Reality Bytes

Whither MSM?

2013-06-09T17:46:00.003+08:00

During my Form 5 or 6 I read about an incident that was hotly debated and it was taking place in Kedah at that time. It was in 1993 and it was the Kerpan prawn breeding project financed by the Ben Laden group from Saudi and the Malaysian government.

I remember this particular news quite well as the news about this project was not well received by many affected Kedahan paddy planters who had to give up their paddy fields forcefully below the market price and turn themselves from being a paddy planter to being a prawn breeder overnight.

My source of information came from two papers which is The Star paper and Utusan Konsumer. I use to buy both from my school at a discounted rate.

I noticed both these sources has got a different take on the same issue. One was advocating for the prawn breeding project to be realized and the other one was quite against it. Yup, I guess you know which one I'm talking about right?

The Star Paper was advocating what the government of the day was proposing to the Kerpan farmers. Their message seems to be that the Kerpan farmers do not know what is best for them and it is best for BN government to do all the talking, thinking and the decision making for the displaced farmers.

The Utusan Konsumer was more critical in this project and its implementation. It was more concern about the welfare of the Kerpan farmers, the long term viability of this project and the inadequate compensation that the paddy farmers received from the powers that be.

This made me to think why is that so. At that time I had no idea that The Star paper belongs to the MCA which is part of the ruling government but it just made me to think is The Star as the people's paper telling the whole truth?

In my mind I knew The Star paper was only telling one side of the story and the other side was conveniently left out. Reading the Utusan Konsumer gave a much fresh and humane understanding of this Kerpan issue.

Fast forward to 2008 during GE12 most if not all of the main stream media (MSM) were only writing and publishing one sided stories which favoured the ruling BN government. It was so obvious and in some cases certain opposition leaders were attacked left and right and was not given the right to reply. None at all!

The opposition bashing was even more prominent during the eve of GE12. But this time the rakyat did not buy into their stories or lies. The rakyat gave an almost point blank response that they want change in the status quo and this involves how the MSM are being run these days as well.

It was at this point of time I decided to stop buying and reading all MSM papers in this country!

Then came the GE13 and nothing has really change even though the MSM has been reprimanded time and again since the last GE12 for their coverage. They have totally lost their balance and seems bent on only giving lies after lies without any moral trepidation on their part.

Just look at what Utusan Malaysia wrote about the Chinese voters post GE13. It is not only inflammatory but downright stupid and yet Utusan Malaysia managed to go scot free without any reprimand from anyone in the BN government or charges brought against them. So, who is dictating to whom now?

Is it the party that owns the MSM or is the MSM now are dictating what their political bosses should do and say?

Does this mean the MSM has got the upper hand in also designing our national policies as well? If yes, who are the stakeholders they are getting input from? Are they from the likes of Perkasa, or from other race based parties such as MCA, MIC only or is it from a cross section of man and women on the street?

For the record these race based parties in BN has been the biggest losers not just in the last GE13 but they have been loosing badly in the last two GE's as well.

If the MSM were to continue in this direction they will soon be annihilated as far as their circulation and bottom line are concern. Even as you are reading this many right thinking Malaysians have stopped their MSM subscriptions of this pure garbage that is polluting their minds.

Malaysians today are blessed with choices for their source of news especially political news. And yet our MSM stubbornly holds on to their old way of thinking which is to polish their bosses apple (read: political masters) in regards to the truth that affects this nation. From being one-sided and biased they have graduated to become more arrogant in the way they present their news and editorials especially the ones that pretty well affects their political bosses.

Today, I manage to go through some pages in the The Star online for the heck of it. Nothing has change much really. Joceline Tan's writings on UMNO politics nearly made me to fall off my chair when she described Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as the most charismatic from the three UMNO VP's. It was almost laughable and obnoxious to say the least.

Of all person how could The Star ever describe or imagine the Home Minister as charismatic? Is it because he speaks like a gangster and behaves as one also? Or is he charismatic because he holds the key to renew their printing and publication licenses year in and year out? Take your pick!

Even Dr Mahathir has clearly admitted that UMNO lacks decent leaders today what more a charismatic ones!

The only conclusion that I can derive is that the MSM has been reading the signs of time wrongly or chose to read it wrongly and somehow their interpretation and writing seems to be out of touch from the rakyat's thinking and feeling on the ground. They need to get OUT of their silo and be challenged to take the road less travelled. Are they willing to take up this task? Time is not on their side!

Lastly, if the The Star who is beholden to MCA can't even understand the plight and needs of the Chinese Malaysians who are also MCA only constituents how could they ever be the voice for all Malaysians? As I said they have simply lost touch and if no change were to happen and they continue to enjoy in their navel gazing style of writing it is a matter of time before their shareholders wakes up and demand a change for the better!

The same goes to all other MSM in this country. There was a time the MSM was the conscience and voice of the rakyat in this country and also in many parts of the world. Remember Utusan Melayu's role and the Malayan Union in 1946?

Today the online media has replaced that role and readily become the prime mover of change in this country. Any action to stifle the integrity and freedom of the online media will be met with much scorn and opposition from various quarters.

By the way, the Kerpan project was a complete disaster contrary to what many of the MSM reported the project could be those days!

Kudos to Online Media!

Utusan Malaysia is Now Utusan Karut

2013-05-11T01:02:00.001+08:00

Utusan Malaysia has done it again. Their justification of BN’s terrible performance was racial and totally divisive which does not help the nation building process at all after GE13. By singling out a race of people who decided to choose Pakatan Rakyat(PR) instead of the incumbent UMNO/BN government they have portrayed the Chinese Malaysians as ungrateful and should be dealt with in the near future.

Why the sudden interest in Chinese only? Was it because they voted overwhelmingly for PR as though none of the other races did especially in the urban areas? Or is it because the BN caretaker government spent millions on them than the other races and hoping that the Chinese would reciprocate on polling day? Either way, it is NOT right for Utusan Malaysia or Najib to single out a particular group of Malaysians for his own failure. Yes, I say it again it is Najib's own failure!

So, what does Utusan Malaysia wants to do now? Are they planning and scheming something sinister in this country of ours? Yes Utusan, it’s either you are with us or against us. You have forgotten that it was the overwhelming Malaysians that voted for PR hence PR popular votes was much higher than BN for the first time in Malaysian history.

And you Utusan can’t seem to take it, right? After all UMNO is your political master for the last 50 plus years and YOU have been a political tool for them as well! Utusan, you have fail to grasped what Malaysian DEMANDS are! Here are a few list to start with:-

- We want a government that looks into the interest of Malaysians and not those of the Banglas, Indons, Myanmarese, Filipinos only. One day we might have a Benggali news papers in this country and you Utusan could be out of job. Yes, I hope you will face your demise as the mainstream paper of this country soon as you have not been able to bear good fruits but instead rotten ones only! That goes to the other MSM’s as well who have been spewing lies after lies to please your masters so that you and your board of directors could pamper yourself and be fed well like the cows of Bashan!

- We also want a government that is truly free from the scourge of corruption and incompetence which hinders our country from reaching our highest potential. Is it too much to ask? If yes, then go and tell your political masters they are not fit for the top job of this country in the first place.

- We want a government that truly represent ALL Malaysians irrespective of their race, religion and lifestyle orientation. Again, is it too much to ask from a ruling government for this after 56 years in power? If yes, then I believe you have overstayed your welcome in this country. Somehow I can’t help but to feel that the government we are having now do not represent any of us except their cronies and a certain wife. Yup, reminds me of the many corrupt regimes of the 20th and the 21st century in Asia and AFrica that must be kicked out.

- We also want a government that prides itself in promoting transparency. I’m sure Utusan has not heard of this word or pretends not to. If no, please look up in the dictionary yourself. In short we want a government that upholds free and fair election as a norm in this country instead of us struggling and fighting for it thru the streets. This is a basic need in any democracy. We also need the rule of law to be applied at every level of the government administration be it the Police, civil service and not forgetting the Election Commission (EC) as well. As of today the EC has lost all credibility of what is left of them thanks to Dr. Mahathir who started his IC Project by giving IC’s illegally to foreigners in Malaysia since 1980’s.

- We Malaysians want Pakatan Rakyat as our federal government. Yes, UMNO/BN needs to be OUT for good. There is no shred of goodness that is left in them anymore. You are only fit to be trampled upon as UMNO/BN has lost all their usefulness! The rakyat can’t wait for the next GE and hope and pray that your demise will come sooner than later. Count your days UMNO. After all, the rakyat has finish off your BN counterparts i.e. MCA, MIC, Gerakan, PPP etc. UMNO, now it’s your turn and be rest assured that the rakyat will not missed you for a minute once you are kicked out of Putrajaya! It’s just a matter of time.

Now, you have heard what we want as citizens of this country and the list above is by no means exhaustive. But I will stop here as you Utusan are too dense to understand the new way of being a Malaysian today. Yup, the list is longer than the above and I’m sure the readers will continue to share their thoughts on this matter.

Utusan, you have heard of our needs and wants as Malaysians. Now, hear out what we DO NOT WANT as Malaysians today.

- We DO NOT WANT a government that is corrupt to its core who do not know how distinguish of what is right from wrong. UMNO/BN have lost their moral compass hence the result in this GE 13 proves as such. It has nothing to do with any particular race or genetics. It has got everything to do with UMNO and their corrupt activities. Period!

- We DO NOT WANT the EC to be headed by the present leadership now who is not just corrupt but dishonest and unfair to all Malaysians. The EC has lost it and we the rakyat knows just too well that this unfair election practices will be continued if not ‘enhance’ in a more spectacular way for every other by-elections or GE in the future as long as UMNO/BN is in power.

- We DO NOT WANT the likes of Ibrahim Ali, Zulkifli Noordin and their Perkasa cohorts to be scot free in this land of ours. They have never represented Malaysian, whether the old or new Malaysia. They are the barbarians waiting at the gates ready to trampled our country. They and their spiritual advisor Dr. Mahathir are willing to go to any length to destroy this country just so to that their interest are protected and passed only to their next generation. Yes, they are only interested on their interest only. And if Najib can’t lift a finger to shut them off then Najib should join them as well when that day of reckoning comes. And Dr. Mahathir, I hope you are still around when we Malaysians crush and defeat you and your racist group whom I suspect are suffering from some sort of inferiority complex since your Malay Dilemma days.

- We also DO NOT WANT any MSM in this country to spew lies and continue to sow hatred among Malaysians. Please stop this immediately as we the rakyat are getting fed up with your cheap and unsubstantiated news to confuse all right thinking Malaysians. We also know that you are losing your market share hence affecting your bottom line the past few years. We will continue to boycott you and we hope that one day all the MSM will change for the better to hear the voice of real Malaysians instead of those Malaysians who walks in the corridors of power and are ever willingly to sell our country to the highest bidder.

- We also DO NOT WANT UMNO/BN to continue ruling our country in such a ridiculous way which would end up Malaysia as the laughing stock of the world. We will if we do not UBAH!

Imagine this, historically our country has been known as Suvarnabhumi (Land of Gold) by the Indian conquerors. Even the Greeks has called this piece of land as the Golden Cherosenes and the Chinese in those days also called it as ‘Kin-Lin’ which means gold. This land is not merely a land of milk and honey but a land of GOLD! It is a land which would bring prosperity and wellness to all those who live here at whichever time period.

In fact, many past European colonizers were ready to go all out to fight tooth and nail to get a piece of this land which eventually enriched them and their country they came from. Today, those conquerors has been replaced by UMNO and their elites and cronies has started to amass the kind of wealth which most Malaysians could ever dream off.

In addition, we are being fed with crumbs from the powers that be! Yes, it is merely crumbs (sisa-sisa) and what is our rightful has been taken away and given to UMNO cronies. Instead of 'gold' UMNO is turning our country into a perpetual junkyard!

Because of this we too need to fight tooth and nail to ensure our country is return to us. We will never give up in this battle against the evil regime until it’s brought down to its knees and the rakyat rules again.

No matter how long it takes we will get there. Yup, we are almost there and it’s just a matter of time before Change happens. For that, we must Press On!

Najib, what are you up to?

2011-07-08T01:29:00.000+08:00

Dear Najib,

I can't believe that you are dead scared of a so-called "illegal" organization called Bersih 2.0. What is wrong with you men?

Have you gone nuts or what? You start by jailing 6 PSM members under the EO. Why did you lock them up for? For communism, socialism or what.

We would really like to know coz we have a feeling that you have no idea what's the difference between the two. And if you don't have a good reason I urge you to release them un-conditionally NOW!

And funny how things worked out actually. You have deemed Bersih 2.0 to be an illegal organization but the King has agreed to meet them and he has done just that a few days ago. And you know what? Not even UMNO Youth had a chance to meet the King. Even the biggest toad on earth Ibrahim Ali from Perkasa was not granted an audience by the King.

But Bersih has!

This shocked you? Well, you should be shocked considering the kind of filth you and your blady cousin saying in the public these days. How could a yellow t-shirt be of national security concern to you?

Then, how about a yellow underwear? Is that dangerous too?

Najib the way you, your cousin, the Toad, the police and the media handled this is laughable and downright stupid.

I wonder how you are going to handle the economy then!

You have learn nothing about Rakyat Didahulukan. You have been ignorant about the Rakyat's needs all this while and you continue to do so at your own peril.

You will learn the hard way come GE13 if you do not listen to the Rakyat now.

I assure you that we the Rakyat will remember what you did to Bersih 2.0 come GE13. The damage is done and we will show you the exit when the time comes!

So, Najib when is GE13? The faster the better men!

Unless you are still afraid, no?

Top 7 Reasons NOT To Vote BN Come GE13

2011-05-24T04:36:00.001+08:00

Reading the latest happenings about our country is a pain for many of us. Seeing the kind of filth BN politicians churning day in and day out makes you think that Malaysia is in a state of anarchy.

Would anyone disagree? Politically, economically and socially our nation is sinking lower and it seems we are reaching the point of no return.

We were considered to be a model country at one time but today we are on the way to become the “Next Sick Man of Asia” or the next Somalia.

Can we re-claim our country from these corrupt and good for nothing BN politicians? I say we have too. And we need too.

And we need to do it this coming GE13. Personally, I have 7 good reasons to kick BN out of Putrajaya come GE13:-

1)      When BN is voted out you vote out people like Ibrahim Ali, Dr M, Perkasa and the likes. When you vote these people out you too vote out extremism, racism and bigotry from our nation. This is something we need to do as the current regime under Najib has failed to reprimand these racist politicians. In fact, Najib and his crony has been giving tacit support and approval by giving some of the most ridiculous statements in our nations history. Let us remember that “Perkasa adalah Perkakas UMNO” (Perkasa is UMNO's tool).

2)      When you vote BN out you vote against corruption. This is a curse our nation has to endure since money politics has become so entrenched in our system. Every contract and business awarded has to be accompanied by a certain cut or percentage for those who walk in the corridors of power. Heard of the 10% men and his allegedly Maika shares? Of course, you have the BMF scandal, Perwaja and the latest PKFZ issue which is the hottest topic today but the current BN government seems to be dragging its feet to take those responsible to court. Why??? We can never expect BN to provide us with good governance as this is such an alien word to this bunch of crooks.

3)      When you vote BN out you vote for all that stands for freedom and justice. What justice can a man on the street find for himself whenever his NCR land is taken over by BN cronies? What good is freedom if tomorrow he gets up to find his son has been gun down by the police in the wee hours of the morning? We not only need a dedicated and corrupt free cops/courts but also cops/courts who are able to perform their duty without fear or favor!

4)      Vote BN out and you vote out an education system that supports mediocrity and second or third best. Look at our education system which is tainted with racism in the form of Biro Tata Negara (BTN) & quota system for university entry etc. If you look at our schools these days we will not fail to see how the standard has dropped from, let’s say 15-20 years ago to today. Our teachers are not equipped to teach English well and this is causing our future graduates to suffer in the employment market. Yet, BN leaders especially the Education Minister has been giving us excuses after excuses till today and the young ones are the most affected. So, why keep these incompetent BN ministers in power? Get rid of them to redeem our education system NOW!

5)      When you vote BN out you vote against the likes of Utusan, The Star, TV3 and many other mainstream media which has been controlled, manipulated and shackled by the powers that be. These newspapers especially Utusan has been spewing lies after lies and are still doing so as their political masters are the ones dictating to them what should be the menu of the week. Responsible journalism is such a foreign word to this big time corporate liars. Their recent report on the Christian state and PM is a case in point! They must be stop at all cost and we are the ones who will do it by bringing down BN in the next GE13.

6)     Under BN rule Malaysia is facing a serious brain drain in the last few years. The major factors are the lethargic country's economy, educational opportunities, lack of religious freedom, social inequality and BN's affirmative policy in the form of NEP. These factors has made many young Malaysians fed-up with the current state of affairs and this has brought about the a wave of brain drain which is already affecting our economy today. The best brains in our country feels they are not being appreciated and welcomed as most of them are not of the Bumiputera group. Between 2008 & 2009 a total of 300,000 Malaysians has emigrated overseas just after the 2008 tsunami election. We need to put a stop to this brain drain and the starting point is to get rid of BN and vote in a government which is more inclusive and fair in its administration.

7)      When we vote BN out, we vote for a better livelihood for all. And I mean for all and not just for the selected few cronies or the elites. Since the Asian Financial Crisis and Anwar's sacking in the late 1990's our ecomony has never really prospered well. The BN government is planning for another round of petrol price hike come this June 2011. And Najib has the gall to say that subsidy has become an opium to the masses. Little did he realise that corruption and money politics in his own party UMNO is the real opium and the root of all evil!

And the list goes on. I'm very sure sure you have your own reason/s not to vote BN this time around. Do add in and see how long the list goes.

I'm convinced that for our country to move forward we need to put BN in its right place which is OUT of Putrajaya. As of now, I can only imagine Pakatan Rakyat as the only viable party to take over this government.

I have made my decision. How about you?

When They Came For Me...

2011-05-13T01:16:00.000+08:00

When UMNO-BN came for the communist,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.

When they locked up the opposition,
...I remained silent;
I was not a opposition.

When they came for the Chinese,
I did not speak out;
I was not a Chinese.

When they came for the Christians,
I remained silent;
I wasn't a Christian.

When they came for me,
There was no one left to speak out,

For me.

UMNO fiddles while Malaysia Burns!

2011-05-10T02:11:00.000+08:00

Waking up two mornings ago to hear Utusan ranting about a group of Christian leaders were praying to change this country to a Christian state with a Christian PM was almost laughable.

Not that a Christian PM is impossible if you go by the provisions in the constitution but a Christian state? They've got to be joking. Or so it seems!

UMNO got to be worried sick that all it's propaganda and maneuvering were not working but it's backfiring them instead. From Anwar Ibrahim Sodomy 2 trial and the so-called sex video seems to be falling on deaf ears and the rakyat don't seem to buying into that and rightly so!

Then, they train their guns on PAS and almost in a begging stance to join them under the pretext of Islamic struggle. UMNO went on to alleged that their partnership with DAP will not get them anywhere coz after all DAP was against the setting up of an Islamic state by PAS.

"So, why stay on with DAP/PR" asked Najib? Their wooing and begging has been derided by PAS as Mahfuz Omar succintly puts it "How can PAS unite with Umno when it is Umno that is oppressing Malaysian citizens?” he argued."

He went on to condemed UMNO as Public Enemy # 1 and they are the worst "national robbers" we have ever seen. This definitly is a tight slap for Najib as the UMNO President has himself extended the invite to PAS themselves. For the record, UMNO has extended 8 invitations to PAS to form a unity government so far!

Not wanting to let go as most UMNO leaders are (even the retired ones) Pembela came up with a statement alleging that Islam is under threat in Malaysia because of Christians now. That a majority population (60%) can feel and be threatened by merely a 10 % of the population is mind boggling to start with.

Their argument was since Christians are being appointed in some non-Muslim affairs portfolio and are still confused by the Allah & Al-Kitab issue will lead to massive apostasy in this country.

Now let us be clear on this. If the Muslim population is confused by all this then the onus is on them to educate and clear any misgivings which they have and NOT to make a scapegoat of others. This is a simple common sense but instead this issue has been turned by UMNO-BN to propagate fear and to further sow their inferioity complex on the majority population of this country.

The Quran first revealed word is "Read" which implies knowledge seeking and the ability to distinguish right from wrong. But here we see Pembela wants Muslims in this country to remain in their ignorance so that the powers that be can control and direct the minds of the Malays according to their whims and fancies!

Then, this sets the stage a few days later for UMNO mouthpiece Utusan to shock the nation that indeed Islam is under threat as Christians are taking over this country. The plot thickens when Utusan alleges that Christians are praying for a Christian PM and and to change the religion of the federation from Islam to Christian.

What nonsense? How far will UMNO go to ensure it wins the next GE13? Are they willing to stoop this low by coming up with such wild allegations without an ounce of truth or evidence. But of course, UMNO-BN has never been concerned with TRUTH since their formation in 1940/50's.

Is it a sign that they are very desparate and willing to go as far as to burn Malaysia down as long as the UMNO-BN is in power. If it is then they have lost their moral right to be leaders of this country. It is truly dangerous to be led by this kind of immoral and unscropulous leaders who are bent on doing anything just so their status quo remains.

The wedge UMNO is trying to drive between Pakatan partners has not been effective enough. Indeed, many are able to see their dangerous game that UMNO is playing with. Let me reiterate that UMNO will not give up playing with this kind of fire. It won't as long as their position as the number one party in this country is so threatened today.

The real party who feels threatend is not the Muslims as many thinking Muslims has said but UMNO themselves. UMNO are the ones who is fiddling with many unnesasary issues for their own survival while Malaysia burns!

Let's bring them down once and for all for the good of this nation in the next GE13!

Let's Press On!!!

Christians of Sarawak, be a Catalyst of Change!

2011-04-15T14:41:00.000+08:00

by Martin Jalleh

Christians of Sarawak, your hour has come! May you have the courage to respond to the clarion call of leading the charge of change in your State and country.

May your vote convince the PM that the religious freedom of Christians and other faiths cannot rest merely on his sudden goodwill conveyed at cordial, congenial and courteous close-door meetings.

May your choice reflect the earnest prayer of Christians that the government honor and respect our basic constitutional rights, and not subject them to changes according to political expediency of the moment.

May your courage bring to the fore the problems related to religious harmony which the BN Government has created or is complicit to, its conceited responses and ad-hoc solutions which contradict its very own policies!

The challenge before you goes far beyond that of the recent Bible controversy. It is to express distinctly to the PM the deep disappointment and discontent of Christians being discriminated against over the years.

May you covey very clearly to the PM the concern and consternation of Christians of being made victims of the frequent contravention (with impunity) of the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.

May you echo the growing anguish and anger of Christians who refuse to be cowed by the constant taunts, threats and tirades of “Little Mullah Napoleons” in Umno, Perkasa, Pembela, the Home Ministry, etc.

May yours be a conscious stand against those who are a cog in Umno’s machine, a party which has politicised religion for its survival by creating unfounded insecurities and fear amongst Muslims and a distrust of other religions.

The PM was right. Change brings with it uncertainty. But God will see you through. A vote for BN will bring you the “certainty” of continued racial and religious polarisation and compound the culture of corruption, cronyism and crippling fear.

May your concerns be not confined to the well-being of Christians alone but may they envelope, and embrace the struggles encountered by the peoples of all races and religions, yes, even the Muslims too.

May you champion the common good and be an answer to the longing and prayer of deliverance of the long-suffering people living in long-houses and languishing in abject poverty.

May you make it your Christian duty to stand up for the marginalised indigenous peoples of Sarawak who have been deceived, discriminated against, displaced, dislodged, dispossessed, deprived and disempowered.

May your Christian compassion move you to act justly for those who have become disillusioned, demoralised and dysfunctional by the divisive and diabolical designs of the powers that be.

May God free you from the “contamination” of Semenanjung. May your Christian conscience prompt you to chose the side which Jesus would — those who have no cash, credit, clout, cables or connection!

By the grace of God, may your response to the Christian call to the conversion of heart (especially as we come close to the climax of Lent) be a personal transformation from one of compromise to courage and from convenience and comfort to commitment to justice and peace.

May God be with you as you exercise you Christian duty of casting vote in this crucial moment of Sarawak’s history! May God bless Sarawak!

(15 April 2011)

Sarawakians, Seize the Moment!

2011-04-13T09:09:00.000+08:00

By Martin Jalleh

Sarawakians, you stand at the threshold of a great deciding and defining moment of change. You can either decisively help shape the future of your State or let it slide and sink like a tragic struggling shipwreck.

Sarawakians, may you be steadfast in this challenging hour! Sadly, after three decades, you are one of the poorest “richest” States in Bolehland and many in the land of the Hornbill are languishing in poverty.

“Sack” those who for the past 30 years have betrayed Sarawak by bleeding the State dry, siphoning and stashing their ill-gotten gains overseas and building a scandalous empire there.

Stop the scoundrels and self-serving sycophants who suck up to the powers that be to satisfy their insatiable greed, whilst marginalized indigenous Sarawakians suffer indescribably and struggle to eke out a living!

Ship out those who have repeatedly and rampantly robbed her people of their rights, ransacked the State’s coffers, ravished her natural resources and remained silent as the children of her natives are raped!

Stand firm against the local colonialist master who has through the last 30 years of larceny surreptitiously sequestered more than 1.5 million hectares of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land for his family members!

Send into political oblivion the spent white-haired chief (whose political shelf life has long expired) and other senior ministers of suspect character, soiled reputations, who readily sell their souls to remain in power.

Shame the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for its deafening silence over the mounting and meticulous evidence on corruption by the Sarawak State Government as revealed in the Sarawak Report.

Say “NO MORE!” to being sidelined and side-stepped by the Executive in Putrajaya and being treated like a bastard or stepchild. Say “NO MORE!” to being deceived, denied and deprived of what is rightfully yours.

Shout aloud “ENOUGH!” to being suckered, spit at and stepped on by the BN government and spineless Sarawak BN MPs who in Parliament have sacrificed your rights at the altar of political expediency!

Shun the short-term and sudden seductions of the “Santa Claus” PM whose political acumen has sunk so very low as seen in his vote buying and his desperate attempts to destroy his opponents with sex and slime.

Spurn the shallow, hollow and bellow of the small-minded Deputy PM who never fails to spew out senseless speeches, silly scare tactics, sabre-rattling tricks and sinister theatrics.

Stomach no more the shocking, scandalous and shambolic state of affairs concerning education and health, which were ironically highlighted by the sudden and recent allocations made by the PM and DPM!

Send the PM and deputy PM who are bankrupt of ideas and who have come to bribe you with the rakyat’s money, back to Semenanjung without their “Fixed Deposit” – as Umno continues to be their “Fixed Deficit!!

Stir and summon the indomitable spirit of people power to take on the insurmountable odds and to overcome the BN’s offering of blood sacrifices and invoking of evil spirits to cast spells and curses on the opposition.

Save your state, Sarawakians! By your self-determination, show the shameless leaders of the BN and their supercilious political representatives that you cannot to be bought over or bullied!

Sarawakians, by your solidarity, save the country! Strike at the very roots that have caused Bolehland to degenerate into a “sick country” and a “sham democracy” (Tengku Razaleigh)! Reject BN at the elections!

P.S. Please forward to your friends in Sarawak. Thanks!

FULL FREEDOM, FULL RIGHTS - NO TO 10-POINT PROPOSAL

2011-04-11T11:41:00.001+08:00

UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES: FULL FREEDOM, FULL RIGHTS - NO TO 10-POINT PROPOSAL

Kuala Lumpur – 8 April 2011. CCM Youth issued a press release today expressing their views in response to the various press statements issued by the Christian Federation of Malaysia (“CFM”), the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (“NECF”), the 10-point solution as proposed by Senator Datuk Seri Idris Jala (“10-Point Proposal”) Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, and comments made in the media by the Home Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and various parties.

10-POINT PROPOSAL ONLY ADDRESSED THE ALKITAB ISSUE

The 10-Point Proposal presumed that Christians were only concerned with the Alkitab issue. That premise is incorrect. The 10-Point Proposal distracted both the public and the church leaders from getting to the heart of the matter, that is, the concern over the overt and covert manner which the government had discriminated against the Christian citizenry for close to forty (40) years that had resulted in the gradual deterioration of basic rights of Christians to freely exercise their faith.

RESTORE FULL RIGHTS AND FULL FREEDOM ENSHRINED IN THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION

CCM Youth denounced deplorable accusations that Christians were not being “fair” or “reasonable” in resolving the Alkitab matter. CCM Youth disclosed that the Malaysian government had unreasonably and unjustly acted in bad faith since the early 1970s to-date against the Christian community. Among some examples were:

<Gradual erosion of the control of mission schools which included even the physical removal of words such as “Holy” and crosses from schools, even though the land, building and board of governors belonged to the church;

<Removing or disallowing “Christian Fellowships” from being recognized as societies in schools and universities;

<Harassing and transferring out Christian teachers found teaching Bible Knowledge, a legitimate examinable subject for the SPM;

<Gazetting the AlKitab, the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Indonesia, as a threat to national security under the Internal Security Act;

<Denying the use of the word “Allah” for the Christian God, even though it had been used by indigenous groups way before independence, and being the only Muslim country in the world to do so despite wide Arab usage;

<Denying Christians land to operate churches or cemeteries.

And the list goes on.

CCM Youth was saddened that Christians today were openly abused, harassed and provoked in the media and encouraged by the government, with all sorts of erroneous information being placed on official government websites put up as decrees; linking activities from Valentine’s Day to ‘poco-poco’ to crosses on football jerseys, to Christian beliefs without so much as a dialogue or a clarification with the Christian community. So much so that even the Islamic government machinery, with nods from cabinet ministers, the Home Ministry and state governments, unashamedly encouraged over-zealous religious officers and Islamic-based NGOs, to propagate and sow seeds of hatred towards the Christian community.

CCM Youth was informed that recently a group of students went for an excursion to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, and were denied entry just because their uniform had a cross. After so many years of racial-religious polarisation under the hands of government machinery, religious and racial bigotry is now blatantly practised and widely nurtured in government departments against Christians.

CCM Youth believed that the 10-Point Proposal was superfluous as Christian citizens were not asking for anything extra, but for their basic constitutional rights, enshrined in the Federal Constitution, to be respected and honoured.

CHRISTIANS’ BIRTHRIGHT TO READ, SPEAK AND WRITE IN THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE

CCM Youth opined that it was ludicrous to deny Malaysian Christian citizens the right to use the country’s national language for the purposes of exercising their faith. On the one hand, non-Malay citizens are often criticized for their purported lack of loyalty when they did not speak Bahasa Malaysia, but when they did, like in this case in order to read the Bible, which they had been doing for generations, they were denied that right! CCM Youth reiterated that as citizens of this country, it was their God-given birthright, which “should not be given up, negotiated, traded away, nor ‘sold for a bowl of pottage’ ”, being simply rushed into just because Christian leaders were offered a “quick-fix” solution to the immediate problems that were originally created by unjust parties.

THE 10-POINT PROPOSAL DOES NOT CARRY THE WEIGHT OF LAW

CCM Youth decried attempts to create a “Band-Aid” compromise solution that did not carry the weight of law. If the Malaysian government were truly sincere, there would not be a need for a 10-Point Proposal. Insofar as this matter was concerned, all the government needed to do was to instruct the Home Ministry to drop its appeal on the “Allah” issue, which the Catholic Church won on 31 December 2009 when it took the case to the High Court. This action would immediately lead to the withdrawal of the Allah and the Alkitab from any further restrictions in the country. CCM Youth urged the government to uphold democratic principles and not play games by taking a round-about route that did not reflect their sincerity.

<10-POINT PROPOSAL SOWS DISUNITY AMONGST CHRISTIANS

The 10-Point Proposal served only to promote disunity amongst Christians, playing to the ruling government’s “divide-and-rule” tune. CCM Youth questioned how it could be plausible for a 1Malaysia, yet a 2-Bible and 3-Rule solution? If at all, it only cemented CCM Youth’s opinion that 1Malaysia had been nothing but political rhetoric. If Christian leaders had agreed to this proposal, the Orang Asal of Sabah and Sarawak would have one rule; while believers in the Peninsula, including the Orang Asli, would have another rule. Should Christians subject themselves to such confusion and be manipulated to accept such terms? Likewise, by agreeing to such terms now, would Christians then forfeit the right to resolve future outstanding matters beyond the Alkitab issue?

NO GUARANTEE THAT PLEDGES OR ASSURANCES WILL BE HONOURED

Time and time again, the Christian community have been given assurances but only to be disappointed later on. CCM Youth urged church leaders to be wise, for what had been dressed as compromise could turn out to be an entrapment – “Even the elect were deceived, if that were possible.” CCM Youth pointed out that they were well aware that there were many obstacles ahead, and they understood the “card game was in the hands” of the government. Even if the Federal government gave the impression of giving way, they could fall back on the state government machinery that would kick in and take that to another gear which involved harassing book stores, printers, forwarding agents, schools and so on, located in affected states.

THE TIPPING POINT – TODAY’S DECISION WILL IMPACT FUTURE GENERATIONS

CCM Youth urged church leaders to take their time and not to be in a hurry. It was imperative that they did not fail future generations, or act in a manner that could adversely undermine or enslave future generations from practising their faith freely. CCM Youth urged church leaders to remain faithful and to take as much time as they needed to ponder and to ask pertinent questions without compromising the faith. Otherwise, future generations would return to remind past generations of leaders of "compromises" made today, or that the church leaders held silent when they could have spoken up, having restrained themselves from pursuing justice when they had the opportunity to do so. CCM Youth urged church leaders not to worry about having to come to a decision by the CFM’s Biennial General Meeting on April 14, 2011, but to take ample time to pray and seek the Lord before coming to a decision.

CCM Youth reminded church leaders that even the youths today were still learning the full extent of the rights that had been eroded to-date as events unfolded, and CCM Youth would endeavour to support church leaders to their best of abilities to recover that which was lost, and hand over full freedom to future generations as their legacy.

ARE WE SPEAKING TO THE RIGHT PARTY WITH THE AUTHORITY?

With due respect to Senator Datuk Seri Idris Jala, CCM Youth raised concerns that there were no assurances that he had the full weight of the cabinet behind him in this regard, given the underlying tones and lack of media support from cabinet ministers. Even the Prime Minister himself had been strangely silent. From remarks given by the Home Minister and various “shadow gatekeepers”, there had been no assurance that the relevant ministries would honour any form of agreement. What remained consistent so far had been the consistency of the government’s inconsistencies. The danger of flip-flops was not a probability, but a given. CCM Youth believed that this rush to force a solution was inadvertently linked to the outcome of the Sarawak elections and the potential impact from its Christian majority population. CCM Youth observed that it was this careless ‘short-term opportunistic’ attitude of the government for political expediency that had made them wary of such overtures and advised church leaders to exercise greater caution under such circumstances. If the government were sincere in addressing the grievances of the Christian community, CCM Youth believed that nothing less than the coming together of a task force from the Prime Minister’s Department, the Home Ministry, the Attorney General, the Education Ministry and all state governments and Islamic departments had to take place.

SORRY SEEMS TO BE THE HARDEST WORD

CCM Youth pointed out that it was Datuk Seri Idris Jala who apologized. So far, no official statement of apology had been offered by any ministry, especially none was forthcoming from the Home Minister, the main protagonist who directed the stamping of the Bibles. The public ought to know that this entire episode of the desecration of the Christian’s Holy Scriptures happened during the holy month of LENT which precedes and commemorates the Lord Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and celebrates His resurrection. If an opportunity presented itself for reconciliation and restoration to properly right the grave wrong committed, CCM Youth would certainly offer forgiveness. Obviously, the situation had yet to present itself.

CHRISTIAN CABINET MINISTERS MUST TAKE LEADERSHIP

CCM Youth noted that except for Datuk Seri Idris Jala, many Christian cabinet ministers have kept silent. One cabinet minister even called Christians foolish for holding prayer rallies. CCM Youth challenged cabinet ministers to be faithful and to choose today whom they served – whether God or man.

CCM Youth reiterated that they were not being unreasonable, audaciously demanding or stirring trouble. CCM Youth regretted that for a long time, the Church had remained silent, having compromised when it should not have. In good faith, church leaders had been drawn into endless unproductive closed-door meetings, given verbal promises and handshake agreements that never materialized. Unfortunately for the Church, Christian goodwill had not been reciprocated, and closed door agreements never honoured. The recent desecration of the AlKitab was the last straw.

CCM Youth called upon all Christians today to rally firmly behind their Christian leaders as they worked towards a resolution for the community. CCM Youth urged the Christian community to uphold their leaders in prayer more fervently.

CCM Youth reiterated that they remained committed to nation-building and bringing about justice, peace and reconciliation for all Malaysians and migrants, and would stop at nothing to bring about change for the betterment of all peoples regardless of creed, race or religion, through proclaiming truth and bringing about justice and transformation to the nation.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

(signed)

Daniel Chai

Secretary

CCM Youth

Email: ccmyouth@gmail.com

April 8, 2011

SOURCE: COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF MALAYSIA YOUTH

Media Contact details:

Persons to contact – Daniel Chai 012 3986776 and Elaine Teh 016 221 7894

http://www.facebook.com/M68Youth

Sidang Injil Baru (SIB) Sarawak – Renewal Evangelical Mission of Sarawak

2011-04-10T14:44:00.000+08:00

Surat Jemaat - Vote Wisely this time Around!

Freedom of Religion

Saudara-saudara jemaat di tanah air tercinta Sarawak, yang menjadi umat Allah Bapa dan Tuhan
Yesus Kristus. Kami mengharap semoga Allah memberi berkat dan sejahtera kepada kalian.

We praise God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ that Sarawak is the only Christian majority state
in Malaysia where half the population are Christians. It is with our goodwill and blessings that we
have allowed a Malay Muslim to be the Chief Minister of Sarawak since 1963 except for a brief period
when a Christian held the position until he was unconstitutionally sacked in 1966 by the Federal
government.

We also praise God that one in ten people in Malaysia are Christians. In fact, two thirds of the
Christians are Malay speaking bumiputras in Sarawak and Sabah as well as Orang Asli in Malaya. We
have been using the Malay Alkitab or the Iban Bup Kudus as our Holy Bible for generations.

Sarawak, together with Sabah, Singapore and Malaya formed Malaysia in 1963 under the Malaysia
Agreement. Singapore left the federation two years later. Like the Malays, our special position as
pribumis or natives is protected under Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.

Sarawak has made its position abundantly clear in what is known as the 18-points (20-points in for
Sabah) in drafting the Malaysia Agreement. Point #1 was on freedom of religion: “While there was no
objection to Islam being the national religion of Malaysia, there should be no state religion in
Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah), and the provisions relating to Islam in the present Constitution of
Malaya should not apply to Borneo.”

That was the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement even though this point was amended in the final draft.

East Malaysians were more than magnanimous in making this compromise to UMNO. But recent
events have forced us to come to the conclusion that there is a sinister anti-Christian agenda by
Barisan Nasional especially by UMNO and its proxies in Sarawak. This is unconstitutional.

Bishop Ng Moon Hing, chairman of the Christian Federation of Malaysia pointed out in a statement
on 10 March 2011 over the illegal confiscation of 35,000 copies of the Alkitab: “It would appear as if
the authorities are waging a continuous, surreptitious and systematic programme against Christians in Malaysia to deny them access to the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia.”

We have shown great tolerance despite provocative actions against our faith by the ruling coalition.
But when the government desecrated 35,000 copies of our Alkitab which were illegally confiscated, it
is our wake up-call to defend our constitutional right to profess, practise and propagate our faith.

We have been betrayed by Barisan Nasional. The incumbent Chief Minster and his cabinet, who have
remained in office by our grace for 30 years, have proven to be incapable of defending freedom of
religion in Sarawak. They, therefore, cannot expect to enjoy our trust in the coming state elections.

Even PAS, the Islamic Party, is against the position taken by the ruling coalition against the Alkitab
and to prohibit bumiputra Christians from using the word Allah to refer to God.

We wish to make it clear that we are not against Islam but only against Barisan Nasional’s anti-
Christian agenda, particularly the recent desecration of 35,000 copies of our Alkitab. They were
unconstitutionally impounded by the Home Ministry.

Barisan’s anti-Christian agenda began when Dr Mahathir Mohamad became prime Minister in July
1981 when he banned the Alkitab under a Gazette Order made under the Internal Security Act in 1982.
When Christians objected, he amended it to a “restricted ban” for use only in churches.

Despite this, various consignments of the Alkitab and Bahasa Christian publications were illegally
confiscated by the Home Ministry by using the Publications and Printing Presses Act. The Bup Kudus
or Iban Bible was banned in 2003 by Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when he was acting prime Minister and
Internal Security Minister. He relented when faced with Iban anger.

Now under Prime Minister Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia, this harassment against the church and
Christians continues unabated leading to the desecration of the 35,000 copies of the Alkitab by
stamping it with serial numbers and the words “For Christianity Only.” We can never agree to this
because the Bible is meant for anyone interested. Only criminals are identified by serial numbers.

It is not that we have not compromised for the sake of peace. We have even gone to the extent to
imprint a large crucifix on the cover of Alkitab with the words “Penerbitan Kristian” or “Christian
Publication” so that Muslims do not buy or receive the Alkitab by mistake.

The Alkitab and Bahasa Christian publications are now planced under the jurisdiction of the Qur’anic
Text Division of the Home Ministry. The desecration of the Alkitab is done by this division.

The shortage of Alkitab in Sarawak, due to the ongoing illegal confiscation of our Holy Scriptures, has
now reached a crisis. Our children and grandchildren have no access to them since birth.

The evidence before us is that Barisan Nasional is persisting in completely wiping out our Christian
Heritage in Sarawak and Sabah by pursuing its unconstitutional and illegal anti-Christian agenda.

Sidang Injil Baru Sarawak, therefore, advises Christians to vote wisely in the coming state elections on
16 April 2011. You do not necessarily have to vote for the Opposition. Vote only for candidates,
including those from Barisan Nasional, whom you feel can act with a clear conscience and integrity
and a proven record of defending the freedom of religion.

Our Christian heritage is at stake. Act now. Vote wisely. Pray for divine intervention.

…
time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

(Romans 13:11 NLT).

Kasih karunia dan damai sejahtera menyertai kamu.

Sidang Injil Baru (SIB) Sarawak
Sri Aman
30 Mar 2011

Make a Stand...Interlok or Al-Kitab?

2011-03-20T03:38:00.004+08:00

Funny how our BN government is having a tough time to release un-conditionally all Malay Bibles but finds it easy to introduce a racist text book (Interlok) to our school children in no time.

And this is coming from a government who has rule this county for the past 53+ years. And I guess this particular government gets more and more stupid by the day we keep them in power. Well, who is to be blame?

Interlok which has all the ingredients to make this country a boiling pot of Asia has been made a text book for all Form 5 students. Now, what sort of message is BN sending to our youngsters?

Well, for a start it means that all Indians and Chinese are still pendatangs and that's how the next generation of these 2 ethnic groups are to be remembered forever by all.

Secondly, it is perfectly all right to ridicule the "pendatangs" with whatever means possible; cultural or religious. This includes words like pariah, 'anjing orang putih', Chinese sell daughters etc etc etc.

Thirdly, we don't count anymore in this country. Our voices and grievances on this issue seems to be falling on deaf ears. I guess we are not wanted and this is something this racist and bigot government wants to instill into the minds of our students.

Well, to the Umnoputras out there let me put this as straight as I can "We are not leaving this country!"

This is our country as much as yours. It is UMNO who will be leaving starting from Putrajaya. So, if you think you can get rid of the other ethnic groups easily think again.

Today we are seeing the extension of Interlok ridicule on the Christian population. Yeap, it is not in the text book but look where is our country heading to?

The 5100 pcs of Malay Bibles or Al-Kitab which was locked up in some godown port in Sarawak is treated like some contraband item. What are the Umnoputras afraid off?

Now the Al-Kitab has been desecrated and defaced by the order of the Home Ministry. It wanted to add a serial number on its cover without the church's permission. What are they trying to proof.?

Are they trying provoke the Christian population? Or, are they trying to please the Muslim population to gain their votes.

Umno knows the rural seats will be the battleground to gain access into the Malay heartland against PAS.

But at whose expense?

Just imagine if the same were to happen to the Quran? I guess all hell will break loose just like few years ago when some Danish newspaper drew the prophet's cartoon!

I believe that the purpose of having Interlok in our schools today and the restriction and subsequent desecration of the Al-Kitab serves as as tool to gain the support of the Malay voters for the next GE13.

The Al-Kitab which is totally color blind and only speaks of doing good to our enemies has even become one of UMNO tools to in capturing Putrajaya.

Well, UMNO is playing with fire. This round it is the Christian Holy Book. I wonder what they are up to next?

And to the 2 Christian ministers (Idris Jala & Maximus Ongkili) you both are hopeless when it comes to defending you faith. I guess money is your God and it is only apt that you hear what Jesus has to say about politicians like you that "No man can serve two masters...You cannot serve both God and money" (Matt 6:24).

Coz you have shown us clearly who your masters are i.e. UMNO. The same goes to you Gerakan president Koh Tsu Koon a good for nothing minister in charge of National Unity.

And to all people of goodwill all over Malaysia let's bring down this BN government. Let's pray and fast that this BN government will pay the ultimate price for desecrating our Holy Book come GE 13.

Lets make a stand. Lets press on. Lets bring them down.

BN restricting Malay Bible but not Interlok!

2011-03-16T15:38:00.001+08:00

There are so many happenings in Malaysia these days and it's hard to keep abreast of all news. From Anwar's sham trial to BN twin wins there is a lot to digest for any man and women on the street.

The most recent controversy is the banning of Malay Bibles by the BN government in Sarawak port. It's funny how our government seem to differ when it comes to using Interlok in the secondary school syllabus. I just don't get it guys!

The Interlok is such a subversive material which disregards the sensitivities of minorities in Malaysia. The Bible does not have any of those elements whether it's printed in English, Malay, Tamil, German etc. But the government still insist to ban it.

The BN government is ok in using racist text book but have the cheek to ban Bibles from entering our shores.

So, why the ban?

This really shows how racist and bigoted our ruling party are.

I just got the news that the racist BN government has released the Malay Bibles which it has detained in Port Klang and Sarawak port recently.

But that doesn't mean they are off the hook. They need to state their stand on the 1986 controversial ruling which bans all publications which uses the word Allah.

If not, history tends to repeat itself especially under the BN rule. It will if BN continues to rule Malaysia after the 13th General Election.

If you asked me this could just be a ploy by BN in facing the Sarawak state elections whereby 43% of the voters are Christians.

Hence, the need to release those Bibles. If not for the Sarawak Elections this issue would have been met with fierce resistance from UMNO and not forgetting Perkasa to continue to ban Malay bibles. The timing was perfect!

I guess the timing is also right to kick BN out of Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole. No God fearing person would ever vote for a party that lives and thrives on racist and bigoted statements and actions.

The BN must fall and it must fall NOW. Lets be ready for GE13 people!!!

BN-UMNO, Please get lost from Penang!

2011-03-13T23:45:00.000+08:00

by K.Sudhagaran Stanley
stanley_sudha@yahoo.com

In light of the recent baseless attacks and statements by the Opposition in Penang, Kedah and selangor towards the Pakatan Government, I would like to share with you 12 points on the achievements of the Penang DAP- Pakatan Government.

The facts and figures below were obtained from the Penang State Government.

1) Penang tops in investment in Malaysia attracting almost RM 12.2 billion investments or 26% of the overall investments in Malaysia. A historical success for Penang.
2) Penang was praised by the National Auditor General for being the state with the best financial management from 2008-2009
3) Penang tops in reducing the crime index for 2010 by 27%. It is the highest among all states in Malaysia.
4) Penang is the pioneer and leading state in green initiatives moving towards becoming the first green state in Malaysia.
5) Penang is the only state in Malaysia to be praised by Transparency International for the state government’s open tender and CAT governance based on competency, accountability and transparency.
6) Penang contributes two -thirds of the medical tourism in Malaysia.
7) Penang is the 1st state to give out RM100 annually to senior citizens above the age of 60yrs old. The state government commits to wipe out hardcore poverty and ensures that every family`s income is at least RM 500 a month.
8) Penang has the highest increase of Air-Travelers (30%) in comparison of other Malaysian airports in 2010.
9) Penang has zero unemployment rates and is currently having shortage of workers.
10) Penang state Government guarantees the freedom and upholds the human rights of the people through the freedom of information (FIO) Act and erected the Speaker`s Square at esplanade. The 1st in Malaysia which gives the people the freedom to voice their opinion.
11) Penang is the most committed and active in protecting, preserving and promoting heritage conservation such as the UNESCO world heritage city of George Town.
12) Penang is ranked as the most livable city in Malaysia.

As a Penang citizen, I am very proud of the success of my beloved Pakatan government.
The UMNO-Barisan racist company Sdn.Bhd, ( i say company because they are a money making politician, and sdn.bhd because they make money, stolen from the public, for their own pockets) is trying all its way's to down grade the Penang government and slander lies towards it`s administration. In recent news, we hear of the Racist BN company sdn.bhd attacking the Penang state Government and slandering lies against them.

I would like to tell the Penang Gerakan chief Dr Teng Hock Nan and the Umno liaison chief Zainal Abidin Osman, to mind your own business and not interfere in the affairs of Penang. The people of Penang had voted in the PR government and had given them the powers to run the Penang State. We don’t need your comments or advices on how to run the state as you guys come from a bad history and even a present fact of a corrupted and racist government. The people of Penang had clearly rejected the BN-UMNO in the last General Elections. Please stay out of Penang and let our government do their job.

The people of Penang today are very happy with state`s administration. There are many positive policies and steps taken by the government in favor of the Rakyat and not themselves. There are still many policies that cannot be enforced because of the involvement of the Federal Government led by the BN-UMNO Racist company sdn.bhd in the administration of Penang state. A very good example of such a matter would be the implementation of the State Local Council Elections. The state government is unable to move ahead with the plan because it requires the approval of the agencies controlled by the Federal government. Many problems in Penang today is due to the centralization of power in the federal government which controls all federal agencies. Decision by the federal is the key to such positive steps and the centralization of power had hampered the positive steps taken by the state government. Yet, the state is still working hard and trying it`s best to implement its plan through various ideas and measures taken. An example for that would be the creating of a port folio in the Penang Government to look after the affairs of non-Muslim. Such great and positive steps were never taken or considered by the previous BN-UMNO.

The federal government is only interested in a matter that brings income to their pockets. They will try whatever ways possible to create disunity among the races in Malaysia and shoot down critics by controlling the media and the enforcing of various draconian laws which are widely not accepted by the nation, to hold on to power. The recent Interlok Novel issue is a very good example on how the BN-UMNO is trying to poison the mind of the Rakyat and create disunity among them. The incident of the 3 students being held up and questioned by the police in the police station for nearly 10 hours without the consent of their parents is also a very good example on how the government uses the police to create fear among the Rakyat and shut them up. These students had returned their form 5 Novel “Interlok” to their headmaster because they were not happy with the content. Instead of investigating the government for making such book compulsory in form 5, the police abused the students by holding them up for 10hrs illegally without the conduct of law.

The people of Penang has spoken, and the message is clear, That we have made a good choice in selecting the DAP-Pakatan government to rule our state. I believe, if given the opportunity to govern Penang for at least another 4 term, we would be able to compete with Singapore and reach great heights, with fair and proper policies that benefit all citizens in Penang.
Meanwhile, the opposition in Penang can dream of taking back Penang in the next General Elections. Penang citizens are now matured and wise in choosing their government. So BN-UMNO company sdn.bhd which will soon be bankrupt can continue dreaming!

Mahathir oh Mahathir

2011-03-07T22:31:00.000+08:00

Whatt happen to this old man? Just can't let go? Well, for those who don't know Mahathir is launching his Memoir "A Doctor in the House" tomorrow.

I guess he has the need to put things in his perspective so that everyone will get into the same page as him. Most probably the Textbook Division under the Education Ministry will change our History again to accomodate Tun Mahathir's version of history. You'll never know!

Which begs the next question. What is Tun Mahathir legacy exactly? Simple:-

- Money politics in UMNO and BN as a whole
- The rape of judiciary
- Operasi Lalang
- BMF scandal
- Bakun dam
- The sacking & jailing of Anwar Ibrahim
- Father of racism as espoused by our Federal Minister Nazri

And I guess the list goes on. Lets see how he deals with these issues in his memoir. Then you know the kind of man he is. A coward or someone coming to terms with his life.

Lets wait and see. Should be mind boggling so to speak!

Malaysians Deserve Better!

2011-03-06T22:39:00.000+08:00

For a start this is not an analysis of what went wrong for PR in both the by-elections of Merlimau and Kerdau today. I'm sure there will be a few in the next few days.

First things first, BN's formula is working and they are regaining their strength day by day. Their ultimate tools Perkasa & Dr. Mahathir racist rhetoric and Utusan has been doing a good job in regaining the masses back to the fold. If not, how else to explain the increased in majority?

In addition, the Interlok issue has not been a crowd puller even for the Chinese and Indian voters in Merlimau and Kerdau this time around. Hindraf has lost its plot and their main supporters i.e. Indian voters are going back to BN big time.

Lets not forget the powerful BN machinery which is ever ready to do what it takes to get the votes in. It seems the BN machinery has been given an impetus with the likes of Ummi Hafilda even after 13 years of low profile.

So, what happens now? I guess the stage is set for UMNO/BN to call the shots. Is PR ready for GE13? I hope they are coz as Raja Petra put it "it's now or never" if we wanna change the government in Malaysia.

So, bring it on! We the people will press on for a change in Malaysia simple because We Deserve Better!!!

We will press on for a better governance in this country.

We will press on for a just and free Malaysia where all Malaysians are treated equally.

We will press on till we see the day this oppressive BN government is replaced with a government of the people, by the people and for the people!

Malaysians, We Deserve Better!!!

The Tragedy of 1Malaysia!

2011-01-06T02:34:00.001+08:00

I was just listening to some of Beyond songs a group who were very famous in the 1980/90's in Hong Kong. It is my favourite Chinese band with a colorful past. But tragedy struck in 1993 when the lead singer fell to his death from a 3 metre stage.

Our country too had a colorful past under the premiership of Tunku right till Tun Hussein Onn. Then tragedy struck our nation when Mahathir came to power and dismantled almost every institution this country has ever cherished i.e. judiciary.

Badawi was next and he slept thru his administration. Najib took over and came up with his 1Malaysia slogan inspired by APCO. So, what is actually 1Malaysia and what it has achieved so far?

Frankly, it has achieved quite a lot. Najib needs to turn the tide back that gave PR control in 5 states that broke BN 2/3 monopoly.

Firstly, it has been able to break the Indian voters after the Tsunami 2008. The Indians were kingmakers in many contituencies in much of the northern/central states in the penisular. They were united to bring down BN under the inspirational HINDRAF movement.

If this particular minority is not divided then there is a big chance of 2008 repeating itself. Hence, Makkal Sakhti Party came and a host of other splinter Indian based parties too. Even Hindraf has lost its plot and are seen to be more anti PR then BN itself.

I feel the Indian voters has also lost its direction and most probably will fall back to BN. So, if you are thinking that 1Malaysia is to unite Malaysians think again. It is just a front to achieve its political goal of uniting the whole of Malaysia under 1BN rule hence 1Malaysia.

How about the Malay voters? Looks like they are making a return to BN going by what the last by-election results are anyway. Najib has been able to inch his way to the Malay voters enclave but he knows he can't do it alone.

He does it with Perkasa as his tool and Utusan newspaper as his mouthpiece. These two groups has been in the forefront espousing Malay supremacy day in and day out. And some are actually buying it especially those from the contractors class.

In addition, these two mouthpiece has been loud and clear and in no uncertain terms made their intentions known that Malays will loose their power in this land if PR comes to power. That message has been bandied about almost every other day and it seems to be bearing some results too.

I can't say that the Malay voters are coming back in droves but what is certain is they are coming back to be re-united under Najib's UMNO. I guess in this sense Najib's 1Malaysia beginning to have some desired results.

Mahathir put it aptly that the real kingmakers are the Malay voters if only they are united. And this is what 1Malaysia has been doing quietly but surely.

What about the Chinese voters? Well, they have been practical and steadfast about the need for change. This is one group that Najib is not able to make much progress in terms of political support.

MCA has not been that helpful either in gaining mileage for any support for BN as a whole. And I guess that is why 1Malaysia is so important to Najib coz he just can't rely on his own BN counterparts to do a good job.

So, what is Najib's 1Malaysia plan for the Chinese community? Frankly, I am without a clue and hoping someone out there could tell me.

Sabah & Sarawak? Well, they are already 1Malaysia meaning under 1BN rule hence the term "fixed deposits for BN" so why go and mess things up there.

In fact, Sabah has gone one step further. They are no more 1Malaysia but 1Asia coz of their rather "inclusiveness" to the massive influx of foreign nationals from Indonesia, Phillipines, Pakistan, Semenanjung etc.

So what have we learn from here. A few things:-

- 1Malaysia is a political tool/trap to achieve 1BN rule in Malaysia.

- 1Malaysia methodology is "divide and rule" the Malaysian voters to achieve BN rule. Divide the kingmakers and rule the rest of them.

- 1Malaysia tool is Perkasa and Utusan newspaper is their mouthpiece. Why do you think Najib has been quiet and not taken any steps or action on these two groups?

Now is the Selangor government divided on this issue? What the heck? They should just go ahead and ban this 1Malaysia idea/slogans/symbols and what not.

1Malaysia is a trap that would lead to Pakatan's death and I can imagine Najib is having a good laugh now.

In conclusion 1Malaysia is just a front for Najib's to work out his strategy to unite Malaysia under his rule. If this strategy works out then it is a Tragedy for all Malaysians!

Remember 1Malaysia = 1BN Rule (read: Divide and Rule)

Malaysian History - Are We Condemned to Repeat It?

2010-12-18T02:21:00.000+08:00

During school days my favourite lesson used to be History. I loved History because it was something you could read as a story.

A story of how a Hindu prince from Indonesia seeks refuge and founded Malacca. A story on how Malaya gain independence without much bloodshed and how Sabah & Sarawak was coerced, cajoled and "cheated" to join the Federation of Malaysia.

Today we are at a crossroad. The debate is on our Malaysian History for our school syllabus and the debate is not getting any better. In fact, there has been a lot of mistrust against our Education Ministry on this issue.

Well, what can you say when the person in-charge of the said ministry is a racist bum who openly supports Perkasa.

Frankly, if we cannot decide what our History is even after 53 years journeying as a nation then we have failed miserably to live as a nation which our fore-fathers has envision.

I personally believe that History is about finding and telling the truth and sometimes the truth can be cruel especially to the powers that be. Can our politicians live up to that scrutiny and bare it all especially to our young ones in school?

I doubt it. Simply because they have not been able to withstand any alternative views which is contrary to their own world view.

For example think of Mahathir. He was a person who could not tolerate any dissent during his administration.

So any view that is contrary to that politician or his political party is considered seditious or dangerous and they are labeled as traitors, un-patriotic or whatever.

George Santayana once said "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

For the past 53 years this country has been repeating the sins of the same government without fail. From 1969 we have never truly learned from our tainted past.

Why? We have only been conditioned to learn about the dark side of our Malaysian History. Till today our politicians has never failed to raise the specter of May 13 as a reminder to the non-Malays.

Sad to say after May 13, there were other racial riots e.g. in Kampung Medan in Selangor and in Kampung Rawa in Penang both in the 1990's. Did we learn anything people?

We are a people preferring to live in the past hoping that the past could come and rescue us (read:UMNO/BN).

We must go back to our foundation on what constitute as our Nation's History . Also, not forgetting about our colorful past during the time of Tunku till Hussein Onn. Those were the good old days of national unity before the tyrant Mahathir came into the picture.

As a country we need to reclaim our History from the hands of these BN politicians which has been tainted by numerous scandals and what not. Should we entrust our national treasure to this bunch of goons? I fear that this day light robbers are already getting an upper hand today.

Let’s wake up and make BN history once and for all!

A Tribute to Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu

2010-11-27T16:00:00.000+08:00

I guess he was more than the Father of Development for Penang. By bringing in the MNC's in large numbers and putting up KOMTAR and the Penang Bridge in the 70's and 80's, Penang became a catalyst for the rapid industrialization of this country and develop a penchant for mega projects in whole of Malaysia (in the 90's) under the 4th PM of Malaysia of you know who!

But I must say that me and my friends would always be grateful to him as he has managed to create jobs not just for his generation but also mine and the generations to come. We Penangites don't really need to leave our shores in search for better pastures but in fact has been a haven to attract the world's best to come here.

His visionary and pioneering spirit has made Penang to what it is today. That is why we Penangites opted for a radical change 2008 GE as what our parents did a generation ago in 1969 under Dr. LCE leadership. It was the same yearning which is to have a credible leadership, a man who walks the talk and a leader who would deliver!

We Penangites have been so fed-up with Dr. Koh Tsu Koon because even though he was Dr. LCE political secretary Dr.KTK did not possess at all the same spirit of his predecessor. He was a coward and a good for nothing Chief Minister of Penang. What a far cry from Dr.LCE!

With this I give my condolences to Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu's family and the rest of Penangites as well for having lost a legendary stalwart. May you Rest in Peace!

Chong Eu a great Penangite, a great Malaysian, and a great patriot

2010-11-26T00:01:00.000+08:00

Chong Eu a great Penangite, a great Malaysian, and a great patriot

Taking the Good Lord for a ride with Marlboro!

2010-11-25T00:31:00.000+08:00

A couple of months back Malaysia Today showed pictures of A-G Gani Patail with Shahidan. In case you still have doubts, Malaysia Today will now show you how close they really are. They are so close that they deem it fit to seek atonement and go to God’s house in Mecca together

THE CORRIDORS OF POWER
Deep Throat Bukit Aman

RPK has always said that Malays are the worst lot of Muslims in the world. They take bribes, cheat, commit criminal breach of trust, plunder the nation’s wealth, and much more. They also rape, murder and even blow dead people up with military grade explosives.

And after doing all these evil deeds, they purport to repent and put on a public show of visiting God’s house in Mecca to seek forgiveness.
Yes, that is what they do. And they think that all their sins can be cleansed and that God will forgive them by that single act of being seen to be performing the Haj. I suppose it is that easy to take the Good Lord for a ride.

If you think it was bad enough that the former Chief Justice, Eusof Chin, and his wife, went on holidays with Lawyer VK Linggam. If you think it was revolting to see a picture of the arms of Correct, Correct, Correct Linggam on the shoulders of Eusof Chin while on holidays in New Zealand. Then you haven’t seen it all.
That indiscretion was good enough to warrant a Royal Commission of Enquiry to investigate the manipulations of Linggam in the appointments to the judiciary.

Malaysia Today has posted Parts 1 to 10 on the plundering of MAS, which resulted in a multi-billion hole in its fortunes. Malaysia Today has exposed that in the end it was the Director of the CCID, Dato’ Ramli Yusuff, and his lawyer, Rosli Dahlan, who were charged for relentlessly pursuing the case against MAS’s former Chairman, Tajuddin Ramli.

Until today Tajudin remains a free and wealthy man living in his ranch called Al Raudhah or The Garden of Heaven.

Malaysia Today has unravelled the link between Tajudin and A-G Gani Patail through the smooth operator who goes by the name of Shahidan Shafie. Malaysia Today has provided the link between Shahidan’s adopted sister, Rizana Daud, who is married to Bistamam Ramli, Tajudin’s brother. Malaysia Today has also provided the background of Shahidan -- an ex-policeman who was charged for corruption in Johor Bahru.
Yet, today, he is the best of friends with A-G Gani Patail.

They say you must know how to choose your friends. Shahidan certainly does. What better friend can you have today in Malaysia, if you are a wheeler-dealer and underworld operator, than the Attorney General?
But then again with A-G Gani Patail he can be the best of friends with the highest bidder. He sells himself to whomsoever can satisfy his lust for money, money and more money. So that is what binds A-G Gani to corrupted former policeman Shahidan Shafiee, the riches that is thrown his way.

A couple of months back Malaysia Today showed pictures of A-G Gani Patail with Shahidan. In case you still have doubts, Malaysia Today will now show you how close they really are. They are so close that they deem it fit to seek atonement and go to God’s house in Mecca together. Or is this just another camouflage for the shenanigans that they are about to commit?
In this day and age, even a Holy place is not too sacred to hide deals that they are about to cut.
Did RPK not tell you that all the government agencies in Malaysia report to him? Now see this Tabung Haji list of Haj for this year.

Yes, A-G Gani, his wife, his son, and Shahidan, have gone for Haj together as a family. Right now, they are about to complete their Tawaf Wida'. This scumbag of an A-G knows no bounds. He will use his family as a camouflage for the evil things he does, even in the Holy Land.

In case you are still confused, let me explain this Haj list package as follows:
a) Kod Pakej PZ2 is the Zamrud package of 2 persons to a room;
b) The number 096 is the joint booking number. So Shahidan paid for the A-G and his family’s Haj trip;
c) The numerals 01-03 is the room arrangement.

So the A-G stays in one room with his wife and the A-G’s son, Faezul Adzra, stays in the other room with Shahidan. They are certainly family!

By the way, to ensure that he is safe after he retires, A-G Gani makes his son a Federal Counsel in the A-G Chambers. Talking about building a dynasty and taking care of his backside. And A-G Gani Patail is teaching his young government lawyer son that it is kosher to consort with criminals and wheeler-dealers so long as it is done secretly.

This scumbag A-G did not factor in that Malaysia Today will always find out his dirty deals.
Shahidan Shafie may think he is smoother than VK Linggam. But nothing escapes Malaysia Today.
Stay tuned and Malaysia Today will make more exposes on this scumbag A-G until a Royal Commission is set up to investigate the accusations that Datuk Mat Zain bin Ibrahim, the former Kuala Lumpur Officer-in-Charge of Criminal Investigations (KL OCCI), had said about A-G Gani Patail being protected by the MACC:

“It only shows that MACC and the Chambers are prepared even to go to the extent of affirming false affidavit to screen Gani Patail from legal punishment.”

I wonder whether they managed to con God into forgiving their sins. Maybe the infamous Perak Mufti can come out with a fatwah as to whether if you go for your Haj with dirty money your Haj will be Haj Mabruh or Haj Malboro.

Kenneth Lin speaks at SDP rally

2010-11-24T10:21:00.000+08:00

Check out a young 16 year old Singaporean speaks up for his countrymen against the tyrant Lee Kuan Yew. Listen to Kenneth who also shared how God played a role in him becoming an agent of change in Singapore politics. It was truly the LORD's doing. Amazing!

Patriotism & the Little Napoleans

2010-11-14T01:19:00.002+08:00

In 1995/6 after my STPM exams I went to the Penang Police HQ (Penang Rd) to apply for the post of Police Inspector. The requirement was a STPM qualification at that time.

Once there we were given a physical routine check up and those who were qualified were given the application form. Simple as that!

But went it came to my turn the officer in charge refuse to hand-over the application form to me on the basis that my STPM results were good. My physical check up was fine.

He said “kamu tak payahlah masuk polis. Buang masa aje dengan result yg bagus cam tu”. (You don’t need to enter the Police Force. Just a waste of time since you have a good STPM results.)

What the hell? Still, I tried to reason with him that I really wanted to be in the police force and wiling to sacrifice my public university entry for this. He said better don’t waste your time here!

Undeterred, I went to see my relative who was a clerk in the police force then. He told me it’s a dead end and there is no way they will ever hand over the application form to me! That was truly a bombshell!

Here am I trying to give my best to the country but my country refuse my service. And all because the application was ‘hijacked’ by a certain police officer.

I love Law but my STPM result did not allow me to pursue a degree in this line. So, the next best thing for me was to enter the Police force which was about upholding the rule of law.

Now Zahid Hamidi let me ask you this. Who is the un-patriotic one? The police officer or me?

It was those Little Napoleans who stood in my path to serve my country the way I know best. In fact, there could be many others who have had the same experience like I did and I hope you could start to share about it as well.

Let me say this again to you Zahid Hamidi do not underestimate our sense of patriotism to our country. Do not think that we will just stand by idly and do nothing when our country is in danger.

And one of the greatest dangers in Malaysia today is politicians like you who downplay the contribution of other races in nation building. Also, let us not forget that our country is being plundered to the maximum by thieves from your own party and you still have the cheek and gall to talk about patriotism.

It’s total bull-s and your hypocrisy really stinks to the highest heaven. And please do us a big favor by looking at yourself in the mirror before you ever talk about the meaning of patriotism.

Even at that age my sense of duty and patriotism to my country was strong and still is. But when the moment of truth arrived the first step to serve my country was dashed just like that!

Over to you Zahid Hamidi.

A Malaysian Tale 3

2010-11-13T23:56:00.000+08:00

1) Rafidah, Shahrizat & Jean Abdullah meet GOD onJudgement Day.

GOD says 'I understand all of you are from Malaysia , which
to the Bumis, is also known as 'heaven-on-earth'. Here too you all shall
be treated according to status. You shall meet the who's who of the
Malaysian cream of the crop.

You can see two giant gates over there. On one is stated Bumi & the
other Non-Bumi. Just go to the respective gates & mention your name. BUT
remember, should your claim turns out to be false, you shall be condemned to the
tortures of hell for all eternity and lose any chance of
redemption whatsoever."

Jean goes over first. She stands outside the Bumi
gate and mentions her name. The digital display flashes "DLL" and a ear-
piercing alarm rings out. The gate opens to reveal a chamber of raging fire of
intense heat. 'Welcome to hell' booms a burly turbaned Sikh as he pulls her
in. His name tag reads as Irwan Shah Abdullah@DJ Dave@Sukhdave Singh.

Rafidah & Shahrizat are caught by surprise but smile at each other
knowingly. Next goes Shahrizat. She too stands outside the Bumi gate &
mentions her name. The digital display screen flashes "MAMAK" and
another ear-piercing alarm triggers. The gate opens to reveal an icy
cold chamber way below freezing point. 'Welcome home, I'm Mamoothy', says
a sarcastic voice who's name tag reads as Mahathir s/o Mohd Kutty.

Rafidah who is very sure of qualifying, walks over haughtily to the gate
which she feels is her birth-right. Just as she mentions her name, the digital
display flashes "INDIAN" .There is a thunderous flash and the gate opens to
reveal a pot-bellied figure with a trident in hand & nothing else on
except a wig. A familiar voice rings out 'Selamat datang Paduka, Kemaluan saya
amat besar, tetapi walaubagaimana pun.......'.He can't go on as he is
salivating and panting heavily. She is too shocked for words and turns
around in time to hear GOD say just before the gate closes forever "Your
particulars in our record shows your middle name to
be AP instead of binti....."

2) AP birthday to you
AP birthday to you
AP birthday to rAPidah
AP birthday to you

Many AP returns of the day, rAPidah!

Malaysian Education System in Emergency

2010-11-13T03:37:00.000+08:00

After reflecting my schooling years I have to agree with my friends that those who started school in 1983 with the new KBSR format felt like guinea pigs. I do too!

Then, the standard 5 exams were change to standard 6 with the UPSR format. Well, I thought things were fine until they change the year end school holidays from December to October. We had to start our new school year in December. Remember?

I felt that was really weird starting our school term at the end of the year. HHhmmm. Our Christmas holidays had to be cut short and Christmas was never the same again.

And by that time I had a sense that other sort of changes was coming soon and I dread that. We just had to go thru the motions and study hard while thinking what sort of changes was coming next. I resented that feeling.
Later we were in Form 1 under the KBSM thingy and life went on as usual. The SRP was later replaced by the PMR exams and SPM and STPM so far has not been change.

Recently, our Education Minister DPM Muhyiddin Yasin were` suggesting that UPSR & PMR to be scrapped. The reason is our education system is too exam oriented.

For a start why not the ministry conduct an investigation on our Chinese and some of our Tamil schools. What are their strengths and their methodology. We do not need to go far as the solution to our predicament is only a stone's throw away!

And during the UMNO General Assembly he suggested to make History a passing subject.

Why the sudden rush to change our education system again and again? Does he know what he's doing?

Somehow he doesn't inspire confidence to those who really take education seriously.

It was also DPM Muhyiddin who scap the teaching of Science and Maths in English previously.

Well, for one our young minds are not your guinea pigs anymore. We are not your lab rats that you or UMNO think can experiment with. We had enough of this so called changes that actually doesn't make sense to us at all.

Secondly, the less changes by you people make on our education system is better. I know this is one ministry everyone wants to make a mark for themselves. And Muhyiddin you are of no different.

Any changes has to be backed by a proper study which engages all sections of society. What is so difficult in doing that? Plain lazy or for political expediency? I think we all know the answer!

Thirdly, please stop politicising our education system. After all your brand of politics is rotten to the core and I'm afraid our schools are already becoming a sad reflection of that rotteness.

Imagine the kind of students that is being produced from this type of rotten and failed system. Is our system churning out the best or are we producing the rempits, alongs and gangters all the way?

Instead please spend our country's reseouces to train our teachers and recognize them whoever they are. They are guru to our young minds and their contribution to our nation is priceless. I believe this is one step which is very much lacking today and DPM Muhyiddin you can make a huge difference by doing so.

Finally, I think we all know what needs to be done in our education system. A total overhaul needs to be executed and it must always start from the head. And I believe we will have that opportunity not very long from now.

A Budget for Poor Lazarus?

2010-10-22T03:04:00.000+08:00

Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day. A certain beggar, named Lazarus, was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores.

It happened that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried. In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus at his bosom. He cried and said, "Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue! For I am in anguish in this flame."

But Abraham said, "Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in the same way, bad things. But now here he is comforted and you are in anguish. Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that those who want to pass from here to you are not able, and that none may cross over from there to us."

He said, "I ask you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house; for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, so they won't also come into this place of torment."

But Abraham said to him, "They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them."

He said, "No, father Abraham, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent."

He said to him, "If they don't listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead."
– Luke 16:19–31, World English Bible

Budget 2011 was never a people’s budget. It’s really for “a certain rich” strata of society who has all the fine things in life. Their everyday wants and needs have been taken care off by the numerous “blood sucking” systems without a care for tomorrow. I think we can recognize these groups of people in Malaysia. Can you name some of them?

Not only are they well connected but they are also well protected. From the Executive arm to the AG chambers the powers that be continues to feed them thru various means (nepotism, cronyism, back door appointments, money politics, patronage system, corruption etc) and gets the rich to become richer & bolder but the poor poorer.

The high society of today continues to usurp and be blind to the plight of modern day Lazarus and their intention is to grab whatever that is left from the men and women on the street. Look at PLUS Highway & EPF, 100 storey Heritage Tower & PNB etc.

We could have used this money to build low cost houses for the needy or give scholarship to our poor students. This is what Affirmative Action really is!!!

But as we can see, most of the allocation in this Budget will be or has been given to their families and the well connected cronies of the powerful.

At the end of the day it doesn’t really matter what happens to Lazarus or what he feels as he is always kept at the wayside and fringes of society –“ was laid at the gate.” He has neither a voice nor connection to pull any strings except to wait till kingdom comes!

Today’s the rakyat were only given “crumbs” from the budget which doesn’t make much of a difference in our lives.

The Lazarus of today are left to fend for themselves and were in no way taken into account in the BN government plans to become a high income country whatever that means to you.

Who are the modern day Lazarus? Where is he/she today? They are considered to be the Least, the Last and the Lost of our society.

In this parable the rich had no name given by Jesus except Lazarus. Do you know who are they or their names?

And do you know what their daily struggles are like? Is it the dubious inflation rate of 2-4%, high cost of living & food, sense of alienation, hopelessness for the future, children’s education, medical, transportation, bills to pay etc.

Somehow it bothers all of us that this budget gave low or no priority to the majority of people who are struggling for their day to day bread. It’s never a rakyat’s budget after all. It’s a complete farce to all thinking and feeling Malaysians!

But does that mean it’s wrong to be rich? Absolutely no. If not, what is Abraham doing in heaven with Lazarus? As Scriptures says, Abraham was a very rich men with livestock, silver and gold (Gen 13:2).

Does the end justify the means? Well, this is something for all of us to reflect upon.