Living in the Now

The word "now" might seem to have an impatient connotation to it. However, being present in the now requires simply a state of mind that is calm, aligned and aware of the present circumstances. As Julian Barbour said, "Time is a series of nows".

The concept of being here in the present can be easily understood by filling a drinking straw with water and then keeping the water in the straw by closing off one of the ends with a finger. When we release our finger which acts as a valve, water then flows out of the straw. It takes time for the water to flow out of the straw, from the top to the bottom. From this experiment, we can experience the "now" that happened in the past, the "now" in the present, and the "now" in the future. However, while the water is still in the straw, time becomes still, happening all at once - the past, present and future, simultaneously.

Focusing on the now is relevant to many areas of our lives. For instance, when we are facing a dilemma, and are worried about its consequences, we could focus on the "now" instead. We could take stock of and be grateful for what we currently have; we could look inwards and get to know ourselves better; we could find strength in getting our priorities right, and we could energise ourselves knowing that we are equipped to deal with whatever challenges we may face. This awareness of being in the "now" is also the quintessence and underlying message of all major teachings.

The Bible states in Matthew (6:34): "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

In the Quran (16:1): "Allah's judgement has (all but) come..." 

In Buddhism, there is a saying: "Do not dwell on the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."

The Dao De Jing also makes numerous references to being in the present, among which: "If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present."

The Bhagavad-Gita states that: "Whatever happened, happened for the good. Whatever is happening, is happening for the good. Whatever will happen, will also happen for the good. You need not have any regrets about the past. You need not worry about the future. The present is happening.'

Rumi also wrote about the past, present and future. Among his quotes are:

    "The past, the future, O dear, is from you; you should regard both these as one."

    "How can I know anything about the past or the future, when the light of the Beloved shines only Now."

Living in the "now" is not just a collection of parables or sayings but a personal wealth experience which unfolds itself to each of us in different ways. We are ultimately reminded that we are in control of our own destiny when we are mindful of the decisions we make every day.

A time to remember Altantuya: Human Rights Day by Carolyn Khor

A time to remember Altantuya: Human Rights Day by Carolyn Khor

Malaysia is still rated fairly free despite fall in Human Development Index ranking

Ironically, the existence of a Human Rights Day conveys 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 Dec as Human Rights Day. It is twenty years since 1993 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.

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 in Malaysia

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

Two massive rallies dubbed Bersih 2.0 and Bersih 3.0 held on 9 July 201 and 28 April 2012 respectively attributed to the drop in HDI ranking. Bersih is short for Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections. During Bersih 2.0, over 1600 protesters were arrested while over 500 protesters faced the same for Bersih 3.0. Armed forces had used the tear gas and water cannon on peaceful protesters.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM), a human rights organisation in Malaysia is still actively pursuing the case of the Defense Ministry’s 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 to pieces by C4 explosives in 2006 and her immigration record into Malaysia erased.

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

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.

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

In Malaysia, the Internal Security Act (ISA) which allowed 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 has been criticised as being even more restrictive with provisions slanted towards the police.

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

Even the Christians in the country are not spared. A recent ban on the use of the Arabic word ‘Allah’ had created international headlines.

Ops Lallang, an operation carried out in 1987 saw a total of 106 people arrested under the ISA. Forty people were issued with a detention order 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 Paper and Sin Chew Jit Poh had their publishing licenses revoked for a period of time.

Custodial deaths and the license to kill

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

When 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 the Malaysians.

As the Home Minister, Ahmad Zahidi could have used his words sparingly but did not.

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 racist statements are nothing new under the sun and as the former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew claimed, the minorities face systematic marginalisation.

 

It is bizarre how a human can treat another human with so much contempt and this makes it all the more reason for Human Rights Day to exist. Laws are written by man but man made the law to favour the rich and influential. Who are we to blame but ourselves and the 47% who voted the reigning government into power?

While most would frown upon giving out election goodies, the Prime Minister was quoted as saying ‘you help me, I help you’ during his election campaign this year. It comes as no surprise at all that immediately after the General Election and heavy spending, prices of all essential goods shot up due to the price hike in petrol, sugar and electricity tariffs. On top of it, an impending Goods and Service Tax of 6% will be imposed from April next year.

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 creates shock and unrest. Overlaying this with the spendthrift habit of the Prime Minister’s wife who gets the cabinet’s approval to represent the Prime Minister for official visits using the country’s jet plane, the ordinary citizens of Malaysia are certainly getting the short end of the stick.

How UMNO equates itself to the great Nelson Mandela who passed away on 6 December this year is yet another unimaginable claim. One fights for human rights while the other fights against it. One abolished the apartheid while the other promotes superiority of a certain race.

Facts are indeed stranger than fiction.

So what is Human Rights? Human Rights is the ability to treat another fellow human being with goodwill and mutual respect to achieve peace and unity. Until then, we still need Human Rights Day.

 

 

 

Master of Disruption, do something right for once!

All this useless fighting over who will be PM should stop immediately. Since PH won in 2018, Anwar's camp just kept on disrupting the government and asking the PM to step down. Why did PH lose the government? Because Anwar kept pressuring Tun M to step down. So, Tun resigned, but did Anwar become PM? No.

All the manipulation, provocations and secret phoncalls to lobby for support, without any thought for the welfare of the people at all. Anwar supporters must be so proud of themselves for the situation we are in today. When TSMY steps down, will Anwar be the next PM? I'm afraid it's no, again.

Why? Because he doesn't have the numbers. And his numbers depended on UMNO's support which he doesn't have now.

PH consists of only 33 Malay MPs as opposed to 58 non-Malays. If you think this number is going to make him the PM, then it is wishful thinking.

Now we hear claims of Anwar courting AA and Zu's support to make him the PM. The question is why is Anwar so desperate to be PM to the extend he can abandon all his principles to work with the people he hate, including Tun M in 2018? Anwar may think it is strategic to work with enemies, kleptocrats and traitors, all of whom labled by him. But not everyone wants to or likes to work with a master of lies and manipulation, and a megalomaniac like Anwar. 

Do things with the right intention, and it might get you the right outcomes. Obviously, Anwar has been on the wrong track, and thus, the PM post has always been out of his reach. For a start, he can make amends by throwing his support behind TSMY to continue as PM and stop all this nonsense once and for all. Fight it out during GE15 and let the country recover from Covid-19 first.

High Time for an Anti-Bullying Act

https://www.malaysianow.com/opinion/2021/06/15/high-time-for-an-anti-bullying-act/

T Nhaveen’s unfortunate passing four years ago due to bullying must not be in vain and we should all take this opportunity to stand up against bullying, whether in school, workplace, or in cyberspace. It affects people of all ages but especially the young, vulnerable and different.

 

According to the Education Minister, Datuk Mohd. Radzi bin Md. Jidin, the number of cases lodged against bullying from January 2020 – September 2020 amounted to 0.04% of the total number of about 4.8 million students in both primary and secondary schools, as compared to 0.12% the previous year. The years 2016 – 2018 recorded 0.07%, 0.06% and 0.09% respectively.

 

Malaysia has not enacted any legislation yet to curb bullying and it is high-time the policymakers look seriously into drafting the Anti-Bullying Act to prevent bullying and unnecessary juvenile deaths in the future. Currently, the Penal Code (Act 574) and Child Act 2001 (Act 611) are inadequate to protect children and adults alike from being bullied and discriminated against.

 

I have personally come across people who were bullied on the social media to the extend where it affected her reputation at work and she fell into a depression. There are many other similar cases and we do not need for another bad incident like Nhaveen’s case to remind us what needs to be done.

 

The Penang Chapter of COMWEL hopes that all MPs will be supportive of the Anti-Bullying Act as there must be legislative action to prevent bullies from the damage they inflict on their victims. As psychologists will attest to, bullying affects a person’s self-esteem and young victims are too intimidated to inform their parents or teachers about the trouble they are in. Although public awareness is equally essential, the country still needs an Anti-Bullying Act.

 

Carolyn Khor

Head of Penang Chapter

Chief Secretariat for COMWEL

When does one become a betrayer or traitor?

Of late, PH+ politicians have carelessly thrown around words like 'betrayer' and 'traitor'.

What I cannot understand is that these words are only used on certain leaders who do not support Anwar as the 9th PM. On the other hand, potential leaders who have been identified as friendly MPs and are being courted to join Anwar are shielded from such lables. These two scenarios are in fact two sides of the same coin. 

Why can Anwar openly meet and entice MPs from other parties to join PH+ while PH leaders who have being identified to be sacked or suspended cannot meet up with other leaders?

Where is the logic behind this double standard?

Even DAP and Amanah have not been spared from being labled as such. Is supporting Tun M for six months an act of betrayal? If having dignity is such a priority, then Anwar should have had better sense than to work with Tun M during GE14. 

DAP and Amanah are between a rock and a hard place. Of course, nobody wants to be on a losing team, and everyone thinks they make the best government. But the government of the day, any day, is a mandate given by the people to a certain group to govern the country. It is definitely not for any politicians to negotiate or promise to handover power to anyone, especially the wishful PM. That prerogative belongs to the rakyat.

Politicians have no right to call others as betrayers and traitors, because the very next minute, they themselves will do the same and portray themselves as heroes.

There is no telling whom you need to work with in the future. So, when does one become a betrayer or a traitor, if everyone has reasons to justify their actions? 

Fight over nothing between Tun M and Anwar for PM candidate

There is no point at all fighting over whether Tun M or Anwar will become the PM candidate.

1. By default, the Opposition Leader will become the next PM if the ruling government loses support - so why did it become an issue in the first place?

2. Even if these two men were working together, the numbers still do not make a winning combination.

3. What makes DAP and Amanah want to support Tun M for six months? What is in it for them? 

4. Why do Anwar supporters only support Anwar despite not having the numbers?

5. PKR should just discard DAP and PH, just like how it culled its own party members. 

Consider this:

1. The people are sick and tired of elderly politicians fighting over the PM post. 

2. The country needs a fresh and young face, preferably a young candidate as the next PM. 

Anwar and PKR could team up with Muhyiddin and UMNO; and

Tun could team up with DAP, Amanah, GPS, Warisan, Azmin, and PAS. 

Who knows? It might work. 

Ex-ministers are only interested in wresting power

Just as the Covid-19 crisis is about to let up, the political horse-trading and psywar by Pakatan Harapan and Tun Dr Mahathir intensifies. As if still not satisfied with the Agong’s confidence in the current government, Pakatan Harapan and Mahathir’s operatives are still hard at work to convince, especially the MPs to crossover so that Perikatan National may fall.

The question then is: Fall to whom - Mahathir or Anwar? According to the Registrar of Societies, Mahathir is no longer in PPBM. Challenging the matter in court is a separate issue. As of the present moment, Mahathir is merely an independent MP who is an ally of Pakatan Harapan. And unless he agrees again, to support Anwar as the potential Prime Minister, there is no way these two men can work together.

Neither is Perikatan Nasional strong; but it is definitely more stable than having two men at each other’s throats all the time. As economists indicate, there is a looming recession in the months to come due to Covid-19. We simply cannot allow more power struggles to divert our attention away from economic recovery.

At this juncture, no other MPs from the PN bloc are interested in upsetting the current government. There is simply no point in doing so as the parliament seating is just two months away, with the next general election being less than three years away. It is then safe to assume that whatever claims that Salahuddin Ayub made about wresting power before July is just rubbish. Should anyone really have the numbers, they would have kept quiet and not blabber about it openly.

In the last general elections, UMNO and PAS combined had the majority popular votes. Hence, Pakatan Harapan should not claim to have the people’s mandate which is akin to pulling wool over the voter’s eyes.

 

Perikatan Nasional may not be formalised and may still have teething problems. However, the move by our Prime Minister to take charge of the country at a time when the two men were fighting was a correct move which saved our country from plunging into an abyss. Whatever lies in the future is yet to be seen but for the moment, Muhyiddin has done his level best and steered our country out of troubled waters.

It can also be surmised that only those ex-ministers and deputy ministers who are bitter over their loss of positions are longingly and desperately trying to reinstate themselves through the wresting of power. Otherwise, nothing much changes - MPs are still MPs. 

Therefore, Pakatan Harapan and Mahathir should stop trying to unseat the government and instead help to strengthen the economy on the road to recovery. That will truly be beneficial for the rakyat. The fight for political power must have its place and time. Now is simply not the right time.

Good katak vs stupid katak

The reality of politics is that when it suits the politicians, crossing the political divide can be as easy and technical as signing a Statutory Declaration. The winning team will then hail the crossover as a hero while the losers will throw all sorts of names at him. Of course, most non-Malays will immediately associate Azmin and the 11 MPs as traitors to Pakatan Harapan. 

A particular president of a party had on numerous occasions hinted of crossovers from other parties, yet this person who is so quick to label others as traitors, still sees it fit to coerce others to betray their own party. What sort of logic is it then, that he is willing to accept traitors, while vilifying others for doing the same thing?

Then, the staunch supporters will just shrug and say, “That’s politics.”

Then again, the best quote of the day comes from Baru Bian:

“That is a good katak. So don’t use that katak very loosely. An intelligent katak will jump, a stupid katak will stay. We need to be wise and prudent, even in our political struggle,” he said.

Baru Bian explains why he and See Chee How joined Parti Sarawak Bersatu | Malaysia | Malay Mail - https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/05/30/baru-bian-explains-why-he-and-see-chee-how-joined-parti-sarawak-bersatu/1870813

Water seeks its own level

As my maiden post since I last written, I have chosen to write about racial discrimination in our country. I echo what many have said before, so let my ranting be yet another. Here goes nothing. 

We can keep on pointing our fingers at other people and keep blaming others for the mess we are in. However, as non-Malays, many of us have forgotten that we are the minority in the country. Being right or feeling that we are right does nothing to change the situation.

We can keep on and on, demanding for equality and what-nots, but the reality is that it doesn't matter what you and I want. What matters is what others, the majority want.

As a minority, Chinese Malaysians have grown accustomed to the double-standard treatment that has been around ever since the NEP was implemented. I won't necessarily say that it is a bad thing, as through decades of discrimination, non-Malays have only become more resilient, self-reliant and self-sufficient.

That is indeed the price to pay to live in a peaceful country that is in abundance of everything, yet affordable.

Only time will soothe the agony of being treated as an unwanted migrant in our land of birth. However, the non-Malays have more to be grateful for than being dissatisfied. Some will have better lives, and some will not. And that is life. So, enjoy the journey, be thankful and count our blessings. We are all here for a reason. Water seeks its own level. 

- cK

Press Statement dated 6 June 2016

There is an apparent inertia when it comes to gender equality in Malaysia’s political landscape. No doubt Anwar Ibrahim is the iconic figure most supported as the PM candidate, with the President of Keadilan, Wan Azizah willing to be the interim PM while the process of #BebasAnwar gets sorted out. Still, there is still a void which nobody, especially Muslim women dare to even think about.

The gracious, gentle and reluctant politician, as we all come to know fondly as Kak Wan, has been consistently supportive of Keadilan’s ‘Reformasi’ cause, central to the #BebasAnwar movement. Many of the key supporters are loyal to this cause and although it is the main driver behind Keadilan as a party, there should be, a plan B or plan C. Kak Wan's role as the interim PM must be strengthened further to propel our women's agenda into the next millennia.

At the very least, Mahathir has offered to be the next reluctant PM, but this is still subject to the approval of the Presidential Council. As Anwar says, Mahathir cannot simply volunteer to be the PM. Keadilan and Anwar Ibrahim has always been the uniting factor for the opposition bloc, which recently, accepted Bersatu and Amanah into the Pakatan fold. As unfortunate as it may seem, Pakatan Rakyat was the most suitable name for the coalition until the Sec-Gen of DAP declared unilaterally that PR was dead. Ideally, the coalition could be named Pakatan Keadilan Rakyat.

The PM candidate is still between the heavyweights like Anwar Ibrahim and Mahathir and to a lesser degree Muhyiddin or even Mukhriz. As much as Rafizi Ramli wants to be part of the PM candidate nominee, he still has much to achieve in terms of rallying for a united support from the grassroots, something that Azmin Ali keeps close to his chest.

What is really missing in this less than perfect race for the top post is the lack of women representation. What this country needs is a choice of credible and influential women leaders that will enhance and give new life to the political scenario in Malaysia.

Leaders such as Zuraida Kamaruddin, chief of Wanita Keadilan, or even Nurul Izzah, daughter of Anwar Ibrahim should be presented as likely choices for the Prime Minister post. Even if this is not viable for now, women leaders should still be given an opportunity at it to allow the voters time to warm-up to the idea of having a woman PM in the future. Ultimately, the voters have the final say, but it is the political pact’s responsibility to provide this choice to voters.

In line with this, there should also be a choice of women candidates presented for the posts of Menteri Besar and Chief Minister.

Women are often shy of leadership positions and those who have made it so far should receive as much support as possible from within the party and public, especially women. How many women are willing to sacrifice their family time and other goals simply to pursue justice for the public?

If Pakatan were to be any different from Barisan Nasional, presenting women as PM, MB and CM candidates will definitely be a giant step forward. We need to drive home the point of empowering women to stamp out inequality in our society.

Carolyn Khor
Communications Chief for Women’s Wing
Parti Keadilan Rakyat

3rd Penang International Fingerstyle Guitar Competition 2016

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-**-

Transgender Symposium: Arrest and Detention

From left: Ms Chinta, ASP Riza, YB Lee Khai Loon, YB Teh Yee Cheu, Zulfakri, Ustaz Khairol

TG Symposium: Arrest and Detention

Transgenders fear harassment during arrest and detention, and a symposium organised by the Transgender Committee set up by the State Assembly of Penang brought both transgenders and the authorities together to discuss the situation. Also involved in the organising of this event was Justice for Sisters, SUARAM Penang and PACA.

Documented stories of how transgenders are being mistreated and ostracised by the authorities are plenty, and there should be policies and guidelines to resolve this issue. State Assemblyman for Tanjong Bunga, YB Teh Yee Cheu requested that the authorities invite a transgender to be present during body checks, to which the police replied that the suggestion will be forwarded to her superiors.

According to the Assistant Superintendant Rizatulmi Haizaran Binti Samat from the police forces’ sexual harassment department, five transgenders were detained so far this year, of which, 3 were foreigners and 2 were Malaysians. Detainees are separated in lock-ups according to their assigned gender registered on their identification cards. Presently, transgender women who are detained by the police are listed under the category known as ‘Mak Nyah’.

“Problems arise when the police need to make body checks,” she said. “Men are frisked by men officers, and women by the women officers.

“However, when a transgender is involved, and especially when sexual reassignment procedures are not complete… for instance, when the top resembles a woman, and the bottom remains a man, then the woman officer will be traumatised,” Riza explained.

The Department of Islamic Affairs in Penang (JAIPP) also gave an overview of the procedures during arrests. Ustaz Khairol Azman revealed that 10 transgenders were arrested this year by JAIPP.

“Our department arrests transgenders based on three criteria of the Syariah Law enacted in 1996. Usually, we act upon receiving complaints, prior observations and investigations.

“Transgenders are arrested if these conditions are fulfilled – that these men are cross-dressing, that they are in a public area, and that they are doing something immoral,” Ustaz Khairol Azman said.

When pressed for a definition of what immoral meant, Ustaz Khairol clarified that carrying condoms was considered as proof. He did mention however, that in Penang, unlike in other states, cross-dressing was not a major offence and that transgenders who are simply going about their daily routine should have nothing to fear.

ASP Riza also gave assured the transgenders that reports made against police officers who ill-treated the community would be taken seriously by the police force.

Both the religious department and police force may only detain their prisoners for up to 24 hours before producing them to the magistrate for further action. The statistics for the number of transgenders detained in 2016 differs from the statistics produced by Ms. Chinta Ardieyana, the president of PACA, an NGO actively involved in transgender rights.

Deputy Enforcer for the Prison Department of Penang, Zulfakri bin Ahmad was also present to brief the audience on the conditions of the Penang Prison. Presently, transgenders are placed separately from the men prisoners.

“This is to ensure the transgenders’ safety,” he said.

This symposium was attended by Penang State Assemblymen YB Teh Yee Cheu and YB Lee Khai Loon, Polis DiRaja Malaysia, Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Pulau Pinang, UNAIDS (United Nations), MAC, ATPN and Penang Legal Aid Council (LAC).

Bebas Lim Guan Eng

The arrest of Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is totally shocking as well as heartbreaking to those who have been supporting his administration for the past 8 years. This political persecution is a big blow to the opposition leaders but is even far more damaging to the overall morale of opposition supporters. The rude manner in which the Chief Minister was treated during arrest is not justified, even with the accusations brought against him.

Firstly, he was not armed, did not resist arrest and had been cooperative with the MACC all along. Secondly, the Chief Minister should not be treated like a criminal before a guilty conviction has been passed.

He faces two counts under Section 23 of the MACC Act and Section 165 of the Penal Code.

Nonetheless, the MACC seem to be at the call and beckon of the UMNO chief. While RM2.6 billion transactions may be brushed off as a donation, the accusations against the Chief Minister pale in comparison to what seems to be an obvious play to ‘save’ the Prime Minister from all allegations especially the 1MDB scandal.

Unfortunately, BN-UMNO has all the unfair advantages and government machineries to carry out their wishes and bidding.

This senseless detention of the Chief Minister will not dampen the spirits of Penangites but rather, unite us all despite earlier differences and disagreements. This move to cripple the opposition pact is a rather desperate move on the part of BN-UMNO, especially during Ramadhan and just a few days short of Hari Raya.

I am truly disappointed at how BN-UMNO flex their muscles and unparalleled powers at the opposition pact. Voices of dissent are silenced and forced into submission, while corruption in the country remains rife and racism glorified. Political persecutions are not new to the country. First, BN-UMNO put the former opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim behind bars despite acknowledgement from the UN that the imprisonment was 'arbitrary'. The international community is well aware of Anwar's political imprisonment. Now, Lim Guan Eng is being detained. While government institutions systematically clamp down on its federal opposition leaders, the Prime Minister and his new cabinet rejoice at the pain they inflict on those who do not agree with him.

This is a sure sign of a failed democracy and a failed government with failed leadership. True strength is when a government is fair and decent. At present, BN-UMNO is despicable and very obscene. This is not how a multi-racial country should celebrate the upcoming Raya holidays.

Penangites stand in solidarity with YAB CM Lim Guan Eng.



#BebasLGE #BebasAnwar

Written by: Carolyn Khor

June 2016

Child's Act 2001 discussion by PWDC

The Child Act 2001 is inadequate to protect children’s rights – this was the opinion and outcome of a roundtable discussion hosted by the Penang Women’s Development Corporation under YB Chong Eng, the state executive councilor for Youth and Sports, Women, Family and Community Development. Members of Parliament from Pakatan Harapan such as YB Zuraida Kamaruddin, YB Sim Chee Keong and YB Teo Nie Ching received feedback from notable NGOs such as the Women’s Centre for Change (WCC), Service Civil International; and women advocates like YB Lim Siew Khim, DAP councillors Syerleena Rashid and Chris Lee, Aida Yusof Rawa from Parti Amanah, Lim Kah Cheng, and Priscilla Ho.

The objective of this meeting, held last weekend, was to work together towards eliminating sexual crimes against children. Lim Kah Cheng aptly pointed out that although the number of police cases have drastically reduced through the years, the number of cases admitted to hospitals remained the same. She also mentioned that according to international standards, for every reported case, between 8 to 10 cases goes unreported.

Also raised in the discussion was the importance of having specially trained personnel to handle cases for abuse victims to reduce the traumatic experience. Our society’s mindset is still very much bent on blaming the girls for untoward incidences. Many cases also go unreported due to shame and stigmatisation, and tedious procedure and court process.

Our Malaysian Child Act 2001 was amended in April this year to include a registry for sex offenders. However, this was done without consulting Pakatan Harapan’s leaders and the Child Act 2001 still needs elaboration for further protection of children’s rights.

The new laws introduced increased penalties for child neglect, exploitation and abuse to a maximum fine of RM50,000, 20 years’ jail or both upon conviction.

Who should report abuse cases?

At present, medical officers and medical practitioners, family members and child care providers are obliged to reporting suspected abuse cases to the Social Welfare Officer or risk being fined up to RM5000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

The question then arises: How about the duty of school teachers to inform the authorities?

To this, a teacher who was present in the discussion expressed that there were difficulties in reporting such cases especially if it involved school teachers as the abusers. Teachers accused of abuse are usually transferred elsewhere, however, the floor does not think that it is a good idea.

A lawyer who was also present informed the floor that in cases of child abuse, the perpetrators are usually coaxed to a guilty admission so that the victim need not relate the incident over and over again in court.

YB Sim Chee Keong recounted a few high profile cases regarding crimes against children including the Richard Huckle case, the murder of Nurin Jazlin, the ‘finger-rape’ case, and a few others. He also noted that there were 44 child marriages in Penang in 2010.

“The courts seem to be lenient towards child offenders, citing reasons like the abusers are still young and have bright futures ahead,” he said.

According to WCC, a total number of 7,240 reports were lodged of which 20 percent were charged in court. Out of these only 101 cases or 7 percent resulted in a conviction.

Registry for sex offenders

Section 118 of the Child Act states of the ‘The Register of Children’:

“The Register shall contain – 

(a) Details of every case or suspected case of a child in need of protection;
(aa) Details of persons convicted of any offence in which a child is a victim; and
(b) Such other matters in relation to such case or suspected case as the Director General may from time to time determine.”

In the above matter, YB Teo Nie Ching noted that the registry should rightfullyly be ‘The Register of Sex Offenders’ and not otherwise. The members of parliament present in the discussion will push for further amendments in this direction.

Two sets of law

Syerleena Rashid, highlighted that the problem of having two sets of law – Syariah and the Civil Court Law – and that it must be resolved to address issues like child marriages.

YB Zuraida Kamaruddin from Parti Keadilan Rakyat opined that children, especially girls, should have the opportunity to education, and not start a family before they are ready.

“Parents of young girls who are victims of sexual abuse should not be married off to the abusers as this will not solve anything,” she said. “The definition of rape must also be elaborated so that perpetrators will not get away with lame excuses like ‘no penile penetration’.”

YB Chong Eng closed the session expressing hopes that the parliamentarians are able to forward the details of this discussion to parliament in the next session, which will be in October, to counter the problems faced by victims of sexual abuse.

“Our main aims are to raise awareness about sexual crimes against children and also to work towards eliminating sexual crimes against children,” said YB Chong Eng.

The hotline for crimes against children is 15999.





Written by: Carolyn Khor

June 2016

Two term tenure for CM a good proposal

Letter by Carolyn Khor, Assistant to YB Teh Yee Cheu and Communications Chief for Wanita Keadilan dated 4 April 2016

The Speaker of the State Assembly wields great powers bestowed upon him through the state constitution which governs the house. The approval or rejection of a motion lies, ultimately, in the hands of the Speaker, who decides whether or not the matter reaches the State Assembly for debate during sittings.

Last week, YB Teh Yee Cheu, the state assemblyman for Tanjong Bunga submitted a motion to the Speaker’s office and the State Secretariat’s office to limit the Chief Minister’s tenure to two terms, each being not more than 5 years. He reiterated that he was submitting the motion due to public interest and is ready to face consequences from his party, if any. He also cited Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago as having practise two-term limits. Although the Westminster parliamentary system, which the Malaysian parliament is modeled after, has no fixed-term limit, unlike the United States, YB Teh opined that the State Assembly does have the powers to make the change possible. If the State Constitutional committee, which is headed by the Chief Minister agrees to study the matter in detail, have it refined, made into a bill, then debated during the State Assembly, the two-term limit might just be realised.

The Chief Minister, first of all, should not feel threatened by this two-term limit. It is common knowledge, that such gallant proposals are a herculean task, requiring no less than a few years to even a decade for it to be ready. Of course, this will also largely depend on when the incumbent CM is ready to move on to even higher grounds. But, during this time, it will bode well, both for the people of Penang and also the CM to consider the two-term limit, for the following successors. The CM may in fact, leverage on this two-term proposal to recover from his diving popularity among the Penangites given the recent bad publicity. This would, effectively, be like killing two, or even three birds with one stone, much in the way how Penang has the penchant for being the first in most things.

It takes a lot of courage and will-power to convince the authorities to give up their hold on power. Power, like heroin or opium, is intoxicating. As Penangites, we deserve good policies and good governance and this includes curtailing excessive powers given by the people to a selected few, empowering them to be representatives of the people.

Is conscience banned in the State Assembly or does this signal an improper execution of power? In all fairness, important issues that are of public interest should be debated, nonetheless, and the proposal for the two-term limit should be approved too.

Last night, a DAP veteran member held a press conference to condemn YB Teh Yee Cheu for his actions. Futher to that,the veteran club was quoted as saying: “If he continue [sic] to behave like this and used by umno and show no remorse, he should resign as ADUN and quit the party.”

As YB Teh’s assistant, I strongly condemn the actions of the veteran club members as this is out of line. A state representative is elected by the electorates and that is something which should be respected. We should be supportive of the only voice in the state assembly that dares to voice out against the executives. If all we want are yes-men, then we do not need 'UBAH' anymore. ‘Toeing the party line’ does not work if voices of dissent are not allowed.

How unbecoming of all those who step forward to condemn YB Teh without understanding the larger picture. Justice, fairness, good judgment and freedom of speech has been silenced. How different is this administration from BN? We used to condemn BN for the same actions but now the DAP leadership in Penang is no different. We need to save Penang from the grips of autocratic leaders who can no longer differentiate right from wrong.

People ask, “Why not just concentrate toppling BN? Why should we accept someone who seems to go against the state government?”

The answer is simple: If nobody took up the role of speaking out within the coalition, we are subjecting ourselves to dictatorship. Do not shoot the messenger. We should push for freedom of speech. And at what cost? Only our conscience.

The proposal of having a two-term limit is a noble cause. As we all know, Taib Mahmud governed Sarawak for 33 years. This would have been different if someone had dared to propose a two-term limit such as what YB Teh did. Instead of accusing him of being disloyal or a traitor to the party, Penangites should realise that YB Teh's actions are merely as an ombudsman and a defender of public interest. He is simply carrying out his duties as a people's representative.

I am certain that the Speaker would do the right thing by the people of Penang, provided that he does not receive unsolicited advise from people who think that they have a right to decide on everything.

Carolyn Khor
Assistant to YB Teh Yee Cheu
Communications Chief for Wanita Keadilan

RM50 million slash for Chinese schools nationwide is discriminatory

Press Statement by Carolyn Khor, Ketua Komunikasi Wanita Keadilan dated 22 December 2015

RM50 million slash for Chinese schools nationwide is discriminatory

MCA should be ashamed of themselves for supporting the RM50 million slash for Chinese schools nationwide ever since the 2013 general election. Heng Seai Kie should know that the allocation comes from the taxpayers not BN, and there is no excuse to penalise Chinese voter’s children just because the electorate wanted a clean and fair government.

If slashing 50 percent funding to Chinese schools is realistic like she said, then how realistic can it be when only BN voters pay taxes? It is simply low to suggest that it is realistic for Chinese children to suffer just because of incompetent politicians like herself and MCA who support the BN government’s decision to do so. As a BN component party, MCA should have protested against the RM50 million cut.

With dwindling support for MCA in the Dewan Rakyat, it is clearly a sign from the community that MCA is no longer relevant. As revealed by Heng, 15 percent Chinese voted for the opposition. What has MCA done for the 15 percent? Unfortunately, what the 15 percent Chinese received was also the RM50 million reduction in funds to schools.

This is not the way to punish patriotic citizens who voice their dissatisfaction though the ballot box. Withholding funds or slashing financial allocations is blackmail and blaming the electorate for exercising their rights. If funds can be used as a means to win votes, then how is it not considered bribery? MCA should not promote bribery.

Fishing votes by promising goodies has become the norm in Malaysia. It is an unhealthy practise that should not be encouraged.

That said, the RM50 million allocated to 1,692 Chinese schools pales in comparison to the RM1.1 billion allocated to the PM's department.

Why are Chinese schools being discriminated against? After nearly 60 years after Merdeka, the allocation is a measly RM50 million and the Chinese are still being accused of being cheats, liars and pendatangs. What is MCA doing about it?

Sarawak does not need MCA to bribe them with goodies and false hopes. With the state elections near, will BN be using the RM2.6 billion to do programmes in Sarawak? Where is the RM2.6 billion?

Wanita Keadilan has always been wary of such lowly tactics used by the BN government. We also know the importance of a good education for children. Therefore, through our MPs in the Dewan Rakyat, we will continue to be vigilant and fight for every Malaysian’s needs and rights and especially for our future generations.

Carolyn Khor 许彩贞

Ketua Komunikasi Wanita Keadilan
Exco Wanita Pusat
Parti Keadilan Rakyat

If I were Bunya Jalong...

If I were Bunya Jalong... by Carolyn Khor

I was acquitted. Thanks to Augustine Liom and the honorable judges. I did not think it would be that easy actually. Besides, the law is on my side and I have nothing to fear. Having fathered a son at 60 years old, I must say that I am rather proud of myself. After all, how many men my age is still as virile?

Admittedly, I must say that the DNA tests are actually favourable to me. Since it is proven that I am the father, I believe that I have rights over my son. Let me see, that includes access and visitation rights, rights to decide on his upbringing and future, rights to decide his religion and education, etc,…How about joint custody? Of course, they will be asking for child maintenance, but hey, how much can you get out of a father who has none or not much to spare?

Even if I have any money, I will again, seek Augustine Liom's help.

I have also planned out my visitation hours where I will spend time getting acquainted with my son. Of course, I will share with him all that I know about his mother too, the 15 year old girl whom I had the privilege to be close with. How sweet that would be. For the next 18 years, at least, I will have the entitlement as a father to be with my son. How much better can it be when his mother and family will have to be constantly in touch with me and be reminded of my contributions?

And what if my son's mother and her family feel offended by my presence? I guess they just have to bear with it. Nobody can seek maintenance and deny the father's right to see his son. That would be very unjust, would it not?

Ahh.... I can visualise it now. I do not even have to marry my son's mother. Probably a petty amount would suffice to maintain my rights as a father. Rights, rights, rights.... Thank God for man-made laws.

...........

Carolyn Khor is a freelance writer who writes in her free time. The above piece is meant to sympathise with the victim of Bunya Jalong. She hopes that the victim's family will consider forgoing child maintenance and apply for a restraining order against the acquitted rapist instead.

Choi’s attire should not be blown out of proportion

Link to MSN

A 25 year old Muslim convert and primary school teacher lodged a police report against the school board’s director who had requested her to remove her headscarf if she wanted to continue teaching at SJK (C) Nan Ya in Kota Tinggi. Did she feel victimised and was therefore seeking help? And was it necessary for her to make the police report?

Choi Yi Shan, a 25 year old Muslim convert and primary school teacher, turned the tables on her colleagues over a remark that was made over her choice of dressing. She lodged a police report against the school board’s director, Phang Ah Ngang, 72, who had requested her to remove her headscarf if she wanted to continue teaching at SJK (C) Nan Ya in Kota Tinggi. Consequently, the news drew flaks amongst the Muslim groups that demanded action to be taken upon the school board’s director remarks.

The headscarf remarks uttered by the school board director were neither criminal nor seditious. Today, Choi received a public apology from the school’s board and along with the school’s principal. In a picture taken by reporters, Choi is seen shaking hands with the principal. She was seen donning a red headscarf, sunglasses and with a hand fan hiding her face.

The earlier events that transpired between her and fellow subordinates, prompted Choi to hastily make the police report over a remark which could have been solved through many other possible channels like requesting for an explanation through an official complaint letter.

Given the explosive nature of Muslim sensitivity in the country, the lass’s impatience has cost the nation another blow along the racial and religious lines.

The question is: Did she feel victimised and was therefore seeking help? And was it necessary for her to make the police report?

As a Chinese Muslim convert, Choi should have been accustomed to treating the elderly with a little of deserving respect if she was raised up in typical Chinese fashion. The Chinese customary is as such that elders are often revered in the family, within society spectrum and most of all are given a listening ear. Even if the elderly people are gravely wrong with their statements and opinions, there would have been a proper dialogue or amicable consultation process to address the following concern. Sadly, those well-meaning virtues are not well heeded in today’s generation.

The choice of dressing, whether Muslim or not, should not have been an issue in the first place. Headscarves are, but, a personal choice, culturally ingrained and for some, a religious obligatory.

We can only assume that Choi might have been facing the constant harassment and ridicule to the point where she could no longer escape and filed an official police report. But still, this is no reason to act rashly or contemptuously against Phang and the school.

What entails in her police report is no longer a private issue between the two parties. Despite being transferred out from the school and receiving a major apology, the police report has yet to be withdrawn and pending investigations are still ongoing. UMNO Youth has called for the full brunt of the law to be brought against Phang and the school for his insensitive remark and intend to make ‘as a lesson to all’.

The chain of events has sparked further uneasiness among the fundamentalists, fueling at every opportunity to accuse the non-Malays of challenging the Muslims. This madness needs to stop somewhere.

Tolerance and unity is not just a sole initiative and is a joint effort undertaken by all, and we, living through the years of harmonious peace side by side, should ensure that there is no room or space for extremism. Choi should withdraw the police report and put the lid on any political perpetrators for the sake of national harmony. This matter should not have been blown out of proportion in the first place.

* This is the writer’s personal opinion.

Speaking out for the people is a Wakil Rakyat’s job

Link to MSN

Bukit Relau receives due ‘medical attention’ after ‘Botak Protest’ by Teh Yee Cheu. Pressure by the Tanjong Bunga State Assemblyman resulted in new consultants being engaged by the land owner to restore the illegally cleared hill land.

Pakatan Rakyat Penang is exemplary in its execution of democracy in that elected representatives of the people can speak out without fear or favour with regards to the State Government’s actions or inaction. In all aspect, this professionalism to separate party issues and governance is highly beneficial to all. A yes-man would no sooner prove to be detrimental to both the coalition and the public.

Teh Yee Cheu recently shaved his head bald as a protest against the developers of Bukit Relau to restore the barren hill to its previous condition. Six months earlier, General Accomplishment Sdn. Bhd. was fined RM30,000 under Section 70A (1) of the Street, Drainage and Building Act for carrying out illegal earthworks at the site. Even Karpal Singh, the National Chairman of DAP had sounded out his displeasure over the inappropriate clearing of trees.

It was reported today through Chow Kon Yeow, the State Local Government Committee Chairman that General Accomplishment Sdn. Bhd will engage another consultant to help mitigate the illegal land clearing on the hill.

Widely known as the environmentally friendly State Assemblyman who cycles to work, Teh has always stood his ground to question the government on issues relating to public interest. He represents the Tanjong Bunga constituency.

Batu Uban State Assemblyman supportive of Teh’s actions

Dr. Jayabalan, the State Assemblyman for Batu Uban, where Bukit Relau is located, supported Teh’s protest as a ‘symbolic gesture towards the violation of a pristine environment and the manner in which the destruction has been condoned’.

“Despite promises, the mitigation and restoration process has not yet been carried out.

“I wish to reiterate that I support Teh in his actions and that there will be other measures taken to protest the destruction of the hill,” he said in a text message.

In this particular case, the State Government together with the Department of Environment should have taken the matter further to ensure that the landowners keep their promise to rehabilitate the hill. About six acres of land have been cleared and civil society groups have been vocal towards the paltry sum for such a huge area of deforestation.

Carolyn Khor

Enviromental impact

“Massive erosions are found and siltation has formed in the river nearby”, claimed Teh Yee Cheu.

“With only 9 per cent of forest reserves left, more should be done to conserve the hill and to promote sustainable development,” he added.

When asked why he chose the 1^st of January to shave his head, Teh answered that he hoped to start the New Year with a strong message that ‘green living’ should be a priority for all and that in the public’s interest, the State and Federal agencies should step up their efforts to protect the environment.

“I am the people’s representative and I am just doing my job,” he said.

Teh also mentioned that he had raised the issue during the State Assembly seating in June and December 2013, prior to staging the public protest.

Cleaner Greener Penang

Penang’s famous tagline ‘Cleaner, Greener Penang’ is evident that the Penang State Government is serious about protecting the environment. Many Penangites share the same sentiment towards hill degradation and environment lovers are hopeful that the irresponsible parties are given sufficient pressure to replant the trees.

As Bukit Relau is 250 metres above sea level, it should also be rezoned as hill land and unsuitable for development.

State Environment Committee Chairman, Phee Boon Poh was reported in The Sun Daily today as ‘not wanting to comment further’ as the forestry reports had been released in May last year and that he ‘did not want to run down his DAP comrade’.

Phee Boon Poh is right and courteous about promoting a united front. However, it cannot be denied that Teh’s action had prompted the landowners to take immediate remedial steps to rectify the situation of the bald hill. Overall, the Penang State Government should be applauded for putting the people’s interest first. As any good government should know – it was the People’s Power who put them there in the first place.

Pardon me, can you please apologise again?

Link to MSN Malaysia News

Jahara must be deaf to request a second apology from Lim Guan Eng.

BAZUKI MUHAMMAD\Newscom\RTR

Far from being satisfied with Penang Chief Minister’s prompt apology for calling Jahara Hamid a grandmother, she is now threatening legal action within a week if Lim Guan Eng did not apologise for a second time. The Telok Ayer Tawar State Assemblyman and Penang Opposition Leader must indeed be hard of hearing to demand a second apology.

Jahara had earlier drawn comparison between two different locations in Penang to support her argument that illegal Malay hawkers were being unfairly treated by the State Government. This would have resulted in instigating racial tension if the matter was not refuted immediately, to which the Chief Minister called Jahara a ‘racist grandmother’.

Telok Ayer Tawar Pakatan Rakyat coordinator, Norhayati Jaafar confirmed that the Malay stalls operating without licenses in Jahara’s constituency especially at Pantai Bersih are still operating their business without interference from the enforcement officers, contrary to what Jahara claimed.

“As far as I know, the Malay hawkers are still conducting their businesses in Telok Ayer Tawar and there are no intentions to do otherwise,” she said.

While Jahara may be crying wolf and entangled in her own web of deception, Penang enforcement officers are mostly caught in between carrying out their duties and appeasing a large number of illegal operators who unabashedly occupy idle land to carry out their businesses.

Tale of a Malay trader at Pantai Jerejak

Juninah and six other Malay hawkers operate without licences by the seaside near Bayan Mutiara in Bayan Baru. The site is now earmarked for land reclamation and the business owners have received notices to clear the area to make way for further development. These business owners have also requested the State Government to relocate them elsewhere.

Maybe the Penang State Government should help look into the problems faced by Malay traders. Tricky problems as such must be dealt with care and caution so as not to be accused as being discriminating against the Malays or being seen as setting precedence by negotiating with illegal traders.

Santai Bahtera, a pretty beachfront café located next to the Penang Island Pulau Jerejak Jetty has an amazing view of the Penang Bridge. To date, the café has permanent structures such as a surau, toilet and water facilities, electricity and even a stage.

“We are just earning a living but the State Government is chasing us away with development,” lamented Juninah.

Juninah had sought help from various authorities but all her cries for help are not being taken seriously.

“We admit we are illegally conducting our business here but we do hope that the State Government will help us by relocating us to another site,” she added, claiming that she recently spent RM140,000 renovating the place.

Apology not good enough

Word is out that Hj. Rashid Hasnon, Deputy Chief Minister 1 for Penang, who is also the State Assemblyman for Pantai Jerejak had given an explanation to Juninah for being unable to help her maintain her business site as the area will soon be condoned off to make way for bicycle tracks and land reclamation. However, efforts are still underway to help Juninah and the others achieve an amicable solution.

Apologies and explanations are always never good enough.

Good governance is all about making the right call at the right time. The State Government has the authority to allow or disallow, make legal or stand firm on matters concerning illegal occupation of idle land.

The only setback is that if any precedence was made, many other instances of illegal traders seeking the same compensation and treatment may be expected in the future or else the State Government may risk being accused as being unfair.

Pardon me, can you please say that again?

Apart from Jahara’s threat to sue the Chief Minister of Penang if Lim Guan Eng did not apologize for a second time within a week, the issue of being called a ‘racist grandmother’ remains firmly wedged as a racial issue – one that is distinguishably ambiguous as enforcement officers are expected to carry out their duties only towards non-Muslims.

Jahara claims that only stalls of a certain race were demolished. Perhaps Jahara can provide a fair solution for all illegal traders and without prejudice too. In any case, if she is only looking after the interest of Malay and Bumiputera traders, then she would have just affirmed and stamped the ‘racist’ label on herself.

As a grandmother of seven grandchildren, there is no reason why she should not be called a grandmother if she was proud to be one at all.

** This is the writer’s personal opinion.

How sexist remarks attract remarkable attention

Link to MSN Malaysia

A grandmother by any other name is still a grandmother.

Reuters Picture Stream

The commotion over the ‘racist grandmother’ remark hurled by the Chief Minister of Penang, Lim Guan Eng during the Penang State Assembly towards the State Opposition Leader, Jahara Hamid drew ire from many people even though an apology was issued soon after.

Gender accusation is highly inappropriate considering many people would have misconstrued Lim’s remark although his timely apology was commendable.

The Chief Minister fell for the oldest trick in the book – succumbing to provocation and unfair accusation from the opposition. On hindsight, if Lim had not been so quick with his tongue and instead retorted in a calm manner, Jahara would have just remained as that, a grandmother.

In all hilarity, the term ‘grandmother’ has never been a derogatory one until now. The word conjures an affectionate portrayal of a woman with wisdom. As such, it would be an oxymoron if ever the phrase ‘Grandma Jahara’ was coined.

Jahara had accused the Penang State Government with practicing double standard in enforcements with illegal stall operators by comparing two totally different locations to support her argument. She would have intentionally caused the issue of enforcement to be a racial one even though there was none.

Calling a spade a spade

A rose by any other name is still a rose. Whether a woman is a grandmother or a spinster, name calling gains attention. This is mainly because people do not like being called names. Even more so, when a woman is reminded of her gender - as if it is something negative - age and marital status aside, she would get upset.

The point in hand here is that language plays an important role in gender equality. The understanding of words relates all the way back to how we were brought up and how society reacts in certain circumstances.

Somehow, a man would not accuse another man of being a racist grandfather or a racist bachelor.

In a world where women have to work doubly hard to achieve what men take for granted, it comes as no surprise that women feel unsettled with phrases in relations to gender connotations.

After all that is being said and done, it may also be constructive if women were able to take a different approach towards gender classifications. So what if we were being called a grandmother? So what if we were being called a spinster?

It takes a lot to get to where these women are today and all that has nothing to do with being either a grandmother or a spinster. If the women truly reveled in being a woman, being branded as one should be taken in a positive manner rather than a negative one.

Triumphantly, it may be that men feel intimidated by the presence of women. Therefore, the overwhelming need to verbalise it in a way to put the women ‘back where they belong’ sometimes come about in the most unexpected manner.

For example, Ridhuan Tee would never comprehend why a woman might choose to be single rather than a couple. He is a blind follower without essential critical thoughts and should be aptly dismissed as a nuisance not worthy of our time.

After all, a sneer should not be mistaken as a sexist remark.

What is a sexist remark?

A sexist remark is when someone refers to another with an offensive word or phrase that belittles or insults the person’s gender. The offensive words may range from vulgar words to descriptive words that refer to a woman’s genitals.  Who could forget the Minister who implied that women ‘leaked’ every month?

In any case, being labelled as a grandmother or spinster is candidly mild and women should not take any further offence. Be proud of being one instead of feeling insulted. That itself will cancel out any contemptuous effort, if any, that was meant as a pot shot to an easily bruised ego – something synonymous to being sensitive and emotional.

Last but not least, being a racist carries no sexist undertone. Jahara remains as one.

** This is the writer’s personal opinion.