Thursday 24 May 2018

My weekly news: A disappointment in BN Perlis and PAS Kedah

Perlis has a Chief Minister


Very disappointed with the actions of the BN Perlis. Really thought they would step up with the rest of the country to be a better party, to show a better form of opposition, to put the needs of the people above own desires. Also, they should respect the request of the Sultan of Perlis. Was really hoping for a change in attitude of the BN. 

I don't know about you but I am pretty disappointed. Really hope that in the next UMNO election they can elect a leader that can bring change in UMNO to be a better party, a clean party. 

I am glad however that PAS Perlis has decided to support and respect the Sultan's decision.

The DUN problems in Kedah

Would like to see PAS Kedah follow the footsteps of PAS Perlis by working with the State government in protecting the interest of the people. Another disappointment for PAS despite claiming to be an Islamic party but has not shown an exemplary behaviour in this matter.

Perhaps it wants to play a political game in expense of Islamic values. PAS has won these seats as elected representatives and they need to represent their constituency and to work together with State government for the sake of the people. When Johor MB expressed his reluctance in helping the opposition, everyone reprimanded him. I would like to see PAS members and supporters to remind their elected representatives to portray the best Islamic characters rather than to adopt devious political traits.

PAS claims that their non co-operation stems from PH not accepting PAS proposal to form a joint government in Kedah without opposition. That would also include the 4 BN state assembly. That offer seems pretty strange to me, as the best way for governance is to have a mature opposition that will work well with the government in matters that benefit the people and to criticize any wrongdoings. Since PAS is an Islamic party, its main role should be 'Amar Maaruf, Nahi Munkar' which is to Enjoin the good and Forbid the evil. That should be their central objective rather than power struggle. Therefore, was hoping for PAS to portray an exemplary Islamic characteristics of forgiveness, co-operation, sincerity and generosity.

Maybe there is still light at the end of the tunnel and that the central PAS leadership will instil the Mature Political Culture within PAS Kedah.

http://www.ibnuhasyim.com/2018/05/pemilihan-speaker-dun-kedah-apa-kata-dr.html

It looks like the future of this country relies on us, the ordinary people to speak out and to ensure all parties (government, opposition, media etc..) are on the right track. 



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Sunday 20 May 2018

My weekly news: Arrested for insult and Nik Omar PAS family political drama


A man arrested for insulting the PM 

I agree. Tun Mahathir has too much on his plate right now to bother about a single person insulting him. Also, I think the people should take a social responsibility to report all insults or racial / personality incitement to FB, YouTube or whatever social media they are using. You can simply click a button and report and the post will be removed. No one needs to be apprehended or put in jail and stop hash tagging PDRM. However, I do agree that the police needs to take action if a threat of violence is expressed. 
Since then, the man has been released and Tun Mahathir has requested to the police not to arrest those who insult him on social media. 

 Nik Omar decision to be a PKR candidate and the backlash he receives from his family 


Nik Omar has claimed that he has been barred from giving lectures in the mosque that he has been giving sermons for years. I chose this topic because for those who were brought up in the 80s and 90s, we remember our parents talking about the issue of PAS vs UMNO during that era that led to inappropriate practices such as ‘masjid dua imam’, 'kafir-mengkafir etc. Perhaps some of the supporters went overboard. 


https://soscili.my/peristiwa-berdarah-di-memali-dua-versi-cerita-yang-sangat-berbeza/


Please remove the 'taksub’ mentality. If one believes that they are the only ‘Islamic’ political party, this will inevitably lead to an ‘elitist’ mentality that perhaps they don’t even realise. Instead of getting closer to the people, they are actually causing further division and distancing themselves from the people.

My concern with regards to this Nik Omar case is that it was even reported (Wallahu A’lam) that his own mother is against him and calls him ‘an ungrateful son’. Let me ask how does having a different political viewpoint makes one an ungrateful son? In fact, if a grown up man cannot have his own views and must follow the political view of his mother, does that make him a good son? Did he cheated or lied, murdered someone or stole money from people for him to be considered a terrible Muslim? No! Where is it in Islam that a son must follow his parent’s political affiliations? What kind of brainwashing would I be charged with if I told my children that they would be ‘anak derhaka’ if they did not follow my political beliefs?

May I remind everyone that PAS actually formed a coalition with BN between 1974 until 1978. Honestly, we don’t even need an explanation or Islamic reasons as to why PAS decided to do that. There is no need for any Islamic justification as to why PAS formed a coalition with PKR and DAP in 2013. The reason is simple. It was a political decision. It was not an Islamic decision. Because PAS is first and foremost a political party working within a democratic system. The late (Allahyarham) Nik Aziz was a good, knowledgeable and pious man, why is there a need to chastise his son for having a different political view?

Can we please have some sense here and stop this ‘taksub’ mentality. If this is Islamic politics then don’t have Islam in politics. If putting Islam in politics makes a person condemned to following a particular political party simply because they were born within that party then, how is that Islam? How is breaking the ties of kinship simply because one has a different political view from their parents or siblings Islamic?

I really hope that this is merely a misunderstanding and I hope that the family will see sense and put party politics behind them. Islam is Islam; family is family and let political affiliation be simply that. During this month of Ramadhan, really hope the family could look past their differences and keep to the ties of kinship. 




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Friday 18 May 2018

The Children's Government Policies Wish List: Education, Environment and Politics.


On the 18th May 2018 The Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed named his cabinet ministers. Initially, Tun Dr Mahathir announced that he was going to hold the port-folio of the Minister of Education (MOE) however, perhaps after several discussions, and a lot of ‘noises’ from certain people, the final candidate was Dr Maszlee Malik. So who is #DrMaszleeMalik?


From this website article, he seems to have a good credential. However, my personal concern is the fact that he comes from an Islamic background. Will he be able to cater for the multi-racial, multi-religion society. At this crucial point where our society is looking for unity we need to provide an education that is fit for all. Don't get me wrong, I am not anti-Islam and no disrespect to Dr Maszlee, I don't know him. 

 My point is our current education system is largely fragmented with the last 10 years or more, we have seen a rise in the numbers of private international schools, private Islamic schools, National-type Chinese and Indian schools as well as the National schools. This has indirectly segregated our children and deprived them of the multi-racial environment that most of us (in the 80s and 90s) experienced and enjoyed.  

A week prior to the elections, we did an exercise with the kids and asked them if they were to form the next government what policies would they like to change or introduced. Their main agenda were EDUCATION and ENVIRONMENT with some general political issues. If 18-11 year olds can come up with this. I am sure our strong cabinet will do better.

Here are their wish list:

GOVERNMENT AND RULING

1.    To limit the Prime Ministers’ rule to two terms only (Maximum of 10 years)

2.    To introduce Ministers salary based on performance –

My advice to them was it is probably a bit difficult to implement this and we do not want Ministers to do their jobs based on popularity either.

3.    To improve the distribution of zakat (Muslims) and charity (everyone) to those who need it.  

I added: To make it easier for this to happen and it would mean the Zakat & Charity office needs to actively look for people who should receive help. 

4.    Free speech – the kids would like free press and free speech. 

I added: this must be coupled with better education system to make sure children and adult alike can communicate facts and able to discern truth from fake. Free speech must be coupled with responsibility.

5.    Stop flags – The kids felt that the flags during elections were a waste of money. (Don’t know what people think about this!)

6.    No divisive campaign – The kids do not want to hear each side slagging off the other but instead political parties should focus on their own manifesto and how they were going to bring the country forward. They wanted more truth and honest admission if certain mistakes were made and how it would be corrected.

EDUCATION

1.    No text books. The schools should have a clear syllabus and reference book for teachers. However, teachers should be free to teach the children using creative methods rather than having the kids to copy down what is in the text books.

My son says teachers should ask more questions and let kids speak and give ideas rather than to sit there and listen to the teacher all day long. He felt the method of teaching was boring.

Teachers will plan out their weekly objectives and daily teaching plan to ensure they cover the syllabus (as per usual) and to submit reports (as per usual) 

2.    The practice of ‘copy’ from text books should be stopped with immediate effect because it is teaching our children to be parrots. 

I have seen the effects it has on our undergraduate students with the problems of plagiarism.

3.    No vernacular schools. The kids would like to have all the different races in their schools.

Do not have to shut down vernacular schools but need to open up for all races and to convert all schools to National school. 

 Extra cultural classes or religious education can be conducted after National school time, the same as the Muslim children who currently go to National school (am or pm) and then go for extra religious school (am or pm). This extra school is optional. 

 Private religious schools (any religion) and private international schools will need to meet the standards of the National curriculum. 

4.    Develop a national curriculum that can incorporate all race and cultures.

I added: revisit the Razak Report

5.    Start formal education at an earlier age of 6 years old but for the first two years will be assessment only but no formal exams. Formal examinations will start at 8 years old.

6.    My idea: The first two years of school (aged 6 until 7 years old) I would like to adopt Tun Dr Mahathir’s idea of 3M (membace, menulis, mengira – read, write, count) but I would like to adapt to 6M (which will also include melukis, menari dan muzik). The reason is at this age, children should be allowed to express their artistic nature. Drawing is what children like to do anyway but they can be taught with proper technique and improve in creativity, dancing will improve their gross motor skills and coordination as well as introducing them to the Malay, Indian and Chinese as well as other cultures and music, as we know classical music helps to improve intelligence.

7.    Hubby’s and sons idea: Sports and physical activity should be incorporated in all schools (no text books) children from the age of 8 years old should be taught on the proper technique of the games e.g. ball control etc. To employ those with sports science degree or diploma to teach ‘pendidikan jasmani’. As Lim Teong Kim explained that the grass roots is important if we want to build a good national football team




8.    ICT should also be part of the daily educational method of teaching rather than a separate subject. ICT can be used to teach languages or maths in dedicated classes.

9.    Moral and civic-minded behaviour should be incorporated in the classroom and every activity e.g. making sure the children throw rubbish or sharpen pencils in the bin; looking after cleanliness of the school rather than a separate subject. It should be incorporated in the everyday behaviour e.g. making sure plates/cutleries are put in the proper basin after eating at the school canteen.

10.  My daughter also suggested to add personal finance training and touch typing in schools (as she found that useful – I taught her both)

11.  At 16 years old, they should be able to choose the subjects they would want to study based on interest rather than intellect. Our nation has gone far ahead from those times when smart students study science subjects and ‘not so smart’ students study arts subjects. We know now that the job market is competitive and even doctors, lawyers and engineers sometimes can be jobless after they qualify. Therefore, we should stop this discrimination and allow our children to excel in whatever subject of their interest whether it is arts, science or technical. 
12. I am not sure about technical schools, but they need to leave school with proper technical pra-diploma certificate that they can use to further their studies (in diploma and degree)

ENVIRONMENTAL

1.    The kids are all in agreement that all historical lands and buildings are to be protected and restored to be re-used for their intended purpose e.g. Lapangan Terbang Sungai Besi or  preserved as historical site e.g. Pudu Jail. This is our national heritage.

I added: Proper laws to make sure that NO Minister or anyone in power will be able to change its title or sell to the highest bidder for any amount of profit. We must protect these sites from those who have absolutely NO understanding of culture and heritage and are only interested in their own personal wealth.

2.    Sabah and Sarawak environment must be protected and all development project must not affect the ecosystem of the land.

I added: To find other methods for development e.g. instead of investing on big highway projects that can jeopardize the environment, to use the funds to improve river transportation with better high speed boats and ferries, introduce flying doctors (like in Australia). We must change the mind-set that development = destruction of rain forests; and to become more creative in using technology to improve lives.

3.    Stop building more shopping malls all over the place. There are too many malls already. Instead invest in recreational parks, covered pedestrian walks, libraries, water features.

4.    For new buildings, invest on renewable energy e.g. solar energy, wind energy etc.

5.    Improve public transport and covered pedestrian walkways (like in Sunway) and have areas for pedestrian walks only (no vehicles allowed) in KL and other busy towns.

HEALTH

To educate the public on mental health and no more stigmatization. Improve counselling services especially in schools and universities.
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Thursday 17 May 2018

History of the Main Ministry's Port Folio in Malaysian Government


 I compiled this a few weeks before the 9th May 2018 elections as I wanted to prove to myself what was happening in the country since independence. 
My main issue has always been education (as I am involved directly in education)
1. Who was responsible for allowing so many private Universities offering Medical degree? 
2. Who was responsible for allowing vernacular schools to become so prolific? 
PERDANA MENTERI
TIMBALAN PERDANA MENTERI
MENTERI PERTAHANAN
MENTERI PENDIDIKAN
MENTERI KEWANGAN
KEMENTERIAN DALAM NEGERI
MERDEKA 1957

TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN (1957-1970)


Najib born 1953; went to St Johns and then Malvern Boys College.

TUN RAZAK (1957 – 1970)
TUN RAZAK (1955 – 1957)
TUN RAZAK (1955 – 1957)
KHIR JOHARI (1957 – 59)
ABDUL RAHMAN HAJI TALIB (59 – 65)
KHIR JOHARI (65 – 68)
ABDUL RAHMAN YAKKUB (64 – 70)

 THE RAZAK REPORT, 1956
1. Menjadikan BM sebagai Bahasa kebangsaan, Bahasa perpaduan dan Bahasa pengantar di sekolah. 2. Mengeratkan perpaduan antara kaum Melayu, Cina dan India sebagai satu rumpun Bahasa di Tanah Melayu. 3. Mengembangkan system pendidikan agar jurang perbezaan antara kaum dapat dikurangkan 4. Menyediakan kemudahan pendidikan yang mencukupi untuk melahirkan masyarakat yang berdisipliln, terlatih, liberal dan progresif. 5. Mewujudkan system pengurusan pendidikan yang  lebih cekap dan berkesan.
6. Mewujudkan masyarakat yang bertolenrasi, berdisciplin, terlatih, liberal dan progresif. 7. Memenuhi keperluan negara yang merdeka dan memperkembangkan system pendidikan.

TUN HAU SHAIK LEE (1957 – 59)
TAN SIEW SIN (1959 -69)
TUN RAZAK (1969 – 70)
TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN (PM)

1957 SULAIMAN BIN DATO’ ABDUL RAHMAN

1959  PENSTRUKTURAN SEMULA AND DIVIDED INTO THREE MINISTRIES (MENTERI DALAM NEGERI, MENTERI KEADILAN, MENTERI KESELAMATAN DALAM NEGERI)

1962 PENSTRUKTURAN SEMULA
BACK TO ONE MINISTRY: KEMENTERIAN DALAM NEGERI
TUN DR ISMAIL BIN DATO’ ABDUL RAHMAN

Internal security Act, 1960 and demolished 2012; not yet replaced by two other Acts according to Najib Razak; but now there is National security bill, 2015

1967 TUN DR ISMAIL MELETAK JAWATAN DAN DIGANTI TUN ABDUL RAZAK

TUN RAZAK (1970 – 76)
TUN DR ISMAIL (1970 – 73)
TUN HUSSEIN ONN (1973 – 76)
HAMZAH ABU SAMAH (1973 0 74)
TUN HUSSEIN ONN (1970 – 73)
MAHATHIR (1974 – 76)
TAN SIEW SIN (1970 – 74)
HUSSEIN ONN (74 – 75)
1969 SELEPAS PERISTIWA BERDARAH 13 MEI, TUN DR ISMAIL MENTERI DALAM NEGERI.

1973 TAN SRI MUHD GHAZALI SYAFIE GANTI TUN DR ISMAIL YANG MENINGGAL DUNIA.

Ahli kumpulan ajaran sesat Empat sahabat Kampung Kedap, Rantau Panjang Kelantan 19 Oktober 1974

1979 Tajul Ariffin mengaku Imam Mahdi.
TUN HUSSEIN ONN (1976 – 1981)
TUN MAHATHIR (1976 – 1981)

TUN MAHATHIR (1974 – 1978)
MUSA HITAM (1978 – 81)

USM Medical school (1979)
TENGKU RAZALEIGH (1976 – 1984)
19 Ogos 1979 Serangan pengikut ajaran sesat ke atas kuil hindu di Kerling.
TUN MAHATHIR
(1981 – 2003)

Me left Malaysia 1991 – 2010


 Najib Tun Razak 1983 – 86 Menteri Besar Pahang
MUSA HITAM (1981 – 86)
GHAFAR BABA (1981 – 93)
ANWAR IBRAHIM (1994 – 98)
ABDULLAH BADAWI (1998 – 2003)
MAHATHIR (1981 – 1986)
ABDULLAH BADAWI (1986 0 1987)
NAJIB RAZAK (1990 – 1995)
SYED HAMID ALBAR (1995 – 99)
NAJIB RAZAK (1999 – 2008)
2002 Scorpene sting French submarine fiasco.
SULAIMAN DAUD (1982 – 1984)
ABDULLAH BADAWI (1984 – 1986)
ANWAR IBRAHIM (1986 – 1991)
SULAIMAN DAUD (1991 – 1995)
NAJIB RAZAK (1995 – 1999)
HAJI MUSA MUHAMMAD (1999 – 2004)

1996 first privatized medical college Penang medical college followed by IMU (1999)


Anwar Ibrahim Chancellor IIUM 1983 – 1988 (when Daddy was Timbalan Rektor IIUM)
changed concept of Bahasa Malaysia to Bahasa Melayu in schools


TENGKU RAZALEIGH (1981 – 1989)
DAIM ZAINUDDIN (1985 – 1990)
ANWAR IBRAHIM (1991 – 1998)
MAHATHIR (1998 – 1999)
DAIM ZAINUDDIN (1999 – 2001)
MAHATHIR (2001 – 2003)

Anwar Ibrahim - 1990s accused Mahathir of corruption and cronyism; and disagree on how to deal with 1997 financial crisis.
Anwar jailed 1999 and conviction overturned in 2004;
Reformasi movement 1999.
1981 – 1986 TUN MUSA HITAM
1986 – 1999 TUN DR MAHATHIR MOHAMED

Agong would remain power to declare state of emergency;

1985 Peristiwa di Memali, Baling. Ibrahim Libya membawa ajaran sesat dan berlaku pertempuran berdarah.

Al Arqam 1989 – banned 1994

1987 – 1990 Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah / UMNO illegal

Mahathir crack down on judiciary and Opps lalang against opposition 1990

1997 Ayah Pin

1998 Financial crisis and defiance of IMF

1992 Battling Sultan to limit power

2002 Al Maunah – stole weapons from Army Depot. Caught and sentenced
TUN ABDULLAH BADAWI (2003 – 2009)
NAJIB (2003 – 2009)
ABDULLAH BADAWI (2008 – 2009)
HISHAMUDDIN (2004 – 2009) 2004:  Kementerian Pendidikan kepada 2 (pelajaran dan pendidikan tinggi)

Vernacular schools were set up since the time before independence; after introduction of the Malay language as national language in 1978; during 80s, 90s and more so in 2000s, there was a growing fear among the Chinese of losing their cultural identity hence vernacular schools became more popular. Studies have shown that it was due to supply and demand where parents demand good quality education; there is also a rise in international and private Islamic schools.
ABDULLAH BADAWI (2003 – 2008)
2007 Hindraf rally
NAJIB RAZAK (2009 – 2018)
1MDB from TIF funds 2009
2015 leaked reports of 1MDB and scandal
Wolf of Wall street 2013 release
MUHYIDDIN YASIN (2009 – 2015)
ZAHID HAMIDI (2015 – 2018)
ZAHID HAMIDI (2009 – 2013)
HISHAMUDDIN HUSSEIN (2013 – NOW)
MUHYIDDIN YASSIN (2009 – 2015)
MAHDZIR KHALID (2015 – NOW)

2009 – 2016 MCA push for more vernacular schools.
NAJIB (2008 – 2018)
Second sodomy allegations 2008 and Anwar Ibrahim jailed 2014.

GST 2015

National security bill, 2015 gives PM absolute power

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Wednesday 16 May 2018

An Ordinary Malaysian Citizen Analysis of the PRU 14 Election Results


This is my analysis as an ordinary Malaysian citizen with no political party affiliation of the latest PRU-14 election results in Malaysia

Reasons for the fall of BN

I agree with Khairy Jamaluddin’s analysis for the fall of BN. However where we differ is that we all saw it before the election but BN members only realized after the election.

The reasons are:

1. BN members were delusional, living not in the same reality as ordinary Malaysians.

2. Refuse to listen to the citizens and voices of dissidents were ignored, and worse silenced altogether, creating an environment of fear to even say a word against the government.

3. Took the people’s intelligence for granted and think they can get away with anything and people will still support.

4. Things took a definite turn when the previous PM fired his deputy PM. People saw Tan Sri Muhyiddin’s attempt to question and to address the issue of 1MDB as a voice representing the people. Many of the citizens felt similar to Tan Sri Muhyiddin and would like some answers. The previous government interference in Kedah and removal of chief Minister of Kedah, Dato’ Mukhriz was another bad move for the previous government as people felt it was unjust and politically motivated.

5. The economy: The people felt the injustice and was in a way perplexed by the previous government’s claims that the economy was doing great when government agencies were directly affected by the stunting of the economic. For example, doctors had to stop prescribing certain medications, some of our students were no longer offered scholarships. At one point, even the issue of specialist allowance were threatened. These were things faced directly by the people and nothing to do with media or opposition smear campaigns. The people on the ground wanted the truth, real answers. We simply wanted to know if there was an economic problem and not to portray that the country’s economy is doing great but at the same time funding for government agencies were being cut. If so, where were all the money going?

6. In 2016, a man known as Mohd Sukri Saad, 38 years old left a suicide note on FB claiming that he chose to end his life because he was due to face jail time for selling contraband cigarettes. For some, he was likened to the Tunisian self-immolation trader, tariq Mohamed Bouazizi. Although I doubt this tragedy was a triggering factor but it did heightened the sentiments of the people who felt the injustice of the system. Most people by this time have heard about the 1MDB scandal and believed even if, the PM at the time was not directly involved (yet to be proven and investigation is currently ongoing) in the money laundering scam but as Chairman of the company which he set up in 2009, should be held responsible for its failings. 


7. Perhaps the greatest lesson here is for the government (regardless of which party) should never take the people for granted. In my own discussions with my mom (who is 80+ by now), she is still loyal and faithful to Barisan Nasional (BN). The older generation holds dear memories of BN and is forever grateful to its contribution towards the independence of Malaysia. However, I told her that in my generation, as an ordinary citizen, we do not hold loyalty to parties but we hold loyalty to values. We want a clean government and honesty. We are not easily swayed by lies and deception. We can make up our own minds especially when we face certain issues in our own daily work environment that tells us something is not quite right.

In fact, the future generation is even smarter. I know my children inshaAllah will have more capability to decide for themselves and to choose the government wisely without any blind party loyalty.

Reasons for the PH win and Tun Mahathir Mohamed as PM

1. If we look at the 2013 elections, despite certain unpopular moves by the previous PM and people have started to feel uncomfortable with his policies but the opposition at the time was not able to win a simple majority to form a government.

2. PH recognized that they needed to include the dissidents from the government at the time in order to gain majority support and most importantly, somewhere along the way, they realized that they needed Tun Mahathir.


3. We cannot deny that PH won was a large percentage due to Tun Mahathir returning to the political scene in 2016. Even as a strong supporter of Tun Mahathir, I was initially surprised that PH named Tun M as their PM candidate. Of course, we all realized that Tun is 92 years old. I thought he would be an advisor to the government. However, the reasons highlighted by Rafizi Ramli in his interview made a lot of sense.



I was very impressed by Rafizi’s honesty as to the reasons for the PH choosing Tun Mahathir as their PM candidate.

4. One of the reasons for PH failure in gaining majority support in 2013 was the ordinary people’s fear and lack of confidence that PH can successfully govern the country. After all, the person whom PH wanted to put into power, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim was in jail so, it will be left in the hands of inexperienced politicians.  The Malaysian public is culturally rather conservative and we are not dare devils especially in politics. The typical Malaysians are quite happy to be left alone, as long as their wealth (whatever that may be, a lot or a little) daily life and way of life are not affected. BN has been in government for 60 years since independence therefore, the thought of having another government with no experience was pretty daunting for most ordinary Malaysians. On top of that, the public have been brainwashed to fear the opposition party especially DAP that will rule Malaysia, removing all of the Malay and Bumiputera rights, stopping people from going for Hajj and Malaysian will eventually end up like Singapore, or worse, Palestine. These were the emotional sentiments drummed into the people by the spin doctors aligned with the previous government.

5. However, when Tun Mahathir came into the scene coupled by the ordinary people’s dissatisfaction with the government and their interference in daily life, creating atmosphere of fear as well as straightening of the public's wallets, people felt change was possible. Everyone is confident that Tun Mahathir can run government. He himself said that he doesn’t need to learn about how to be a Prime Minister as he was the Prime Minister for 22 years. Also, Tan Sri Muhyiddin was the DPM before he was sacked by Najib hence, people felt that there were experienced people who could form the next government and that Malaysia would be okay, if not better than what it has become.

6. At the same time, the meeting between Tun Mahathir and Anwar brought together two sides of rival parties. If we akin the power of the PM as the Lord of all rings, we know that none can wield it without falling prey to its corruption. However, to put it simply the people see Tun Mahathir as Gandalf. Apart from Wan Azizah herself, Tun Mahathir is probably the only politician who would gladly hand over the reign of power to a successor once his job is done. Who else would have the influence, the experience as well as the strength to right the wrongs and then, hand over power to someone else?

Hence, the reasons given above were the political moves that led to the check mate of the previous government and their ‘King’.

What should BN members do now?

I think it would not be a wise decision for any of the BN members to switch sides at this point. I think we are satisfied and have heard enough of regret and self-reflection, self-loathing comments from BN members. We are glad that members have finally realized the mistakes made and have developed respect towards the people but in order to run this country and to bring it to a higher level of ‘Vision 2020’, not simply in our economy and GDP but also in our mentality and thinking, we do need a CLEAN and strong opposition. There needs to be check and balances with independent and free media, judiciary as well as opposition.

BN should revamp themselves. First of all, get rid of the corrupt attitude. The attitude of pride, arrogance, greed, blaming others, ‘balas dendam’ (tit for tat) all needs to go. The people who are loud in making ridiculous statements, taunting the public as though the citizens are no brainers need to be sent for public relations and communication skills courses. BN inclusive of UMNO, MCA and MIC need to take a good look at themselves and realize that creating racial hatred and fear is no longer welcomed. To say things like ‘if DAP rule Penang, Muslims cannot go for Hajj’ is a type of fear mongering similar to European Nationalist saying Muslims are going to rule Europe with the Caliphate and start chopping people’s hands off’.

More understanding is needed

More thinking is needed

And more discussion is needed.


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Tuesday 15 May 2018

My weekly news: Arsenal , KJ remark , Message to Rafizi

https://paininthearsenal.com/2018/05/14/arsenal-banner-right-stan-kroenke-must-next/

With Arsene Wenger leaving the club, the fans look forward to a new beginning. I think the club needs to build itself from the bottom. Getting the defence sorted as well as better organization of midfielders. We need a strong manager that can whip the players to shape. No change for Arsenal in the EPL, with 6th place, it will qualify for UEFA Europa league in the next season. I think the new manager should focus on winning the UEFA cup final and maintaining top 6 for next season. The reason is that Arsenal has not won a European cup yet, not in the last 22 years. We need that under our belt before we can claim to be a major club. Although Arsenal has the state of the art stadium with a large fan base however, winning a European cup would put us on another level. This would also attract world class players.

https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/national/khairy-admits-bn-‘delusional-drunk-on-own-kool-aid-got-carried-away’/ar-AAxhRy2?li=AAaD62f&ocid=spartandhp

KJ claims that BN was delusional and drunk on own Kool-Aid is actually pretty funny but there is of course truth in it. To me, it has affected many sections of our society where we revere a leader too much that even criticizing or correcting becomes a crime or disloyalty. Malaysians need to remove this type of mentality and I have always stood by my principles that anyone should be able to criticize or disagree with anyone based on facts and arguments. Let's start from the point that all of us are humans and therefore, not perfect. Being human means we have weakness, flaws and make bad judgements but the most important thing is to have people to correct us, to point out our flaws and to be open to criticism. This is especially important for leaders and those who are in authority.

https://www.malaysia-today.net/2018/05/14/rafizi-outburst-a-great-disappointment/

Many of the people (rakyat) have echoed this sentiment. We were all very impressed with Rafizi's act of exposing the 1MDB and his work to gain support for PKR and PH. As much as I agree with his argument that leaders should be criticized however, the people voted for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed as Prime Minister and PH as government in order to sort out the mess that we are currently facing. Therefore, for God's sake please let the PM do his job. We do not know how long we will have him with us and neither does he. I am sure that he wants to do things as quickly as possible. The people as well would like to see him sort things out and retire. It pains me to see him having to deal with all these problems. Did you see Tun? Let us all wait until we are 92 years old (if we are still alive) and then see if we can do half the things he does. Well...by then it will be too late to say how much we admire Tun. Well, I am not going to wait. I will say it now. Tun Mahathir needs a strong team behind him and he has chosen the 4 best people to do that. Wan Azizah is our first female Deputy Prime Minister, no one even thought about that until after PH won the election. We were concentrating too much on getting rid of the previous government and having to breathe normally again. Suddenly, we were like...oh yeah! we have a female DPM. Anyway, Tun has chosen the best people to help him and he needs a strong government before he can hand it to his successor.


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Monday 14 May 2018

My thoughts on vernacular schools and my disappointment of not having that mixed environment for my children


The thing I used to love about my schooling days is the friends I made. Friends that until today I keep in touch with, some we still meet up from time to time and thanks to social media, most of my school friends are my virtual friends. During those days, all races would go to the Sekolah Kebangsaan (National school) and looking back at my official class photo, 60% were Chinese with the rest Malay and Indians (I was in the best class). Yet, at the time I never noticed race. They were simply my classmates.


Then I returned to Malaysia in 2010 and was adamant to send all of my kids to Sekolah Kebangsaan rather than private schools. I wanted them to experience the things that I experienced but it was a shock to me. The Sekolah Kebangsaan was filled with one-race only, at most 90% were from the Malay ethnicity. I couldn’t understand how as a nation, we became like this. I thought 60 years on from independence, we would have more unity, be more integrated and more understanding of one another’s culture and heritage but instead we have become more race-centric than ever before.


I started to do my own little research to find out when or how this happened and this was my startling conclusion.






You will find a lot of arguments and counter arguments on pros and cons of vernacular schools but in truth, the real political struggle in maintaining and promoting vernacular schools were championed by the MCA.


Lim Kit Siang himself, it seems was opposed to vernacular schools.



First of all, let’s look at the origins of vernacular schools and the vision of our leaders who set up Malaysia in 1955.


HISTORY OF EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA




You can read about it here but the main point I wanted to take from this is that Vernacular schools was created by the British but when Malaysia achieved independence, we needed to form a national identity with a standardized national curriculum. There were those who disagreed and wanted English to be the medium. Why English? That is not our natural language but we needed a language for communication therefore, Malay and English become the main stream language.

Now, let’s go back to The Razak Report which was agreed in 1956 and is the basis of the education system in Malaysia.




Briefly, the Malaysian education system provides for Malay and English (National school), Chinese and Tamil (Vernacular) schools at primary school level and Malay and English schools at secondary school level. (Other schools such as Islamic schools, madrasah are all either privately owned, charity or after school err…school and NOT part of the National curriculum). Other aspects of the Razak report states the formation of a single system of national education, commencement of a Malayan-orientated curriculum, concept of single system of evaluation for all and recognition of the objective of making Bahasa Malaysia the main medium of instruction. 


The main argument of those who support vernacular school is the fear of erosion of the culture of a particular race in Malaysia. I absolutely agree. In fact, I believe that not only the Chinese or Indian culture that has been eroded but also the Malay culture has been eroded due to influence of Western culture as well as Islamic extremism. Therefore, my personal view is to support the preservation of culture (the good aspects of culture such as language, heritage, history, music, traditional dances, clothing etc. but not the bad aspects of culture).


However, Malaysians hold something in common. We share a common history and irrespective of wherever your ancestors come from, we fought for the independence of this country and this week, we fought for the choice of the people, to get rid of corruption and restore the rule of law with a different government. 

My question IS VERNACULAR SCHOOL THE ONLY WAY WE CAN THINK OF FOR PRESERVING OUR CULTURE?

I don’t think so. In fact, I would imagine 60 years since independence we should have moved forward by having Malay and English as a proficient language as well as Chinese (Mandarin) or Tamil in all schools. Our children should grow up being trilingual if not more. Even for those who support Islamic school, we can provide all children with opportunity to take either Mandarin, Tamil or Arabic.


In National schools, the Muslim children learn Islamic studies while the other children learn Moral studies, why can’t the other children learn about their own culture, heritage or religion at the same time? Perhaps, it might be a bit complicated because some are Christians, some Buddhist, some Sikh and some Hindus hence, perhaps these could be integrated into cultural classes and parents can choose which is more suitable for their children. If a vernacular school is teaching a particular ‘culture’ to the children I am sure this can be incorporated into National schools to cater for those same children.


The other argument is that National schools are becoming too Islamic and making those from other religions uncomfortable. In a multiracial society, we do not need to force a religion upon others. However, Islam is the official religion of this country and during my days in school, I doubt Islam became overtly visible in schools as it is today. If we need to splatter prayers on school buildings then perhaps we could include some Chinese or Indian writings on the walls as well. That is a part of becoming a mature society.


I will write a different blog on Islamic education system because it is too much to write here.


The most important argument is just think back to your school days, our friends and the time we spent in schools make us whom we are today. We need one another. Every race in Malaysia contributes to the development and the shaping of positive attitude and thinking of our future generation. Our children need healthy competition. Not too much or they will suffer from tremendous stress and not too little or they will become complacent. All the different races are there to keep the balance.


Honestly, I do not have an answer or a solution but simply my thoughts and view on the matter. I do hope that the new government will foster a better race relations for all Malaysians to get to know one another and be friends again.


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Sunday 13 May 2018

Thank you Tun Dr Mahathir for this greatest gift of all: Teaching us how to govern.

I would like to thank Tun Dr Mahathir for his greatest gift to Malaysia which is sharing his experience of governing the country. Since the moment he was sworn into government, he has taken the time to inform the public via press conference and press release of each step that he has taken to set up the government and the ruling of this country. 

I am so honoured to be one of those who can experience this event and I urge all young people to take this opportunity to learn, to understand and to be inspired by this 92-year old man who is still so energetic with a sharp mind and wit. 

I have taken the liberty to keep a record (as much as I can) of the chronological events that happened since Tun Mahathir took over the PM job. 
9/5/2018

Voting for Malaysia PRU14

10/5/2018

Official results for Malaysia PRU14 @ 3.30 am.

@ 11 am Then PM, Najib press statement and announce PH has won the election and change in government.

The Public awaits with anticipation for the swearing in of our 7th PM with various news and gossips going around with regards to the delay. Finally,

@ 10 pm Tun Mahathir sworn as Prime Minister of Malaysia


11/5/2018

Tun Mahathir announce key ministries (Free Malaysia Today) – 10 ministries

The official ceremony of swearing in state ministers was happening in most states including MB Selangor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Melaka, Kedah, N. Sembilan, Melaka & Johor. (Still waiting for Perlis and Pahang – The Sultan of Pahang has announced it will be held next week)

Tun Mahathir directs to probe into four government official, Ketua Peguam Negara (Mohamad Apandi Ali), Ketua polis negara (Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar), SPRM (Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad) and Pengerusi (Tan Sri Mohamad Hashim Abdullah)

YDP Agong willing to give pardon to Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

12/5/2018

@12.42 Harian Metro reported that the Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia has confirmed the black listing of Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Abdul Razak and Datin Sri Rosmah from leaving the country.

@17.00 Former PM officially announce his resignation as UMNO president and Barisan Nasional Chairman.


@17.00 The official swearing in ceremony of MB Perak after Sultan Nazrin Shah called for quick formation of state government.

(Press conference) Tun Mahathir announced the Deputy PM Wan Azizah, and three crucial ministers; Lim Guan Eng (Finance), tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (Home Minister), Mohamad Sabu (Defence Minister).


Council of Elders: Tun Daim Zainuddin (former Finance Minister), Tan Sri Zeti Aziz (Former Bank Negara Governor), Tan Sri Hassan Merican (Petronas CEO former), Robert Kuok (HK based Malaysian Tycoon), Jomo Kwame Sundaram (Economic expert). (The Star on line Malaysia)


Tun M confirms enough evidence to probe 1MDB


Sabah: Shafie Afdal sworn as chief minister of Sabah after confusion between BN and Warisan party. (Still a bit confused actually)


13/5/2018

Tony Fernandes, Air Asia boss publicly apologize for his support towards BN few days before election.

Lim Guan Eng promise to rid of GST after official appointment

Najib confirms that he will stay in the country and abide by the government’s orders. Also his residence was put under heavy guard.




14/5/2018

Tun Dr Mahathir chair a meeting with ministry secretaries-general to explain functions and roles of the new government.

Also, scheduled to meet Sultan of Brunei later today.
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