1000 friend requests over his Facebook account since his posting went viral today. Many positive comments can be seen on his page.

“Compassion, tolerance and respect are very important values to inculcate into the minds of our youngsters to forge unity”, said Raven, a 50 year old school teacher who grew up in a small town called Bukit Rotan.

Raven is strictly a vegetarian and currently teaches the Malay and English language in Kuala Selangor.

The rest of the interview is as follows:

What compelled you to react so kindly when most people might have overlooked that it was time for breaking fast?

R: As a teacher, that is a built-in mode. We must treat everyone as our family members.

What is your opinion on racial harmony in Malaysia?

R: I belong to the olden days of unity where I would sleep over for 3 or 4 days in my Malay friend’s house and vice-versa. We were one big happy family back then. If there is an Indian wedding, you can see all the Chinese and Malay youths working together to decorate the house. The excitement of friendship and the depth of unity were not molded by advertisement or promotions.

Socially, the environment was matured to allow children to mingle freely without prejudice. We get to peek and see into their living rooms and lives and they get to do the same to ours. I called my friend's Mak ngah as Mak Ngah and his Mak Andak as Mak Andak. My Chinese friends call my uncle Chittapa. This goes to show the close knit community we were back then.

Do you think that enough has been done in our education system to forge racial unity?

R: I have been teaching for 30 years, and have conducted hundreds of seminars. And in all the seminars, I have never failed to take the opportunity to tell the present generation what they have been missing. What we have now is a formally devised platform to integrate, which is not natural. It gives that ‘fake’ feeling. I personally feel that sections of our society have isolated themselves for various reasons.

Teachers should instill love beyond racial identification in every student. I guess at the end of the day, unity will always start from school.

When I was in Year One in 1970, my shirt was accidentally torn because one of my friends pulled it. My teacher, a Malay lady immediately called me and gave a brand new shirt which she said she had bought for her son. I never saw her as my teacher after that. She was my hero, my mum. That is what we need amongst our young teachers.

Are there remedial steps that we may take to halt the deterioration in racial relations?

R: I really do not know if there is a cure for it but what I believe is if more and more people realise that humanity is one of the most important thing in our lives to move forward, then in years to come, we might see wonders. There is humanity in each of us but at times it is dormant.

We should teach the children to respect the culture, language and people of other races.  Once we can cultivate respect and admiration, it will become a good platform to move forward. However, if we belittle other people’s culture and language, there will be no ‘X-Factor’ in the students to look forward to for any interactions with other groups.

Do you think that vernacular schools are a hindrance to national unity?

R: Many will say that vernacular schools are the problem but they are definitely not the problem. Back in the 50's vernacular schools were the order of the day, but the children of that era had wonderful relationship between them because the society was more relaxed.

We were taught right from the start the differences between government and political parties.

Vernacular schools do not propagate partisanship. So I guess all the talk about vernacular schools being the reason for racial disharmony is pure drama.

How you you think the media is contributing in forging racial unity?

R: Today, United States can accept an American of African origin because of its media. It started way back in the 60's where the media such as movies started to coin with the idea of non-white becoming the President. The media took the first steps in that direction.

In Malaysia, the reverse is happening. I guess the media needs to be more responsible on racial issues and not contribute towards more racial tension.

Where there is haze, there is fire

The episodes of haze has returned yet again, and this is among two of the bad haze conditions faced since 1997 and 2005.

There is no exception to human error when the health of the whole region comes under siege annually due to the clearing of land by palm oil and timber companies in Indonesia. So far, eight concessionaires have been identified by the Indonesian Environment Minister and National Disaster Mitigation Board, Balthasar Kambuaya.

An environmental group known as Greenpeace claim that these plantations belong to Indonesian, Malaysian and Singaporean conglomerates. The forest fire are said to originate from Riau and Jambi, the eastern side of Central Sumatra. Based on reports by the NOAA satellite, there are currently 227 hotspots and it is expected to continue burning well into the following month due to the high temperature and dry weather.

Efforts for cloud-seeding in the region have borne little results as clouds do not form over the hotspots. It is also impossible to trace clouds through the satellite imagery because of the thick haze. The most recent cloud-seeding operation which was carried out on Sunday triggered half an hour of rain in the Dumai district of Riau province. However, this did not prevent new hotspots from emerging. This highly technical operation involves dumping iodized salt onto dense clouds to help induce rain.

When the westerly monsoon winds start blowing in June, the haze gets carried into Malaysia and Singapore.

The alarming Air Pollution Index and poor visibility have prompted an emergency call for schools to shut down in several states in Malaysia, since Monday. The burning, which started on June 11 poses a health threat and is potentially life-threatening especially for children, the elderly and those already with cardiac and respiratory problems like asthma. Ordinary face masks do not help much as the smog molecules are smaller than what the masks filter. The haze consists of tiny particles measuring 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller.

Although citizens are encouraged to purchase N95 respirator masks, it is also not advisable to provide the N95 masks to those categorized as vulnerable as the mask causes the lungs to work harder and requires more effort to breath. Experts caution against providing the elderly, pregnant women, those below 15 years of age and those with chronic respiratory and cardiac diseases with N95. According to NIOSH, the agency responsible for the N95 rating, these masks are supposed to filter out 95% of airborne particles.

In spite of recurring occurrences together with two especially bad episodes of haze, one in 1997 and another in 2005, not much has been done by the authorities. This had however, prompted an agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, signed by the ASEAN countries in 2002, to monitor and combat pollution caused by forest fires.

Regionally, neighbouring countries are pressuring Indonesia for a solution. So far, no companies have been fined or taken action against. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono publicly apologized to Singapore and Malaysia today for the illegal raging fire that caused the air pollution hitting hazardous levels.

"As the president of Indonesia, I apologize for what has happened and ask for the understanding of the people of Malaysia and Singapore," Mr Yudhoyono said. "We accept it is our responsibility to tackle the problem."

He also sought for understanding from Singapore and Malaysia over the problem.

Please click the below link for the story:

Where there is haze, there is fire link to MSN

Press Release from LA on Bersih 2.0

BERSIH 2.0 Rally in Los Angeles CA, USA

Los Angeles, July 9 - Amid intimidating arrests and brutal assaults by the police during the BERSIH 2.0 rally in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysians from all ages, races and backgrounds, together with some foreigners supporting our cause, stood united and marched peacefully in the heart of Los Angeles downtown in support of free and fair elections in Malaysia.

A total of 85 attendees, dressed in yellow, gathered at Pershing Square in Los Angeles downtown. They carried self-made banners, posters and placards to express their dissents and frustrations. Organiser, James Cheng gave a brief introduction about the rally, why it was organised, and briefed about the police brutality against protesters in the BERSIH rally in Malaysia on the same day. The crowd then started the peaceful march toward the Consulate General of Malaysia. As the office was closed, the crowd, led by organisers Caterine Chang and Phebie Thum, read aloud the memorandum and the 8 electoral reform demands.

The crowd then marched towards the Los Angeles City Hall, while chanting the slogans "Bersih", "Hidup Rakyat", and "Reformasi". Cars and pedestrians passing by sounded their car horns and cheered to show their support.

When they arrived at the City Hall compound, the protesters observed a minute of silence to show respect to their Malaysian counterparts, who fought rain, assaults and risk of arrest to march for their freedom of speech and demand for clean elections. At 1pm, the crowd ended the rally by singing Negaraku, the national anthem of Malaysia.

By James Cheng

Kembalikan kuasa kepada rakyat

Rahmad Isahak, president of Kongress Melayu Pulau Pinang (KMPP) calls for the PM to dissolve parliament.

Memorandum to Australian High Comm on LYNAS

MEMORANDUM

Save Malaysia Committee
B-6 Taman Tunas Manja,
Jalan Air Putih, 25300 Kuantan.
Pahang Darul Makmur.

Date: 20/05/2011

HIS EXCELLENCY
AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER TO MALAYSIA
KUALA LUMPUR
Your Excellency
RE: LYNAS ADVANCED MATERIAL PLANT (LAMP) NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN GEBENG, KUANTAN , MALAYSIA.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We the residents of Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia are extremely concerned over the proposed construction and operation of the above plant.

It is common knowledge that :
1) LAMP will be processing rare earths oxide which contains Thorium
2) Thorium is a known radioactive material.
3) The mineral monazite which contains the Thorium is mined at Mount Weld in Western Australia and will be shipped to Kuantan, through Freemantle Port for processing at LAMP.

As your country is the originator of this dangerous material it is only right that your country must take responsibility for its presence here in this country.

We are not convinced by the assurances of LAMP, (and others allied to their cause), that the LAMP is safe. If it truly were so, surely then your country should readily keep that industry within its borders, or at the very least, be prepared to take back the waste ( which contains the deadly thorium). But your country has flatly refused to take back their own waste.
Source The Star: 12/04/2011, Pg. N.23

Malaysians have had experience with Thorium, in the Bukit Merah plant in Ipoh, Perak. The consequences of that fiasco are still continuing. Children born deformed or retarded are still alive but unable to articulate their plight while some have lost their lives to cancer.

LAMP claims that their plant is totally different from that of Bukit Merah facility and that the levels of radioactivity is very low. But we remain unconvinced, nor are we prepared to experiment with our health and lives and those of our future generations.

We the residents of Kuantan, appeal to your higher values and call upon you , to do all that you can, to stop the shipment of this Thorium containing material from your country.

Surely, your country being a respectable member of the international community would not allow an International Convention to be flouted or circumvented.

Your Excellency, we the people of Kuantan do not want, in our midst LAMP and for that matter any other company that produces any form of radioactive material.
Your Excellency, does it not seem unconscionable to you that ore containing this radioactive material should be shipped 4000km from your country to Malaysia for the monetary gain of LAMP while the people of Kuantan are left to face the long term effects of the obnoxious waste?
This Thorium waste, as your Excellency would already know, is radioactive and has a ½ life of 14 billion years. Thus, for generations to come , we the people of Malaysia will be exposed to the risks of radioactive contaminations.

Your Excellency, this Movement, is inspired by the most lofty ideals- that of human lives and health. We are resolved to continue our struggle to safeguard our air, water and soil from LAMP’s (and others’) deadly wastes. The vast majority of Malaysians share our mission. We again exhort you, to do all that you can, within your power to stop the dangerous ore from leaving your own shores.

We trust you understand and share our concerns. Many Australians in fact, already do, as the Internet reveals.

Mr Robin Chapple, MLC, Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region is “deeply worried” as expressed in his media release dated 13/04/2011.

I annex a copy of the release downloaded from the internet, for your further reading.

I trust that you will act as a good citizen of the world, and of Australia in particular.


Yours sincerely,


…………………………………………………………………
Vincent Jiam (Hand phone: 016 931 8081)
Chairperson, Save Malaysia Committee