Merdeka 曖昧

You Are My Sunshine
My only sunshine.
You make me happy
When skies are grey.
You’ll never know, dear,
How much I love you.
Please don’t take my sunshine away

The other nite, dear,
As I lay sleeping
I dreamed I held you in my arms.
When I awoke, dear,
I was mistaken
And I hung my head and cried.

You are my sunshine,
My only sunshine.
You make me happy
When skies are grey.
You’ll never know, dear,
How much I love you.
Please don’t take my sunshine away.

I’ll always love you
And make you happy
If you will only say the same
But if you leave me
To love another
You’ll regret it all some day;

You are my sunshine,
My only sunshine.
You make me happy
When skies are grey.
You’ll never know, dear,
How much I love you.
Please don’t take my sunshine away.

You told me once, dear
You really loved me
And no one else could come between
But now you’ve left me
And love another
You have shattered all my dreams;

You are my sunshine,
My only sunshine.
You make me happy
When skies are grey.
You’ll never know, dear,
How much I love you.
Please don’t take my sunshine away.

Louisiana my Louisiana
the place where I was borne.
White fields of cotton
— green fields clover,
the best fishing
and long tall corn;

You are my sunshine,
My only sunshine.
You make me happy
When skies are grey.
You’ll never know, dear,
How much I love you.
Please don’t take my sunshine away.
Crawfish gumbo and jambalaya
the biggest shrimp and sugar cane,
the finest oysters
and sweet strawberries
from Toledo Bend to New Orleans;

You are my sunshine,
My only sunshine.
You make me happy
When skies are grey.
You’ll never know, dear,
How much I love you.
Please don’t take my sunshine away.

p/s : Shin will be away to KL and Penang for some time. For the time being, please read the updates in Lyn’s blog.

From Latheefa Koya, Deputy Information Chief of Justice Party Youth, through Forum Rakyat :

Burma’s beloved democratic leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Su Kyi will celebrate her 60th birthday on Sunday at her Rangoon home where she has been confined for the past two years in her third stint under house arrest since beginning her political career in 1988.

Commemorating her birthday, local NGOS and Burmese Workers groups in Malaysia is organising a small tea party and invites everyone to:-

The Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (Sunday)

19th June 2005

10am till 12pm

Free Daw Su ! Free the Burmese People ! Lawan tetap lawan ! See you there…

Related link : Aung San Su Kyi’s Pages

from Lyn :

Tengah malam pasang pelita,
agar gelap menjadi terang,
mengapa lama tak dengar berita,
adakah kita dilupai orang ?

from Shin :

Mentari terbenam malam menjelma,
lelebah asyik kumpulkan madu,
di atas langit bintang dan purnama,
di dalam hati kasih dan rindu.

The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity. Surely some revelation is at hand. - WB Yeats 1920

The tranquillity of stable government is not always easily preserved against the machinations of single innovators. - Samuel Johnson 1775

Recently, we witnessed the launch of the Islamic state document (ISD) by Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS). Predictably, there were not many indepth comments forthcoming. Malaysians tend to disdain intellectual pursuits and it is left to the few intellectuals like Professor Syed Hussein Alatas and Professor Shad Saleem Faruqi to make their sharp examinations. The article by Faruqi, Tragedy for Islam and the nation, which was published in Mingguan Malaysia on Nov 16, 2003, is recommended as it lays down clearly and analytically the implications of the ISD to the country’s existing constitutional framework.

Going through the ISD, I get an uncomfortable feeling. The basic framework of the country had been in place for the last 55 years (Federation of Malaya Agreement, 1948), if not 130 years (Pangkor Engagement, 1873). The Federal Constitution and state constitutions incorporate most of the important earlier arrangements, combined with the pact between the races which was negotiated during the path to independence and the entry of Sabah and Sarawak (which also involved negotiation, consultation and fact-finding by a United Nations commission). Our constitutions are infused with ideas and concepts like democracy, human rights, the rule of law, protection of minorities, property rights and freedom of religion. It is noteworthy that Malaysians had come to enjoy such rights, protection and guarantees earlier than the black population in the southern states of America. Even the Eastern European countries had only achieved independence and right to free elections after 1988, while in the Middle East, free elections are still absent.

At the outset, it is appropriate to lay out some of the basic precepts of our country. (Readers will know that I am repeating and re-repeating myself, but the point never seems to reach out fully.)

1. The Federal Constitution is the supreme law of the land;
2. The Malay rulers are sovereign;
3. The Malay rulers parted with their powers and discretion over most administrative matters, but retained their discretion over the Islamic religion and Malay customs;
4. The Malay ruler is the head of the Islamic religion and he has his own council to assist him in this function;
5. The Islamic religion had been defined as that professed and practised prior to 1948; and
6. Politicians, state assembly and exco have no role or power in matters of religion.

Given the precepts outlined above, together with the adoption of democracy, free elections, human rights, the rule of law and protection of minorities, where is the need to redraw or redesign our political and constitutional structures? Furthermore, the country is at peace and continuous economic progress has been achieved. If at all, politicians and other groups should concentrate on making our country better - improve human rights, more economic development, more equitable incomes, less crime and better local councils. The emphasis should be on achieving greater productivity and efficiency through better management and accountability. We want our people to be healthier and more educated and productive so that poverty can be abolished, thus ensuring a good and secure life for everyone. We have to be mindful of the intense competition from our neighbouring countries as well as the challenges of modern technology and globalisation. However, we have unending attempts to redesign the basic structures and a proposal to put in place a system which promises uncertainty, chaos, division and unhappiness.

One question that comes to my mind is: What is the proper role of politicians under our constitutional framework?

Political activity, including party politics, is allowed under the Federal Constitution (free speech and freedom of association) and the provisions of the Societies Act, Elections Act and established principles of common law and equity. Without those articles and provisions, we cannot have political parties, elections and representatives. It is not the proper task of political parties or representatives to seek revolutionary changes to the structure and process which had enabled their selection in the first place. They should concentrate on their assigned role of leading the people (together with other established institutions) towards progress, prosperity, enlightenment and fairness. They should be looking after our roads, drains, parks, prisons, schools and ports to see what are the improvements that need to be done and whether there are any defects, inefficiencies and malpractices that need to be rooted out. Above all, politicians should not interfere with the sovereignty and discretion of the Malay rulers over the Islamic religion.

Another important question is the suitability of a government under theocracy. Rule by theocrats was only hinted by the ISD. But that is the implication when one seeks to govern by scriptures to draw up policies, programmes, laws and rules. Rule by theocrats is totally contradictory to and irreconcilable with democracy. Rule by theocrats is also inconsistent with human rights, supremacy of the Federal Constitution, legislative supremacy of parliament and the rule of law.

A nation must be guided by experience and history to be found at the universal and local levels. A system based on scripture and rule by theocrats would mean turning our backs on human experience and history over the centuries. All the valuable lessons from history and great works in science and humanity would have to be thrown away. Guidance by experience and history also means examining critically the performance of countries which have attempted to govern by scripture and theocrats, whether partially or totally.

Iran has an elected parliament, but non-elected theocrats hold predominant power. This has resulted in frustration and unhappiness among the younger population. Sudan, which attempted to impose the Syariah Law, has had to undergo a decades-long civil war (which is still ongoing) that had killed hundreds of thousands of people and left many more wounded and homeless. Sudan is now finalising a truce that involves the “separation” of the Muslim north and the Christian or animist south. Pakistan, after 60 years of independence, is once again under military rule, and sectarian killing (between Muslims) is rife. The Saudis have yet to taste free elections, while sex-segregation is strictly observed. Then, there is the feasibility of having two systems in one country, one for Muslims and the other for non-Muslims. Under the ISD, the country will effectively be divided into Muslims and non-Muslims. There will only be one rule for Muslims and one for non-Muslims, but the socio-politico systems for both groups will also be separated. Another possibility is a Sudanese-type partitioning of Muslim and non-Muslim territories. Given our country’s small land area and population, such partitioning is just unthinkable.

Let us examine briefly the position of various parties, bodies and institutions as envisioned under the ISD. Some conclusions are more of conjecture, given the “vagueness” of details found in the document. Such vagueness is in marked contrast to the clear, concise and emphatic wording found in our constitutional and legal documents.

1. On monarchy. The ISD provides that, “The Islamic State will entrench the principle of… Constitutional Monarchy based on the teachings of Islam”. The words in italics lend ambiguity to the position of the rulers. Presently, the sovereignty, rights and privileges of the rulers are guaranteed by the Federal Constitution as well as the respective state constitutions. The ISD also accords absolute sovereignty to God (Page 27). Does this mean the rulers’ sovereignty would not exist under the ISD? The constitutional lawyer does not see any contradiction between the sovereignty of rulers and God for the relationship is one of “a nation under God” or of “rulers enjoying sovereignty under God”. I implore the Conference of Rulers to study the ISD and its implications for the role, position, rights and privileges of the Malay rulers, particularly in relation to their sovereignty and position as heads of the Islamic religion, closely. The question on the position of the Malays and the indigenous people is also relevant for any amendments to various. Thus far, the Conference of Rulers does not appear to have addressed itself to the implications of the introduction of Hudud legislation to the discretion of the rulers in relation to the Islamic religion.
2. Of the law and judiciary. As it stands, the civil law judges sit in judgment of all crimes (other than Syariah crimes), personal and business disputes, disputes between the citizen and the government and disputes between governments. The judges have the final say over interpretations of statutes and the constitutions. The judges also “make law” since they apply the principles of common law and equity in the courts. The judiciary itself is a constituent of government, together with parliament, the executive and the Conference of Rulers. Further, the judiciary is the guarantor of citizen’s rights against arbitrary arrest and imprisonment as exemplified in their far-reaching discretion over habeas corpus proceedings and judicial review. The ISD is largely silent over the role of judges and the judiciary. There does not seem to be any role for an independent and professionally trained judiciary. Who is to check the excesses of the executive and the theocrats under the ISD? Who is to protect the small man against arbitrary arrest, detention and confiscation?
3. Of parliament and state assemblies. Under our existing arrangement, the supreme law-making bodies are the federal parliament and the state assemblies. The federal parliament has three constituents, namely the Dewan Rakyat, Dewan Negara and the Conference of Rulers (for some matters). Subject to the Federal Constitution, parliament, as the supreme legislative body, is fully empowered to make and unmake laws. The ISD states that “the practice of syura or consultation would place the elected members of the House of Representatives to exercise their due rights in the legislation”. Fair enough, but the ISD is riddled with several statements which have the effect of negating the supremacy of elected representatives in law-making. For example, the amputation of the hand as punishment for theft is mandatory and must be implemented and recourse to other sources of law (other than Syariah) is prohibited. “The Koran and Hadith will be the primary source of legislation in the governance of the state and its judiciary…”. Given such mandatory injunctions, parliament and the state assemblies would no longer be the supreme law-making bodies. The likely result would be that laws would be drawn up or revised by “scholars” and imposed on the people without their consent. Presumably, the interpretation of all laws would also be left to theocrats and not the professionally trained judges anymore.
4. Of non-Muslims. The ISD makes various attempts to assuage the obvious fears and concerns of the non-Muslims. Thus, “non-Muslim members of the state can continue to enjoy the rights of the freedom of religious beliefs” and “possess and enjoy their rights as citizens of the state”. But non-Muslims would not be comfortable with the various texts in the ISD which reflect intolerance and single-mindedness and is inconsistent with democratic principles. Such texts include “Islam as a comprehensive system of life, embracing the entire domain of socio-political life” and “the Islamic system of government… is the conviction of a true believer of Islam and its entire system”. We find that “the non-Muslim members are given the options of either being subjected to the Syariah penal code or the current penal code of the land”. This is such an easy concession to make, but the practical implications are not so simple. Questions which arise include: When should the option or selection be made? Is it to be made upon reaching the age of majority or only upon facing a criminal charge? If one option had been selected at one criminal charge, can a different option be taken at another criminal charge? Can joint trials, involving multi-religious perpetrators, be conducted any longer? The last question arises since the substantive, procedural and evidence laws would now be different for Muslims and non-Muslims.
5. Of Muslims who disagree with ISD. The ISD referred to Surah al-Baqarah: 256 -there is no compulsion in religion. But this is meant to apply only to non-Muslims. For Muslims, “…they have no choice except to completely abide by their religion”. Difficulties with the Federal Constitution’s guarantee of “right to profess and practise his religion” aside, the compulsion on Muslims contemplated by the ISD would lead to various problems. The beliefs and practices of Islam are not totally uniform. Malays are mainly Shafiites, while many Indian Muslims are Hanafites. There is also a sprinkling of Shiites and Ismailites. Observances of prayer and piety tend to vary from individual to individual, group to group and state to state. It is neither convenient nor desirable to compel Muslims in this country to accept the ISD, a document proposed by a political party which (presumably) has its own beliefs and political objectives. Many Muslims have little interest in politics and no desire to mix politics with religious beliefs and practices. Many would also not be happy to see politicians usurping the prerogative of the Malay rulers as the head of Islam.
6. Of women. The ISD contains a “policy on women”. The policy expresses some encouraging sentiments, including “to eliminate the exploitation of women”, “to encourage cross-cultural women integration” and “to prepare a new strategic plan for women in the new millennium”. The ISD, however, must be read together with the numerous pronouncements and practices of PAS which have had a negative impact on the development of women’s potentials and rights. Examples include discouraging women from seeking work, the non-appointment of women as government officers, the non-nomination of women for elections and severe restrictions on women in sports. The ISD, while appearing to encourage women development, contains several “catches”. For example “to empower women in accordance to their nature and potentials”, also, “to encourage healthy competition of women alongside men within the limits of the syariah”. Such qualifications serve as a warning that there will be severe restrictions on the activities and physical movement of women. In some countries that practise Syariah Law, women are excluded from officer and executive positions, forbidden to drive, forbidden to travel outside the home unless accompanied by a close relative and have no voting rights. The current position of women in Malaysia is much to be envied. There are women ministers, secretaries-general, top civil servants, bankers, corporate executives, senior professionals and judges. Malaysian women have achieved the right to vote since 1955, together with the men. There are now more female than male students in institutions of higher learning.
7. Of a free press. The ISD makes no mention of the role of a free press. We cannot have true democracy without an informed, free and responsible press. There is no other way to create an informed public, to identify weaknesses in policies or implementation and to bring attention to pressing problems as well as notable achievements. The absence of a free press is a characteristic prevalent in most Syariah-administered countries. The ISD contains no assurances or safeguards in this important matter.
8. Of Malay rights, culture and customs. Given its focus on Islam, Muslims and non-Muslims, the ISD makes no mention of Malays at all. The ISD’s primary distinction is between Muslims and non-Muslims. The Federal Constitution and state constitutions, on the other hand, makes little reference of Muslim and non-Muslims, but contain provisions on the special position of the Malays and other indigenous people. Under the Federal Constitution, “Malay” and “Muslim” are not synonymous. A Malay, in addition to being a Muslim, habitually speaks the Malay language, conforms to Malay customs and born of at least one parent born in either Malaysia or Singapore. This means legally, Malays are to be distinguished from Muslim Indonesians and Arabs. The ISD does not state whether Article 153, Federal Constitution, together with similar provisions in the states constitutions, are to be retained. Similarly, the preservation and development of Malay language and culture have little place and priority under the ISD. The ISD only provides for “…a national cultural policy that reflects a truly Malaysian persona that is in line with the Syariah” and “to enhance Eastern culture that is in line with religious dictates”. The fate of the Malay language and culture under the ISD does not appear promising at all. Such a conclusion is borne out by the determination of the Kelantan and Terengganu administrations to suppress the wayang kulit, makyong and so on.

Can a state be Muslim? We all know that a state is a legal entity, capable of suing, being sued, owning property and existing in perpetuity. But the state is obviously an artificial as opposed to a natural person. As an artificial person, a state cannot logically have a soul. It cannot fulfil the Islamic requirements of reciting the Kalimah, praying, fasting and doing the pilgrimage. The fifth requirement, the payment of alms to the poor, is possible. Thus, a state can neither have faith nor carry out religious deeds. A state simply does not have the necessary physical and mental faculties.

Now, wait a minute! Is what being said here inconsistent with our constitution which provides Islam as the religion of the Federation and the State? The Federal and state constitutions solve the problem through the sovereign ruler who embodies both the headship of the nation or states as well the Islamic religion.

As a natural person, the Malay ruler is capable of lending the Islamic identity to the nation or states. The ruler is a Muslim capable of having faith and in carrying out the required deeds. It is also noteworthy that the Islamic identity is maintained only at the nation or state level and not the government, government agency or local council level. So, when a citizen, either a Muslim or a non-Muslim, approaches, say, the local council for some approval, he is not approaching a “Muslim” local council. Can a “Muslim” local council be expected to approve or give fair consideration to the setting up of a pig farm or the physical expansion of a church?

Conclusion

Presently, Malaysians possess a reasonably good, fair and workable government system. We enjoy the rule of law, democracy, peace, stability and economic progress. There are, of course, deficiencies and imperfections which we recognise and should work on. But we should not go about making drastic redesigns and restructuring. A proven machinery capable of adaptation and improvement cannot just be shoved aside. Such a move would put the country on the road to chaos, killings, refugees, destruction of property and general unhappiness.

We should concentrate our mental and physical energies on developing the nation so that we can abolish poverty, improve health, have better housing, become more educated and productive, achieve a cleaner environment, improve human rights records and reduce corruption. Let us build on our strengths and achievements and go on from there. Let us not continue on belabouring the issues which had been satisfactorily settled in accordance with genuine consultation and adopted the best constitutional practices and traditions. We cannot ignore the lessons of experience and history.

Radzuan Halim, a former merchant banker, teaches MBA and law student

Radzuan’s Reasons: The Islamic state document

The Coalition of Against Water Privatization (CAWP), and Suaram Johor are organising a forum on the privatisation of health services and water supply in Malaysia.

The purpose of the forum is to promote a more in-depth discussion on the impact and consequences of on-going privatization of national health care services and water privatization, which affects the very fundamental well-being of every citizen in the country.

We are still on whether DAP and Elfiefuddin are chauvinistic… Rajan Elfiefuddin, in trying to prove that he is not chauvinistic in his reply to Rajan Seri, wrote that,

I was bred, raised and educated in Pulau Pinang for the first 20 years of my life. I went to a private primary school and later, I went to a SK and a SM. I was even in a Penang tertiary college for about 2 years before I finally moved to Klang Valley. I have many non-Muslim and Muslim acquiantances whom I count amongst my dearest friends.

So, this have proven that you are a good Pas supporter ? If so, son of a Pas founder Haji Ahmad Badawi, our PM today YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi must be a good Pas supporter too. Why would he introduced Islam Hadhari to counter Pas’ Dokumen Negara Islam, until Pas had to create Hadhariah Islamiah to fight back ?

I was there during the 1990 campaign where the ignoramous LKS wanted to become “Chief Minister With Power”. Complete with Robocop getup with his ugly, grinning face behind the steel mask. One cannot get any more racist than that [imagine if Pak Lah were to post pictures of himself with an Usama bin Laden getup during campaigining].

So what exactly is wrong with CM with Power ? Are we happy now with a puppet CM who has to listen to every order from Umno the tok dalang now ? Robocop and Osama ? Osama to Muslim is Robocop is Chinese ? Oh, Robocop is Chinese racist you know ? Robocop is Chinese !!!

I was there when KS was MP for Jelutong and you can see the fruits of DAP racism in Jelutong today. I was there when LKS was in Tanjung and discriminated the Muslim (read: Malay) population very badly.

Oh, MPs wield so much power in their constituency until they can “racism” the Malays away huh ? DAP MPs don’t even get the peruntukan pembangunan as BN MPs. You still haven’t answered me this.

Let’s also not forget who started the May 13th riots in 1969 as well.

DAP held a parade to celebrate their victory, which is perfectly legal and rightful in a democracy. Had Datuk Harun then Selangor MB not mobilised the Umno mob and Rejimen Askar Melayu Diraja (RAMD) to start killing, would there be any bloodshed ? Everytime Tun reminds us of May 13, it sounds like as if Umno will run amok again if they are not returned to power. Funny isn’t it ? The funnier thingy, a self-acclaimed Pas supporter still buying Umno propaganda, hahaha !

Now I am pointing my finger at DAP and accuse them of being “snakes and vipers”. Barisan Alternatif does not need DAP. I am still hoping that DAP will change, but deep down, that is perhaps an impossibility as long as the Chinese chauvinist culture of the DAP remains firmly in place.

Justice and equality is snakes and vipers, then amputation of limbs, stoning to death and public beheading must be Legos and Play Stations !

As I have said earlier, having Chinese members who are passionate in solving Chinese issues doesn’t make DAP a racist or chauvinist. It is a fact that Chinese dan lain-lain face more discrimination. So what’s wrong to demand for equality and justice for all ? If they are claiming Chinese must get more rights than Malays then only it is chauvinistic. Elfiefuddin should first point out exactly how is DAP chauvinistic and racist.

Hoping DAP will change ? Change to what ? DAP and Keadilan have similar policies, should Keadilan also change ? If there’s one thing Keadilan needs to change, most people think it would be its ties with Pas, which resulted in Keadilan’s defeat in election after election.

From Rajan :

So “forcing a religion on 55% of Malaysians” is “sincerely wish to practise their religion to the fullest” while demanding Malaysia treats Muslims and non-Muslims equally, giving everyone a choice in religion, is “infringing on the rights of others”.

Poor Rajan speaks a lot about democracy, but is not willing to practise it himself.
By claiming Rajan is not practising what he propagates, it still does not justify why should a religion be forced on 55% of Malaysians and its legal system become the nation’s. These 55% Malaysians were not given the chance to choose to be a Muslim, but nevertheless stuck in it as Elfiefuddin is proposing death penalty for those who wish to regain freedom of choosing own religion . So how can Hudud be applied on them against their free will ?

Oh yeah for your information, Elfiefuddin and I was chatting about this the other day, and whenever I asked serious questions, he will try to divert it, for example, by saying “Some who who who have answered it before…”, or “You were not in Penang that’s why you don’t know…”. In the most extreme case, he would call his dad to come fetch him home, so he can get way

Eventhough already a brother-in-law and very soon will be an uncle, he is still very immature in discussions, and cannot distinguish policies from attitudes. While there’s something about DAP’s attitudes, there’s nothing wrong with its policies. Telling me how biased is DAP’s racial profiling doesn’t justify Malaysian Malaysia the idea is lop-sided. That is different from why people reject Pas, because their policies post a great danger to Malaysian democracy.

Perhaps before he ever thinks about getting active in politics, he must read “Logic for Dummies”, or else he would be a liability to Pas

I don’t know if anyone of you have experienced this. If none, that means I am quite lonely in the cold out here.

My dad has some misperception about my blog. He thinks it is an outlet for us to spread hatred against the government leaders (like what Tun thinks about Pas lah…). And that I would be detained by the authorities sooner or later because of my blogging, and the friends I know through blogging.

You readers to my blog may judge, whether all the criticism and suggestions here, to both sides of the political divide, are justifiable and convincing. If there are anything baseless, I wouldn’t have put it up in the first place isn’t it ? That’s part and parcel of the journalistic ethics we uphold. For example, I wouldn’t call someone chauvinistic and racist without any evidences, like what that joker likes to do. Again, our blogs are not in the same class.

In fact, I think my dad’s views about politics is 100 times more dangerous than mine. He likes to blame everything on a certain ethnic group. From bad urban planning to lousy national car, his answer is always the same. They nurture their own people, send them to overseas eventhough they are dumbs,and upon their return government hires them that’s why…etc. Seems like that I have found a ally for that fanatic boy.

One day we were on the issues of Israel. I noted that many Malaysians dislike Israelis. He said, “Why should they ? Many Jews were killed during World War 2 too…” or something to that effect. He also thinks that the Communists were right in killing the student demonstrators in Tiananmen Massacre, that stability should come above democracy or freedom… Hmm, I guess he does not even live in the same planet as us.

Even my mom defends me, that credit and debit should be given to where it is due, and we have nothing to fear if we are telling the truth. But somebody prefers to see me in Kamunting. Hahaha, why so perasan ? You think I am Kit or Anwar ke ? I don’t think I am qualified yet, seriously. As I said, if people like me should be inside, people like him with those ideas should have been inside for ages. But he’s still outta here isn’t he ?

If blogging is way forward to cultivate new critical minds in the country and promote a new wacana on issues close to Malaysians’ hearts, we shall never alight from the bandwagon prematurely. In a world where the Gerakan man’s blog can be voted RSF’s Freedom Blog, something is seriously amusingly wrong somewhere…

Keep on blogging, Lawan tetap lawan !

I have secured a global exclusive today.

I found that in the feature Winds of change in PAS? by Bridget Welsh in Malaysiakini today, the name of our Parti Keadilan Rakyat was mistaken for Partai Keadilan Sejahtera (PKS), Indonesia. I am not sure if I was the first to notice it. But I emailed the editor to point out the error, and shortly after, I have pleasantly received a reply, saying that they thank me for the effort, and it had been corrected

comparison of before and after

Okay, perhaps, it’s my scoop. But it’s not my big break, yet.

Regarding big breaks, I am still looking for mine. However, such opportunities our adorable si chomell Nore already have a few. There was even once when somebody telling us aunty wanted us to draft her a speech. What a durian jatuh ! I duly assigned this task to her as it’s too huge a mission for me. Anyway, it turned out to be a prank from someone who haboured ill feeling towards us

We make peace not war. It’s better to have more friends than enemy. However, if somebody really wishes to bermusuhan with me, who am I to deny him his little gesture ?

Still on big breaks, perhaps I may get one by end of the year, if I look harder. Or perhaps I have read too many journalistic fictions. If there’s any vacancy in Wall Street Journal or New York Times Suara Keadilan or Harakah, tell me okay ?

Political Reform in South East Asia - An Evening with Anwar, the Keadilan fund-raising dinner was held successfully in Hotel Istana, Kuala Lumpur on the night of May 28th, 2005. Many including the entourage from Keadilan Kelantan turned out in full force. Newly elected Pas Deputy President Nasharuddin Mat Isa was present as well.

Apart from Chairman of Majlis Pemesyuaratan Rakyat (MPR), Indonesia, Amien Rais and Chairman of Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Thailand, Kraisak Chunhavan, the man of the night was Datuk Seri Anwar himself.

On that particular morning, I received a call from Youth Exco and International Bureau Chief, Faisal Mustaffa, asking if I could join him in his interview with Kraisak Chunhavan later at 3pm. I turned down the invitation with great pain, as I had some other commitment that afternoon (what could be more important and interesting anyway ?).

On the other hand, Hasmi was assigned to interview Amien Rais. I tried to find Faisal a replacement. First came into my mind was Nore the sweet charming princess. Too bad, she couldn’t make it too. But she did comment, that it’s “so cool” to not only meet but interview Amien Rais.

Two days later, I SMSed Miss Gan of Batu Constituency Service Center, asking what had Anwar and his two friends talked about. She replied that she didn’t paid much attention to the talk, as she was missing somebody badly…

Anwar spoke on a variety of issues including the rampant corruption as well as lack of scrutiny and prudence in the management of public funds. For example, when he was Minister of Finance, he wanted Putrajaya to be built phase by phase. However, once he was sacked, all the packages 1, 2, 3 went up immediately. The same happened in the approval of toll increment. One of the reason given by PLUS was that the extra fund was needed to bribe certain ministers. How hillarious !

One point that was featured in mainstream media and TV news was Anwar’s stern warning to the current administration, that the de-peg of Ringgit Malaysia from USD must be carried out immediately or else Malaysia’s competitiveness would be severely hurt. It received rebuttal from YAB PM Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that there’s no urgency in doing so, which shows that Umno is still in denial.

Some of Anwar’s remarks drew laughers from the floor, for instance when Anwar admitted that he failed to persuade Deputy President Dr. Syed Husin Ali to wear his shoes, instead of slippers, for that night. However, he was quick to add that this is the greatness of Keadilan party, where people from various backgrounds come together to struggle for reformation.

Perhaps there have been enough teasers for now. Watch it yourself here and see if Anwar can convince you on whether alternative parties are a viable alternative to the corrupt Barisan government today. Brought to you by Malaysiakini and Malaysia.tv, sit back and enjoy

Getting bored of the endless arguement between Rajan and Elfiefuddin ? Okay guys, this is what you have been waiting for. Paris Hilton, who is reported to be engaged to her boyfriend of five months, Greek shipping heir Paris Latsis, is here to show you her petite milk bottles precious assets. Not as curvy as Siti Nurhaliza’s though. Click to view here, 18 sx

By the way, I hope aunty president and puteri reformasi will keep their cool after reading this. I have just talked to the aspiring candidate for Kelana Jaya parliamentary seat. We both agreed that it would be the sure win weapon for us if we can invite Paris Hilton to attend our campaign. Watch out dudes !

Angkuh, cauvinis, anti-this and that… Is it DAP or Pas ? In fact, both. What most Malay think about DAP is exactly what most Chinese think about Pas. Only that there’s one difference : while Chinese’s fear of Pas is true and real, Malay’s misperception of DAP is created artificially.

Elfiefuddin is only too happy to shoot DAP when YB Tuan Guru Datuk Seri Haji Abdul Hadi Awang appeared in an interview in Mingguan Malaysia yesterday, Tak Semestinya dengan DAP, in which he mentioned that Pas is willing to engage more Malaysians. Things to that effect had also been said by Nasharuddin Mat Isa appeared in The Sun Weekend’s Conversation, of PAS, Present and Future.

His nemesis Rajan, in return, quoted Much ado about Malaysian shakeup by Ioannis Gatsiounis which appeared in Hong Kong-based Asia Times, that as long as the changes in Pas is merely cosmetic, status quo will remain and DAP won’t consider rejoining the Alternative Front.

The first I wish to point out, while DAP is majority Chinese-based, its vision Malaysian Malaysia is one that cares of all Malaysians, with justice, human rights, equal chance and equal rights for everyone. Its opposition to Hudud (which is considered as torture by most civilised Malaysians) does not amount to rejection of good values taught by religions.

That their members pay more attention to Chinese community related issues cannot be equated to being Chinese chauvinists, as they are just demanding for equality, for equal facilities that Umnoputras have already been enjoying for decades. Chauvinistic only if they ask for more privileges than other communities, but that’s not the case.

Therefore, holier-than-thou, extremist, anti-religion and chauvinistic as described by Elfiefuddin is totally unfound.

If DAP have any problem, they are the sometimes lack of democracy within the party, its attitude towards other alternative parties, and most importantly, an image problem.

I have no problem accepting Guan Eng as Sec-Gen, as long as he is capable, which he is. He went to jail for helping Norhayati Md Yusof, the then 15-year-old girl who was statutory-raped by then Chief Minister of Malacca and Umno Youth Chief, Tan Sri Rahim Thamby Chik in 1994. While Norhayati herself has denied that she had anything with Rahim, her grandma, Puan Pendek Ahmad, who is 70 this year, will still be present everytime a DAP ceramah is held.

DAP should also improve its attitude towards other alternative parties. There must be give an take, they must not cling on to their so-called “traditional seats” where they have been defeated for decades, and at the same time parachutting to seats where Keadilan have worked the ground for years and built up strong grassroot.

The first uncle from the left in this picture, in Keadilan T-shirt and holding a flag, was a DAP member. Over the lunch during Perak Leadership Training in Ipoh, he told me that they have nothing against DAP’s policy, but its culture. To wipe out Chinese in Keadilan might sound good for DAP in the short term, but it will surely be detrimental to Malaysia’s overall political health in the long term. DAP should see Keadilan as partner instead of competitor.

The problem of image is the worst problem. DAP has been labelled as anti-Malay and anti-Islam, while it is not. Demonisation by media is one reason, but DAP itself also fails to reach out and engage average Malaysians. I once asked James Wong of Malaysiakini, one-time DAP MP for Kampar, how do they reach out to Malays during campaigning. I didn’t even need to mention the word “Malay”. He spontaneusly knew what I wanted to ask when I just said, “During campaigning, how do you reach out to… ?” He told me that average Malay families have no problem agreeing with DAP’s manifesto at all.

I believe they understand it and support it. Or else he wouldn’t have won. But that’s limited to those who have been exposed to explanation and clarification. And it’s not an easy task. BN have complete propaganda apparatus to brainwash common Malaysians. Therefore I think the image problem can be reduced if DAP is willing to engage more people, and not only when election is approaching.

To sum up, DAP have no substance problem, but more a form problem. The best solution is to have a rebranding. Perhaps Rajan may wish to share with us why is DAP so reluctant to step out of their comfort zone and explain their strategies and visions to the mass.

However, for Pas, image is not the biggest problem they faced. Thea reason of Pas’ lost is their failure to realise that demand for reformation is not a demand for 7th century legal system, which is deemed inhumane and barbaric by any member of modern civilization. Even if we support America’s attack on and later occupation of Iraq, we cannot allow torture like those in Abu Ghraib or Camp X-Files, Guantanamo Bay to take place. So, proposals to Malaysia into a big Abu Ghraib or Guantanamo will surely be rejected, no doubt, and it has been proven in 2004.

And the rejection of torture should not be seen as a rejection of good virtues as promoted by religion. We do wish to discourage people from smoking or drinking, as it is unhealthy, but issuing fatwas and raiding pubs are not good solutions. And it is counter-productive as the raids carried out by state / federal territory Islamic religious departments will only infringe individual liberty.

They should emphasis on education on why is drinking bad, rather than like what it is now. They can go ahead and arrest those who have post a danger to the society, such as drink and drive, or those who breaks social norm, like what Dr. Lo’Lo’ Ghazali said when defending moral policing, that make love on the street… Probably nobody will disagree with that.

Remember how Malaysians were infuriated when Datuk Seri Anwar was beaten up by Tan Sri Rahim Noor ? Hypocritically opposing violence but at the same time proposing torture is akin to menconteng arang di muka sendiri, or like Kinabatangan MP YB Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin like to say in his Indonesian accent, ambil kayu pukul kepala sendiri. Therefore why should anyone be suprised when Pas was rejected when it wanted to curb human rights and introduce torture ?

They cannot assume every Muslim wants what they want, so decide for every Muslim that they must be subjected to 7th century laws. Freedom of choice is a fundamental right in a democracy. And we heard that Haji Hadi said Islam is not against democracy, don’t we ?

More than a rebranding or change of image, it’s paradigm change that Pas need to undertake. If the young reformists can realise this, thus take away the elements which are rejected by Malaysian voters from their policies, they will become a true competitor of Umno. Otherwise, a lot of those who wish to kick Umno out of office will not dare to vote opposition parties and are forced to vote Barisan, for their fear of Hudud, which is much more frightening than corruption.

While not compromising their raison d’Etre, Islam, Pas may seriously think of regenerating their vision, turn it into one that promotes religious virtues and respect human rights. Stop trying to outdo Umno by appearing to be more religious or hiding behind Islam to cover up their weakness in formulating sound policies. They will be suprise to see how many more will support them, which will not only more than enough to make up for the loss of Hudud supporters, but may sweep them into power too.

So, is there such a political will ? This suggestion might seem radical, but the truth is always bitter. And the truth is, everyone will agree with this suggestion except Pas itself

Thank you very much Rajan, Guy, Bob K, democracy4now, nnydd and Pak Kadok for commenting on our previous entry, Of DAP, Pas and Keadilan 3 - Keadilan’s Dilemma with Pas

From Rajan’s blog entry :

ShinShin says PKR doesn’t want to leave its alliance with PAS because they don’t want to further divide the Malay vote.

Hmm… That’s not what I said. Zukri was merely telling the truth that it is difficult for a party that allies with neither Umno nor Pas to get supports from traditional Malay ground. I did not mention dividing Malay support at all.

Look at DAP. Why with justice, human rights and equality, they more often than not fail to capture the significant Malay support they deserved, for example in Balik Pulau and rural Province Wellesley ? Don’t they know Malay support is crucial too ? Perhaps they need some soul searching. Anyway, there are also exceptions, such as when the late Ahmad Nor won in Bayan Baru.

How exactly is that a good reason? I thought PKR was suppose to rise above communal politics?

True, every party should. Both Justice for All and Malaysian Malaysia envisage a free and fair society where justice and equality flourish. However, seems like it’s easier for Keadilan to reach out to Chinese community than DAP to reach out to the Malay ground, why ? Why is DEMA and New Vision Studio strongly backing, for example, Tian ? Would they, had Tian wanted to turn Malaysia into another Taleban or Saudi ?

Umno and MCA will still claim that a vote for DAP is a vote less for BN to block Pas thus a vote for Islamic state, eventhough it is no longer in Alternative Front. Do we blame the biased media totally for demonising Islam ? Or it’s due to DAP’s failure to engage aggressively and explain ?

Reformation can only be achieved with support from everybody. Pas have admitted that. Nobody in his sound mind would deny the importance of votes from the biggest group if he is serious about implementing his visions by forming the government. Unless he is satisfied with a niche and never wish to become mainstream.

In any case, many Malays are voting UMNO simply because PKR is in bed with PAS, and many Malays are voting PAS simply because it is in an alliance with PKR. In other words, PKR has the possibility of further dividing the Malay vote, making the non-Malay vote an important swing. And with DAP, it can split the Chinese vote and gain a significant amount of the Indian vote.

Right again. The three main perjuangans in Malaysia are for Malay, Islam and Malaysia respectively. Everyone who agrees with our common goals should come into our fold. Both DAP and Pas supporters want a clean and just Malaysia, don’t they ? However, every alliance has its opportunity cost, especially before Pas and DAP see the bigger picture. It is for the leadership and their think tank to evaluate which parties should we align to, taking into consideration the people’s wish.

We are not unhappy with Keadilan’s alliances. We want DAP to engage more. If Alternative Front is dissolved, it will only add another feather on BN’s cap to claim that the alternative parties are split. All must come together to topple the corrupt and racist regime. Our common enemy is BN, whose discrimination dwarfs the difference between alternative parties. Pas must walk the talk and de-emphasis those policies that are not rejected.

From Guy of Melancholy blog,

Hopefully the new leaders of PAS will herald a change in the mindset of the party.

Some like The Sun / The Edge’s Oon Yeoh said however reformist their new line-up is, it is still very much backward in the eyes of many. They should realise this and look into it if they don’t wish to be rejected again, the sooner the better. To be fair, we must give them a benefit of doubt.

i have read a book on party politics. The author mentions that in a political party keeping quiet is never a good option. when there is a conflicting issue (i.e. stem cells research) instead of keeping quiet, the party should release 2 statements. The more progressive and controversial should be voiced by the youth party and the more conservative should be voiced by the err.. non youth party.

in this way, the public and media will see that there is a healthy debate going on (provided things dont go out of hand). if things do get outta hand, the President can always issue a statement

Yes. Keadilan leadership should know that joining hands with Pas in fighting against injustice, racism and corruption doesn’t mean we have to keep quiet when Pas tries to introduce torture and cruelty. If we are serious in fighting cruelty and upholding human rights, we must speak up regardless of who are the culprits.

Debate is a must. In order to convince the constituents, we can present it in the different ways. Radicals and moderates are both needed to engage different segments of the society, but we should not double speak or try to cheat, or else we will become another BN ? Forms can differ but the substance must be consistent.

From democracy4now of Sungai Dua Bukit Jambul metroblog,

The problem here is precisely that the big boss - the people has no say and not given choice in deciding the kind of political options for them. Given a more open/discussive political culture Malaysians can use referendum/opinion polls/open forum to canvass the opinions - even among Opposition supporters to ascertain the popular position prefered. The parties need to support the people - not the other way round. When the parties are no more than war lords who hijack the people’s voices then we see this choiceless choice.

Yes, agreed totally. Pas didn’t realise that there are much fewer supporters for Hudud than supporters of reformation, thus they were rejected. Only if we embrace what the majority wants sincerely, they will have faith in us.

There is another choice : the people need to show political parties some ‘colours’ by putting them on the spot for a political check-up before they get support, or arrange the political ‘marriage’. Discussions like you have here need to be extended /opened up more so more options can be found. Otherwise we remain hijacked by political parties as warlords - whether of the BN or BA brand. Make sense ?

Exactly. The people must be heard. Parties must deliver what the people want, or we will face another rejection. We must start the ball rolling so there will be more dialogues and exchanges.

From Pak Kadok,

Actually, it’s a lose, lose situation here for PAS, PKR & DAP. Either way they will lose support, esp. for DAP if they co-operate.

Malaysia has an immature electorate. They are immature as they believe crap such as what PAS would do if they come to power. But everyone knows that PAS cannot come to power on its own , esp. when they can’t even win a seat in east M’sia. Even if they do, some of their MPs might “lompat”.

Anyway, I believe the independent/swing voters are the ones that decide. And if you court one side, you loses the other side. Thus, it’s a lose, lose situation for the opposition camp. Either way, they only get the “crumbs.”

Only when they realise BN can only be toppled if both stop infighting. Hudud and Islamic state wont win the hearts of majority Malaysians. It’s no longer 7th century. Rejecting cruelty is different from rejecting good virtues promoted by religions. BN’s injustice and corruption are real while Hudud is an imaginative threat being exaggerated.

When are Pas and DAP supporters going to see it ? Pas is going to engage the non Muslims, but it will be merely lip services if they don’t compromise, it’s as simple as that. When is DAP ready to engage the wider community and be truly Malaysian ?

nnydd of Anak Alam blog commented something which I think is quite another topic so we will discuss in the next entry

Hari Blogger Antarabangsa - 14 Jun 2005

Kita bersyukur kepada Kerajaan Barisan Nasional kerana tidak menyekat kebebasan akhbar sepertimana yang berlaku di Nepal. Di Malaysia kerajaan mengamalkan kebebasan akhbar, di mana akhbar-akhbar arus perdana dan saluran-saluran televisyen bebas memfitnah parti alternatif dan para blogger.

Kita beribuan terima kasih kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Bendahara Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi kerana belum pernah memenjarakan atau menahan di bawah Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri blogger-blogger di Malaysia, sungguhpun Malaysiakini pernah diserbu, Jeff Ooi difitnah dan Mack Zulkifli di”wawancara”.

Kebebasan Bersuara hak kita. Kebebasan Maklumat hak kita. Kebebasan Berblogging hak kita. Penapisan kita tolak.

Bebaskan blogger yang dipenjarakan, termasuk Mojtaba Saminejad and Mohammad Reza Nasab Abdolahi, kedua-duanya warga Iran.

Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila layari Committee to Protect Bloggers.

Over the weekend, Budu has sent quite a few pages for me to learn English. On the other hand, new kind on the block, UTM postgrad Kian Keat from Province Wellesley have also shared with me a travel blog of his dream girl. Since some of you might not have come across one or more of these interesting reads, I hereby reproduce the links here…

Tidak semestinya dengan DAP - Wawancara Mingguan Malaysia bersama TG Haji Hadi.

Of PAS, present and future - The Sun Weekend Edition interviews Nasharuddin Mat Isa.

Going for broke - The Times reports that Cherie Blair is causing outrage again over her cash-spinning overseas adventures.

Iran forward not back - The Guardian reports that New Labour’s campaigning methods have been adopted in some surprising quarters.

East London Rail - New line to serve East London, passing by Brixton.

Then and Now: Loughborough Junction, Coldharbour Lane - Scenes near somebody’s home in London.

Loughborough Junction (Cambria Road Spur Platforms) - Pics of disused platforms in the railway station.

Insidious - Really hillarious ! Maobi answers Nazmi’s take on annual scholarship sandiwara, claiming that Nazmi was trying to spread harmful message and entrap the rest, can you imagine that ? Hahahaha !

Nico’s Travel Blog - Little cutie conquering the big continent.

Enjoy yourself !

Cerita kita terdahulu, Muktamar Tahunan Pas ke-51 - Surat Layang, telah menarik perhatian pihak pengendali Jiwa Merdeka, dan soalan kita telahpun dijawab dalam tulisan ini.

Pertamanya, kita ditunjukkan secebis pendapat yang bertajuk Fitnah Memang Budaya Kita, iaitu kenapa perlunya disiarkan tulisan-tulisan yang jelasnya bertujuan untuk memfitnah beberapa pemimpin pembangkang, kebetulan pula di dalam lelaman yang dirasa lebih cenderung kepada menyokong Parti Keadilan.

Menurut Jiwa Merdeka, pimpinan Pas perlu mengetahui perkara-perkara (termasuk fitnah) yang berlegar di sekeliling mereka, demi menganalisa perkara berkaitan serta mengatur strategi agar dapat mengatasinya. Selain daripada itu, penyiaran tulisan sedemikian juga ada tersimpul suatu sempadan dan tauladan.

Bagi kita, semua ini tidak menjadi masalah. Kita pasti pimpinan Pas akan berterima kasih kepada saudara kerana diberitahui tentang surat-surat layang tersebut. Kan orang Gerakan itu dalam blognya ScreenShots pun dah siarkan gambar Haji Hadi dan laptopnya.

Yang kita khuatir, kalau mereka yang tidak fasih tentang keadaan semasa termakan pembohongan yang termaktub dalam surat layang itu. Ramai lagi warga Malaysia yang mudah terpedaya dengan pembohongan dan malas mengkaji kesahihahnya. Sebagai contoh, ramai lagi yang sudi percayai fitnah Barisan bahawa Datuk Seri Anwar cinta sejenis.

Jika kita ingin mengumumkan kepada orang ramai tentang wujudnya surat layang, ia boleh dibawa dalam bentuk laporan berita, dengan surat itu sebagai lampiran. Kita pasti badan-badan berita profesional akan mengendalikan perkara ini dengan cara tersebut. Dengan begitu, tidak mungkin mereka yang difitnah mendakwa laman saudara bersubahat dengan pemfitnah dalam usaha menggulingkan mereka juga.

Sekadar dua kupang kita sahaja, terima kasih

Selamat Pengantin Baru to Eszereen, Elfiefuddin’s younger sister who is going to get married today, yeay ! Akad Nikah is scheduled to be at 9 in the morning while bersanding is at 12 noon.

I guess he has been busy preparing for the wedding, the bersanding, the walimatul urus (wedding feast) and whatnots. When I asked him the other day, he said, “Oh yeah, hectic, cousins running all over the house like ants !”

When I saw Rajan onlined around noon, I alerted him about the event, and seems like he was informed of it little while ago, through the entry in Elfiefuddin’s blog.

However, he had already had his lunch. So, gotta give it a miss this time. Maybe we will be there when Elfie himself gets married (btw, when is it ?). We can invite all of them, Gary W Bush, Roy Lim, Tariq Kamal, Hani Selamat, Rosina Kamis… etc. And if you want, the expired medcine from Rusila, and the parachuter in Ipoh Timur… The list goes on.

送你一個香甜的粽子，
以芬芳的祝福為葉，
以寬厚的包容為米，
以溫柔的叮嚀做餡，
再用友情的絲綢纏繞，
原你品嘗出人生的美好。
端午節快樂!

當你正在不斷尋找幸福時，
你將錯過許多就在身邊的幸福；
幸福未必是遙不可及的，
可能只要隨手一握，
就能將他輕易握住。