Royalty's call

His Highness says....

Thursday November 27, 2008

Tunku Naquiyuddin: Restore royal privilege to safeguard constitution

By IZATUN SHARI

KUALA LUMPUR: The Regent of Negri Sembilan, Tunku Naquiyuddin Tuanku Ja’afar, has called on royal immunity to be reinstated so the constitutional monarchy can be restored to its full sovereignty.

He said that if the Ruler were to exercise his duties in a fair, just and impartial manner to protect the Federal Constitution, his sovereignty needed to be protected too.

He said the restoration would enable the constitutional monarchy to play a more fitting role in the 21st century as guardian of the Federal Constitution.

This was so the endeavour to safeguard the interests of all communities, promote peace, prosperity, economic security and good governance could be fulfilled, he said.

“This full immunity from civil and criminal proceedings should be reconsidered so that he is on par with other constitutional monarchs around the world,” he said in his royal luncheon address on “The Role of the Constitutional Monarchy in 21st Century Malaysia” here yesterday.

He said there should be guidelines where immunity should not be given to rulers who physically abused the people.

“Bring back the immunity, debate it and define it. Let us be on par with other constitutional monarchies,” he said.

Tunku Naquiyuddin said it was ironic that judges were immune in the performance of their judicial functions but Rulers were not.

He said the loss of immunity was perhaps the single biggest setback to the institution of the Ruler.

Amendments to the Federal Constitution in 1983 and 1993, which dealt with royal assent to bills and privileges of immunity respectively led to the constitutional crisis.

“Sovereignty and immunity have always been symbiotic. It really becomes nonsensical that a sovereign Ruler can be taken to court for trying to protect the best interests of the nation and the people,” Tunku Naquiyuddin said.

He said a Ruler was a personage who had the keen sense of what the rakyat wanted.

He added that a lot of people were grateful that the country had Rulers to intervene in matters of interest because they did not want them messed up by politicians.

“Politicians have a lot of self-interest and self-motivation, greed and corruption. Rulers become some sort of referee to instinctively come in to safeguard the constitution,” he said.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/27/nation/2660796&sec=nation

Dont agree with the caption but aisey mann... she speaks the right thing

Her say.....

Angkasawan did the right thing

RECENTLY, our first astronaut made the news again, “Angkasawan admits accepting contributions, denies demanding payment,” (The Star, Nov 17).

Firstly, if it is true that Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha did accept payment, I think he is justified in receiving it and in keeping every cent of it.

Secondly, I may be in the minority but my reservations in 2006 about the Government’s decision to send a Malaysian into space still holds. Malaysia may be a rich country compared to some of its neighbours, but it can ill-afford spending several million ringgit for this purpose.

It was stated in 2006, by the Science, Technology and Innovations Ministry that sending a man into space would further motivate our school childrens’ interest in science and technology.

We do not need to send someone into space to motivate and interest our children in the sciences.

What we could and should have done was to spend the millions on our education system and policies.

When a child enters primary school, he should be introduced to the sciences in an engaging and lively manner.

He then sees how science plays an enormous part in our daily lives, on earth as well as in outer space.

Simultaneously, extra-curricular subjects could include astronomy activities led by teachers or volunteers from knowledgeable parents or the general public.

Then, with access to high powered binoculars or telescopes, they can organise supervised viewing of the night sky to look at the various constellations.

At secondary school and university level, students should be encouraged to read sciences or science/engineering-based courses rather than doing the so-called soft subjects.

Thus the Education Ministry must set aside an enhanced and dedicated budget, supplemented by money that could have been sidelined from the space programme.

In 2006 it was touted that the space training programme would not cost the Treasury a single sen. Furthermore, the programme was provided free of charge as part of an offset programme for the purchase pf Sukhoi fighter aircraft from Russia.

It is naive for the Government to think that there is such a thing as a free lunch.

Everything has its strings and conditions and it is obvious that the purchase of the fighter jets is revealing as it is contentious.

It might have been a cheaper option to send a Malaysian as a space tourist than be tied down by agreements which form part of a defence contract.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar has fulfilled his obligations in going to space.

He has undergone countless psychometric tests, rigorous physical training and been subjected to G-forces that most of us wouldn’t even dare think of and fewer still would want to endure.

He has put Malaysia on the map and continues to spread the interest in space to our schoolchildren.

And why should he not reap the benefits of his expertise and experience?

He has spotted a niche in the market. He satisfies the need of those who hunger for his exploits in space.

He is enlightening the minds of our children and youth to the limitless horizon of the universe and the competitive and exciting world of space exploration.

If other Nasa astronauts have travelled the earth to give similar lectures, who are we to deny him the same? I wish him good luck and may he inspire more of us in the study of the cosmos.

MARIAM MOKHTAR,

Ipoh.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/25/focus/2632474&sec=focus

Wanita UMNO's post catfight

My say...

Now that Shahrizat Abdul Jalil has voiced her intention to challenged Rafidah Aziz for the UMNO Wanita's post, this writer fears that Shahrizat may have been lulled into the same trap Anwar Ibrahim experienced when he challenged the wily Mahathir Mohammed for UMNO presidency. Shahrizat will do well to remember that Anwar finally blamed his supporters' impatience and his political inexperience to gauge the voices of the delegates. Delegates are turncoats whenever things are not progressing as they wished. Its a strange thing politics. Anwar has since then been banished into political wilderness and now a wash-out and proven liar incapable of delivering promises. This writer has no hesitant to believe that UMNO will come back stronger to wrestle all the other states back in the next General Election.

Rafidah has nothing to lose as she has already stated her intention to leave by June next year. If she loses, she will just pack her bags and leave, at least knowing that she had put up a good fight. Now that push comes to shove, I think Rafidah will have the edge to remove this impatient upstart once and for all. Mind you, her loyalists still controls a majority of the delegates by any means. By throwing every caution to the wind, Shahrizat has even dishonored her word. She did mention time and again she will not challenge in public media. If she had said she made the comments in duress and had not the strength to resist at any particular time, she has indeed just declared herself incompetent and a weak-willed leader. She will face a long and tumultous reign if ever she wins Wanita's top post surrounded by sharks.

This writer is never a supporter of Rafidah ever since the AP permit fiasco bursts into the scene. She should have resigned there and then. Indeed, she has overstayed her welcome. But due to the novice moves of her deputies, she will remain really a force to reckon for a long time to come. And congratulations to Kamilia Ibrahim. She seems the brightest of the lot after managed to egg Shahrizat to go for it! Kamilia may have even supplied Shahrizat the final nail to the latter's coffin, politically speaking. She is now shoo in for the Deputy and who knows soon for the top post against such a dishonored, novice and easily swayed Shahrizat if, and only if, Shahrizat wins.

Claims gone wrong

My say.....

Sometimes in the hurry to praise a particular person or race, other human beings will go to many extents without checking the fact. This case taken from thestar.com.my below highlighted one example of this. The proponent did not study history that what Mahathir Mohamed did was only borrowed and improvised somewhat the Roosevelt's New Deal economic policy as an astute answer to the prolonging Great Depression witnessed in the late 20s all the way to the 40s. Another aspect that the proponent tried hard selling was Mahathir was a Malay when in actual fact he is from a linage of Indian-Malay mix. In short Mahathir is a mamak. Another prime example is Tony Fernendes' AirAsia which is nothing more than just a Southwest airline wannabe, albeit Tony never claimed to be his brainchild. If they have checked, budget airlines has its roots with Freddie Laker, which thankfully, Tony did acknowledge.

This writer has nothing against the Malays nor their creative ability having witnessed how the local youths especially thinks and what makes them tick. They are in many aspects very good. As for Mr Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, please check your facts.

Malay leadership recognised in the world

> The fact that the United States has taken steps similar to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s economic formula in tackling the 1997 financial crisis proves that Malay leadership is recognised in the world, reported Sinar Harian.

Felcra chairman Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said the economic formula introduced by the former prime minister was a success after Malaysia’s economy recovered without the need to borrow money from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

Other News & Views is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a sub-heading, it denotes a separate news item.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/19/nation/2582545&sec=nation

More reading : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_deal

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddie_Laker

Notable Quote

His say.....

"I used to support Pakatan," declared Zainol Abidin, 50 (aka Mahaguru58). " I felt we needed a change. I expected change. Now they have taken over five states and there is no change. So I am aligning myself to no one, not the Barisan, and I will whack Anwar (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) left, right and blue!"

Source : Sunday Star, 9 November 2008, pullout on Focus: Windmills of political change p. F27

What is interesting here is that it would nearly have been a case of too little too late if Anwar Ibrahim and his motley bunch has gotten into Putrajaya as per this blogger Mahaguru58. Reformasi? what reformasi?

Fatherly reminder

His Majesty, my Sultan says......

Published: Wednesday November 5, 2008 MYT 4:13:00 PM

Perak Sultan warns against extreme political actions

By IVAN LOH

KUALA KANGSAR: All extreme and excessive political actions must cease immediately for the sake of the country's well-being, Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah said.

He said the country’s peace must not be sacrificed because of certain leaders’ political ambitions.

He said this after receiving a memorandum from Gagasan Melayu Perak president Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Helmi Ismail, who pledged their loyalty to the Sultan at the Istana Iskandariah on Wednesday.

"The interest of the people who voted for the government needs to be given priority," he said.

Sultan Azlan said although Malaysia was a multi-racial country, the country was still based on the history, political evolution and spirit of nationalism of the Malays.

He stressed that the Malays needed an assurance to ensure their status as natives as enshrined in the Federal Constitution was not threatened.

He also said that the rights of other races are protected and acknowledged under the Constitution.

"It is the understanding and agreement under the social contract that enables the country to be successful, harmonious and stable," he said.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/5/nation/20081105161115&sec=nation

Zaid Ibrahim on his take on Ketuanan Melayu

My say...

It takes guts to stand for what one believes. Whilst I had reservation about Zaid Ibrahim when he was appointed Law Minister, his conviction and his actions that followed suit has won my admiration and I dare say many Malaysians as well. The three UMNO supreme council members should walk the same mile first as a poor kampung boy who made it good before they dare criticise.

The thrust of his message is that the Malays, if they are confined always to the notion of "has" and "has not" will always find it difficult to be successful. "Has" being the elite and "has not" being the rest of the Malays. The matter is also compounded when it is always utilizing successful Chinese to be compared with. Even then, not all Chinese are rich and successful today as rightly pointed out by the Sabahan MPs. The rising number of loan shark activities highlighted will bear witness what the Chinese are going through. When it is turning into a numbers or percentage game, it becomes even worse as we witnessed the current 18% equity stake disputed now. This is because with the continuous growth of the Malay population, the 30% may never be able to be achieved, at least not this millenia. There will always be dispute as the rakyat witnessed the failure of NEP which expired in 1990. The concept of Ketuanan Melayu has indeed be seen as only enriching the rich, the "in-crowd" and the politically favored today. To equate the concept of Ketuanan Melayu and Malay rights is wrong. They are not the same one and all. All other non-bumiputeras are still respecting the Royalty, the National Religion, Education, certain accepted allocations like government jobs, the Malay culture and way of life which is enshrined in the Federal Constitution with regards to Malay rights. On the brighter note, the son of the pioneer of NEP has begin to address this issue. Najib Razak is correct that the Malay rights is not questioned, but whatever that has failed in the concept of NEP that has angered the non-bumis is rightfully removed gradually. Thats a good start!

All Malays need to stand on their own two feet and compete on level playing field. Malays cannot hide behind the concept of Ketuanan Melayu anymore, especially the minority elite. By not opening up the shrinking economy pie, social and communal problem will be the end result. Indeed, it is nothing short of renegading on what was agreed by the forefathers of independent Malaysia. Malays have proven to be capable and successful time and again like in his own testimonial by Zaid. If the Chinese can do it without Government aids, so says Mahathir, why can't the Malay? Food for thoughts then.

Kudos for Zaid Ibrahim then for telling as it is. A brave man indeed!

Published: Monday November 3, 2008 MYT 7:26:00 PM

Zaid not going to apologise for Ketuanan Melayu statement

By IAN McINTYRE

KOTA BARU: Former de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has hit back at three Umno supreme council members for asking him to apologise over remarks that he made about Ketuanan Melayu (Malay supremacy).

Stressing that he would never apologise, Zaid said it was because he loved his Malay race that he recommended open competition be allowed to ensure the race could compete with others in a globalised age.

“I am not surprised by the reaction of some Umno leaders especially since they have an ongoing party election,” he said in a statement on Monday.

“I am a village boy from a poor family, not an aristocrat or royalty. I want to see the Malays succeed in economy and education.”

Zaid said he was not questioning the special rights of Malays as enshrined in the Constitution.

He said the new model that he recommended was based on openness to ensure young Malays closed ranks and cooperated not only with other races in the country but also foreigners.

He named Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Syed Albar, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassin and Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib as the three supreme council members.

Zaid had pointed out recently that the Malay supremacy concept had failed and distracted from the real issues confronting the country.

He said on Monday that he hoped Malays could differentiate between leaders who thought of their interests from those who only used the name of Malays for political mileage.

He said the concept of Malay supremacy had a negative element that was racist and implied that they only wanted to become masters without knowing how to struggle or be responsible.

He added it was not a clear reflection of the race and such an image weakened them.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/3/nation/20081103192431&sec=nation

Comment on AirAsia

His say...

AIR TRAVEL: Time to reduce surcharge

By : RICHARD TEO, Kota Baru

WHEN the cost of crude oil was escalating at a dizzy pace, AirAsia was quick to implement a fuel surcharge on its flights. It justified the increase by referring to global oil price increases.

However, despite the recent drop in the price of crude oil, AirAsia has been dragging its feet in reducing its fuel surcharge which was based on the global oil price of US$147 (RM529) per barrel. It is still charging a fuel surcharge based on the peak price of oil.

I hope AirAsia revises its price structure in accordance with current oil prices

Source : http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/Letters/2388764/Article/index_html

Ong Tee Keat as the current minister of transport would help the rakyat terribly by mentioning it to his friend when they were in Toulouse to take hold of the delivery of the Airbus. Hope shines eternal!