Hormat Kepada Orang Tua

Syed Hamid to Murugiah: Don’t butt in.

Malaysians are rich in culture and traditions. Strict rules and regulations are observe in every part of life. There are taboos, do and dont's, cultural performances, etc. "Malaysian proverbs" is one of the myriad of cultural heritage inherited from our fore-fathers. They are commonly used by parents to discipline their children. The folks have many of these short words of wisdom that express effectively some commonplace truth or useful thought. These proverbs have effectively inculcate good manners in young Malaysians.

"Hormat Kepada Orang Tua" or "Respect the Elders" is a popular Malay proverb. It is a wise and profound saying that has been passed from generation to generations. Remember primary school? We have learned a lot of proverbs in school. From standard 1 until SPM. Remember "Pendidikan Moral"?. You have to respect anyone who are at least a day older than you, and you cannot deny whatever they say, even if you don't agree with them. At least not openly, or in front of a third party. Because that would mean you do not respect them. "Diorang Lebih Dulu Makan Garam" or "They've Eaten More Salt Than You" is another proverb to suggest an older person is categorically much wiser than you. By not respecting the elders, then you are not observing your cultural root, your racial lineage. No matter how ridiculous their opinion is, you have to live with it, never criticize them, and you will be fine. Just go to a corner, get a blanket, drape yourself and cry like a gelded donkey.

Barisan Nasional have been ruling in Malaysia for half-a-century. This party is also strict in its dos and dont's. Cultural taboos have been observed incessantly. The leaders are steep in tradition. This is all the more evident when any leader within Barisan Nasional speaks up against a collective decision made in higher echelon, then he will be rebuked by the BN chief whip. A leader who spoke up is entitled for a party disciplinary action. He can be suspended, fired from his post or given show cause letter for his audacity to speak against his "boss". Come to think of it,. Not much different from a proverb "Melawan orang Tua" or "Disrespect to the elders/superior" isn't it?

Remember Datuk S. Sothinathan? He has been suspended for three months as Natural Resources and Environment Deputy Minister. I think it was in 2005. Sothinathan's outburst in the Dewan Rakyat was about the de-recognition of the Crimea State Medical University (CSMU) medical degree. Mr. Sothinathan did not agree by the government decision, and stated his case in the parliament. But look at what he got. SUSPENDED! And this was the party president statement; "As a member of the government he should not have taken the stand to criticise the government. It is a breach of party discipline". There you go my friend "Hormat Kepada Orang Tua". A lot of other ministers condemned Sothinatan's actions, they say it was not appropriate, that he should have taken a more appropriate channel. They say he had "broken rank" (another word for melawan cakap) with the party leadership. But "Au Contraire" my lord, what more appropriate channel than the PARLIAMENT? Should he go to a corner, drape himself in a blanket and cry like a gelded donkey; an appropriate channel?

PUTRAJAYA, 24 Sept — It is inappropriate of Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department T. Murugiah to interfere in the affairs of another ministry, said Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.

The home minister said Murugiah's action - in speaking on behalf of Seputeh Member of Parliament Teresa Kok on complaints she was not served proper meals while in detention under the Internal Security Act - was akin to being a spokesman for the opposition.

"What he has done is not right. I hope he knows how to look after his own turf. He should not interfere in another's affairs...that is not his work."

I say please don't desecrate a proverbial wisdom. Do you have to switch political alliance first before you can speak up for fellow human being? Do you just watch your friend drowning and not do anything because he is supporting Barisan Nasional while you are SAPP stalwart?

Pendekar

There's a story of a fearless "Pendekar" in a remote village in remote district known as "Kotoh Balat". This "Pendekar" earn his reputation for being a formidable fighter, he never once concede anything to any of his adversaries nor did he ever lose in any arguments. For he has a loud shrieky voice equivalent to a frog calling for rain to come down. He was gifted with a heavenly high-quality vocal cord and a larger than large larynx.

One loud clamor from him is enough to send any opponent down, silencing any protest from the floor. "Pendekar" used that to his advantage and once he led a political party known as ROOT (Revolutionary Otai Otai Tongok) - Don't ask me, I don't know what it symbolizes either. ROOT was considered as a splinter party, because it was formed by former members of a disrupted bigger party known as PDS (Party of Disjointed Shame).

Due to this "special quality", a gem rarely found in any other leader or in any other place but "Kotoh Balat". He was elected as a speaker in national legislative assembly of his country. This is a very clever strategy by the ruling party DN (Destruction National). Because this chap "Pendekar" is a Godsend. He can be manipulated and exploited for the sole benefit of the ruling government.

The ruling government is in a precarious position, because there's a looming threat from an emerging nemesis. The nemesis is set to take over the government at any time, he has exhausted all constitutional and legal avenue. One final avenue could be to call for an "emergency sitting" of the national legislative assembly. To explain to the country lawmakers about current dire situation, and why is it necessary to have complete overhauling of the current mediocre incompetent government, as soon as possible. Maybe to call a vote of no confidence on the ruling government and the decision could be made there and then, at the extraordinary sitting.

Yes he did just that, the nemesis sent a letter to the leader of the ruling government the NM (Nadir Minister). Among others the letter contains concern about issues in the country, worrying national and global economic downturn, and how the dangerous religious and racial disputes has been manipulated by certain ministers in the ruling government to boiling point. The "emergency sitting" would open way for a stubborn political impasse created mostly from denial syndrome suffered by those in the DN party.

But as usual, the NM dismissed all that as mere fancy. He said the nemesis was just day dreaming. The NM also complained that the sent letter is too lenghty and that he will need time to discern it. The people are not sure whether the NM is seriously intellectually challenged or he is just making excuses in delaying what the people see as an inevitable reform. Why? No... who on earth would call for a meeting that will probably lead to his own demise? Would you? No I will not. Strange? Yes the strategy of the nemesis is strange indeed, very odd.

To be fair to him, the nemesis has a point though. He said if the NM does not call for an emergency sitting of the national legislative assembly. It is tantamount to a deliberate attempt to undermine the sacred process of democracy in this country. An apparent dereliction of the law of the country by those in corridor of power. But again! Who would dare to call for a meeting that will decide his own death by a guillotine? Do you?

And Yes! As you might have already expect. The NM has another tool in his never-ending arsenal. Presenting our very own "Pendekar", hail from "Kotoh Balat", a last bastion for the ruling government. A reliable one at it, because "Pendekar" is the speaker of the national legislative assembly. With that he has some sort of vested power on him whether to call or delay any "emergency sitting". With his loud voice and burning charisma, HAHAHA who would dare deny his ruling?

"Pendekar" issued a statement regarding the nemesis request for an emergency sitting by saying ~Only the Nadir Minister can call for an emergency national legislative assembly session, and even then he needs to give a 14-day notice.~

14 Days may be too long to save the country from this dark episode.

Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish?

~The Sabah Progressive Party's (SAPP) withdrawal from the Barisan Nasional is a good thing as it was a problem within the coalition, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

... "Good riddance. They are a problem. It is okay, he (SAPP President Datuk Yong Teck Lee) is a trouble-maker, let him go", The Prime Minister said" (Extract from TheStar, Thursday 18 September 2008)

Above was the immediate response by our Prime Minister after SAPP opted out from Barisan Nasional. With that I feel that effectively all requests put forward by SAPP in the "Declaration of the People of Sabah for change in the country" have been dismissed as rubbish.

1. That the government shall be of the people and based on Good Governance and Civil Society and non-racial politics based on a progressive, just and harmonious society,

2. That Sabah shall have political autonomy whereby the government shall be formed and run by the people of Sabah,

3. That Sabah and other oil producing States shall be entitled to the petroleum royalty of 20%

4. That the Federal Territory of Labuan shall be returned to Sabah and governed as a special region,

5. That unfair and imprudent federal laws which have been extended to Sabah and federal departments and which are to the detriment of the State shall be reviewed,

6. That Sabah shall be given fair and just participation in the federal administration, the civil service and private sector, and that the federal departments in Sabah shall, as far as possible, be headed by local Malaysians,

7. That the federal government and the state governments shall put in sufficient resources, political will and leadership in solving the illegal immigrant problems in a firm but humane manner, with emphasis on regional concept and smart partnership,

8. That the federal and state governments shall together work on redressing the in-built structural imbalances in the economic and social structure of the country affecting Sabah and other states.

I am sure these declarations are the true wishes of the people of Sabah. Let's wait whether UPKO, PBRS and PBS also consider Sabahans wishes as a pile of rubbish.

Happy Birthday Malaysia

Today is the eve of Malaysia's birthday. On September 16th 1963, North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak, Singapore and Malaya formed a federation. However Singapore pull out of the federation in 1965. Sabah was given independence by the British by "forming" Malaysia, together with the other three states. Note that I used the word "forming"! Purposely to affirm Sabah's position as "one of the three states" in Malaysia. This is clearly the original intention in the spirit of the federation, that somehow I think today has been harshly violated. As Tunku Abdul Rahman puts it;

~... One reaction in the Borneo territories was that the Malaysia concept was an attempt to colonise the Bornean territories. The answer to this was, as I said before, it is legally impossible for the federation to colonise because we desire that they should join us in the federation in equal partnership, enjoying the same status between one another...~ (Extract of speech by Tunku Abdul Rahman, Prime Minister of the Federation of Malaya, in the Federal parliament on 16 October 1961)

The facts have been distorted to the younger generations. So much so that today many Sabahans haven't got any clue of our "correct" history. Scholastic history syllabus did not include any reliable facts about Sabah's true position in Malaysia. Absolutely no mention about the "Twenty Points". The safeguards that our forefathers made to protect us the descendants of Nunuk Ragang, the offsprings of the Land Below the Wind, sons of Kinoringan. This mean that the younger generations were made to believe that "Sabah has achieved its Independence through Malaysia". That without Malaysia we will forever be clutched under colonialism.

Bear in mind that Sabah achieved its independence on 31st August 1963, prior to forming Malaysia. Therefore North Borneo has already been given independence even before Malaysia was realized. It was known that British government was all for granting Independence to Sabah. But since the local people, at that time were mostly backward in literacy and education, constitutionally incompetent and unable to achieve self-governance. Therefore the British thought it would be ideal to precipitate Independence with the formation of Malaysia. As evidently noted in the following passage.

~... The declared aim of the British Government is to grant independence to all its colonial territories as soon as they are ready for it. Hitherto this has been thought as simply as independence for North Borneo standing by itself or, more recently, in association with Sarawak.~

~... It is the view of the British Government that, provided satisfactory terms of merger can be worked out, the plan for Malaysia offers the best chance of fulfilling its responsibility to guide the Borneo territories to self-government in condition that will secure them against dangers from any quarter.~

(Extract from "North Borneo and Malaysia" published by Authority of the Government of North Borneo, Jesselton, February 1962)

As a responsible younger generation, we need to ask questions regarding our rights in Malaysia. What was the Sabah leader's understanding of the term Independence? Does self-government and self-determination carry the same meaning today as they did then? Is Sabah mere one of fourteen States in Malaysia, or are we one out of three states in Malaysia? What about our current status? What are the original intentions of the federation? Did we merge with Malaya or have we been assimilated into Malaya?

On this eve of Malaysia's 45th birthday. Let us stand firm and be counted, let us together enlighten the younger generations of the true meaning of our indepedence. We must not let our guard down, the "Twenty Points" must be upheld with greatest respect. This mean that the federal treatment of Sabah and Sarawak, must necessarily be different from the other States in the Peninsular, if the rights of Sabahans and Sarawakians were to be respected.

Happy 45th Birthday Malaysia. Kinoringan is watching!

ISA for the Fools

Clashes of opinion between followers of different religions are getting more and more dangerous these days. Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi even threatened anyone who speak racist remark with a much-feared detention without trial under the ISA (Internal Security Act). Abdullah's spoke of a need to safeguard nation from racial conflicts, and the ISA is one handy tool for him to do just that. Detain anyone who is potentially a threat to Malaysia racial unity, and "everything will be just fine". Superficially!

Compounded by a controversial racist remark that came from the big mouth of the UMNO Bukit Bendera Division Chief. Very much flurry of slurs were exchanged after that, particularly between Datuk Ahmad Ismail and Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Khoon, and guess what! MCA Perak was also in the skirmish, playing along a racial overtone that they have long ago abandoned! Only after March 8 General Election, MCA suddenly realizes their mistakes and starts to make noise in a matter especially this. Matter which involves the Chinese community. Though it seems a bit too late. But I maybe wrong.

In the middle of teetering racial tension, danger lurks and just waiting for something, someone or any event that will lead to a catastrophic chaos in Malaysia. It could well be in the form of a stupid high-ranking racist leader. And God Forbid, one tragedy followed by a sequence of unfortunate events will lead to something unimaginable. We don't want that to happen here in Malaysia. We have long been living harmoniously with each other for as long as we can remember. Well it is at least true to Sabahans. We never had that kind of racial tension in Sabah. The people are extremely tolerant toward each other. That's the recipe that people in Malaya should learn from us Sabahans.

I think as Sabahans you should have experience this so-called "Muhibbah". In any occasion. Be it a wedding reception, a birthday party, chinese new year, kaamatan, hari raya, or even a burial service. There will be muslims and non muslims attending. Foods are spread for everyone regardless of faiths. Of course with certain degree of respect, the food for Muslim and Non-Muslim are laid in separate tables. Definitely no "haram" food or beverages on the muslim's side. No sweat, we understood that. Despite that, Sabahans of different religions and faiths are still able to mingle and share whatever they have among each other. No issues of sharing plates, fork and spoons. Not even an issue for sharing water from a cup or bottle that was half-consumed by a friend of different religion. I believe small gestures like these foster strong harmonious relation between different races and religions. This hardly happen anywhere in Peninsular Malaysia, though racial conflict has so far successfully been put in check.

But hold on to your seat! Last night TV3 brought about a news report about a horrific religious conflict that happened in Tanzania, Africa. If Im not mistaken, it was in 1998. Fuck! I didn't really pay attention to the newscaster. I just gasped in horror, unable to comprehend the stupid, foolish, brainless thick skull TV3 Buletin Utama producer. The recollection started with a statistic telling the percentage of Muslim in the African continent. 41% percent Muslims make up the second largest religion after the christians. Then came gory images of people scattered on the street, bleeding, shot and dead. TV3 reported the mass murders occurred in front of a mosque after a prayer. Coupled with provocative commentaries such as the massacre was done by christians, reportedly angered after an Imam delivered a sermon that says "Jesus is not the son of God". How the freedom of religion for the muslim was denied in Tanzania and all other rhetorics about unfair treatments by the christians.

The news will definitely put the christians in bad light, don't you think? Do you think it's good for racial harmony here in Malaysia? Do you think the muslim and non-muslim can learn something out of it? No no no it is really unwise for TV3 to show this kind of program. I was angry, because the images shown were utterly nerve-racking, explicit. And I think it can somehow irritate the muslims. It can influence those who are narrow minded muslim and non-muslim alike. It can fan racial sentiments to inferno. One which could escalate into crisis proportion. Rubbing salt into the wound was what TV3 have done so far. Since March 8 general election TV3 have consistently belaboured on racism, many questionable and dubious content were fed to the people. A lot of news that could develop racial tension were broadcasted irresponsibly. Another example was the demonstration by the Malays in Penang Komtar building. Soon after Lim Guan Eng announced a measure which is against the NEP (New Economic Policy).

Moreover the report about Tanzania may be wryly skewed to one side. It may not be accurate based on true events. I think only the Tanzanians can judge, on who is right and who is wrong. They were the ones who experienced the conflict first hand. How can a Malaysian be the judge? How does TV3 got its fact right? Isn't this tantamount to meddling into another country internal affair? Our ministers will certainly go berserk if a Singapore TV station to report something of this sort happening here in Malaysia. They will say Don't Meddle into our Internal Affair! We have Our Rule Of Law! Mind your Own Business! Jangan Kacau Malaysia! Jagalah Tepi Kain Sendiri!

How can they broadcast this provocative story? What is their intention? Do they have ulterior motives? Or are they just plainly stupid morons? May I suggest Abdullah to exercise his handy ISA to the producer of Buletin Utama and the Management of TV3. And to all folks, from now on, please shun TV3 Buletin Utama, for a better Malaysia.

Of Squatters and Study Trip

Datuk Ahmad Ismail chief of Bukit Bendera UMNO Division has been heavily criticised on his remark "Chinese are squatters in Malaysia". He however said that his speech had been unfairly reported, and that the essence of his speech has been misconstrued by the reporter. What he meant by "squatters" were referring to the chinese in Malaya, before independence. Fair enough! He had the chance but he blew it. How many pre-independence Chinese are still alive today? Can I call them pre-independence "squatters"? Did he know many Chinese have been staying in Malaysia since 1700s, probably earlier. Are they "squatters" too?

Datuk Ahmad Ismail had call for press conferences. Sadly in every event, he refused to apologize, and continued on with all his racist stands. He in turn diverted the whole issue towards the reporter of a vernacular newspaper and to the disgruntled chinese based parties in Barisan Nasional. One that is worst hit by Ahmad Ismail's statement is the leader of Gerakan, Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Khoon.

Dr. Koh's photo was torn to pieces by UMNO's supporters during a press conference. In an act of defiance Ahmad Ismail urged Barisan Nasional leadership to eject Gerakan from the ruling coalition. This make Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi fuming with anger. Abdullah promised to summon Ahmad to meet him and Najib today, to get an explanation from him. Before making any decision on actions to be taken against Ahmad.

In another event. Barisan Nasional MPs were flown to Taiwan yesterday in what was purportedly claimed to be a study trip. However the timing and the haste in organizing the trip make it vividly doubtful. Bung Mokhtar who act as a spokeperson for the group told the media that the trip is not politically motivated. He said the trip is organized not because of fear for September 16th, the date on which Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim claim to be a Prime Minister.

The trip was first said to be planned in China, but due to certain circumstances, particularly a delay in obtaining visa, prompted them to change the location to Taiwan. I think for something of this scale, mind you 50MPs to go on an agricultural study visit, it is absurd to change the destination at the last minute. Very odd indeed. China and Taiwan are like Elephant and Pig. What you can learn in both countries should be completely different. An ambitious study trip of this scale should be precedented by proper planning, outlining the area to be visited, coupled with future agricultural direction in Malaysia. Only then we the taxpayers will be satisfied, we will be convinced that somehow the benefit will be accrued to us. Only then we can be hopeful that the visit will bear fruit for us Malaysians. Otherwise, we will think that the trip is a total waste of taxpayers money.

Yes the ministers said the trip is personally funded by each and every MPs. But still their money, their salary, their funds allocated in each constituency are the taxpayers money. We voted them into office to serve the people, but instead they go for a hastily planned agricultural study trip. What a nonsense!

Sad to say Barisan Nasional is showing signs of nearing its demise.

#11 Tariff and Finance

"North Borneo should have control of its own finance, development funds and tariffs"

This is point number #11 as agreed by the parties involved during the formation of the federation of Malaysia. The signatories of the 20 points memorandum were United National Kadazan Organization led by Donald A. Stephens, United Sabah National Organization led by Datu Mustapha, United Party headed by Khoo Siak Chew, Democratic Party steered by Lee Yun Hing, and National Pasok Momogun Organization headed by O.K.K Ansim Dulau.

Point number 11 of the twenty points is to safeguard North Borneo from unfair distribution of wealths. It is to ensure North Borneo will reap the benefit from its own natural resources, and not to allow the federal government siphoning off of what is rightfully ours. It was clearly foreseeable that Sabah should be allowed to manage its own funds. For I think collection of taxes, personal and corporate income taxes, export and import duties, petroleum royalty, etc. should be under the jurisdiction of the Sabah autonomous region, not run by the federal government as what is happening now.

Looking at the current statistics, the collection of taxes, duties, etc. are directly under the provision of the federal government. And it is further severed by the State's share of 5% of the oil revenue. It is too small. Each and every Sabahan must have asked the question at least once in their lifetime. Who gave away the 95% oil revenue to the federal government? When did it happen?

The truth behind the 5% royalty agreement has continued to baffle many of us. We heard and we could only guess that previous Chief Ministers such as Tun Mustapha and Tun Fuad had consistently refused to sign the Petroleum Sharing Agreement. Indicating their unwillingness to give up the State's oil right. Rumor has it that Datuk Haris Salleh was the one who signed away the agreement. And now he attended SAPP convention on Sabah issues and ostensibly portray himself as innocent? Still it didn't justify the validity of the agreement, for the former Chief Minister Signature alone does not constitute approval of the people of Sabah.

As a responsible Sabahans and also Malaysians. For the right of Sabah as one of the three partners in the federation of Malaysia. And for ensuring continuous improvement to the federal and state relation. We would like to ask about the details of the INFLOW vs OUTFLOW of money to and from Sabah. Did Federal Government collected more than what they spent in Sabah? Is Sabah continuously supplying net OUTFLOW of money to the federal government?