Immediate Response to Budget

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has announced the second election primer budget full of goodies, extending from bonuses to civil servants to handouts to lower income households. This budget is Najib’s latest fiscal effort to secure him a solid victory in the 13th general election that has to be held before the end of June next year.   The budget is a continuation of a historically unprecedented pattern of direct government transfers to woo political support that has broadened in scope, increased in amount and moved development policy from needs based initiatives to what appears to be a coordinated regime political survival programme.

With the increase of Federal govt debts of 4% (43b), the debt is raised to new height of RM502.4b! This is 53.7% of our GDP. We are on the blink of bankruptcy as a country with debts amounting to 55% of the GDP is a bankrupt state. With PM known to make supplementary borrowing, it is expected that he will resort to more borrowings to finance election good

ies if GE13 is held next year and bankrupt the country!

Nothing in the BN budget to rival the Pakatan Rakyat’s “Oil Justice” of which Sarawak will benefit directly. In the PR’s budget, Sarawak will be granted petroleum royalty of 20% as compare to the present 5%. Further, the PR is also committed to help establish state-owned second-tier oil and gas companies for Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu and Kelantan, through “risk sharing contracts” (RSC). Nothing in the BN’s budget. We are to settle for a part of the 400,000 water tanks costing RM100 million, to harvest rainwater but alas! RM2,500 per water tank, which is unbelievable.

There is nothing for the Sarawak First Trunk Road System, though much anticipated! (the increasing number of road accidents recently and considering the fact that the Semenanjung road network of 35,734 km as compared to 10,171 km for Sarawak and Sabah combined)

It is quite shocking that there is no provision to alleviate economic hardship of some Msian families. There are 84,000 families with household earning less than RM500 per month (these are households of “abject poverty”) and another RM427,000 families earning household income between RM501 to RM999.
In PR alternative budget, we proposed to raise welfare payment to these families from RM300 per month to RM550 per month. The increase in welfare payment will also help the OKU (physically or mentally challenged people).

The BN’s budget is also a huge let down when it fails to make any adjustment to the excise duty of motor vehicles (up to 105% of costs of the vehicles) as such reduction is much anticipated and deem to increase disposable income of the rakyat. In PR’s alternative budget, 20% reduction is promised. It is obvious that the BN is bent to protect the AP holders who are the BN-puteras and cronies.

The BN budget is losing sight of the country’s interests. It prioritizes the BN’s interests and is focused on its survival in this coming GE13, hence the bonus of 1 and 1/2 month for civil servants (even though it took into account the 1/2 month bonus already paid before the last Hari Raya Aidifitri) which will cost the country RM6 billion; 2nd round of BR1M to cost RM3b; one-off BR1M 2.0 of giving RM250 to youths above 21 earning less than RM2000 per month; RM200 rebates for 1.5 million youths between 21 and 30 to buy smartphone which will cost the country RM300 million.

However, the important sectors are taking the back seats: only RM276 million for MACC (this shows that the BN is absolutely not committed to combat corruption, comparing this to the RM300m for smartphone rebates to youths; only RM600 million for crime reduction, SME (small and medium enterprises) Development Scheme only RM1 billion and RM100 million each for all National typed Chinese, Tamil and Mission schools.

On the whole, the National budget is disappointing and a let-down. It is basically a ticket for the BN to secure victory for the coming general election, and nothing more.

New Born Dayak Leader

I should not be writing such article as it may have negative effect on Dayak. But let truth be told that come election the Dayak will be made to split politically. Let as examined today scenario – where PRS is being challenged by SWP, a political party that do not get any rebuke by the State leadership and rather given a silent approval. Dr. James has to shout at the top of his voice to remind BN component party of BN constitution that for any party to be admitted into BN it must be agreed by ALL parties. Even with one descending voice that would be a NO. Dr. James per-empt such scenario but might have thought of other strategies to take should he finds himself boxed into a corner. The key element of PRS strategy is “sediakan payong sebelum hujan” and also PRS must be fast enough to avoid a situation for “nasi sudah jadi bubur” then what can you do. The worst situation that PRS face is “di telan mati apai di luak mati indai” in their fight for survival. 

We also witnessed the splitting of SPDP, first with the G5 and later plus one with Wong Judat leaving to join SWP. The G5 were given a wide range of freedom including holding on to their government post despite having left SPDP through a never before organization that is now known as “BN Independent”. Why did this happened? Simply because some one wanted to see SPDP weaken and could not be a political force if they wanted to consolidate their Dayak support. At the end of the day, the power of the day must ensure that Dayak cannot helm the government of the state of Sarawak. The unseen hand wanted to see status -quo maintained. 

SNAP declared it will go it alone this coming election. In the last election its financial resources was provided by outside interested party to ensure that Pakatan votes would be reduced. SNAP is in a good position to fight for the slogan of “Sarawak for Sarawakian” but the leadership is not capable of doing that. It may have its own agenda and when the party do not have the money the party would be open to manipulation by a third party. What we need now is to embark on the journey of creating new Dayak leadership to represent us.

Building new Dayak Leadership 

Even among the educated Dayak there are large amount of “personal character ” assassination politics. Many educated Dayak like to feel that they are better then the rest. Sadly the same people may not have a clear goal to achieve despite being involved in politics and it is a shame that their harsh words for potential leaders is destructive whilst they do not have ideas of their own on who should be the leaders. The “personal agenda” is all important to them. We need to learn to be circumspect in criticizing our upcoming leaders so to avoid eroding their creditability and integrity which may lead to their defeat. The consequence would be a lost to our own Dayak community. Let us be more focus and objective in dealing with leadership selection and not interfere with their effort once a decision has been made for them to contest the election. In this way, we will have a smoother environment to focus on the job of getting vote rather then trying to response to the various scheming and accusation. This is a sure to split the Dayak even before the election. This problem is contributed and created by our own self. 

 Let us learn to be constructive in our approach to build new leaders if we want to replace the current ones in BN. We know it is a long process to build good leadership and that is why it is more important for us to be aware of our own action so as not to interfere with the process. 

With this article I would like to draw your attention to the challenge of preparing a new group of Dayak leaders and what we all can do to ensure that they will be able to lead us into the next 10 years. We must find new behaviors and approaches to avoid diluting our political strength and purpose of politics. We are already short of many commodities in politics and one of it is MONEY. We can overcome this problem if we can all put our effort together. It has been done during the PBDS era. The other commodity which we do not have a choice on is TIME. Our time is running out or its now or never as the work of grabbing our NCR land, flood our natural heritage, suppress our culture and religion, curtailing our job and business opportunity is going on earnestly by our detractors. This we cannot allow them to have more time to master us as we stand to lose and it is difficult to get back our losses. Some losses like BAKUN and the to be BARAM dam we will never recover at all unless we act now in a wise manner. 

Conclusion 

The road ahead of us is already difficult. We do not have to add to those difficulties if we are together in words and thoughts. Let us give strength to one another through our support and effort. Our community need us to work as a strong energize team and cohesive in our plan and action. For lack of words I can say LET US GO UBAH and itd not a new term for the sake of our future...

Rainforest World Music Festival- Alkisah Kamek

After a lapse of a few years, I decided to go to the much hyped annual rainforest World Music Festival over weekend.  What could I say about the festival, other than seeing a sea of people from as far as the Czech Republic in Europe, Argentina in South Africa and Hawaii in the United States converging here.  For me, this year’s event was fun because I brought two good friends from Singapore –Paul and Andrew.  Being first time visitor to the RWMF, they were obviously excited.  Nevertheless, having known them for a long time I had to brace myself for whatever comments - good or otherwise – they had about festival.  “well, we’re Singapore what! Its our obligation to be fussy and particular about everything,” Paul half-joked.

So we went to the festival – me without much expectation but I couldn’t say much about Paul and Andrew.  I thought they were observing everything, although they didn’t show much.  In fact, they seemed to enjoy atmosphere and it made me glad.   I love energy here.  Everybody seems to be moving all the time.  It does feel like a music festival, equivalent to Woodstock but at much at possible level.  Its really a musical celebration from around the world and I love seeing people of all creed and races get together and be like old friends to meet each other, even though they never meet before.  What I like is the fact that youngsters have come not just to participate but also as volunteers and food stall operators.  Its all so active...

And I must commend security.  They are really successful at making visitors feel secure and safe.  As a pure Sarawakian, I beamed with a pride hearing these comments.  I agreed that this year’s handling of the festival was professionally done.  Of course, also as a Sarawakian , I felt the festival could have been better but I believe that true observation would only come from fist time visitors like Paul and Andrew rather than from a been there done that person such as myself.  True enough not everything about the festival was rosy.

Apart from anticipating that RWMF would be a rave party of sort, Andrew expected the festival to be more focused on raising awareness of preserving and sustaining rainforests.  With the ‘rainforest’ in its name, I’m expecting more programmes for raising awareness of the rainforests.  But what I see is that RWMF appears to be solely a music festival, albeit a great one.  Also seeing that the festival is being held at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV), I expect it to be ethnics.  Instead, it seems like the management of the space is renting out the place for RWMF and their cultural performers are taking backseat during the festival.

I believe the festival should also include more Sarawak’ own cultural showcase.  At least have your guided dressed in their traditional customs and show visitors around.  I mean the cultural village staff shouldn’t just be put on sidelines just because we have foreign performers.  Paul and Andrew mention they wished for more shows on Sarawak culture.

I saw tagline ‘Rhythm of Borneo’ written on signboard across Kuching but where is it? A music festival can be anywhere – Edinburgh in Scotland or even Kuala Lumpur.  But having the word ‘rainforest’ in the name is what makes RWMF different.  Yes I enjoyed the Malay house showcase of Batik painting, top spinning, embroidery making and others, but where the Ibans, Bidayuhs, Melanaus and Orang Ulus?  The only people wearing the traditional costumes were the ones manning booth right after entrance.

Beside that I must highlighted the logistic issue in which visitors who were driving to Damai had to leave their vehicles at one Hotel, which was good 5 km or more from the cultural village.  But it also cumbersome for my foreign colleagues’’ because they don’t want to trouble themselves bringing much money to commute between One Hotel and SCV.  Beside I have much souvenir shopping to do inside the village.  It might sot seem that big a deal at a glance, but it did drive some of the visitors to walk all the way just to avoid that kind of hassle.

It would be nicer if such fees are included all in one with the purchase of the tickets.  The purchasing agents should also give visitors the option to have their vehicles driven up to the venue by providing them with RWMF stickers.  

 .

Well, at least I’m enjoyed myself indulging at the festival.  Yeeepi..... (August)

Tertiary Education

Education had became the major issue for civilization ever since human able to keep and restore knowledge in certain ways. In this new era of information, knowledge and information is easily to gain through databases in Internet. That is why smart "Mr. Google" became popular because it provides almost 99% accuracy in retrieving the information needed.

This by mean, that once a person eager to learn (motivation to learn) the excuse of lack in material for resource is lame. Internet has it almost all. If no, why some student in university get caught for plagiarism? These people copy the exact information from Internet and paste it in their assignment. They hand it in to lecturer and the lecturer will do the checking for marks and somehow lecturer as the expert in giving marks able to identify whether the work done by student is genuine idea or "copy paste". Therefore, this is one of unethical use of knowledge by student.

So, plagiarism can be avoided by putting references into the citation.

As a student in tertiary level, i adore all works that had been done by scholars in their research. For example the journals, articles journal and of course books. Because the knowledge that they shared through these medium are very significant to development, useful philosophies, concepts and theories for better implementation of certain strategy in formulating decision.

So, we should know how to appreciate it. Appreciate their contribution by giving a recognition by using referencing. That's it! It is not that tough. Same goes to you, when your parents give pocket money for you, you absolutely will say "thank you". Why? Not because you appreciate only their concern on you for whatever you will use for the money. BUT..You are thanking them for their work in gaining such amount of money and give it to you. On the other hand, they work for you.

So how can i relate this with the tertiary level of education? Mostly students in tertiary level are among those people who will do lots of learning in depth to certain field. Like for example, i am taking M.Sc of Human Resource Development and my expertise is in HRD, for sure. The learning system is not as the same like students in secondary and high school. Self-learning is the most important. Discipline is necessary for better achievement which will finally contribute back to the country. That is why, plagiarism is something that we should take serious about. We don't want the students in tertiary level graduate with pride of result in flying colors but learn nothing in appreciating the nature of the education itself.

Education is not mean only for successful by scoring straight A's and 4.00 flat CGPA. It is an art of constructing knowledge and restore it in our special long-term-memory. But this sequence is full with hypocrisy if, the students know the fact but ignore who was the inventor. It seems not important at all is it? Maybe yes but most probably no.

What makes it important to do referencing?

Validity source of materials, to avoid plagiarism, give recognition to scholars and the most valuable reason is; to respect the knowledge by being honest in learning and sharing knowledge with humbleness which most people tried to skip it. Because they think they smartest in that way. But i see it in another way.

Unless someone came to me and dedicate Sonnet 18, a poem for me and mentioned who is the poet than i can say he got recognized William Shakespeare's art by telling it to me in a beautiful way as he did understand what he said.

This is the generation that we need. Respectful, appreciate things and honest for good civilization.

P/s Too all My M.Sc HRD's classmates I wish u guys all the best for our incoming Final Year Project. Hopefully all our hard-work to complete proposal will pay off get a good response from evaluator..2013 please be nice to me.Amen..

Broken promises, displaced natives, cheating BN

Thirty years on, native victims of the Batang Ai and Bakun dams are still waiting for compensations and lands promised to them in return for their relocation. 

 KUCHING: Unresolved issues as a result of broken promises made to natives displaced by the Batang Ai and Bakun hydro-electric dams should serve as a “warning” to settlers who are yet to be affected by the construction of dams in Baram and other places in Sarawak.

Despite 30 long years, as in the case of Batang Ai, and 14 years in Bakun’s case, the problems with the settlers have not been resolved.

Said Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian: “I would like to urge our people, especially those who are yet to be affected by the construction of the dams, to bear in mind what have happened to the people who have been displaced by the Batang Ai and Bakun dams.

“As long as they are the same [Barisan Nasional] people at the top, their promises will never be fulfilled.”

Bian was commenting on a news report highlighting unresolved issues and unfilled promises made 14 years ago by the Taib Mahmud government to native settlers in return for their relocating from their ancestral homes. The exercise was to enable the construction of the Bakun Dam.

More than 9,000 people from the Kayan, Kenyah and Penan communities who are now resettled at Sungai Asap are still clamouring for the fulfilment of the promises made in exchange for their submerged longhouses and land.

Five longhouses belonging to the Ukit community are still left stranded in the Ulu Balui. They too have claimed that they have not been compensated for the loss of their longhouses and land.

Their leader, Ngajang Midin, said the government owned him more than RM100,000.

Bian, who is the Ba’Kelalan Assemblyman, said: “The recent events unfolding at Bakun, Bengoh and Baram areas tell a sorry tale about the tragedy brought about by the government’s reckless disregard of the people in its haste to satisfy the greed of certain powerful parties.

“The people of Sungai Asap are still waiting for the promises of the government to be fulfilled 14 years after they were relocated to make way for the Bakun Dam.

“Initially they were promised 15 acres per family, but they were eventually given only three acres.

“They also claim to have been shortchanged on other promises of cash compensation, housing materials and scholarship from the Bakun Trust Fund.

“In the Bengoh area, timber licences were issued for land that was allocated to the people for resettlement, creating great distress and anger to those who had already suffered the trauma of the loss of their land and livelihood,” he said.

‘Lying BN government’

Bian said that as for the Baram dam, although BN politicians had tried to convince the public that the people in the area support the building of the dam, this is far from the truth.

“There have been protests by the people determined not to suffer the same fate as those whose lives were destroyed by the Batang Ai, Bakun and Bengoh dams,” he said, adding that two police reports had been lodged against contractors Sarawak Energy Bhd for trespassing on native customary rights (NCR) land to start works on the Baram dam.

“In my visits to the area, I was told by 40 longhouse representatives that 95% of the people oppose the building of the dam,” he said.

Bian also said the BN government has made numerous other promises which have yet to see the light of day, including hospitals in Limbang and Petra Jaya, which have yet to be built.

“I saw billboards mushrooming everywhere proclaiming ‘janji ditepati’ and these are but another attempt to mislead the people.

“In the face of broken promises and mistreatment of the people by this government, the BN politicians have no qualms about accusing the opposition of being liars and making empty promises to win the hearts of the rakyat.

“I have been told to stay out of Limbang by the incumbent MP as the people would not fall for the opposition’s lies. For me, that’s not for the political leaders like us to decide but the rakyat’s prerogatives.

“Whether we are telling lies or not is for the rakyat to judge. Never underestimate the wisdom of the rakyat,” he said.

P/s Berubah Meh Kitai and Change We must...

Broken Shield

Like it or not,Taib is the most cunning politician Sarawak ever had.He is a master of a divide and rule politic.He and his uncle Rahman kicked out Kalong and to silence the Iban discontentment at that time,they put Tawi Sli as their puppet.As SNAP was still strong in early 80s,they asked Endawie to become High Comm in Australia,SNAP leaders then quareled,led to the birth of PBDS.When PBDS was strong, ,Taib had in early 2000s asked the current Mr.Senior Minister without budget allocation,Masing to destroy PBDS and Masing feels so proud of doing it till today.SNAP was still considered quite strong and in 2002,the other now Mr.Senior Minister,Mawan was asked to destroy SNAP.Karma has come to Mawan and soon,it will visit Masing,both opportunists who killed their very own party that groomed and made them of what they are today.I bet Mawan dare a face-off with Taib.It is not a secret that the SPDP5 were PBB nominees in SPDP but in PRS Snowdon Lawan,Masir Kujat,William Nyalau and Malcolm Musen were handpicked by Jabu.Mawan had long time ago been bullied by Taib and he wont dare to face-off Taib.By being Presiden of a Party or by a senior minister does not mean that Mawan is 'immortal' politically. 

Dayak are only found in Borneo. If Dayak cannot maintain their “rights” in Borneo – which is our home land by our birth rights then Dayak will vanish from this earth. Our ancestor fear no death despite the guns and canons of the Brookes. Today we should not fear a greater army with a greater force because our “rights” to our land precedes all things in Sarawak Borneo.

This BN Government in Sarawak of today, hide behind the name of development to steal our land and extinguish our rights to the land. The time is close at the government prompting that the Government seek to destroy us through taking away our heritage and our rights. Even development is being politicized and our culture and livelihood being displace by corruption and profit for BN cronies. We must never allow the rich to dominate the poor.

My conclusion is ALL the current Dayak leaders in BN is basically helpless and useless to further the cause of Dayak welfare and progress. The Dayak leaders DO NOT have the gut to tell Taib the truth about what Dayak need but is more concern about protecting their personal interest. Berubah Meh, this is nothing new term to us but with this conclusion I am proposing that we act on this fact by focusing our selves to rid off our Dayak YBs in BN

Berubah meh kitai kena ngubah perintah BN ti udu jai baka ke saritu.

Change WE Must.

MSC

Researcher Researcher Researcher


Currently I am assisting two Master students in completing their research paper. Precisely, I involved closely in writing the research paper.  I am so super genius wanna-be that I am doing two different research at the same time? Take note: I just attended my convocation for undergraduate level last year


What am i doing to my brain?
I never study international business and I am doing internationalization research.
 Simply because the report that I am working on it now is worth with my effort and passion in doing research. They got the comment from first draft already, the lecturer wanted them to amend only FEW matters. Only that FEW matters~ I thought I will have to draft out all over again.
Which means my assumption on their supervisor's expectation is slightly higher than in real. However, my intention is of course to get extra pocket money. :p
But, if these two people get A's for the research paper that I am working on with them right now....I'll be super duper proud of myself. Hahaha~

I will do everyting for u Aba. U are my everything and I will not stop loving you.Rest In Peace Aba...










I should be thankful.
I am trying here~

Sarawak Political Scene

What will happen to the political scene?

 I can see the immediate weakening of PBB politicality through disunity. PBB is strong now because Taib used his charisma and personality to hold PBB together. After that, there is nothing that I can see in PBB leadership that is able to hold it together. PBB do not have a political core value and neither is it operating on principles. Those in PBB are after business opportunitoes provided by Taib and also not limited to pushing for lofty political position as Senators but also include those who wanted to be a certified Tuai Rumah. 

PBB has no political struggle to fight for. It is a platform that is being pulled by UMNO “Ketuanan Melayu Agenda” where Dayak is just a partner to make the partnership look pretty. In reality, the PESAKA Wing of PBB is mostly not effective and lack clear direction in its political objective. Jabu talk a lot about improving the rural population and evidence suggest that this is not as successful as Jabu would like to make it to be. Too many results and statistics presented about the rural economy and status are manipulated. That include those income generated by land development scheme and poverty eradication figure are examples. We can see in real life that the people are not as rich as Jabu made it out to be. The implementation of Rural Water and Electricity program are also a shamble. The statistics provided look great but on the ground there are just too many dwelling without water and electricity. I was told most of the big contracts to provide pipe water and electricity actually belong to Senior Ministers in Sarawak. This is what I called unsustainable because the business as strongly link to political position. When the position change and so will be the business.

 What will happen to Dayak?

 It is important for young Dayak not with standing you are directly involved in politics or not, the departure of Taib will surely present us with a new opportunity to fight for what we deserve in Sarawak. The big question is “what do you want to see and have after Taib for the Dayak community? 

We know Taib is always after our land either through plantation, miming, dams etc. If you want the change, what kind of change do you want it to be? The Dayak are not fairly treated in business, employment in the civil service, infra-structure development etc. Are we expecting to see the same unfair treatment after Taib or do we really have to prepare now for the future. We may need to not only discuss the future but HOW to get to the future that we want. The Chief minister position cannot be in the hand of Malay all the time.

 The Dayak must make an effort to get it back and if PBB Dayak are not willing to go for the post then other Dayak based party can have a go at it. Distraction Sometime I do think the SWP is created to weaken PRS so that Dr. James will not aspire to be the Chief Minister. Taib might have some concern in that area of politics. Or even SPDP Group of 5 was created to weaken SPDP. By all indication both Masing and Mawan seemed not to think so and both has been saying that their future lies with BN without any doubt or question.The “Tan Sri” title may play a big part in their thinking as that will play exactly into the hand of UMNO as it is its real intention. This Tan Sri title are issue to prepare the way for a continued Malay Chief Minister in Sarawak. 

 Conclusion 

Sometime I often wonder about what the Dayak in BN is doing. Nearing election they start to promise so many things to the people. In between after winning the election, nothing seem to happen at all. The Federal Ministers would come and help them win rural votes and the gullible voters would believe everything the Minister said. Then in between election the people would regret their vote but the same trend is happening year in year out. No wonder education is key to the change that we want to see in Sarawak. Even that, the BN government make sure that Dayak has the least number of graduate in order that they can control the Dayak vote easily. It is time for change. Berubah meh kitai and Change WE Must.

Euro 2012 and the upcoming elections

As with any major football tournament, EURO 2012 has generated plenty of interest and talk among fans, even here in faraway Malaysia. I’m sure fans have been pledging allegiance to their favorite teams, discussing players and tactics and trying to predict who will win. On my part, I will be supporting England as usual; even though I don’t think they have a hope of winning. I’ve always supported England when it comes to football championship, unless by some miracle Malaysia qualifies for world cup, in which case I will definitely be cheering for our national side. 

I think my support for England is partly due to family influence and partly to the fact that I follow the English Premier League. My dad, from whom I inherited a keen interest in football, is an England supporter, so naturally I’m following his footsteps. I also watch lot primer league matches, which means I’m more familiar with English football, and that’s why I find it natural to support the English team. There are various reason why we support the team we do. 

 I know of friends who support England like me for sentimental reasons. Judging by the amount newsprint and airtime devoted to the premier league, English football is very popular in Malaysia, so it shouldn’t come as surprise if many people here are England fans. But if its success you are after, you probably shouldn’t be picking England because they haven’t done very well in recent tournaments. This time, I think they will do well even get out of the group stages into the quarter finals. Those who choose teams based in success will plump for nearly favorite like Spains, Germany and Netherlands. They might go step a step further and pore over past results, current performances, player available, managers’ track record, formations and tactics to decide which team has the best chance of winning. 

Still others might pick teams which play attractive football, combining fluid passing and movement with strong attacking options and solid defence. Maybe some will have a soft spot for the underdogs and go for less fancied sides like Denmark and Czech Republic. Hens there are people who clueless about football but get caught up in the excitement or want to lay some bets, and go around asking friends for tips on who they should be backing. 

Come to think of it, it all quite similar to choosing political parties, isn’t it? 

Some people support a particular party because it happens to be one that their family has always voted for, regardless of performance. Maybe they do so out of sentiment and a sense of loyalty to their family’s political affiliations. Others will take the trouble to look at the manifesto and candidates presented by each party to decide which one is the better choice. They will not probably swayed by emotions but will choose what they think is best based on the available evidence. Some might choose a party because they are attracted by the style of its philosophy and its leaders. Hopefully there won’t be many voters who have no idea of what is going on and need to rely on advice from friends about which party to support. 

However there are two major difference between Euro 2012 and the upcoming general election. The first, obviously, is that whatever happens in the final on July 1 will have no bearing on Malaysia, whereas the outcome of the elections will set the direction for our country for the next five years. Secondly, as we stay up late to watch our favorite teams in action, all our cheering in our living rooms will not influence the result, in fact our teams won’t even know that we’re rooting for them. But as voters in this country, we have a say in how election will turn out. Indeed, it is our duty to cast our ballots wisely, responsibly and conscientiously to ensure that we elect the government we want. So whatever our reason for choosing one political party over another, I hope we give them more carefully consideration compared to picking a favorite football team. 

 Ultimately, our choice should be based on what we believe will be best for the country and that means picking a party that stands for what is right and good and will deliver promises. Here’s looking ahead to a great Euro 2012. In the meantime, let’s not forget our responsibility as citizens and voters to choose wisely for the sake of our future.

Asking question to Distract

At the tail of an interview last week, when I asked a political scienti about his thought on when the general election would be held, Prof Dr Andrew Aeria (Faculty Social Science, Unimas)  shot back : “ That’ not important.  It’s a “red herring” all that matters are issues. 

He said again, “An election isn’t about dates; it’s about what people are concerned with.”  I became embarrassed immediately- the professor would have seen this had been chatting face to face instead of over the phone.  I was equally embarrassed for not quite knowing what a “red herring” meant.  A check on Google says it is either a dried fish, or something that is intended to mislead or distract.

Of course, Prof Aeria was referring to the later meaning of the metaphor.  The less we let people divert us onto when the election is going to be, the more we will discuss issues, and how to move forward.  There so much on the minds of Malaysians.  Chiefly, we concerned about rising cost of living versus slow income growth.  We also care deeply about freedom of speech in relation to extremism.  Corruption is perpetually on the tongues of politician.

Yet, what is actually being done?

There are rights movements campaigning for greater judiciary independence, just as the Government insists its recent losses to the opposition prove a fair legal system.  Gosh.  Parents are worried about their children’s education- Bahasa Malaysia or English.  While teachers are caught in the middle of it all.  Of late, there have also been talks of escalating public healthcare cost and its weight on national debt.

Above all, there are issues concerning quality of life that is worth pondering over.  Malaysia has never been at such crossroads before, and perhaps indeed I’s “the time they are changing”, as B0ob Dylan sang so tunefully- and timelessly- about 1960s America.

So Prof Aeria is right: It matters not when Parliament will be dissolved.  In fact, when we Malaysians ask when the Government might be holding the General Election, that question is technically and fundamentally wrong.  The Government does not set the election date: it’s the election commission which does.  All the government of the day does is to dissolve Parliament with the consent of the Yang Dipertuan Agong.

In our political system, the prime minister is not really tested in elections for he is not directly elected by the people.  We elect members of parliament, or MPs.  The person who becomes Prime Minister is the one supported by the majority of elected MPs in the parliament.  He then appoints minister- again with the consent of the Yang di Pertuan Agong- to form the Cabinet A.k.a “Executive”.

The executive’s plan and polices must then be passed by parliament, before they are sent to the senate, which gives the final okay.  But that’s not the end of it; every single piece of legislation can still be challenge in the court (the judiciary) to see if it fits with the constitution.  The legislative, executive and Judiciary are checks and balances for all of us.  It’s quite an awesome system the British left us.  In most countries, the free media is often called “the fourth estate”, acting as the fourth check on the system.  Yet with such a political system as complex as that, the only question most of us bother to ask is, “when will the election be held?”

Prof Aeria’s assertion that overemphasis on “when” being distraction is truer still when the speculation comes from the mouth of the high ranking politician.  Whenever a senior politician talks about the election, it will be reported.  Think about the amount of the column-inches and airtime wasted on “when”, but not about “what” issues and “how” to address them.

Inevitably, whenever “when” is brought up by those in power, it is followed by the wrong “why” specifically, “why the government of the day deserves to be re-elected?”  To be sure, this is true the world over.

In Malaysia, though, there has long been deliberate distortion of the words “Government” and “opposition” in relation to which parties belongs in which camp.  Listening to some government officials speak, you would be for thinking that should Pakatan Rakyat become the ruling government one day, it would still be known as the “opposition”.

Maybe the only “ when” question we ought to ask ourselves – given the state of politics – is: “when will we grow up?”


~Agus~