Pakatan Rakyat promised quite a bit with their CAT (Competency, Accountability and Transparency) philosophy. Penang Chief Minister appears to be the CAT main flag bearer with constant use of CAT in his speeches and press conferences. While it sounds good when heard, Pakatan has generally failed to live up to their promises, both in their actions and words. It's no different with other Pakatan Rakyat leaders, often blaming BN government of not being competent, transparent or accountable, most of the time without any evidence in their speeches, ceramah etc.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister
There were numerous rumors and sms flying around on DCM's Fairus impending resignation. When asked, Lim Guan Eng either refused to comment or have been lying by saying that Fairus is still the DCM. He further asked reporters to ask Anwar Ibrahim on the issue. The question is who appointed Fairus as DCM, isn't it Lim? Lim has the right to pass the buck to Anwar if Fairus is quitting his PKR related positions, but appointment of DCM is CM's prerogative and he should be TRANSPARENT and ACCOUNTABLE if the DCM is resigning.
He also passed the buck to Anwar when asked for reasons for Fairus to resign. Anwar, for all his CAT rhetoric, and knowing that Malaysians, especially his supporters, are stupid and dumb enough, says that Fairus quit to further his studies. Hmm..perhaps only real cats will buy that as a concrete reason for resignation from a second highest position in the state government.
Stories from PKR circles indicates that Fairus is not COMPETENT enough to undertake the role of Deputy Chief Minister, hence the question, if Lim simply took directives from Anwar on appointments from PKR, then he should not be talking about COMPETENCY! If Lim thinks that Anwar has made the wrong choice and tarnished the new state governments image, will Anwar be made ACCOUNTABLE.
Asset Declaration
As another move to be TRANSPARENT, Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim, supported by even Sultan of Selangor, finally fulfilled their promise to publicly declare their assets. Although the eagerly awaited the declaration was delayed, it was finally put up on the state's website, much to the delight of their supporters.
It was discovered that the so-called asset declaration was nothing more than an income declaration. The Excos merely listed their income since assuming office in March 2008 and listed some of their debt/loans and nothing more than that. Any civil servants will be able to tell you that information on Exco's salary, allowance and perks are widely available in public domain, hence the question whether Pakatan Rakyat is really sincere about their promise to be TRANSPARENT.
None of the Excos listed any of the inheritance, properties or shares held. Khalid cited security as the reason not to do so. Are they, the Excos hold much more than what they have declared to be so worried about their security? I think even the Sultan would have been disappointed Pakatan Rakyat's brand of TRANSPARENCY.
Penang's Non-Declaration!
It must be noted that the CAT flag bearer, CM Lim Guan Eng promised the same, actually probably the first one to promise so immediately after taking office, had till today failed to let the CAT out of the bag. Lim has cited another cattish excuse, no proper asset declaration form to fill and that he is still waiting for Federal Government's standard form. Anyone, except for maybe die-hard Pakatan Rakyat supporters, knows that asset declaration is basically listing all assets, liabilities , income etc in one sheet of paper. Is this a difficult thing to do, especially since the esteemed Chief Minister is an Accountant himself, I wonder..
Bukit Selambau
Another controversy to hit Pakatan Rakyat is the resignation of Bukit Selambau Adun and Exco, V Arumugam. When asked on rumors that he had resigned, the Menteri Besar initially refused to comment and denied knowledge of Arumugam's resignation, saying that Arumugam is not contactable. The later, the Menteri Besar confirms that he received resignation letter, now through a third party. To avoid the damage, PKR claimed that Arumugam and his family have been harassed by BN to cross over and apparently BN people even threatened to kidnap his daughter. If his life is threatened as claimed, he should have requested Police protection for himself and family.
As it has turned out, Arumugam has apparently had personal problems on his and his wife's marital status which can bring about embarrassment to the party and state government. On the other hand, Tamil newspapers ran stories that it was actually Hindraf/Makkal Sakhti people are the ones who were threatening Arumugam and not BN, over some broken promises since Hindraf supported Arumugam during the elections.
Anyone who understands the power equation in Kedah would instantly know that it is virtually impossible to persuade or even buy Pakatan candidates to cross over to BN. Only foolish supporters will believe PKR's various unsubstantiated stories, and yet, there no shortage of believers in Pakatan Rakyat.
Menteri Besar Azizan, Anwar and Pakatan Rakyat failed to come clean on Arumugam's resignation. They failed to ask Arumugam to be ACCOUNTABLE for his actions and they themselves are not TRANSPARENT when explaining Arumugam's resignation Their convenient way out is to blame BN as Pakatan Rakyat and Anwar clearly know that there are a huge group of supporters who will believe whatever their leader say. As per Pakatan Rakyat law books, it's ok if there are no evidence to implicate BN, just say it loud and say it repeatedly, gullible Malaysians will believe.
Anwar's September 16 Lie
Need I say more.. Has he been even ACCOUNTABLE to his own fanatical supporters by explaining the failure to take over the federal government after numerous public promises?
Mr Lim Guan Eng, Anwar Ibrahim and Pakatan Rakyat leaders, my suggestion is stop the CAT rhetorics since you know that you can't live up to expectation and leave the preaching, perhaps, to your cat at home, if you have one. It's no different than 'Bersih, Cekap & Amanah'...
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Malaysia’s 60Bil Stimulus Package – Layman’s Reaction
For many, the figure did come as a surprise and layman like me expected lots of goodies as the term ‘Mini Budget’ was used all too regularly. For many Malaysians, the word budget by government will always raise a question, what’s in for me.
Let’s go through the key elements in the 60 Billion package through a layman’s worldview and perception.
Reactions in bold
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Highlights of RM60b stimulus plan (reactions in bold)
• RM15 billion fiscal injection;
Have no clue how this affects man on the street.
• RM25 billion guarantee funds;
Only employers benefit in a way to save their businesses. This may not necessarily mean that the employers will retain their employees.
• RM10 billion equity investments;
Again, not sure how does this directly help normal ‘Rakyat’
• RM7 billion private finance initiative and off-budget projects;
New LCCT at KLIA, upgrade of Penang, Airport, electricity for rural areas, broadband centres. New LCCT Airport development may have some multiplier effect on a broad scale; otherwise the rest of the initiatives may only benefit people in the locality.
• RM3 billion tax incentives;
These are beneficial to troubled employers and not employees. Everyone knows that taxes are for those whose income is taxable, what about those who are not. Benefits to employers may not necessarily translate to retaining of staff, their pay, allowances or overtime.
• Unemployment rate in 2009 to jump to 4.5 per cent from 3.7 per cent in 2008;
Despite all the measures above, the government still thinks unemployment rate will go higher. That tells me that the government is conceding that they are unable to stop retrenchment from happening.
• RM700 million allocated to create 163,000 new jobs;
This is related to job creation, training and re-training by government and GLC’s. I wonder how GLCs are going to bear the cost when they themselves are struggling to contain their overheads. As for government, they keep saying jobs are available but many do not know where, what position etc. More information would be helpful.
• House buyers given tax relief on interest paid on housing loans up to RM10,000 a year for three years;
How many people in the medium and low income group are going to buy houses now and how these incentives will help?
• Additional RM200 million for public low-cost housing scheme for low-income earners;
Sure it does help in terms of creating multiplier effect but not much detail available on how this will be implemented. Open tenders are welcomed but not restricted tenders made available to Class F contractors from ‘you know who’ will restrict the beneficiary to a select few. If people are jobless, how are they expected to buy or rent these houses except of course if they are available for free for a certain period.
• RM1.6 billion fund to promote investments;
No clue what is it this all about although they say it is related to projects under the 9th Malaysian Plan. I thought projects under the 9th malaysian plan has been budgetted for already!
• RM200 million to repair and maintain roads and drains;
The allocation is certainly low considering the condition of drains and roads in the country. A lucky draw may be required to determine which town or city would benefit from this.
• RM150 million for renovation, maintenance and repairs to welfare homes, fire and rescue stations, firemen living quarters and public toilets in mosques,suraus and tourist spots;
No complaints here, but where are these funds going?
• Government to issue syariah-compliant Savings Bonds amounting to RM5 billion this year;
This is for people who has money to spare, what about those who don’t. It may well end up benefiting the rich so that they can be richer!
• RM1.95 billion to build and upgrade facilities in 752 schools, particularly in rural areas, Sabah and Sarawak of which RM300 million will be used to improve facilities in government-aided religious schools, Chinese and Tamil schools and mission schools;
We have heard enough on allocation for schools from 2009 budget and the 7 Billion package last year and also through mock cheques paraded by BN during by-elections. Until today, no one appears to know which schools are benefiting from the allocation.
• RM230 million allocated to increase electricity supply coverage and water supply in rural areas particularly in Sabah and Sarawak.
It’s about time that BN please the East Malaysians
• RM350 million allocated for rural road construction.
Ditto
• Retrenched workers’ tax-exempt compensation raised to RM10,000 for each year of service from RM6,000 previously;
Again, this is mainly targeted at retrenched workers whose income is taxable. Nothing for groups who are not taxable.
• To raise windfall profit levy on oil palm to RM2,500 per tonne for Peninsular Malaysia and to RM3,000 per tonne for Sabah and Sarawak;
It helps our plantation conglomerates and not necessarily translates into benefits for their workers.
• To raise state investment firm Khazanah Nasional’s investment funds by RM10 billion.
I can safely say that Khazanah will pick up more stocks from performing companies and I wonder how that benefits the public in the short term. It may help to prop up KLSE, but hey, the layman doesn’t care less.
• Effective April 1, levy payment rate to be reduced to 0.5 per cent from one per cent for all employees for a two-year period;
This helps employers and not necessarily translates into benefits for their workers. Moreover the sum is quite small.
• Additional RM200 million for the Automotive Development Fund;
Not much detail were provided, therefore it would not be wrong to assume that this will go to Proton to help them from going under, yet again.
• Government to assist in the auto scrapping scheme for Proton and Perodua-- a discount of
RM5,000 will be given to car owners who trade in their cars which are at least 10 years old to buy new Proton and Perodua cars;
Another lifeline for Proton, but how many people are going to buy or change cars at a time where income is diminished and loans are hard to get!
• Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd to build and operate a new low-cost airport at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport estimated to cost RM2 billion;
• RM250 million to expand Penang International Airport;
• A 50 per cent rebate on landing charges will be given for two years effective April 1 to all airlines that operate from Malaysia.
Discount on landing charges may only help to stem losses faced by MAS, Air Asia and other airlines operating from KLIA. I wonder how these airlines would get the rebates if the plane doesn’t take off at all due to cut in flights and demand.
Summary
For the man in the street, this mini budget is a disappointment. I personally cannot see how most of the measures would help man in the street.
For a financial experts and armchair analysts (majority of whom have been proven wrong many times over) , it may sound good to prop up the stock market and help listed companies but the government have to realise that majority Malaysians are employed in non-listed companies.
When what is needed most at this stage is spending, government is encouraging people to save!
Most employment opportunities are created by or through government agencies and GLC’s. This will only weight down their own budget and bottom lines. As it is most GLCs are struggling to manage their cost and have downgraded their revenue prospects for this year.
As for tax relief for employers who recruit retrenched employees, it may only work very much later in the year or next year when the situation improves. Again, tax exemptions can only be claimed the next year. What about the current year where the employer will still have to pay salaries etc. This may pose cash flow problems and at the moment, not many are employing in the first place.
Training and SME entrepreneur development programs will take time to realise its objectives.
Whatever happened to suggestions that would immediately help the man in the street such as temporary tax reduction for individuals, reduction of employers EPF contribution, reduction of sales tax, duties for vehicles and abolition or reduction of tolls, further subsidy of transportation, lower electricity, cooking oil and even petrol.
The government also did not say where the 60 Billion would come from and how does this fit into the 7 Billion package, 2009 budget and also the 9th Malaysia Plan.
There are also no implementation timeline provided or even indicated. With 3 quarters left to go, time is of essence and if the government and civil servants are not serious in implmenting some critical projects, we might as well, like Singapore, admit that we are in recession. Let's not be in denial.
By the way, what happened to the 7 billion package. This is where the problem lies. Nice to announce, what about implementation and who are the beneficiaries. Can the government be transparent and list down projects in detail; who where what?
It would at least give the rakyat some confidence. Releasing statement that 80% of the funds have been disbursed is remains just that, a statement. Nowadays, statements are no longer adequate, show us the money!
In summary, these measures are not going to help us stem the recession at all. I foresee that Malaysia will slip into recession in the second quarter itself. Want to bet?
Let’s go through the key elements in the 60 Billion package through a layman’s worldview and perception.
Reactions in bold
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Highlights of RM60b stimulus plan (reactions in bold)
• RM15 billion fiscal injection;
Have no clue how this affects man on the street.
• RM25 billion guarantee funds;
Only employers benefit in a way to save their businesses. This may not necessarily mean that the employers will retain their employees.
• RM10 billion equity investments;
Again, not sure how does this directly help normal ‘Rakyat’
• RM7 billion private finance initiative and off-budget projects;
New LCCT at KLIA, upgrade of Penang, Airport, electricity for rural areas, broadband centres. New LCCT Airport development may have some multiplier effect on a broad scale; otherwise the rest of the initiatives may only benefit people in the locality.
• RM3 billion tax incentives;
These are beneficial to troubled employers and not employees. Everyone knows that taxes are for those whose income is taxable, what about those who are not. Benefits to employers may not necessarily translate to retaining of staff, their pay, allowances or overtime.
• Unemployment rate in 2009 to jump to 4.5 per cent from 3.7 per cent in 2008;
Despite all the measures above, the government still thinks unemployment rate will go higher. That tells me that the government is conceding that they are unable to stop retrenchment from happening.
• RM700 million allocated to create 163,000 new jobs;
This is related to job creation, training and re-training by government and GLC’s. I wonder how GLCs are going to bear the cost when they themselves are struggling to contain their overheads. As for government, they keep saying jobs are available but many do not know where, what position etc. More information would be helpful.
• House buyers given tax relief on interest paid on housing loans up to RM10,000 a year for three years;
How many people in the medium and low income group are going to buy houses now and how these incentives will help?
• Additional RM200 million for public low-cost housing scheme for low-income earners;
Sure it does help in terms of creating multiplier effect but not much detail available on how this will be implemented. Open tenders are welcomed but not restricted tenders made available to Class F contractors from ‘you know who’ will restrict the beneficiary to a select few. If people are jobless, how are they expected to buy or rent these houses except of course if they are available for free for a certain period.
• RM1.6 billion fund to promote investments;
No clue what is it this all about although they say it is related to projects under the 9th Malaysian Plan. I thought projects under the 9th malaysian plan has been budgetted for already!
• RM200 million to repair and maintain roads and drains;
The allocation is certainly low considering the condition of drains and roads in the country. A lucky draw may be required to determine which town or city would benefit from this.
• RM150 million for renovation, maintenance and repairs to welfare homes, fire and rescue stations, firemen living quarters and public toilets in mosques,suraus and tourist spots;
No complaints here, but where are these funds going?
• Government to issue syariah-compliant Savings Bonds amounting to RM5 billion this year;
This is for people who has money to spare, what about those who don’t. It may well end up benefiting the rich so that they can be richer!
• RM1.95 billion to build and upgrade facilities in 752 schools, particularly in rural areas, Sabah and Sarawak of which RM300 million will be used to improve facilities in government-aided religious schools, Chinese and Tamil schools and mission schools;
We have heard enough on allocation for schools from 2009 budget and the 7 Billion package last year and also through mock cheques paraded by BN during by-elections. Until today, no one appears to know which schools are benefiting from the allocation.
• RM230 million allocated to increase electricity supply coverage and water supply in rural areas particularly in Sabah and Sarawak.
It’s about time that BN please the East Malaysians
• RM350 million allocated for rural road construction.
Ditto
• Retrenched workers’ tax-exempt compensation raised to RM10,000 for each year of service from RM6,000 previously;
Again, this is mainly targeted at retrenched workers whose income is taxable. Nothing for groups who are not taxable.
• To raise windfall profit levy on oil palm to RM2,500 per tonne for Peninsular Malaysia and to RM3,000 per tonne for Sabah and Sarawak;
It helps our plantation conglomerates and not necessarily translates into benefits for their workers.
• To raise state investment firm Khazanah Nasional’s investment funds by RM10 billion.
I can safely say that Khazanah will pick up more stocks from performing companies and I wonder how that benefits the public in the short term. It may help to prop up KLSE, but hey, the layman doesn’t care less.
• Effective April 1, levy payment rate to be reduced to 0.5 per cent from one per cent for all employees for a two-year period;
This helps employers and not necessarily translates into benefits for their workers. Moreover the sum is quite small.
• Additional RM200 million for the Automotive Development Fund;
Not much detail were provided, therefore it would not be wrong to assume that this will go to Proton to help them from going under, yet again.
• Government to assist in the auto scrapping scheme for Proton and Perodua-- a discount of
RM5,000 will be given to car owners who trade in their cars which are at least 10 years old to buy new Proton and Perodua cars;
Another lifeline for Proton, but how many people are going to buy or change cars at a time where income is diminished and loans are hard to get!
• Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd to build and operate a new low-cost airport at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport estimated to cost RM2 billion;
• RM250 million to expand Penang International Airport;
• A 50 per cent rebate on landing charges will be given for two years effective April 1 to all airlines that operate from Malaysia.
Discount on landing charges may only help to stem losses faced by MAS, Air Asia and other airlines operating from KLIA. I wonder how these airlines would get the rebates if the plane doesn’t take off at all due to cut in flights and demand.
Summary
For the man in the street, this mini budget is a disappointment. I personally cannot see how most of the measures would help man in the street.
For a financial experts and armchair analysts (majority of whom have been proven wrong many times over) , it may sound good to prop up the stock market and help listed companies but the government have to realise that majority Malaysians are employed in non-listed companies.
When what is needed most at this stage is spending, government is encouraging people to save!
Most employment opportunities are created by or through government agencies and GLC’s. This will only weight down their own budget and bottom lines. As it is most GLCs are struggling to manage their cost and have downgraded their revenue prospects for this year.
As for tax relief for employers who recruit retrenched employees, it may only work very much later in the year or next year when the situation improves. Again, tax exemptions can only be claimed the next year. What about the current year where the employer will still have to pay salaries etc. This may pose cash flow problems and at the moment, not many are employing in the first place.
Training and SME entrepreneur development programs will take time to realise its objectives.
Whatever happened to suggestions that would immediately help the man in the street such as temporary tax reduction for individuals, reduction of employers EPF contribution, reduction of sales tax, duties for vehicles and abolition or reduction of tolls, further subsidy of transportation, lower electricity, cooking oil and even petrol.
The government also did not say where the 60 Billion would come from and how does this fit into the 7 Billion package, 2009 budget and also the 9th Malaysia Plan.
There are also no implementation timeline provided or even indicated. With 3 quarters left to go, time is of essence and if the government and civil servants are not serious in implmenting some critical projects, we might as well, like Singapore, admit that we are in recession. Let's not be in denial.
By the way, what happened to the 7 billion package. This is where the problem lies. Nice to announce, what about implementation and who are the beneficiaries. Can the government be transparent and list down projects in detail; who where what?
It would at least give the rakyat some confidence. Releasing statement that 80% of the funds have been disbursed is remains just that, a statement. Nowadays, statements are no longer adequate, show us the money!
In summary, these measures are not going to help us stem the recession at all. I foresee that Malaysia will slip into recession in the second quarter itself. Want to bet?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
FOUND : Solution For ‘Long Suffering’ Indian Malaysians.
Although I am known to be adverse to HINDRAF and Indian raced based politics, politicians, some stupid traditions they practice etc, being a Malaysian, I would like to share something that I have discovered that can solve most problems faced by Indian Malaysians.
Hindu Sangam, Hindraf, MIC, IPF, PPP, Indian (or rather Tamil) Heroes in PKR and DAP should read this and passed around to their supporters and be ready to close shop as they would not be relevant anymore. There is no stopping other Malaysians to try this out as long as they can understand little Tamil.
Muslims, with respect, are not encouraged to participate unless you are prepared to face the wrath of the authorities.
There is this organization called Rajayoga Power Transcendental Meditation, (RPT) run by one “His Divine Grace Dato’ Seri Guruji” .
What is RPT? (Taken from their official website)
RPT claims that they are the only organization which focuses on the art of holding and utilizing maximum amount of pranic energy in our body through pranayama practice (breathing skill) and guiding towards material and spiritual enhancement in a human life.
What is PRANIC ENERGY? Pranic energy is the ultimate energy that keeps the entire universe operating in a very organized manner. The energy that is operating the universe is the basic energy from which all types of energies are derived.
This is the only energy which keeps the universe and all its animate and inanimate objects "alive". Organic and inorganic cycles are also operating based on this subtle energy. To penetrate the art of holding and accumulating the energy in our body totally rests in the hand of the Master. As for RPT, the Divine Master have mastered this art and has possessed the ability to transmit and convey the skills to disciples and only then will an individual be able to utilize this pranic energy to achieve success in both material and spiritual. This ability is achievable by everyone irregardless of race, religion and nationality. This empowering process is done through a particular discipline, which is the Rajayoga.
Apparently it would just require participation of one day course and follow through with a 5-10 minutes of practice everyday. That’s all
Those who are practicing this yogic power have seen success in the following areas:
Health
• General well being
• Complete self healing
• Ability to heal others
• Youthful appearance
Self Development
• Increased mental alertness
• Increased creativity
• Increased self confidence
• Strong intuition
• Ability to remove mental blocks and weaknesses
• Increased efficiency and better time management
Family
• Family unity
• Better communication with spouse and children
Career
• Increased career development
• More career opportunities and advancement
• Better inter-personal communication
Finance
• Increased earning capacity
• Financial freedom
Spirituality
• Self realization and a sense of purpose in life by doing meditation
Testimonials
“I’m Mrs. XXXX, before joining this course I was financially down and therefore was excusing myself from attending the course. Soon later I managed to take this course and trust me, I’m doing very well in my career and have been selected and awarded with the best actress title and now I’m financially stable and managed to get a new car and I’m extremely happy to see such a fast progress in my life after attaining this yogic energy from this course and all my gratitude goes to His Divine Grace. This feels like a mini Thaipusam (Indian religious celebration) because this has attracted such a huge crowd. This is only possible today because of the love from His Divine Grace to the disciples”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“After attaining this yogic energy I have started to do business, improved my financial status and now I have got my own new van. All these achievements, improvements, happiness were achieved after being the disciple of His Divine Grace. I would also say that my meditation have boosted my energy, protected me from various harms and this is also the secret to my success. Meeting His Divine Grace is the happiest moment and that itself motivates me to achieve more in my life.”
END -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
In summary, RPT can solve all the problems faced by human beings, more so in the time of economic crisis.The bad news , however, is that looking at the benefits as a result of attending this course, some jobs, sectors, and industries would no longer be needed and many would be out of job.. They are doctors, hospitals, marriage counselors/lawyers, job agencies, Communication consultants, Training consultants, Beau & Anti-Aging Centres, Limkokwing University, political parties, politicians and some others, indirectly.
Maybe people from these sectors should also attend the course to improve their well being once they are out of job.
Reality : Indian Malaysians Conned Again!
A person known to me has been taken in by this man's (His Divine Grace ) blatant brain washing, black magic and other tricks employed during the courses, that he has been ignoring his wife, kids and parents. He spent a fortune for related courses by RPT and as a result is currently saddled with huge debt.
He proudly claims that he can drink weed killers, poison and eat glasses with the powers accorded by the Guruji. This has been going on for many years and he is still in debt. He even places Guruji above anyone else, including his mother. I believe he is not the only one.
It was reported that there were thousands who came for his birthday last Sunday at Batu Caves, a venue headed by the Head of Hindu Council . He was accorded traditional welcome usually reserved for deities. Followers treated him like a god and many profess openly that he is the god’s reincarnation. He is said to be able to vanish into thin air during his courses and display many magical tricks.
Thousands of Indian Malaysians are gullible enough to believe him. His followers appears to be in a spell, obsessed and can't think for themselves. And not surprisingly many of them are well educated. People even believe that food blessed by him can cure ailments and there were instances where he blesses the food served out in the open from his Mercedes, imagine how stupid Indian Malaysians has become.
What appears to be result of participants hard work, good luck and concrete achievements are attributed to Guruji without evidence or logic by these followers.
RM 140 Million
I was told Courses run from RM 700 to RM 15,000 for higher grade course and many sacrificied their hard earned money on Guruji while being saddled with debt by taking Guruji's course and when asked, they say that Guruji will ensure that they get their returns, much more than what they paid.
Their website claims that 200,000 people had so far attended the course, therefore this man (His Divine Grace) would have amassed at least RM 140 Million. No wonder he drives Mercedez, lives in luxury while others suffer waiting in hope.
Tamil Press & Other Feedback
Press reports on his birthday was irresponsible and misleading. Those full back page coverage in various Tamil newspapers on his birthday last Sunday must have been are paid for, as the writers appear to shower divinely praises upon the Guruji. There were also references made out indirectly proclaiming that Guruji is god.
There are small group of people who are either unhappy or directly affected with RPT and their activities venting their frustration through the internet forums.
Hindu Sangam & HINDRAF’s 18 Point Memorandum
I have written to Hindu Sangam urging them to either denounce such cult, deviant groups openly, or otherwise to openly support it so that socio-economic condition of the Indian can be uplifted through his courses!!
Existence of RPT also begs a question; if thousands of families have benefited from his course, why aren't Indians still claiming that they are in poverty, why the need for HINDRAF, why rebel against the government? RPT’s courses, if true as claimed would have solved all the issues raised in HINDRAF’s 18 Point Memorandum and would have made Indian Malaysians the healthiest, wealthiest, happiest, most creative and not least, the community with least number of divorces.
Recommendation To The Malaysian Government
Since the government welcomed suggestions for the Mini Budget, it would be wise if the Finance Minister include some allocation for Indian Malaysians in his upcoming mini-budget to go for this course. This is, if the Finance Minister is ‘sincere enough’ in resolving problems faced by Indian Malaysians and as a result, this would surely make HINDRAF irrelevant.
Various NGOs, Hospitals and Doctor should also engage this man to cure all kinds of ailments afflicting Malaysians.
For those who can afford, just go here to find out more and you are on your way to become healthiest, wealthiest, happiest, most creative Malaysian….and say goodbye to Hindu Sangam, HINDRAF, MIC, IPF, PPP, Indian (or rather Tamil) Heroes in PKR and DAP…
Good Luck and I was told that there is NO money back guarantee…
Hindu Sangam, Hindraf, MIC, IPF, PPP, Indian (or rather Tamil) Heroes in PKR and DAP should read this and passed around to their supporters and be ready to close shop as they would not be relevant anymore. There is no stopping other Malaysians to try this out as long as they can understand little Tamil.
Muslims, with respect, are not encouraged to participate unless you are prepared to face the wrath of the authorities.
There is this organization called Rajayoga Power Transcendental Meditation, (RPT) run by one “His Divine Grace Dato’ Seri Guruji” .
What is RPT? (Taken from their official website)
RPT claims that they are the only organization which focuses on the art of holding and utilizing maximum amount of pranic energy in our body through pranayama practice (breathing skill) and guiding towards material and spiritual enhancement in a human life.
What is PRANIC ENERGY? Pranic energy is the ultimate energy that keeps the entire universe operating in a very organized manner. The energy that is operating the universe is the basic energy from which all types of energies are derived.
This is the only energy which keeps the universe and all its animate and inanimate objects "alive". Organic and inorganic cycles are also operating based on this subtle energy. To penetrate the art of holding and accumulating the energy in our body totally rests in the hand of the Master. As for RPT, the Divine Master have mastered this art and has possessed the ability to transmit and convey the skills to disciples and only then will an individual be able to utilize this pranic energy to achieve success in both material and spiritual. This ability is achievable by everyone irregardless of race, religion and nationality. This empowering process is done through a particular discipline, which is the Rajayoga.
Apparently it would just require participation of one day course and follow through with a 5-10 minutes of practice everyday. That’s all
Those who are practicing this yogic power have seen success in the following areas:
Health
• General well being
• Complete self healing
• Ability to heal others
• Youthful appearance
Self Development
• Increased mental alertness
• Increased creativity
• Increased self confidence
• Strong intuition
• Ability to remove mental blocks and weaknesses
• Increased efficiency and better time management
Family
• Family unity
• Better communication with spouse and children
Career
• Increased career development
• More career opportunities and advancement
• Better inter-personal communication
Finance
• Increased earning capacity
• Financial freedom
Spirituality
• Self realization and a sense of purpose in life by doing meditation
Testimonials
“I’m Mrs. XXXX, before joining this course I was financially down and therefore was excusing myself from attending the course. Soon later I managed to take this course and trust me, I’m doing very well in my career and have been selected and awarded with the best actress title and now I’m financially stable and managed to get a new car and I’m extremely happy to see such a fast progress in my life after attaining this yogic energy from this course and all my gratitude goes to His Divine Grace. This feels like a mini Thaipusam (Indian religious celebration) because this has attracted such a huge crowd. This is only possible today because of the love from His Divine Grace to the disciples”
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“After attaining this yogic energy I have started to do business, improved my financial status and now I have got my own new van. All these achievements, improvements, happiness were achieved after being the disciple of His Divine Grace. I would also say that my meditation have boosted my energy, protected me from various harms and this is also the secret to my success. Meeting His Divine Grace is the happiest moment and that itself motivates me to achieve more in my life.”
END -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
In summary, RPT can solve all the problems faced by human beings, more so in the time of economic crisis.The bad news , however, is that looking at the benefits as a result of attending this course, some jobs, sectors, and industries would no longer be needed and many would be out of job.. They are doctors, hospitals, marriage counselors/lawyers, job agencies, Communication consultants, Training consultants, Beau & Anti-Aging Centres, Limkokwing University, political parties, politicians and some others, indirectly.
Maybe people from these sectors should also attend the course to improve their well being once they are out of job.
Reality : Indian Malaysians Conned Again!
A person known to me has been taken in by this man's (His Divine Grace ) blatant brain washing, black magic and other tricks employed during the courses, that he has been ignoring his wife, kids and parents. He spent a fortune for related courses by RPT and as a result is currently saddled with huge debt.
He proudly claims that he can drink weed killers, poison and eat glasses with the powers accorded by the Guruji. This has been going on for many years and he is still in debt. He even places Guruji above anyone else, including his mother. I believe he is not the only one.
It was reported that there were thousands who came for his birthday last Sunday at Batu Caves, a venue headed by the Head of Hindu Council . He was accorded traditional welcome usually reserved for deities. Followers treated him like a god and many profess openly that he is the god’s reincarnation. He is said to be able to vanish into thin air during his courses and display many magical tricks.
Thousands of Indian Malaysians are gullible enough to believe him. His followers appears to be in a spell, obsessed and can't think for themselves. And not surprisingly many of them are well educated. People even believe that food blessed by him can cure ailments and there were instances where he blesses the food served out in the open from his Mercedes, imagine how stupid Indian Malaysians has become.
What appears to be result of participants hard work, good luck and concrete achievements are attributed to Guruji without evidence or logic by these followers.
RM 140 Million
I was told Courses run from RM 700 to RM 15,000 for higher grade course and many sacrificied their hard earned money on Guruji while being saddled with debt by taking Guruji's course and when asked, they say that Guruji will ensure that they get their returns, much more than what they paid.
Their website claims that 200,000 people had so far attended the course, therefore this man (His Divine Grace) would have amassed at least RM 140 Million. No wonder he drives Mercedez, lives in luxury while others suffer waiting in hope.
Tamil Press & Other Feedback
Press reports on his birthday was irresponsible and misleading. Those full back page coverage in various Tamil newspapers on his birthday last Sunday must have been are paid for, as the writers appear to shower divinely praises upon the Guruji. There were also references made out indirectly proclaiming that Guruji is god.
There are small group of people who are either unhappy or directly affected with RPT and their activities venting their frustration through the internet forums.
Hindu Sangam & HINDRAF’s 18 Point Memorandum
I have written to Hindu Sangam urging them to either denounce such cult, deviant groups openly, or otherwise to openly support it so that socio-economic condition of the Indian can be uplifted through his courses!!
Existence of RPT also begs a question; if thousands of families have benefited from his course, why aren't Indians still claiming that they are in poverty, why the need for HINDRAF, why rebel against the government? RPT’s courses, if true as claimed would have solved all the issues raised in HINDRAF’s 18 Point Memorandum and would have made Indian Malaysians the healthiest, wealthiest, happiest, most creative and not least, the community with least number of divorces.
Recommendation To The Malaysian Government
Since the government welcomed suggestions for the Mini Budget, it would be wise if the Finance Minister include some allocation for Indian Malaysians in his upcoming mini-budget to go for this course. This is, if the Finance Minister is ‘sincere enough’ in resolving problems faced by Indian Malaysians and as a result, this would surely make HINDRAF irrelevant.
Various NGOs, Hospitals and Doctor should also engage this man to cure all kinds of ailments afflicting Malaysians.
For those who can afford, just go here to find out more and you are on your way to become healthiest, wealthiest, happiest, most creative Malaysian….and say goodbye to Hindu Sangam, HINDRAF, MIC, IPF, PPP, Indian (or rather Tamil) Heroes in PKR and DAP…
Good Luck and I was told that there is NO money back guarantee…
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Believe & Hear In What You Want To Believe & Hear
We are at in the state of confusion, no doubt. Malaysians are not sure who and what to believe anymore.
A friend of mine, a commoner/layman like me, last week showed me some print outs. It was a print out of several blog postings from one ‘Pendekar Tanah Air’ the blog had allegedly insulted Indians. I believe the blog is closed for now due to objections.
My friend, who is a Hindraf and Pakatan Rakyat supporter, went on an offensive and suggested that the blog owner must be a Malay and claimed that Malays are becoming more and more racist, hence the emergence of such blogs. My immediate response was, ‘agreed’ that there are some racist, hate blogs, but so are presence of many other blogs insulting Malays and Chinese, directly and indirectly, as well.
Bloggers would agree that we have seen some anonymous blogs which are far worse than this which propagates hatred and racism like never before. The point here is my friend is not a regular internet surfer and relies on vernacular newspapers, The Star, his group of friends for information and at times malaysiakini’s Tamil version,
As we know, internet (with or without broadband) penetration is still low; hence Malaysians still rely on traditional media for information. People still do buy newspapers, but they would believe in every other content except for local politics, thanks to the successful anti-MSM campaigns by the opposition.
At times, it cannot be denied that the opposition is right and stories are slanted in favor BN. However, the opposition owned newspapers or bulletins, which are widely available and available free online, are also at times, equally guilty of spreading lies and their stories are, without doubt, written in favor of Opposition parties and their interest. Good example would be the countdown to Sept 16 complete with latest table of Parliament seats in favor of Pakatan Rakyat and various accusations against Najib.
Such simple print out brandished by my friend (who belongs to 80% Malaysians who do not browse regularly) has led to some kind of hatred; imagine those who do not read at all.
I tried to explain that such blogs are ever present in the blogsphere but unfortunately, people do not understand blogs and how they work. This is where politicians and their supporters take advantage to influence gullible Malaysians. Even if some blogs does not directly insult others, we have seen nasty, insulting racist comments on postings by regular and popular bloggers.
I also told him that there are every possibility that the blog was created by an Indian (you know who) to create hatred towards the main suspect here, the Malays. But who is listening!! Gullible Malaysians appears to want to believe and hear what they want to believe and hear as they are naturally negative and prejudiced.
More Lies and Confusion
With the recent events in Perak, Kedah and Selangor, Malaysians are more confused, although they arrogantly do not want to admit that they are.
A Psychologist used to tell me that you will see the true colours of a person or organization when observing how they behave when in crisis. We saw some of it from BN component parties’ right after the general elections and throughout 2008.
What we saw in Perak, Kedah and Selangor would have disappointed hard core Pakatan Rakyat supporters, especially how their leaders behaved. I was particularly not impressed with the accusations that came aftermath the Perak takeover, especially that when
They rejoiced (Harapan Baru) right after Bota assemblymen crossed over. When the table was turned and BN took over Perak, various accusations flew from opposition camp in Perak, Kedah, Selangor, KL, Kelantan and Penang . But not a single iota of evidence was presented except for the usual statuary declarations, which only has a value for wrapping of Nasi Lemak bungkus nowdays.
One PKR member made a police report claiming that RM 5 Million was offered to ADUNs right after the general elections. Some of my friends (opposition supporters) immediately slammed BN as we were watching the news. I did question the motive of the police report now since the incident allegedly happened right after the general elections, almost a year ago. No one was bothered with my line of questioning the sincerity of the complainant. People appear to be selective in what they want to hear and would not want to have an inquiring mind.
PKR on the other hand blamed BN immediately for the release of Elizabeth Wong’s pictures, again without any evidence. Sivarasa, who was with Eli in the press conference, declared dramatically that the incident was politically motivated and offered the timing as an evidence, since it coincided with the opening of parliament session. We need not ask how is it politically motivated! As a prominent lawyer, the least we expect is some tiny bits of evidence. We know now that the main suspect is Eli’s lover, who happened to be a PKR member and Malay. Before anything, another accusation was thrown that the guy was planted by BN? The story goes on and gullible Malaysians continue to believe what they want to believe…
The same applies with Adun V.Arumugam’s resignation. There were accusations that BN continued to pressure him to cross over, although his cross over would not have changed the state government in Kedah. We still remember how MB Nizar reacted when Two PKR Excos were charged in court for corruption, he says it’s a trap and now they are deriding the same Excos when they chose to leave Pakatan Rakyat. Now, Pakatan supporters say that the two Aduns are really corrupt!
For hard core PKR supporters and fellow gullible Malaysians, BN is to blame for everything that goes wrong for them. The rule is, create an impact by accusing BN immediately through press and media, or ask for resignation of the accused and need not show any evidence. The press will put up the story prominently in the beginning and later the stories will only continue in small columns in the back pages and eventually disappears. With this, they manage to create an immediate impact on gullible Malaysians, there is no need to follow through with evidence etc. As everyone says, in politics, perception is more important than truth. That’s the rule of the game.
When Opposition party members are accused of something, like the situation with Perak ex-PKR MPs and Selangor MB, open the Pakatan Rakyat law books and declare that ‘innocent until proven guilty’ with disclaimer “this is not applicable to BN’. For BN the rule is ‘guilty when you are perceived to be guilty by demi-god Pakatan Rakyat leaders’
For the record, I am all for fresh polls, and I am sure that Pakatan Rakyat will win with two third majority. But after seeing Pakatan Rakyat’s reaction to various controversies affecting them, their individual parties and members, I am quite sure that many would have made their mind not to vote Pakatan anymore.
Their reaction, action, contradictory statements and leaders’ childish attitude does not give any confidence to their supporters, especially those who are not their hardcore supporters. For once, Raja Petra and ‘Singh is King’ Karpal is right, they badly need good leaders who can think rationally and act like a future government leaders supported by the majority, and not like some street fighters in suits who were suddenly elevated to govern. Frankly, we do not see any in BN as well.
Back to my original story, my friend was unfortunately was not convinced with my explanation and appears to have made up his mind. I now, may now have to look for some nasty, insulting articles on Malays or Chinese to show him and prove my point. It may not be worth the effort after all since Malaysians appear want to believe and hear in what they want to believe & hear.
A friend of mine, a commoner/layman like me, last week showed me some print outs. It was a print out of several blog postings from one ‘Pendekar Tanah Air’ the blog had allegedly insulted Indians. I believe the blog is closed for now due to objections.
My friend, who is a Hindraf and Pakatan Rakyat supporter, went on an offensive and suggested that the blog owner must be a Malay and claimed that Malays are becoming more and more racist, hence the emergence of such blogs. My immediate response was, ‘agreed’ that there are some racist, hate blogs, but so are presence of many other blogs insulting Malays and Chinese, directly and indirectly, as well.
Bloggers would agree that we have seen some anonymous blogs which are far worse than this which propagates hatred and racism like never before. The point here is my friend is not a regular internet surfer and relies on vernacular newspapers, The Star, his group of friends for information and at times malaysiakini’s Tamil version,
As we know, internet (with or without broadband) penetration is still low; hence Malaysians still rely on traditional media for information. People still do buy newspapers, but they would believe in every other content except for local politics, thanks to the successful anti-MSM campaigns by the opposition.
At times, it cannot be denied that the opposition is right and stories are slanted in favor BN. However, the opposition owned newspapers or bulletins, which are widely available and available free online, are also at times, equally guilty of spreading lies and their stories are, without doubt, written in favor of Opposition parties and their interest. Good example would be the countdown to Sept 16 complete with latest table of Parliament seats in favor of Pakatan Rakyat and various accusations against Najib.
Such simple print out brandished by my friend (who belongs to 80% Malaysians who do not browse regularly) has led to some kind of hatred; imagine those who do not read at all.
I tried to explain that such blogs are ever present in the blogsphere but unfortunately, people do not understand blogs and how they work. This is where politicians and their supporters take advantage to influence gullible Malaysians. Even if some blogs does not directly insult others, we have seen nasty, insulting racist comments on postings by regular and popular bloggers.
I also told him that there are every possibility that the blog was created by an Indian (you know who) to create hatred towards the main suspect here, the Malays. But who is listening!! Gullible Malaysians appears to want to believe and hear what they want to believe and hear as they are naturally negative and prejudiced.
More Lies and Confusion
With the recent events in Perak, Kedah and Selangor, Malaysians are more confused, although they arrogantly do not want to admit that they are.
A Psychologist used to tell me that you will see the true colours of a person or organization when observing how they behave when in crisis. We saw some of it from BN component parties’ right after the general elections and throughout 2008.
What we saw in Perak, Kedah and Selangor would have disappointed hard core Pakatan Rakyat supporters, especially how their leaders behaved. I was particularly not impressed with the accusations that came aftermath the Perak takeover, especially that when
They rejoiced (Harapan Baru) right after Bota assemblymen crossed over. When the table was turned and BN took over Perak, various accusations flew from opposition camp in Perak, Kedah, Selangor, KL, Kelantan and Penang . But not a single iota of evidence was presented except for the usual statuary declarations, which only has a value for wrapping of Nasi Lemak bungkus nowdays.
One PKR member made a police report claiming that RM 5 Million was offered to ADUNs right after the general elections. Some of my friends (opposition supporters) immediately slammed BN as we were watching the news. I did question the motive of the police report now since the incident allegedly happened right after the general elections, almost a year ago. No one was bothered with my line of questioning the sincerity of the complainant. People appear to be selective in what they want to hear and would not want to have an inquiring mind.
PKR on the other hand blamed BN immediately for the release of Elizabeth Wong’s pictures, again without any evidence. Sivarasa, who was with Eli in the press conference, declared dramatically that the incident was politically motivated and offered the timing as an evidence, since it coincided with the opening of parliament session. We need not ask how is it politically motivated! As a prominent lawyer, the least we expect is some tiny bits of evidence. We know now that the main suspect is Eli’s lover, who happened to be a PKR member and Malay. Before anything, another accusation was thrown that the guy was planted by BN? The story goes on and gullible Malaysians continue to believe what they want to believe…
The same applies with Adun V.Arumugam’s resignation. There were accusations that BN continued to pressure him to cross over, although his cross over would not have changed the state government in Kedah. We still remember how MB Nizar reacted when Two PKR Excos were charged in court for corruption, he says it’s a trap and now they are deriding the same Excos when they chose to leave Pakatan Rakyat. Now, Pakatan supporters say that the two Aduns are really corrupt!
For hard core PKR supporters and fellow gullible Malaysians, BN is to blame for everything that goes wrong for them. The rule is, create an impact by accusing BN immediately through press and media, or ask for resignation of the accused and need not show any evidence. The press will put up the story prominently in the beginning and later the stories will only continue in small columns in the back pages and eventually disappears. With this, they manage to create an immediate impact on gullible Malaysians, there is no need to follow through with evidence etc. As everyone says, in politics, perception is more important than truth. That’s the rule of the game.
When Opposition party members are accused of something, like the situation with Perak ex-PKR MPs and Selangor MB, open the Pakatan Rakyat law books and declare that ‘innocent until proven guilty’ with disclaimer “this is not applicable to BN’. For BN the rule is ‘guilty when you are perceived to be guilty by demi-god Pakatan Rakyat leaders’
For the record, I am all for fresh polls, and I am sure that Pakatan Rakyat will win with two third majority. But after seeing Pakatan Rakyat’s reaction to various controversies affecting them, their individual parties and members, I am quite sure that many would have made their mind not to vote Pakatan anymore.
Their reaction, action, contradictory statements and leaders’ childish attitude does not give any confidence to their supporters, especially those who are not their hardcore supporters. For once, Raja Petra and ‘Singh is King’ Karpal is right, they badly need good leaders who can think rationally and act like a future government leaders supported by the majority, and not like some street fighters in suits who were suddenly elevated to govern. Frankly, we do not see any in BN as well.
Back to my original story, my friend was unfortunately was not convinced with my explanation and appears to have made up his mind. I now, may now have to look for some nasty, insulting articles on Malays or Chinese to show him and prove my point. It may not be worth the effort after all since Malaysians appear want to believe and hear in what they want to believe & hear.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Hail The Indian Malaysian Heroes
While we we sympathise with one Mr Kugan's death in custody, what appeared to be a criminal case has been politicised and turned into a racial issue.
While politicians, especially Indian politicians denied this, their presence, statements and actions clearly shows that they were trying to politicise and turned it into a racial issue.
Bloggers on the other hand joined in from far, only to slam the police and BN. I have to agree that that the Selangor Police chief and the Home minister made some stupid statements and jumped the gun without having proper facts in hand. They should have just let investigation take place before commenting.
If anyone should resign, it should be the Chief of the Taipan Police Station. And the government need to implement the proposed Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPMC) without further delay.
Innocent Until Proven Guilty?
What is more troubling is that the victim is a suspect in car theft and armed roberry cases. He was reportedly led police to recover 13 stolen vehicles. It was also said that Kugan's death was premeditated in order to cover up the case as it was rumoured that several high ranking police officers had a hand in the car theft syndicate. These are all speculation (since there are no evidence) or even made up to make Kugan look like a hero.
Most politicians, bloggers and groups argue that Kugan is innocent until proven guilty. Well , agreed but I can't help but think how these bloggers and politicians defend Kugan stoutly that he is innocent until proven guilty but had no shame to accuse others of abuse of power, corruption etc without the victims being even charged in court.
For example several bloggers, some of them are lawyers, who highlighted that Kugan is innocent until proven guilty are the same ones who claims that Najib is corrupt, abused power or even having affair with the mongolian on the basis of few Statuary Declaration. Why not the same treatment is metted for people like Najib. They have judged Najib even without any charges being filed against him. And certainly Najib is not alone.
The same applies with the opposition held states who claimed that the previous government was corrupt, eg Penang and Selangor. Until today not a single charge has been filed to prove that the previous state governments were corrupt, but Anwar Ibrahim and friends are still on their roadshow telling all kinds lies. If this is not injustice and hypocrisy, I don't know what is!
I guess 'Innocent until proven guilty' only applies to opposition and anything related to their agenda, like Kugan and his death.
Racial Issue?
We cannot but help thinking that this case has been turned into a racial issue, with only Indian politicians involvement, presence of banners with racial tone and not forgetting Hindraf's involvement and their call to Indians to participate in the funeral procession, which is certainly not a requirement, Hindu wise.
Why is there a need for Penang Deputy Chief Minister to get involved if not for race reasons. Why PKR & DAP Indian MPs and MIC deputy Ministers, except for maybe Senator Murugiah, who hold the Public Complaints portfolio, needs to be there throughout the drama, even after the AG's office have classified the case as murder. Why Anwar Ibrahim visited the familywith such urgency, oh! i forgot, why not since Anwar is Indian Malaysian's de-facto communal leader.
MIC Youth, in a statement claimed that they were the first ones to assist the Kugan's family and expressed disappointment that the opposition Indian leaders hijacked the whole issue. How sad and how unapologetic they are in their pursuit of political mileage.
The presence of PKR, DAP, MIC Indian politicans could only be for the reasons of gaining political mileage and being seen as champions of the Indians.
Political mileage - much to gain, too precious to ignore
Where were they when a single mother, an Indian, lost her 4 children, who drowned recently? This is by far, a devasting loss? Or when an innocent Indian boy was tortured to death recently? The answer, there's nothing to gain, politically.
Nik Aziz even offered to present cash aid to the family, who is said to be reasonably well to do. The selangor state government reportedly offered to bear the funeral cost, which includes a Golden Mercedes used to transport the coffin during the procession.
Why did the same politicians offer any aid to the single mother, have procession or demand for protection of beach goers or innocent childrens, for example ? The answer is the same, there's nothing to gain, politically.
Where were they when policemen and public were killed by criminals, did they get a mercedes hearse, courtesy of the politicians and did the MPs or opposition leaders visit policemen killed or injured in the line of duty? The answer is still the same, there's nothing to gain, politically.
Indian Politicians, from all sides, DAP, PKR and MIC needs to remember that they were elected mainly with votes from non-Indians. If they think they want to be an Indian Hero by involving themselves unnecessarily in this and any similar Indian related drama, think again..I am sure they will be voted out in the next elections. This is especially for Indian leaders in PKR and DAP, who were supposedly multi-racial parties.
Root Cause
While the reforms should be instituted in the police force and government should implement the proposed Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPMC), it cannot be denied that Indians are by far the most involved in crime, population percentage wise.
These Indian heroes (PKR, DAP, MIC), if they are really interested to be the communal champion, should instead focus on why these youth end up in crime. The usual reasons given are discrimination, marginalisation and all the crap.
Any able bodied malaysians can survive in Malaysia without turning to crime. Can any of these Indian heroes or their communal hero deny that?
While politicians, especially Indian politicians denied this, their presence, statements and actions clearly shows that they were trying to politicise and turned it into a racial issue.
Bloggers on the other hand joined in from far, only to slam the police and BN. I have to agree that that the Selangor Police chief and the Home minister made some stupid statements and jumped the gun without having proper facts in hand. They should have just let investigation take place before commenting.
If anyone should resign, it should be the Chief of the Taipan Police Station. And the government need to implement the proposed Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPMC) without further delay.
Innocent Until Proven Guilty?
What is more troubling is that the victim is a suspect in car theft and armed roberry cases. He was reportedly led police to recover 13 stolen vehicles. It was also said that Kugan's death was premeditated in order to cover up the case as it was rumoured that several high ranking police officers had a hand in the car theft syndicate. These are all speculation (since there are no evidence) or even made up to make Kugan look like a hero.
Most politicians, bloggers and groups argue that Kugan is innocent until proven guilty. Well , agreed but I can't help but think how these bloggers and politicians defend Kugan stoutly that he is innocent until proven guilty but had no shame to accuse others of abuse of power, corruption etc without the victims being even charged in court.
For example several bloggers, some of them are lawyers, who highlighted that Kugan is innocent until proven guilty are the same ones who claims that Najib is corrupt, abused power or even having affair with the mongolian on the basis of few Statuary Declaration. Why not the same treatment is metted for people like Najib. They have judged Najib even without any charges being filed against him. And certainly Najib is not alone.
The same applies with the opposition held states who claimed that the previous government was corrupt, eg Penang and Selangor. Until today not a single charge has been filed to prove that the previous state governments were corrupt, but Anwar Ibrahim and friends are still on their roadshow telling all kinds lies. If this is not injustice and hypocrisy, I don't know what is!
I guess 'Innocent until proven guilty' only applies to opposition and anything related to their agenda, like Kugan and his death.
Racial Issue?
We cannot but help thinking that this case has been turned into a racial issue, with only Indian politicians involvement, presence of banners with racial tone and not forgetting Hindraf's involvement and their call to Indians to participate in the funeral procession, which is certainly not a requirement, Hindu wise.
Why is there a need for Penang Deputy Chief Minister to get involved if not for race reasons. Why PKR & DAP Indian MPs and MIC deputy Ministers, except for maybe Senator Murugiah, who hold the Public Complaints portfolio, needs to be there throughout the drama, even after the AG's office have classified the case as murder. Why Anwar Ibrahim visited the familywith such urgency, oh! i forgot, why not since Anwar is Indian Malaysian's de-facto communal leader.
MIC Youth, in a statement claimed that they were the first ones to assist the Kugan's family and expressed disappointment that the opposition Indian leaders hijacked the whole issue. How sad and how unapologetic they are in their pursuit of political mileage.
The presence of PKR, DAP, MIC Indian politicans could only be for the reasons of gaining political mileage and being seen as champions of the Indians.
Political mileage - much to gain, too precious to ignore
Where were they when a single mother, an Indian, lost her 4 children, who drowned recently? This is by far, a devasting loss? Or when an innocent Indian boy was tortured to death recently? The answer, there's nothing to gain, politically.
Nik Aziz even offered to present cash aid to the family, who is said to be reasonably well to do. The selangor state government reportedly offered to bear the funeral cost, which includes a Golden Mercedes used to transport the coffin during the procession.
Why did the same politicians offer any aid to the single mother, have procession or demand for protection of beach goers or innocent childrens, for example ? The answer is the same, there's nothing to gain, politically.
Where were they when policemen and public were killed by criminals, did they get a mercedes hearse, courtesy of the politicians and did the MPs or opposition leaders visit policemen killed or injured in the line of duty? The answer is still the same, there's nothing to gain, politically.
Indian Politicians, from all sides, DAP, PKR and MIC needs to remember that they were elected mainly with votes from non-Indians. If they think they want to be an Indian Hero by involving themselves unnecessarily in this and any similar Indian related drama, think again..I am sure they will be voted out in the next elections. This is especially for Indian leaders in PKR and DAP, who were supposedly multi-racial parties.
Root Cause
While the reforms should be instituted in the police force and government should implement the proposed Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPMC), it cannot be denied that Indians are by far the most involved in crime, population percentage wise.
These Indian heroes (PKR, DAP, MIC), if they are really interested to be the communal champion, should instead focus on why these youth end up in crime. The usual reasons given are discrimination, marginalisation and all the crap.
Any able bodied malaysians can survive in Malaysia without turning to crime. Can any of these Indian heroes or their communal hero deny that?
Monday, January 19, 2009
Malaysian Indian Minority and Human Rights Violations Annual Report 2008
Have been looking for this document, luckily HINDRAF themselves published the report. Do read all those in bold.
Some interesting infromation thrown to spice up the report such as 6 suicides a day, 41% of beggars are Indians as well. Even in India number of beggars are not that high.
START --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Dedicated to, the three British trained and one Malaysia trained, Indian Malaysian lawyers imprisoned without trial indefinitely at Malaysia’s own “Guantanamo Bay” under the Malaysian draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) for championing the Indian Minority and Human Rights cause.
Executive Summary
Introduction
Overseas Indians worldwide have been granted equal opportunities and leading prosperous life except in Malaysia. This is because the Malaysian government practices and implements very serious institutional Malay Muslim religious extremist and supremacist plans, policies and practices to the extend of reducing and segregating many Indians into literally becoming slaves. Even the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) President and immediate past Cabinet Minister of 29 years standing, Dato’ Seri S. Samy Vellu has conceded as late as March 2008 that the Indians in Seberang Kuari (Penang) are living in worst conditions than in Africa. The Indians in Malaysia are openly discriminated not by the Malay Muslim people of Malaysia but the UMNO (United Malay National Organization) controlled government of Malaysia in direct contravention of Article 8 of the Federal Constitution which prohibits discrimination and upholds equality. In short the Indians are excluded from the national mainstream development of Malaysia in almost every aspect of live on a day to day basis.
But Malaysia’s UMNO controlled government has successfully over the last 51 years since independence camouflaged this reality very well by projecting, highlighting and showcasing the cream of the Malaysian Indian as being successful and prosperous. But this cream only represents a mere 1% of the 2 million Indian populations in Malaysia. About 70% of the Malaysian Indians are left to rot in the hardcore poor and poor category. For raising these very serious Indian minority and human rights violations four Malaysian Indian Lawyers (P. Uthayakumar, M. Manoharan, R. Kengatharan & V. Ganapathi Rao) have been arrested and are currently detained without trial for 2 years, from 13th Dec 2007 and continuing indefinitely thereafter at Malaysia’s very own “Guantanamo Bay” (the Kemunting Detention Centre)
Some of Malaysia’s atrocities against its own mere 8% minority Indians in 2008 are as follows:
1. Even as this paper is being finalized on the last day of the year 2008 the Malaysian Police in their Police lock up were alleged to have poured hot water on an Indian youth’s body. When he screamed in pain, a piece of cloth was stuffed into his mouth by the Police and was stepped on with their boots. On a rare occasion NT 7 (A local TV Station) splashed his gory burned marks because, a rare breed Member of Parliament for Kapar, Mr. S. Manickavasagam (present at this conference) dared to take on the UMNO State by exposing this police brutality. But in Malaysia, when the victim is an Indian, hardly anything happens. Not only for this atrocity but almost all and every atrocity as listed herein below, this continues to this day. The Indians suffer in silence. Even the Opposition Parties, NGOs and civil society almost always choose to remain silent because the victims are, “merely Indians”. The police and all the authorities have almost always never been punished even for worst atrocities than this.
2. Indian slavery, including sex and child slavery, in Malaysia is rampant even
after 51 years of independence.
3. 150,000 Malaysians Indians (third, fourth and fifth generation Indians) are
made Stateless by denying them Birth Certificates.
4. Kampong Medan “Ethnic Cleansing” of Indians (2001) – 5 Indians killed and a hundred over suffered grevious bodily injuries.
5. One Hindu Temple is demolished in every week nation wide in Malaysia.
6. Six Indians were shot dead by the police in one single day.
7. One Indian lady (8 months pregnant) was shot dead in her home (1988)
8. 90% of Malaysian victims shot dead by the police are Indians.
9. 90% of the deaths in police and prison custody victims are Indians.
10. 80% of victims of police harassment, unlawful arrests, flimsy and malicious prosecutions, inmates of police lock ups and prisons are Indians, (Note: 90%
in Item No. 8, 90% in Item No. 9 and more than 80 % in Item No. 10 are
Indians despite being a mere 8 % of the total population).
11. Six Indians commit suicide in one day. The suicide rate among the Indians is
600 % higher than the Malay Muslim community largely because of denial of
equality and equal upward mobility opportunities.
12. RM 207.9 billion (USD 54 billion) budget for 2009 and RM 230 billion (USD
60 billion) budget in 2008 for the Mid Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia
Plan but zero allocation for the hard core poor and poor Indians.
13. Indians today earn as low as RM13.00 (USD 3.50) per day as plantation
Workers.
14. 60% of urban squatters and 41% of beggars are Indians.
15. 70% of the 2 million Indians are hardcore poor or poor.
16. Penang Indian squatter families cannot afford to buy milk for their babies and stopped children from attending schools because of poverty.
17. One Indian young mother could not be cremated until after 3 days because of poverty.
18. RM80 billion (USD 21 billion) government guaranteed PNB (Permodalan
Nasional Berhad) shares benefitting almost 9 million poor Malay Muslim
share holders but the almost 2 million poor Indians are excluded.
19. 99% of deserving Indian students is denied the 847,485 public university places. Indians excluded completely from the 120,000 university (UITM)
Places which have a campus in every state.
20. Only one overseas government PSD (Public Service Department)
Scholarship awarded to do medicine for the deserving 2 million Indians.
21. Remawathy, the sixth best student in Malaysia who scored 13 A1s in SPM
(O Level) was denied a government PSD scholarship.
22. Only one medical seat is made available at the University of Malaya against a 2 million Indian population in Malaysia (2004)
23. Foreign medical college Degrees from Ukraine, Russia, Romania, India and Indonesia with almost all Malaysian Indian private students suddenly were derecognized by the Malaysian government.
24. Government PTPTN study loans and scholarships denied to Indians studying medicine, law, engineering etc in overseas.
25. Even in the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) sponsored AIMST University
and TAFE College, government PTPTN loans and scholarships are denied to the Indians.
26. Government PTPTN loans and scholarships denied to almost all the Indian
students studying at the scores of private universities and institutions of
higher education.
27. A very negligent number of Indian students offered full residential schools,
such as the MRSM junior science colleges and scores of other elite schools.
28. 371 Tamil primary schools with about 100, 000 Indian children denied full government financial assistance.
29. Almost all the above Tamil schools are all in cowshed like pre war structures.
30. Indians are even largely excluded from the KEMAS and PERMATA, government run kindergardens.
31. 99.9% of deserving Indians denied agricultural land schemes for the
hardcore poor and poor in the semi government run FELDA, FELCRA,
RISDA, FAMA, ]Agropolitan in the 13 State Government Land Schemes.
32. Indians in the civil service today have been reduced to 1% from about 50%
in 1960s.
33. 99% of the deserving Indians denied licenses, permits, government contracts
and project business loans and opportunities.
34. 99.9% of the hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs created and to be
created by the Entrepreneur Ministry, Rural Development Ministry,
Agriculture and Agro Based Industry Ministry, MARA, SME Bank, Agro Bank,
etc. with hundreds of billions of government funds denied to the Indians.
35. RM 2.5 Billion AIM loans were given to 190, 900 poor households earning below RM2000 per month. But the Malaysian Indian Business Association
President, Mr. P. Sivakumar was reported to have said that the
government’s AIM did not provide micro credit loans to all the 200 Indians it
had recommended.
36. “Scrap metal businesses destroyed by ex Chief Minister the Selangor State, Khir Toyo (of UMNO)”, says Indian Scrap Metals Association Secretary, Mr. Param, a total number of 1118 (almost all Indians) scrap metal business licenses were cancelled in the last three years.
37. Hundreds of thousands of poor Indian squatter colonies demolished with no
or very little alternative homes.
38. Thousands of police reports have been lodged on the foresaid UMNO
controlled Malaysian Government’s atrocities but almost zero action has
been taken.
39. All our scores of Public Interest, Litigations and Suits concerning the most
serious of the foresaid issues have been dismissed by the Malaysian High
Courts or have not seen justices being done. The most senior of the 48
Malaysian High Court Judges who resigned with effect from 1/12/08 were
sent to “Booth Camps” with selected Judges and Judicial Officers to
indoctrinate those attending to hold the view that the UMNO Government’s
interest was “ more important than all else when we are considering our
Judgments”.
40. Hindraf’s 18 Point Demands dated 12/08/07 to the Prime Minister for equality
and equal upward mobility, be included and not excluded and segregated
from the national main stream development of Malaysia had been
completely ignored and rejected.
41. There is a 2 Million Indian population in Malaysia but zero Indian majority Parliament and State seats. The current Indian majority seats have been jerry mandered.
42. 100,000 unprecedented Hindraf People Power Peaceful Assembly that was
held on 25/11/07 was cruelly crushed, 241 arrested and maliciously
prosecuted including for attempted murder of a policeman, a charge which is
an impossible charge in law where bail was denied.
43. All the above atrocities are just the tip of the iceberg.
Conclusion
Malaysia has not only very successfully projected to the world its world tallest Twin Towers but also has very successfully suppressed the aforesaid atrocities against the Indians over the last 51 years. These atrocities are backed by researched news reports and publications as per my (full) paper which is also presented and distributed herein at this conference. Read Here.
Thank you
Waytha Moorthy Ponnusamy
Barrister at Law, Lincoln’s Inn
Chairman,
HINDRAF, Malaysia.
Mobile: +447939355981
+91 9789987449
Email: waytha@hotmail.com
END -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think, i have said enough on Hindraf, here , here , and here. Pakatan Rakyat leaders, who have been blindly supporting Hindraf, apparently distanced themselves from this report, now that they are in power in 5 states.
They now claim that they (Pakatan Rakyat Indian Leaders) should be the respresentatives of Indian Malaysians instead of MIC. Good, Wayta, you should train you guns at Pakatan Leaders now.
While HINDRAF claims that governement have fabricated stories that they had links with Tamil terrorists or freedom fighters (whichever way you want to see it) in Sri Lanka (LTTE), that does not give HINDRAF the right to spread pack of lies to an international audience.
Some suggested that Waytha Moorthy stripped off his citizenship since he adores Britain more than Malaysia. I will leave that to the government.
Some interesting infromation thrown to spice up the report such as 6 suicides a day, 41% of beggars are Indians as well. Even in India number of beggars are not that high.
START --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Dedicated to, the three British trained and one Malaysia trained, Indian Malaysian lawyers imprisoned without trial indefinitely at Malaysia’s own “Guantanamo Bay” under the Malaysian draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) for championing the Indian Minority and Human Rights cause.
Executive Summary
Introduction
Overseas Indians worldwide have been granted equal opportunities and leading prosperous life except in Malaysia. This is because the Malaysian government practices and implements very serious institutional Malay Muslim religious extremist and supremacist plans, policies and practices to the extend of reducing and segregating many Indians into literally becoming slaves. Even the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) President and immediate past Cabinet Minister of 29 years standing, Dato’ Seri S. Samy Vellu has conceded as late as March 2008 that the Indians in Seberang Kuari (Penang) are living in worst conditions than in Africa. The Indians in Malaysia are openly discriminated not by the Malay Muslim people of Malaysia but the UMNO (United Malay National Organization) controlled government of Malaysia in direct contravention of Article 8 of the Federal Constitution which prohibits discrimination and upholds equality. In short the Indians are excluded from the national mainstream development of Malaysia in almost every aspect of live on a day to day basis.
But Malaysia’s UMNO controlled government has successfully over the last 51 years since independence camouflaged this reality very well by projecting, highlighting and showcasing the cream of the Malaysian Indian as being successful and prosperous. But this cream only represents a mere 1% of the 2 million Indian populations in Malaysia. About 70% of the Malaysian Indians are left to rot in the hardcore poor and poor category. For raising these very serious Indian minority and human rights violations four Malaysian Indian Lawyers (P. Uthayakumar, M. Manoharan, R. Kengatharan & V. Ganapathi Rao) have been arrested and are currently detained without trial for 2 years, from 13th Dec 2007 and continuing indefinitely thereafter at Malaysia’s very own “Guantanamo Bay” (the Kemunting Detention Centre)
Some of Malaysia’s atrocities against its own mere 8% minority Indians in 2008 are as follows:
1. Even as this paper is being finalized on the last day of the year 2008 the Malaysian Police in their Police lock up were alleged to have poured hot water on an Indian youth’s body. When he screamed in pain, a piece of cloth was stuffed into his mouth by the Police and was stepped on with their boots. On a rare occasion NT 7 (A local TV Station) splashed his gory burned marks because, a rare breed Member of Parliament for Kapar, Mr. S. Manickavasagam (present at this conference) dared to take on the UMNO State by exposing this police brutality. But in Malaysia, when the victim is an Indian, hardly anything happens. Not only for this atrocity but almost all and every atrocity as listed herein below, this continues to this day. The Indians suffer in silence. Even the Opposition Parties, NGOs and civil society almost always choose to remain silent because the victims are, “merely Indians”. The police and all the authorities have almost always never been punished even for worst atrocities than this.
2. Indian slavery, including sex and child slavery, in Malaysia is rampant even
after 51 years of independence.
3. 150,000 Malaysians Indians (third, fourth and fifth generation Indians) are
made Stateless by denying them Birth Certificates.
4. Kampong Medan “Ethnic Cleansing” of Indians (2001) – 5 Indians killed and a hundred over suffered grevious bodily injuries.
5. One Hindu Temple is demolished in every week nation wide in Malaysia.
6. Six Indians were shot dead by the police in one single day.
7. One Indian lady (8 months pregnant) was shot dead in her home (1988)
8. 90% of Malaysian victims shot dead by the police are Indians.
9. 90% of the deaths in police and prison custody victims are Indians.
10. 80% of victims of police harassment, unlawful arrests, flimsy and malicious prosecutions, inmates of police lock ups and prisons are Indians, (Note: 90%
in Item No. 8, 90% in Item No. 9 and more than 80 % in Item No. 10 are
Indians despite being a mere 8 % of the total population).
11. Six Indians commit suicide in one day. The suicide rate among the Indians is
600 % higher than the Malay Muslim community largely because of denial of
equality and equal upward mobility opportunities.
12. RM 207.9 billion (USD 54 billion) budget for 2009 and RM 230 billion (USD
60 billion) budget in 2008 for the Mid Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia
Plan but zero allocation for the hard core poor and poor Indians.
13. Indians today earn as low as RM13.00 (USD 3.50) per day as plantation
Workers.
14. 60% of urban squatters and 41% of beggars are Indians.
15. 70% of the 2 million Indians are hardcore poor or poor.
16. Penang Indian squatter families cannot afford to buy milk for their babies and stopped children from attending schools because of poverty.
17. One Indian young mother could not be cremated until after 3 days because of poverty.
18. RM80 billion (USD 21 billion) government guaranteed PNB (Permodalan
Nasional Berhad) shares benefitting almost 9 million poor Malay Muslim
share holders but the almost 2 million poor Indians are excluded.
19. 99% of deserving Indian students is denied the 847,485 public university places. Indians excluded completely from the 120,000 university (UITM)
Places which have a campus in every state.
20. Only one overseas government PSD (Public Service Department)
Scholarship awarded to do medicine for the deserving 2 million Indians.
21. Remawathy, the sixth best student in Malaysia who scored 13 A1s in SPM
(O Level) was denied a government PSD scholarship.
22. Only one medical seat is made available at the University of Malaya against a 2 million Indian population in Malaysia (2004)
23. Foreign medical college Degrees from Ukraine, Russia, Romania, India and Indonesia with almost all Malaysian Indian private students suddenly were derecognized by the Malaysian government.
24. Government PTPTN study loans and scholarships denied to Indians studying medicine, law, engineering etc in overseas.
25. Even in the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) sponsored AIMST University
and TAFE College, government PTPTN loans and scholarships are denied to the Indians.
26. Government PTPTN loans and scholarships denied to almost all the Indian
students studying at the scores of private universities and institutions of
higher education.
27. A very negligent number of Indian students offered full residential schools,
such as the MRSM junior science colleges and scores of other elite schools.
28. 371 Tamil primary schools with about 100, 000 Indian children denied full government financial assistance.
29. Almost all the above Tamil schools are all in cowshed like pre war structures.
30. Indians are even largely excluded from the KEMAS and PERMATA, government run kindergardens.
31. 99.9% of deserving Indians denied agricultural land schemes for the
hardcore poor and poor in the semi government run FELDA, FELCRA,
RISDA, FAMA, ]Agropolitan in the 13 State Government Land Schemes.
32. Indians in the civil service today have been reduced to 1% from about 50%
in 1960s.
33. 99% of the deserving Indians denied licenses, permits, government contracts
and project business loans and opportunities.
34. 99.9% of the hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs created and to be
created by the Entrepreneur Ministry, Rural Development Ministry,
Agriculture and Agro Based Industry Ministry, MARA, SME Bank, Agro Bank,
etc. with hundreds of billions of government funds denied to the Indians.
35. RM 2.5 Billion AIM loans were given to 190, 900 poor households earning below RM2000 per month. But the Malaysian Indian Business Association
President, Mr. P. Sivakumar was reported to have said that the
government’s AIM did not provide micro credit loans to all the 200 Indians it
had recommended.
36. “Scrap metal businesses destroyed by ex Chief Minister the Selangor State, Khir Toyo (of UMNO)”, says Indian Scrap Metals Association Secretary, Mr. Param, a total number of 1118 (almost all Indians) scrap metal business licenses were cancelled in the last three years.
37. Hundreds of thousands of poor Indian squatter colonies demolished with no
or very little alternative homes.
38. Thousands of police reports have been lodged on the foresaid UMNO
controlled Malaysian Government’s atrocities but almost zero action has
been taken.
39. All our scores of Public Interest, Litigations and Suits concerning the most
serious of the foresaid issues have been dismissed by the Malaysian High
Courts or have not seen justices being done. The most senior of the 48
Malaysian High Court Judges who resigned with effect from 1/12/08 were
sent to “Booth Camps” with selected Judges and Judicial Officers to
indoctrinate those attending to hold the view that the UMNO Government’s
interest was “ more important than all else when we are considering our
Judgments”.
40. Hindraf’s 18 Point Demands dated 12/08/07 to the Prime Minister for equality
and equal upward mobility, be included and not excluded and segregated
from the national main stream development of Malaysia had been
completely ignored and rejected.
41. There is a 2 Million Indian population in Malaysia but zero Indian majority Parliament and State seats. The current Indian majority seats have been jerry mandered.
42. 100,000 unprecedented Hindraf People Power Peaceful Assembly that was
held on 25/11/07 was cruelly crushed, 241 arrested and maliciously
prosecuted including for attempted murder of a policeman, a charge which is
an impossible charge in law where bail was denied.
43. All the above atrocities are just the tip of the iceberg.
Conclusion
Malaysia has not only very successfully projected to the world its world tallest Twin Towers but also has very successfully suppressed the aforesaid atrocities against the Indians over the last 51 years. These atrocities are backed by researched news reports and publications as per my (full) paper which is also presented and distributed herein at this conference. Read Here.
Thank you
Waytha Moorthy Ponnusamy
Barrister at Law, Lincoln’s Inn
Chairman,
HINDRAF, Malaysia.
Mobile: +447939355981
+91 9789987449
Email: waytha@hotmail.com
END -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think, i have said enough on Hindraf, here , here , and here. Pakatan Rakyat leaders, who have been blindly supporting Hindraf, apparently distanced themselves from this report, now that they are in power in 5 states.
They now claim that they (Pakatan Rakyat Indian Leaders) should be the respresentatives of Indian Malaysians instead of MIC. Good, Wayta, you should train you guns at Pakatan Leaders now.
While HINDRAF claims that governement have fabricated stories that they had links with Tamil terrorists or freedom fighters (whichever way you want to see it) in Sri Lanka (LTTE), that does not give HINDRAF the right to spread pack of lies to an international audience.
Some suggested that Waytha Moorthy stripped off his citizenship since he adores Britain more than Malaysia. I will leave that to the government.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Recession - Malaysia In Denial
I seriously believe the government is in denial of the state of the economy.
Please read here, Muyiddin's confidence that Malaysia will not slip into technical recession, despite the negative prediction by analysts, local and foreign. Even MIER has lowered the expected growth rate for Q1. Rating Agency Malaysia (RAM) agrees that we may slip into recession in the first quater itself.
There are also other analyst who are quite upbeat how Malaysia would end the year, here. While former Finance Minister, Tengku Razaleigh has this to say, which i agree on many counts.
The reality on the ground is not reflective with what government is trying to potray. My friend's company in Pasir has already cut production hours and days to 4 days a week from 7 days operations few months ago while he says that there are plans to futher reduce the working days months ahead.
This company produces various components for computers for major brands and reduced demands from almost all computer makers forced them to cut production hours.
Another company in Pasir Gudang went on step ahead to retrench worker by the hundreds. As usual, a mix of foreign and locals were retrenched, rather than retrenching all foreign workers. No one will want to retain expensive locals, those foreign workers retrenched are just for a show to the government that foreigners are first to go.
And we already know about Western Digital.
I also heard and confirmed that Lenovo ((IBM's distribution arm) regional centre's employees, based in Kuala Lumpur have been offered VSS.
Most Banks and financial insitutions has freezed recruitment of staff. They have been told to 'make do with what you have'. Some even started on initiatives such as pay cuts for top executives.
Singapore has been more honest about the economic situation there and this may result in many retrenchment exercises forcing Malaysian, mostly Johoreans returning home only to find that factories and industries in Pasir Gudang, Senai, Skudai, Masai and Kulai are not recruting anymore.
Johor state government claimed that Iskandar Project would offer employment to returning Malaysians from Singapore. I find the statement off the mark, as returning Malaysians, mostly from factories in Singapore, are not likely to be suitable for jobs available in the Iskandar Project.
I think we need not remind Muyiddin on how much does manufacturing contribute to the economy and that bulk of our products are exported to EU and US, the same countries hardly hit by the crisis.
In simple terms, people there are not buying what they can do without, that's the same products that we are selling to them.
There were several statements here and there by the Human Resources Ministry on handling retrenchments, but nothing concrete appear to be in place.
And we have ministries being informed that the 7 Billion stimulus package must be spent by end of the year. How ridiculous can this be. The package was anounced way back in August and respective ministries should have had adequate time to plan the spending. The amount should have been spent by end of the 1st quarter 2009 and maybe before 1st half of the year, only then we will be able to feel the impact of the stimulus package within the same year.
Is the government waiting for things to get worse before they act? Already, revenue from Petronas are expected to dwindle and we know that the expected revenue from Petronas stated in 2009 budget is no longer realistic.
While other countries have been quite nervous, honest and open about possible recession, our leaders appears to be not so worried. We have to expect the worse, only then we will be more prepared. Having confidence remains just that, confidence and nothing else.
We have to act quickly and decisively as time is certainly running out. And we have ministers, especially the Finance Minister spending weeks on a non critical event, the Kuala Terengganu by-election..
Please read here, Muyiddin's confidence that Malaysia will not slip into technical recession, despite the negative prediction by analysts, local and foreign. Even MIER has lowered the expected growth rate for Q1. Rating Agency Malaysia (RAM) agrees that we may slip into recession in the first quater itself.
There are also other analyst who are quite upbeat how Malaysia would end the year, here. While former Finance Minister, Tengku Razaleigh has this to say, which i agree on many counts.
The reality on the ground is not reflective with what government is trying to potray. My friend's company in Pasir has already cut production hours and days to 4 days a week from 7 days operations few months ago while he says that there are plans to futher reduce the working days months ahead.
This company produces various components for computers for major brands and reduced demands from almost all computer makers forced them to cut production hours.
Another company in Pasir Gudang went on step ahead to retrench worker by the hundreds. As usual, a mix of foreign and locals were retrenched, rather than retrenching all foreign workers. No one will want to retain expensive locals, those foreign workers retrenched are just for a show to the government that foreigners are first to go.
And we already know about Western Digital.
I also heard and confirmed that Lenovo ((IBM's distribution arm) regional centre's employees, based in Kuala Lumpur have been offered VSS.
Most Banks and financial insitutions has freezed recruitment of staff. They have been told to 'make do with what you have'. Some even started on initiatives such as pay cuts for top executives.
Singapore has been more honest about the economic situation there and this may result in many retrenchment exercises forcing Malaysian, mostly Johoreans returning home only to find that factories and industries in Pasir Gudang, Senai, Skudai, Masai and Kulai are not recruting anymore.
Johor state government claimed that Iskandar Project would offer employment to returning Malaysians from Singapore. I find the statement off the mark, as returning Malaysians, mostly from factories in Singapore, are not likely to be suitable for jobs available in the Iskandar Project.
I think we need not remind Muyiddin on how much does manufacturing contribute to the economy and that bulk of our products are exported to EU and US, the same countries hardly hit by the crisis.
In simple terms, people there are not buying what they can do without, that's the same products that we are selling to them.
There were several statements here and there by the Human Resources Ministry on handling retrenchments, but nothing concrete appear to be in place.
And we have ministries being informed that the 7 Billion stimulus package must be spent by end of the year. How ridiculous can this be. The package was anounced way back in August and respective ministries should have had adequate time to plan the spending. The amount should have been spent by end of the 1st quarter 2009 and maybe before 1st half of the year, only then we will be able to feel the impact of the stimulus package within the same year.
Is the government waiting for things to get worse before they act? Already, revenue from Petronas are expected to dwindle and we know that the expected revenue from Petronas stated in 2009 budget is no longer realistic.
While other countries have been quite nervous, honest and open about possible recession, our leaders appears to be not so worried. We have to expect the worse, only then we will be more prepared. Having confidence remains just that, confidence and nothing else.
We have to act quickly and decisively as time is certainly running out. And we have ministers, especially the Finance Minister spending weeks on a non critical event, the Kuala Terengganu by-election..
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Wish List - 2009 and Beyond
Here's some wish list for 2009 and perhaps beyond from an ordinary voter like me. There are many MPs ,ADUNs, speakers who have stayed silent throughout the year, so here are some ideas that they can sell at their meetings with their party, parliament, state assemblies or with government collegues (little Napoleons included)
Fine MP/ADUNs - Fine of one month MP's allowance for uttering any unparliamentarily words. Proceeds to go to the national courtesy campaign. I think the deputy speaker have clearly defined what are the 'unparliamentarily words' in one of the recent session. There should not be any excuse.
Reward MPs - Propose cash rewards to the best debate or speech in parliaments. Rewards to be spent on winning MP's or state assemblymen's constituency. Political parties can nominate their MPs or ADUNs.
National Service for MPs - National Service to be made mandatory for all MPs and first time MPs thereafter.
English Campaign - English speaking campaign in parliament. One week to be selected every session where all debates are to be in English. Representatives from Science, Technology and Fnance ministries to speak full time in English for continuity. Budget to be presented in English.
Straight To the Point - Debates and speeches must be straight to the point. Time to be deducted if MPs continue blaberring giving out various quotes, pantuns and sayings which usually does not mean anything. A ‘ straight to the point’ course should be conducted for free for all MPs and ADUNs. Anwar Ibrahim should take the lead and enrol himself for the course.
Declare Assets - All candidates for MP or ADUN seats to publicly declare their assets. This has to be published in all major newspapers on their cost. In future, all prospective MPs and ADUNs to publicly declare their assets before the elections. Perhaps, Lim Guan Eng should start the ball rolling since it was one of his promises.
Dewan Negara - Dewan Negara to be abolished. Such a waste of time and money. Parliamentary secretary or research officers should be appointed to every MP instead.
Bahasa Malaysia - All prospective MPs and ADUNs must have at least a credit in SPM Bahasa Malaysia.
"Kenali Pembangkang" - RTM should host a program for MPs to give their policy speech to their desired audience, local or national. Give 30 minutes, one slot everyday, so the program should be able to cover all MPs in one year. Allow some publicity and constituents to know their MPs. Like me, many still do not know who are the MPs and ADUNs around their area. Perhaps a 'kenali pembangkang' program so that opposition (Pakatan or BN) gets some publicity.
ISA - ISA to be repealed or amended with clear definition, intent and purposes.
Tertiary Education - Political parties should not be allowed to manage educational institutions.
Equal Opportunity Law - Equal opportunity law to be introduced with some exceptions, of course.
Banks & CTOS - CTOS must be made liable for inaccurate records that they maintain. Bank Negara to review and remove all unnecessary fees.
Lawyer Fees - Bar Council must review lawyer fees and it must be reviewed downwards. For example, how it is fair to pay thousands for a standard documentation used for housing Sales & Purchase with the fees based on the value of the house and not the work involved. Lawyers must be open to competition and allowed to reduce their fees. Don’t quite understand why they are not allowed to do so. Justice for all, Bar Council?
Hindu Temple M ergers - Force merger of Indian Temples, eg there are 16 shrines and temples in Sentul alone and it is said that there are 15,000 temples in the country. Use space for public purposes, such as a open space, football field, community hall or playground. Government to provide annual allocation for the merged temple.
Road Signs - A nationwide rationalisation of road signs to be undertaken starting with Klang Valley. I am getting lost more frequently than before, mainly due to the confusing road signs.
One School For Malaysians - One School for everyone with other main languages (Mandarin, Tamil) made compulsory. Mathematics and Science to be continued be taught in English.
Income Tax - Income tax Reduction for monthly wage earners. I am increasingly angry with traders, businessmen, local politicians when they use the term “tax payer’s money” when arguing their case when most of them either pay nominal tax or do not pay any at all. Majority does not maintain proper set of accounts, doctor their accounts and later file yearly tax returns paying a token sum. Can any accountant (eg Guan Eng) come out in the open and deny this? How many politicians actually pay proper tax for their own businesses? All are full of cheats fighting for transparency, accountability and all that crap.
Income Tax Refunds - Income tax department to be fined the same if they fail to refund taxpayers of the amount due on time.
Demonstrations - Offer stadiums and padangs for a fee if anyone wants to hold demonstrations, not on the streets. The catch, they would have to pay the stadium fees which would help to maintain the stadiums, especially cash strapped stadiums like the Shah Alam Stadium. No police permits required unless organisers wants some assistance to maintain order. It will go a long way to prevent demonstrators from becoming a nuisance to the general public.
Demonstrations Day - Designate a day every month for demonstrations so that general public can avoid going getting stuck in the traffic, unless of course if they are participants.
Free Schooling. Assurance of real free schooling . No more additional and miscellaneous fees, please.
Abolish UPSR & PMR - Abolish public examinations such as UPSR, PMR and replace with projects, activity and assignment based measurements, no more 7 or 17As please.
Double Parking - RM 2,500 fine for double parking, RM 5,000 if the offender still double parked despite there being some empty parking lots nearby.
Piracy - Illegal DVD peddlers, apart from the normal fines and jail terms, must be forced to watch poor quality DVD B-Grade movie for 12 hours non-stop, for 5 days.
NO Local Council elections - No local council elections please, we don’t need elections throughout the year. Had enough with elections, campaigns, antics of candidates and elected MP’s / ADUNs. I can’t simply imagine my nearby, non tax paying mamak becoming the councilor.
Lifts - Amend local by-laws to ensure lifts in flats, apartments and condominium to be governed by local authorities, not the building management. People living in the flats/apartments to pay nominal yearly fee to local authority as part of their assessment fees for maintenance. This has become a major problem in most flats, apartments and condominium as people refuse to pay monthly maintenance fee for all kinds of reasons and it would generally end up being unfair to those who pay consistently.
Free Highways - Nationalise all highways. No reason why government to cannot manage tolled roads on their own. Increase road tax, remove fuel subsidies and ensure roads are toll free. I am sure at least 5 seats in KL will be back to BN in the next general elections.
Datukship - Recognise David Arumugam, Yasmin Yusof with a Datukship. Perhaps M.Nasir and Amy Search too. Maybe a Tun for Samy Vellu with a condition that he retires…
Finally, Selangor, Perak or Penang state governments should recognize contribution of the real ‘Sivaji the Boss’ Indian Superstar Rajnikant, for his indirect role in Anwar’s comeback and March 8 election results.
Fine MP/ADUNs - Fine of one month MP's allowance for uttering any unparliamentarily words. Proceeds to go to the national courtesy campaign. I think the deputy speaker have clearly defined what are the 'unparliamentarily words' in one of the recent session. There should not be any excuse.
Reward MPs - Propose cash rewards to the best debate or speech in parliaments. Rewards to be spent on winning MP's or state assemblymen's constituency. Political parties can nominate their MPs or ADUNs.
National Service for MPs - National Service to be made mandatory for all MPs and first time MPs thereafter.
English Campaign - English speaking campaign in parliament. One week to be selected every session where all debates are to be in English. Representatives from Science, Technology and Fnance ministries to speak full time in English for continuity. Budget to be presented in English.
Straight To the Point - Debates and speeches must be straight to the point. Time to be deducted if MPs continue blaberring giving out various quotes, pantuns and sayings which usually does not mean anything. A ‘ straight to the point’ course should be conducted for free for all MPs and ADUNs. Anwar Ibrahim should take the lead and enrol himself for the course.
Declare Assets - All candidates for MP or ADUN seats to publicly declare their assets. This has to be published in all major newspapers on their cost. In future, all prospective MPs and ADUNs to publicly declare their assets before the elections. Perhaps, Lim Guan Eng should start the ball rolling since it was one of his promises.
Dewan Negara - Dewan Negara to be abolished. Such a waste of time and money. Parliamentary secretary or research officers should be appointed to every MP instead.
Bahasa Malaysia - All prospective MPs and ADUNs must have at least a credit in SPM Bahasa Malaysia.
"Kenali Pembangkang" - RTM should host a program for MPs to give their policy speech to their desired audience, local or national. Give 30 minutes, one slot everyday, so the program should be able to cover all MPs in one year. Allow some publicity and constituents to know their MPs. Like me, many still do not know who are the MPs and ADUNs around their area. Perhaps a 'kenali pembangkang' program so that opposition (Pakatan or BN) gets some publicity.
ISA - ISA to be repealed or amended with clear definition, intent and purposes.
Tertiary Education - Political parties should not be allowed to manage educational institutions.
Equal Opportunity Law - Equal opportunity law to be introduced with some exceptions, of course.
Banks & CTOS - CTOS must be made liable for inaccurate records that they maintain. Bank Negara to review and remove all unnecessary fees.
Lawyer Fees - Bar Council must review lawyer fees and it must be reviewed downwards. For example, how it is fair to pay thousands for a standard documentation used for housing Sales & Purchase with the fees based on the value of the house and not the work involved. Lawyers must be open to competition and allowed to reduce their fees. Don’t quite understand why they are not allowed to do so. Justice for all, Bar Council?
Hindu Temple M ergers - Force merger of Indian Temples, eg there are 16 shrines and temples in Sentul alone and it is said that there are 15,000 temples in the country. Use space for public purposes, such as a open space, football field, community hall or playground. Government to provide annual allocation for the merged temple.
Road Signs - A nationwide rationalisation of road signs to be undertaken starting with Klang Valley. I am getting lost more frequently than before, mainly due to the confusing road signs.
One School For Malaysians - One School for everyone with other main languages (Mandarin, Tamil) made compulsory. Mathematics and Science to be continued be taught in English.
Income Tax - Income tax Reduction for monthly wage earners. I am increasingly angry with traders, businessmen, local politicians when they use the term “tax payer’s money” when arguing their case when most of them either pay nominal tax or do not pay any at all. Majority does not maintain proper set of accounts, doctor their accounts and later file yearly tax returns paying a token sum. Can any accountant (eg Guan Eng) come out in the open and deny this? How many politicians actually pay proper tax for their own businesses? All are full of cheats fighting for transparency, accountability and all that crap.
Income Tax Refunds - Income tax department to be fined the same if they fail to refund taxpayers of the amount due on time.
Demonstrations - Offer stadiums and padangs for a fee if anyone wants to hold demonstrations, not on the streets. The catch, they would have to pay the stadium fees which would help to maintain the stadiums, especially cash strapped stadiums like the Shah Alam Stadium. No police permits required unless organisers wants some assistance to maintain order. It will go a long way to prevent demonstrators from becoming a nuisance to the general public.
Demonstrations Day - Designate a day every month for demonstrations so that general public can avoid going getting stuck in the traffic, unless of course if they are participants.
Free Schooling. Assurance of real free schooling . No more additional and miscellaneous fees, please.
Abolish UPSR & PMR - Abolish public examinations such as UPSR, PMR and replace with projects, activity and assignment based measurements, no more 7 or 17As please.
Double Parking - RM 2,500 fine for double parking, RM 5,000 if the offender still double parked despite there being some empty parking lots nearby.
Piracy - Illegal DVD peddlers, apart from the normal fines and jail terms, must be forced to watch poor quality DVD B-Grade movie for 12 hours non-stop, for 5 days.
NO Local Council elections - No local council elections please, we don’t need elections throughout the year. Had enough with elections, campaigns, antics of candidates and elected MP’s / ADUNs. I can’t simply imagine my nearby, non tax paying mamak becoming the councilor.
Lifts - Amend local by-laws to ensure lifts in flats, apartments and condominium to be governed by local authorities, not the building management. People living in the flats/apartments to pay nominal yearly fee to local authority as part of their assessment fees for maintenance. This has become a major problem in most flats, apartments and condominium as people refuse to pay monthly maintenance fee for all kinds of reasons and it would generally end up being unfair to those who pay consistently.
Free Highways - Nationalise all highways. No reason why government to cannot manage tolled roads on their own. Increase road tax, remove fuel subsidies and ensure roads are toll free. I am sure at least 5 seats in KL will be back to BN in the next general elections.
Datukship - Recognise David Arumugam, Yasmin Yusof with a Datukship. Perhaps M.Nasir and Amy Search too. Maybe a Tun for Samy Vellu with a condition that he retires…
Finally, Selangor, Perak or Penang state governments should recognize contribution of the real ‘Sivaji the Boss’ Indian Superstar Rajnikant, for his indirect role in Anwar’s comeback and March 8 election results.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
2008 - What Voters Learnt
1. Don't simply believe what other's say, verify your sources and ask for facts, eg. I have the numbers, it's growing by the hour!
2. Believe that Pakatan Rakyat is multi-racial coalition ensuring Fairness, Competency, Accountability and Transparency > Support for HINDRAF, Manikavasagam, Race based Exco's line up, Malay Head for PKNS (which by the way, stands for Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor)
3. Do not get excited when Indians hold PAS flags during elections, by all chance, they must have been those obssesed with 'Sivaji the boss' Ibrahim.
4. Do not be stupid to assume racism and race based politics are out after March 8 elections. eg, emergence of various race based NGO's wanting to protect their rights, ketuanan Melayu issue, protest against single school proposal. Racism and race based politics are well and alive.
5. Don't think that just because malaysians voted for Pakatan Rakyat in 5 states , Malaysians are matured politically. Eg Demo at Bar Council Forum on Conversion, Jerit, Nude squad, Protest at Selangor MB's proposal to open UiTM to non-malays etc.
6. Do not think that alternative media, especially opposition owned, tells the truth all the time, eg, Suara Keadilan's take on cross overs which includes latest breakdown of Parliament seats.
7. Indian Malaysians should not rely on anyone for their own growth. Believe in yourselves. eg Hindraf's precarious position now and Pakatan Rakyat's non-contribution(except for some piece meal handouts) thus far.
8. 'Hunger Strikes' now also means liquid diet.
9. Parliament is a reflection of what we, Malaysians, actually are in terms of respect, decorum, decency and politeness.
10. Now everyone can become an MP or State Assemblymen, not to worry if your Bahasa Malaysia is not good. Better if you are unemployed.
11. Do not complain about quality of elected representatives and debates in the parliament when we, Malaysians voted in someone whose expertise is in stopping phantom voters, someone who's an expert in throwing double meaning words and terms, a sex-offender, someone convicted for corruption and abuse of power, and an amateur cinematographer.
12. Do not expect an MP or State Assemblymen from opposition (BN or Pakatan, depending on which state) to fight for your rights in the parliament/state assembly. They would most likely be glad to demontrate with you at your constituency for some publicity photos and will claim that he/she can't do much as an opposition party.
13. Don't complain if the oil price rises again, be prepared as you know what to expect already based on 2008 experience.
14. You can get away with murder if you have a good lawyer or if you are prepared to swear in a temple or a mosque.
15. You can continue building illegal temples or shrines, PKR and MIC will be there to fight for your rights, perhaps a relocation plan plus some compensation. Forget the local authorities and law of the land.
16. Look to Samy Vellu if you need some ideas on re-branding your organisation, party or even yourselves.
17. Malaysians are proving yet again to be a caring lot, they are even willing to raise funds for millionaires.
18. Malaysians 'mudah lupa'. Eg Anwar's 'excellent track record' for 16 long years in BN, DAP on Hudud Laws & Malaysian Malaysia, Gerakan and PPP's whole hearted support for BN until 2008 over ISA.
19. Free Market is always the best option.
20. Phantom voters were non-existent in Perak, Penang, Kelantan, Kedah and Selangor on March 08, 2008. Postal votes were surprisingly missing too.
21. Blame federal government if you are not able to fulfill your election promises.
22. Blame Dr Mahathir for everything that failed in this country during his term. Then we do not need Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Director General of government departments, Judges, IGP, Pengarah- Pengarah of all government and state agencies, CEO's of GLCs and Privatised companies etc. Let the Prime Minister manage everything on his own.
23. Urge the use all archaic laws available when you don't like any suggestions that promotes unity. Does not matter if you were against the same law in the first place. It's ok to contradict yourselves once in a while.
24. Use children for your cause, does not matter whether it is for cycling or street demonstration. For sure, the public will be sympathetic to your cause.
25. You can have you own 'Kangaroo Court' and determine the outcome of a percieved flawed judgement decades ago, in your favour. Not sure how to do it, just call the bar council.
Happy New Year to all readers.
2. Believe that Pakatan Rakyat is multi-racial coalition ensuring Fairness, Competency, Accountability and Transparency > Support for HINDRAF, Manikavasagam, Race based Exco's line up, Malay Head for PKNS (which by the way, stands for Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor)
3. Do not get excited when Indians hold PAS flags during elections, by all chance, they must have been those obssesed with 'Sivaji the boss' Ibrahim.
4. Do not be stupid to assume racism and race based politics are out after March 8 elections. eg, emergence of various race based NGO's wanting to protect their rights, ketuanan Melayu issue, protest against single school proposal. Racism and race based politics are well and alive.
5. Don't think that just because malaysians voted for Pakatan Rakyat in 5 states , Malaysians are matured politically. Eg Demo at Bar Council Forum on Conversion, Jerit, Nude squad, Protest at Selangor MB's proposal to open UiTM to non-malays etc.
6. Do not think that alternative media, especially opposition owned, tells the truth all the time, eg, Suara Keadilan's take on cross overs which includes latest breakdown of Parliament seats.
7. Indian Malaysians should not rely on anyone for their own growth. Believe in yourselves. eg Hindraf's precarious position now and Pakatan Rakyat's non-contribution(except for some piece meal handouts) thus far.
8. 'Hunger Strikes' now also means liquid diet.
9. Parliament is a reflection of what we, Malaysians, actually are in terms of respect, decorum, decency and politeness.
10. Now everyone can become an MP or State Assemblymen, not to worry if your Bahasa Malaysia is not good. Better if you are unemployed.
11. Do not complain about quality of elected representatives and debates in the parliament when we, Malaysians voted in someone whose expertise is in stopping phantom voters, someone who's an expert in throwing double meaning words and terms, a sex-offender, someone convicted for corruption and abuse of power, and an amateur cinematographer.
12. Do not expect an MP or State Assemblymen from opposition (BN or Pakatan, depending on which state) to fight for your rights in the parliament/state assembly. They would most likely be glad to demontrate with you at your constituency for some publicity photos and will claim that he/she can't do much as an opposition party.
13. Don't complain if the oil price rises again, be prepared as you know what to expect already based on 2008 experience.
14. You can get away with murder if you have a good lawyer or if you are prepared to swear in a temple or a mosque.
15. You can continue building illegal temples or shrines, PKR and MIC will be there to fight for your rights, perhaps a relocation plan plus some compensation. Forget the local authorities and law of the land.
16. Look to Samy Vellu if you need some ideas on re-branding your organisation, party or even yourselves.
17. Malaysians are proving yet again to be a caring lot, they are even willing to raise funds for millionaires.
18. Malaysians 'mudah lupa'. Eg Anwar's 'excellent track record' for 16 long years in BN, DAP on Hudud Laws & Malaysian Malaysia, Gerakan and PPP's whole hearted support for BN until 2008 over ISA.
19. Free Market is always the best option.
20. Phantom voters were non-existent in Perak, Penang, Kelantan, Kedah and Selangor on March 08, 2008. Postal votes were surprisingly missing too.
21. Blame federal government if you are not able to fulfill your election promises.
22. Blame Dr Mahathir for everything that failed in this country during his term. Then we do not need Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Director General of government departments, Judges, IGP, Pengarah- Pengarah of all government and state agencies, CEO's of GLCs and Privatised companies etc. Let the Prime Minister manage everything on his own.
23. Urge the use all archaic laws available when you don't like any suggestions that promotes unity. Does not matter if you were against the same law in the first place. It's ok to contradict yourselves once in a while.
24. Use children for your cause, does not matter whether it is for cycling or street demonstration. For sure, the public will be sympathetic to your cause.
25. You can have you own 'Kangaroo Court' and determine the outcome of a percieved flawed judgement decades ago, in your favour. Not sure how to do it, just call the bar council.
Happy New Year to all readers.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Why Indian Malaysians Like Anwar
Like many others, I am quite baffled with Indian Malaysians obsession and support for Anwar Ibrahim as evidenced by the survey completed by Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research.
Indian Malaysians supports him as if he is their communal leader. Even the Malays and Chinese were outnumbered in terms of percentage of support for Anwar within their own community.
I tried to comprehend this baffling scenario and came up with several possible explanations. This may sound simplistic, outrageous but may well be true.
Hindraf
80% of Indian Malaysians are said to be Hindraf supporters, this is the around the same percentage of Indians who support Anwar. It is well known that Anwar, supports Hindraf’s struggle, although not explicitly. Many PKR and DAP members are also HINDRAF sympathizers.
Anwar is against UMNO and BN, so are Hindarf, so enemies became friends, Indians are more or less united behind Anwar.
What’s confusing is that Anwar has never (in my knowledge) agreed with the 18 point memorandum by Hindraf or agreed to address various issues raised by Hindraf, although he and many opposition party leaders shouted ‘Makkal Sakhti’ (Hindraf’s catch phrase) to excite the crowd during the election rallies. Neither did he sit in any Hindraf organized hunger strike.
Equally baffling is that Indians and Hindraf supporters also appeared to have conveniently forgotten that Anwar was a key UMNO figure for at least 16 of the ’51 years of discrimination, poverty, marginalization & ethnic cleansing’. They accused everyone from MIC, Samy Vellu to Mahathir for not helping Indians in the past but stayed silent in the case of Anwar.
PKR & Anwar’s Policies
From my conversations with several Indian Malaysians, none have a clear idea of what Anwar and PKR stands for except for the fact they Anwar has promised to do away with the current NEP and start a new policy that will be fair to all.
When I further stressed that DAP,PSM and even PAS have similar views, they seem confused, now not aware of what DAP and PSM stands for. When I highlighted that PKR lead Pakatan Rakyat government in Selangor did not agree to a non-malay as the head of PKNS, they shrugged it off.
When I further added that Anwar, Lim Kit Siang, Abdul Hadi Awang signed the agreement on Sept 8 as proof that all three parties would uphold Malay rights. They (the Indians I spoke to) were further confused.
At the end I ended up confused as well not knowing why are they supporting Anwar & PKR! I may get similar responses from BN supporters, but that’s not the topic here.
So I went backwards and looked at what happened before and during March general elections to understand this (Indians support for Anwar) better and offer some mind boggling explanation. I realise that this may not be welcomed by PKRians, Anwaristas and Indian Malaysians in general but what the heck, this is my blog.
Heroism
Indians, especially those originating from South India like heroism. They love cult personalities and worship them. Some even built temples for them. This is definitely related to Indian Malaysians love for movies, especially Tamil Movies, where heroism is still well and alive. While the world has gone on with sophisticated story telling and multi-starers, South Indian movies, especially Tamil and Telugu movies, are still hero oriented.
Perhaps Indian Malaysian wants someone in the same mould to worship as their their leader. Samy Vellu, Subra, Kayveas and the rest are outdated. Anwar is their hero for the moment.
I did a simply survey with some Malaysian Indians, asking them two simple questions ; Who is the President, Deputy President of PKR and Pakatan Rakyat, the answer, Anwar Ibrahim, when I said no, one adamantly told me to check my facts. President of Pakatan Rakyat!!. As for Deputy president, not a single soul gave me the correct answer…
Sivaji ‘The Boss’
For those who are not aware, ‘Sivaji The Boss’ was a record breaking Tamil Movies starring Tamil Super Star Rajnikant, playing a commoner fighting against a corrupt system and politicians. The movie was dubbed in all South Indian languages such as Telugu, Kanada and Malayalam and was a super hit too.
It was reported frequently that Indians supporters chanted ‘Sivaji, The Boss’ during Anwars campaign trail last and this year.
Anwar himself reportedly declared that he’s the Malaysian ‘Sivaji The Boss’ in rallies attended by substantial Indian Malaysians. There were various posters, stickers and T-Shirts distributed during the March elections with Anwar’s image superimposed to a ‘Sivaji The Boss’ movie poster.
This maybe another reason has probably endeared him to the Indians as I myself have heard the enthuasism expressed for Anwar from those who attended his rally. Most did not talk about any policy or manesfesto from his speeches but never failed to hide their excitement when Anwar say’s he’s “Sivaji The Boss”.
South Indian Political History
Apart from heroism and ‘Sivaji the boss’ factor, another related factor is that majority of the Chief Ministers of south Indian states of Andra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil are from the cinema and they are worshipped by Indians in those states. Cinema personalities such as MGR, NTR, Karunanithi, Jayalalitha, Raj Kumar have cult following which were translated into votes when they entered politics.
Most of their movies potray the hero as lower class do gooder, helping the poor, fighting against corruption, the government etc. None are really an Oscar materials though. For the fans, whatever they do in real life does not matter, even though several of the above Chief Ministers were known to be corrupt. Their fanatical supporters see them as god and close one eye on all their wrong doings. Sounds familiar?
The cult personality worshipping cannot be more evident when at least 30 people who committed suicide when Tamil Nadu actor turned Chief Minister, MGR passed away in 1987.
Like them, Rajinikanth, who potrayed ‘Sivaji, The Boss’, although never been active in politics has huge fans base, who keep on, from time to time, urging him to dabble in politics. He is so popular than if he steps into politics now, he can be the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu without a sweat.
With Malaysian Indians’ affinity for South Indian movies and Anwar’s supporters ever closely associating him to ‘Sivaji, the boss’, Indians see Anwar as one of them.
Punch Dialogue & Rhetorics
Indian heroes are well known for their rhetorics or ‘Punch Dialoque although in real life they may not necessarily practice what they preach in the screen.
Fans literally clap and whistle when their favorite heroes let go a catchy line.
Perhaps they see the same with Anwar, whose strong oratory skills mesmerizes the crowd and he had been known to throws some quotes here and there
Here are some examples ;
My way is a unique way
If I say it once, it’s equivalent to having said it a 100 times
God commands. I obey
I’ll do what I say. I’ll also do what I don’t say
Only pigs come in herds. The lion always comes alone.
When I’ll come, how I’ll come, nobody knows. But when I need to come, I’ll be there.
You’ll be happier if you marry the one who loves you instead of the one you love.
Even if I come late, I’ll be the latest.
You’ll gain nothing without hard work. And even if you do, it won’t last for long
Finished. Finished. What’s done is done.
Yesterday I was a coolie. Today, I’m an actor. Tomorrow...
Some people say I’ll become like this I’ll become come like that. But only God knows how I’ll end up tomorrow.
Hey, wait a minute. This is not Anwar. Those are actual one liners loosely translated from the real “Sivaji the Boss”.
But they do sound familiar right…
Indian Malaysians supports him as if he is their communal leader. Even the Malays and Chinese were outnumbered in terms of percentage of support for Anwar within their own community.I tried to comprehend this baffling scenario and came up with several possible explanations. This may sound simplistic, outrageous but may well be true.
Hindraf
80% of Indian Malaysians are said to be Hindraf supporters, this is the around the same percentage of Indians who support Anwar. It is well known that Anwar, supports Hindraf’s struggle, although not explicitly. Many PKR and DAP members are also HINDRAF sympathizers.
Anwar is against UMNO and BN, so are Hindarf, so enemies became friends, Indians are more or less united behind Anwar.
What’s confusing is that Anwar has never (in my knowledge) agreed with the 18 point memorandum by Hindraf or agreed to address various issues raised by Hindraf, although he and many opposition party leaders shouted ‘Makkal Sakhti’ (Hindraf’s catch phrase) to excite the crowd during the election rallies. Neither did he sit in any Hindraf organized hunger strike.
Equally baffling is that Indians and Hindraf supporters also appeared to have conveniently forgotten that Anwar was a key UMNO figure for at least 16 of the ’51 years of discrimination, poverty, marginalization & ethnic cleansing’. They accused everyone from MIC, Samy Vellu to Mahathir for not helping Indians in the past but stayed silent in the case of Anwar.
PKR & Anwar’s Policies
From my conversations with several Indian Malaysians, none have a clear idea of what Anwar and PKR stands for except for the fact they Anwar has promised to do away with the current NEP and start a new policy that will be fair to all.
When I further stressed that DAP,PSM and even PAS have similar views, they seem confused, now not aware of what DAP and PSM stands for. When I highlighted that PKR lead Pakatan Rakyat government in Selangor did not agree to a non-malay as the head of PKNS, they shrugged it off.
When I further added that Anwar, Lim Kit Siang, Abdul Hadi Awang signed the agreement on Sept 8 as proof that all three parties would uphold Malay rights. They (the Indians I spoke to) were further confused.
At the end I ended up confused as well not knowing why are they supporting Anwar & PKR! I may get similar responses from BN supporters, but that’s not the topic here.
So I went backwards and looked at what happened before and during March general elections to understand this (Indians support for Anwar) better and offer some mind boggling explanation. I realise that this may not be welcomed by PKRians, Anwaristas and Indian Malaysians in general but what the heck, this is my blog.
Heroism
Indians, especially those originating from South India like heroism. They love cult personalities and worship them. Some even built temples for them. This is definitely related to Indian Malaysians love for movies, especially Tamil Movies, where heroism is still well and alive. While the world has gone on with sophisticated story telling and multi-starers, South Indian movies, especially Tamil and Telugu movies, are still hero oriented.
Perhaps Indian Malaysian wants someone in the same mould to worship as their their leader. Samy Vellu, Subra, Kayveas and the rest are outdated. Anwar is their hero for the moment.
I did a simply survey with some Malaysian Indians, asking them two simple questions ; Who is the President, Deputy President of PKR and Pakatan Rakyat, the answer, Anwar Ibrahim, when I said no, one adamantly told me to check my facts. President of Pakatan Rakyat!!. As for Deputy president, not a single soul gave me the correct answer…
Sivaji ‘The Boss’
For those who are not aware, ‘Sivaji The Boss’ was a record breaking Tamil Movies starring Tamil Super Star Rajnikant, playing a commoner fighting against a corrupt system and politicians. The movie was dubbed in all South Indian languages such as Telugu, Kanada and Malayalam and was a super hit too.
It was reported frequently that Indians supporters chanted ‘Sivaji, The Boss’ during Anwars campaign trail last and this year.
Anwar himself reportedly declared that he’s the Malaysian ‘Sivaji The Boss’ in rallies attended by substantial Indian Malaysians. There were various posters, stickers and T-Shirts distributed during the March elections with Anwar’s image superimposed to a ‘Sivaji The Boss’ movie poster.
This maybe another reason has probably endeared him to the Indians as I myself have heard the enthuasism expressed for Anwar from those who attended his rally. Most did not talk about any policy or manesfesto from his speeches but never failed to hide their excitement when Anwar say’s he’s “Sivaji The Boss”.
South Indian Political History
Apart from heroism and ‘Sivaji the boss’ factor, another related factor is that majority of the Chief Ministers of south Indian states of Andra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil are from the cinema and they are worshipped by Indians in those states. Cinema personalities such as MGR, NTR, Karunanithi, Jayalalitha, Raj Kumar have cult following which were translated into votes when they entered politics.
Most of their movies potray the hero as lower class do gooder, helping the poor, fighting against corruption, the government etc. None are really an Oscar materials though. For the fans, whatever they do in real life does not matter, even though several of the above Chief Ministers were known to be corrupt. Their fanatical supporters see them as god and close one eye on all their wrong doings. Sounds familiar?
The cult personality worshipping cannot be more evident when at least 30 people who committed suicide when Tamil Nadu actor turned Chief Minister, MGR passed away in 1987.
Like them, Rajinikanth, who potrayed ‘Sivaji, The Boss’, although never been active in politics has huge fans base, who keep on, from time to time, urging him to dabble in politics. He is so popular than if he steps into politics now, he can be the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu without a sweat.
With Malaysian Indians’ affinity for South Indian movies and Anwar’s supporters ever closely associating him to ‘Sivaji, the boss’, Indians see Anwar as one of them.
Punch Dialogue & Rhetorics
Indian heroes are well known for their rhetorics or ‘Punch Dialoque although in real life they may not necessarily practice what they preach in the screen.
Fans literally clap and whistle when their favorite heroes let go a catchy line.
Perhaps they see the same with Anwar, whose strong oratory skills mesmerizes the crowd and he had been known to throws some quotes here and there
Here are some examples ;
My way is a unique way
If I say it once, it’s equivalent to having said it a 100 times
God commands. I obey
I’ll do what I say. I’ll also do what I don’t say
Only pigs come in herds. The lion always comes alone.
When I’ll come, how I’ll come, nobody knows. But when I need to come, I’ll be there.
You’ll be happier if you marry the one who loves you instead of the one you love.
Even if I come late, I’ll be the latest.
You’ll gain nothing without hard work. And even if you do, it won’t last for long
Finished. Finished. What’s done is done.
Yesterday I was a coolie. Today, I’m an actor. Tomorrow...
Some people say I’ll become like this I’ll become come like that. But only God knows how I’ll end up tomorrow.
Hey, wait a minute. This is not Anwar. Those are actual one liners loosely translated from the real “Sivaji the Boss”.
But they do sound familiar right…
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