Wawancara Hari Kebangsaan 2005

Dear all,

A very good day to you.

This is my little project in conjunction with the upcoming National Day. I would like to conduct an interview with you which the end result will be posted in my blog. If you wish, it can be posted in your own blog too.

The questions are as followed.

1. The British have left the country for 48 years, but many of their policies including the notorious Internal Security Act (ISA), divide and rule, restrictions on mother tongue education are still largely intact. In the aspects of press freedom and local election, it's much worse than it was 48 years ago. In your opinion, are we truly independent ?

2. Many including former teachers in Malay College Kuala Kangar hold the opinion that, the level of national unity and academic results were much better when the medium of instruction was English. Once it was switched to Bahasa, it's downhill all the way. Does this mean the national language cannot unite the citizens efficiently ?

3. Many blame the racial politics and racist policies as main culprits for national disunity. However, even without these, the national schools do not necessarily become the premier choice. Does this mean national unity is difficult to achieve ?

4. Social Contract which was created prior to independence has become the buzzword in town again. Unfortunately most of them wish to interpret it according to own preferences, for instance, Umno emphasis on the Special Malay Positions, while DAP emphasis on Malaysia being a secular state. In your opinion, is this Social Contract going to be relevant forever ? Would the thoughts of future generations be different ? If yes, which way ?

5. Liberals and fundamentalists have different interpretations on the role of Islam in the Constitution, in which its role was not clearly defined. Does Islam as the religion of the federation is only ceremonial and symbolic, or it should be the basis for all laws and policies ? In some countries for example Pakistan, it is stipulated in the Constitution that any article in the Constitution will be automatically invalid if it clashes with Al-Quran or Sunnah. Do you think we need to include this in our Constitution too ?

6. Between Constitution and Al-Quran, as well as human rights and Al-Quran, which is superior ? Constitution and human rights safeguard freedom of religion. Instead of being just a way of thoughts and rituals, Islam is also a way of life (ad-deen) and has its own legal system. Is the National Front (BN) government, which continues to forbid the enforcement of Hudud, Qisas and Takzir while claiming that Malaysia is a "Negara Islam", infringing its citizens' constitutional rights and human rights by restricting them from practising their religion ?

7. Can the Communists be considered as surrenderred, after the signing of Haadyai Peace Accord ? It was stated that the Communist members would be allowed to return, but many victims of their violent and terror acts opposed to it. How should the government decide ? Did the Communist play any role in gaining independence and national building ? If yes, please state.

8. Are the "20 Points" which was meant to protect Sabahans and Sarawakians interest still relevant ? What are the effects to national integration, politics, economics and society, if it is maintained, reviewed or abolished ?

9. Under the current administration, Malaysians tend to equate patrotism to flying of flags, konsert merdeka and fireworks show. Can you suggest any methods of celebration which can be more useful ? If yes, please state.

Please try your best to answer as many questions as possible in English, Bahasa or Chinese, and send me the reply by e-mail to before National Day, thank you.