A legend moves on

He was a good man.

He lived his life well. Not just for himself – he built character for the family - most times he was the character of the family.

Peter Duarte,

It’s never a good time to say goodbye, yet we must – you’ve been called home.

It’s difficult to see through pain when you’re in the middle of it - but when the smoke clears and ashes set - I know your lessons will be not be lost.

I see how they live on in your daughter, my wife.

I know my kids will remember you – They loved their Grandpa.

Thanks dad.

The Leopard And Its Spots

So once again we see truism in the idiom about the leopard and its spots.

Barely 3 months has passed since the BERSIH rally where we saw an out poring of the sense of solidarity amongst the Malaysian people. Many commentators spoke about how the assembly reflected the true spirit of 1 Malaysia. I'll say it now. THERE ISN'T SUCH A THING!

People in general reeling from the hype of running around on the streets were gushing...

-        How creed and colour mattered no more.

-        How everybody now celebrated and reveled this meeting of minds and hearts.

-        How this would change things for Malaysia and her people

-        How "tear gas made us colorblind" (credit to the guy that came up with the line - probably a copywriter)

-        How we finally came to the realisation that we are all the same, brothers even.

Barely 3 month ago we appreciated small gestures, "Malays/Muslims and non Malays/Muslims helping each other run helter skelter in the face of the police. Amongst those who could not move fast enough and got caught in tear gas and water canon blasts, simple table salt and water shared amongst strangers was God-sent and merited blog postings about how lives were apparently touched and new understandings formed.

Today, barely 3 months, later we are once again, we find ourselves at polarised ends.

There is a rally that is currently being planned to demonstrate against the alleged conversion of Muslims to the Christian faith.

All this has sprung from a charity dinner some Muslims attended. The dinner was organised by a church and was RAIDED!

The raiding party comprised of the police and Muslim authorities accused the organisers of trying to convert Muslims. The allegations were later dropped because they were unfounded. Why they would raid a church-organised charity dinner instead of some bunch of Muslims conspiring to cause some social unrest after Friday prayers is well beyond me. (well actually it isn't)

The Sultan of Selangor came up with the "statement of the year" - successfully at the same time saying something to the effect of the church had done nothing wrong but was guilty.

Here is an extraction of the Sultan’s statement to the press on the church dinner issue.

“Article XLVII of the Laws of the Constitution of Selangor 1959, Clause (1) Article 3 and Clause (1) Article 11 of the Federal Constitution have given the freedom to believers of other religions to practice their beliefs in peace and harmony. This freedom has been practised in harmony in this State. We wish that this harmony, which has existed for a long time, will continue to exist. Protect your rights and religion and do not attempt to subvert the belief and faith of Muslims.

  

Based on the investigations by JAIS, there is evidence that there were attempts to subvert the faith and belief of Muslims but that the evidence obtained would be insufficient for further legal actions to be taken. Therefore, after carefully deliberating the report by JAIS and after obtaining advice from religious authorities and legal experts, We are in agreement that there would be no prosecution against any parties.”

What a load of utter rubbish! Baseless allegations receiving pomp validity because the Sultan said it!

The allegations and subsequent investigations were obviously bias, therefore did not produce any evidence. The allegation in itself is bordering on being slanderous and baseless.

Furthermore, how does one in this case prove or disprove an act "to subvert the faith and belief of Muslims”?

-        What about non-Muslim women who do not wear Muslim attire?

-        What about the selling and consumption of pork? Alcohol?

-        Cinemas, providing conducive environment for unwed Muslim couples to ‘khalwat’ should be burned then. Preferably while the Muslims are still inside.

So chief idiot having spoken - minion idiots follow.

Obviously the first thing they do is to organise a rally against what the Christians (according to the Sultan) did not do. 

- Brilliant!

What happened to the solidarity of 3 months ago?

So today we learn…

-        our parents knew what they were talking about when they used idioms on us.

-        its not worth sharing your salt and water with Muslims (to be fair – most Muslims).

-        it does not pay to help the Muslims (to be fair again – most Muslims) when the police are running down on them with tear gas, water cannons and batons in hand.

-        and finally, Sultans are not infallible.

1 Malaysia? My ass!

Hate to say it here, but - I TOLD YOU SO!

I wasn't at the Bersih rally

I wasn’t at the Bersih rally.

I have however followed all the developments leading to and after the rally closely. I am unequivocally in support of the general ideals of the movement.

Yet, I wasn’t at the rally.

There wasn’t a definite reason why I didn’t go; somehow throughout the build up, the sense of fanfare did not sit well with me. 

I somehow couldn’t find that place in my gut that said “Yeah! This is the thing to do!”, that it would be worth it. I just couldn’t be sure.

As I am writing this I’m getting a sense that this isn’t going to be a piece that will be popular with many people, some, very dear friends, some, people I truly respect and look up to.

Yet this is my truth.

If you did attend the rally, well done! I’ll say it now. IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO! To stand up and be counted, to somehow send out a message to say “I don’t want to be short changed any more, and by the way I’m too fed up to be afraid!”

I am however becoming increasingly concerned with the emotional reactions generated post Bersih.

After the rally we’ve all seen many videos and written testimonies that were heartfelt. One theme rings through – SOLIDARITY. The claim that people of different races and creeds coming together, working towards a common purpose, against a common enemy.

The Lady Of Liberty.

The death.

The water cannons, tear gas, brutality, reluctant enforcers, lost, confused, inspired… hope.

Hope? Really?

Ever watched Pearl Jam live in concert, thinking it was the show of the century, and then watched the video of the same concert on VHS? Then realised that Vedder’s singing was nothing compared to the album you had come to love?

Missed notes, cracking voice all masked by the live band and you singing along.

When the euphoria fades all that’s left is the engineered memory of a great concert, influenced by nuances of the mosh pit moving in unison, communal pot being passed around (amongst strangers no less) and the guttural sound of 50,000 fans singing the chorus of Jeremy.

The truth however remains, missed notes and a cracking voice, pale in comparison to the promise of the album.

If you are still reading this well done, don’t write this off just yet.

The problems for Malaysia sit on many different levels. They all begin with the people in power. A corrupt, manipulative bunch that have been around for 2 generations - over 50 years.

Therefore I say a call for fair and transparent election practices that will likely erode the death grip of this bunch of monkeys on Malaysia is indeed the right thing to do.

I also said earlier, the problems with Malaysia sit on different levels.

The definition for a ‘level’ differs amongst individuals.

For me personally, I couldn’t care less if it was really Najib or his ape that actually ran the country. My problems aren’t even really about the questionable moral standing of the administration.

They are about what affects me.

I am denied equal opportunity in Malaysia, the land in which I am born.

I am subject to unfair taxation practices based on race and religion.

Oppressive limitations are set on the practice of my faith.

I have always stood against the illogical, vicious defense of the enshrined Malay position.

Not the Malay position itself, not the NEP, but it’s simple-minded defense. This is no doubt a product of propaganda put in place by the government to buy in the masses to create a secure grass root base that would continue to elect the same monkeys into position provided the gravy train remained. 

How would you expect the gravy train to last when Najib, his ape and countless others think its ok to go on RM 73,000,000 jewelry shopping excursions?

Yes, it does seem now that we are all victims of circumstance. The mass Malays at one end of the spectrum having grown used to the gravy train and now not getting enough against the rest of Malaysia, some 30% of it, with even less propping up the country through taxes paid saying “Hell! I’ve had enough!”

The mandate previously given by the mass Malay population to the government to systematically subdue other races, for they own benefit is now evidently eroding. I am convinced it isn’t because they recognise the injustice and oppression. It simply is a case of the house - dog turning feral on its owner when it isn’t fed enough.

I personally don’t think they should have the cake and eat it.

I should have been at the Bersih rally to claim what is mine (constitutionally) from an oppressive government. If I were there with a bunch of people wanting more for themselves, I wouldn’t call it solidarity.

If I were there with those wanting political reform to form a Muslim state to enforce Huddut laws, I wouldn’t call it solidarity.

If I were there with those wanting to further exploit other races for their benefit, I wouldn’t call it solidarity.

Not by a long shot.

It has always been the Malay thing to take their demonstrations to the streets and wear their emotions on their sleeves.

They’ve done it so many times, 9 out of 10 against non - Malays and our beliefs. Dare we forget the cow head issue in Shah Alam? The Cina balik China? use of the word Allah? They almost seem to like demonstrations.

They demonstrate against their neighbours, to the government whom they claim has failed to protect their rights. The government slaps them on the wrist then moves to offer some form of solution to make them happy. It’s all wayang kulit.

Just because we happened to march along side at the same time, this time, does not make us brothers in arms. It did not mean we achieved a common goal. It did not even mean we had the same goals to begin with. It certainly does not mean they will stop marching against others, when they see an opportunity to.

Yes, I am generalising here. I know there are Malay individuals who truly believe in the equality that we strive for, I acknowledge and thank you, you are the hope we are so in need of, on the other hand there are also Chinese and Indian sell-outs who take on the name Abdullah to avail themselves to government contracts and Bumiputra privileges, these are just as bad if not worse.

There must be some change to convince me there is hope. Change either in the psyche of the Malay community or the composition of the government.

Change to affect some semblance of equality and fairness. One party needs to accept it and the other to facilitate it.

So did Bersih 2.0 work? Depending on what you wanted it to achieve.

We did make noise.

We got noticed.

Got the Queen of England to wear Yellow.

Free and fair general elections? I don’t know.

Free and fair in general? No.

So what's next?

 

An open letter to our dear Prime Minister

Dear Sir,

           

If you are reading this, thank you very much for taking the time.

I’ll take a very simple and straightforward approach in writing this, I don’t want to be misconstrued and get into trouble for all the wrong reasons. I merely want to say what is on my mind and perhaps hope against all hope that I‘ll be able to see changes that I think most Malaysians (except those who enjoy having their fingernails pull out for the fun of it) would like to see.

I’m a Malaysian citizen and as you may have read in my previous writings, I’m really not quite happy.

There are many things that are wrong in this country and I am sure that as Prime Minister, you are aware that the country has gone to the dogs. We seem to be in an endless downward spiral. At the very least, you must know that the people don’t really like what you’ve done (or not done, depending on how you’re looking at it) for the country so far.

I understand that in the prominent position that you are, you will always be subject to many politically motivated attempts to undermine your position. This is not one of those.

But Sir, the situation is really quite crappy for the man on the street.

For one I really cannot understand how we seem to be doing so badly economically. Can you not ensure that at least some of the policies carried out by the government benefit the people at large and not just the principals of those endeavors? Are our leaders really so incapable of coming up with something that works?

Other than the economic performance issues (I’ll come back to this in a while), the Malays and Muslims are also getting rather rowdy. I mean people like Ibrahim Ali cannot be doing well for you when you are the Prime Minister of a multi cultural country like Malaysia. Unless I got it all wrong and you are the Prime Minister for the Malays then you’re doing fine. But then again, I don’t want the likes of Samy Vellu and Soi Lek the porn star to represent my interests in Parliament… I don’t trust them

I know and submit that the constitution enshrines the rights of the Malays and Islam as the official religion of the country, but really, do these Malay/ Muslim commentators have to rub it in our faces? You see, I am Christian, as a follower of Christ, I firmly believe that Christianity is the only true way and only those with Jesus Christ in their hearts go to Heaven. You don’t see me going… “all you misguided Muslim are going to Hell!”… so what makes it alright for all kinds of crap to be said to non Muslims and about their beliefs and practices? I mean at the end of the day being privileged is one thing and fair is fair.

What’s happened to the 1 Malaysia slogan you were touting? Even here, it seems that the idea has been abandoned. Why? Are the minority races not Malaysian? Truth be told, we don’t need the slogan to become a truly integrated country, the way I see it, we need more, intelligent, progressive Malays that are more concerned with real progress than becoming “Jaguh Kampungs”.

You have to know there is a problem when you see the idea of Malay supremacy being forced through every channel available, at every opportunity, sometimes at the cost of the truth.

When we get into arguments with neighbours on the origins and authenticity of our arts, when we change dates in school text books to suite our agendas and when we suppress facts that don’t show Malays as the “first” and the “best” in our history we compromise the foundations that this nation is built on.

It doesn’t augur well for your cause (should it be to develop Malaysia and her people) when the Internet is so readily available for thinking people to research basis for arguments that put your political and politicians’ thinking to shame. Collectively as a country we all end up looking like idiots.

Mr Prime Minister.

I’m sure at some point in your life you had a plan of what you wanted to do for the country, I’m sure it was a grand scheme that would heal the country and empower its people, that didn’t involve jackals and snakes that poison and tear at the already existing wounds. 

You might have a term or two left in you. What’s beyond your political shelf life? A book? Speaking engagements at a few of seminars? Then what? See the next guy tear up the country further. How much further do you think it’ll go?

Do the right thing.

Denounce all practices that don’t go inline with the progress of the nation. By all means keep the Bumiputra Privileges, I don’t think it really does that much damage to the non Malays but more importantly look to the development of Malays, ensure their commercial viability by developing their character.  

The simple fact is they cannot be commercially viable when the majority cannot speak two words of English.

Unable to be of value and fend for themselves, they will always be dependent on protectionist policies.

The population is growing fast the costs of protection is rising, how long can this be sustained? We may already be too late. But still, we have to try. If not, we’ll eventually start to export Malay domestic helpers to Singapore and Hong Kong (our pride will not allow us to send them to Indonesia) because protectionism will become too expensive, and the people will have to fend for themselves. What’s to happen to Malay supremacy then?

Please look into these issues, I know you have lots to do but sometimes it would be nice to know that you are indeed looking our way as well.

Regards

Ben Rozario

Stop ripping me off... please.

I wonder what it takes for a politician to totally lose all sense of dignity and principal. They must have had some form of moral standing previously. I'm sure they too had parents who tried to teach them to be good people as well.

Imagine the stakes for a politician... voted into position by the people, thinking... well not actually... rather, hoping, that he would have their best interests in mind, the idea of having an entire nation holding them accountable for their actions.

Look at the previous Public Works Minister... Dear old Samy. The butt of criticism of the entire nation. Does it bother him? No... He's happy ripping off millions (well to be fair I really can't say that for sure, haven't had a chance to audit his assets, but if he isn't, he's just stupid and not very competent then) in the course of overseeing the development of shoddy highways and government projects across the country.

Everybody on the streets see how badly managed the finances of the projects are, they come in over budget and at sub par quality. Highways crumble and nothing seems to ever be done right, requiring new developments to be torn up to enable the laying of some pipe or wires or whatever else. You would think that he and his bunch of monkeys have some idea of how to get the job done right once and for all right? Apparently not, leaves me thinking that something was compromised and for what else if not money?


Whatever happened to the idea of "Ministerial Responsibility"...? Seems like it doesn't apply in this country. Ministers apparently are not held accountable, who's there to be accountable to when the they don't recognise the very people that put them in power. 


Khir Toyo, another prime example of a useless corrupt politician. Spends twenty plus million on his mansion. Ringing alarm bells across the country. But apparently not enough in the offices of MACC for someone to push him out the window (wouldn't be a huge deal to anybody, except for the cleaners maybe, having to deal with all the bull shit coming out his arse).

I don't really care that they made millions, well... I hope it's millions and nothing more... What irks me is really the state of hypocrisy of the administration.

Look at these statutory bodies, they go after the small fries that will never make an impact on anything, while the real culprits go scott free.

What's really at stake here? Entire communities could be empowered through provision of basic amenities, the provision of services like education and healthcare. Instead the millions are now siphoned off by the echelon to feed their lurid wants. 


Where is the justice?

Is there not one person of upright character in the government today? How did we get so jaded that we just don't seem to care enough to make sure the right people represent us anymore.

The people need to understand that the ultimate mandate lies in their hands. It might take time to wrest the power back from these people but for now I think a check and balance based on the morality of the people is in very short supply.

Playing by the rules.

My previous entry has sparked a lot of discussion amongst people who care for me. They are concerned that the piece, obviously hitting out at irresponsible Muslims, might incur the wrath of the authorities. 

If you haven't read it, it is basically me voicing my dissatisfaction at JAKIM for insensitively and irresponsibly capitalising on Valentine's Day (which is not a Christian celebration) for religious one ups man-ship. I personally couldn't care less for the celebration itself, but because they implicated Christianity for the sole purpose of making it look bad, I am taking the offensive to defend my beliefs and my faith. 

The country is built on a platform out lined in the constitution to among other things, uphold the rule of law, while the constitution recognises Islam as the official religion of Malaysia, it does not justify nor allow muslims to enjoy wonton bouts of verbal and intellectual diarrhea. It is not justifiable, for any person of any religion to put down another, no matter how compellingly stupid the person or group might be. 

If the tables were turned and a non Muslim commentator were to comment on how the psyche of Muslims have indeed contributed to the rise of social ills, I would expect the person to be picked up by the authorities for "inciting social unrest".

Why?

It really wouldn't matter if he had put forward a justifiable case or demonstrated a real understanding of the issues to state his case, he would be by default wrong because he had made Islam look bad. 

I'm not saying it is wrong to maliciously (or through utter ignorance/ stupidity) to put down Islam, I am saying it is wrong to put down any religion which propagates positive morals.

I am not asking for Christian commentators or commentators of any other religion to be given the privileges as Muslim commentators have, I recognise the rule of law and the enshrined position of Islam in the constitution. I am asking for authorities to recognise and enforce a minimum standard of decency.

As a Christian, I firmly believe that eternal life is only attainable through the blood of Jesus Christ. It is the fundamental truth of Christianity, yet you don't see Christians making statements saying "the rest if you are going to Hell". 

In fact you don't see Buddhists telling their Muslim brothers... " bro, I really think you are coming back as a cockroach in the next life". 

It boils down to being fair, the idiot uztazah with her biased research implicating and portraying Christianity as a religion that promotes free sex and and other forms of moral decay should be taken to task for sheer callousness, causing unrest amongst Christians across the country. 

JAKIM and its counter parts should be disbanded for sheer stupidity and ineffectiveness. If JAKIM really wanted to make a difference, may I suggest that they run "Ops Tangkap Anak Anak Datuk" in Selangor, any day of the week, at any club, pub or bar. I personally don't think that will happen any time soon, but i'll save that rant for another day.

Valentine's Day fiasco.

It doesn't take much to get me going these days.

Recently, all it took was the Selangor Religious Authorities, their counterparts in other states and a handful of bloody idiots.

Valentine's Day to me means nothing more than a huge commercial celebration, probably thought up by some jeweller or florist somewhere in the west to boost dying sales. Much like how dear Santa was probably thought up by Coke... But let's keep that for another day.

I have refused to be a part of the worldwide celebrations to the chagrin of my dear wife. How unromantic! She'd chide. No matter how you spin it I couldn't bring myself to pay RM15 for a single rose, or some obscene amount of money for a candle lit dinner for two that she would not finish.

So there you have it my context for Valentine's day. I am definitely not a fan.

But recently a bunch of overzealous Muslim fools went and made a huge issue about Valentine's day being a Christian celebration and it propagated immoral Christian values. JAKIM (Selangor's religious authorities) went so far as to embark on a "Beware The Valentine's Trap" Campaign, naming it as such. The goal was to deter Muslims from celebrating Valentine's Day, educating them of it's "Christian" origin and to enforce laws to up hold Muslim morality (as if they understood the concept).

According to JAKIM Valentine's day - the Christian celebration, was one of the reasons there were so many unwanted pregnancies amongst  Muslims, it was also cited as a reason why Muslim couples had pre marital sex amongst other things.

As a Christian, I am enraged.

Did JAKIM and their band of idiots just imply, if not outrightly say that Christianity promotes a sinful lifestyle? Sure seems like it to me. If the goal of every Christian is to be Christ like, is it not a huge insult to the character of Christ?

Dear idiots at JAKIM, I address the following directly at you and your like minded band of idiots.

Your unfounded, fear feeding policies have in one fell swoop insulted my faith and the faith of my fathers. If you show me no consideration, why other than the fact that that Christ said "turn the left cheek" should I show you any?

The Muslim prophet purportedly consummated his marriage with his "wife" when she was just nine (he was 54 at that time). Do I hear cries of pedophile/ rape? shouldn't he be then recognised as the patron for pedophiles and rapists? Isn't Islam then the religion of pedophiles and rapists? Why then are we, innocent non Muslims, subjected to a national holiday to commemorate his birthday? I don't know about you, but I personally don't identify with pedophiles or rapists.

Since you recognise the work of those who bomb churches and airplanes in the defense of the faith. Is Islam then the religion of murderers as well?

OF COURSE NOT!!!

I don't think anyone capable of intelligent thinking would think so. The world generally would not consider a notion to brand you as such. To do so would show such callowness that is only reserved for the likes of you.