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Malaysian History Syllabus: Delusion, Amnesia, Inertia and Arrogance

by Dr. Lim Teck Ghee

A few days ago, two senior academics involved in the writing of history textbooks emerged from the shadows with the public allegation that the history textbooks in the country are biased and littered with errors. According to Dr. Ranjit Singh Malhi, one of the two authors, “secondary text books have been used to promote political interests”. Ng How Kuen, the other concerned author, expressed his fear that making history a compulsory pass subject would mean that students would have to subscribe to the official version of events or risk failing the entire examination.

It is said that history is written by the victors but it is also true that we get the history we deserve. The disclosure that the teaching of history in schools has been skewed and has a political agenda – besides suffering from distortions and errors – is not the first time this issue has been brought to the public’s attention.

Earlier attempts to highlight the issue of what constitutes the true history of Malaysia and what is passed off as officially sanctioned history in the schooling and larger public system such as the BTN courses may have begun with a bang but they have all ended with a whimper. Continue reading “Malaysian History Syllabus: Delusion, Amnesia, Inertia and Arrogance”

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What is not democratically possible can be done undemocratically!

By P Ramakrishnan

Malaysians today witnessed another sordid attempt to make a mockery of the parliamentary system as four opposition MPs were suspended in highly undemocratic circumstances, writes P Ramakrishnan.

What is not democratically possible, it seems, can be achieved undemocratically. We witnessed this despicable undermining of parliamentary democracy in the shameful episode of the Perak debacle.

We have witnessed today (16-12-10) another sordid attempt to make a mockery of the parliamentary system in the quest for power.

The pattern is obvious; the method is devious. It is undoubtedly a deliberate attempt to secure the two-third majority the BN lost in the 12th General Election in March 2008.
Continue reading “What is not democratically possible can be done undemocratically!”

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Pure Puppetry in Parliament

By Martin Jalleh

See how well the Speaker of Parliament in Bolehland performs to every pull and push by the hideous hands of the Umno political Masters in parliament.

So pliantly and passionately Pandikar Amin plays and dances to their every tug and tune, much to Umno’s great delight, pleasure and purpose.

So pleasingly the former Kota Marudu Umno division chief mouths and moves at every prompting, with perfect poise and pace, assisted by his deputies and political props in Parliament.

So slavishly he parrots and faithfully acts out the self-serving script of his political Masters (who believe they are superior beings) and whom he knows could at any time pull the plug on him!
Continue reading “Pure Puppetry in Parliament”

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Anwar, Karpal, Sivarasa and Azmin to be suspended from Parliament for 6 months

From @limkitsiang:

Pandemonium Parliament w sudden new motion 2suspend Karpal Sivarasa Azmin as MPs 4six mths against Standing Orders/ rules of natural justice

If BN w simple parl majority can abuse its powers violating all rules n principles, what it cld not do when it gets back 2/3 majority?

Speaker Pandikar fails 2explain what is “public interest” he exempts rule Minister’s motion need 7days notice 2suspend Karpal Sivarasa Azmin

Parlment being dragged out over surprise motion agnst standing orders 2suspend another 3PR MPs 4six mths – unprecedented in Msian Parliament

What happened in Parl proves Acton’s aphorism corruption of power – strongest reason Y BN shld not get back 2/3 P majority n must b replaced

Motion 2suspend MPs Karpal Sivarasa Azmin 4six mths – 3 not told of charges or referred 2Cttee of Privileges. Travesty of justice n Parlmnt

Earlier in prolonged pandemonium/altercation Sivarasa Azmin were suspended by Speaker Pandikar. Most disgraceful day in Msian Parl history

Continue reading “Anwar, Karpal, Sivarasa and Azmin to be suspended from Parliament for 6 months”

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A ‘black-eye’ for Malaysia

The Malaysian Insider

In an ideal world, Putrajaya’s word would be law.

It could, if it wished, feel that all is well. It decided that today by deciding to throw out allegations of evidence fabrication in Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s 1998 “black-eye incident”.

In its highly-anticipated explanation to Parliament today, the government clearly side-stepped the damning accusations made by former investigating officer Datuk Mat Zain Ibrahim that Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail had falsified documents in the case, brushing aside the former’s two recent open letters.
Continue reading “A ‘black-eye’ for Malaysia”

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DAP, in turn, postpones party polls

Hazlan Zakaria
Malaysiakini
Dec 14, 10

The DAP today announced that it will postpone its party polls for 12 months to prepare for snap-elections which the party believe is just around the corner.

“(This is to) to put the party in general election mode, so all resources and efforts should be directed towards preparations,” said party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng during a press conference in parliament.

He said that the party’s central executive committee is compelled to consider the decision in the view that both Umno and the MCA has postponed their own party polls recently, which he believed is “a clear signal that a snap election will likely be called”. Continue reading “DAP, in turn, postpones party polls”

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Putrajaya closes door on ‘black-eye’ issue

The Malaysian Insider
By Clara Chooi
December 14, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 — Putrajaya has closed the door for good on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s 1998 “black-eye incident” despite allegations of evidence fabrication against Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.

In its highly-anticipated explanation to Parliament today, the government clearly side-stepped the damning accusations made by former investigating officer Datuk Mat Zain Ibrahim that Abdul Gani had falsified documents in the case, brushing aside the former’s two recent open letters.

Instead, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz told the House today that there was no need for Mat Zain to complain that the independent panel formed to investigate the evidence fabrication had failed to clear his name in the incident.

This, said Nazri, was because Mat Zain had never been the subject of the panel’s probe and had merely been called forth as a witness to testify.

“The MACC’s (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) advisory board, though its letter to Datuk Mat Zain on July 23, 2009, had already stressed that there was no need for the independent panel or the MACC to clear Mat Zain’s name, seeing as he was not the subject of the investigation in the first place,” he said. Continue reading “Putrajaya closes door on ‘black-eye’ issue”

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Keeping March 8 alive

by Stephanie Sta Maria
Free Malaysia Today
Tue, 14 Dec 2010

FMT EXCLUSIVE The day had not begun particularly well for Kee Thuan Chye. A friend – once a staunch supporter of political change – had confided that he was contemplating reverting to the “devil he knew” in the next general election.

“I was very upset,” Kee said. “After staying for so long on the track of change, he is giving up because he has lost faith in Pakatan Rakyat’s ability to get its act together to govern this country.”

It was the sort of sentiment that the former journalist found deeply troubling as it preyed on a simmering disquiet that the tide behind the March 8 tsunami may be turning again, this time in favour of the ruling party. And that, in Kee’s view, would spell imminent political tragedy for Malaysia. Continue reading “Keeping March 8 alive”

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The unfinished Malaysian corruption story

By Tunku Abdul Aziz

I was honoured last month by the Australian Corporate Lawyers Association with an invitation to deliver the International Keynote Address at their 2010 Conference at the Sydney Hilton.

Three hundred corporate lawyers participated in the two-day conference, with some 400 attending the ACLA Awards Dinner. I was invited to perform a similar task last year by the association, but to my regret and utter shame, I was forced to cancel, at great cost to my Australian hosts, my appearance in Melbourne, their 2009 conference venue.

I found myself a reluctant patient at the Gleneagles Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, with a serious lung infection. The doctor pumped, yes, pumped enough antibiotics into my body to float a destroyer and maybe keep our two valiant submarines happily submerged forever.

It transpired that I had picked up a virus in the Netherlands while attending an ethics conference at the Amsterdam Free University. I was very surprised, to say the least, when I received a repeat invitation from ACLA very early this year. I asked the organisers, in jest, if they realised that they were taking a risk as the same thing might happen again.

Overcoming Corruption: A Regional Challenge was the title of my address. I assured them that there was really no need to feel concerned about the state of health of corruption in the region. Continue reading “The unfinished Malaysian corruption story”

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We have to speak up

By P. Ramakrishnan
December 13, 2010

We have every reason to be concerned. We wonder where this nation is heading for and what is in store for us. From the civil servant to the Umno politician, it is the same story: the non-Malays are “pendatang” and don’t have any citizenship rights. The rights conferred by Article 8 of the Federal Constitution are not respected or protected.

When an extreme group like Perkasa questions the citizenship rights of the non-Malays, the national leadership does not take them to task. When extreme elements in Umno berate and denigrate the non-Malays, the top Umno leadership does not chastise them. When one Umno delegate at the recently concluded general assembly had the temerity to suggest that the non-Malays be given the right to do business but should be denied the right to vote, nobody pointed out that it was against the constitution and that he should not be talking through his nose!
Continue reading “We have to speak up”

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Malaysia in the Era of Globalization #44

By M. Bakri Musa

Chapter Six: Malaysia: Assets and Liabilities

Other Colonial Legacies

The other enduring British colonial legacy – a professional army – saw Malaysia through many a crisis, from the konfrontasi against Indonesia in the early 1960s and the 1969 race riot, to the constitutional crisis of the 1980s, and the recent unrest over the Anwar affair. Through it all the military remained neutral and loyal to its elected civilian commanders. Malaysia has not fallen into the trap visited upon many previously colonized countries where the army is part of the problem. In Indonesia, the military is the only viable institution; unfortunately it squandered that unique trust by actively meddling in civilian matters. What was once a noble and highly regarded institution is now no different from the nation’s other corrupt and ineffective institutions. Indonesia’s armed services are less the guardian of the nation but more a constant threat to its stability. Malaysia is fortunately spared such a fate.
Continue reading “Malaysia in the Era of Globalization #44”

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Learn from BN’s mistakes, Guan Eng tells DAP

By Debra Chong
The Malaysian Insider
December 12, 2010

GEORGE TOWN, Dec 12 — Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) pact can only retain power if its state governments show policies carried out have helped and not harmed the public, in sounding the rallying cry ahead of the next big fight at the polls against the rival Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.

“If we are to retain power at the next general elections, then PR must be a people’s government trusted by the people to help and not harm them,” the DAP secretary-general told party members at its state convention here today.

“PR can be trusted by the people not only by showing competency and honesty, but that we are a people’s government that listens to the people, does the people’s work and gives hope to the people,” he added. Continue reading “Learn from BN’s mistakes, Guan Eng tells DAP”

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“Plum Blossom Spirit” has spread the Malaysian Malaysia movement to build a united, democratic, just and prosperous Malaysia

by Dr. Chen Man Hin

The concept of a Malaysian Malaysia has caught the imagination of the people, ever since the struggle for a more just and equal society by the newly formed DAP in 1965.

With the departure of the PAP of Singapore because of the separation from Malaysia, a group of people led by Devan Nair formed a committe to build a new party – the Democratic Action Party.

The first test came when the dap (as yet unregistered) participated in a by-election in Rahang, Seremban. As Dap was waiting for registration, the symbol of Plum Blossom was chosen to be the by-election symbol. Continue reading ““Plum Blossom Spirit” has spread the Malaysian Malaysia movement to build a united, democratic, just and prosperous Malaysia”

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Pakatan: Choice of DPM will be based on the constitution

Saturday, December 11, 2010
Wong Choon Mei
Malaysia Chronicle

Pakatan Rakyat leaders did not discuss the issue of who would be the Deputy Prime Minister if they won the next general election but they agreed that the decision would be based on the federal constitution – an outcome that will surely be cheered by the non-Malays in the country who have long aspired for political equality.

“The issue (of who will become the next DPM) was not discussed at the leadership council meeting,but we did decide that it will be based on the constitution,” DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang told a press conference. Continue reading “Pakatan: Choice of DPM will be based on the constitution”

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Mat Zain insists A-G interferred in ‘black-eye case’

By Clara Chooi
The Malaysian Insider
December 10, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 — A former investigating officer stood by his recent allegations that Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail had fabricated evidence during the infamous 1998 “black-eye incident” involving Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and warned he would continue to speak up.

Datuk Mat Zain Ibrahim, who was the investigating officer in the case involving the assault of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in police custody, made his second appeal in another open letter to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar today, calling for the 12-year-old case to be reopened.

“I leave it to your discretion, Tan Sri, to make the best decision on behalf of the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP); one that is fair to all parties.

“However I also protect my right to proceed or stop right now, my correspondence pertaining to this issue or to any other issue related to it,” he wrote.

The former KL CID chief said the Home Ministry’s declaration last week that the “black-eye” case would remain closed clearly showed the government’s intention to protect “certain individuals”.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein had told DAP MP Lim Kit Siang last Monday that there was no need to reopen the “black-eye” case as the police had no reason to believe that false evidence had been given during the investigation. Continue reading “Mat Zain insists A-G interferred in ‘black-eye case’”

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Sad MCA leaders’ grasp of Constitution and political principles so shallow – no wonder no MCA Minister dare to tell Muhyiddin that he was wrong and anti-1Malaysia in declaring he is Malay first and Malaysian second!

After I have thrown back the question to the MCA Youth leader and Deputy Education Minister, Datuk Wee Ka Siong whether there is any provision in the Constitution which bars a Chinese or Malaysian of any race or religion from being Deputy Prime Minister, I would have thought that all the top MCA leaders would have become more educated about the Malaysian Constitution.

But this does not appear to be the case, with Wee continue to persist with the question whether I agree with the Pas Mursidul Am and Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat that only a Muslim can become a Deputy Prime Minister.

It is obvious that my answer is “No” but this seems to be too difficult for the top MCA leaders to understand or fathom.

It is sad that the MCA leaders’ grasp of the Constitution and political principles are so shallow. Continue reading “Sad MCA leaders’ grasp of Constitution and political principles so shallow – no wonder no MCA Minister dare to tell Muhyiddin that he was wrong and anti-1Malaysia in declaring he is Malay first and Malaysian second!”

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Mat Zain’s 2nd Open Letter on Anwar’s “black-eye” assault

SURAT TERBUKA KEDUA
Kepada,
YDH Tan Sri Haji Ismail bin Haji Omar IGP,
Ketua Polis Negara,
Polis Di-Raja Malaysia,
Bukit Aman,
50560 Kuala Lumpur. Melalui:Email dan PosEmail:[email protected]

10hb.Disember 2010

YDH Tan Sri,

JAWAPAN KDN MENGENAI INSIDEN MATA-LEBAM.

Assalamualaikum wbt.,Semoga YDH Tan Sri dalam sihat walfiat.

2. Izinkan saya dengan segala hurmatnya merujuk kepada jawapan YB Menteri Dalam Negeri bertarikh 2.12.2010 kepada persoalan yang ditimbulkan di-Parlimen oleh YB Lim Kit Siang berkaitan isu diatas.

3. Saya menarik perhatian Tan Sri kepada petikan jawapan tersebut; “Pihak PDRM telah membuat semakan keatas penyiasatan yang melibatkan Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim dalam kes serangan mata-lebam pada 1998.Tiada apa apa keterangan yang boleh menunjukkan berlakunya keterangan palsu dalam penyiasatan tersebut”.Saya memohon maaf kerana terpaksa menyatakan pendapat saya, bahawa pendirian yang PDRM ambil dalam menyediakan jawapan tersebut adalah jauh berbeza,malahan bertentangan dengan pendirian PDRM, ketika menangani siasatan insiden ini pada 1998.Saya wajar menegaskan bahawa pendirian PDRM ketika itu, adalah untuk menjalankan siasatan “without fear or favour;leaving no stone unturned;and to get it over with as soon as possible” dan tidak ada sebarang “cover-up” untuk sesiapa pun.Namun begitu pendirian kali ini nampaknya cenderong kepada melindungi orang-orang tertentu.

4. Saya berharap pendirian sedemikian yang Tan Sri ambil dalam penyediaan jawapan diatas adalah terbatas yang disebabkan oleh kekurangan bahan rujukan yang sepatutnya berada dalam kertas siasatan kes mata-lebam tersebut. Pada ketika penyiasatan kes ini lagi, beberapa dokumen penting dalam kertas siasatan itu, pernah dihilangkan ketika ditangan Peguam Negara dan kami terpaksa menggantikannya dengan salinan pendua.Malah keseluruhan kertas siasatan berkenaan pernah “dihilangkan” sementara, selama lebih kurang 3 minggu diatara 30.10.1998 hingga 20.11.1998 sepertimana yang saya jelaskan dalam perenggan 16 Surat Terbuka saya kepada Tan Sri pada 22.11.2010. Tidak hairan jika berlaku kekurangan kandungan kertas siasatan itu, kerana ianya tersorok lama di-Jabatan Peguam Negara. Continue reading “Mat Zain’s 2nd Open Letter on Anwar’s “black-eye” assault”

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Nearly 50% of Malaysians feel graft has worsened

by Aidila Razak
Malaysiakini
Dec 10, 10

Close to half of Malaysians surveyed in a global corruption study felt that corruption is on the rise in the country.

According to Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer 2010, 46 percent surveyed believed that corruption has been higher this year than last year, while 19 percent felt it has dopped and 35 percent felt that there has been no difference.

However, out of the 1000 people surveyed by market research agency TNS Malaysia in face-to-face interviews from June 28 to July 26 this year, only 9 percent or 90 admitted to have given a bribe in the past 12 months. Continue reading “Nearly 50% of Malaysians feel graft has worsened”

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Racial breakdown for police/immigration services

Soalan:
Tuan Lim Kit Siang [Ipoh Timur] minta MENTERI DALAM NEGERI menyatakan butir-butir mengikut kaum pegawai polis dan imigresen berikan angka-angka tersebut mengikut gred masing-masing.

Jawapan:
Untuk makluman AhIi Yang Berhormat, sehingga 31 Julal 2010 jumlah anggota polis di seluruh negara ialah 106,530 orang. Jumlah anggota polis ini melibatkan pelbagai gred jawatan dan peringkat Anggota Polis Pangkat Rendah dan Sokongan hingga Ketua Polis Negara (KPN). Daripada jumlah tersebut, sejumlah 84,523 orang atau 79.34% adalah terdiri daripada kaum Melayu, 2,210 orang atau 2.07% kaum Cina, 3,624 orang atau 3.4% kaum India dan 15,886 orang atau 14.91% lain-lain kaum.

Sehingga 31 Ogos 2010 jumlah anggota Jabatan lmigresen ialah 11,017 orang di mana sejumlah 9,598 atau 87.12% anggota terdiri daripada kalangan kaum Melayu, 322 atau 2.92% kaum India, 208 atau 1.87% kaum Cina, 813 atau 7.38% kaum Bumiputra dan 76 orang atau 0.69% kaum-kaum lain.

Maklumat terperinci berkaitan gred jawatan berdasarkan kaum adalah seperti di Lampiran A dan B.

Lampiran A
Maklumat perjawatan anggota Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) berdasarkan gred jawatan dan kaum sehingga 31 Julai 2010 Continue reading “Racial breakdown for police/immigration services”