It's all the Chinese's fault!

When all else fails, just blame the Chinese.

That's the essence of Malaysian politics. I'm glad that these groups are vocal with their demands. At least now, the Chinese can't really be blamed for voting the way they did, nor being questioned with "Apa lagi China Mau?"...

Lay out all the cards on the table. Let everyone see and make their choices.

Don't say one thing but do another! I hope the rules are clearly spelled out once and for all... hopefully in my lifetime.

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Can Umno steer BN in the right direction?

by Khoo Kay Peng

Umno is making a big mistake if it caves in to the demands of Perkasa, a coalition of Malay rights groups.

In the run up to the party’s recent annual general assembly, Perkasa leaders were busy drawing up memorandums calling for the abolition of vernacular schools (especially Chinese vernacular schools), allowing only Bumiputeras to be exempted from repaying their National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) loan schemes and others.

Once again, the group has chosen to target the Chinese community to bolster its credentials as an ethnic champion. What’s worse is that some Umno leaders are echoing some of the same demands leading up to their party’s annual general assembly last week.

Instead of supporting the president’s efforts to promote liberalisation, Wanita Umno has submitted a memorandum calling for the Sedition Act not to be repealed. Resolutions have been submitted to discuss a broad range of issues including the status of vernacular schools and suggestions to strip off the citizenship of non-Malays who are not fluent in the Malay language.

The party leadership should take notice that international observers are going to follow the proceedings very closely. Umno is the most dominant ruling party in the country and the resolutions passed in the party’s annual general assembly are going to have a major impact on how the country is going to be run.

Of course, Umno delegates have the right to freedom of expression.

However, the party must be reminded of its obligations as a ruling party and the consequences of its speech especially those that are racially charged and sensitive. Instead of blaming the Chinese for the BN coalition electoral setback, the party should conduct a self-evaluation on what the party has done wrong in order to improve its electoral performance.

Any ruling parties that refused to admit their weaknesses after decades of being in power do not deserve to continue to be in power. Making the Chinese community as its main political punching bag is not going to prove that the community is the main cause of the Malays’ dilemmas and grievances.

If the attacks persist, it is going to show that Umno, as the most dominant Malay-based ruling party over the last five decades, has failed to deliver as the leader of the BN-led federal government. It controls the administration and its resources. It has been able to implement any affirmative policies that benefited the Malays without any resistance from its partners in BN.

Who is to be blamed if the Malays failed to improve their socio-economic standards and conditions? Should the Chinese undergraduates be penalised just because not enough Malay graduates qualified for exemption from repaying their PTPTN loan?    

Some Umno leaders have said that the Chinese voters are easily duped to support the opposition. A few even suggested that these voters are part of a conspiracy to bring down Umno. The only fault the Chinese voters have committed is to exercise their voting right to elect a democratic government.

All political parties that choose to participate in the electoral process must respect the decision of the voters.

Some segments of Umno, especially those who insisted on blaming other races and religions for their leadership failure, are the biggest threats to the BN coalition’s political future. It would be foolhardy for any ethnic minority parties to think that they can displace the majority Malay leadership.

Most of the non-Malay voters did not vote for the BN because they had demanded better responses from the ruling BN regime for their grievances and problems. 

In this regard, MCA and other Chinese-based parties must work together with the moderate and progressive leaders in Umno to restore the confidence of Chinese voters in BN. These parties do not have to respond in similar fashion by bashing up the instigators.

MCA, Gerakan, SUPP and LDP can reach out to the Malay community by assuring them that the Chinese community encourages them to succeed and to achieve greater heights. Tertiary institutions linked to the parties could provide full scholarships and bursaries to Malay students who obtained good academic results. Chinese-based companies could offer top Malay students to work for them as management trainees.

It is important to debunk the notion that the Chinese community is the main cause of the Malay community’s weaknesses and woes. We must make an impression that meritocracy is the only yardstick for success. Individuals regardless of race or creed are encouraged to achieve greater success and contribute positively to national development.  

BN is only viable if Umno can help to steer it towards the right direction. The right path is to stay progressive and inclusive. Umno must ensure that it does not push itself and the BN further away from the moderate middle ground. 

Khoo Kay Peng is a political analyst and a management consultant. He believes that this nation can only progress with the collective will of its people. - See more at: http://www.theantdaily.com/Main/Can-Umno-steer-BN-in-the-right-direction#sthash.4XIohkLB.dpuf

Khoo Kay Peng

Pendatang = Chinese

The flavour of the month of October seems to be the term "pendatang" or immigrant. Of course, in Malaysia, it is usually used to refer to non-Malays, specifically the Chinese. I don't know why they reserve this term for the Chinese because many others including many Malays arrived here only a few of generations ago. Does that mean the Chinese have just fallen from 2nd class to immigrant class? or is this a promotion instead? hehehe.

This time round, it's this guy's turn: Chinese still act like ‘pendatang’...

Zainuddin Maidin

We can quote history, argue, and debate till the cows come home as to who came first, and who did what, but the conclusion will always be the same unless you are specific. Firstly, we need to agree on the cut off date as to the point in time our first ancestors arrive in this land. Secondly, we need to be precise in the use of the term itself.

Actually, he is telling the Chinese to assimilate and become a Malay... like him.

Zainuddin Maidin says:

1. “Why do they get so angry when they are called ‘pendatang’ when they themselves have preferred self isolation?” 

- Perhaps it's the same reason why some Indian Muslims get angry when they are called "mamak" and insists that they are categorised as Malays & Bumiputeras. And why are some Malays also get so defendsive when they are also called "pendatang" when they are clearly not? Some people are just sensitive beings.

Do the Chinese Malaysians today isolate themselves? It is nearly impossible to do that because the country is run by Malays. No matter how hard they try, the Chinese will still have to interact with Malays, beginning from the time they are born when their parents have to register their birth certificate with the Malay officer on duty. Or did he mean that the Chinese should live amongst the Malays. Perhaps in Kampung Baru? hehehe. Of course everyone knows the reason why that is not possible. So, who is isolating who again? Perhaps he was referring to their ancestors who rarely interacted with the locals....

2. refusal to learn Bahasa Malaysia

- Actually he is not entirely incorrect on this one. There are indeed some Chinese who absolutely hates Bahasa Melayu. But for the others, they could not possibly escape from learning Bahasa Melayu when it is taught not only in National Schools but also Vernacular Schools? Many may have a poor command of the language, but they are certainly not Bahasa Melayu illiterate. Well, unless he was referring to their ancestors, many of whom were indeed BM illiterate....

It is indeed advisable for the Chinese to really make an effort to improve their Bahasa Melayu. It is the national language after all. Having a good command of BM is not only an essential and beneficial skill, it also allows you to interact better with the Malays. Just as you would interact differently between say, a Japanese, or a Korean, or an Englishman, language plays a big role in building bridges. Don't let pride become a barrier.

3. Chinese in Malaysia still do not have a Malaysian identity

- This is a tricky one, because the last time I checked, nobody has come up an official definition on this Malaysian Identity. I would certainly like to know what this Malaysian Identity that he speaks of looks like. Or perhaps he was referring to Malay identity? Well, technically, the Chinese would need to become Muslims first. Unless, again, he was referring to their ancestors who really did came here with their Chinese customs...

4. Who is building walls and insisting on preserving their ‘pendatang’ identity

- Again, what does a "pendatang" identity look like? or does he mean Chinese identity. Why insist on referring Chinese identity to immigrant identity? Do those who come from other countries also share this Chinese identity?

Anyway, it's kinda hard to give up Chinese New Year and other festivals, mooncakes, ang pows, religious rituals, religion, etc. Firecrackers are an exception though because it looks like the Malays and Indians have taken over the monopoly of setting them off in the middle of the night. hahahah...

Anyway, "Pendatang" simply means immigrant. Technically, most Malaysians are not immigrants because they are born here. Some of their ancestors were more recent immigrants, some came earlier. So, he should have used the term "keturunan pendatang" which means "descendants of immigrants". That way, although some Chinese still won't like it, but at least they have no reason to deny it either. And those Chinese whose ancestors were here before his ancestors would not feel offended.

We do not need to be ashamed about our history. We must remember that it is not easy for a person to leave their place of birth, their home, to start a new life in a foreign land. In unfamiliar surroundings, sometimes even hostile, they had to work hard and sacrificed a lot for their descendants and their new home.

Perhaps everyone should just stop insulting each other's ancestors.
 

As we walk, all of our ancestors walk with us...

Hudud not fair unless applied to all, says Dr M

I don't understand why the Chinese are even drawn into this hudud issue. Other than for political expediency, I don't see any other reason. PAS is the one calling for Hudud to be implemented in Kelantan for Muslims. PAS being a partner in Pakatan Rakyat, the Chinese do have to share some responsibility for supporting and voting PAS. But since PAS only proposes hudud for Muslims only (for now), then the Chinese have no business in this issue. However, for the current bill, if PAS was to propose it for the whole nation, then the Chinese do have a right to object. Anyway, PAS has always stated their stand on the hudud issue, which is to fully implement it. That would make their slogan "PAS for All" to mean "Hudud for All".

Politics aside, somehow, I can't seem to grasp the logic behind these statements. For example:

"The enforcement of hudud only on Muslims and not on followers of other religions would create inequality that goes against the notion of fairness in Islam"

"applying hudud with its relatively more severe punishments on Muslims alone would be unfair to adherents of Islam."

"Because a Muslim who committed theft, his hand will be amputated, and the Chinese who commits the same theft will only be jailed for two months, that is unfair"

 
Inequality? Fairness? Aren't those the very things the Chinese have been accused of demanding from the government resulting in threats of bodily harm? But when it comes to religious punishments, equality and fairness suddenly becomes a priority. According to their logic, it is unfair to Muslims because their religious laws are not applied to non-Muslims. But why not apply the entire Syariah Law rather than just the punishment? Makes no sense. I suppose, to be truly fair, then we should apply laws from all religions, on all the people.

The Muslim only loses a hand in this life.
The Christians get to keep his hand in this life, and will be forgiven in his afterlife.
Due to the law of karma, the Chinese still has his hand in this life, but will probably be reborn without limbs in his next few lives!

On a more serious note, we can't deny the influence of Islam and Islamic Laws within the Malay-Muslim community. Minorities should be mindful. As should the politicians.

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Hudud not fair unless applied to all, says Dr M

KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 — The enforcement of hudud only on Muslims and not on followers of other religions would create inequality that goes against the notion of fairness in Islam, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said,

But the former prime minister also warned that attempting to apply the Islamic penal code on multicultural Malaysia would lead to its own set of problems.

“If (you) want hudud, then it has to be enforced on everyone, but if that is done, it will create a lot of instability and give rise to problems in the society, that is not what Islam wants, because Islam is for fairness,” he was quoted as saying yesterday by Chinese language newspaper Sin Chew Daily.

Dr Mahathir also added that applying hudud with its relatively more severe punishments on Muslims alone would be unfair to adherents of Islam.

“Because a Muslim who committed theft, his hand will be amputated, and the Chinese who commits the same theft will only be jailed for two months, that is unfair. If it is unfair, it doesn’t fit Islam’s teachings,” he said.

Yesterday, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said the critics who mock and call hudud laws as unjust are “ignorant”.

Harakah Daily, the PAS organ, quoted Hadi as saying that the wisdom behind the severe physical punishments such as stoning and the amputation of limbs prescribed under hudud was to instil fear and deter crime, saying that many criminals will repent instead of racing to commit crimes.

He pointed out that hudud punishments have very strict prerequisites, and that judges would do their best to acquit criminals instead.

The debate over hudud is raging once more in Malaysia after PAS made known its plan to enforce the Islamic criminal law in the state of Kelantan that it has governed since 1990.

Last month, PAS said it will delay tabling two Parliamentary private members’ bills needed to pave way for the enforcement of hudud in Kelantan, to allow a proposed national-level committee to study the implementation of the Islamic penal code.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the deputy prime minister and also the Umno deputy president had said his party will push for a national-level committee on hudud, with local and foreign experts on the Islamic penal code to be on the panel.

- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/hudud-not-fair-unless-applied-to-all-says-dr-m#sthash.4wllLBOw.dpuf

The Chinese poor - Koon Yew Yin

The best thing we can do for ourselves, is to constantly seek the truth. To our children, teach and nurture them to seek knowledge throughout their lives, which will empower them to find truth.

Anyway, this article by Koon Yew Yin is worth highlighting because of the points he raised which are true. There are actually poor Chinese Malaysians. Gasp! Unbelievable? Just as there are poor Malays, poor Indians, generally poor Malaysians!

But in this country, we just love to look at everything from a racial or religious context don't we? Poverty doesn't discriminate. Many people have also highlighted the poor Indians but it is actually sad that many fellow Malaysians, especially those so-called "educated", "middle-class" ones especially who often have scant interest or worse, showed disdain.

But what if I were to highlight the poor Malaysians, the poor-class of all races, Malays, Indians, Chinese, Orang Asli, etc. The urban poor. Mind you, these are the ones whom, everyday, sees you in your luxury cars everyday, your expensive houses & your expensive clothes. things that they will never be able to afford. What do you think is their perception of you? That the world is fair?

In years to come, the gap between the rich and poor will increase. The numbers of the poor will also increase. Many from the so-called "middle class" will join the "poor class". There will ba a class struggle, but politicians will turn it into a racial or religious conflict so that they will stay in power.

Anyway, I would like to add a few comments on some points.

One of the biggest handicaps of the Chinese poor and their children is their inability to communicate effectively in other languages than their own dialects.

This is very true. Isn't it similar to what we hear about Malay youths lacking in English proficiency? I bet everyone thinks that only Malays face this problem because of the standard of our National schools. Well, it's the same in vernacular schools. The difference is, because of the worldwide Chinese diaspora, the Chinese will/can find work overseas (sometimes illegally) while the Malays here have no choice or prefer to remain in Malaysia. It's cultural also I suppose, because Indonesians (belonging to the same Malay stock) are more adventurous and industrious hence venturing out to all corners of the world to make a living. Although we always read about negative reports of Indonesian maids or construction workers overseas, I've always admired their courage to work in a foreign land. It is something that the Chinese have in common with Indonesians.

The Chinese poor are almost completely excluded from all government schemes providing skills training, income generation or educational and housing support. 

Actually, many Chinese come from small towns or villages or the new villages. Some were farmers, hawkers, trishaw pullers, factory workers, etc. Of course, some bigotted Malays online are just so fixated on the idea that the ancenstors of the Chinese here are all prostitutes and coolies.

The Chinese, especially the younger generation, should not resort to doing the same and mock the ancestors of the Malays nor other races. We should never be ashamed of our roots, and our ancestors. We should instead be grateful and honour them for their sacrifice.

It's just too bad that the Malaysian government choose to racialise poverty. But in practise, all races do get help from the government, although there may be some racial biased.

.... they are exploited by their employers, especially in the small and medium-scale enterprises and workshops where they work in dirty jobs for little pay.

This is the reason why I am always perplexed when these Malay NGOs and politicians keep harping on the low percentage of Malays employees in the private sector, especially in these Chinese-run companies. And those ignorant Malay masses, who have never worked a day in these companies, will often parrot that point like they are being discriminated and missing out of untold riches. The fact is, most of them will leave within a year (which is considered good already if they last that long), unable to take the pressure and stress. Their first choice has always been the civil service.

.... they are exploited by money lenders who many have to turn to in view of their frequent need for cash advances to meet emergencies, etc.

A good number of them actually join the underworld or involve in illegal activities. In fact, I noticed that the numbers have not decreased and they do earn good money. Of course, they are not as visible as the Indians, who have taken over the street levels.

The Chinese community also have to deal with bad habits, such as gambling, drugs and alcoholism, which also contributes to the problems with "Alongs".

.... they are exploited by the government which fails to provide them and their children with equal opportunities and regards them as “pendatang”.

This is perhaps the reality the Chinese will have to accept if they want to live peacefully in this country. It's a fact that the civil service, for example, is heavily biased towards Malays. Well, the government have to provide jobs for the Malays. This is the easiest solution to the problem of unemployment among the Malay graduates. I don't think this policy will change anytime soon.


However, I'm quite disappointed when it comes to education because I believe everyone should be entitled to it, regardless of race. Any student who qualifies should be allowed and provided with a place to further their studies. It's a basic human rights that should not be denied. And it should be free. I would rather build one bridge less in order to build 5 more schools. And don't get me started on the quality of education...

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The less visible Chinese poor – Koon Yew Yin

April 23, 2014

Perkasa and other Malay right-wing organisations are always complaining about how the Chinese have taken over the country's economy. They use this simplistic observation to frighten Malays to unite under a “ketuanan Melayu” and “ketuanan Islam” banner against so­called Chinese domination of the economy.

But how much of truth is there in this allegation? In earlier analysis, I had pointed out that owing to the New Economic Policy (NEP), the Malays have made tremendous strides since the 1970s in the economic sphere. 

For example, they control Bank Negara and all the major banks (except for Public Bank); all the government-linked companies (GLCs); Petronas; as well as comprise the majority in the top professional and best-paying occupations in the private sector. They, in fact, control what can be called “the commanding heights” of the economy.

What about the Chinese? Firstly, we should realise that not all Chinese are successful in business. In fact, only a tiny minority of Chinese belong to the class of the super­rich or billionaires – perhaps no more than a hundred or even less throughout the country. There is a fairly large Chinese middle class though so that generally, the Chinese are on the average more well off compared to non­Chinese in terms of average household income.

But let's also not forget that income inequality is also highest among the Chinese. What this means is that much of Chinese wealth is concentrated in the hands of the Chinese super­rich and that we have a very large number of Chinese who either fall well below the urban poverty line or are only slightly above the poverty line. Unfortunately, there are few recent studies on the Chinese poor.

The government's statistical department ignores the presence of this group and the academics in the public and private universities have avoided studying them.

Although I am not an academic and have not studied the group of Chinese poor, let me share these observations accumulated through the scholarship programme that I have run for the last five years during which I have received at least one or two applications every week – mostly from the children of poor Chinese. I offer scholarships to help the poor because I was from a poor family before and I know how difficult it is to be poor.

1. The Chinese poor mainly come from Chinese school backgrounds.

2. Many are dropouts and work as unskilled or semi­skilled labour in poorly paid agricultural or urban jobs with little potential for upward mobility.

3. The Chinese poor also come from self-employed backgrounds with businesses such as hawking, food stalls, etc. unable to succeed or grow because of competition and other factors.

4. They are most vulnerable when they are unable to work due to ill health or old age as they do not have access to EPF savings or government pension safety net.

5. Because they are poor, they are unable to provide the proper environment for their children to do well in their studies. This often leads to the reproduction of poverty in the family rather than socio­economic advancement for the younger generation.

6. One of the biggest handicaps of the Chinese poor and their children is their inability to communicate effectively in other languages than their own dialects. This can be seen in the broken English or Bahasa Malaysia letters written to me.

7. The Chinese poor are almost completely excluded from all government schemes providing skills training, income generation or educational and housing support.  

The Chinese poor suffer from exploitation in several ways. Firstly, they are exploited by their employers, especially in the small and medium-scale enterprises and workshops where they work in dirty jobs for little pay.

Secondly, they are exploited by money lenders who many have to turn to in view of their frequent need for cash advances to meet emergencies, etc.

Finally they are exploited by the government which fails to provide them and their children with equal opportunities and regards them as “pendatang”.

Many of the Chinese poor have been citizens of the country for more than one generation – in some cases, several generations. They have lived and contributed their blood and sweat to the country's development far longer than many newly arrived “pendatang” from Indonesia and other Muslim countries.

Malaysia is the only homeland they know but the government continues to treat them as if they are second-class citizens. Is it surprising that they are not loyal to the MCA and the Barisan Nasional when they are treated worse than newly arrived immigrants? Is it surprising that the attitude of the Chinese poor towards the government is so different from that of the Chinese super and very rich? 

– http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/sideviews/article/the-less-visible-chinese-poor-koon-yew-yin

Chinese must not give bribes!

I know, I know... the Chinese are stereotyped as corrupted, rich, ungrateful, pendatangs, Malay-haters, etc...

And this recent article has created small ripples in cyberspace with Chinese & Malays blaming each other. The givers being Chinese obviously, blaming the receivers Malays and vice versa. So, who is right? As the saying goes, two wrongs don't make a right. or it takes two to tango. or the pot calling the kettle black. Whatever.

Having said that, before we train our guns at MACC Deputy Commissioner Datuk Sutinah Sutan, she was actually responding to the survey conducted by the Chinese themselves, the Federation of Chinese Association Malaysia (Huazong). I do find the survey half-baked, because a sampling of 216 persons is too small. And frankly, I wonder why they would conduct such a redundant survey because it's common knowledge. Perhaps that explains why the small sampling.

Anyway, I presume the survey was skewed towards the lower end of the corruption spectrum. Usually the smaller the amount, the easier it is in enforcement. However, the real action takes place at the higher spectrum, in terms of the amount involved. Like they say, follow the money... but then, that is where their jobs become hazardous to their health. hehehehe.

Anyway, since we're talking about the lower spectrum, let's dive into the facts:

1. Demographics
Chinese are the higher percentage in giving and Malays are the higher percentage in receiving because over 90% of civil servants are Malays. It's actually not true that the Chinese only likes to bribe the Malays but in reality, it's actually quite difficult to find a non-Malay to bribe in the government departments. To be clear and not turn this into a racial issue, the Chinese have absolutely no qualms in bribing any race.

2. Pragmatism
Time is money. In terms of time cost, the amount spent to "facilitate" transactions would work out to be cheaper than the DIY way. To the Chinese, it's a business transaction. The amount given would have gone through very detailed calculations, factoring in cost, benefits, risks and ROI. To the Malays, it's helping out the Chinese and the money received is just an act of appreciation. You help me, I help you...

3. Cultural
Those receiving, who are Malays (see point number 1) are more inclined to take from the Chinese rather than from Malays. Why? Partly because the risk of being reported by a fellow Malay is exponentially higher than a Chinese. And the fact that most Malays often have relatives or friends in government service greatly increases the risk to the levels that could be detrimental to their rice-bowl. So, depending on circumstances, the Chinese actually do get better service because they are co-operative, easy-going, there's a mutual understanding and not a bloody pain in the ass... so to speak.

4. Tolerance
The Chinese do indeed have a higher tolerance towards corruption. In fact, it is ingrained in the psyche of the community whenever they have to deal with government departments. Partly due to government bureaucracy (refer to point number 2), and partly due to their lack of proficiency in Bahasa Melayu. The fact that most of the government forms do not have Mandarin translations have left them with no other choice but to partake in acts of bribery. Even for those who understands BM have a hard time comprehending the meaning of simple words, for instance, "keturunan" which means ethnicity, and insists on creating their own ethnicity such as "Anak Malaysia" which translate to "Child of Malaysia".

Anyway, seriously, in the lower spectrum, the Malay community are indeed less tolerant in corruption than Chinese. The Malays have the view that the government servants (being also Malay) should do what they are paid to do. It's their job. The Malays don't have the culture of giving bribes when dealing with government officials. But to the Chinese, it has become the norm.

In the context of the survey findings, Datuk Sutinah Sutan is correct. The Chinese do have to do their part if we are serious in fighting corruption.

Having said that, if the MACC is really, really serious in it's job, they must first and foremost eradicate the syndicates prevalent in some of the government agencies. These syndicates are so ingrained in the system that it is impossible for the public to bypass them. If they can achieve that, it would be a major milestone for the country.

I hope MACC's new year resolution involves less talking, more working.

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Tolerance of corruption can ruin the country

Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE
Sin Chew Daily

Datuk Sutinah Sutan

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 12 (Sin Chew Daily) – MACC deputy commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Sutinah Sutan reminds the Chinese community that the corruption tolerance mentality must be changed as in addition to opening the door for corruption, it will also breed corruption culture and bring endless harm to individuals, the society, as well as the country.

She said during an interview with Sin Chew Daily in response to a recent survey of 216 Chinese Malaysians aged between 16 and 45 by Federation of Chinese Association Malaysia (Huazong) Youth's Crime and Corruption Prevention.

The survey revealed that 78% of respondents said that accepting treats from contractors is reasonable, while 63% accept kickbacks and 58% accept buying "drinks" for enforcement officers to expedite the processing of documents.

Sutinah said that some Chinese might not understand the operation of government departments and since they are impatient and hope to get things done faster, they take a shortcut and bribe government officials.

She also pointed out that the lack of transparency in government departments' operation and administration might also have contributed to the practice of receiving table-money among government officials.

"When some people proceed to government departments for official business like applying for a business licence, he might not clear about the application process, such as what forms to fill in and which counter he should proceed to. Therefore, to save time and avoid troubles, some people might consider bribing the officials to expedite the procession of their applications," she said.

She said that the government is aware that the lack of transparency and low efficiency will lead to corruption and abuse of power. Therefore, the government has started to put up departmental organisation charts and responsibilities of various government agencies to facilitate the public.

"Some hospitals also show organisation charts and if members of the public are not satisfied with the service attitude of doctors or nurses, they will know to whom they can make a complaint," she added.

Sutinah also pointed out that government departments have gradually transformed into high-tech electronics operations to reduce red tape and simplify application procedures, to enhance transparency and services. For instance, it took three months to get an international passport in the past but it takes only 24 hours or one hour for renewal today.

Malaysia mundur kerana Melayu?

Is Malaysia backward (in terms of development) because of the Malays? Or more accurately, I think, is whether Malaysia would have made better progress if not for the Malays.

Frankly, I have no doubt Malaysia would be head & shoulders ahead of many of her neighbours in terms of development & economy if we did not have affirmative policies (which by the way, I think is necessary). Having said that, I think Malaysia could have also progressed much further if the Malays who received the assistance & support all these years had not squandered & abused it.

As I've written before, the economic cake is not expanding. There's not enough to go around anymore. How long more do you think the government can afford to keep dishing out billions? But most importantly is, where will the billions come from?

Let me put it in another way. The economy & the government's income has to exceed the rate of the population growth to be sustainable. But evidently, this is not happening in Malaysia. So, the government cuts benefits, subsidies & increase taxes, like what is done in other countries.

If the Malays themselves, who will form more than 80% of the population in the near future, do not grow the economy, there won't be enough to go around. If the Malays insists on depending on the government, they would also need to accept the reality that it would be at the expense of slower  economic & development growth.

SMEs have an important role in our economy. In recent years, we have witness these businesses fighting to survive, some venturing overseas due to the stagnant economy. If the economy does not grow and conditions become unfavourable, these businesses will either have to relocate to other countries, scale down or shut down. Based on some estimates, the participation among Chinese & Malays is almost 50:50. If the Malays were to grow, it'll be either through economic growth, or else, it would be at the expense of the Chinese. Guess which would be the most likely to happen.

According to the SME Annual Report 2012, small and medium enterprises represent 98.5% of the approximately 78,000 companies in Malaysia, with the remaining 1.5% made up of multinational and public-listed companies.

In many developed nations, SMEs are thought to contribute between 40% and 60% to gross domestic product and 60% and 70% of the employment, but the SME sector in Malaysia has not reached the mark yet.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin recently said, “SMEs in Malaysia contribute 31% to the GDP and 59% to employment. The SME sector has a lot of catching up to do as we work towards achieving developed nation status by 2020”.

(SOURCE)

Anyway, recent social & political developments have been an eye-opener for Malaysians. For the Chinese, they have come to realise that their place in this country is not as secure and safe as they thought. They have to overcome increasing obstacles in early life (education) and glass-ceilings in later life (career). Because inherently, they will never be able to fulfill the conditions imposed in order to assimilate with the Malays, which by constitutional definition must to be Muslims, observe Malay customs & traditions, and speak the Malay language as a first language. And with that, the Chinese will never be accepted as equal, just as the Chinese in Indonesia and Brunei.

Some are fighting to preserve their place & rights, and indeed they are most vocal. On the other hand, a good number of pragmatic ones have come to terms with reality, and have quietly decided that their future lies elsewhere and will try their best to give their future generations the opportunity that they and the generations before them didn't have. And to be prepared for any eventuality... Such is the fate of the Chinese diaspora... Perhaps it's time to move on... Wherever you are, just remember this:

"Observe developments soberly, maintain our position, meet the challenge calmly, hide our capacities and bide our time, remain free of ambitions, never claim leadership and avoid confrontation."

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Malaysia mundur kerana Melayu?

Dalam  buku “The Malay Dilemma”, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad menulis, jika kaum Cina dibiarkan bersendirian berniaga dan mengurus ekonomi negara mereka akan menjadikan Malaysia sebuah negara  maju.

Tetapi apakah Melayu hanya jadi pemerhati, kekal miskin tetapi berbangga kerana negara maju di bawah orang-orang Cina?

Atau Melayu meminta sebahagian daripada saham kekayaan negara walaupun  akan melambatkan kemajuan negara? Inilah dilema Melayu.

Imbas kembali, British perlu pekerja untuk membangunkan ekonomi dan perniagaanya di Malaya. British tidak mahu menganggu budaya dan agama orang Melayu kerana adalah dasar British, lalu membawa macsuk orang-orang Cina untuk bekerja dilombong bijeh, pekerja dan berniaga. Kaum India juga dibawa masuk sebagai  pekerja ladang dan buruh kasar.

Jika tidak berlaku krisis ekonomi dunia pada tahun 1930an,  yang menjadi punca British menghentikan pengambilan pekerja imigran,  besar kemungkinan jumlah Cina dan India mengatasi jumlah orang Melayu hari ini

Sedikit jumlah orang Melayu bekerja dengan British, terdiri dari kalangan anak-anak raja dan golongan bangsawan Melayu sebagai pembantu kepada pegawai-pegawai British atau sebagai kerani di pejabat.

Majoriti orang Melayu  selesa dengan sektor tradisional menjadi petani dan nelayan.

Setelah Malaya merdeka dan bangsa Melayu mengambil alih tugas British sebagai pentadbir, bidang ekonomi dan perniagaan seperti perusahaan makanan, pembinaan, perlombongan, getah, pemborong dan peruncit telah dan terus dikuasai orang-orang Cina yang kebanyakannya  menetap di kawasan bandar, pekan dan pelabuhan.

Di mana silap?

Penganalisis ekonomi berpendapat, dengan jumlah orang Cina yang telah menceburi bidang perniagaan dengan faktor kerajinan dan kegigihan mereka di samping kekayaan sumber asli negara sepatutnya telah menjadi negara termaju dan terkaya di Asia Timur.

Tetapi ia tidak berlaku. Di mana silapnya?

Ramai cendekiawan dan usahawan Cina percaya jika Dasar Ekonomi Baru (DEB) tidak perkenalkan pada tahun 1972,  Malaysia telah maju setanding dengan Singapura dan Korea Selatan. Setidak-tidaknya  status ekonomi negara lebih baik daripada Taiwan,  sebuah negara berteknologi tinggi yang sedang meningkat.

Korea Selatan adalah antara negara termiskin di dunia selepas perang dengan Jepun. Ekonominya bergantung pada pertanian semata-mata.

Korea Selatan  kerap diancam serangan dari Korea Utara. Taiwan cuma sebuah pulau yang dituntut negara China.

Seperti Korea Selatan, selain tiada sumber alam,  Taiwan kerap diancam serangan negara Komunis China yang sehingga hari ini tidak mengiktiraf kewujudannya.

Pada tahun 70an, Singapura, Korea Selatan dan Taiwan lebih miskin dari Malaysia, kerana negara-negara itu tiada sumber asli untuk di ekspot.

Tetapi pada hari ini pendapatan perkapita Korea Selatan empat kali ganda lebih tinggi dari pendapatan perkapita rakyat Malaysia. Manakala pendapatan rakyat Singapura adalah yang kelima tertinggi di dunia. Di
mana silapnya?

Melayu gagalkan DEB

Dr  Mahathir berhujah, DEB gagal kerana Melayu yang gagalkan, bukan kerajaan yang gagal. Bangsa Melayu yang menggagalkan usaha kerajaan untuk membangunkan bangsa Melayu itu sendiri.

Berbilion ringgit dana kerajaan di suntik untuk membesarkan kek ekonomi tetapi dibazirkan tanpa mencapai matlamat DEB.

Melayu kata Dr  Mahathir masih amalkan  budaya turun temurun. Tidak berusaha bersungguh-sungguh.  Terus mengharap kerajaan memberi  tongkat. Tanpa tongkat Melayu tidak mampu bersaing dalam perniagaan dan perusahaan.

Walaupun tidak pernah berkata bangsa Melayu jadi penghalang kepada kemajuan ekonomi negara tetapi Dr Mahathir  pernah keluarkan ayat  “Melayu haprak!”

Dr  Mahathir berhujah DEB gagal kerana orang Melayu. Manakala para cendekiawan dan pengusaha Cina berhujah, Malaysia gagal mencapai taraf negara maju kerana orang Melayu dan pentadbir Melayu  penghalang sebenarnya.

Menurut Prof Ye Lin-Sheng, seorang professor Universiti Singapura,  dalam bukunya “The Chinese Dilemma”, bila DEB dilancarkan, rata-rata pengusaha dan peniaga Cina tidak yakin orang Melayu boleh maju dalam perniagaan.

“Ianya berkenaan dengan budaya dan sikap orang Melayu yang suka “berbelanja sebelum menuai hasil”.

Katanya, fenomena yang berlaku selepas DEB, peniaga Cina bukan sahaja menghadapi tekanan untuk memberi ruang kepada peniaga  Melayu, tetapi juga daripada orang-orang politik yang terlalu berkuasa sehingga membelakangkan peraturan dan undang-undang dalam memberi kelulusan menjalankan perniagaan.

“The rules became less precise because race had entered the picture” (Page 11, The Chinese Dilemma)

Peniaga Cina terpaksa mengorban sebahagian keuntungan yang boleh dilabur untuk membesarkan perusahaan untuk membayar orang-orang politik dalam bentuk komisen, kickbacks dan sebagainya.

Mereka terlalu tamak

Ayat biasa peniaga-peniaga Cina terhadap rakan kongsi Melayu ialah, “Mereka terlalu tamak” tetapi “mereka tidak bersedia untuk membuat kerja”.

Mereka tahu, rakan kongsi Melayu atau peniaga-peniaga Melayu yang diberi saham dalam syarikat mereka bukan peniaga sebenar tetapi sekadar  wakil atau proksi orang-orang politik yang berkuasa memberi lesen perniagaan dan kontrak kepada syarikat.

Dr  Mahathir menulis dalam bukunya, pembangunan dan pertumbuhan ekonomi negara akan perlahan jika Melayu diberi saham dalam perniagaan dan perusahaan ternyata jadi kenyataan.

Sasaran 30% saham bumiputera dalam perniagaan dan perusahaan gagal dicapai. Insiden kemiskinan terus membebani bangsa Melayu dan bumiputera. Akhirnya Melayu gagal dan ekonomi negara juga gagal!

Sungguhpun sudah 40 tahun DEB berlalu, sikap dan budaya orang Melayu masih tidak berubah. Bangsa Melayu masih  asyik dengan isu-isu yang berkaitan dengan kuasa politik. Isu-isu berkaitan dengan bangsa dan agama.

Matlamat menjadi negara maju tahun 2020 masih samar-samar. Malaysia berdepan dengan pelbagai masalah yang berkaitan dengan soal pengurusan ekonomi.

Kedudukan politik yang tidak stabil berikutan berikutan kehilangan majoriti dua pertiga dalam parlimen, menyukarkan lagi parti  pemerintah membuat dasar-dasar yang boleh mendapat sokongan rakyat.

Persengkitaan kaum dan agama  berlaku secara terang-terang melalui insiden-insiden seperti isu kalimah Allah, rampas Bible dan banyak lagi yang menggambar ketidapuasan hati orang Melayu terhadap kaum Cina yang jelas memberi sokongan kepada parti pembangkang dalam dua pilihan raya umum berturut-turut.

Apakah ada kemungkinannya,  bangsa Melayu mengambil keputusan “berkerat rotan, berpatah arang” dengan kaum Cina. Mengorbankan soal pembangunan ekonomi demi mempertahan politik ketuanan Melayu mereka. - SOURCE

Syed Ali to Wee: Don’t try to be a champion

PETALING JAYA: Former MCA Youth leader Wee Ka Siong was ‘advised’ by Umno Cheras division chief Syed Ali Alhabshee over the former’s remarks made at the MCA Youth annual general assembly yesterday.

“Having been a deputy minister, he should know better that whatever he’s not happy about can be brought up during Barisan Nasional (BN) meetings.

“Don’t try to be a champion. He’s trying to show that he’s championing the Chinese. However, he’s saying it for his self-interest without thinking about the people,” Syed Ali told FMT....

.... “Umno is a fair party. Although we are a Malay party, we have never neglected the Chinese,” he said.

Syed Ali said it was instead MCA’s responsibility to explain matters to the Chinese community.

“We know how most of the BN component parties did not do well in the last general election. But they must find ways to tackle the people,” he said..... etc... etc...

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“We know how most of the BN component parties did not do well in the last general election. But they must find ways to tackle the people,” he said.

You know, looking at both UMNO & MCA these days, I wonder how long BN would last. Many, especially those hardcore Malay UMNO supporters failed to comprehend that they are part of the contributing factors towards the near demise of UMNO's partners. Gerakan, MIC, and now MCA. It's a matter of time before the others would be forced to take the same path.

1. Do you honestly think that these component parties just lost support out of the blue? Their non-Malay electorates had it up to their eyeballs with the constant threats and insults to their community! The truth is, they lost faith in you guys!

2. Although MCA is a mess to begin with, it is also unfair to put the blame squarely on them. It takes both hands to clap. Do you mean Gerakan, after donkey years ruling Penang, lost everything just like that?

3. Politicians...and I mean both BN & PR, please don't patronise the public. Don't talk as though the people are idiots, although many are indeed borderline. For the other thinking ones, it's just insulting.

4. Wee Ka Siong is plainly playing to the gallery. There is a Chinese saying, "Do not wear a hat that is bigger than your head".

5. With leaders such as these two in BN, the circus is complete.

6. Since UMNO can win on their own, please do the Chinese a favour... stop the charade of "winning" back the Chinese votes with your silly antics. If this is all you guys are capable of, at least spare a thought and save your time, and let the Chinese keep whatever little dignity they still have.

Enough of the empty rhetorics and sideshows already. The Chinese are not stupid, so stop all these condescending acts.  It's the Malays you should be more concerned about... They are the ones who will determine the fate of BN.

Focus instead on the economy and Chinese schools. The Chinese schools are in a mess. Funds are short and not used efficiently. The poor quality of teachers and the ever changing system & syllabus causes much hardship to the students and parents. Parents are very, very unhappy!

Our education system is failing!

MCA - The knives are out!

Dr Chua Soi Lek - pix source

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 — The storm in a teacup that is MCA’s dismissal of veteran politician Datuk Lee Hwa Beng is an indictment of how little its affairs still mattered to those outside the party, according to two political analysts. Saying the ripples of the unexpected intrigue will not resonate beyond the walls of Wisma MCA, they brushed off the move as just another by president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek to consolidate his power in a party struggling to reconnect with the Chinese community it professes to represent. “It has come to a point where we are just looking at how low MCA can go... a political party that does not win elections is not a political party,” political analyst Khoo Kay Peng told The Malay Mail Online when contacted. .....

... Lee has set tongues wagging since Thursday, after he posted a series of tweets claiming that he was sacked from the party for apparently inviting DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang to the launch of his book, “PKFZ: A Nation’s Trust Betrayed”, last year. Lee, once Port Klang Authority (PKA) chairman, later alleged that his sacking was aimed at stopping an “Anything but Chua Soi Lek”, or ABC, movement that he professed to have started in a few states. The boot also came just a week after Lee was elected as a central delegate for MCA’s Kelana Jaya division. ...

.... Chin was equally dismissive of the consequence Lee’s expulsion would have on the party, noting that he was not a party warlord, a power broker in the party or a leader with a strong support base. ....

.... “Chua Soi Lek is in control. There is no suggestion that he is not in control at the moment. No other leader is able to challenge his control of the party and they have not pulled themselves together.” Khoo noted that the EGM was a calculated move by Dr Chua, since little support among party delegates was going Liow’s way ― even key leaders formerly in ex-president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat’s camp were now seen as aligned to Dr Chua, despite the two’s bitter rivalry over the presidency previously. “We don’t see many lining up behind Liow and some key people who were with the Ong Tee Keat camp are now aligned to Chua... he is a very smart politician,” Khoo said, referring to Dr Chua. ....

- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/lees-sacking-just-another-hole-in-sinking-mca-ship-analysts-say#sthash.FnJF6Kam.dpuf

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Lee Hwa Beng - pix source

Looks like the campaign ( “Anything but Chua Soi Lek”, or ABC) against Dr Chua has claimed it's first victim, Lee Hwa Beng (ex-State Assemblyman for Subang Jaya). MCA just loves to fight don't they. It must be a Chinese cultural thing. Fight, fight, fight.

Anyway, Lee Hwa Beng will not be missed. Especially not in Subang Jaya where they have found a new Christian leader who trounced Gan Meng Foo of MCA last election & Lee Hwa Beng before that. When a 3-term state assemblyman (Lee) can be defeated by a first-timer with no experience, what does that say about the incumbent & his party?

If the reports are correct, that Chua Soi Lek indeed commands the the majority of grassroot support, then I don't see any reason to force him to resign. They have got to stop mucking around with the grassroots. If this ends up with another "peace plan" arrangement like the the previous ones, they might as well dig in at MCA's assets and call it a day.

And the Chinese can go suck on an egg, figuratively speaking of course :)

Vernacular Schools = Polarisation?

 

A bigot's views.

It seems that a certain group of misguided people have found a new passion in life, which is whacking vernacular education. They are obsessed with Chinese & Tamil Schools. You can sense their deep hatred with anything that does not conform to their narrow mindset. And one such person goes by the name of Narinder Singh, who works for FMT.

What's with these people and their fixation with vernacular schools anyway? They think they know better that the communities themselves? Do they think those parents who put their kids through vernacular education are stupid? Do these bigots  think that they are perfect role model citizens?

These people are perfect examples of bigots. And they are really starting to get on my nerves...

Below are excerpts from Narinder's article, blaming vernacular schools for, what else, the racial polarisation in Malaysia. Actually he whines and complains about pretty much everything, but hardly offers any solutions.

Race-based education policy and polarisation

by Narinder Singh
Full article here.

The fragmented education system has indeed “polarised” the minds of the different communities.

.... Racial schooling

"It is baffling that despite vernacular schools insisting that they adhere to national policies in delivering the education system, then why the need for such schools which revolve around a particular mother tongue?"....

If the writer is even "baffled" by the existence of vernacular schools, why on earth is the writer even writing about something he has zero understanding of? Did he ask his Chinese or Tamil friends? If he has any to begin with...

....It is time to abolish vernacular schools. Historically, they came into play as a by-product of settlements during the British Occupation. We stubbornly held on to it and what we have today is an in-direct culmination of racial sentiments in these establishments. Deny as much as we want, but the fact remains that when one is put thorough a homogeneous system, the outcome can only be biased and it is due to conditioning.

The same can be said for the his biased and ill-informed views. Don't you just love it when these people selectively quote history to justify their points? The British left behind more than just vernacular education. ..

Imagine a six-year-old being nourished for the next six to 11 years in a system where only one majority race exist. What do you expect if “racially inclined” thought process does not breed in the mind?

It is proven that the early formative years of education is the most vital and critical in carving the minds for future behaviour. In the same tone, why the issue of racial polarisation being heavily politicised by the opposition and even the government alike? ....

It is true that the formative years are important for a child. That is precisely the reason parents send them to vernacular schools at that age. The writer tries to be politically-correct by using "racially inclined" thought process, but it just highlights his hypocrisy. Just say what you mean, "racists". 

A racist will be a racist in any environment.

The fragmented education system has indeed “polarised” the minds of the different communities. This is the root problem in our society today. Every stakeholder shoves the blame on another for the racial discontent that we experience today. Nevertheless, they are nothing short of being hypocrites.

Take the bull by its horns if they indeed dare to look into the truth. The irony is at every change of guard at the education ministry, the game plan takes a twist.

Pot calling the kettle black. The root problem is people like you Narinder. People who cannot accept different cultures, races, languages. The real bigots are people like you, who tries so hard to hide these facts, and refuses to see the truth. They want everyone to live and believe in their make-believe world. They are living a lie.

...Racially-oriented education will only blossom into race-based polemics in all levels of our society. Almost every issue nauseously has been skewed on the lines of race. ...

What the heck is "racially-oriented education"??? You mean they actually teach kids to be racists in school??? There you go... the real reason for his discontent. Race again. And it is so convenient to blame vernacular schools because kids are easy targets. The writer doesn't even have the guts to be honest. You have a huge problem with race. That is your problem. Don't blame others, ok?

....Visit any tertiary education or even primary schools; you see groups of students socialising only with their own ethnic group. Having gone through the system, racial polarisation is indeed magnified multiple folds at tertiary level. We have race-based student societies, activities and even formal social gatherings.....

Again, blaming students, the helpless... why can't he just be honest. I suspect he doesn't go out much... My advice to him; come out of your cave once in a while, and take a stroll in the real world, go to the nearest restaurants for example, what do you see? Adults mingling with their own race. What about during festivals? People of the same race again! He would certainly find it a very disturbing sight. I'm sure after that he will be running back to his cave...

....We need a gigantic, herculean scale revamp of the education system. Racial polarisation will resolve only when we have a “Malaysian Education” and not race-based especially in the formative years of the young. It may take another generation when a citizen of this country identifies himself as a “true Malaysian.”

A dish goes wrong when either its ingredients are incorrect or you have a half-past-six cook or both. In our education system, we have the perfect blend of both being lousy.....

You know what they say about empty vessels. His obsession with the Malaysian identity shows that he doesn't relate to his own culture and identity. Hence his crisis.

At the end of his tirade, he has failed to even mention the core issue with education, which is the quality and standard. All he can see is just race, race, race... Race is his real issue. Vernacular education is his excuse.

My observation has shown me that when someone tries too hard to show they are not racists and bigots, they usually are. If you are not, you will not have any issues with other races, cultures or language to begin with. You will be quite comfortable with who you are, and who the other person is.  

Kids don't form prejudices in their formative years in schools. At that age, it can only happen at home. 

It is formed in their later years, teens and adulthood, when they face the realities of life.

In life, polarisation exists everywhere. You will meet bigots or racists from every race. It doesn't mean that you have to carry racial stereotyping through life.

This Narinder Singh comes across as a very confused person, perhaps even someone with an identity crisis. And there are many of his kind running loose in this country who considers themselves as "true Malaysians". True nut-cases would be more accurate.

Chinese Malaysian Talents

Enjoy! Some of my favourites....











Here's a list them:

• Ah Niu (Tan Kheng Seong, 阿牛/陈庆祥) - singer
• Eric Moo (巫启贤) - Taiwan-based singer]
• Penny Tai (戴佩妮) - singer-songwriter who won the best composer in the 17th Golden Melody Awards
• Fish Leong (梁静茹) - Taiwan-based singer
• Victor Wong (黄品冠) - singer-composer
• Michael Wong (王光良) - singer
• Nicholas Teo (张栋梁) - singer
• Z Chen (张智成) - singer
• Gary Cao (曹格) - singer-composer
• Rynn Lim Yu Zhong 林宇中- singer
• Danell Lee Chieh Hun (李桀汉) - singer who won the second season of Malaysian Idol
• Karen Kong (龚建诗) - singer from Labuan island, East Malaysia. She performs in Malay, which is quite unique for a Malaysian Chinese singer.
• Lin Jian Hui (林健辉) - singer
• Quincy Tan (陈仁丰) - singer-songwriter
• Reno (蕾诺) - Female singer-songwriter who won The Best Chinese Act in Malaysia VIMA2010(Voice Independents Music Award)
• Liang (Tan Chung Liang) - singer from Klang. Performs songs in English and Malay.
• Che'Nelle also Cheryline Lim - Popular international pop singer
• Namewee (Wee Meng Chee) - Singer-composer who evoked controversy due to his music video Negarakuku
• Vince Chong - Singer
• Vivian Chua Yi Wen - Singer
• Gin Lee - Hong Kong-based singer

- Source

The Chinese Dilemma

The Chinese dilemma

By Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad

’KONGSI’ CONCEPT: Each side has to sacrifice something so that the other can gain something

IN response to the emergence of a Malay political party,  Umno and its success in rejecting the British inspired Malayan Union, the Chinese community of the 1940s saw the need for a political party of their own to present their views to the British government.

Thus was the MCA conceived and born, led by Malacca's Sir Cheng-Lock Tan. Although it was intended to counter the influence of Umno and protect the interests of the Chinese community, events changed the strategy and role of the MCA.

In 1952 the Kuala Lumpur Umno leaders and the Kuala Lumpur MCA branch leaders decided that in the Kuala Lumpur municipal elections, they should not contest against each other, but instead should support each other's candidates in their respective constituencies.

The results startled them as they defeated almost all the non-racial parties. Realising the political advantage of cooperating with each other the Tunku (Abdul Rahman) and Sir Cheng-Lock Tan, and senior leaders of the MCA and Umno decided to formalise their cooperation by setting up the Alliance, a coalition of MCA and Umno.

The basis of this coalition was the idea of supporting each other and sharing the power gained. Buoyed by the success of the Alliance party in the 1955 elections, in which the MIC had joined, the Tunku looked more kindly at the proposal of Sir Cheng-Lock that citizenship should be based on jus soli (citizenship by being born in the country) and not jus saguinis (citizenship based on the Malaysian citizenship of the father or mother, i.e. citizenship based on blood relation).

The Tunku did not quite agree but he nevertheless decided to give one million citizenships to unqualified Chinese and Indians.

With that the confrontation between the Chinese and the Malays changed into positive cooperation.

It was a classic kongsi that was set up. The essence is an undertaking to share. Sharing involves a give and take arrangement, in which each side has to sacrifice something so that the other can gain something.

As the Malays made up the majority of the citizens they naturally led the Alliance. But the Chinese and Indians were not without adequate power. In any case Malay political power would be mitigated by Chinese and Indians' voting and economic power.

The Tunku saw immediate benefit from the "kongsi" as he believed Malays only wanted to be government employees and the Chinese wanted to be in business. There would be no conflict or tussle between them.

The Indians would fill up the professional posts. He did not foresee the days when government could not create enough jobs for the greatly increased number of Malays.

The kongsi Alliance worked well. But in 1963 Singapore joined Malaysia.

 Immediately the PAP tried to gain Chinese support by condemning the Alliance kongsi for being disadvantageous to the Chinese.  Malaysians, said the PAP, were not equal.  There should be a Malaysian Malaysia where all the benefits should be based on merit alone, with the best taking everything, irrespective of race.

Without saying so in so many words the PAP was inferring that the Malays did not deserve their positions. The best people should rule the country. In the eyes of the PAP, Singapore was ruled by the best qualified people. That they happen to be almost all Chinese is incidental.

In the 1964 elections the MCA and Malaysian Chinese generally valued their cooperation with the Malays. They rejected the PAP and its chauvinistic appeal, giving it only one seat.

The Tunku realised what the PAP was up to and decided that Singapore should not be a part of Malaysia. But the PAP was not done. The remnant of the party in Malaysia set up the DAP to carry on the Malaysian Malaysia meritocratic formula for undermining Chinese support for the MCA.

Harping continuously on the so-called Malay privileges and the unfairness to the Chinese, the DAP slowly eroded the idea of kongsi in the multi-racial coalition of the Barisan Nasional.

Despite the fact that the Barisan Nasional supported Chinese education and the use of the Chinese language, the DAP convinced many Chinese that the Chinese, their culture and language are not given proper treatment by the Barisan Nasional coalition.

The MCA was attacked for not doing enough for the Chinese.

In my opinion, there are politicians, and there are statesmen.

Many are quick to jump on this article, branding it as racist, pitting the Chinese against Malays. But if we read it in the proper context, what it says is quite true. Sometimes, we must be willing to see things as they are, no matter how hard it is to accept.

The Chinese, would instinctively be on the defensive. Especially DAP leaders, such as Lim Kit Siang, because of what Dr. M wrote about the DAP. While I respect the elder leaders, such as LKS & Karpal's unwavering determination on certain issues in the past and standing up for his principles, I disagree with his views on this.

 Excerpt from LKS's blog:

Malaysia does not have a Chinese dilemma but a Mahathir dilemma

The author of “The Malay Dilemma” has tried to coin a new complex, “The Chinese Dilemma” which he defined as “whether the Chinese in Malaysia should make a grab for political power while dominating economic power or to adhere to the principle of sharing which has made this country what it is today”.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad is making history in coining a complex which exists only in his febrile imagination, as it does not afflict any single Chinese in Malaysia – whether in Pakatan Rakyat or Barisan Nasional!

I will like to know whether there is any Chinese in Malaysia who will stand up and state that Mahathir is right that there is such a “Chinese dilemma” in Malaysia!

So, here I am... standing up. The truth is there is indeed a Chinese Dilemma. More like a crisis the way I see it. While politicians like to tell the people to think about the country, the same applies to the politicians as well. Pitting different communities against each other is just evil.

If you must defend your party, by all means do so. But do not use the Chinese as an excuse or justification. The Chinese community is not DAP.

Anyway, as I've written many times before, politicians will always be politicians. Their view on issues will always be from a political perspective. Whereas the people view it from a social perspective.

The way I understand it, the article is not even disparaging or insulting the Chinese. Blaming DAP, yes. The Chinese? No. Instead, I find the message truthful. A reminder.

He was actually referring to MCA.  Comparing MCA with DAP.

His core message is for the MCA, on whether MCA will do what is right for the Chinese community, and Malaysia in general. Or has MCA forgotten it's roots. And also to the Chinese readers, on what their priorities are, and whether they still trust MCA. Or have they forgotten.

Education has always been the top priority for the community. Economy, second. Have the Chinese forgotten that? or were they distracted by the other issues concerning the economy, corruption, freedom of speech, etc that they have failed to realise it?

The danger of being blindly led by politicians is that the people will give what the politicians want, power, but gain nothing for themselves.

The Malays, especially the UMNO supporters, do not see the real Chinese dilemma. The fact is, every community has it's own problems and issues. Politicians will exploit these issues for their own benefit. The Malays see it as political. Actually, it's social.

The Malays (in general) see the Chinese as chauvinists hating Malays, grabbing power, unpatriotic, etc. 

The Chinese (in general) see the Malay government as oppressors, systematically pushing the Chinese from this country.

There a reason for this perception. When the Chinese 'make noise', it is viewed as the voice of the community as a whole. When Malays do the same, it is usually viewed as the voice of UMNO or the government itself. That is because the government and by extension it's agencies, are predominantly Malay.

For example, watch this video which was taken recently, purportedly happened in Puchong involving traders & MPSJ.



The Chinese view this as bullying and discrimination by Malay authorities. The Malay community would see this as Chinese bullying the Malay authorities, who were only doing their job. See?

If we view this without racial glasses or prejudice, it is actually enforcement against unlicensed traders. I think it is part of the enforcement carried out recently: 

MPSJ cracks down on illegal traders

Council raids Selangor Wholesale Market in Seri Kembangan after receiving complaints from public and licensed traders there

Jun 29, 2013

SUBANG JAYA: THE Subang Jaya Municipal Council recently seized the merchandise and equipment  of a trader who was found to be carrying out business illegally at the Selangor Wholesale market in Seri Kembangan.

In the at 9am operations on Wednesday, seven compounds were also issued against several others under the Petty Traders Bylaw 2007 for trading without a licence.

Read more: MPSJ cracks down on illegal traders - Central - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/mpsj-cracks-down-on-illegal-traders-1.309410#ixzz2bBN6u7M8

Perception.

1. Malay dominance in government. If those enforcement officers comprised of various races, it will not be viewed with racial prejudice. Same with the recent school controversies. Same with other government agencies. The incident below happened in Danau Kota, Setapak...



2. The second video above, disproves the earlier racial bias... Petty traders, especially illegal ones have always been a problem. But some are sympathetic towards these traders. Illegal traders comprises of various races, and everyone are not spared. Yes, it looks cruel to confiscate their goods. So I think enforcement sometimes must not be so heavy-handed. Maybe issue fines instead. Confiscating their goods is taking away their capital. Some borrowed money to guy their goods. But then, if allowed unchecked, then nobody would want to apply for trading licenses anymore. Moderation is the key.

All of us are familiar with those illegal VCD sellers, and the periodic enforcements, which can turn violent at times. Those involve the secret societies, which is actually a social concern for the Chinese community. Scores of young Chinese are lured into it every year.

3. More importantly, and most disturbing, is the behaviour of the affected young Chinese guy in the first video, presumably a trader. His actions speak for itself. Violent. Hurting himself, to frame the officers.

Watching that first video, the Malays will feel angry towards the Chinese. The Chinese will feel the same towards the Malays.

I only feel sadness.

Is this what the Chinese want for their community? Their youths behaving like this? Which part is culture? Which part are values? Which part is Chinese?

The Radicalisation of Chinese Malaysians

It's been a busy week.

As things become clearer, I've been contemplating this issue lately. I've noticed, through the years, the Chinese are becoming more politically aware and vocal, especially the younger generation. The question is, was it's a natural progression or was it by design?

I suppose it can be considered a good thing, that today's youth are more aware of issues. It's partly due to the internet. Information flows freely and travels in lightning speed. Gone are the days when governments can do things covertly or cover up certain issues. It is also a two-edged sword. It's often not easy to sort out the truth from untruths. Today, because of the declining credibility of MSM, people have resorted to get information from online sources.

The Chinese, especially the younger generation of today, are more outspoken than their elders. And they are also more impressionable, which makes them easily influenced by trends, as well as propaganda. The internet, through social media, forums, etc, plays a big role.

I'm not saying the others are not being radicalised. I think this phenomenon is happening all over the world. The whole world is so connected today, that events that take place in other countries can and do, influence other countries. Malaysians are not spared.

When the Occupy movement happened in the US, Malaysians followed suit. Then, there was the Arab Spring, and Malaysians are taken it by it as well. It is like a trend. But some times, we can't just adopt a movement without considering the context. For example Arab Spring. Do we want or need that in Malaysia? What was the original context in Egypt, which spawned Arab Spring in 2010?

Back to the Chinese Malaysians.

They remained quite docile from the 80s till the late 90s. Perhaps they were busy making money. But since 2004, during Pak Lah's tenure, things began to change. Online news portals mushroomed. Facebook was popular. Then there was a campaign against Pak Lah, and it was fought online. Bloggers, especially political ones, were very active and organised. The most popular was Raja Petra's Malaysia Today, which published many inside stories about BN and the government.

Political parties & politicians & mercenary (paid) bloggers

Non are more aggressive and took greater advantage, than the politicians and their hired minions. The event that managed to lure the Chinese out were the Bersih rallies. Taking part in rallies, which by tradition were mostly a Malay affair, has never appealed to the Chinese. The Chinese were always wary of street rallies or protests especially those which are political in nature. But slowly, but surely, with assurances and cajoling from these blogs and civil society leaders, they joined the crowd. The Indians, too, were not spared. They too were drawn out through the Hindraf rallies.

circa 1998: Hmmm... where are the Chinese?

Remember, in 1998, the Chinese did not participate in the Reformasi rallies. Why? Because it was an UMNO political fight between Anwar & Mahathir.

In the 1999 elections, Umno lost 50% of Malay votes. It was with the Chinese votes that BN managed to win. Did UMNO thank the Chinese then?

But when the opposite happened in 2013, when the Chinese votes went to Pakatan, the Chinese are blamed, despite BN retaining power.

On the surface, these rallies looked like the people's effort, so called 'people's power'. In my opinion, nothing like this ever happens spontaneously nor organised by normal laymen.

Ten years later... here we come!

So, the Chinese seeing the Malays and Indians coming out in numbers, were lulled into joining in. This continued until GE13 in 2013. Rallies after rallies, they came out in full force, young and old, cheered by the pro-opposition bloggers, NGOs, civil society personalities and opposition-friendly news portals. Up until the GE13 election campaigns, with each rally, their enthusiasm increased to fanatical proportions. Pakatan Rakyat did a splendid job in misleading the Chinese into thinking that their Malay countrymen were leading the 'Ubah' or change.

The Chinese need to realise that they were used, and are still being used, by both BN & PR and the NGOs like Bersih, Himpunan Hijau, paid mercenary blogs, news portals, etc. for their respective agendas.

The Chinese will always get the shorter end of the stick, politically, whether they like it or not.

I have not included any BN or UMNO in the examples below because they are already in the open. Their bloggers and NGOs, such as Perkasa are well known and visibly pro BN and Malay. They did not covertly lure the Chinese out. They very openly pushed the Chinese away, which they have been doing all these while. Everyone knows Perkasa=UMNO (a certain group within UMNO).

White ang pows for old folks. What's the message? Why do this? The the man in yellow, is Collin Tiew, an MCA branch chief. He brought the old folks there to be insulted.

However, if the pushing and whacking of the Chinese is done too long and too much for their political gains, it is going to destroy the Chinese people. There is a limit to everything. I think the damage is irreversible already. Looking at MCA & Gerakan now, it doesn't take a genius to see it. It saddens me to see even the elderly Chinese are not spared by politicians like these (both Chinese & Malay ones).

Now,  the more sinister ones are those pretenders, those with a hidden agenda, that are more dangerous. They are the ones who mislead the Chinese into supporting their often noble-sounding causes. These are the ones, that will really do the Chinese in.

How it is done? Hidden agendas. Hidden Hands.

1. One very good example is Malaysia Today. 

RPK has always been instrumental in getting the Chinese to 'rise up' against the government, to join the other races, specifically the Malays. He has made this know from the start, lamenting the fact that rallies seemed to be only attended by one race, the Malays. Whatever his intentions are, noble or otherwise, we will never know for sure. But one thing for sure, the Chinese were lured into the open, without any safety net. In any event, he and his family is safely living it up in his home country.

Before the GE13, the articles that were published then,  seemed to appeal to the Chinese readers. Some were even critical of Islam & Malays, and that gave the impression to the Chinese readers that this blog was liberal and all that. Whenever articles critical of Malays or Islam or Government appeared, the presumably Chinese readers would comment, often echoing the writer's views. Of course, the presumably Malay readers would feel offended and posted their displeasure.

Anyway, this went on for the whole of 2012. Usually, the webmaster would censor comments deemed too offensive. However, right after the GE13 polling date was announced, RPK decided to allow all comments to be published. Of course, there were a lot of comments which were not too kind to the Malays, UMNO, BN and government. RPK would put on a show, to 'warn' the commenters that the Malays would be offended and cause opposition to lose Malay votes, while at the same time still allowing these offensive comments to be published.

After the elections, as we are aware of the results that followed, it was clear that majority of Chinese votes went to Pakatan, and Malay votes swung to BN. RPK then blamed it on the presumably Chinese readers, telling them off that their offensive comments caused the lost of Malay votes. With that excuse, he has absolved himself from any blame, and for his part in misleading the Chinese.

The funny thing is, not long after that, RPK admitted that he knew all along that Pakatan would lose. That the Chinese had themselves to blame for not understanding the Malays and Islam. That vernacular education made the Chinese into chauvinists. That it is the Chinese's own doing that they are being blamed and insulted now.

His Chinese readers don't even realise when RPK openly used them, and after that, mocked and insulted them. He hates everything about the Chinese, from their language to the schools. He is a half-Malay, half-caucasian, and the Chinese think he adores them?

These Chinese Malaysians, fans of his, are still oblivious to the knife stuck into their backs. 

2. Organisations (Bersih, Himpunan Hijau, etc.)

Bersih. This has to be the mother of all cons. Before the elections, they were viewed as a neutral organisation. That was the image they cultivated anyway. It was during Bersih 3.0, that it became very apparent that they were very pro-Pakatan, specifically towards PKR.

Their role, in the deception, is to provide the impression that these Bersih rallies were indeed non-political. But it is clear today, that they just wanted to topple BN. That makes it political. Who were those that were managed to be lured into the streets? Everyone. Including the Chinese.

They managed to lure the Chinese into the streets in big numbers, which hadn't happened since 1969.

Himpunan Hijau. The protest against Lynas has been political from the start. Although I am against facilities such as Lynas, which harms the environment and people, it disgusts me to see how low politicians can go. I suppose by now, everyone is familiar with the con-job of DAP's lackey, Wong Tack. I'm still amazed at the number of votes he got in Bentong. Again, the Chinese were lured into the streets, thinking that it was for a good cause, to save the environment.

3. Politicians & their minions (news portals & such)

The truth is, politics in Malaysia was and still is, very much about race and to a certain extent religion. Which explains why these issues are always played up by politicians. It is surprising that there are people who believe those politicians who say otherwise.

Crowd during GE13 at one of DAP's 'ceramahs'

The politicians themselves, have become somewhat like celebrities, going from town to town, entertaining the crowds, collecting donations. The Chinese, already lured into the open since 2007, are again enticed to attend these ceramahs. The content are the usual fare of hate and insult towards the ruling party and government, often whipping the crowd into a frenzy.

With the help from pro Pakatan portals such as Malaysiakini, the Chinese were served their daily doses of hate, hate towards the government and BN. News highlighting the mistakes and  inefficiency of various branches of government, agencies and leaders are published daily, 24/7. The other news merely serve as fillers. Their main purpose are to disparage and discredit the country's leaders, and the government.

During rallies, they will post pictures, videos and updates in realtime for the readers, free of charge. Although it seems that it is a natural function of news portals, which is true, but the intention might not be so altruistic. It is actually a way to get more people, Chinese included, to join in.

Is it any wonder, that the Chinese, with continuous whacking from government owned mainstream media, and hate propaganda from the alternative media, that each generation is getting more radical than the previous? That they have become, to their detriment, anti-establishment by the day?

This is my worry for the Chinese Malaysians. I don't like what I see happening.

DAP -This party is led by veterans. They are an old hand at ceramahs. However, it is the younger leadership that has managed to captivate the Chinese. They knew PKR do not have enough Malay votes. They knew Pakatan won't be forming the government. They knew the Chinese would end up in the opposition in big numbers. They would do whatever it takes (even shaving their heads) to retain Penang. This is the number one party that has managed to galvanise the Chinese to be vocal towards the government, BN, UMNO, MCA, etc. They have managed to transform the unsuspecting Chinese into photocopies of Lim Kit Siang and son. Since MCA abandoned the Chinese, it didn't take much effort on the part of DAP to woo the Chinese. They were literally herded into DAP's corner. DAP, in cohorts with PKR & PAS have misled the Chinese into believing that the majority of Malays were with Pakatan, ready to change. As the results show, it was far from the truth.

MCA - No words could describe this party and their leadership, specifically their president. They literally told the Chinese to f**k-off to their face. Knowing the dynamics within BN, it is safe to assume that they did so with full knowledge and blessing from UMNO. So, in truth, it is MCA that has abandoned the Chinese. And they have the cheek to say otherwise. The sheer arrogance. Until today, the president, Chua Soi Lek, sees it fit to punish the Chinese by refusing posts and shutting down their service centres. Who in their right mind would threaten their voters to vote for their party while at the same time, chickening out from facing his opponent in Gelang Patah?

This is a good example of how politicians actually feel about their supporters. The people are just pawns to them, to be used and discarded.

So, did the Chinese have a choice in the first place?

The Chinese politicians and their cohorts know very well that all this will cause insecurity among the Malays. The Malay politicians also know very well that the constant sabre rattling against the Chinese will also do the same to the Chinese. But they still do it. Because the people let them. These politicians, the pretenders, the liberal bourgeois wolfs in sheep's skin, would have no qualms sacrificing peace, harmony and in this case, the Chinese community, just to achieve their agendas.

Do the Chinese Malaysians, as a community & race, deserve to used and abused like this? To suffer fools like this?

After all that been said and done since 2007 leading up to GE13, through all the deceptions and lies, in the end, it's the Chinese community who're left holding the bag.

The most comical were the overseas Chinese, who specifically flew back just to vote. They were among those most vocal against the government. They are the ones who says they love Malaysia, but do not live or work here. Hahaha. Talk about hypocrites.

Where are they now? Well, except for the price of a plane ticket, they are living quite comfortably as immigrants in one of the first-world countries, which they love to use as examples how a perfect country should be. And in any statement they make, they always, always, without fail throw in their favourite phrases, "We still love Malaysia" or "...beloved country..." or "I consider myself a Malaysian first...", while in the same breath finding fault with and running down the country.

Would any of these people, these parties and personalities, step up to defend the Chinese community? What do you think they care about more, your welfare or their own agendas?

Will these people be able to or have any interest to safeguard Chinese customs, culture, religion, language, schools, business, etc. ?

Be wary of those who claim to champion your race, religion or community, especially those who seek power. These people will not be able to solve your problems, but instead, would most probably create more problems for you.

Remember, always take the middle path. Moderation is the key.

Don't surrender your fate to others. Think about you own priority and interests first. Your family, your future, your happiness, peace, harmony.

The young are impressionable. They are naive. They are perfect candidates to be radicalised. Then, they will be used. Soon they will be discarded. Worse, they will be blamed.

After radicalisation: Is this a typical Chinese characteristic? Is this something to be proud of?

Before radicalisation: This is you, the Chinese. This was once held in high esteem by society. Don't forget that.

" observe developments soberly,
maintain our position,
meet challenges calmly,
hide our capacities and bide our time,
remain free of ambition,
never claim leadership. " 

~ Deng Xiaoping