Childish Game

I love the latest statement by Ku Li in The Star 27 September 2008. He has lambasted the decision of UMNO supreme council to postpone party elections from December 2008 to March 2009. In response, he said "now we know that Malaysia has First World infrastructure and Third World politics, with leaders turning us into a banana republic". For him, transition plan is designed to save AAB & Najib and NOT the country. Deferring will only prolong the saga...

Is that all you can do??

Minyak turun 10 sen.... I'm thankful... but again I see it as another gula2. Just like 2008 budget. No concrete measure has been taken to improve our economy so far. Just plans but no implementation.. all cheap talking..

Balik Kampung

It has been quite awhile. Quite busy with writing and presentation. Many things happened last week. Swapping of portfolio, miniature of Operasi Lalang and September 16 movement are amongst the talk of the town. I think change is the core issue. It's all about the dream for change to have better future. But it brings other question pertaining a mode of change.

In my point of view, change must be totaled. It is not enough with just replacing certain individuals. Total change is required over here. To improve economy, social and politics, we must replace the old one with the new. Because change is very much related to culture. To inculcate new culture like good governance, integrity, accountability and democracy, change must be total. There is no two way out for that.

Just to share, I'm going home this afternoon.... just few hours from now... Can't wait to see my mom....

16th SEPTEMBER

The date has finally arrived... but sadly not the moment. For whatever reasons, I believe that majority are in the mode of change..... I pray.. it will happen... soon..

Why they resist to change?

"I feel stupid when I watch Buletin Utama". This has been happening for quite some times. It happens to me when Ministers and leaders of the country keep on trying to fool the people with their words without realizing that people have changed. We are wiser now. But still they keep on playing the racial card.

Nice try Mr Albar, but we are not convinced. As YB LKS said there is no racial or religious tension. Yeah, it is fictional and orchestrated. I would say that the real tension is within BN itself. Between UMNO and Chinese dominated parties like Gerakan & MCA. It is too obvious now, in desperation they gonna resort to racial and religious politics.

It's pathetic when facing the fact that we are ruled by morons. They can't identify the changing demands from the people. I do understand that they still want to stay in power. Then they utilize whatever tools that they have like ISA. It may scare people for awhile. But in a long run they gonna face total rejection.

To be continously relevant as a government with mandate, they should not use force and manipulate enforcement authority. Instead, they should democratize this country....

Social Contract

When mentioning about the above-mentioned subject, most of the social scientists gonna describe it as a deal between the governor and the governed. The people have all the rights to replace the government that can't perform. This is the concept of social contract that is being known worldwide.

However, Malaysia is unique. We are always being that way I guess. We, Malaysians can do things that others unable to do. Social contract in Malaysia is an agreement between races. Between Malays and non-Malays. Last night, I read Chedet, he is concerned with the emergence of the 3rd school of thoughts on Malaysian Social Contract. This time I agree with him.

The 1st one, embraced by those who were being realistic.. there's no way for us to self-determine if we reject it. 2nd one, emerged due to development and globalization. It is due to the higher level of education and exposure toward democracy.

However, the 3rd one.. caused by the existence of certain group that resists to change and can't face the reality of change. Still entrapped by communal cocoon. Thus, these are the people that deserve ISA.....

The Signs

Those signs are all over the place. Matters that being denied before prove to be the truth. BNBBC sent to Taiwan, RPK was detained under ISA instead of Ahmad Ismail, the show-cause letters to Suara Keadilan, The Sun & Sin Chew Jit Poh... and many other signs.. reading those signs are really important.. After years of observing local politics.. since I was in primary schools... There is only one conclusion... UMNO/BN... they never change... It's pathetic.. they are in a globalized world.. it's TINA.. Either you change or you will be swept away by it... UMNO/BN.. u definitely gonna sink!!

Puasa

1st day puasa was great. I had an opportunity to spend time with family back home. Thank god, I still had a chance to sahur and buka with excellent cooking by my mother. I wish I can spend the whole Ramadhan with her.

2nd day of puasa was bad. It actually began at 9.30 pm in a Transnasional coach that provides 2-2 seating arrangement instead of 2-1. Then, the pvc-made seat made my body aching. That was the worst trip I've ever had. Later during the day, I came late to work. To worsen the day I came late to class and my boss happened to know about it.

3rd day, the morning began with a brief meeting with my boss. She dislikes my attitude of explaining things via e-mail. She doesn't believe in technology I guess.. She prefers meeting or phone calls. Whatever...

I definitely agree I should pay attention on puctuality and time management and I am prepared if people around hate me for that.. but disliking people who utilize the technology... that's insane. Hope, in this Ramadhan, God will distant me from crazy people and God will always protect my sanity.

Det's Comment on 16th Sept 2008

"The other bidders have more money" TV3 Buletin Utama 27/08/08. Who says that? It proves that money politics has been around for years and the government leaders aware about it and most likely did nothing. It also could explain Sabahan politics especially when PBS turned obsolete....

No Telecast???

Today is an important Thursday. Today is not like the other thursday. Today is the day that marked the history of Malaysia. The return of someone who has been in "exile" for 10 years. Six years of imprisonment and another 4 years of political alienation. Now, he returns to a place that he belongs...... But how come no live telecast???? How petty you Shabery!! Shame on you... I just don't undestand why these people really afraid of him? Is he some kind of ghost?

2nd Tsunami - 26th August 2008

It was really the mother of all by-election!!!! Spending 3 nights in Permatang Pauh makes me realize how powerful the role of media, especially mainstream media. It's interesting to see how media can portray something differently from what we have experienced. So, it explains the popularity of alternative media in Malaysia in comparison to the mainstream which clearly on the wane.

Permatang Pauh was in the mood of celebration. It was really moving to see people from all walks of lives and races gathered waiting for winning to be made official. These are normal people who dream big.... to have better life in a more integrated society.

Last night I heard an expected comment from a leader of the losing party saying the winning of the opponent proves that Malaysia is democratic. Wow... he has his own unique definition of democracy! Yeah democracy in his point of view comprises all these elements, manipulation of government agencies (include ACA), abuse of mainstream media, political money, phantom voters, slanders..... and as long as there is a periodic election (and by election if needed).. we are democratic enough.

This morning, this retired leader of UMNO, Sabarudin Chik says that democracy is about freedom but you can't do things as you like. I agree with him.. In democracy, the competition must be made fair....

Something that we don't know

I woke up this morning and Khoo Khay Kim was on TV1.. Selamat Pagi Malaysia.. I always perceive him as a scholar who doesn't answer question... but as a historian he impressed me with many historical facts that you can't find in most history texts... but you can find them in his head.

He said, the first racial unrest in Malaysia was held in Singapore and not in KL.... the 13th May 1969 is actually the second one.... and Banjarese and Chinese had a hostile relationship back in 1945... Many incidences involving both communities occurred... Kuantan to Pantai Remis... Interesting...

KKK further said communalism grips Malaysia due to our way looking at our history... Our history is too political. Because of that our society today is still not prepared to think and decide on our own. We are still malleable.... easily gets influenced by the politicians.

Graduation 11/08/08

This is an important date for me. My graduation ceremony was held on 11/08/08. I hate symbols and symbolism. Due to that, I initially hesitant to attend. For me ceremony is merely a wasteful tradition. Wasting all the resources like money and time just to celebrate something. People always say that it should be a big day for me, but I think otherwise. I have many big days... an ordinary normal day can be a big day for me. That's the reason why I have many big days. I don't want to elaborate further..... To cut short, I did attend and I am glad was there. It became a family day for me. My three sisters and my lovely nieces and nephew were there for me. Because of that, it became another big day for me..... Thanks to everyone who has been there for me

A mother of by election

I have to remember this important date for my future usage. As I am in the midst of writing papers, dates, events are really important for me. Yeah 16/08/08, another date, another day in my life and it fell on Saturday. What is so significant about the mentioned date? I believe those people who embrace and believe in democracy share the same feelings like me. It's not merely a competition in partisan politics... it's about change... It's about hope and dreams... I pray this mother of all by-election which will be held on 26th August 2008 will produce a desireable result.

Another date... 15/08/08.. Saiful Bukhari sworn in Masjid Negara

19/08/08.. DNA bill 1st hearing in Dewan Rakyat....

Both are politically driven right??? Those goons try to fool us again!!! I saw from the news AAB said this has been quite awhile. It is already 7 years impending to be presented in Parliament. Wow!!! In Malaysia everything is coincidence... Swearing one day before penamaan is a concidence, DNA bill is also a coincidence, announcing that gas price can be restructured soon.. is another coincidence

IS IT REALLY A WASTE?

I've read and heard somewhere that having a by-election in this near future is wasteful. It is claimed to be a waste of public fund... It is a waste of time.... blah... blah and blah.... As I am "trying" to believe and convince myself that Malaysia is really practicing democracy, it leaves me with no option. I have to appreciate opinions other than mine. After all, democracy is about agreeing to disagree. Democracy is about appreciating diversity and differences.

However, this particular issue forces me to really question back what is democracy? What are the institutions or elements of democracy? Or what is "lay-man's" definition of democracy in Malaysia? And what is people's perception towards democracy in this country? Nowadays people keep on saying about perception.... (Actually I hate bandwagoning, but this time I don’t have much option.)This is my perception. This is how I look at the way majority of Malaysians perceive democracy, the way they define democracy and the reasons to see Malaysia as a democracy.

In my point of view, people’s perception is rather a top-down process than otherwise. As the people or masses are malleable, people’s perception is something that can be easily constructed, deconstructed and reconstructed. Obviously it's the roles of ruling elites who are well-equipped with authority and apparatus. They have all the tools needed to shape and control people's mind. It is a fact that mainstream media is controlled and being fully utilized to serve this purpose. Thus, for all these years people have been made to believe that this country is indeed a democracy.

As what we have been told, being a democracy is so simple. As if u have election every 4 or 5 years.. then u r qualified to be labeled as a country that practices democracy. This kind of thought justifies the existence of some quarters who simply define democracy as election. In other words, democracy is equivalent to election or democracy is election! It's pathetic, but this is the reality. Perhaps we just have to face the fact that masses are apathy, ignorant and malleable. That's the reason any discourse on democracy has always been "election-centric". As if election is the only element of democracy. It's either the people don’t know, they refuse to know or being denied their rights to know that democracy is more that a periodic election. A country that never have held any election could be more democratic that a country that has election every 4 or 5 years.

At the moment, half of Malaysian population has probably realized that democracy is not only about election. Democracy touches everything concerning the life and matters of the state. It is about good-governance, press freedom, impartiality, equality and many more. Hence, it hurts to accept the fact that election is the ONLY option available to exercise democracy. To make it worse, the opportunity that we Malaysians can enjoy every 4 or 5 years itself is far from being FREE & FAIR. As most of the scholars said, the playing field is not level.

So, what a big deal when an MP vacant her seat to allow her husband contests in that impending by-election? If you appreciate democracy, you wouldn’t see it as a waste. Permatang Pauh electorates are lucky as they've been given with more than one time (in a year) to have an opportunity to participate in decision-making process of this country. In a more serious tone, this by-election is not only important for the Permatang Pauh electorates but also for all Malaysians. The voters from that constituency will probably represent to the voices of Malaysia (IF AND ONLY IF THE IMPENDING BY-ELECTION IS FREER AND FAIRER).

Thus, how can we say that having this by-election is a waste? It may be a waste if we are in America or in Switzerland. In which there are 3 types of elections (federal level) in the USA. Namely, presidential election (definitely every 4 years), Congressional (every 2 years) and Senatorial (every 6 years). Elections are continuously being held in that particular country. In Switzerland, at average there are more that 80 referendums being held annually! Alas there's no such thing as wasteful when it comes to exercising and practicing democracy.

When the other avenues of democracy are not in placed... Then the by-election in Permatang Pauh is definitely significant. It is one avenue that may open the other avenues....

Puzzled...

I am not feeling well. I think I have chikugunya. All the symptoms say that I am having it. May be that's the price that I've to pay because of using its name..chikugunya. I did't respect one's trademark or pattern probably.

On Friday, I watched that TV program aired on TV3.. The Exchange. The guess was 2nd Minister of Finance.. I don't remember his full name, but certainly his look is noticeable. He is such a funny guy. Gan Ai Ling (the host) asked why Malaysian government claims that Malaysia won't experience any recession meanwhile Singapore which we all know has a better economic foundation admitted that they gonna embrace recession by next year. He was simply said that Singaporean economy is not diversified. I am puzzled..... Is Malaysian economy more diversified than Singapore? Then, what makes us be more diversified? In what term? Based on both track record, in 1997-98 Financial Crisis, it shows that Singaporean economy is more resilient than ours. So, what makes us better after 10 years in comparison with our small neighbor? There should be a benchmarking.

Talking without giving any solid evidence or reliable proof is becoming apart of our lives today. Prior to this, increasing the price of petrol by RM0.78 sen has been portrayed as unavoidable. As if there is no alternative at all. The ministers like Shabby and Sherri keep on saying this is the best for the country. But recently they announced that we gonna enjoy new scheme of pricing. People can enjoy lower price of petrol. Why can't they come out with the ideas long before. Why they announced it just after Wan Azizah vacant her seat in Parliament????? Why??

Then, Najib today claimed that petrol price at RM2 per liter is undoable. Again I am puzzled. He mentioned 3 reasons... again another lame excuses.. Firstly, government expenditure for subsidy will be enormous. Second, there are negative side effects when we fail to follow world's price. Third, there will be a wastage because people do not appreciate this resource. In other words, he says that high price of oil is important to "educate" people. People need to realize that oil is irreplaceable.

At a glance, all these are acceptable. It is easy for us to comprehend. However after few glances then we can realize that all these are crappy talking. First, enormous subsidy means the heavy burden to the government. This is certainly the responsibility of the government.. giving subsidy... helping people... if the government fails to perform their job then it's better not to have any... If Najib refuses.. then step down. Secondly, negative side effect... suddenly, he sounds like he is an IMF's president. So, neo-liberalists... everthing must be determined by the market. Let the forces of demand and supply determine the 'right' price. This is really contradict to the many measures and policies of the government... like bail-out policies of sickening companies and incentives to foreign investors. Finally, how dare u say about educating people when you do not show proper examples... dont talk about being trifty when your wife is a shopperhollic..

This is so sickening... I am about to throw up...

Ask question

I just came back from the program. It is tiring. The presentation was okay I guess. I only stressed up the importance of being critical. I hope the participants get the idea. I told them, the first step to be critical is by being inquisitive and ask questions. I want to inculcate this kind of attitude to these youngsters. Do not accept thing as it is....

Today is a bit startling for me. Last night I heard that the infamous Sodomee Part II case investigation has come to its end. My colleague told me the anouncement means that Anwar is now a 'total' free man. However, after reading Harakahdaily and YB LKS's blog I found out that Anwar may be arrested soon. This is so confusing... I've got to find the answer ASAP......

Critical Thinking

I am in the midst of preparing a module for a particular program that I've got to involve. It is pertaining critical thingking or some people say analytical thingking. I have to share with participants how to think critically. I am actually lost. You can't expect these people to be critical nor analytical within 75 minutes presentation. So, I decided that the presentation must be simple and clear. Critical and analytical thinking is so important. Malaysia turned to be this way because think analytically and critically is so alien to us. This is the reason why our students do not raise question in class. This is best reason to explain why we do not question authority. This is also the best fact to justify our political attitude. We are still ok eventhough we've been oppressed and betrayed....

Communal-centric Malaysia

Everything in Malaysia is so communal.. u just name it... eventhough we stay in one country but we r not integrated... in other words, we r physically live in the same political unit, but we r emotionally, mindfully segregated... after 50 years of independence... we r still listening to different musics, watching different TV channels, playing different kind of sports, sending our children to different schools... It is quite confusing... As if being segregated is inherent for us... we naturally born this way... we love to be separated, segregated, we think as Malays, Chinese, Indians and not as Malaysians. It's not something that we can choose or change.. we have to maintain the status-quo.. otherwise we gonna be in trouble...

Most of the people.. including the so called smart people like politicians (r they really smart?) scholars, academicians, historians and statemen pointing fingers to colonial masters especially British is normal.. I used to agree with their views.. but I think it is easy for us blaming others rather than taking responsibility for what we have done.... what we have agreed on..

British Administration has always been said as the one that created this multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-religious society... In history books, the British was the one who brought Chinese and Indians to Tanah Melayu.. The books don't mentioned roles played by the Malays... It was the Malays who encourage the Chinese and Indians to migrate... What kind of Malays?? who else other than the elites.. I don't want to elaborate further.. U know.. it's hard to swallow the real facts.. especially here in Malaysia... I dont want to end up in Kamunting..

Hence, that unique social contract is not applicable... not today and not yesterday n definitely not tomorrow... However, I still believe in affirmative action.. the needy ones should be assisted.. It should be done regardless of races and religions.... Undeniably DEB has played some roles in lifting up Malay status in economy, but not all Malays have really enjoyed the promised entitlement... Only certain Malays who have actually enjoyed the benefits of DEB..

Enough talking about that DEB... it makes me dizzy... nothing special about it.. when I was in college, I had many friends who had gotten full scholarship just because they are Malay... but in actual fact, their parents can afford to finance their tuition fees and daily expenses...

Therefore, in racial framework there's nothing much that we should fight for... we should see Malaysian society from different perspective... put communalism away from our mind.. communalism has been haunting us for more that 50 years... it is unhealthy for nation-building... Now.. I'm feeling unhealthy too..

PAS executive leaders should resign

I think PAS leaders.. especially the president, deputy president and those who agreed on that infamous muzakarah or muqabalah (whatever they call it)... should resign.. I think they dunno what their followers, their voters and rakyat really want... I strongly believe that most of PAS members disagree with the muzakarah/muqabalah... It includes me...

I am neither a member of PAS nor a suppoter.. but I voted PAS in PRU 12.. It's all because one particular reason..... to see UMNO and Co disappear from Malaysian politics.. I am one of the UMNO-haters.. you can call me umno-phobic if u want too.. I dunno why... but I am just like millions of Malaysians who feel that they've been umno-ed for all this time.. I had enough.. so please no UMNO..

In reality PAS also has experience being umno-ed like me... I thought PAS learnt the lesson... but I guess being umno-ed once is not enough for PAS... PAS addicted to it... perhaps, being umno-ed.. at first painful, but afterward PAS feels the sensational pleasure... that's why PAS is curently begging for more!!!!!

What I want to say here... Haji Hadi... u can give thousands of reasons to legitimize or to justify your wrongdoing (meeting with UMNO)..... I tell u... it's too late!!! U have done the damage... It is not only to Pakatan Rakyat.. but also to PAS itself... it is hurtful

I don't understand... supposedly this is the best time for PAS, DAP and PKR to reaffirm and to strengthen the pact.. but u did something that I've never imagined before!!!! meeting with UMNO... to justify it... u mentioned about ketuanan Melayu, Muslims future.... come on.. that is so yesterday!!!! we don't buy those kind of excuses anymore!!! I am Muslim and I am Malay but I feel betrayed!!!!!!!!! I can't imagined what my non-malay or non-muslim brothers who voted for PAS feel about it???

Remember this, we voted PAS because we hate umno, we voted PAS because PAS is apart of the pact which umno is NOT apart of it!!! Thus, we gonna support you as long as you reject them... what's the point of meet or cooperate with UMNO... everybody knows that they are corrupted... and have done much damage to the country

Please understand us... the umno-haters... or bunch of umno-phobics... people already rejected them... so, you should fulfill people's aspiration... currently u r NOT... an because of that... Haji Hadi and co... you should resign instead....