Malaysian Sentinel : Malaysia's Politics from a Malaysian Citizen Blogger

Relocation minus the abuse to animals

2009-09-03T15:26:00.003+08:00

It's amazing that an issue of relocation can turn ugly and envelope the country in a us versus them stance. It would have been perfectly normal to see a group of rather zealous residents protesting in front of a building but to bring in the head of an animal to prove a point is a little too much.

Thus, the issue has escalated into something short of a religious row. The sacred should not be brought into a man-vs-man argument. Which is exactly what this whole matter is about.

Would the placement of a religious building within range of a majority group hasten the "backsliding" effect on that group? Instead, it can be used as an image of tolerance and togetherness. A sign that two communities can co-exist in harmony together. Transcending any notion of race or religion. That all citizens are accepted on the basis of being a Malaysian and not by creed or belief.

This is the true loser in the whole matter. Malaysians are the losers as long as the lens of creed and belief clouds our eyes.

External links gone BAD

2009-08-26T10:19:00.002+08:00

My external links are all bad. I apologize for that, and I am in the process of fixing the problem.

Race = [ MALAYSIAN ]

2009-08-19T11:41:00.003+08:00

Stating your race on official forms will no longer be a requirement soon.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Cabinet was studying the move to drop the column requiring a person to provide information on his race in official forms.

“There is a need for us to look at Malaysians not from the perspective of race,” he said.

“But there are also views saying there is a necessity to continue with the race requirement for the purpose of gathering information,” he told reporters here after launching the book Leadership Evolution Serie 1: A Look at Selected Theories” by Prof Khairil Annas Jusoh, a special officer to the Prime Minister.

Source: The Star Online

What is there to mull about? What "purpose of gathering information" is so important? A Malaysian is Malaysian, any given way. What is there to think about? If we are to identify ourselves as a 1Malaysia, as harped so much by the local media of the day, then steps should be made to create a 1Malaysia. Rid those forms of the race box. I believe even the box marked "Religion" should also be struck out.

What does race and religion have to do with applying for a driving license? Or bank loan? Or applying for an educational institution?

Instead, the box should state whether we are Malaysian or Non-Malaysian and nothing more or less.

Same old bash the blogger tune

2009-08-18T13:41:00.002+08:00

Here we go again.

Bloggers who incite hatred or harp on sensitive issues like race and religion in their postings can be prosecuted for sedition, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

He said the Government would put in place a mechanism to monitor and prevent seditious content from being displayed on blogs.

“The proposed mechanism will not only protect Islam or the Malays but all Malaysians,” he said after attending a state Umno gathering at Batu Burok here yesterday.

Hishammuddin said issues relating to the monarchy, race or religion were sensitive in a plural society like Malaysia and there must be some laws to prevent seditious postings on the Internet.
Source: The Star Online

You can really get tired of the same tune being repeated over and over again. What I really want to know is, what about the other forms of media? Especially those that are in direct control by the government of the day? These jokers are ever ready to twist the truth in order to keep the government in place. These are the ones who really instigate the hate between various groups, who play up issues or scare the populace. They too need to be regulated, not just bloggers.

1Malaysia. We don't need tolerance, we need respect.

2009-06-15T15:42:00.000+08:00

For 1Malaysia to work, we do not need tolerance. No! Tolerance will only delay the inevitable, the decay of relations between all the groups living in Malaysia. What is needed is respect. The need to respect our differences and to live with them.

Being different is the key-stone of nature. All things are different, even identical twins are not truly identical. Our individuality gives us our personality. It is this that needs to be allowed precedence in Malaysia. Yes, we are different, we believe different things, we disagree yet lets live together and learn to understand what makes us different and find ways to come to a consensus on what can be shared values.

Yes, we are different yet our differences are what makes us unique. It is what makes Malaysia unique.

Yes, we are different, and yet we are all equal. We are Malaysian. We are equal. Equal opportunities. Equal say. Equal rights. No-one above the other. All allowed to carve a living on this fair country we call Malaysia.

We don't need tolerance, we need respect.

A win is still a win by any other name

2009-06-02T00:16:00.000+08:00

Penanti is a win for PKR and honestly, BN should just keep quiet and be the gentleman. But BN being BN, had to say something and it is not surprise that the two top BN leaders in Malaysia had to say something.

A win is still a win. All because BN did not contest doesn't mean the win is empty or hollow. Instead, BN chose not to take part in the election citing a million and one reasons but the obvious - if BN took part, it was a sure lost. So BN did not take part and when PKR won, BN turn sore losers. True, the voter turn out was low but it doesn't mean people did not want to vote PKR, it just means people did not turn out to vote. If BN was so sure that the people who did not come out to vote were BN-supporters, why then did you not field your candidate? At least, it would have cut the majority by half or PKR may not have won at all.

Whatever statement that comes out of the BN camp, after the Penanti election, to me are statements from sore-losers. They should keep quiet and concentrate on managing this fair country.

Of DVDs and distraught candidates

2009-05-31T15:14:00.000+08:00

In Malaysia all things are lead to a lonely place called politico-alley. It's an alley where one can sell their soul to the highest bidder and make a quick buck at the expense of the ordinary bloke living on the street. They pawn themselves to the masses and all they want is our super-fly ability to mark the ballot paper. And what happens when a candidate does not get the money they yearn to gain from politico-alley? Draw out a DVD of recordings that prove someone tried to buy you out. Use the DVD to blackmail and hopefully get back at those whom spurn you. Ironically, nothing is gain from this desperate act to gain 15 minutes of fame and glory on national television. It merely taints the very system from which the citizen elects its representatives. It exposes the fact that in Malaysia anything and everything is tied to politics. From the education system, concession to buy land, the right to one's own religion and the use of certain words in daily living; are all governed by politics.

In Malaysia nothing is spared. All are used for political gain.

In an environment such as this, it is small wonder that a candidate can claim that they were offered money to be a candidate. No surprise when it is the norm. So aside from selling the idea that the Opposition in Malaysia are all crooks, such revelation only serves as a headline to sell more newspapers or feed the Government propaganda machine.

I would welcome this distraught candidate to reveal all and allow the citizens to decide for themselves. If she can claim that the Opposition are crooks, then what more the current Government, whom have more resources and money to offer to the Opposition in order to manipulate them for the government gains. If a little is revealed, then allow the whole to be made visible.

Will this happen in Malaysia?

So what the hell is the motive? And other questions needing answers...

2009-04-13T12:32:00.000+08:00

The predominant question from the whole Altantuya case is "What is the motive?". Why? Why was she killed? Did the two police officers decided on their own accord to randomly pick up a woman from outside the compound of the Aquitted One and drive her to a jungle location, just to strap military grade explosives and blow her up? What's the story?

I guess this is a question will forever hang in mid-air. A question never answered but forever asked. What other questions would you like the new PM to answer? Post your questions in the comments area.

New PM, Same Old Problems.

2009-03-27T10:57:00.000+08:00

I took a long break from writing, primarily to focus on other matters in my life and also because looking at the current state of Malaysia, one would end up blogging about the same matter every week. Anyway, for those who have been wondering where I have been, well; I'm still here. And I'd like to put in a little two (2) cents bit on the UMNO General Assembly.

A new PM will step up and this is a most undemocratic step up. It is a PM by consensus, namely the President of UMNO will be PM of Malaysia. He was not voted in, neither were the other members of Malaysian society (namely non-UMNO) consulted or allowed to take part in the voting. Wait, for the presidency there was no voting...right, everyone kind of opted to save the trees by not printing ballot papers for president and just step up whoever the previous president said was good for the post.

So we'll have a new PM by next week. Still new PM but same old problems. PM-to-be spoke about eliminating corruption from the party polls. I think I heard the same speech last year and the year before. Same problem seems to appear every general assembly. Then there was that call to have more representation from the grass-roots in electing their leaders.

Currently, about 2500 delegates cast votes. PM-to-be wants to introduce a new system to elect the UMNO leaders. Sounds good but it would mean the rewards for votes would be slightly higher.

Talking about delegate votes. The PM-Son-In-Law won the delegate votes eventhough it was clear Former-PM-Son won the popular vote. So it shows, even if the grass-roots support you, it is still the delegates that determine the victor. The voice of the 3 million UMNO members can be stifled by 2500 who stand in as delegates.

Come next week and we'll see the new PM strut his stuff as he face three(3) by-elections which I am sure BN must win as a gift for the incoming new PM. Yup, new PM, same old problems.

The Political Police

2009-03-04T13:04:00.000+08:00

It is funny that whenever our politicians do not agree on anything, they make a police report. Take Perak for instance when the House Speaker suspends its members from doing their duties. Is the suspension a crime? Is suspension of a politician a cause for investigation by the police? This is funny indeed and far more funnier being that the PM was the one advising the BN fellas in Perak to make police reports.

So can the rakyat make police reports to say that their elected representatives are not doing their jobs? That these MPs have been squabbling over petty issues since March 8th and the rakyat have been suffering all along because of their irresponsible actions.

Can the Pakatan Rakyat make a police report on the disobedience of the BN representatives who question the power of the House Speaker?

No wonder our police force is over burdened with cases. Most of the cases fall outside their jurisdiction, yet due to the politicize nature of Malaysia, they have to entertain the powers that be.

The Perak government should just have fresh elections. What is BN scared about? If the people are behind the BN then surely fresh elections will solidify BN's hold on Perak. Or is the case otherwise? Is BN really afraid that Perak would grant PR greater footing into Malaysian governance? For all signals seem to point this way, that the threat of PR winning Perak completely is real...very real.

Right now, Perak is a confused state. Who is the government of Perak? For all you know it, the very people who would decide this may just be the police.

Who is looking after our welfare?

2009-02-21T10:03:00.000+08:00

We have been subjected to a deluge of silliness unheard off, these pass few weeks. This country is caught in an endless tug-of-war for the right to govern. And in all this noone is really listening to the people. Do we need to pull off a "People Power" movement in order for the government to hear us out? Do we need to sit in KLIA, ala Thailand government toppling movement, and force this government to listen to us?

The whole clock and dagger scenario which we are caught in should be put away and our elected representative start the process of looking after the welfare of our people. I can imagine the scene in parliament, where everyone is looking over their shoulders, wondering if they will be the next to pull the rabbit out of the hat. Our government is so caught up in this spiral of political intrigue that it has lost focus to what it should be doing, looking after the citizens of this fair nation. These are the people who have taken the choice to make this country great. The one's sitting in the August house are merely governing, but it is the citizens who make up this nation. It is on the shoulders of the everyday citizen that this nation is stand upon. It is the normal day citizen that suffers from this downward spiral of governance.

As a citizen of Malaysia, I would want a nation that is strong and stable for my children. I would want a strong economic environment where my children can seek a secure financial future. I would want an environment where knowledge is freely available, so my children can gain a fair education that allows them to express themselves to be the best they can be.

Stop the politics and start looking after the citizens welfare.

So who is playing the frog game?

2009-02-06T08:31:00.002+08:00

So what happened to the idea where there should be a ruling for "political frogs"? Much like everything else in Malaysia, if BN is the one doing it then it is alright but if anyone else does it...then it's downright sinful.

BN is just better at the game and they sure pulled out their joker in Perak. The government can call the Pakatan Rakyat sinners while BN hide their sins and still get away smelling like a saint.

So the drama would be long and straining for Perak as the power struggle continues and in the midst of it all, the people of Perak suffer. Malaysians suffer as the political game continues while the real issue of governing the nation takes a back seat. Have we all forgotten that the world is currently dealing with the worst financial crisis ever? And here we are, still squabbling over the spoils of a war played out by greedy politicians.

When will Malaysia seriously look at getting its act in place?

No News unless its political

2008-12-30T11:25:00.000+08:00

There is hardly any news in Malaysia unless it's political. Don't you agree?

It can be said that Malaysia is a land of the politician. Almost every aspect of life is controlled by the whims and fancies or statements of our politicians. Our politicians dictate what we read, hear, see and almost to a great degree, what we eat, drink and indulge in. Not to mention that funny fella who stated that those with AIDS should not be given the choice to marry (he has since retracted that statement).

When there is nothing political to report, our news becomes really boring stuff. Our whole economy is driven by political news. The local mamak store or kopitiam would not thrive if we did not have those "professional political analyst" who sit around, all day, drinking their coffee. Business as usual if there is political news floating about.

So come 2009 and we are in for a great 3 months of sensational political news. Namely, the row within PKR would be exaggerated while the tranquility of the UMNO change of guard would be carved into legendary status. Politics in Malaysia is a contrast of the evil Opposition versus the eternal BN-Government. This epic struggle is great for newspaper vendors, helps sell papers and keeps local television relevant. Hopefully they don't plaster news in the cinema, even if they feel it would add value now that there is this idea to bump up the price of a movie ticket.

Where are the human stories? What is Malaysia, without the politics? I'd like to know.

One Malaysia?

2008-12-20T13:29:00.000+08:00

After 50 years of independence, we still need to find a way to gain a One Malaysia. This is what the BN Youth wing is saying. They will be discussion this matter and are hoping to move some initiatives to have a One Malaysia. Does this mean all this while Malaysian were never one?

In fact, the real Malaysia is indeed united. The people are united in living a simple life without strife or controversy. But it is the politician who turns any other matter into an issue that is highlighted on the national scene and this is the cause all our problems in Malaysia. The politicians are the ones causing the issues which seem to be big-time issues in Malaysia. Even the little things can be blown out of the water by our "good" politicians.

It is high time, the people should be asked on what would make a One Malaysia. What do you think? What makes a One Malaysia, lest we allow politicians to decide what they think is good for us.

Sum of Many Parts

2008-11-26T09:43:00.001+08:00

Malaysia is not about a particular group nor is it only one ethnic class. Unlike Japan or Korea where the Japanese can proudly call themselves Japanese due to a majority ethnic class (bar the indigenous groups), Malaysia is a sum of many parts. Malaysians are made up of dozens of ethnic groups all striving to irk out a living.

So for one group to claim "lordship" over others just sounds wrong when, politically, this group needed the help of those from outside their party to stay in government. It is wrong to assume they have total say in everything Malaysia without a thought for those who help keep them in power. Now, we are seeing a jostling for position in the said party. Position in the largest political party in Malaysia comes with much perks. It is an open secret that these top party officio live off government projects and what-nots. In fact, by being the largest stake-holders in government, they continue to enrich themselves.

But here-in lies the problem. The people of this fair country are automatically forgotten by those in power when in truth it was these people who put them into power. And when the public speaks out via street demos or blogs, the government is quick to clamp down on them. Arrests are made in the name of "doing the public a favor" (I thought favors are asked for?), media is twisted to spin lies and corruption on the highest level is sugar-coated to hide the truth.

It is the people who make up this fair country and the government is a servant to the voice of the majority - the people of Malaysia. And the people of Malaysia is a sum of many parts. The people of Malaysia sweep across political, religious and racial lines. Malaysians are Malaysians and is known by no other name. So why do our politicians seem to think other-wise?

Ministry watching blogs playing up controversies

The Home Ministry is monitoring blogs to check if bloggers are posting comments that confuse the people on controversial issues.

At the moment, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung said the ministry was merely advising bloggers against the misuse of blogs.

“So far, we are only telling them not to use their blogs as a mechanism to confuse people or as a weapon against those they don’t like.”

Source: The Star Online

We the people of Malaysia are a greedy bunch, just ask Shahrir Samad.

Shahrir says Malaysians are greedy

Datuk Shahrir Samad, the minister who has faced the brunt of criticism over oil prices, courted even more controversy today when he suggested Malaysians were greedy if they expected subsidies to continue.

The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister, whose job is to regulate prices, said subsidies are meant to only cushion the burden of high prices.

"When prices come down it will just be greed on the part of consumers to insist that they be subsidised," he said.

Source: Malaysia Today

Sometimes you just sit and wonder...

Auto Pilot Administration (APA?)

2008-11-21T14:12:00.001+08:00

I must apologize for my in-frequent blogging these pass week. I've been caught up with work and have not found the time to sit down and churn out my thoughts on what is happening in Malaysia. To a few friends, I must state here, "No, I've not been detained under ISA!" I was just busy with work and also editing my second novel, which I hope to send to a publisher come the new year.

For the record, I've not received my royalty for my first book. The recession seems to have hit the publisher of my first published novella. Sad but well, I'm writing not for the money but it would be nice to see a fat check come Christmas.

Sometimes I wish I could just go into autopilot mode. Get all my work to work themselves out. Get my blog to write itself, posting out articles that spurn and turn your minds. Get my iBook to write all my books, while I sit and merely think about the plots and twists to the story. Autopilot is the best thing since chocolate ice-cream waffles.

But Malaysia is run like that. Our leaders love to leave things to autopilot while they frolic elsewhere. Take the statement by the Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak who mentioned that politicians need a strong civil service. It doesn't matter if the politicians are bad, as long as the civil service is strong.

In a world that is heading towards recession and what-nots, we need leaders with enough balls to lead us through it. The civil service of Malaysia is only as good as the leaders it has. Lead by example. The politicians should lead the way in showing a good example for others to follow. They are wakil rakyat - people's representative. If the leaders are stooges then can we infer that the people they represent are equally stooges?

Herein lies the deepest problem in Malaysian politics. The politicians leave things in auto-pilot mode.

Where clear leadership is needed, we are left with hapless officers who merely tell us, "I have to refer to boss.."

Separate Race, Politics and Religion

2008-11-17T13:38:00.002+08:00

Malaysia is multi-racial and steps need to be taken to ensure that Malaysia would be known as such for the life-span of the nation. To be multi-racial means that all citizens would be called MALAYSIAN and nothing less. Thus, the government of the day should be looking into ways to ensure that our children would identify themselves as MALAYSIAN first and foremost and then secondly by their ethnic background.

I say ethnic background because, the MALAYSIAN of today may not be from a singular ethnic group. Their parents may be from different ethnic groups thus they themselves are a composite of various groups. A testament to the roots of our Malaysia.

But this is not reflected in the minds of those in top governance. Again and again we hear statements that imply the supremacy of one ethnic group over another.

Why are we still talking about the elevation and supremacy of a particular ethnic group over others? Does this mean, the said ethnic group has never been able to attain any standing in Malaysia?

Why is it that after more than 50 years of independence and control over government, the leaders of this country still talk about the supremacy of the Malays? And why is it that criticism of UMNO be equated as an attack against the Malays and in turn a criticism against Islam?

In the minds of those in governance, UMNO = MALAY = ISLAM and any criticism or comment against these three would mean you criticism the three as a whole.

Thus, would this also mean, if UMNO has failed than the three has failed in unison?

There should be a separation in the minds of the country leaders, who are almost all from UMNO, that any criticism of the establishment is to the role of the elected leader in government.

If the Finance Minister has failed in sustaining national economics, then the role of Finance Minister has failed and not the Malay person or the Muslim who held that post.

So when statements uttered by other leaders from other political parties are leveled at the Malays, UMNO should be gracious to accept such statements because UMNO itself makes statements that also tickle their friends in Barisan Nasional. UMNO should be the model of tolerance as this is commanded in Islam.

If UMNO is tolerant then the Malays would be seen as tolerant which is good because a Muslim is called to be tolerant. Instead, we have UMNO leaders using the racial card at every juncture and worst still, it becomes a religious card too and saying things that imply the Malays have little tolerance to live in a multi-racial nation.

Such inability to be tolerant shows how UMNO has de-matured (if there is a word) over the years. Malaysia's founding fathers were able to carve out a nation that was home to various ethnic groups and people (in those days) lived together in harmony. But come today, we have politicians who seemed to like contesting the racial card.

UMNO leaders of today should read their statements standing in the shoes of those who are not Malays and tell me if they don't feel anything.

Separate race, politics and religion and I believe the state of governance in Malaysia would be better.

Government wants CONTROL over media

2008-11-11T09:39:00.006+08:00

From Malaysiakini:

Top editors and media interest-groups have been invited to meet government officials tomorrow for a fresh round of discussions on the proposed - and much contested - National Media Council.

Source: Malaysiakini

Why a need for a council in the first place?

The Malaysian public is wise enough to determine for themselves what they would believe and what not to believe. I see this council as merely another layer for the government to use against independent voices that highlight the government's failings. This is something the current political-party-owned newspapers would never do. Open criticism in Malaysia is frown upon, deemed as a threat to the powers that be.

It seems a fallacy for the government to say that they encourage an atmosphere of openness while at the same time seeking to maintain an iron clad grip on all things.

In the end, all news is sugarcoated to hide the truth. Much like the way the North Korean government controls all news reports concerning its top officials. Everything seems fine and dandy with the government while millions starve and die in the country side.

This divide between the fantasy and reality is beginning to show itself in Malaysia. The government seems to be living in a world of fantasy, created by its own denial of their real state while at the same time, the citizens of Malaysia suffer in the real world.

This move to hide the truth to me is purely STUPID!

Anybody can become Prime Minister of Malaysia...if...

2008-11-10T09:49:00.000+08:00

I am over-joyed that RPK is free from ISA. But I would not be too over-enthusiastic about the matter because I think the judiciary is testing the waters, to see how far they can stretch as the government shifts and turns to re-establish itself under new leadership. So don't count your eggs until they hatch, we never know what lurks in the minds of those bent on keeping their power over this fair country.

Last thursday, Pak Lah said something, which made me want to roll over and laugh. It was funny because it came out of his mouth and yet, also mind-blowing, it it ever happened.

He said, "Anyone can become Prime Minister."

This was in response to the news that Barack Obama had just been elected as President of USA. I wonder if Pak Lah really knows what he just said and what it really imply. For in order for anyone to become Prime Minister of Malaysia, they need to consider the following things:

1. The people do not choose who becomes Prime Minister of Malaysia.

The PM come from the leader of the biggest stake-holder in BN, UMNO. Traditionally, the PM is the President of UMNO. Who chooses the President of UMNO? The people of UMNO. Even then, the choosing process is not a direct members-cast-their-ballot process. Instead, divisions nominate candidates for the post which will then be decided at the UMNO General Assembly. But in recent years, there has only been a single nomination for President and he would just need to be endorsed. In effect, the people of Malaysia do not choose who becomes PM.

In fact, not even the Malays can choose who becomes PM. It seems the choice is passed down from President of UMNO to President of UMNO.

Unless, a direct vote is taken. No-one outside of UMNO can ever be Prime Minister of Malaysia.

2. Racial based parties.

Will we ever see a minority-group individual become PM? It's an idea as crazy as expecting to see a Penan sitting in the seat of government. As it goes, seats in government are divided out among the parties and the political parties in Malaysia are race base. Let's use another term here, Ethnic-Group-Based (EGB).

The notion of race is a fallacy. Genetically, there are only three (3) races of humans. Caucasian, Mongoloid and Negroid.

We, in Asia, belong to the Mongoloid race. From this root we are then divided into Ethnic-Groups. It is these ethnic groups that band together to form the political entities we see now. But as society becomes more lax towards each other, we find more individuals crossing their ethnic lines and the border of differences between ethnic groups become blur and non-existent. If that can happen on a human level, why can't it happen on a political level, especially in Malaysia?

Unless, political parties stand along non-ethnic lines, we will never see a minority becoming PM of Malaysia.

3. Pleasing the minority at the cost of the majority.

The majority here is the rakyat. The minority are those who sit closest to the seat of governance. It seems the trend in Malaysia is to keep those closest to you or at least those upon whose shoulders, you stand on, happy. You award contracts and whatever to keep them happy. At the expense of the Majority.

It amazes me, that Malaysian taxpayers (90% who are Chinese) are paying for a dis-service. Taxpayers money is being used to fund the pockets of the minority that sit within the confines of those in the seat of governance. Unless this is dealt with, there will be no-way just anyone can be PM. Cronyism and Nepotism need to be dealt with if ever anyone has a chance to become PM.

So those are my thoughts on this matter. It is something I hope for, maybe not in my generation but I hope possibly in my children's generation. What do you think?

Barack Obama's Victory Speech - inspiring!

2008-11-06T10:13:00.001+08:00

PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA: If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

Its the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

Its the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

Its the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and hes fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nations promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nations next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy thats coming with us to the White House. And while shes no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what youve sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didnt start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generations apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

I know you didnt do this just to win an election and I know you didnt do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how theyll make the mortgage, or pay their doctors bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who wont agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government cant solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, its that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friendsâ€¦though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if Americas beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one thats on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. Shes a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldnt vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that shes seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we cant, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when womens voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we cant, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

Acquitted but not innocent.

2008-10-31T15:39:00.001+08:00

Razak Baginda has been acquitted by the courts for abetting in the murder of the Mongolian, Altantuya. Acquitted because the persecution failed to put together a case to show his involvement. Fault lies with the persecuting team. But acquittal does not mean innocence. One may be guilty as hell but if the persecution fail to put a case together against you then there will not be any case at all. The courts cannot hold you accountable to any crime if it cannot be proven. And this is the case with Razak Baginda.

Yes, he admitted to having an affair with Altantuya and this is (thus far) his involvement with the Mongolian but did he kill her? That's the bigger question. Is he innocent? It is open to debate. Acquittal merely means there is no court case against you.

So now the case will shift to the two accused, who must now enter their defense for the murder of the Mongolian.

A certain Incoming Prime Minister is sighing a relief. The one connection he had with this murder is now set free. It would fair to say that this case is closed and would only be looked upon as another murder case. Suffice to say, Malaysian's will move on to other matters and whatever shadowy dealings that conspired to bring about the demise of the Mongolian will never be brought into the light of day.

This is the real tragedy of this case. The suppression of truth. We will never know how C4 was obtained. We will never now how immigration records can be deleted. We will never know who gave the order to terminate the Mongolian's life.

Too many questions are left unanswered. The so called police investigation only points to the fact that two police officers stepped out of their way to shoot and blow up a helpless Mongolian woman.

The truth is definitely still out there.

When public money is taken for a spin.

2008-10-29T11:41:00.005+08:00

Malaysiakini has the latest juice on the eurocopter deals. The whole deal was brought into the public light when letters, complaining about the purchase of the helicopters appeared on Malaysia-Today.

The purchase of the helicopters have been shelved and the money to be allocated to more public interest projects, thus says Pak Lah in his capacity as Defense Minister. It must be noted that the whole affair was initiated by the former Defense Minister, Najib Razak, and if followed through would have made some people really rich. Instead, only after public outcry, has the whole project been shelved.

The main question is, "Why pay double for the helicopters?" Of course the government's reply was that the helicopters cost more because of customization works but that answer still cannot satisfy the public.

As a tax payer, I really want to know (besides paying double for it), why the tender board should choose an expensive product when there was a cheaper quoted helicopter on the list? This act alone goes against the general order for purchasing, which is set out by the government itself. So the government is actually side-stepping its own requirements for purchasing by selecting an expensive product over one that is the cheapest.

So rather than explain themselves, the government shelved the project and the money (public money) would be use elsewhere. Smart. In the end we never will get the answers to our questions.

It's high time the government showed they are more responsible towards the people. Their dealings should be more transparent and the public should be in the know with what the government is planning to do with their money. It is the role of our elected Member of Parliament to scrutunize every project that involves the rakyat's money. Yet we do not see this.

Money Politics is Money Politics

2008-10-28T13:41:00.002+08:00

The longer campaign period leading towards next year’s Umno polls could actually help reduce money politics and not worsen it, said Perak Umno chief Datuk Seri Mohammad Tajol Rosli Ghazali.

“The longer the campaign period, the fewer chances there are for money politics as it is not easy to ‘look after’ people for months.

Source: The Star

Reading through this report by The Star, I can safely say that money politics is alive and well in UMNO. It seems to be the normal practice and part and parcel of climbing up the ladder of the political tower.

So the longer period would mean it will cost more to 'look after' the people; making it a non-viable way to gain support in UMNO but what happens when we have candidates who have war-chest that are limitless? Mind you, career politicians are ready for the long haul and their war-chests run into the millions. Money is not the issue to them and neither is buying or selling out one another. So really, the length of time till the party elections is not an issue here.

In short, money politics should be irradicated.

Wasn't this one of the promises of Pak Lah when he came into office? It seems he has forgotten or merely given up. It is not an easy thing to rid off when the whole structure of the political party basically survives on who can pay off the most. It is not only during nomination time that money is passed around. Even during the lull moments, money is passed around through the awarding of contracts and favors. This is the ROI for money passed during nominations.

So what is a few million when you can make back billions?

So money politics is money politics and nothing will change in the way politics is done in Malaysia. The fact that statements like the above make it into prime time news just shows how real the matter is and how deep it is instilled into the very fabric of UMNO itself.

Much ado over Bollywood

2008-10-24T15:14:00.000+08:00

Is it really a big deal? Or merely our politicians trying to raise a storm in a teacup?

Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) getting a datukship can be a good thing taken in a positive note. The guy does have influence and that influence can be turned into tourism ringgit. So why the sudden call for Malacca to retract when not only Malacca but the whole of Malaysia can benefit from the influence of SRK?

I like what Tun Mahathir wrote about this matter in his blog. It's clear and simple to grasp, clearly showing why Tun initiated this move to attract Bollywood to Malaysia. Tun had vision and a far-sight strategic plan to put Malaysia in the eyes of the world. Sadly, none of the current MPs share this ability to see into the future for the good of this nation. Yes, we may not like Tun but you can't help notice, he is a statesman above all the rest. His mind still clear even when he walks in his 80s.

So give SRK his datukship and encourage more people to visit Malaysia. The tourism ringgit would help move the nation's economy, translating into income for those in the cottage industries (souvenirs) and local eateries. Isn't that what the government should be doing - spurring the growth of our nation's economy?

What is Justice in Malaysia?

2008-10-22T14:47:00.001+08:00

It's great to receive comments on your blog. You feel like you have contributed to the bigger body of knowledge by allowing people to post their views and (hopefully) generate meaningful discussions. There have been times in my blogging life (since 2003) where some people have not been happy with my postings and even at one time a reader threatened to sue me for a comment posted by another reader.

But I must say something to arjun who graciously commented on my post "ISA for Crimes of Opinion". He made a reference to my post "Khairy Jamaluddin in ISA?" where I mentioned that KJ would never be caught under ISA. KJ will not be caught under ISA, not because he did not have an opinion or stuff to say but rather because he is the SIL to the current PM. arjun should read the article again and see the angle I am writing from.

KJ will never be caught because he is UMNO. KJ will never be caught because he is not Opposition. So KJ will go on saying whatever he wants to say and nothing will be done to him. Make as many police reports as you want against KJ, yet no action will be taken. Remember, KJ is KJ and the rising star of UMNO young turks. His veil ambition to be the next prime minister at the age of 40 is an open secret so do you honestly think this bastion of UMNO young blood would be caught under ISA?

So arjun, read my article again and hopefully you will see my point. The hope now is for KJ to not be elected as the UMNO Youth head. Stop his rise and let's see justice take its place. It is only just that the one person who has had influence in the dealings of this country be made to pay for his misdeeds.

What is Justice in Malaysia?

Justice is when we have a government that returns back to what it was destined for - to care for Malaysians. But over the years, this BN government has set out to enrich a select few and elevate their own into positions of power. They ship-wrecked the economy by hiking up the fuel prices and then asking that we all change out lifestyles while they live off our tax-money.

Now, will I be caught for a Crime of Opinion? I don't know, ISA is a funny tool that seems to be selective in its implementation.