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Lingam Tape – a grand conspiracy to “kill” it at the technical level on its authenticity?

With the one-week ultimatum given by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice president Sivarasa Rasiah and party adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s political co-ordinator Sim Tse Tzin to reveal the source of the eight-minute Lingam videoclip or face action under the Anti-Corruption Act 1997 entailing two years’ jail, RM10,000 fine or both, every concerned Malaysian is asking:

Is there a grand conspiracy to “kill” the Lingam Tape scandal at the technical level casting doubts on its authenticity to avert any inquiry into the rot of the judiciary in the past 19 years and who are the people and parties privy to this grand conspiracy?

With the ACA ultimatum, the game-plan for the damage control of the explosive revelation of the Lingam Tape on the perversion of the course of justice with grave allegations of the fixing of judicial appointments and court decisions has become clearer — as the ACA is only interested in zeroing on the “whistleblowers” rather than the truth or otherwise of the serious allegations of the perversion of the course of justice highlighted by the Lingam Tape.

An administration fully committed to restore national and international confidence in the independence, integrity and meritocracy of the judiciary would leave no stone unturned to investigate into the allegations of fixing of judicial appointments and court decisions regardless of whether the identity of the “whistleblowers” could be identified.

But here, we have all the resources of the state being expended to try to cast doubts on the authenticity of Lingam Tape while ignoring the rot in the judiciary in the past 19 years since the 1988 Judicial Crisis.

In the case in point, the first thing the three members of the Haidar Inquiry panel should have asked the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak before accepting their appointments was the assurance that they would have powers to grant protection and immunity of prosecution to anyone who come forward to give information to the panel, particularly the person or persons who had taken the Lingam Tape.

Why didn’t the three-man Haidar panel ask for such powers so that it could be seen as an independent inquiry in search of truth and justice instead of being regarded as a creature of the government just to serve the interests of the Executive?

In this connection, it is appropriate to ask the Haidar Inquiry Panel whether it is aware of any grand conspiracy to kill the Lingam Tape scandal at the technical level by casting doubts on its authenticity to avert any inquiry into the rot of the judiciary in the past 19 years.

This question is pertinent in view of the juxtaposition of two events:

  • The first meeting of the Haidar inquiry panel on Wednesday, together with the Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Musa Hassan and Anti-Corruption Agency director-general I Datuk Abu Kassim Mohamed; and
  • The issue the very next day of the one-week ultimatum to Sivarasa and Sim to reveal the source of the Lingam Tape or face prosecution.

Sivarasah and Sim had been questioned by the ACA separately before the Haidar inquiry meeting on Wednesday. Was the game-plan to issue the one-week ultimatum to the two to reveal source or face prosecution discussed with the Haidar panel?

Is the Haidar panel prepared to take a public stand opposing the one-week ultimatum of ACA to Sivarasa and Sim to reveal source or face prosecution, by asking the Attorney-General to grant immunity to the whistleblowers by declaring that no prosecution or whatever action would be taken against them?

In the transcript of the press conference given by the panel chairman, Tan Sri Haidar Mohd Noor on Wednesday, there was the following Q & A after Haidar intimated that the panel had no intention to call Lingam:

Q: Does that mean you recognize the person in the tape as Lingam?

Haidar: We don’t know, people say its’ VK Lingam-lah. (laughs).

This is the second time within a week that Haidar had given such an ambivalent answer, which points to the possibility of the Haidar Inquiry coming out with the finding that it did not have sufficient ground to reach the conclusion that the Lingam Tape is authentic or otherwise; whether the person in the tape was Lingam or just an impersonator; and that the person at the other end of the phone conversation was the Chief Justice, Tan Sri Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim — giving the government the full justification not to proceed any further with any inquiry.

99 Replies to “Lingam Tape – a grand conspiracy to “kill” it at the technical level on its authenticity?”

  1. There is no “grand” conspiracy. You are giving these people too much credit. They are so blatant that they are doing the cover-up in a very direct and crude manner.

    It’s impossible when they ask crooks to check on crooks.

  4. Why not set up a committee to check on the Malaysian involvement in the Iraqi oil for food scandal and then install Abdollah Badawi as its chairman?
    Or establish a commission to look into the Perwaja corruption scandle and appoint Eric Chia as its head?

  5. Enough is enough.
    Are they taking us for fools?
    Hope Sivarasa would already have separate game plan to counter the devious malicious moves

    Vote out BN and the component parties.

    Vote DAP/KEADILAN

  6. We must work very hard to get the message across to all our relatives & friends to tell them to vote wisely.

    I think the opposition parties should really sit down and plan for a strong coalition party instead of being seen as just ‘a marriage for convinience’ every time when GE comes around.

    There has never been a time quite as urgent as this that you as oppositions are called upon to sacrifice individual self interests and come together for the sake of Malaysia. Unless & until this happens I’m afraid Malaysia & Malaysians will not begin see the day of light.

    Lots of people in Malaysia are living with only a plan – to get out of the country ASAP. Do we all want to call it a quit too? FOR THE SAKE OF MALAYSIA, I hope not.

    All oppositions, we are looking forward to you to providing us with a strong lead.

    May God bless our nation and make a way out for our nation when there seems to be no way.Amen!

  7. There are many ways out for both sides and Malaysia will continue to rot.

    PKR can say that someone put the tape into the letter box!! so, the source is unknown, IGP will form a special task force to look for the source and meanwhile, the Haidar panel can take a back seat and relax! when source could not be found, case is dismissed even when tape is genuine!!

    Case closed!!tax money saved!!

    For VK Lingam, he can admit that the person in the tape is him, he is only talking into the phone to release stress, that this is the way for him to relax! to make him feel that he got power to dictate who should be appointed as judges etc.

    Case close!!tax money saved!!

  8. The BN Government housing the entire UMNO Elite group won’t care about the outcome of anything that found in wrong practice by any of the member as they are controlling the entire country law and order.
    Even everyone of us claimed that we will vote them out in the coming GE, they knew that the result will favors them afterall.
    There are more to what we all know here, it’s larger than we all can dream about.
    At end of this tunnel, these people have signed their lives to be part of the group and were rewarded their packages according to their level of involvement.
    At times, the truth were leaked out by one of those ‘bornloser’ in the pack that once thought that they will be able to make the cut.
    Anyway, BN-UMNO will rule this country forever. They have been in power for too long to easily determine any GE result which now under the 2nd generations team.
    One thing about Malaysian today is we have not enough “Rakyat Force” to create the wind of change. Most of us are short of ‘one’ to make that kind of impact. Another great achievement that the BN government have done to us is grooming us to go after materialistic world assets and fame and in that way, we will not act against them as we got an EGO to live up with … ha …ha ..ha
    GOTCHA !!!!!!

  9. “Is there a grand conspiracy to “kill” the Lingam Tape scandal at the technical level casting doubts on its authenticity to avert any inquiry into the rot of the judiciary in the past 19 years and who are the people and parties privy to this grand conspiracy?”

    ACA’s one week ultimatum seems fair to me but I think ACA will not dare touch PKR’s Sivarasa and Sim for fear that action against them will backfire, things may get out of hand and Abdullah’s concern at the moment is nothing more than damage control, the best way to do that is ask Fairuz to retire immediately, ACA’s ultimatum is just an empty threat at best. So what if the scandal is technically “killed” when in reality it is very much “alive” in the hearts and minds of Malaysians? I still think the Bar Council has not finished what they started and anything that needs to be done should be done immediately..

  10. FBI and CSI impress us so much about their advanced skills and sophisticated technologies. So, why don’t send the Lingam video clip to them? I am sure to authenticate the video is just ‘peanut’ to them.

    Now, it make us suspicious that what they are more interested is not judicial corruption, but catching the informer. Please give protection to the informer and address the real issue: Judicial Corruption.

  13. To kill the tape, the government has to assume that this country is made up of gullible fools.
    And what if Anwar comes up with Part Two of the tape with even more damning evidence?
    The government has to destroy Lingam and Fairuz to save the judiciary or save them and destroy the country.

  14. If they want to play games, keadailan should do the same. Just aver that no one knows the source. The info came in the mail in a CD. Show them the CD. Show them an anonymous cover letter asking to play the CD and hear something interesting.

  16. if the public have access to whatever information that could help solve the mystery surrounding the Lingamgate tape issue ,it is better that they do so to the benefit of all. They must come forward and not hide behind any political agenda.

  17. PKR should say it could not identify the two informers because they both were wearing masks when they handed over the tape. Let the ACA sweat it out to investigate who are the informers. That being the case, PKR can get away from any action under the Anti-Corruption Act 1997 because technically they have given the source to the ACA.

    In the meantime, wait for the 3 member panel to declare that the tape is not genuine as that is likely to be the outcome.

    After that only reveal the informers (the informers finally gave in to their conscience to save Malaysia) to prove that Najib and his appointed panel are all a farce to fool the public.

    I have a feeling that the genuine Altantuya dinner picture with Najib will appear someday when the time is right – when the election is called!

    Timing is everything!

  18. It shows the lack of any real sense of accountability of the BN government.
    The powers that be can dictate terms to their own advantage and all we can do is to moan and groan by the sidelines.
    Not to call Lingam to face the panel can only make sense to that so called panel.

  19. The rural folks in the kampungs and estates would not be bothered about the whole scandal. Go to any rubber estate and ask any rubber tapper there if she has watched a “lingam video tape”. She’ll scream for help and you should count your lucky stars if you get out alive….

  20. Listen up people!

    In a civil trial, he who alleges must prove what is alleged. Failure to prove what you allege means you lose the case.

    In a criminal trial, the party who asserts must prove. A prosecutor who accuses you of a crime must prove and prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you commit the crime. Failure to prove means you are innocent of the crime you are accused of.

    But when it comes to a duck, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, sounds like a duck it must be a duck.

    What aspects of ‘authenticity’ are we talking about? Cannot be the tape because we all know it is a video tape. The recording? That too. It is obviously a recording of someone talking on his cell phone to someone listening. The identity of the speaker on his cell phone. It looks like V.K. Lingam, sounds like V.K. Lingam and moves like V.K. Lingam and dresses like V.K. Lingam, it must be V.K. Lingam. In fact I can swear it is Lingam.

    V.K. Lingam has not disappeared from the face of the earth. If he is not back in the country he can be found. London would be a good place to start.

    He may not look like O.J. Simpson who can run but cannot hide. V.K. Lingam can run but does not want to hide. I know him.

    Since he is not in hiding, why hasn’t he been called?

    Not to worry, folks! Lingam is only preparing what to say, consulting his lawyers and his political connections. Unless Parliament amends the Penal Code and introduce the new statutory crime of ‘fixing judicial appointments’ and make the law retroactive, I can assure you he will make his appearance when it is time for him to do so.

    Have patience. Give him some credit. The guy is not stupid.

  21. TDM is gaining strenght day by day… VK will seek advice from TDM .. dpn’t forget Fairuz and VK were working hard for PM and country ….not for themselves…

    Therefore correct, correct, correct, correct, correct, correct, correct sdr lim. Haidar also locked the supreme court and hid the seal 19 years ago cos working hard for PM and country…get promoted to COA…reward not for himself but in the interest of justice.

    Oh how transparent they are….

  22. Why go after the whistleblower? Isn’t the panel supposed to determine if the tape is authentic only? If CSI can nab a murderer by looking at the evidence (by the way, it’s tougher to determine who’s the murderer by looking at a teeny bit of cloth etc), why can’t they do the same? It’s the same case as the Batu Buruk incident where eventually, everyone is focusing on the flag burner….sooner or later, everyone will lose focus on the actual “case”….and will be focusing on the whistleblower….

  24. Undergrad2,

    If the identity of the speaker on his cell phone looks like V.K. Lingam, sounds like V.K. Lingam and moves like V.K. Lingam and dresses like V.K. Lingam, it must be V.K. Lingam and you personally can swear it is Lingam, then isn’t that not enough for the authorities to haul him in for the next course of action?

    What’s holding up the 3-men Inquiry Panel? It’s obvious they are more interested to get their hands at the Whistle-blowers, not the authenticity of the video tape. How pretentious and since they are so blind, so deaf and so dumb, they should resign and quit, damn it !

  26. Once A Sec. 22 1(c) is served on you, you will have to reveal the information required or face a 2-year imprisonment under Sec. 33.
    Sec. 22 (7) protects you from prosecution for having disclosed – and not for refusing to disclose.

  29. Once again ACA has made a stupid blunder in threatening the whistle blowers with prosecution. It shows they are just a hapless bunch sitting back drawing fat salary without to slog for the result. Everthing has been laid out in a platter for far too long that they are redundant in their mind work.

    Why don’t ACA threaten the 2 people implicated in the tape to come forward or else they will be prosecuted?

  30. yes agreed the intention by Najib to set up the independant panel without any power what so ever is to draw out the whistleblower and then destroy the tape even before screening it… This is boleh land… remember the tapes burnt by the Selangor CPO Zaman Khan depicting the then deputy speaker of our Dewan Rakyat.

    Oh boy in Boleh Land semua boleh….

    Just sign the petition by Harish Ibrahim on save the judiciary

  31. Don’t you all find there are similarities in the below two statement:-

    The Anti-Corruption Agency has threatened to jail two Opposition leaders if they won’t surrender the whistle-blowers behind the infamous Lingam tape

    And

    Inspector-General of Police may recommend to the A-G that Nurin’s parents be charged for negligence.

  36. Senior Government staffers are leaking the word that the various growth corridors in Malaysia are just a publicity stunt. The Eastern Corridor that will be launched in Kota Bharu soon is nothing more than push-starting Ninth Malaysia Plan projects which had been postponed earlier. The Southern Corridor or Iskandar seems to be a revival of Nusajaya which was at one time an almost abandoned project. Meanwhile, the numbers that are being put out for all the ‘development corridors’ are mind-boggling. The total outlay for all the development corridors is projected to exceed RM500 billion. Where is the money going to come from?

    The Government does not even have enough money to build the 2nd Penang Bridge. The 2nd Finance Minister has borrowed USD800 million (RM2.7 billion) from China to build the bridge. So where are we going to get RM500 billion to build the rest of the development corridors?
    http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/letters.php?itemid=8855

  37. let’s see how UMNOPOLOGIST apologise for LIMGAMGATE.

    Might be interesting BUT beware these idiots’ intention is to side track YB’s discussion.

    Malaysia Boleh, even idiots can afford a decent life.

  38. Friday, October 5, 2007
    Malaysiakini – Saidul A Shaari:
    The Lingam Tape: Anwar Ibrahim told ACA to go fly kites?

    Anwar Ibrahim was quoted to say:

    “This afternoon representatives from the Anti Corruption Agency interviewed me regarding the VK Lingam video that my office released last month. Their questions focused on the authenticity of the video.

    I have informed the ACA that the person is prepared to issue a public statement, although he is fearful of his personal security. We remain confident the truth will come out soon, and we will in no way compromise our sources.

    Attempts to incarcerate the whistleblowers will serve to further exacerbate the public’s outrage and will certainly draw the condemnation of the international community that is monitoring developments in this case.

    The three-member panel that was established to verify the authenticity of the video is a further indication of the BN government’s ineffective program to address the rampant abuse of power and corruption, as admitted by the panel, they “are entirely powerless”. As such, this futile exercise in the perception of the general public will accomplish nothing in terms of addressing the core issues of corruption raised by the video.

    I reiterate the position of KeADILan in calling for nothing less than a Royal Commission established under the Commission of Enquiries Act 1950 to ascertain the truth in this matter. The Commission must be free and independent of Executive interference and its findings must be released to the public without reservation. Furthermore the Commission must have the mandate to subpoena witnesses and documents and compel testimony from those named in the video, namely VK Lingam, Tun Ahmad Fairuz, Vincent Tan, Tengku Adnan and others.”

    ACA does not deserve any respect at all. Not only the ACA, others like the Judicial, AG, Police and of course LLT, the turncoat are all used by this corrupt and rotten BN regime to cover thier corrupt acts. Yes, tell them to go fly kites.

    YB Lim, both Anwar and you are in the 60’s years of age. set aside any difference for the sake of the country, cooperate fully and work together as a united force in the next general election. The country needs both of you. Don’t miss the boat!

  39. Its already a fact its a cover up but what is this fight about now? To me, its a battle about ignorance and apathy of the public. The nuances of what is being done here is not sensational enough to matter especially given the fact the mass media is so bias. While a few writers have advocated for Royal Comission and point to what is wrong with the cover-up, its not enough to grab the voter’s attention.

    Ultimately to get what is required, need the issue translated into votes and in massive numbers. Only one person need to be held accountable – the PM, everyone else are mere players in this game. In order to translate it to vote is complex. Judicial issue, based on western concept of independence principle, to a still feudalistic bumi society is not going to be easy to translate. The only way is to link it to corruption and broken promises.

    And it is about corruption – about elitist UMNOputra getting away with corrupt ways while the heartland slogs it out and suffers.
    The slogan should be about ‘Royal Comission di perlu untuk banteras korupsi and pengkhianat bangas’.

  41. The so called 3 men “Special Independent panel” was formed to enquire into authenticity of video tape as a damage control” mechanism to distract outraged sections of public and buy time, while they gather the facts, recollect their wits and deliberate how to spin them.

    The game plan is 2 steps: if video tape not authentic then both senior lawyer and judge are exonerated, and the 2 whistle blowers and their patrons (Anwar & PKR) discredited, and even prosecuted; if videotape authentic, then senior lawyer must be talking to himself to impress the whistle blowers, the senior judge being still exonerated.

    Our powers-to-be have their cogent reasons to take such a course. They need someone at helm of judiciary beholden to the Executive to support and legitimize whatever challenges to their power.

    This nascent culture of “Whistle blowing” evolving here should, from tehir perspective and interest, be nipped in the bud and stamped out with extreme prejudice.

    This is because whistle-blowing proceeds on a morally high platform to safeguard, at personal risks, the common good of public and country by disclosing clear and present or imminent danger of corruption and abuse of power or potential thereof in high places. They are hence a potential threat to nearly everyone in a powerful position inclined to leverage on power for gain.

    To stamp out whistle-blowing, the whistle blower should be ferreted out, then subject to harassment, intimidation, entrapment in a procedural abyss with a threat of prosecution, without immunity, at the end of the day. And this is why the ACA is sent in.

    After all, why the need for ACA if the “Special Independent panel” is already conducting the probe in duplication? If the ACA were better placed to investigate the truth, there is really no need for the 3 men panel with “no teeth” except for show isn’t it?

    The ACA is armed to the teeth with powers vested in the Anti Corruption Act. The agency has its own forensic team, and even if inadequate, could solicit FBI’s forensic assistance in the form of forensic image authentication and spectrographic voice identification. So what’s the problem that we ever need a 3 men panel of questionable credentials to autheticate the video clip?

    The government is caught in contradictions in management of this issue, and to date Anwar & PKR seems to have seized the moral initiative and platform. They did not say they were not willing to own up the whistle blowers since as a time honoured evidential rule to ascertain the truth the maker of evidence has to confirm that they made the video clip. They say that the whistle blowers would voluntarily come out of the wood work to testify provided the enquiry were conducted before Royal Commission established under Commission of Inquiry Act, 1950 which vest such commission the power to subpoena witnesses and compel them testify on oath with power to protect them if they say the truth and corollary of punishment for telling lies.

    Such a strategy by Anwar/PKR is morally unimpeachable for 4 reasons : (a) there’s no point for whistleblowers to surface at this juncture before a toothless and superfluous panel only to suffer harassment and reprisals; (b) they are better positioned to act as bargaining tool to leverage for the establishment of the Royal Commission; (c ) the Royal Commission is at a better vantage body to enquire into not just authenticity of video clip but the wider issues of public importance concerning independence or corruption in judiciary (d) that the ultimate objective of restoring public confidence in Judiciary is laudable as a prerequisite for good governance and dependable institution to adjudicate and resolve disputes in a civil society.

    For these reasons the threat to prosecute PKR vice-president R Sivarasa and PKR’s party worker Sim Tze Tzin under Section 29 (c) of the Anti-Corruption Act 1997 for not disclosing the whistle blowers is likely to remain a mere threat and unlikely (though possible) to be carried out because of the greater public backlash and political fall out that will ensue from such a course. After all, the ACA does not need Sivarasa and Sim to disclose. According to latest news, ACA has already interviewed V K Lingam who would be in the position to disclose to them the leads on the premise that the video clip is genuine.

    The only thing that remains for the powers-to-be to deliberate is how to salvage their dented image and parry the demands of civil society for Royal Commission; how to deter this episode from being a rallying symbol and precedent for a new culture of whistle blowing, now brewing, that upon full flowering may pose a grave challenge to the power of every member within their ranks held together by a seamless web of shared norms to prosper from their positions and to protected these vested interests.

    And the further thing going for them is the apparent nonchalance of large sections of the country and society apathetic to abuse of power corruption and conflicts of interest so that even if such scandal is not properly diffused, it will not translate to votes against them in the coming general election.

    Poster Big Joe is right to say that, “To me, its a battle about ignorance and apathy of the public”.

    Whilst it is easy to blame leaders for abuse of positions, they are after all put there – and continuing to be put there – by the majority electorate, and hence the saying the people always deserve the government they get. It is sad to say but the truth is corruption and abuse of power is a natural trait prevailing worldwide in different degrees and guises, and here even its most blatant manifestation is tolerated by substantial percentage of the populace.

    Corruption and patronage is ingrained in our majority collective mindset and culture so that the evolution of institutions to counteract, by check and balance, abuses of power becomes slow to evolve.

    However amid the dark clouds of recent happenings, there is a silver lining in the episode, and we should not be enveloped in a blanket of despondence: thanks to our senior lawyer and his carelessness of being video taped, we have now such an issue being well publicized and brought to the fore where all Malaysians here and abroad can engage amongst themselves and also the government on the problem of abuse of power and conflict of interest, we have whistle blowers emerging and daring to expose and in spite of reprisals and harassment there is emerging countervailing support from at least the alternative media (eg Malaysiakini) and the Internet Blogs like whistle blowing RPK’s Malaysia Today to galvanise civil society’s opinions to take ourselves forward albeit snail pace, in this slow evolution process, towards addressing such problems and working towards better political governance and a more mature society.

  42. Thank you Jeffrey, you’ve said it so well. Aren’t we blessed to have you around!

    Kanthan boy’s last para should be food for thought for YB Lim and DAP. Yes, its about time DAP and PKR join force to work together as a “united force” to send out the tremors in next General Election.

  44. Thank you Jefrrey, indeed we are blessed to have you here.

    I just can’t wait to see how they will wiggle out of this grave issue in front of our eyes.
    They must be despeparate to get to the wistleblower/s ( after all only not too long ago they were all very close partner/s???) to try to iron out differences like ” ill gotten money or power distribution”. How else can you explain why the lingam tape only see the light of day after 5 years? Just hope that the wistleblower/s won’t turn their back on Anwar at the last minute!!!

    PM must be furious how these people under his line can mess up things after all ‘he has been fair and wants to be fair and…..’. He sure has quite some internal house cleaning to do to prevent more dirts from floating out.

    Let’s see how this “saga” continues to unfold.

    BTW, what’s the latest on PKFZ4.6B?

  45. And the PM can afford to go on overseas honeymoon every 2 weeks per month
    http://niamah.blogspot.com/2007/09/little-things.html
    My children’s school uniforms cost 25% of my monthly salary.
    I need to save up for a month before I can afford to go to the pub with my friends.
    I know I can never afford to send my children to private colleges and universities.
    My toll charges to and from work each day now totals RM8!
    The cost of taking my family out for some R&R is at least RM100++
    The cost of my pork noodle soup has increased by 35%.
    My salary increase last year was 5.3%

  46. “He sure has quite some internal house cleaning to do to prevent more dirts from floating out.” – waterman

    – This is an understatement, my friend!
    This Mr PM Dunno has a jumbo size problem. Since taking office, he has not done anything concrete, nothing that the rakyat is proud of. He has remained so complacent and so out of control. In short, he has failed Malaysia miserably.

  47. RealWorld Says:

    October 5th, 2007 at 18: 34.28

    …..

    Ok, pertaining to that climate you are advocating, I must say Malaysia is a young nation. We are only 50 years old. We should not be comparing ourselves to the democracies in the West. Of course, our system is not perfect. But then again, is there ever a perfect system or a perfect government? But one thing I do know is that, we have no famine, civil wars, poverty here in Msia. Our nation have progressed steadily over the years. Education is available for everyone. Employment and business opportunities are there for the rakyat.

    And brother, what are the alternatives out there? PKR DAP PAS, what do they have? Some marriage of convenience? They dont even contest under one banner? What about PAS’s Islamic state stand? Say if the Opposition wins the next GE, who will be PM etc etc? How can they govern and administer the country when they are not in agreement? And lastly, what is this Msian Malaysia when there are very few or no indians/malays in DAP leadership?

    Ahhh…. the tape. My opinion is that let the tape be authenticated first and let the authorities do their investigations.

    ————————

    Whether a nation is 50 year young or 2000 years old, the quest to be perfect should never stop. To be perfect is an unattainable goal but that is not a excuse not to try. And I am not comparing Malaysia with the west. While I do agree with you that Malaysia has made progress in certain areas, I do not agree that it has made any progress in the area of social development. As a matter of fact, I fear that it has regressed and that has hampered growth in other areas – all these discussions and preoccupation about NEP is a dead weight loss activity as the economists would put it. Moreover, the lack of meritocracy in the system compromises the system’s competitive edge.

    Regardless of the alternatives, as a rakyat I think that one has to criticize the government if things are wrong cos’ I would think that we all want to see improvements. And for that matter, it also really does not matter if BN has 91% of the majority vote. If certain BN policy sucks, they sucks regardless of the majority. By the same token if the policies are good, they are good. I think one has to use whatever mental faculty given to decide what is good and what is bad quite independently and not blindly agree with the government simply because the alternatives are not there or the govt has a large majority. And BTW, I am of the opinion that a strong opposition can be good for any country just to keep the govt honest, maintaining the proper check and balance.

    On that note, what has the govt really done about corruption and abuse of power? What is the ACA track record for stopping corruption and who has been charged and successfully prosecuted so far? Perhaps the answer is no one cos’ there is little or no corruption in Malaysia but I really doubt that is the case. I would therefore say that the track record is dismal and I am being kind. All the hoopla about Zakaria, Jasin and vehicle import duties has come to naught. Forget about political alliance for a brief moment, as a rakyat, are you not outraged by the Govt’s handling of these events/cases?

    Back to the tape – Yes, I agree, let’s check the tape for authenticity. Like quite a few others, I, however do not understand the fixation of getting hold of the whistler blower at this juncture. And for that matter, I do not have quite the same faith as you in the ability of the govt to get to the bottom of this fairly. My reason is simple – it is in the govt’s rational self interest that this matter to go away as quietly as possible. I therefore would not trust the govt blindly on this. Hence the need for the opposition to keep the govt honest by raising the right questions and pointing out the deficiencies if any.

  49. “Malaysia is a young nation. We are only 50 years old. We should not be comparing ourselves to the democracies in the West. ”
    —————————————————-
    By the same standards applied, then Hong Kong is only 10 years old old. How can that bloody 10 year-old kiddo be so much advanced socially and economically compared to this old corrupt bugger Malaysia who is 50 years old?

  50. The biggest joke was when interviewed by Sin Chew Daily recently,the Director of ACA claimed that it has done better than ICAC of Hong Kong and he even had the cheek and skin to further claim that ICAC was its disciple and ACA the mentor of ICAC had fared even better by netting in some big fish.It is real and sheer nonsense coming out from the fellow.This is another example of telling lies and talking big by our 1/2 six leaders.

  52. theStar: While Ramadan is a time for introspection, Hari Raya brings waves of repentance for those in prison.

    Why only repentance for those in prison? What about those BN guys in the state assemblies and parliament? Umnoputras?

  53. Is in UMNO’s interest that Fairuz step down immediately. His contract has ended and this scandal caused more damages to UMNO than to Fairuz himself, he is now also a threat more than anything else to the stability within UMNO. The thing Abdullah worries about is how to ask him to go amid the spotlight but Sleepy is lost for words, and UMNO don’t want to offend Fairuz either and so the drama extended few more episodes, put everyone in a tight situation so uptight the Bar Council had decided to do a walk for justice and before you know it, the council are now part of the opposition figure (thanks to the opposition’s overwheming supports). Funny how things turned out, we will have less things to say if Fairuz is already somewhere in the oblivion. UMNO have only Abdullah to blame if Anwar become the next Prime Minister.

  57. “Ex-Anwar’s buddy Nalla forms new Indian party”
    http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/73296
    ———
    Here we are the birth of another race based political party.

    Sadly 50 years into independence we still haven’t learned how to keep our public toilets clean and tragically 50 years into indepence we still have some “jokers” organise race based political party that will only divide Malaysians!

    Nalla, may be you are onto your own selfish political agenda, I don’t think you really care about our Indian friends. So you better wake up FOR THE SAKE OF MALAYSIA!

  60. In the rush to uncover the truth, we tend to forget that the ‘whistleblower’ is not only blowing the whistle on the major player or players we see or think talking to him on the tape. He or she is also blowing the whistle on himself or herself.

    Think again. If they get to the so-called whistleblower, he or she would be a treasure trove of information. The same happens when they get to V.K. Lingam. Both will be ‘investigated’ and released when deals have been made.

    I know V.K. Lingam. He will make his public appearance once the dust has settled – probably after the CJ retires.

  61. “Lawyer Datuk V.K. Lingam has given a statement to the Anti-Corruption Agency…” NST

    Ok. So Lingam is one step ahead of me! He was there at the ACA’s headquaters not just to give a carefully prepared statement in anticipation of the action by the Bar Council. “They” have presumably also discussed with him the form his ‘rehabilitation’ should take.

    In short, no crime no players.

  62. cto my brother,

    I think you are mistaken if you think Malaysia is standing still. We are all working towards that ‘perfect country’ goal. The issue is the defination ‘perfect country’ differs for everyone, I believe. To me, Malaysia is perfect because we have never experienced famine, poverty, never deprived of education or employment/business opportunities, no civil strife or ethnic cleansing or wars etc etc. For example 25 years ago, my kampung didnt even have running water. We had to draw our water from the village well. And today, every house in my kampung has internet connection. Is that not progress? And the NEP, whats wrong with giving assistance to those who are behind socially and economically?? Even in the US, they have affirmative action programs.

    Yes, I agree the rakyat has the right to criticize the government if they dont perform. No government in this world will have 100% of their policies fully supported or endorsed by the citizens. We need to be realistic here. And the reality here in Malaysia is that we dont have a strong Opposition. PAS PKR DAP have nothing but a wishy washy kinda of agreement. And this wont fly with the rakyat. Very simple common sense here, if the Opposition parties are not in agreement amongst each other, how can they administer/govern effective “should they form the next government”?

    To say that the government has done nothing about corruption is not true. There are several cases being investigated and prosecuted. Yes, lets forget about political alliances for awhile. As a rakyat, I have this choice to make a decision come GE day like you. Either I cross the Dacing which have over the years provided this country with growth, stability and peace or I throw the dice and cross either (the rocket, the moon and PKR’s eye) – you lot dont even have a standard logo in the first place, so much for unity.

    No one is wanting to hang the whistle blower. The ACA is looking for them to facilitate their investigations. Obviously the investigators have some questions and need the whistle blowers to provide them.

    At the end of the day, and we can debate till the cows come home and all. In a democracy, the power lies with the rakyat. And come GE day, the rakyat will be the judge. If what you say is true about the state of our current government, I am sure the rakyat is informed and matured enough to rightly cast their votes. If the situation is so really bad, I mean by now the People Parliament would have gotten their 5000 signatures rather than struggling with how many, 1800+-??? And we are talking about sending the signatures online (pls dont say that Msia dont have that many internet subscribers ok).

  63. “What is the point of repenting?After Ramadan,they will continue to cheat,steal,rob,rape,plunder,squander and you name it and they have it.” – justiciary

    Thats a blanket statement. Are you saying that those who cheat, steal, rob, rape, plunder and squander are of a certain faith??

  64. “How can that bloody 10 year-old kiddo be so much advanced socially and economically compared to this old corrupt bugger Malaysia who is 50 years old?” – k1980

    Hmmm … a lot of Hong Kongers are complaining that it is very hard to earn a living in HK. USD300,000 for a mid range 700sq ft flat with 2 bedrooms.

  65. RealWorld seem to be living in a world that believes in protectionism and favouratism like NEP. NEP does not help the poor. It helps only a certain quarter of people based on their race. Either you’re rich or poor, one gets 5% discount when buy house. So this is the type of NEP RealWorld supports. Plus dont even dare mention HK. We are not even in their league. Why? Because NEP only hinders the best to succeed. And people like Real World is comfortable with that kind of protection. What a shame.

  66. RealWorld,I did not really mean all those who cheat,steal,rob rape,plunder and squander belong to people professing a certain religion.There are crooks who profess other faiths too.But I always believe ‘ sesiapa yang makan cili dia yang akan berasa pedas’.

  68. justiciary,

    Kindly explain then your statement ‘What is the point of repenting?After Ramadan,they will continue to cheat, steal, rob, rape, plunder, squander and you name it and they have it.’

  69. cheeyong,

    Since you are dont believe in protectionism, please do enlighten me how would Msia benefit without the NEP or any affirmative programs?? Create a free for all kind of environment? How would we bridge the gap economically and socially for certain groups in this country?

    And how without the NEP, can we tell whether the best can succeed?

    And what about not being in the same league as HK? Are you refering to the cost of living wise? Be specific, can you? And have you been to HK before? Am sorry watching Andy Lau’s dvds dont count, ok.

    What about those affirmative actions programs in the US? Are they wrong as well? What about International Trade/Business, should it not be subjected to protectionism as well?

    I am indeed looking forward to hear from you.

  70. “Hmmm … a lot of Hong Kongers are complaining that it is very hard to earn a living in HK. USD300,000 for a mid range 700sq ft flat with 2 bedrooms.”

    Likewise, even more Malaysians are griping about the escalating cost of living in Malaysia with millions of folks earning below RM2,000 per month and being forced to pack a family of five on to a kap chai.

  72. RealWorld I am amazed on how slow you are in understanding a simple statement. Ichk can grasp it but you cant? Amazing.

    And please dont quote other countries when you failed to see whats happening in your own backyard. Since you like to talk about US so much, why dont you start of with US Declaration of Independence. Everyone is equal. Msia cant even spell that out since we have a bias NEP in place.

    The protectionism you support through NEP is smacked down with unfairness where only losers that cant stand on their own feet and want to enrich themselves will use it as a life support to sustain their own survival.

    Plus I believe my requent miles points are more than you kiddo. So stop kidding yourself.

  73. RealWorld Says:

    October 6th, 2007 at 21: 37.59

    …. you are mistaken if you think Malaysia is standing still. We are all working towards that ‘perfect country’ goal. The issue is the defination ‘perfect country’ differs for everyone, I believe. To me, Malaysia is perfect because we have never experienced famine, poverty, never deprived of education or employment/business opportunities, no civil strife or ethnic cleansing or wars etc etc. For example 25 years ago, my kampung didnt even have running water. We had to draw our water from the village well. And today, every house in my kampung has internet connection. Is that not progress? And the NEP, whats wrong with giving assistance to those who are behind socially and economically?? Even in the US, they have affirmative action programs.

    ————————–

    First of all, I did not say that Malaysia has not made any progress in the past 50 years. As far as infrastructure goes, I agree that Malaysia has made progress. What I did say is that Malaysia has not made any progress in social development and I am of the opinion that it has regressed in this area.

    Also you were asking – And the NEP, whats wrong with giving assistance to those who are behind socially and economically?? My opinion is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with helping these that are socially and economically deprieved. In fact, I would even go further – doing so is absolutely correct. There are a few things wrong with NEP though. Here are a few to begin with . 1. It is targetted at certain race(s). To achieve its’ noble objective it has to help everyone in need of help regardless of race. There are poor non-bumis as well, let’s not forget them 2. Why are rich bumi benefiting from the NEP scheme given that the intent is to help those that are socially and financially deprived? Surely the intent of NEP is not to help rich bumis get richer or is it? 3. How long has the NEP been going on and is it still called the “NEW Economic Policy”? How is it doing relative to the original goals? We should have made significant progress relative to the original goals if they are not already achieved? That being the case, isn’t it time for the Govt to make some credible committment to end this single most highly divisive policy amongst the races?

    The US practice of affirmative action is very different from NEP. The aim of affirmative action in the US is to ensure that visible minority groups are not being unfairly discriminated. It is still based on meritocracy.

    I can certainly see why you would consider Malaysia perfect. Likewise, I can certainly see why most non-bumis especially those in forum are frustrated with the system. I am also confident that most non-bumis would not have a problem with helping those that are socially and economically behind. So why are they having issues with the Govt’s NEP?

    You also mentioned that the ACA is doing its’ job? Can you please provide some good examples? Regarding the tape, the govt and the ACA’s assymetric gestures to both the parties in the tape and the whistle blower is disturbing. This issue is about the govt’s handling of the case and little to do with the GE per se.

    Regarding the GE, I am actually sure that BN will return to power. But again, this does not mean that what the govt is doing is correct. It also does not mean that we, regardless of political alliance, should not speak up if the Govt is wrong. Are the rakyat of Malaysia mature and intellectually honest enough to do so? If yes, then Malaysia will progress nicely. You and I have reasons to be optimistic.

  74. “The US practice of affirmative action is very different from NEP. The aim of affirmative action in the US is to ensure that visible minority groups are not being unfairly discriminated. It is still based on meritocracy. ”

    The whites from a college recently protested at the racial discrimination perpetuated by affirmative actions.

  77. RealWorld Says:

    October 6th, 2007 at 23: 34.14

    … What about those affirmative actions programs in the US? Are they wrong as well?

    —————————

    The US practice of affirmative action is very different from NEP. The aim of affirmative action in the US is to ensure that visible minority groups are not being unfairly discriminated. It is still based on meritocracy.

    In North America, for most job vacancies where there is an under representation of people from the visible minority group, the posting will state that “XYZ company is an equal opportunity employer …. Applicants from visible minority groups including women and people with disability are encouraged to apply….” The keywords being “equal” and “minority”. Equal meaning that people from the visible minority groups will be given a fair chance. It does not mean lowering of requirements or standard i.e. a successful visible minority applicant must also meet the usual requirements. If a less qualified applicant is successful simply because s/he is from a visible minority group, then the most qualified person can sue for discrimation. However, data has shown that this is not likely the case and the opposite is true i.e. visible minority persons are more likely to be marginalised by the majority, hence the need for affirmative action.

    In North America, the approach to affirmative action is much more of a soft sell and it is done thru’ building awareness and education. It is rooted in the belief that diversity is a good thing and having a group of people with similar background/experience making an important decision can run the real risk of “Group Think”.

    If we have US style affirmative action in Malaysia, it would be something like ” XYZ Sdr Bhd is an equal opportunity employer … People from the visible minority groups such as Non-Bumis, people with disability and women are encourage to apply”. I doubt such a job ad has ever appear in Malaysia and I have my doubts that it ever will. Hence US affimative action is in many ways the complete opposite of NEP. If one thinks that US affirmative action is a good thing, then NEP is bad not good. Bringing up the fact that US has affirmative action does not support the argument for NEP. In fact, it is quite the contrary.

  78. You guys are all wasting your time with the UMNO poodle.

    1. The PKFTZ bailout never happened.
    2. The AP scandal never happened, and the promise to explain “everything” in a booklet was never made by Sleeping Beauty.
    3. The crooked bridge fiasco never happened, and the promise to explain in a booklet was also never made by Sleeping Beauty.
    4. The abuse of power by Mat Said and Zakaria Mat Deros never happened.
    5. The award of over RM600 million to UMNO divisions by public funds never happened.
    6. The Auditor-General report never happened and the promise to “investigate everything” by the Sleeping Beauty never happened.
    7. The blatant awards of concessions to label medicine, cigarettes and liquor to relatives of Supreme council members never happened.
    8. The hundreds of millions of commissions paid under the submarine contract

  79. 8. The hundreds of millions of commissions paid under the submarine contract to a close associate of the Defence Minister was paid by someone else, not by the Government of Malaysia.

    When you have the judiciary, the ACA and the AG’s Chambers all in cahoots with BN, nothing of the sort listed above EVER HAPPENED.

    IT IS GOING TO BE THE SAME STORY WITH THE VIDEO-CLIP. WHO SAID IT HAPPENED ?

  80. 9. The murder of Altantuya also never happened; new DNA tests will show that it was a bloody cow which was blown up with C4.

    10. The Lingam tape never happened; it was just a clip from a lousy Bollywood movie which flopped badly and its director committed suicide

  81. “I can certainly see why you would consider Malaysia perfect. Likewise, I can certainly see why most non-bumis especially those in forum are frustrated with the system. I am also confident that most non-bumis would not have a problem with helping those that are socially and economically behind. So why are they having issues with the Govt’s NEP?” -cto

    Can you please provide me some examples where Malaysia have regressed in the social development area?

    We can debate for all we want about the NEP, but the reality is that we are living in Malaysia. To me, I see the NEP as the mean to reduce the socioeconomic disparity between certain races, so that we all can share the country’s economic pie. To you, the NEP is wrong. Do I see this NEP as evergreen? No, I honestly dont.

    Every country has some form of affirmative action programs. It is the world which we live in today. There is no such thing as a fair, equal system or a perfect government out there.

    Is Malaysia not perfect to you? I mean didnt we all enjoyed peace, had a roof over our head, lived together in harmony, progress, education and work/business opportunities etc etc?? We never had to experience hunger or poverty – did you ever experienced hunger or poverty??? Did you ever experienced war or civil strife in Msia??? We have a system in this country, and I admit it is not perfect but then again, tell me is there really a country with the perfect system? Yes, there are people who are unhappy, and there are not non non-bumis. There are even bumis who are unhappy. But like it or not, thats the reality – you wont be able to please everyone. Even if the Opposition comes into power, we will also have a group of people who wont be happy with certain policies etc. Thats life.

    What is important is that we Malaysians continue to work and develop this country, continue to respect each other and all. It is very sad, I must say that I find Godfather & justiciary’s insults on Islam uncalled for. It totally defeat the purposes of us respecting each other cultures and religions. Politics should be free of such insults. And I am afraid that it is bigots like Godfather who will create disharmony amongst us. Plus it sends a wrong signal out to the rakyat about the Opposition.

    Examples of ACA taking action. Ok, the most recent one is that police Inspector who is worth probably a few RM millions over.

    Regarding BN, even in today’s papers, our PM has called on all politicians and community leaders to face racial issues and own up in a serious manner. This means the government is willing to hear the rakyat out. But then again, the PM’s intentions may not be good enough for some. So, its a no win situation. But thats life …

  82. UMNO poodles like FakeWorld will tell you that Bolehland is rosy, that countries like Ghana and Zimbabwe are far worse, that the Opposition can’t do any better in tackling corruption.

    They want the public to think that everything is so rosy and that UMNO leads by example – by putting on their sunglasses and drive their BMWs and Bentleys.

    Let them explain what is meant by “CEMERLANG, GEMILANG, TEMBERANG”.

  84. When UMNOputras like FakeWorld drive their BMWs and Bentleys in their sunglasses, they all sing “I can see clearly now, the rain is gone….” and they actually believe in their own bullsh!t.

  85. RealWorld Says:

    October 7th, 2007 at 20: 34.12
    Can you please provide me some examples where Malaysia have regressed in the social development area?

    …even in today’s papers, our PM has called on all politicians and community leaders to face racial issues and own up in a serious manner….

    —————–

    Sure and we don’t have to look far cos’ you even provided an example when you mentioned the PM calling on all politicians …. Why is this necessary after 50 years of independence? He also mentioned in that article that there were several occasions when we were at the brink of disaster. So even the PM is acknowledging it.

    BTW, the PM taking the time to hear the rakyat out is a great start but where is the action? Talk is cheap. Listening is even cheaper. What is the use of good intentions when there is no real intent to do anything? Where is the credible commitment to be fair?

    Sure, I agree with you that there are unhappy bumis in Malaysia. But if what you are trying to do is to proof by induction that because there are unhappy bumis and there are also unhappy non-bumis, some people from all races have issues with the govt at any point in time, this is normal and everything is as hunky dory as can be then I am afraid I have to seriously disagree with you. This is a flawed argument.

    I think you are giving Godfather too much credit if you think that it is people like him that is creating racial discord. I have been in the net long enough and have see and read a lot worse. At the end of the day, a vast majority of people will discard drivels out there and believe only things that are moderate.

    I am glad that you honestly think that NEP is not evergreen. Do you honestly believe that help is going to the right people and the govt is implementing this policy in an effective manner?

    Regarding your example on the ACA. Who is this police inspector and have they charged him? Is it acceptable that s/he is worth millions before they investigate? Is this yet another crime committed by yet another nameless person? Even if I grant you this example, I am sure that there are at least 2 other blatant examples of the ACA failing to do anything. When I asked for examples, I am asking for examples where the ACA has been successful in closing a case – charging, prosecuting and convicting. Any examples?

  86. The other day, the ACA charged a civil servant with corruption for RM79,000. This is what we call small fry. The big sharks led by UMNO are still swimming in the ocean.

    In commerce, if you have a crooked banker, a crooked lawyer and a crooked accountant, you can borrow millions of dollars without being caught.

    In Bolehland, if you have the executive, the judiciary and the legislative on your side, you can do no wrong. There is a price here for everything, including integrity.

    CEMERLANG, GEMILANG, TEMBERANG !

  87. “Sure and we don’t have to look far cos’ you even provided an example when you mentioned the PM calling on all politicians …. Why is this necessary after 50 years of independence? He also mentioned in that article that there were several occasions when we were at the brink of disaster. So even the PM is acknowledging it.” – cto

    Even the US, after 231 years of Independence have numerous on going racial issues. In Nov 2006 for example, at John Hopkins University there were racial tensions due to an invitation for some Halloween party initated by a Fraternity that invoked racial stereotyping. If this can happen at an Institute of higher learning in a country that has been independent 231 years, dont you agree that Msia being only 50 years young will have its own issues??

    How do you know the PM is not doing anything?

    Well, from my personal experience, I can say that the NEP has benefited those like me. My father was a rubber tapper, mom was a housewife. My father income was less than RM1000. The NEP has a given me an opportunity to further my studies at a local university.

    You know, this NEP thing is gonna stay for now. But it is not going to be evergreen. And I hope in my lifetime, it will be removed at some time when socioeconomic disparity between certain races are more or less eradicated.

    Lets look at DAP’s Malaysian Malaysia, how come there are no malays or very few indians in the leadership of DAP? If the party claims to be multi racial in outlook, why are its members and leaders mostly 95% chinese?? And I have said numerous times, what are the alternatives out there for the rakyat?

  89. Malaysia has indeed progressed so much physically and in infrastructure. Let’s take stock of social development:

    50 years ago, Malaysia had very high standard of English language.

    50 years ago, Malaysia had better racial harmony and integration.

    50 years ago, University Malaya had high ranking in the world in terms of academics.

    50 years ago, Malaysia had one of the highest standard of living in Asia after Japan.

    50 years ago, Malaysia civil servant was not peceived so corrupted.

    50 years ago, Malaysia is proud of their independent judiciary.

    50 years ago, no discount was given to a very rich bumi to buy a big bungalow. (By the way, until now I still cannot understand why we need to give discount to a super-rich bumi to buy a big bungalow? Are we helping the rich?)

    As pointed out recently by The Economists, we have “Tall Buildings” but “Narrow Mind”. Good hardware must goes with good software.

  90. So RealWorld, you’re a beneficiary of NEP. But do you know how many poor non Malays that got good academic results but couldnt further their studies although they were equally poor as you? You are fortunate that you have NEP. Many of us are not that fortunate. Our parents slogged like hell and owe a mountain to put us through. Pls dont come here and say only Malays deserve to be helped while other poor Chinese and Indian dont. The design of NEP says it all.Unfairness.

    Why? Why are you so special that you can get aid and others dont? Why you get 5% to buy a house, and another poor Chinese or Indian dont deserve it? Poverty is not identified by race. Poverty is colour blind.

    Malaysian Malaysia means Malaysia is for all. It does not belong to a certain race or a certain political party. Malaysia is for everyone who are proud to call themselves Msian.

    You should pick up the book The Reluctant Politician and read the book on Tun Dr Ismail.

  91. RealWorld Says:

    October 8th, 2007 at 11: 16.42

    …. the US, after 231 years of Independence have numerous on going racial issues. In Nov 2006 for example, at John Hopkins University there were racial tensions due to an invitation for some Halloween party initated by a Fraternity that invoked racial stereotyping. If this can happen at an Institute of higher learning in a country that has been independent 231 years, dont you agree that Msia being only 50 years young will have its own issues??

    How do you know the PM is not doing anything?

    ————————–

    OK. since you bring up the US again – granted there is still racial tension in the US. The big difference, however, is that the US govt is not actively pushing policies that divide. Quite the contrary. Malaysia on the other hand has been polarizing the races for the past 50 years – big difference.

    Moreover, since Malaysia is relatively younger compared to the US as you have correctly pointed out, Malaysia has the benefit of learning from mistakes made by the US. As they say – a fool never learns from his own mistakes. A wise man learns from his own mistakes. An even wiser man learns from the mistakes of others. Is Malaysia in the fool, wise man or the even wiser man category? Or maybe the better question to ask is which category do you want Malaysia to be in?

    If the PM is sincere about reprimanding extremists within the BN, he should at least censure his education minister if not sack him.

    OK, good for you that you benefited from NEP and it is good that you are grateful for the help that you and your family received. Just as you should be grateful, you should not be blind. There are others, just like you except that they are non-bumis, that needed help. Who do you think is more deserving of help – a rich bumi or a poor non-bumi? I hope that this is a rhetorical question to you cos’ the answer should be plain obvious.

    So why is the govt helping the rich bumis? Quite simple – the govt consists of many rich bumis. The conspiracy theorists will say that the rich bumis will want to ensure that a certain percentage of poor bumis remain poor, thereby ensuring that NEP continues and they can continue reaping the benefits of NEP.

  92. Aiya, why are we asking RealWorld to defend the indefensible ? All he will say is “Can the opposition do any better ?” or “Why is the DAP membership consisting of 95 pct Chinese ?” or “There is no such thing as a perfect country” or, once he runs out of excuses, “there are many other places that you can go to if you are not happy here”.

    The broken record of this UMNO poodle is clear for all to see. He is keeping quiet at the moment because he is consulting his bosses like Mike Tyson and Nazri Aziz on how to counter the arguments put forth in this blog.

    CEMERLANG, GEMILANG, TEMBERANG – the true UMNO slogan.

  93. Oh, I forgot. RealWorld’s favourite excuse when he runs out of arguments is this standard UMNO line:

    “IF WHAT YOU SAY IS TRUE, THEN WHY WAS THE BN ELECTED WITH A 91 PCT MANDATE?”

  94. Dear cto,

    Malaysia is only 50 years young, while for example US is 231 years old. If we look back, the US after 50 years of independence, a lot of things werent right then. I am sorry, I dont agree with you on the current US government not ‘actively pushing policies that divide’. If you go to Hampton, Virginia you will see the residents there are almost 100% whites. Hampton is a high class neighbourhood. Alternatively, if you go to East LA (and please dont go there alone) or to Queens, you will find most of the residents there are 100% Hispanics and Blacks. Crimes i.e gang related shootings, murder are a normal daily routine there. Why is the average life expectancy of a black male in the inner cities in the US cant go above 35, after 231 years of independence?

    I have said earlier that in Malaysia we are fortunate as we all enjoyed peace and progress.

    The NEP does not prevent the non-bumis from education or whatever. Look at our local universities, there are many non-bumis there. Look at the business sector, non-bumis are thriving. Infact, if we look at the top 50 rich list in Malaysia, I believe more than 80% are non-bumis. Look at those exclusive residential areas like Bangsar, Damansara Heights, Country Heights etc etc, you will see most of the residents there are mainly chinese. The NEP, like I have said is to allow the wealth be spread a little to the other race group so that we can all benefit from our country’s resources.

    This is Malaysia and the reality is that such policies exists. And yes, there will be a few who are unhappy. That is why in a democracy, we go to the polls every 5 years where we vote for the government of our choice. Like it or not, it is us, the rakyat who decide who will govern and administer this country.

    And you may say the polls are rigged and all. But wait, it again comes back to the Opposition. If amongst yourselves you are not organized or in agreement or united or whatever, do you think the rakyat will throw the dice and gamble on a front that is wishy washy?? What about PAS’s Islamic State and DAP’s Msian Malaysia??

    A lot of things about the judiciary is being thrown about. I mean, if it is really true that our judiciary is poor, how come the People’s Parliament are struggling to come up with 5000 online petition? Where is that overwhelming support from the rakyat? Malaysia has less than 5000 net subscribers, is it?

  95. RealWorld RealWorld, how can you be so gullible in believing there is no discrimination in education. Look at how many non Malays vs Malays in engineering, medic and other professional faculties. Just because u saw some non Malays in some lousy courses doesnt mean thats fairness. Plus why dont the givt just scrapped the matriculation system? You study for 1 yr, and we need to study for 2yrs in STPM? Why the difference in treatment?

    U asking poor Chinese and indians to spread the wealth to you. Pigi lah. U go and ask the rich ppl that are affliated to the powers at be. They are the ones you should be looking for. i can personally tell u that my family just can make ends meet only. So why dont you try to work hard just like me and my Dad rather than hoping for some bantuan.

    And just because you saw some Chinese driving big cars, you imply we are all rich. I can say the same thing that I saw many Malays driving posh cars too in KL. Top 50 rich in Msia? Thats where the problem lies. Msia income gap between the rich and poor is getting wider and wider and its one of the worst according to World Bank Report. Thank God we beat Papua New Guinea in terms of ranking.

    Only a few unhappy? You will see this coming GE if only a few are unhappy.

    PAS Islamic state? You must have been reading some papers from the 80s.

    Where did you get your figure that Blacks average in inner city cant go over 35? Overall, life expectancy at birth was 78 years for whites and 72.7 years for blacks according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Where did you get your numbers to back your statement up? I am curious.

  96. I still cannot understand why the rich or super-rich bumi need NEP and not to compete equally with others. Does it mean that rich bumi still need more helps? For the poor bumi & non-bumi, you are the one that deserve NEP.

  97. RealWorld Says:

    October 9th, 2007 at 10: 54.21
    Dear cto,

    Malaysia is only 50 years young, while for example US is 231 years old. If we look back, the US after 50 years of independence, a lot of things werent right then. I am sorry, I dont agree with you on the current US government not ‘actively pushing policies that divide’. If you go to Hampton, Virginia you will see the …..

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    Transferred to the latest posting on the tape. See you there.

  98. For the life of me I can’t imagine anyone so desparately trying to defend the indefensible.Realworld you either have a warped mind or you are like your masters a racist with an agenda to promote Ketuanan Melayu.
    Tell me how could NEP be right when it is used to promote one race the Malay race.How can it be morally right when the affirmative action is used to provide jobs to only one race ie the Malay race.
    But if you say the poor and the disadvantaged must be given help by employing the NEP or the affirmative action, then I am in total agreement with you because if it is done in this manner it is both morally and socially the right thing to do.
    Even the orang asli the original people of this land are not given much help, in fact they should be the one who should be not only given far greater benefits than the Malays but should be protected for the following reasons:
    (1) They are the smallest group and by virtue of this fact they can be swallowed by the much larger group over time.
    (2) Financially they are very weak
    (3) Politically also very weak.
    (4) Militarily non existent.
    The Malays by contrast are heavily protected in spite of the fact that they are tthe majority group, financially powerful, politically powerful and militarily powerful.Thus NEP as it is practised today is morally wrong!!!

  99. Don’t worry about the UMNO poodle RealWorld. When he runs out of excuses for UMNO, or when he doesn’t get any tips for rebuttal from his masters like Nazri and Mike Tyson, he will go quiet for a while.
    He has been planted to comment on Kit’s blog, and you can be sure he is reading everything (and reporting everything) that we post here.

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