HAPPY 'AIDILFITRI 1429 H

I am but a human being

Here and there my saying

Hurt and offend any

By any I mean YOU!

Readers and loyal visitors alike

Sincere apology from this insignificant being

Have a festive 'Adilifitri celebration!

ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY

In the Daily Express today, the Parliament Deputy Speaker said that there's no provision under the law for a vote of confidence and thus any move to table or propose such motion is a futile exercise. Whoa! Indeed this is very surprising and disturbing. That is to say that the government cannot be replaced ever! Well, maybe through the election and maybe just that..nothing else couldBeing a democratic nation where the people's voice is paramount such non existence is disturbing since there's no way for the people to change a government which is proven to be weak and even worse a tyrannic one. The government could then do anything it pleases forever. On the positive side, such non existence creates stability, which is good for Malaysia. Stability back up by draconian laws like the dreaded ISA is something very scary but that is the reality Malaysians have to endure and face with.

Nonetheless, every problem must have at least one solution though it is not as practical and time saving but at least we should be grateful as we still have a way out though an arduous one. The judiciary is one clear option but the Judiciary is one reluctant accomplice since we still have the election, which is of course the best way out. But, in the meantime we have to content ourselves with the present government, however weak and tyrannical it is. Not that I am saying that the present one is bad but certainly it is a weak government though many will disagree. The case of Stephen Kalong Ningkan should serve as a reminder and assistance.

Another way out is through the Palace which the Opposition is actively considering and leaning upon. The YDPA has the authority to dissolve the Parliament but subject to the advice of the Prime Minister. Here, there may be a few legal issues as to the definition of advice and its authority to compel the YDPA. One who is holding the power and is afraid of the consequences if he or they lose power will vehemently try to prevent any representation to the YDPA and ultimately lose both face and power. Robert Mugabe is a clear example but being Muslims we need to adhere to the principle of accountability and responsibility which calls for the honourable way out - Resign and bow out gracefully and pray hard that none untoward will fall upon!

Many discrepancies have been hurled against the government and the latest is the debacle by the NRD to one Malaysian elderly in Sabah and today also there's a rumour that UPKO one of the Sabah's BN component is considering their position in the coalition. Though, such incident to some as isolated and petty but to us it is a very huge issue as we are living amongst those so-called Malaysians who cannot even talk in the local dialect. Such discrimination I believe and I am confident many share the same view has been going on for a very long time although we are a partner of this nation and not a mere passenger or subordinate to other states. This is a fact similar to what Ahmad Ismail said few weeks ago which caused a furore. Therefore, if Sabah is a partner then please treat us like one!

The possession of unlimited power will make a
despot of almost any man. There is a possible Nero in the gentlest human creature that walks. — Thomas Bailey Aldrich

THE FATE OF SABAH AND ITS PEOPLE

For Malaysians in Sabah, the discrimination seems endless. The recent incident involving a Sino Kadazan who has been demoted to being a Permanent Resident by the NRD adds another episode to the tale. They claim that there are discrepancies in the woman's information. Indeed, it is a very shallow reason to avoid responsibility towards genuine Malaysians. Being a Sabahan who is able to converse in Chinese and Kadazan as well as having the appropriate and genuine documents seem not enough for those irresponsible and malicious officers.

Their bias and unpatriotic conducts deserved severe reprimand since foreigners in Sabah having dubious documents as well as no documents at all are treated like royals and reports of them having ill gotten identifications fall on deaf ears and blind eyes. Such incident should serve a grave reminder of our fate in the future although we have been here for time immemorial. Such blatant disregard of the privileges and rights of the locals in favour of those illegals should be an eye opener to Sabah-based parties in BN - WAKE UP AND UNITE TO SAFEGUARD OUR WANING AND DWINDLING RIGHTS!

This is our own home and we cannot afford to be lackadaisical towards such threat to our rights and something concrete need to be done immediately by those loving Sabahans in the government. Such injustice to the locals need to be rectified promptly and stop giving mind boggling and lame excuses. The incident gives credibility to the infamous ' Project IC'. Hopefully, such grave incident is an isolated case and not a systematic black operation to strip rightful Malaysians of their rights and privileges.

If it is necessary, legal action against NRD and other related agencies need to be considered and taken immediately to rectify such gross injustice. The call for a Royal Commission to investigate the extent of this issue once and for all as the incident is a new twist in the illegals never ending story in Sabah, should be done promptly as the Federal Cabinet's Committee on Illegals fails to solve and offer concrete solutions to this issue.

This is a matter of national security and as loyal and loving Malaysians our leaders BN should consider giving the higher ups an ultimatum for them to set up a Commission and a clear and effective plan to rid those 'royal-treated' illegals. If they are sincere to look after the people they claim to represent than now is the crucial time to push for these measures.

"No man is fit to command another that cannot command himself."
William Penn

Out of frustration some PR supporters suggest that the five Opposition-held states form a new nation following dissident states like South Ossetia and Abkhazia. This is indeed an emotional suggestion which none of us loving and loyal Malaysians should not even consider. Prof Shad Saleem Faruqi few days ago contended that even if there's a referendum as suggested by some on the status of Sabah it is impossible as it is not provided under the Federal Constitution.

Being a separate entity is not a good solution to the current issue. Malaysians need to unite to face these adversities and by unite I mean a true Malaysian unity to discard corruption and rampant abuse of power. Unfortunately, PR has yet to show their ability to take over from the present government unlike the Conservative in England which has a shadow cabinet in waiting in the event that Labours fail in the next GE. We have not seen a concrete and clear structure of their so called alternative government. This, for sure causes uncertainty among the mass.

If they are serious in their struggle, such fundamental move need to be discussed and finalised among the partners in PR. If they decide to deliberate on such significant issue after they cross the bridge then the most they can do is keep on dreaming and become the laughing stock among the public, which they already are by the way.

Now because of DSAI's grandiose dream of 916, he is now considered as a threat to the nation and the government may make the move to detain him in the days to come. Politicians particularly Malaysian politicians are keen on grandiose talks but with little credibility. If they are really sincere they should fulfill whatever they have promised however difficult or impossible their promises are since they have brazenly uttered them before the public.

Sadly, if he is brought in then the struggle for a good government may come to an end since we Malaysians tend to forget and forgive rather quickly. He and the others will be part of history and the statistics and not more. We tend to forget our misery and difficulties unlike our friends out there. Look at Thai, with their will power and determination now they managed to oust Sundaravej and so far they haven't bulged since Thaksin's brother in law is destined to become the next PM.

I admit that I too am not courageous and determined as those people but there plenty of ways to continue and enliven the struggle towards a better Malaysia. Don't get disheartened by the failure of 916 as we have another day to continue our struggle. Just remember the fate of the mighty Berlin Wall and the Communist ideology, who has foresee for certain that both will crumble one day? None!

"All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination."

Earl Nightingale

Will it be a REALITY?

Today is September 16, the day Malaysia was born 45 years ago but less and less Malaysians especially the younger generation are aware of such significant date. They are only concerned about the independence of the Malaya Federation on August 31,1957 ,51 years ago.

Just now I surfed Malaysiakini and there was a report that the People's Pact is now the government as DSAI claimed that more than 31 MP have already abandoned the sinking ship of BN. The de-facto PKR leader was also reported to advise the 'former' PM not to declare Emergency in the event that BN finally lost control of the government.

Is he dreaming or is it a reality? We need to careful tread the issue since it is very sensitive to many. If what he claimed is the truth then the impossible has finally happened the Titanic has finally sunk amid the claims that it will never sink. It is invincible. It supersedes all. Praise be to Allah if it happens though it may take awhile and hopefully the new government will steadfastly fulfill their promises - to uphold a just and clean government. I hope there will be a clean and transparent governance in earnest. Hopefully, Malaysians in Sabah will be able to see that their words are not mere political rhetoric.

Let us all pray to the Almighty that this nation of ours will remain calm and prosperous in the looming disaster ahead. Pray that those whose power is slipping away will be gentleman enough to see a smooth transition of power and accept defeat graciously.

"Power is not an inheritance but a continuous responsibility passed from one to another"

Ianya Sah Aniaya

Source: Malaysiakini

Today, Zaid Ibrahim the de facto Law Minister resigns from his post. Many will dismiss his resignation since he's not an elected representative, a mere Senator appointed by the government by virtue of his post. To them, he's nothing as he does not represents the People unlike Rais Yatim for instance. Besides, he is accused of being involved in some controversies causing many to question his integrity.

Nonetheless, it is besides the point as he by virtue of his post (though it may seem as a token post) but he initiated the move towards redeeming the integrity of the Judiciary. Again, many perceived his act as an act to tarnish TDM's image who many believed caused the deterioration of the Judiciary in 1988.

Today, he resigns based on his belief that ISA shouldn't be a tool for the government to suppress one's freedom without due process of law. His background as a lawyer which looks upon freedom of an individual as paramount is shared by many not only within the legal fraternity. Oppressing laws should not be upheld or even use arbitrarily by the authority for whatever reasons. The arrest of the trio on Friday presumably among others to protect Islam is totally unacceptable.

The Mufti of Perlis himself is of the opinion that draconian law such as ISA is not necessary to protect Islam. We have many legislation which are more than appropriate to safeguard the sanctity of Islam. If it is proven that the Seputeh MP has transgressed the line then we have the court and only the court to ascertain her guilt and not through cowardly act by detaining her under the dreaded ISA. Through due process, her guilt will be proven or otherwise before a transparent process before the public. At least those who are detained will have the opportunity to defend themselves and not arbitrarily presumed guilty under ISA.

The authority, by resorting to ISA proves its inability to control the situation and thus has to resort to a short cut trying to resume control. Alas, its strategy backfires as many including those in the government are opposed to such cowardly act. All the while, the authority has been criticising the United States for their mistreatment of the Guantanamo prisoners but they fail to realise their own mistake of continuous dependency on ISA. It is as if they are saying that since Uncle Sam himself is doing the same therefore it is alright for us to follow.

By continually using the ISA when problems arise, the authority seems to distrust the ability of available regulations to regulate the people. ISA is only a short term preventive measure and not a long term and effective solution to any problems how big they are. Be gentlemen and face the music!

A good man would prefer to be defeated than to defeat injustice by
evil means.
Sallust (86 BC - 34 BC), 'Jugurthine War,' 41 B.C

Ikut Suka Aku....

On Friday, three more Malaysians were arrested under the ISA. One of them was RPK and few days before the arrest the ban on certain blogs including Malaysia Today was lifted. A very ironic twist since the latter effectively cancelled the former.

ISA has been the subject of criticism lately and the government is adamant on keeping the draconian law for national security reason as they claimed and to prove that they are doing the right thing America's Patriot Act becomes their example though the former is in existence earlier than the latter. Furthermore, the U.S itself is not above the law and by having ISA like law they are not setting the best practise for democracy. Again, that's politics when it suits you then you agree you support but when the U.S criticises them then it's o.k to go against them.

Under Section 117 of the CPC, the Police has the right to detain a person for a period of time for investigation purpose and it can be extended provided that they have justifiable cause. Afterwards, the detainee will be either release or charged in court. Since gaining Independence, we have voluminous laws to safeguard national security. Sedition Act, Official Secret Act and other regulations are enough to cover any offences including the allegation under which RPK is accused to have committed. Why resort to such undemocratic and unIslamic law?

To restrict and limit freedom of a person is against Islamic tenets of which the government is trying to promote under the Islam Hadhari concept. In Islam, one is guaranteed of his freedom and will only be punished after undergoing strict process of law and not up to the pleasure or opinion of the authority. If there are ample proof of the three undoings then be a gentleman and civilised by charging them in court. Please do not hide behind 'Ikut Suka Aku'!

The State We Are In

Who are we in Malaysia? A mundane question yet possesses a magnet like attraction to Malaysians living in Sabah. For 45 long years many if not all Malaysians in Sabah feel that they are being marginalised though they are equal partner with other constituent of Malaysia particularly those Peninsular states. There you have it, we are at par with our Peninsular brethren no more no less yet we strongly feel that we are being sidelined in not one but all matters of life.

Though we are of equal standing but in terms of the economic cake we are placed at the back. The evidences are aplenty; we just need to open our eyes. Public transportation for instance is equal those Kuala Lumpur's 70's or 80's. Only recently, we have our own flyovers after a 45 years wait! Although we have abundant natural resources and blessed with strategic location but we are still behind of the rest. While islands in the Peninsular are reaping the benefit from the booming tourism industry ours are still lagging behind with not so much and even non existent progress. Banggi island for instance has been there as long as we can remember and its picturesque look is at par with other islands but why we can still see dilapidated huts built on stilts covered by the ever so obvious 'mighty' BN flags?

Politically speaking, once we have Sabahan as Defence Minister in the late Tun Mustapha but today we have only negligible appearance in the Federal cabinet and even that it is achieved after so much haggling and sulking. Now, we boast with our own Vice Chancellor but our fellow Kelantanese have long enjoyed such privileges. Why are we being treated in such way by our own 'life' partner?

I humbly submitted that it is our or to be exact our so called leaders doings or rather undoing. Once during Berjaya's era, we are considered and looked up as one if not the most developed state in Malaysia way ahead of Sarawak which nowadays have become the talk of town a point of reference. During that time, we have everything or we can get whatever we want. Unfortunately, we fail miserably to learn from history as we never bother to look back well, not until it is too late. We never prepared for rainy days as we are swayed by what we have. We never really prepared for the uncertain future since we are in the comfortable zone and we never foresee the storm ahead. Although, we are rich in natural resources but rampant mismanagement and abuse of power are already depleting our wealth. We are overjoyed to see mountains of riches but we never realised that they are gradually crumbling to earth. Even if we see it, we prefer to turn the other way since we see the resources are still abundant.

Today, the leaders are panicking since the resources have depleted tremendously at an alarming stage. They start asking for more and then only and only then they look back and start harping on the 20 points but to their horror they themselves are the culprits who are responsible of eroding those safety nets for the apparent reason - their own glory and pleasure. The Kelantanese or the Sarawakians do not to bark like mad dogs since they are truly the learned in history. They build up on what scarce resources they have while at the same time equipped themselves with the necessary tools. While we in Sabah are living in richness they learn to be thrifty and build their wealth from scratch just like our fellow Chinese friends.

Now, while Sabahans are busy asking for more they are basking on their solid foundation while keep themselves reminded of their humble if not humiliating beginning. If only we realised from the very beginning we will never have to humiliate ourselves today. Now, we become the laughing stock as the leaders brazenly yet unashamedly traded their dignity as a bargaining chip to remain in power. Everyone are now looking and waiting for Sabahan MPs to jump ship. Why? Because in 1994 we started the trend with two of our senior politicians crossing to the BN causing the PBS-led government to crumble. It is a sad and gloomy day for Malaysians in Sabah to be looked down because of unruly behaviours of our so-called people's leaders. Now, to survive, we have traded our dignity and thus we are no different from those who traded their flesh for money.We will not be in this humiliating situation if only we learn from history and now even those illegals have no respect to us. Last Sunday, it was reported in the Daily Express of the horrible incident where two DBKK enforcement officers are beaten since they are not the Police! Look at how low we have become and yet many have not realised it.

If we don't buck up and realised our faults then being part of the Philippines is not remote at all. If Saiful Bukhari Azlan dared to swear against the potent Anwar Ibrahim, then we need to be brave to stand up against our opportunist leaders. They need to be reminded that they have the responsibility to look after the well-beings of the people and that they are answerable to the Almighty in the Hereafter.

Do not try to live for ever. You will not succeed. - George Bernard Shaw