My say...
As it is, the title of his blog indicates that Mahathir Mohamed is back in his nationalist fervor again. This was what drove him to challenged the leadership of Tunku Abdul Rahman and eventually succeeded to propel Mahathir to the limelight in UMNO. Those that did not manage to study this "root of problem" as stated from my previous post for his dissattisfaction with Pak Lah now has a clue into what his platform of argument is now.
The recent lost of Batu Puteh to Singapore also compounds the problem by giving Mahathir more ammunition to attack his successor. Mahathir sees it now as a loss of pride, so well to be expected from someone with nationalistic stance. This will definitely launch a new round of antagonism against Pak Lah's leadership. Come brickbat and what not, Pak Lah should hold steady. Collectively Mahathir must also be held accountable as this case cropped up during his tenure in the premiership. Record shows that the claim for Batu Puteh started well before Pak Lah assumed leadership. It will be interesting how this is played out in the whole scheme of things.
Be it as it may, it is this writer's opinion that more needs to be done to make Mahathir return to UMNO's fold. His voice must still be heard from a man whose "task is not finished!". His criticisms aside, we must never forget his contributions. It is indeed a big loss to UMNO since his withdrawal from the political party he had helmed for 22 years. He is a potent force that none in the opposition is equaled to. Pak Lah has nothing to fear. The rakyat and all political leaders has sinced voiced their support for Pak Lah to continue to lead UMNO. This writer only fears, with all the nationalistic fervor from Mahathir, the racial fervor and his concept of Ketuanan Melayu will start tearing the fabric of society again. Chedet.com must not be allowed to lead to another 1969 racial riot!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Excessive Silly Politicking
My say...
With the withdrawal of Mahathir Mohamed from UMNO as a gambit to force out Pak Lah, it really seems politicking has gone to a whole new level. Mind you, Mahathir is no novice in the art of politics, but this recent crusade really doesn't deserve even a notice. To demand someone's removal, in this case someone chosen by him, is really hitting a new low. The mannerism shown is not polite whatsoever! Pak Lah, afterall, is still chosen and mandated by Malaysians to carry on leading the country despite the political hiccups. Also, its is seen now as Mahathir's personal vendetta against a man who would not follow his wishes or protect his "back" or interests after his resignation. Indeed, the truth has to come out sooner or later. Those detractors who claims Pak Lah a weak man ought to re-examine their claims against the current Prime Minister now. He has stood up to a domineering and strong-willed, for a lack of a better word, bully! Excessive politicking in play without a doubt from an angry statesman! This is now well beyond gentlemanly conduct.
In Karpal Singh's case, going againt the royalty of Perak showed his contempt. If his intention is to show he knows more about the laws of the land, he has missed out the important factor that is the moral support to royalty. That is his mistake and the recent backlash against him is his own doing. In that sense, he too has shown ignorance. This again shows that the opposition is currently too arrogant and paying lip-service only of their promises after their morale-boosting performance in the last election. They are indeed a dangerous and unstabilizing force if ever they come to power. Indeed, this lawyer and DAP chairman may have forgotten that the Perak Sultan is also a learned man and was formerly Lord President of the Federal Court! This is more so when it involves the customs and Islamic practices of the state which the Sultan has vested and moral authority. This fact is established even during the British rule. That the menteri besar of Perak has apologised to the Sultan and yet Karpal showed defiance only incurs the wrath of the rakyat throughout Malaysia more. Why is the opposition so silent to this Pakatan partner's defiance is also a question to ask. It is evident to this writer now that the opposition is not ready to rule the land. When Barisan Nasional recovers from this protest vote, even the wiles and charms of Anwar Ibrahim could not save them.
Isn't it strange that two veteran politicians so revered before for their struggles and beliefs has brought politics to its lowest ebb in Malaysia? It boils down to too much politicking. Stop politicking and get back to the root of the Rakyat's misery. I mentioned earlier that they have brought politicking to a new level, its just unfortunate that its not an honourable one!
Political parties in Malaysia have been urged to stop "dabbling in too much politics" and focus on economic activity.
"The uncertainty in the political scenario now will have a negative effect on foreign investments, especially the recently announced corridors, which require foreign participation," Datuk Syed Hussein Al Habshee, secretary-general of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, said in a statement yesterday.
The national economic agenda should not be derailed, and people should wake up to new economic realities, he said ~ The Star Biz, 21 May 2008
With the withdrawal of Mahathir Mohamed from UMNO as a gambit to force out Pak Lah, it really seems politicking has gone to a whole new level. Mind you, Mahathir is no novice in the art of politics, but this recent crusade really doesn't deserve even a notice. To demand someone's removal, in this case someone chosen by him, is really hitting a new low. The mannerism shown is not polite whatsoever! Pak Lah, afterall, is still chosen and mandated by Malaysians to carry on leading the country despite the political hiccups. Also, its is seen now as Mahathir's personal vendetta against a man who would not follow his wishes or protect his "back" or interests after his resignation. Indeed, the truth has to come out sooner or later. Those detractors who claims Pak Lah a weak man ought to re-examine their claims against the current Prime Minister now. He has stood up to a domineering and strong-willed, for a lack of a better word, bully! Excessive politicking in play without a doubt from an angry statesman! This is now well beyond gentlemanly conduct.
In Karpal Singh's case, going againt the royalty of Perak showed his contempt. If his intention is to show he knows more about the laws of the land, he has missed out the important factor that is the moral support to royalty. That is his mistake and the recent backlash against him is his own doing. In that sense, he too has shown ignorance. This again shows that the opposition is currently too arrogant and paying lip-service only of their promises after their morale-boosting performance in the last election. They are indeed a dangerous and unstabilizing force if ever they come to power. Indeed, this lawyer and DAP chairman may have forgotten that the Perak Sultan is also a learned man and was formerly Lord President of the Federal Court! This is more so when it involves the customs and Islamic practices of the state which the Sultan has vested and moral authority. This fact is established even during the British rule. That the menteri besar of Perak has apologised to the Sultan and yet Karpal showed defiance only incurs the wrath of the rakyat throughout Malaysia more. Why is the opposition so silent to this Pakatan partner's defiance is also a question to ask. It is evident to this writer now that the opposition is not ready to rule the land. When Barisan Nasional recovers from this protest vote, even the wiles and charms of Anwar Ibrahim could not save them.
Isn't it strange that two veteran politicians so revered before for their struggles and beliefs has brought politics to its lowest ebb in Malaysia? It boils down to too much politicking. Stop politicking and get back to the root of the Rakyat's misery. I mentioned earlier that they have brought politicking to a new level, its just unfortunate that its not an honourable one!
Political parties in Malaysia have been urged to stop "dabbling in too much politics" and focus on economic activity.
"The uncertainty in the political scenario now will have a negative effect on foreign investments, especially the recently announced corridors, which require foreign participation," Datuk Syed Hussein Al Habshee, secretary-general of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, said in a statement yesterday.
The national economic agenda should not be derailed, and people should wake up to new economic realities, he said ~ The Star Biz, 21 May 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
A Man's apology
My say...
Hishamuddin Hussein has apologised over the keris incident recently. Whilst many in UMNO Youth sees it as a sign of weakness, the writer is of the opinion what he has done is really commendable. Hishamuddin has really searched his soul and was the first among the myriads of politicians to publicly apologise for his action that he believes contributed to his party's dismal performance in the Elections. This is an action that needs to be praised not ridiculed. It takes a Man to apologise! To those who have attacked his apology as a weakness, then I say that the accuser has really much to learn about politics. Nor is that same accuser qualified to call himself a real leader yet.
Ironically, this may really be his parting legacy for the Youth not to be too haughty in judgement and see the real political horizon as it really is. Malaysia political landscape has indeed changed and the Youth must wake up and smell the coffee! For Hishamuddin, he has exorcised this potential demon that will haunt him eventually in his ascendancy to the highest level of politics in Malaysia should he not apologise. I know for a fact he has indeed upheld the respect to his distinguished family name.
Well done, Hishamuddin. You are now indeed ready to join the ranks of UMNO's stalwarts and as a real Malaysian Leader! A person who knows his strengths and weaknesses is ready to lead!
Hishamuddin Hussein has apologised over the keris incident recently. Whilst many in UMNO Youth sees it as a sign of weakness, the writer is of the opinion what he has done is really commendable. Hishamuddin has really searched his soul and was the first among the myriads of politicians to publicly apologise for his action that he believes contributed to his party's dismal performance in the Elections. This is an action that needs to be praised not ridiculed. It takes a Man to apologise! To those who have attacked his apology as a weakness, then I say that the accuser has really much to learn about politics. Nor is that same accuser qualified to call himself a real leader yet.
Ironically, this may really be his parting legacy for the Youth not to be too haughty in judgement and see the real political horizon as it really is. Malaysia political landscape has indeed changed and the Youth must wake up and smell the coffee! For Hishamuddin, he has exorcised this potential demon that will haunt him eventually in his ascendancy to the highest level of politics in Malaysia should he not apologise. I know for a fact he has indeed upheld the respect to his distinguished family name.
Well done, Hishamuddin. You are now indeed ready to join the ranks of UMNO's stalwarts and as a real Malaysian Leader! A person who knows his strengths and weaknesses is ready to lead!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Town or City Planning Mayhem
My say....
Today's rush into profit certainly have the developers rushing to build properties in whatever plot of land available to them without seriously considering the consequences. The approving committee from the relevant government authorities in some way has to be blamed as well.
The current township or city planning in proportion to the existing road system is really the pits. For example, in Cheras there are about 12 gardens or subdivision of housing estates just behind Phoenix Plaza alone. I came to understand that there are more than 40 townships in existence just in Cheras alone and the number is still growing. With the current trend of owning two cars per family, we can see how 12 housing estates will produce so much traffic on the road. Double parking, dangerous overtaking maneuvers, road rage and high rate of accidents are but symptoms of the township-to-road system problem. This has pushed the road system to unsustainable level today. It is little wonder why the infamous Cheras crawl developed. The government's response is to continue to pump money to build infrastructure and road in the circumferences around the crawl problem. One wonders how this could hold eventually with the ever increasing population migration to Kuala Lumpur. Subang and the USJ areas have complaint for a long time and with the NKVE, the LDP, NPE, The Sprint highway and Federal Expressway, some of the traffic jam was alleviated, but only just. We have the same problem in Sri Damansara, Damansara Damai, leading all the way to Sungai Buloh. Too many residential developments are on the rise and disproportionate to road systems to go along with it and we have massive jam developing there from day one itself. We see likewise the same problem now affecting the Kota Damansara area where there is only one main road leading out to the LDP. Traffic rush soon will compound the problem. These are but some of the areas worth mentioning with its densely populated area. Latest observance now is a new supermarket will be built at the junction of the intersection between Damansara Intan and Damansara Jaya. How could the authorities approved that with the existing traffic condition stretching all the way from Section 16 is really beyond this writer. In short, it all boils down to the "tidak-apa" or even "tidak-peduli" attitude!
Common sense will tell you that bad township or city planning vis-a-vis road system is to be blamed. The examples of London and Tokyo city planning is certainly fascinating and should be studied. London's planners, since the 19th century itself had developed a masterplan well into the 20th century. London has a population of 18 million and they are coping well. Tokyo has 13 million people and massive planning are again underway for the next century. We may have the wrong people in place. It is highly recommended that more professional town/city planners and development authorities are recruited do a thorough investigation with at least a 50-year forecast of the surrounding areas before building permits are being released for residential or property developments. This should be implemented quickly. It has certainly reached a tension point that every vehicle owners will inadvertently meet up with two to three toll collections in any which way he is going in the near future. This could have been avoided in the first place with proper planning. Or maybe is this the government's way of enriching itself from this own shortcoming of not planning in the first place? Toll concessionaires are given away too easily today to big companies hoping to capitalize on the unsystematic infrastructure development. This effectively increases the rakyat's financial burden further. No thanks to greedy developers and indifferent attitudes of the authorities!The authorities, such as City Hall, the relevant state Majlis Perbandaran (town councils) and even the EPU should seriously consider a township or city masterplan before any development. It seems we still have first world infrastructure but third class mentality when it comes to planning stages!
Today's rush into profit certainly have the developers rushing to build properties in whatever plot of land available to them without seriously considering the consequences. The approving committee from the relevant government authorities in some way has to be blamed as well.
The current township or city planning in proportion to the existing road system is really the pits. For example, in Cheras there are about 12 gardens or subdivision of housing estates just behind Phoenix Plaza alone. I came to understand that there are more than 40 townships in existence just in Cheras alone and the number is still growing. With the current trend of owning two cars per family, we can see how 12 housing estates will produce so much traffic on the road. Double parking, dangerous overtaking maneuvers, road rage and high rate of accidents are but symptoms of the township-to-road system problem. This has pushed the road system to unsustainable level today. It is little wonder why the infamous Cheras crawl developed. The government's response is to continue to pump money to build infrastructure and road in the circumferences around the crawl problem. One wonders how this could hold eventually with the ever increasing population migration to Kuala Lumpur. Subang and the USJ areas have complaint for a long time and with the NKVE, the LDP, NPE, The Sprint highway and Federal Expressway, some of the traffic jam was alleviated, but only just. We have the same problem in Sri Damansara, Damansara Damai, leading all the way to Sungai Buloh. Too many residential developments are on the rise and disproportionate to road systems to go along with it and we have massive jam developing there from day one itself. We see likewise the same problem now affecting the Kota Damansara area where there is only one main road leading out to the LDP. Traffic rush soon will compound the problem. These are but some of the areas worth mentioning with its densely populated area. Latest observance now is a new supermarket will be built at the junction of the intersection between Damansara Intan and Damansara Jaya. How could the authorities approved that with the existing traffic condition stretching all the way from Section 16 is really beyond this writer. In short, it all boils down to the "tidak-apa" or even "tidak-peduli" attitude!
Common sense will tell you that bad township or city planning vis-a-vis road system is to be blamed. The examples of London and Tokyo city planning is certainly fascinating and should be studied. London's planners, since the 19th century itself had developed a masterplan well into the 20th century. London has a population of 18 million and they are coping well. Tokyo has 13 million people and massive planning are again underway for the next century. We may have the wrong people in place. It is highly recommended that more professional town/city planners and development authorities are recruited do a thorough investigation with at least a 50-year forecast of the surrounding areas before building permits are being released for residential or property developments. This should be implemented quickly. It has certainly reached a tension point that every vehicle owners will inadvertently meet up with two to three toll collections in any which way he is going in the near future. This could have been avoided in the first place with proper planning. Or maybe is this the government's way of enriching itself from this own shortcoming of not planning in the first place? Toll concessionaires are given away too easily today to big companies hoping to capitalize on the unsystematic infrastructure development. This effectively increases the rakyat's financial burden further. No thanks to greedy developers and indifferent attitudes of the authorities!The authorities, such as City Hall, the relevant state Majlis Perbandaran (town councils) and even the EPU should seriously consider a township or city masterplan before any development. It seems we still have first world infrastructure but third class mentality when it comes to planning stages!
Friday, May 2, 2008
M.G. Pandithan
My say....
The zealousness of this leader for the poor needs no further mentioning. For a man who has devoted a life-time championing the rights of those politically and literally down-trodden, the marginalized, the oppressed and those who are unable to make their voice heard, he will truly be missed. Malaysian has lost a truly remarkable son and leader. And to the poor, they have sadly lost a beacon of hope. May God bless Pandithan's soul to rest in peace.
The zealousness of this leader for the poor needs no further mentioning. For a man who has devoted a life-time championing the rights of those politically and literally down-trodden, the marginalized, the oppressed and those who are unable to make their voice heard, he will truly be missed. Malaysian has lost a truly remarkable son and leader. And to the poor, they have sadly lost a beacon of hope. May God bless Pandithan's soul to rest in peace.
TAN SRI M.G. PANDITHAN (1940-2008)
Antics in the first parliament session
My say...
The Parliament, long the august house of Malaysia, is the common place where the government and opposition alike opines, questions, enact and even challenge the rulings and laws of the nation. This is also a place where verbal jostling between Wakil Rakyats reaches a crescendo often. Shouting or even unparliamentary tirades gets out of hand sometimes in the hope to get its message across, especially when it comes to rulings or controversies disagreed by the particular MPs.
The 12th Parliamentary session has just recently began. As usual, sparks flew. Also, as there are a lot of new faces, it is acceptable that a lot of mistakes will occur, like the MPs forgotten to post questions. There were even cases where veteran MPs calling each other names, not unlike a circus. This has led to the current Information Minister, Ahmad Shabery Cheek, suggesting that live coverage of the parliamentary debates be done away with. This writer disagrees, together with the majority of rakyat.
The rakyat wishes to be kept abreast with the happenings in the august house. Why? Firstly, this is simply for the reason they want to know if their elected MPs are working on their behalf or not. Secondly, they want to be keep informed of the political situation in the country. Thirdly, any controversies are best judged by the rakyat themselves. For too long the rakyat has been kept in the dark about proceeding there. They turned to the internet and other multimedia channels for answers, and now why not right from the horses' mouth in live coverage? In short, it removes confusion or any controversies when Parliament is covered live. Fourthly, it will be good to see how the elected MPs behave. Surely the MPs should show what is the right definition of a model citizen and leader in this case. This will give the rakyat a chance to hear for themselves how mature and capable their elected representatives are. If not, then the rakyat will think twice of choosing the same MP again. Lastly, it provides fair airtime coverage for all, both government and opposition. This has been a case against the government previously for curtailing airtime against the opposition parties and this perception of unfairness has cost them votes. Surely the August house is the proper forum again where transparency begins. Another example is the recent Malaysian Commission Against Corruption has been made answerable back to Parliament, then its good where all, and this includes the rakyat, be the judge of things to come.
With this then, Ahmad Shabery Cheek will do well to reconsider his decision. He mentioned its really a waste of taxpayers' money to do the coverage live. This, in spite of the news media already reporting that the rakyat wants the coverage to stay and in fact given more media airtime. Is it a waste of taxpayers' money? Malaysians do not think so! Is Shabery Cheek so ignorant to the wishes of the rakyat, who no longer trusts edited coverage? Really, what has he got to hide?
The Parliament, long the august house of Malaysia, is the common place where the government and opposition alike opines, questions, enact and even challenge the rulings and laws of the nation. This is also a place where verbal jostling between Wakil Rakyats reaches a crescendo often. Shouting or even unparliamentary tirades gets out of hand sometimes in the hope to get its message across, especially when it comes to rulings or controversies disagreed by the particular MPs.
The 12th Parliamentary session has just recently began. As usual, sparks flew. Also, as there are a lot of new faces, it is acceptable that a lot of mistakes will occur, like the MPs forgotten to post questions. There were even cases where veteran MPs calling each other names, not unlike a circus. This has led to the current Information Minister, Ahmad Shabery Cheek, suggesting that live coverage of the parliamentary debates be done away with. This writer disagrees, together with the majority of rakyat.
The rakyat wishes to be kept abreast with the happenings in the august house. Why? Firstly, this is simply for the reason they want to know if their elected MPs are working on their behalf or not. Secondly, they want to be keep informed of the political situation in the country. Thirdly, any controversies are best judged by the rakyat themselves. For too long the rakyat has been kept in the dark about proceeding there. They turned to the internet and other multimedia channels for answers, and now why not right from the horses' mouth in live coverage? In short, it removes confusion or any controversies when Parliament is covered live. Fourthly, it will be good to see how the elected MPs behave. Surely the MPs should show what is the right definition of a model citizen and leader in this case. This will give the rakyat a chance to hear for themselves how mature and capable their elected representatives are. If not, then the rakyat will think twice of choosing the same MP again. Lastly, it provides fair airtime coverage for all, both government and opposition. This has been a case against the government previously for curtailing airtime against the opposition parties and this perception of unfairness has cost them votes. Surely the August house is the proper forum again where transparency begins. Another example is the recent Malaysian Commission Against Corruption has been made answerable back to Parliament, then its good where all, and this includes the rakyat, be the judge of things to come.
With this then, Ahmad Shabery Cheek will do well to reconsider his decision. He mentioned its really a waste of taxpayers' money to do the coverage live. This, in spite of the news media already reporting that the rakyat wants the coverage to stay and in fact given more media airtime. Is it a waste of taxpayers' money? Malaysians do not think so! Is Shabery Cheek so ignorant to the wishes of the rakyat, who no longer trusts edited coverage? Really, what has he got to hide?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)