Nazri tells Utusan to stop racist agenda

Umno maverick Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz has continued to condemn Utusan Malaysia for its “outdated” racist propaganda, saying the Umno-owned newspaper must accept that Malaysia is a multi-racial country.

Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz

It's amazing but understandably it was seen by political analysts as a correct political move and most welcome as the public is frustrated with the Utusan. It was noted that Utusan had come under increasing fire from politicians and the public over alleged ethical infractions. They appear to be more willing to publicly criticize the daily besides making reports to the police.

Politically, it was claimed that the alleged move by Utusan to publish highly sensitive and demeaning articles against the non-Malays not only insulting them but would directly or indirectly benefit the opposition.

Ironically, the media should report factual matters accurately without bias and controversial issues fairly. But in reality, media always is being used by politicians to gain public legitimacy and support.

Undeniably, it was claimed that certain media chose the specific groups as the target of their hate. It seems that their sensitivity to race has recently been heightened. We’ve routinely heard that politician and their allies in the media always stirring up controversy for political gain.

Nevertheless, due to the highly political nature of the issues, the strategy of stirring up controversy often seems to be the most effective tactics to gain access to core the political routines. However, in a multi- ethnic society, it is by far one of the most difficult to handle politically, the whole strategy would backfire.

A close looks at the impact of the most painful aspects made by Utusan which was termed by Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz as “outdated” racist propaganda. It was claimed that at its most extreme besides a rather dubious in regard to race relations and bias were to be found in the discriminatory propaganda which is advantages to opposition parties.

It was claimed by certain political analysts that Utusan is considered being Umno's mouthpiece and its race-soaked invectives should not be repeatedly taken out of context and deliberately misunderstood. In fact, there certainly would have been deliverable used as a tool to usurp the political support for Najib and not otherwise. It has been said that politics as the art of making the impossible. Is it possible for the member of the party they belonged to do so?

It has been reported that the statement presented by Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz’s was a correct political move and most welcome by certain quarters. What do you think of his statement?

Should Nga Kor Ming sue those misreporting?

Often it is said that the media's tendency to get overwrought about almost everything under the sun and politicians aim to get free ride from media.

Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming

Undeniably, it is claimed that although politicians frequently communicate to media but media change some of their message especially those have different schools of thought. It is a process by which the media determines what issues to cover and how big as media prefers more confrontational issues to less one.

Ironically, mainstream media tends to pick up on these claims. But they never take into consideration that the political damage has already been done. Strong praise and ugly words directed at politicians. It clearly shows that the media cannot effectively compete with the new media.

Basically, a credible media should engage itself in a fair and free reporting. The news reporting should be balanced with the demands of fair play without bias.

Unfortunately, it was reported frequently that the media’s role in spreading confusion regarding the political statement. In an attempt to be balanced, media often inadvertently tilts the scale too far to accommodate the political statement that looking to spread misinformation and confusion.

Its embarrassing that media is making the situation worse by trying to twist the statement and give a free ride in newspaper to certain politicians.

In fact, the media should not be blamed if it reports on matters that needed to be made known to the people as long as it does not divert from the facts, as said by Information, Communication and Culture Minister Rais Yatim.

In this regard, he said it was not proper for certain quarters to accuse the media of twisting facts in its reporting as he felt the Malaysian media was responsible in relating facts of importance to society.

Rais Yatim said Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming should not blame the media in general but rather single out media that he charged was twisting his statement.

He said, "As long as the facts are true, the media can report, but if the facts are false, then the party aggrieved has the right to sue those misreporting".

The questions arise: Do politicians used to get free ride from media? Should Nga Kor Ming sue those misreporting?

Rais Yatim : Nik Aziz's opinions were no longer acceptable

Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim said the PAS spiritual leader's opinions were no longer acceptable although he was a knowledgeable and elderly person.

Rais Yatim:Nik Aziz's opinions were no longer acceptable

He said, "We used we see him as the party's spiritual leader but now we see him as someone who only knows how to revile others.

"This is not the work of a religious man, not the work of a spiritual adviser, this is vilification."

Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Aziz has issued a call to all the people of Kelantan, irrespective of political leanings, to unite under the cause of demanding for Kelantan's rightful oil royalty payments from the federal government.

He proclaimed: "As long as they do not give the oil royalty, we will pray until that person's stomach bursts.”

The PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz was also reported to have described the rejection of oil royalty payments to the Kelantan government as "a violation of basic human rights".

The question arises: Is Nik Aziz using religious practice to demand oil royalty is an unbecoming behavior as an Islamic leader?

Dubai is in a deep financial crisis

Dubai crisis began when the emirate announced that Dubai World would delay payment on debts for part of the USD59 billion in debt issued by Dubai world.

The causes:

i. the collapsing real estate prices
ii. Over-ambitious development plans, including artificial islands in the shape of a palm tree
iii. Spent heavily to acquire stakes in glittering properties like Barneys in New York and the MGM Mirage in Las Vegas.

Scenario:

i. The emirate economy is in a bad state
ii. Banks stopped lending
iii. Emirate stock market has plunged 70%.
iv. Luxury hotels are three-quarters empty
v. Shopkeepers in newly built malls are facing substantial drop in sales.
vi. Houses and cars are for sale everywhere
vii. property sale drop
viii. 50% of all the UAE’s construction projects, which are worth about USD582bn have either been put on hold or totally cancelled
ix. a huge trail of semi finished towers on the outskirts of the city stretching into the sandy desert.

Consequences:

i. Worry and a panic in the financial market as banks and financial firms lost in markets across the world
ii. spillover effects centered on fears that international banks could suffer big losses
iii. Economic slowdown and sales fall
iv. at least 25-percent contraction in the job market
v. commodities prices drop
vi. Gold price drops
vii. JPY, USD, and CHF are the big likely winners
viii. AUD, NZD, CAD and EUR would retreat

Are Dr Khoo Kay Kim and Dr Ridhuan Tee pulling BN’S leg?

It is ironic that the Chinese community always paid the honor to a person who earnestly contributed to the Chinese education in the country and otherwise.

Academician Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim who claimed that the Chinese education system produced copycats while Dr Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah criticized the vernacular education system in the country.

In response to these criticizes, the Chinese community can not find any possible reason that could justify the claimed especially taking into account that Malaysia is a role model of multiracial country.

The Chinese community especially the educationalists not only condemn them but describe them as naive, arrogant and disgrace to Malaysian Chinese’s history in the country.

It is reported that the Chinese education supporters were very angry and disgusted and to the extent that their names have term synonymous with the word traitor.

Undeniably, language is the bridge to understanding. It is claimed that Dr Khoo Kay Kim is married to an Indian of Ceylonese Tamil creed while Dr Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah is a Chinese convert married to Malay, they were not Chinese educated or never a Chinese medium educated. They were unable to understand the Chinese community situation, thought, feeling and the driving political sensitivity behind.

Indeed, the views expressed by two prominent academicians seem to be a particular challenge to Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

In a statement, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that national schools might adopt the Chinese school model in the teaching of Mathematics and Science as the Chinese schools had done well in the two subjects in public examinations.

It is often claimed that many academician are anti-establishment and not surprisingly well planned overt or covert anti-establishment viewpoints unfavorable to the government especially targeted to severely tarnish the image of MCA seems to be happening regularly.

Intentionally, they present distorted views. This will not only weaken the credibility of MCA, but will probably fail MCA to keep the support for the Barisan Nasional.

At the end of the day, the move will threaten the political stability at times when political support is deteriorating. The strategy to usurp BN political power is the hidden agenda and a symbiotic relationship between academicians and opposition.

While the ruling party takes full advantage of its position to gain support and maintain power, it is not justify supporting the academicians to jeopardize the power of the ruling party.

Is Khoo Kay Kim skillfully manipulating Chinese educational issue?

There is a need for extra sensitivity when proposals are based upon education, race and religion in multiracial society.

Ironically, a society can be ripped apart by the unwise handling of sensitive issues and causes political instability and the fall of the regime.

Khoo Kay Kim

Academically, it is not wrong for Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Khoo Kay Kim to propose a restructure of the national education system to introduce a single stream system but the act can be seen as systematic usurpation of ultimate BN political power.

Undeniably, the calls for a single-stream school system would mean that vernacular schools would cease to exist and it will generate political turmoil or cause MCA especially UMNO to lose its grip on power.

Ironically, Chinese education issue is a sensitive issue of the Chinese. It remained a taboo subject since independence.


Historically, vernacular schools have existed for more than half a century and there are about 1,000 Chinese primary schools and about 500 Tamil schools in the country.

Politically, the vernacular school system in this country is an area that is extremely sensitive. Even MCA championing the cause of Chinese schools but it is claimed that due to ineffectiveness of handling the issues, the Chinese have lost confidence in MCA. Many Chinese have felt betrayed and taken advantage of by its leaders and it caused MCA lost in the general election.

Unfortunately, it is claimed that the opposition and academician have done everything they could to discredit MCA as well as BN. They know fully well that the proposal contradicted the spirit of the Federal Constitution, which guaranteed the freedom to promote and develop the vernacular school system.

In fact, it is often seen that many academician are anti-establishment and not surprisingly anti-establishment news and viewpoints can be regularly heard.

The consistency of their overt or covert anti-establishment viewpoints that can threaten the stability and usurpation of political power is most welcome by opposition.

While BN hope for popular support from the local population, what right do we have to help someone to usurpation ultimate political power of the BN government?

Mandatory inspection for vehicles above 15 years at Puspakom

New conditions under the National Automotive Policy (NAP) that makes mandatory inspection for vehicles above 15 years at Puspakom that will enforce on Jan 1.

The regulation will involve about a million vehicles, is among 18 new measures in the revised NAP to enhance the local automotive industry’s competitiveness and make for safer, more environmental-friendly and technologically sound vehicles.


Malaysia currently has 2.7 million cars on the road that are 10 years or older and the country has a very low vehicle scrap rate instead a relatively high average vehicle age.

Undeniably, to keep ill-maintained and not road worthy vehicles off the road is the responsibility of the authority, but not old ones that work perfectly especially those good roadworthy classics collector cars.

The new regulation is good for automotive industry as new car sales will go up as most people will consider it as being a longer period of ownership and resale as well as financing.

Ironically, it was claimed that the mandatory yearly inspection in order to get the road tax renewed is affecting the lower income group especially burdens used car dealers and affects their business.

The question arises: A fair sharing of the burden would have to be based on social justice, why support a policy which would have appalled them?

Dr Mahathir: Chinese parents do no want their children to mix with other races

Former premier Dr Mahathir blamed the educationists for not wanting Chinese students to mix with Malay or Indian students.

Mahathir said that only Malaysia has the unique system of having different streams of education as other countries have only one stream despite having large migrant population. He cited United States, Canada and Australia as examples.

He also pointed out that even Switzerland, which has three official languages, has an education system which provides for students to learn all three languages in the same school.

“That is why I introduced the vision school (concept), which comprises three streams in one campus. That way, students of different races can at least meet each other,” he said.

However, he said that the system was rejected and that was the reason why Malaysians cannot achieve unity.

The question arises: Should particularities of the socio-historical and cultural background be taken into account while discussing the feasibility of national unity in Malaysia or otherwise?

New reward system for civil servants

People are being rewarded unfairly can be a huge de-motivator.

Undeniably, rewarding high performance equitably should encourage higher performance.

Ironically, the emphasis on being awarded appropriately for high performance is consistently being seen as the key drivers in increasing productivity and it continues to be one of the greatest challenges.

With increased competition in the government sector, getting the best civil servants into civil services in the first place is often difficult enough.

Thus, the government will introduce a new reward system to motivate civil servants and inculcate the culture of high performance in the public sector has clear impact on governmental performance.

Imperatively, it clearly shows that the government would not tolerate mediocrity or abuse of power.

Is MCA’s peace plan undemocratic?

Undeniably, both MCA President Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and ousted deputy Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek command a huge portion of the party’s delegates, but it is claimed that the whole process of the peace plan between them has been undemocratic and devoid of legitimacy.


Ong Ka Chuan

Former MCA secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan criticizing the MCA’s peace plan is undemocratic.

Ka Chuan also criticized Ong Tee Keat for not consulting the central committee over the plan and instead sought the approval of the Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, which he said was inappropriate.

He said this would result in public perception that the party was susceptible to external interference.

Ka Chuan said the party's assembly was the highest decision-making body and once a decision has been made, it must be accepted and respected.

He said that at the very least, the party leadership must explain to the members why the delegate's views were ignored.

He said President Ong Tee Keat's plan had in effect turned the Oct 10 extraordinary general meeting (EGM) outcome into a "joke".

He said both Ong Tee Keat and Dr Chua Soi Lek's factions had agreed on the resolutions before a notice for the EGM was issued.

Ong Tee Keat reneged on his promise and refused to step down while Dr Chua Sooi Lek is now seeking the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to reinstate him to his former post.

Ironically, if MCA continues to be wracked by internal fiasco, it would have a negative impact on BN and benefits opposition in the upcoming elections.

The question arises: Can the Peace Plan maintain the status quo in MCA and re-energize it or otherwise?

Can MCA resolve its crisis internally?

Chinese community termed the MCA internal crisis as unfortunate.

It seemed that MCA had not learnt any lessons from its past mistakes and always repeats the same mistakes.


Ironically, it is strongly believe that the 60-year-old party MCA was incapable of solving its own internal crisis through its own internal mechanism. At the MCA's extraordinary general meeting (EGM), 1,155 of the 2,304 central delegates passed a vote of no-confidence against its president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.

The EGM also passed a resolution to reinstate suspended Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek's membership albeit rejecting the motion to restore him as the party's No. 2.

The two leaders said they accepted the outcome of the EGM. Following that, the party's powerful central committee (CC) had met to discuss the latest development and the next course of action for the party. It is claimed that CC had never asking the President to step down.

However, Ong Tee Keat refused to resign as party president despite losing a confidence vote. Vise President Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai was appointed deputy president of MCA after a heated central committee meeting. He had at loggerheads with Ong Tee Keat who says he will now call for another EGM.

Undeniably, it was not easy for Ong and Liow to find a compromise because Liow was not keen for a fresh party election while Ong would prefer fresh party election to get endorsement from the delegates to continue as the party president.

Initially, members of MCA thought that Ong Tee Keat would be a good and capable president, but within a year of taking office, he was as bad as all the rest, it shows how absolute power corrupts absolutely.

The question arises: Can MCA resolve its political crisis internally?

Malaysia Day a national holiday is most welcome

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's announcement that Sept 16 will be a national public holiday from next year to commemorate Hari Malaysia is a most welcome development in the long run to celebrate the formation of Malaysia.

He said Malaysia Day will be celebrated with activities to strengthen unity, racial understanding, and the people's achievement in sports, socio-culture, culture and others to light up the spirit of 1Malaysia.

Undeniably, under the 1Malaysia spirit, Aug 31 and Sept 16 were equally significant.

Aug 31 marks the attainment of independence from colonialism, while Sept 16 were equally significant as Sept 16 ushered the birth of a new and bigger nation called Malaysia although Singapore left the federation in 1965.

Nik Aziz admits wrong strategy caused defeat in Bagan Pinang

PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat admitted PAS’ defeat in the Bagan Pinang by-election was due to a wrong strategy in their campaign.


He said relying on “ceramah” (political rallies) did not bring in the intended results. Most voters in Bagan Pinang did not know much about PAS and thus, did not vote for the party, he said.

“This caused the votes for PAS to drop as compared to the last general election,” Nik Aziz, who is also Kelantan Menteri Besar, added that the voters also had the perception that the party comprised terrorists and extremists, causing them to be too afraid to accept it.

The huge majority won by BN's Mohd Isa Samad at the well fought by-election at Bagan Pinang against his PAS rival is a major morale booster for Umno.

The result was as follow:

Mohd Isa Abd Samad (BN): 8,013

Zulkefly Mohamad Omar (PAS): 2,578

Majority: 5,435

Spoilt votes: 223

Pas' illegal stalls a nuisance

Pas supporters from outside Negri Sembilan are making a quick buck in Bagan Pinang but while inconveniencing the locals. Reported by NST.

The mushrooming of illegal stalls selling all sorts of things, from food to clothes and other party merchandise, has caused massive traffic congestion in this resort town.

Many residents are unhappy and are hoping that the local council will address the issue immediately.

G. Kumar, 35, of Taman PD Utama, said the stalls have caused traffic congestion since the start of the Bagan Pinang by-election campaign, leaving many people including himself late for work.
"Usually it takes me only 10 minutes to reach my workplace in town but because of the stalls, I have to leave my house early or spend at least half an hour in the congestion.

Ahmad Tarmizi, 55, said the stalls at the Pas operations centre have caused a lot of inconvenience for the people living near the area.

"People park their car by the side of the road without even considerating those living in the area. Sometimes, it is difficult for us to come out of our area or return home because of the massive crawl because of the stalls," he said.

The relevancy of MCA remains question

Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak wants the MCA to emerge strong and stable after the party’s extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on Saturday.

He reiterated that a strong and stable MCA was needed in getting and delivering the support of the Chinese community to the coalition.

The question arises: Can MCA emerge strong and stable after the party’s EGM on Saturday?

Although the Chinese still talk about within the community, most do not care if MCA were to collapse.

Over the last election, the Chinese protesting vote is increasing. The EGM will only allow MCA to solve its internal conflicts or to remain in crisis otherwise. It is not the question how the party is going to regain Chinese votes.

To the Chinese, they said MCA overlooked the interest of the community.

No matter what the outcome of the alleged power struggle, the relevancy of MCA and to reach out to its traditional constituency remains question.

PM: Victory more important than majority

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said, winning in the Bagan Pinang state by-election is more important to the Barisan Nasional than the size of the majority obtained.


"There's no need to talk about winning big or small, as long as (we) win. Winning is the important thing," the prime minister told Malaysian journalists after his four-day visit to France.

He said that to win, the BN must work very hard and carry out an effective campaign to get the message across to the people.

He had been informed that the BN campaign was running smoothly and had received encouraging response but the effort must continue till the end.

No chance for PAS to win the Bagan Pinang by-election

Politically, any candidate running for the by-election will need to have an effective political campaign strategy.

What can we be very sure about in this by-election in Bagan Pinang is, the BN candidate Tan Sri Isa Samad will win the race as it had been its stronghold all the while. The only on the question that's put to us is about the majority.


Isa Samad, 60, a local who served as Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar for 22 years since 1982, is facing state PAS commissioner Zulkefly Mohamad Omar, of Lenggeng.

Isa Samad is well known as the local hero. He is said to be more popular even some are criticized him. He is a grassroots man and people at the grassroots level are willing to support him.

Some political experts agree that the most critical factor to BN victory is the 4,604 postal voters in the uniformed corps.

Traditionally, a majority of the postal voters backed BN which lead BN to victory. Postal voters make up about a third of the electorate in Bagan Pinang and are widely seen as giving an edge to Barisan Nasional candidate Isa Samad.

Bagan Pinang has 13,664 registered voters of whom 62.8 per cent are Malays, 20.7 per cent Indians 11 per cent Chinese and 5.5 percent others. Postal voters total to 4,604.

Dr M : UMNO still relevant but must be wise and brave in taking "corrective measures"

Commenting on the future of Umno, the backbone of the BN, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the party was still relevant but its leaders and members must be wise and brave in taking "corrective measures".

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad

He said, Malaysians will not fare any better if the Opposition takes over the federal government from the Barisan Nasional.

According to him, most of the leaders from the Opposition were seen to be willing to change their stand just to gain popularity and support from the people.

Some of them were willing to declare as "halal" (permissible in Islam) what they used to say were "haram" (forbidden in Islam) simply to please former enemies who now had become partners in the Opposition's Pakatan coalition.

"I think things will only get worse. Their leaders are willing to make "halal" everything. Previously, PAS had said cooperation with non-Muslims would make one an infidel but now not only are they cooperating with non-Muslims, they are also saying it is okay to rear pigs, only that Muslims should not consume pork.”

"PAS quotes the Quran that pork is "haram" but that it did not say pigs cannot be reared. Going by this, it means we (Muslims) can rear pigs, can sell pork but not eat it. Just because they want the cooperation of some people, they are willing to compromise on their principles."

He said Malaysia could ill-afford leaders who were inconsistent in their stand just for the sake of gaining popularity.

"It is just the same with another leader who is a now a strong supporter of Hindraf (the banned Hindu Rights Action Force movement)."

Indian voters in Bagan Pinang should vote BN

Human Rights Party secretary-general P. Uthayakumar said it would not support BN or PR, instead urge all HRP members, Hindraf activists and Indian supporters to abstain from voting in Bagan Pinang by-election.

Ironically, democracy is a system of government in which the actual governing is carried out by the people governed, or the power to do so is granted by them.

Voting is an important part of the formal democratic process and political and democratic right of the voters.

By far, Indian can no longer be denied their political and democratic right; in fact, they should have the right to freely choose their political status.

By abstain from voting in Bagan Pinang by-election; it’s just like putting Indian down and taking them out of practical politics. The success Story of India in Malaysia under BN government is certainly quite undeniable.

There are so many successful Indian lawyers and doctors, professional as well as high ranking government servant in Malaysia, thus it's completely illogical that much Indian blames the government.

Undeniably, the BN government is taking very good care of Indian right. In April 1992, the BN government had offered 9 million Telekom shares to Maika Holdings Berhad, the investment arm of MIC. It was established in 1982 purportedly to enable Indian Malaysians to share in the country’s economy growth.

Unfortunately, in April 1992, it was discovered that Maika Holdings involved in a 9 million Telekom shares scandal. Why should Indian be angry with BN? Should MIC shoulder all the blame for failure?

The question arises: How far should Indian in Bagan Pinang support BN?