Thursday, November 29, 2007

ANOTHER PIECE OF AMERICAN CRAP ON THE MUSLIM'S WORLD

ON THE DEMOCRATIC FRONT

Foes Use Obama's Muslim Ties to Fuel Rumors About Him

Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, November 29, 2007; Page A01

In his speeches and often on the Internet, the part of Sen. Barack Obama's biography that gets the most attention is not his race but his connections to the Muslim world.

Since declaring his candidacy for president in February, Obama, a member of a congregation of the United Church of Christ in Chicago, has had to address assertions that he is a Muslim or that he had received training in Islam in Indonesia, where he lived from ages 6 to 10. While his father was an atheist and his mother did not practice religion, Obama's stepfather did occasionally attend services at a mosque there.

Despite his denials, rumors and e-mails circulating on the Internet continue to allege that Obama (D-Ill.) is a Muslim, a "Muslim plant" in a conspiracy against America, and that, if elected president, he would take the oath of office using a Koran, rather than a Bible, as did Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), the only Muslim in Congress, when he was sworn in earlier this year.

In campaign appearances, Obama regularly mentions his time living and attending school in Indonesia, and the fact that his paternal grandfather, a Kenyan farmer, was a Muslim. Obama invokes these facts as part of his case that he is prepared to handle foreign policy, despite having been in the Senate for only three years, and that he would literally bring a new face to parts of the world where the United States is not popular.Full story.....

Also read my post 'PRIDE AND PREJUDICE IN AMERICA'

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

HINDRAF: A FOOL'S ERRAND

HANTU LAUT
I wonder how many Malaysians would agree with this kind of disquieting behaviour that have given death knell to the peace,harmony and cultural pluralism of this country.The work of a few desperate demagogue with selfish intent, seeking personal glory, without due care to the security of the nation. The consequence of deep fascinations for Western brand of democracy with shallow understanding of the constituent elements endemic to our type of democratic system.

India is lauded by the Western nations as the biggest democracy in the world. Do you know at every general election in the country how many people got killed or murdered? Philippines, another great democracy, suffered the same faith in every general election. The West love them because they are enviable models of freedom.

If you have been to some of the great cities in India you would have noticed the economic deprivation of the poor and the downtrodden. The apathy, deprivation and lack of humanity are visible in many places that makes your heart want to bleed for them. If they have no varnas, chances are, they would be condemned to the slumps and lowest rung of society---- destitute,helpless and hopeless. They are the untouchables, the Harijans or the Dalits.

That was India, where caste system, although officially banned, is in actuality still practised within the society. In Malaysia, there is no caste system and Indian Tamils are not bounden by such tradition. They are free to do what every other Malaysians are allowed to do.Some have come out and become successful individuals but many have not evolved and still live in the eggshell. Should they feel stigmatised for the what happened 150 years ago? Are the forefathers, the British and the Malaysian government to be blamed for the sorry state they are in now?

The Jaffnese or Sri Lankan Tamils don't seem to have the same problem as the Indian Tamils.Former Singapore Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew once said "In term of numbers, the Ceylonese, like the Eurasians, are among the smallest of our various communities.Yet in term of achievements and contributions to the growth of modern Singapore and Malaysia they have done more than warranted by their numbers.They have asked for no special favour or consideration as a minority"

Many Jaffnese Tamils had become successful professionals and individuals.Some of the prominence are, the world's first Asian surgeon, Dr S.S.Thiruchelvem, Singapore's Foreign minister, S.Rajaratnam and in Malaysia the famous billionaire, Ananda Krishnan.

Why are the Indian Tamils left far behind ?. Much of the problems are self inflicted.Firstly, they refused to evolve and had become politically dependent on promises made by their political leaders. They have useless and selfish leaders whose only interests are their own. The fools that organised the street rally are racists and think the government owe them a living.

Least we forget, most early Chinese who came to this part of the world, came as coolies.

Did they complain?

Friday, November 23, 2007

THE FOUR TRILLION DOLLAR MAN

HANTU LAUT

The claims by HINDRAF for compensations from the British Government for the economic miseries of Indians in Malaysia, can only be the imagination of a man suffering from an extreme form of psychosis. A man, a lawyer, an educated fool who gives false hope to his community and an attempt to gain popularity at the cheapest and shortest possible way.A cheap shot at stardom.

Being a lawyer he should know better how vexed and insurmountable the problem is. In spite of the odds and improbable chance of victory, he has no qualms, to lead his fellow Indians up the garden path and used them to fulfill his own selfish agenda.

Meet the Pied Piper of the Indian community, P.Uthayakumar, the man who is going to put US$2 million in every Indian's pocket.He has brought a class-action suit against Britain for bringing Indians to Malaysia as indentured labourers and exploiting them for 150 years and abandoned them at the mercy of the Malaysian government. Would anybody, let alone a lawyer, attempt such complex,vexatious and impossible to win legal action against what happened 150 years ago.

The grievances are against Britain, why demonstrate on Malaysian soil, why not take his fellow Indians to London and demonstrate in front of Buckingham Palace or No.10 Downing Street, after all each Malaysian Indian will get US$2 million and they can well afford the fare and the stay in London.It would also be a good opportunity for them to meet their former masters.

Did P.Uthayakumar ever asked himself whether the Indians were better off if they were to stay in India with the kind of poverty that existed in India at that time?Did he ever consider the fact that Indians are still coming to work in Malaysia, in spite of what he contended? Was he such a lousy lawyer than he can't earn a decent living and felt discriminated and deprived of the good things in life because his forefathers were indentured labourers then?

To fan racial sentiments is dangerous to the peace and harmony of this country.To take to the street using race as an issue should not be tolerated and must be stopped.I hope the Indian community are not easily fooled by this selfish man.

Is this the work of a depraved mind?

Going to the streets to vent your anger and frustrations are not going to help resolve the problems.It may cause civil unrest. I am getting sick of all this talk of freedom that some Malaysians think they have been deprived of by the government.

The ex-Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir Mohammed should come out and defend the government policy against street demonstrations unless he agrees that Malaysia needs this kind of culture now as things had changed from the time when he was at the helm, when such behaviour was not tolerated at any cost.

Anwar Ibrahim of PKR has given his qualified support for the rally to go on.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

IS THIS SELECTIVE PROSECUTION ?

HANTU LAUT

This man may be guilty of the crime.What about the others and those in high offices? Do they have immunity from prosecution ? Let's hope this is not a wishy-washy attempt at witch-hunting. There are bigger fish out there that should also be hauled up for prosecution.

Another charge against Ramli

photo Kota Kinabalu: Commercial Crime Investigation Department Director Datuk Ramli Yusuff was charged in the Sessions Court here, Monday, with abuse of power over the use of a police aircraft for his personal advantage.

Ramli, 55, based in Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur, is the country's third highest ranking police officer and a former Sabah Police Commissioner.

He pleaded not guilty before Judge Duncan Sikodol and was released on RM10,000 bail with one surety. Trial was fixed for Feb. 18-22, next year.Full story......

Thursday, November 15, 2007

DID THEY EVER DO ANYTHING RIGHT ?

HANTU LAUT

It makes one wonder when are they going to do anything right. The eyes can't see beyond the tip of the nose.The LCCT Terminal is hardly two years old and is already bursting at the seams. My post 'The Singapore Story, Malaysia's Dream' although not detailed was slightly ahead of the NST report on the state of affairs at KLIA. Most of the problems are human factors, bad planning and bad work attitude.

The LCCT Terminal is just across the runway tarmac from KLIA, yet it is 20 km away. Does KLIA needs that much space for future expansion to kick the LCCT that far ? Our bright and skilled planners and artisans underestimated the magnetic draw of cheap fares, how it can attract huge number of people over a short period of time. The airport was officially opened in March 2006 and within a span of 21 months had become a runaway success and a failure.

The planners in government who decide to banish Air Asia to the LCCT was hoping that the airline would eventually die. They made a big mistake.It's what they built that is dying, the terminal.

The report in NST;
LCCT 'bursting at the seams'
By : Jennifer Gomez
The growing popularity of budget travel is taking a toll on the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal’s facilities and services.
The growing popularity of budget travel is taking a toll on the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal’s facilities and services.

SEPANG: The Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) here is bursting at the seams.

The growing popularity of budget travel is taking its toll on the airport's facilities and services -- from the baggage screening as one enters the terminal building, the departure halls, and up to the collection of luggage on arrival.Continued.....

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

A MISOGYNIST OR KAMPONG TALK ?

HANTU LAUT

How did UMNO Assembly Speaker, Badruddin Amiruddin sees the tunnel under the skirt ? Did he only had a passing glance or was he ogling to find a deeper meaning to what's under the skirt ? Most normal men would not be bothered by such a sight and would take it as petty incidents of their daily lives. I wonder, how would Badruddin have reacted if he saw a female with a voluptuous body in a bikini at the beach or at a swimming pool ? Would he vehemently complain or would he gets a hard on, instead ?

Many a time, speakers at the UMNO General Assembly had made less than intelligent remarks or those considered politically incorrect and not suitable for public consumption. Some members of parliament of the same kin had in the past made similar unbefitting and ungracious remarks in the august house, remarks that people of their stature are not expected to make in public or even in private conversation.

In Western society, people like Badruddin, would be viewed at with contempt and as a potential sex offender, even though he might not be one.The press would have a field day digging into his background and tearing him apart. He would literally become food for the hyenas.

It is also most disappointing that Wanita and Puteri UMNO didn't take him to task or censure his remark.The ladies are too kind to him to let him off the hook easily.

By his speech, Badruddin had degraded and shamed, not the women in this country, but himself .He exposes his own contemptible character.

Friday, November 9, 2007

CIVIL DISORDER

HANTU LAUT

IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE THE GOVERNMENT, USE THE BALLOT BOX. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE PROPOSED MARCH ON 10TH NOVEMBER. YOU MAY REGRET IT.

YOU MAY BECOME A CASUALTY. WORST, YOU MAY BE DEAD.

From Wikipedia

Civil disorder, also known as civil unrest, is a broad term that is typically used by law enforcement to describe one or more forms of disturbance caused by a group of people. Civil disturbance is typically a symptom of, and a form of protest against, major socio-political problems. Typically, the severity of the action coincides with public outrage. Examples of civil disorder include, but are not necessarily limited to: illegal parades; sit-ins and other forms of obstructions; riots; sabotage; and other forms of crime. It is intended to be a demonstration to the public and the government, but can escalate into general chaos.

Frequently, participants in a civil disorder are not in agreement about appropriate behavior. As was the case in the WTO Meeting of 1999, most protesters were peaceful, and a small, highly visible minority of government provocateurs, much like the ones present at the 2007 Security and Prosperity Partnership summit in Quebec, were responsible for most of the damage.

Any civil disorder is a delicate balance of power, and indeed, a political power struggle of some sort is typically the root cause of any such conflict. Often, public demonstrations are viewed as the last resort of political organizations. If the power equation in a civil disorder becomes unbalanced, the result is either oppression or riot. Police brutality is a frequent result of civil disorder, while at other times, civil disorder may develop as a result of police brutality.

Citizens not directly involved in a civil disorder may have their lives significantly disrupted. Their ability to work, enjoy recreation and in some cases, obtain necessities may be jeopardized. Disruption of infrastructure may occur during very severe events. Public utilities such as water, fuel and electricity may be temporarily unavailable, as well as public infrastructure for communication.

The above are definition of civil unrest.This article is a follow up to my earlier article 'The March To Naught'.

Be sensible, do not participate in this unlawful march. Do not be an idealist and think you can achieve something out of the unlawful procession.You may not be the troublemaker but don't forget there are others who want to make trouble and you may be caught in the midst of something unpleasant. We have the means to change the government and no one can stop us from exercising our rights and the right platform is the democratic process.

A warning has been sent, take heeds, this may not be Pakistan or Burma, but don't push your luck. Many peaceful demonstrations had turned ugly and bloody, don't be a victim of your own undoing.

Love your country and make sure Malaysia stays peaceful.

SAY 'NO' TO ' 10th OF NOVEMBER'

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

MALAYSIAN POLICE - A CRYING SHAME

HANTU LAUT
Yet another child raped and killed, abducted from her own apartment. Preeshena Varshiny, 9 was raped,sodomised and thrown down from the balcony of an apartment. Two days ago, the body of Chin Kha Mun, 12 was found floating in a river. The police could not determine the cause of death.They have classified it as 'sudden death'.What! sudden death? Did she died of drowning or something else ? Police had no clue. What had happened to forensic science and autopsy? Don't they exist in our police force?

After the Nurin's case, one would expect the police to be grinding their axes and go on the war path.

Is this the beginning of the reign of terror of a paedophile serial rapist and killer.Please, keep a tight grip on your children. Leaving a 9-year old, home alone, is not acceptable behaviour of any responsible parents. Read the story.........

Sunday, November 4, 2007

THE MARCH TO NAUGHT

HANTU LAUT
I notice most popular blogs are promoting the march on 10th November.I think, that's probably taking the wrong direction and a dangerous one, if I may say.

To inflame the Agong to interfere in the administration of the nation is trying to incite a coup on a democratically elected government.It would be an exercises in futility and a stain on the clean sheet of the nation's democratic history.

Are the bloggers ruled by the head or the heart in this matter.My guess is, the heart speaks, not the mind.Any sensible person would know it is pointless to drag the Agong and all the other rulers to intervene as they don't have any executive powers to do so. They are expected to be apolitical and they should stay that way.It is also against the law for more than five people to assemble without a permit.Countries like Malaysia and Singapore had been free of demonstrations, civil strikes and rioting due to this law, which at times seems draconian, but plays a role for the greater good.

Civil disobedience would be a better alternative to demonstrations,civil strikes and rioting.For example if you are deadly against corruption in government, than you can refuse to pay taxes, as the money collected goes to government revenue.Most corruption money are paid out of this revenue, the taxpayer's money.If you do decide to take this option, be prepared for nasty civil retribution from the government.So, taking this course of action is a personal sacrifice you make to stand by your principle.

Civil disobedience is a form of protest without resorting to physical violence.It has, in some cases, worked more effectively in changing government policies and attitude.Ghandi's campaign for independence and South Africa fight against apartheid are examples of the success of civil disobedience.

The organisers of the forthcoming march should have their heads examine if they honestly think they can control the sentiments of each of the 100,000 people estimated to turn up on the 1oth Nov. Many peaceful march in other countries had turned ugly resulting in bloodshed and deaths.Crowd can become unruly, aggressive and uncontrollable.What happened at Batu Buruk can happen again on the 10th Nov and, maybe, on a bigger scale. If it occurred, the government shouldn't be blamed only the organisers should carry the guilt and punishment for the calamity.

What shocked me most was how some bloggers openly promote and encourage people to come to the march without caring for the consequences. They appear to be more uneducated than the uneducated.

My educated guess is, there will only be a couple of thousands of gullible Malaysians going.

Friday, November 2, 2007

EMAIL RESPONSE TO A FRIEND

HANTU LAUT

Dear Diana,

I am surprise you still find his writing moreish.I have stopped reading his articles a while ago, as not only I find them distasteful, needless to say , the man is also in consistence, bias and arrogantly perceives himself more sanctimonious than others.Not being dismissive, I also find his long-winded and repetitive style of writing just to make the story long, to prove he has literary skill, makes dismal reading.It would have been more gratifying if he had precised his articles.

In Para 7 of his article he mentioned that those who become a threat to people in the corridors of power were either sacked or bought off.In some other story he wrote,he earnestly defended one allegedly corrupt senior police officer with wealth worth RM 27 millions, an ex CP in Sabah, who had to be bribed with huge parcel of land and shares in some companies before he went with his counterpart in the army to launch a massive exercise to arrest and deport illegal immigrants, which ended as an exercise in futility and an action not done in the course of duty but through immoral incentives.

Many of the top political bloggers in Malaysia the likes of Raja Petra,Rocky Bru,Susan Loone,Elizabeth Wong, Kadir Jasin,M.Bakri Musa and few others are good writers, but unfortunately, they are also very anti-establishment. Many of what they wrote were emotionally charged and geared to attract more hits to their blog rather than seeking a discourse in intellectualism or to broach an argument substantially not out of substance.It's a close-knit community, abrasive, histrionics and exhilarating in 'I scratch your back, you scratch mine' kind of philosophy.They have a kind of 'I am smarter than thou' extra sensory perception with a gaff on innuendoes and conjectures.

If you care to go around and make home visits to their tendentious blogs, you would notice they seem to work in harmony and without diversity, an idiosyncrasy that seems to work well with the uninitiated fans, the readers, that the majority of are only capable of making fatuous comments and utterances of insufferable obscenities against the establishment, which I don't really care about.I certainly agree there are a lot of rot in the establishment, but to have a dyed-in-the-wool opinion of every thing the government does is wrong, is blind as a blind can be.

What is even more worrying and disturbing is the effect of the bloggers' campaign against the government by trying to incite the Agong and the other rulers to interfere in the administration of the nation.It seems to have some effect on some of the rulers, especially in Perak, where the Raja Muda and recently the Sultan had come out of the royal cacoon and made some statement on the state of the judiciary.They broke fast from their elegant silence.

Malaysians should also be perturbed to learn that the Agong had refused to accept the Prime Minister's choice of candidate for judiciary appointment.Our nation is not an absolute monarchy but a constitutional monarch based on the British Westminster system where the head of state do not have executive power.To deny the Prime Minister's choice, no matter how bad it is, would be tantamount to interfering in the administration of the state.This is a dangerous trend and a bad precedent, if the story going round the blogosphere is true.

My grandfather once told me, there are two kind of people in this world you must not trust.A policeman and a journalist.

If we want to change the leaders or the whole government for that matter, the rightful place would be the ballot boxes. It's somehow seems strange that some supposedly seasoned political pundits deemed it fits to drag the Agong and the other rulers into a controversy that didn't concerned them. If Badawi is the problem than the elected representatives should decide whether they want him to lead or not as there are provisions in the Constitution to remove the Prime Minister if he fails to enjoy the majority support of the house.

It is very disheartening to know that such anomalies, which this beautiful country, could ill afford to have, had taken place.I am all for clean government, a clean and fair election and a government accountable to the people, but do we have to ape the western form of democracy, are our citizens discipline enough to demonstrate? The recent 'walk for justice' had gone to naught.The proposed march on 10th November initiated by BERSIH and supported by NGOs and opposition parties with estimated 100,000 turnout is something to worry about.How do you control the sentiments of 100,000 individuals ? Do you honestly think the crowd on the 10th of November would be as discipline and peaceful as the 2000 lawyers ? The people who organised the march should have their head exmine, if they think they have control over the behaviour of the participants. Many peaceful demonstrations in some other countries had turned to bloodshed and death due to unruly, aggressive and uncontrollable behaviour of the crowd.

Maybe we should not worry too much and take some of the stories with a pinch of salt.

Best regards

Gram Kong.