(Mingguan Malaysia, 27 December)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia cum Secretary General of Islamic Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.
Recently Utusan Malaysia was criticized and condemned from inside and outside the party, especially by the ultra kiasu party. Utusan was accused as a newspaper promoting racism sentiments disturbing the harmony among the races. The extremist labeled the newspaper as criminals. If the newspaper is considered as criminal then it also meant that the journalist, newspaper columnist and author are also criminals. My question is whether the ultra kiasu party news tabloid and the other racist political parties and those concocted with them are they also not evil? The ultra kiasu party and its group are not only evil, but it is already clearly a fact that they have an evil intention by not accepting the social contract and rejecting the federal constitution and also challenging sensitive matters that have long been agreed upon. The partners of the ultra kiasu party do not dare to speak directly for fear of loss of support. This is the cunning strategy of the ultra kiasu party and its allies hiding behind the 1Malaysia concept for its benefits and political mileage.
If they do not get their wish, then the 1Malaysia concept will be put forward for argument to obtain sympathy. Their racist partners in the Barisan Nasional (BN) components actually have the same stance. They are smart in strategizing. The ultra kiasu bark outside while the partners inside do the work. Actually they compliment each other. It is only that we overlooked.
I am not saying that Utusan Malaysia is all good. Nothing is perfect in this world, except Allah SWT and His Prophets. As humans, there are still things that need to be rectified from time to time. My reminder to the ultra kiasu is that do not act as though elephants in front of your eyes cannot see but the germs across can be seen clearly. Do not go overboard with your views. Do not always pinpoint others mistakes without reflecting own selves. Is staying together without marriage considered good moral? Retaining executive council (exco) known for their evil deeds is not actually evil? At least Utusan Malaysia is frank, meaning not too bad instead of camouflage doing evil, like being sweet in front of people but when behind actually are not. Those are their actions to obscure the eyes of the public. If we spy their movement, I am confident we will see their true colors, including the one exco that brought the santa claus to meet the leader of their country recently. To this leader, if you enjoy celebrating with Santa Claus, please do not over do it. As Muslims, we are taught to respect other religions, but do not go overboard. They are very cunning at planning. Many Malays have side tracked because of being too close to santa claus.
It cannot be denied from history that all newspapers in this country are racist from the beginning. Similarly, in the fields of political, economic and social, all are racists. To me, love of race or nation is not wrong, instead is permissible in Islam as stated by Ibn Khaldun. What is not only allowed is when it reached the level of ultra such as the ultra kiasu party. They often raised sensitive issues that create tensions. This situation is more dangerous, because it can cause chaos as happened in the incident May 13, 1969.
In understanding the Malaysian politics, racial issues were raised for political supports and to make the respective races to realize who they are and what should be obtained. Meanwhile, the sensitive issues were raised to demand equal rights and opportunities for the ultra kiasu group. They know these things can not be raised openly as they can be held under the sedition act. They deliberately want to test UMNO which currently is at its most crucial situation because of not getting two-thirds majority and also facing the painful disunity of the Malay Muslims.
For example, the ultra kiasu wanted Islam being the federal religion to be at the same level with other religions. As Malaysians, we must know that the concept of equal rights and equal opportunity do not fulfill the requirements of the federal constitution, although the concept of Malaysian Malaysia which is always being shouted and demanded by the ultra kiasu party. Remember, Islam is the religion of the majority community of this country. Islam has a very special position in the constitution. If there is any 'advantage' in Islam, it is not discrimination because as the majority Malay Muslims, they have the rights, let alone it had been agreed upon through the social contract. There should not be anymore questions or being accused of unfairness. These also included using government funds to develop the growth of Islam. Unfortunately, these things were never formulated. Finally, each race or party interpreted according to their interests respectively basing on the race and religious background. Not forgetting also their evil plans.
In order to prevent the ultra kiasu party continues to become evil, we must at least outline the formula to solve this. My formula is based on the statistical breakdown of races and religions in this country. According to the year 2000 census, the percentages of Malaysians by religions were as follows: 60% Islam, 40% non-Malay (22% Buddhist-Taoism-Confucius, 9% Christian, 6% Hindu, 3% others). This formula can be applied in the context of the nationalization, including justification on the rights of religious festivals and celebrations of all races. This formula fulfills part of the meaning to justification in Islam which means to put things in its place although not completely.
On the basis of tolerance, this formula was not applied completely, either in politic, economic or even social. For example, the number of non-Muslim places of worship exceeded overwhelmingly, their festival celebrations actually drowned the Muslims celebrations even though they are less in numbers. Just look at the shopping malls, although Christians are only 9%, the Christmas and New Year 2010 celebrations are incomparable to the Hari Raya and the Islamic New Year. If you do not believe, visit the states ruled by the ultra kiasu and its allies and the shopping malls of their allies throughout the country.
I think the Muslims in this country are very tolerant and soft. Their religious festivals and funerals are well mannered and simple. Roads are not congested. Their graves are very small. Compared to other religions, which the number is already smaller, at times the roads are congested the whole day on certain festivals. The graves are so wide and large. How long will this practice be continued, whereas the population is growing but land is limited? So far, the Muslims are not that noisy compared to others, although their graves are narrowing and protests from the non-Muslims are increasingly bolder when there is an increase in Islamic cemetery.
My formula should be used as a guideline. Is it fair if the numbers of non-Muslims are not many, but their graves actually sink the Muslims graves? Have we asked the views of the Muslims and their sensitivity? Those with money build the tombs so high and so wide and beautify them with statues as far as the eyes can see. Meanwhile the Muslims graves, irrespectively of their positions, are simple because Islam does not believe in the designing the tomb. Having no graves is also not a problem. What is important is faith and piety which are brought into the intermediate state or barzakh. Have the Muslims ever claimed equal rights and equal opportunities? No, because they are not ultra kiasu.
Another example, a professor of Christian faith at work argued with me recently. He said the religious rights must be based on the formula of equal rights and equal opportunities. Among the examples highlighted were those if there is a class on yasin recitation and Friday prayers to the Muslim students, then Christian students must be given the same rights to learn their religion and to bring in their own priests. I told him that the students should read their bible during that time, after all the Friday prayers and the yasin recitations are not 'religion classes' but are the responsibility of each Muslim individual. Even there is religious class for the Muslims; it is not necessarily for the non-Muslims to have a similar situation. In addition, the number of Christians or non-Muslim students are very few, with the facilities provided for is already enough. The ultra kiasu professor with an emotional tone claimed it is their rights that must be fulfilled. I replied that have their rights not been fulfilled all this while? Did the number of churches and the pile of houses of worship to the extent of sinking the number mosques and suraus were not considered as rights? Have we ever prevented them to church every Sunday? Do not compare with the Muslims because we worship differently. We have different needs. Similarly goes with the requirements for jamaah prayers. Hence, the concept of equal rights and the equal opportunities should be based on the formula that has been outlined in the constitution and by fraction of races (religions).
All this while they have never use the word Allah in our country, so why the sudden need for the word of Allah has to be used? It is definitely their strategy to confuse the Muslims into following their religion. My advice to all parents is to take care of your children and not to be deceived by their evil strategies and evil intentions. Unfortunately these will and had occurred in Selangor and Penang, if we continue to allow this ultra kiasu to rule and to be mighty. Look at Penang today as if it is no longer a Malay island. It is full of Santa Claus and New Year greetings, while they consist of only 9 percent.
Therefore let us make the changes before it is too late. Do not end later with our religion going no where in our own land. By then, it will be too late. You cannot allow the creepers to grow higher. When they have gone up, they will remain there, and it will be difficult for them to come down.
Look at the political tolerance. Lately, Gerakan was so angry with the UMNO proposal that the BN chairman seat to be rotated in Penang because UMNO had the majority of seats. Before anything else, the ultra kiasu alliances also jumped. Appropriately, the issue supposed to be discussed first. The chairman for Gerakan and Penang BN contended that the BN chairman seat was held by them for 35 years. Why should it be given to others?
My question is that if UMNO can sacrificed the Grik parliamentary seat, why can't Gerakan? Who is more tolerant and having the nature of giving? The political parties on this island are so ultra kiasu. Because of that, they do not care who ruled the island, as long it is their own people. There are not many strategies made to win back the island. That's why I can feel that UMNO is not comfortable with this situation.
I still remembered that after so long UMNO competing in the Grik parliamentary constituency seat, a Malay majority, they suddenly handed it over to Gerakan. The former Chief Minister of Perak cried to release this seat. But due to the brotherhood spirit and the cooperation in the BN, UMNO had to comply and obeyed by surrendering the Grik seat to Gerakan. The Malay majority had to vote the non-Malay (Gerakan) even with resentment. This is the noble nature of the Malay Muslims. Is this tolerance being appreciated? It is like a dog biting its own master. Can we still remember that this Member of Parliament of Grik from Gerakan issued a statement stating that the Malays were also immigrants? This Member of Parliament was also appointed as a deputy minister. Have we ever heard UMNO contended that since the Grik parliamentary seat had been held by them for a long time, why should they give it to Gerakan, as what spoken by the Penang BN chairman?
Why was Gerakan so strong in opposing? They fear that the Chief Minister seat will fell to UMNO if it is destined for BN to rule again. The root to all of these is power, power, power and the ultra kiasu attitude. All is putting the race interests ahead rather than the national interests. If this is how it is done, I think, the 1Malaysia concept is far from achieving. It will be taken advantaged by those with the attitudes of foxes in sheep skins and scissors in the fold. To them their race strength must be defended even with whatever reasons and challenges given. Who are the real criminals and more evil?
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Integration requires sacrifice
(Mingguan Malaysia, 20 December)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia cum Secretary General of Islamic Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.
As expected, influential Chinese associations including MCA would not agree with any government actions to improve the position of the Malay language in the Chinese schools such as standardize the Malay (BM) syllabus and increasing the learning time for BM and the suggestions to add another subject of Malaysia My Country in BM. All the proposals were rejected and what is more extreme is that they want the new subject Malaysia My Country to be taught in the mother tongue language. In other words, any proposal to empower the BM is considered to erode the position and character of the Chinese schools (SJKC). Is this what we called integration since we rejected assimilation?
The MCA Youth chief being the Deputy Minister in the field of education was so vocal acting as a village hero. Had he made a study on the actual problems, especially on the Malay language performance in terms of the daily usage and the examination results in these schools? As a member of the cabinet, he should had made more in-depth research, especially academically to know what actually causes the problems with the acceptance of integration and not assimilation as what that had been suggested all this while? Moreover, he had a doctorate qualification. Do not act too ultra kiasu like the ultra party! What a disappointment for the Barisan Nasional (BN), having component parties in the government for so long but yet do not understand the aspirations and ambitions of the country. I request they come to my school where the majority of the students are non-Malays and to see their situations over there. Make a study and ask the teachers and principal. Don't just bark here and there, with the purpose of covering own weaknesses. Nobody is going to gain anything and our future generations will be at a loss.
If this is how they think, then it simply means that the single school system (SSS) is only an illusion. Just by touching a little on the vernacular schools incurs the loss of rationale, then how are we to unite under one roof? Therefore, it is not a surprised that the visionary school failed to achieve its purpose. I am confident that after this I will receive another invitation letter to debate. I will be labeled as anti-Chinese. Meanwhile I have never rejected the rights of non-Malays to learn their mother tongue, not at all. I promise, I will speak aloud and criticize the government if there is any attempts to remove the rights of the non-Malays to learn their mother tongue if it is destined that SSS exist later. My question is whether the SSS will ever be established? I think at this moment it is still far from reality.
How long do we want to wait to see our generation able to speak Malay fluently after staying in this country for that long? My friend who is of English descent and having stayed only a year in this country, have been able to master the BM very well. Indeed, the encouragement to learn another language is required by Islam. In fact, I encourage Muslims to learn Mandarin as recommended by the Prime Minister during the opening dinner of the Chinese private secondary school Chong Hwa recently. We often heard the words "seek knowledge even to the state of China". But is it appropriate that due to being passionate and eager to learn their own language to the extent that the language that became the core for the country race and unity is ignored? I will not speak and write again if the non-Malay has a strong foundation of the Malay language before entering the SJKC. In fact, I encouraged my own children to SJKC because they have a strong foundation of the Malay language. But is this happening? The majority of those studying in SJKC do not have a basic BM except those living in Kelantan and Terengganu. For those who live in the urban areas, they have very weak command of BM. It is not only the children, but also the adults. I am not saying everyone.
If you do not believe, we can begin a study on the members of the DAP, MCA and Gerakan. Ask them to write an essay and speak in BM. How long do we want to continue to listen to conversations such as "gua tatak mau ", "itu maciam manyak susah lo", "lu tarak tau kah"? Who will be the losers in the end? If our children do not get good examination results on BM, they will fail to obtain scholarship and fail in the interview, thus who should we blame? Of course the government or the Public Service Department (PSD) will be blamed? PSD will be blamed for prioritizing the Malays and Bumiputeras and instead marginalizing the non-Malays and others.
I was attacked frequently because to them the current racial issues are not caused by the vernacular education policy but instead are caused by UMNO which is considered as too racist. UMNO continued to be blamed by them including those in the BN component party. I would like to ask that whether the existence of the MCA, DAP, MIC, Makkal Sakti, PPP and Gerakan are also not racist? PAS is also a racist party, a party dominated by the Malays although it is open to all Muslims. Do not because of one or two of the committee members and their members are not of the same race, then it has an excuse for it to be a multi-racial party in respond to 1Malaysia. Facts and history, since the beginning on the foundations of this country was built on the basis of racism until today. It is not only political parties that are racists, in fact it can be stated that almost all the NGO associations established are racists. The Chinese NGOs itself already have more than 8000 in this country. The NGOs of the other races are also about the same. If this trend continues, where do you think our country direction will be heading in the future?
Therefore, we must try to improve the situations from today after acknowledging all the problems that have occurred. Do not allow the problems continue to be a problem for the result will be more problematic. Problems should be resolved with the methods and ideas to overcome them. Otherwise, we are not progressing. So much money is spent for being political among ourselves to out throw each other. Are there no other reasons such as developments and so forth?
The non-Malays are fearful with the Education Act 1996 which they considered will erode the existence of the vernacular schools if the Malay language is enforced. Did the government ever invoke or implement this act until now? Have we not realized that this act is much more acceptable compared to the previous act of the Education Act 1961 which was more unacceptable where the Minister of Education had the full power to remove the vernacular schools? This Act was not enforced either. Are we grateful with this new act? Instead of being grateful, we wanted the act in 1996 to be eliminated. If this act is abolished, it means that the vernacular schools are not governed by any acts at all and can never be touched at all. That is their main aims. Sometimes I am wondering whether we are actually living in Malaysia or in other countries.
If this situation continues, and in addition with the Private Higher Educational Institutions (IPTS) being racist, belonging to certain races and racist political parties, how to construct a nation based on national identity can ever be done? I was given to understand that the private institutions today cannot be controlled anymore. The Malay language is not acknowledged at all. Let alone its guardian actually consists of ministers from the non-Malays. I am worried and am very sure that eventually a day will come when the IPTS degrees will be better or more acceptable than the IPTA degrees. It is simple logic that if racism is the beginning, then racism will be the end. If that happens, then it is a successful planning by the ultra kiasu party and its components. Who are the losers? Think for a moment! Have they not realized that the government of today has sacrificed a lot? If it is not for the hundreds but the thousands of hectares of land that had been given to this IPTS, and also not forgetting the millions of financial assistance that had been given, on the basis of friendship and the spirit of BN. Have we not been grateful, or should we continue to organize strategies to demand and pressure and to stab from behind? When comes election, the ultra kiasu party continues to win.
I was frequently being questioned and attacked that by not being able to master the Malay language does it actually means that there is no patriotism? My answer is yes. As Malaysians, we must always strive to love and assimilate, integrate and respect the all the basis policies of a nation, such as the BM and Negaraku anthem. Henceforth our spirit will be strong and we will fight endlessly to defend the country even to the extent of exchanging our lives for it. The spirit must be present, otherwise, I fear we will either migrate to somewhere else or perhaps renegade and what is more fearful is that we are willing to sell the sovereignty of the nation to another country.
I am not denying the fact that to this day we are still unable to assimilate. Obviously it will never happen due to the continuing political demands and threats. Anyway, if integration is accepted, does it require us to sacrifice or not to love the national identity such as the national language and to respect the national anthem? I used to send my children to SJKC and while over there I heard how they sang the Negaraku anthem and it sounds very funny. If you do not believe, try to record the Negaraku anthem sang by these students. Then we will know the actual position of BM in the vernacular schools. If we include the BM examination results, we will know the fate of BM in the Malay land.
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia cum Secretary General of Islamic Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.
As expected, influential Chinese associations including MCA would not agree with any government actions to improve the position of the Malay language in the Chinese schools such as standardize the Malay (BM) syllabus and increasing the learning time for BM and the suggestions to add another subject of Malaysia My Country in BM. All the proposals were rejected and what is more extreme is that they want the new subject Malaysia My Country to be taught in the mother tongue language. In other words, any proposal to empower the BM is considered to erode the position and character of the Chinese schools (SJKC). Is this what we called integration since we rejected assimilation?
The MCA Youth chief being the Deputy Minister in the field of education was so vocal acting as a village hero. Had he made a study on the actual problems, especially on the Malay language performance in terms of the daily usage and the examination results in these schools? As a member of the cabinet, he should had made more in-depth research, especially academically to know what actually causes the problems with the acceptance of integration and not assimilation as what that had been suggested all this while? Moreover, he had a doctorate qualification. Do not act too ultra kiasu like the ultra party! What a disappointment for the Barisan Nasional (BN), having component parties in the government for so long but yet do not understand the aspirations and ambitions of the country. I request they come to my school where the majority of the students are non-Malays and to see their situations over there. Make a study and ask the teachers and principal. Don't just bark here and there, with the purpose of covering own weaknesses. Nobody is going to gain anything and our future generations will be at a loss.
If this is how they think, then it simply means that the single school system (SSS) is only an illusion. Just by touching a little on the vernacular schools incurs the loss of rationale, then how are we to unite under one roof? Therefore, it is not a surprised that the visionary school failed to achieve its purpose. I am confident that after this I will receive another invitation letter to debate. I will be labeled as anti-Chinese. Meanwhile I have never rejected the rights of non-Malays to learn their mother tongue, not at all. I promise, I will speak aloud and criticize the government if there is any attempts to remove the rights of the non-Malays to learn their mother tongue if it is destined that SSS exist later. My question is whether the SSS will ever be established? I think at this moment it is still far from reality.
How long do we want to wait to see our generation able to speak Malay fluently after staying in this country for that long? My friend who is of English descent and having stayed only a year in this country, have been able to master the BM very well. Indeed, the encouragement to learn another language is required by Islam. In fact, I encourage Muslims to learn Mandarin as recommended by the Prime Minister during the opening dinner of the Chinese private secondary school Chong Hwa recently. We often heard the words "seek knowledge even to the state of China". But is it appropriate that due to being passionate and eager to learn their own language to the extent that the language that became the core for the country race and unity is ignored? I will not speak and write again if the non-Malay has a strong foundation of the Malay language before entering the SJKC. In fact, I encouraged my own children to SJKC because they have a strong foundation of the Malay language. But is this happening? The majority of those studying in SJKC do not have a basic BM except those living in Kelantan and Terengganu. For those who live in the urban areas, they have very weak command of BM. It is not only the children, but also the adults. I am not saying everyone.
If you do not believe, we can begin a study on the members of the DAP, MCA and Gerakan. Ask them to write an essay and speak in BM. How long do we want to continue to listen to conversations such as "gua tatak mau ", "itu maciam manyak susah lo", "lu tarak tau kah"? Who will be the losers in the end? If our children do not get good examination results on BM, they will fail to obtain scholarship and fail in the interview, thus who should we blame? Of course the government or the Public Service Department (PSD) will be blamed? PSD will be blamed for prioritizing the Malays and Bumiputeras and instead marginalizing the non-Malays and others.
I was attacked frequently because to them the current racial issues are not caused by the vernacular education policy but instead are caused by UMNO which is considered as too racist. UMNO continued to be blamed by them including those in the BN component party. I would like to ask that whether the existence of the MCA, DAP, MIC, Makkal Sakti, PPP and Gerakan are also not racist? PAS is also a racist party, a party dominated by the Malays although it is open to all Muslims. Do not because of one or two of the committee members and their members are not of the same race, then it has an excuse for it to be a multi-racial party in respond to 1Malaysia. Facts and history, since the beginning on the foundations of this country was built on the basis of racism until today. It is not only political parties that are racists, in fact it can be stated that almost all the NGO associations established are racists. The Chinese NGOs itself already have more than 8000 in this country. The NGOs of the other races are also about the same. If this trend continues, where do you think our country direction will be heading in the future?
Therefore, we must try to improve the situations from today after acknowledging all the problems that have occurred. Do not allow the problems continue to be a problem for the result will be more problematic. Problems should be resolved with the methods and ideas to overcome them. Otherwise, we are not progressing. So much money is spent for being political among ourselves to out throw each other. Are there no other reasons such as developments and so forth?
The non-Malays are fearful with the Education Act 1996 which they considered will erode the existence of the vernacular schools if the Malay language is enforced. Did the government ever invoke or implement this act until now? Have we not realized that this act is much more acceptable compared to the previous act of the Education Act 1961 which was more unacceptable where the Minister of Education had the full power to remove the vernacular schools? This Act was not enforced either. Are we grateful with this new act? Instead of being grateful, we wanted the act in 1996 to be eliminated. If this act is abolished, it means that the vernacular schools are not governed by any acts at all and can never be touched at all. That is their main aims. Sometimes I am wondering whether we are actually living in Malaysia or in other countries.
If this situation continues, and in addition with the Private Higher Educational Institutions (IPTS) being racist, belonging to certain races and racist political parties, how to construct a nation based on national identity can ever be done? I was given to understand that the private institutions today cannot be controlled anymore. The Malay language is not acknowledged at all. Let alone its guardian actually consists of ministers from the non-Malays. I am worried and am very sure that eventually a day will come when the IPTS degrees will be better or more acceptable than the IPTA degrees. It is simple logic that if racism is the beginning, then racism will be the end. If that happens, then it is a successful planning by the ultra kiasu party and its components. Who are the losers? Think for a moment! Have they not realized that the government of today has sacrificed a lot? If it is not for the hundreds but the thousands of hectares of land that had been given to this IPTS, and also not forgetting the millions of financial assistance that had been given, on the basis of friendship and the spirit of BN. Have we not been grateful, or should we continue to organize strategies to demand and pressure and to stab from behind? When comes election, the ultra kiasu party continues to win.
I was frequently being questioned and attacked that by not being able to master the Malay language does it actually means that there is no patriotism? My answer is yes. As Malaysians, we must always strive to love and assimilate, integrate and respect the all the basis policies of a nation, such as the BM and Negaraku anthem. Henceforth our spirit will be strong and we will fight endlessly to defend the country even to the extent of exchanging our lives for it. The spirit must be present, otherwise, I fear we will either migrate to somewhere else or perhaps renegade and what is more fearful is that we are willing to sell the sovereignty of the nation to another country.
I am not denying the fact that to this day we are still unable to assimilate. Obviously it will never happen due to the continuing political demands and threats. Anyway, if integration is accepted, does it require us to sacrifice or not to love the national identity such as the national language and to respect the national anthem? I used to send my children to SJKC and while over there I heard how they sang the Negaraku anthem and it sounds very funny. If you do not believe, try to record the Negaraku anthem sang by these students. Then we will know the actual position of BM in the vernacular schools. If we include the BM examination results, we will know the fate of BM in the Malay land.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Is there such thing as Malay supremacy?
(Mingguan Malaysia, 13 December)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia
I have repeatedly reminded on the dangers of the ultra kiasu, instead we continue to relent. Neither have they deterred from their actions nor take any lessons from this. Since before the ultra kiasu has raised sensitive issues and is against anything pertaining to the Malays and Islam in this Malay land even though their rights are guaranteed in the constitution. According to them, all Malaysians must adhere to the formula of equal rights or fair and square or Malaysian Malaysia. They are against anything related to the Malay Muslims rights such as wanting to change Malay Language to Malaysia Language, Islamic country to secular country, Malay supremacy to people supremacy and so forth. Will the ultra kiasu agree with the supremacy of Islam championed by PAS, its ally? Perhaps, PAS could ask the ultra kiasu which is its close ally.
The word Malay supremacy does not directly reflect the relationship between a 'master' and its 'slave' as claimed by the ultra kiasu group. If the non-Malay is slave, how the non-Malay has the economic dominance leaving behind the Malay Muslims? Just look at the list of the 10 richest millionaires in this country. Who are they? If there is Malay supremacy, then we would definitely have a few Malay faces. If indeed the Malays are masters, they would have blocked the 'slaves' from succeeding, but does it really happened? This is the danger when the nature of kiasu became too ultra. Now they are so brave to the extent of disputing the provisions or funds available for development by the Islamic government, including the construction and financing of mosques, anything that related to Malay supremacy and Islam. Even the zakat fund is not spared. I am very keen to see the response from Tok Guru and PAS pertaining to these rude statements.
In fact the Malay supremacy and Islamic issues were raised again to obtain the sympathy and sentiment from the non-Malays in order that they continue to support them. They want to ensure the supporters of the ultra kiasu party are always vigilant and to be awake so as not to be too complacent. Similarly to what was done by the Singapore government with their aggressive campaigns and to remind the people to be alert on the enemies of the country around them such as Malaysia and Indonesia. The ultra kiasu party clearly understood on these tactics because they are also from the same group over there.
My research findings showed that the ultra kiasu has successfully instilled the thoughts into their race to reject Islam and Malay supremacy in total. The Malay supremacy is deliberately magnified associating it with the relationship between master and slave.
As a political researcher, I am very confident that the ultra kiasu understood the context of Malay supremacy and not as what being hype up. I am not supporting the Malay supremacy, but I understood the context of Malay supremacy explicitly and implicitly. I understand history and I do not distort the facts to attain political mileage. I am so grateful to be born in this fortunate land, as were my ancestors, too.
Malay supremacy is only a term to indicate that the Malays are the pioneer of this country apart from the orang asli. On this note, I am able to accept this term without any prejudice and not disputing the fact that the Malays were also immigrants, from Yunan and Indonesia. These were the arguments often used by the ultra kiasu group including a handful of those in the BN component such as MCA and Gerakan. In fact the ultra kiasu followers are plenty and they are not alone. The former Gerakan president is one of them who vocally criticized the Malay supremacy. Have we perhaps overlooked their tactics? Do not forget that their central is at the island and it is already sufficient for us to lose two islands.
The next question is whether the Chinese or Indian people also do not have the spirit for Chinese supremacy or Indian supremacy? Don't deny, it is just that it has not been initiated yet. Their supremacy has already been clearly emitted when they defended their rights extremely for which had been obtained. This supremacy actually unites them.
Haven't their demands and pressures actually portrayed their supremacy over the race? At least the Malays proclaimed the Malay supremacy sincerely, giving the space for views and criticism. Unlike the ultra kiasu, articulately being criticized, but worked silently, and without us realizing became a reality. Initially it was covered and when it was suddenly opened, masyaAllah, a huge statue had been erected. So cunning is their strategy. What about the Muslims? You cannot be sincere all the time. We can console ourselves if there is plenty of action going on, but instead there is a lot of talk without an equivalent degree of action.
Look at their strategy, the Malay supremacy is being disputed followed thereafter by questioning the use of the government funds towards the development of Islamic purposes such as the construction of mosques. My question is whether the state and federal government have ever help the construction of the non-Muslim places of worship? Don't simply accuse others without being grateful on the tolerance we are having now. This is the true colors of the ultra kiasu, they look good from the outside but actually are bad internally.
Look at how united they were at the official opening of the Kek Lok Si building and the largest Kuan Yin statue in the ultra kiasu state recently. This does not include the views at Batu Caves. Is it appropriate for it to be built in an Islamic country drowning the position of the race and the religion of Islam in contrast to the race in majority and the official country religion? Is this the freedom granted to Muslims in China and India or Switzerland? It is sad to see that the babri mosque was destroyed to be replaced with a Hindu temple. Not many Muslims objected. This is the nature that deserved my praise for even though our hearts are heavy to accept. Such nature is rarely seen in others. Many have been able to, but to be unsatisfied is what ultra is all about. Their current strategy is to maximize their demand for even though their demand might not be met, eventually the government will relent a little. It is that little that win big.
If you do not believe, ask the heads of BN component parties. Have they received what they had demanded? Have the government not provided assistance to their house of worships? Do not ask the ultra kiasu party because they are never satisfied for as long as power is not completely in their hands. They aspire to be prime minister or deputy prime minister. Have we ever asked the Malay Muslims whether their hearts ache to see the large and high statue, which is clearly in contrast to the religion beliefs or each time they pass such places? We did not ask, correct? We are only angry in our hearts because we want to take care of others feelings and the non-Muslims rights.
Have the Muslims ever forbid the construction of such large statue in an Islamic country with Islam as its official religion? If there is, it is very minimal. Are the rights of the non-Muslims being denied with the Malay supremacy being cried?
Didn't Lee Kuan Yew uphold the Chinese supremacy in Singapore? Will there be any Malay supremacy for the Malays in Singapore? The Malays do not get any position over there compared to the Indian who are a little more in numbers. If previously Yusuf Ishak could become president, after him, the Malay name had not appeared anymore. When the Malays criticized the Chinese supremacy in Singapore, they will be thrown far away. Has the present government ever throw away the ultra kiasu group to other country for being too vocal criticizing the Malays, Islam and Malay rulers? I think the Malays have more faith on the non-Malays compared to the non-Malays have in the Malays.
The Malay (Muslim) had never interfered in the affairs of the non-Muslims, but why are the non-Muslims being so impudently interfering every matter that is related to Islam? Consider the issues such as conversion to Islam, apostasy, the position of the sharia court, the Islamic position and the privileges provided in the constitution and so forth.
This ultra kiasu group has never appreciated this tolerance. They are never satisfied or grateful. When we asked that tolerance did not occur in other countries, therefore why not appreciate it? Their reply was that this is the uniqueness that needs to be highlighted in Malaysia. So cunning are their strategy and tactic, for when we were hit, they said this is the uniqueness of Malaysia and the spirit of 1Malaysia, but if they were hit, then their answer were unfairness, non-Malays are marginalized and discriminated and various accusations. Apart from this ultra kiasu group, we could see their evil alliances with the lawyers’ council and the non-Muslim religion associations. It is not logical when looking at the number of non-Muslim houses of worship which amounted to 45 percent, more than double the number of mosques and suraus in an Islamic country that has Islam as the official religion which the number only exceeds 55 percent.
This ultra kiasu tribe is never grateful. Their tactic is to go against heavily without any compromise. They know they are not alone. Support for them is very strong and solid. We should not have good opinions even though it is honorable by nature. Having good opinions to this day resulted not only having our heads being stepped on, in fact, they have almost reached the level of dominating us. Imagine if they had actually made a pact with the small country which is so strong in the southern Johor?
I hereby invite all of us to think for a moment, that with the cries of Malay supremacy, did the Malays and Islam have became the master? What do I know the stronger we cry Malay supremacy, more Malay reserve lands are being leased out to the non-Malays? The position of the Malay language and Islam continued to be threatened.
Sometimes I appear to ask myself that with a five percent discount to buy a house and the existence of MARA are they enough to represent the Malays special rights? If indeed this reflects the Malay supremacy, then what a humiliation? The actual Malay supremacy is whatever associated with the Malays being the majority of the race, including language, religion and lifestyle to dominate the atmosphere of this country. But are these happening?
Just look at the print media and electronic media in our country. Is Malay language dominating? The answer is easy which is no. Even there is Malay media, it is only read or watched by only the Malays. I do not think there are non-Malays who will read and watch the Malay media. Unless exception for the ultra kiasu group. That is also for the purpose to dig out the secrets and to read the psychology of the Malays. Otherwise, they would not have the purpose to see and read.
Had the facilities for the Chinese (Indian) to do business decreased with the cries of Malay supremacy? The Chinese or Tamil schools reducing? Houses of worship for the Chinese and Indian are reducing? Rights of the non-Malays increasingly denied? Jawi writings are increasingly influential? The emergence of Malay schools compared Chinese and Indian schools? Is there really any Malay supremacy? Therefore, will the Chinese and Indians experiencing a loss if UMNO continues to shout Malay supremacy or long live the Malays or simply an effort to remind the Malays not to forget themselves easily in their homeland and to continue marching forward?
If the name Malaya remained without changing into Malaysia, I do not see the relevance in Malay supremacy. This was what had been stated for China and India. They do not need to call Chinese supremacy or Indian supremacy because the country name already reflected their supremacy. So it is not a surprised to see that the Muslims are wandering in their own land. Mosques are being seized up for temples. Are the Muslims having a good life in the non-Muslim countries compared to the non-Muslims living in Islamic countries such as Malaysia? Did the ultra kiasu tribes ever realized?
I am worried cries of Malay supremacy remains as only cries just like the many Malay names which were increasingly lost such as the Malayan Railway into KTM. Indeed a very cunning plan. We continue to accommodate. When threatened, then we will bow down to their pressures and demands. What is clear is that the ultra kiasu has an established synergy, while our synergy is declining, and what are left are empty cries and slogans that can not be defended.
The 1Malaysia ideas are no longer seen as empowering ideas for the future but to claim what has yet to achieve and to increase what already have. How long can we with hold? Has the synergy of the Malays (Muslims) becoming extinct in the Malay land? Don't we need to restore the synergy that is increasingly losing?
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia
I have repeatedly reminded on the dangers of the ultra kiasu, instead we continue to relent. Neither have they deterred from their actions nor take any lessons from this. Since before the ultra kiasu has raised sensitive issues and is against anything pertaining to the Malays and Islam in this Malay land even though their rights are guaranteed in the constitution. According to them, all Malaysians must adhere to the formula of equal rights or fair and square or Malaysian Malaysia. They are against anything related to the Malay Muslims rights such as wanting to change Malay Language to Malaysia Language, Islamic country to secular country, Malay supremacy to people supremacy and so forth. Will the ultra kiasu agree with the supremacy of Islam championed by PAS, its ally? Perhaps, PAS could ask the ultra kiasu which is its close ally.
The word Malay supremacy does not directly reflect the relationship between a 'master' and its 'slave' as claimed by the ultra kiasu group. If the non-Malay is slave, how the non-Malay has the economic dominance leaving behind the Malay Muslims? Just look at the list of the 10 richest millionaires in this country. Who are they? If there is Malay supremacy, then we would definitely have a few Malay faces. If indeed the Malays are masters, they would have blocked the 'slaves' from succeeding, but does it really happened? This is the danger when the nature of kiasu became too ultra. Now they are so brave to the extent of disputing the provisions or funds available for development by the Islamic government, including the construction and financing of mosques, anything that related to Malay supremacy and Islam. Even the zakat fund is not spared. I am very keen to see the response from Tok Guru and PAS pertaining to these rude statements.
In fact the Malay supremacy and Islamic issues were raised again to obtain the sympathy and sentiment from the non-Malays in order that they continue to support them. They want to ensure the supporters of the ultra kiasu party are always vigilant and to be awake so as not to be too complacent. Similarly to what was done by the Singapore government with their aggressive campaigns and to remind the people to be alert on the enemies of the country around them such as Malaysia and Indonesia. The ultra kiasu party clearly understood on these tactics because they are also from the same group over there.
My research findings showed that the ultra kiasu has successfully instilled the thoughts into their race to reject Islam and Malay supremacy in total. The Malay supremacy is deliberately magnified associating it with the relationship between master and slave.
As a political researcher, I am very confident that the ultra kiasu understood the context of Malay supremacy and not as what being hype up. I am not supporting the Malay supremacy, but I understood the context of Malay supremacy explicitly and implicitly. I understand history and I do not distort the facts to attain political mileage. I am so grateful to be born in this fortunate land, as were my ancestors, too.
Malay supremacy is only a term to indicate that the Malays are the pioneer of this country apart from the orang asli. On this note, I am able to accept this term without any prejudice and not disputing the fact that the Malays were also immigrants, from Yunan and Indonesia. These were the arguments often used by the ultra kiasu group including a handful of those in the BN component such as MCA and Gerakan. In fact the ultra kiasu followers are plenty and they are not alone. The former Gerakan president is one of them who vocally criticized the Malay supremacy. Have we perhaps overlooked their tactics? Do not forget that their central is at the island and it is already sufficient for us to lose two islands.
The next question is whether the Chinese or Indian people also do not have the spirit for Chinese supremacy or Indian supremacy? Don't deny, it is just that it has not been initiated yet. Their supremacy has already been clearly emitted when they defended their rights extremely for which had been obtained. This supremacy actually unites them.
Haven't their demands and pressures actually portrayed their supremacy over the race? At least the Malays proclaimed the Malay supremacy sincerely, giving the space for views and criticism. Unlike the ultra kiasu, articulately being criticized, but worked silently, and without us realizing became a reality. Initially it was covered and when it was suddenly opened, masyaAllah, a huge statue had been erected. So cunning is their strategy. What about the Muslims? You cannot be sincere all the time. We can console ourselves if there is plenty of action going on, but instead there is a lot of talk without an equivalent degree of action.
Look at their strategy, the Malay supremacy is being disputed followed thereafter by questioning the use of the government funds towards the development of Islamic purposes such as the construction of mosques. My question is whether the state and federal government have ever help the construction of the non-Muslim places of worship? Don't simply accuse others without being grateful on the tolerance we are having now. This is the true colors of the ultra kiasu, they look good from the outside but actually are bad internally.
Look at how united they were at the official opening of the Kek Lok Si building and the largest Kuan Yin statue in the ultra kiasu state recently. This does not include the views at Batu Caves. Is it appropriate for it to be built in an Islamic country drowning the position of the race and the religion of Islam in contrast to the race in majority and the official country religion? Is this the freedom granted to Muslims in China and India or Switzerland? It is sad to see that the babri mosque was destroyed to be replaced with a Hindu temple. Not many Muslims objected. This is the nature that deserved my praise for even though our hearts are heavy to accept. Such nature is rarely seen in others. Many have been able to, but to be unsatisfied is what ultra is all about. Their current strategy is to maximize their demand for even though their demand might not be met, eventually the government will relent a little. It is that little that win big.
If you do not believe, ask the heads of BN component parties. Have they received what they had demanded? Have the government not provided assistance to their house of worships? Do not ask the ultra kiasu party because they are never satisfied for as long as power is not completely in their hands. They aspire to be prime minister or deputy prime minister. Have we ever asked the Malay Muslims whether their hearts ache to see the large and high statue, which is clearly in contrast to the religion beliefs or each time they pass such places? We did not ask, correct? We are only angry in our hearts because we want to take care of others feelings and the non-Muslims rights.
Have the Muslims ever forbid the construction of such large statue in an Islamic country with Islam as its official religion? If there is, it is very minimal. Are the rights of the non-Muslims being denied with the Malay supremacy being cried?
Didn't Lee Kuan Yew uphold the Chinese supremacy in Singapore? Will there be any Malay supremacy for the Malays in Singapore? The Malays do not get any position over there compared to the Indian who are a little more in numbers. If previously Yusuf Ishak could become president, after him, the Malay name had not appeared anymore. When the Malays criticized the Chinese supremacy in Singapore, they will be thrown far away. Has the present government ever throw away the ultra kiasu group to other country for being too vocal criticizing the Malays, Islam and Malay rulers? I think the Malays have more faith on the non-Malays compared to the non-Malays have in the Malays.
The Malay (Muslim) had never interfered in the affairs of the non-Muslims, but why are the non-Muslims being so impudently interfering every matter that is related to Islam? Consider the issues such as conversion to Islam, apostasy, the position of the sharia court, the Islamic position and the privileges provided in the constitution and so forth.
This ultra kiasu group has never appreciated this tolerance. They are never satisfied or grateful. When we asked that tolerance did not occur in other countries, therefore why not appreciate it? Their reply was that this is the uniqueness that needs to be highlighted in Malaysia. So cunning are their strategy and tactic, for when we were hit, they said this is the uniqueness of Malaysia and the spirit of 1Malaysia, but if they were hit, then their answer were unfairness, non-Malays are marginalized and discriminated and various accusations. Apart from this ultra kiasu group, we could see their evil alliances with the lawyers’ council and the non-Muslim religion associations. It is not logical when looking at the number of non-Muslim houses of worship which amounted to 45 percent, more than double the number of mosques and suraus in an Islamic country that has Islam as the official religion which the number only exceeds 55 percent.
This ultra kiasu tribe is never grateful. Their tactic is to go against heavily without any compromise. They know they are not alone. Support for them is very strong and solid. We should not have good opinions even though it is honorable by nature. Having good opinions to this day resulted not only having our heads being stepped on, in fact, they have almost reached the level of dominating us. Imagine if they had actually made a pact with the small country which is so strong in the southern Johor?
I hereby invite all of us to think for a moment, that with the cries of Malay supremacy, did the Malays and Islam have became the master? What do I know the stronger we cry Malay supremacy, more Malay reserve lands are being leased out to the non-Malays? The position of the Malay language and Islam continued to be threatened.
Sometimes I appear to ask myself that with a five percent discount to buy a house and the existence of MARA are they enough to represent the Malays special rights? If indeed this reflects the Malay supremacy, then what a humiliation? The actual Malay supremacy is whatever associated with the Malays being the majority of the race, including language, religion and lifestyle to dominate the atmosphere of this country. But are these happening?
Just look at the print media and electronic media in our country. Is Malay language dominating? The answer is easy which is no. Even there is Malay media, it is only read or watched by only the Malays. I do not think there are non-Malays who will read and watch the Malay media. Unless exception for the ultra kiasu group. That is also for the purpose to dig out the secrets and to read the psychology of the Malays. Otherwise, they would not have the purpose to see and read.
Had the facilities for the Chinese (Indian) to do business decreased with the cries of Malay supremacy? The Chinese or Tamil schools reducing? Houses of worship for the Chinese and Indian are reducing? Rights of the non-Malays increasingly denied? Jawi writings are increasingly influential? The emergence of Malay schools compared Chinese and Indian schools? Is there really any Malay supremacy? Therefore, will the Chinese and Indians experiencing a loss if UMNO continues to shout Malay supremacy or long live the Malays or simply an effort to remind the Malays not to forget themselves easily in their homeland and to continue marching forward?
If the name Malaya remained without changing into Malaysia, I do not see the relevance in Malay supremacy. This was what had been stated for China and India. They do not need to call Chinese supremacy or Indian supremacy because the country name already reflected their supremacy. So it is not a surprised to see that the Muslims are wandering in their own land. Mosques are being seized up for temples. Are the Muslims having a good life in the non-Muslim countries compared to the non-Muslims living in Islamic countries such as Malaysia? Did the ultra kiasu tribes ever realized?
I am worried cries of Malay supremacy remains as only cries just like the many Malay names which were increasingly lost such as the Malayan Railway into KTM. Indeed a very cunning plan. We continue to accommodate. When threatened, then we will bow down to their pressures and demands. What is clear is that the ultra kiasu has an established synergy, while our synergy is declining, and what are left are empty cries and slogans that can not be defended.
The 1Malaysia ideas are no longer seen as empowering ideas for the future but to claim what has yet to achieve and to increase what already have. How long can we with hold? Has the synergy of the Malays (Muslims) becoming extinct in the Malay land? Don't we need to restore the synergy that is increasingly losing?
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Lower the ultra kiasu attitude before debate
(Mingguan Malaysia, 6 December)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia
On the morning of 25 November 2009, I received a call from the MCA headquarters. Followed up from the call was an official invitation letter from the MCA Youth chief inviting me to an open debate together with Prof. Khoo Kay Kim on the one school system issue. After that I received calls from the China Press about my response related to the invitation. I told them to read my response in the Mingguan Malaysia. Since I can be patient with the earlier condemnations and accusations hurled at me for weeks by this newspaper affiliated to the ultra kiasu, why can't this newspaper be patient waiting for my response? Do they want to continue exploiting news about me? Be patient for patience is the greatest virtue.
Alhamdulilllah, the time has arrived. I am grateful to Kay Kim for accepting the invitation. Let us discuss the issue openly. If possible let this debate or forum to be broadcasted directly through the television channels and electronic media in our country. Let the people know what actually happens in an effort to strengthen the nation. Education must not be politicized in the country. It is too sacred to strengthen this multiracial nation of ours. I would like to propose that these forums be conducted in the Malay language in the spirit of 1Malaysia, rather than in English. We would like to see that a few people resulted from the SJKC will be selected to debate on these issues in the national language also.
Before the debate, I wish to remind the MCA Youth chief and his excited colleagues to solve its own party showmanship first. Is the purpose of the debate to divert the attention of the party internal problems? Or are there any possibility that the problems in the party were used as an excuse to demand and request? My advice is that not to imitate the foot steps practiced by the ultra kiasu party which is known to be uncompromised. The ultra kiasu party is very cunning and clever in taking advantage. Is there an alliance to bring up this issue?
I suggest that the youth leader stop crying because of problems in the party before the debate. I am just afraid that there will be tears later after the debate. Do not waste your tears because of politics. Let us cry thinking on the greatness of God and be grateful with the plentiful of grace that has been bestowed to our country. That will be more meaningful. Power obtained today is only a loan. It can disappear anytime as what is happening in the youth party. Therefore, use it properly and do not be too demanding until following the foot steps of the ultra kiasu party. We need to have our own stand especially in strengthening 1Malaysia.
I hereby urged again that before the debate, the MCA youth need to think and formulate strategies on how to win the hearts of the Chinese in the coming election in order not to lose into the hands of the ultra kiasu group. Is MCA not aware that the seats they won today were seats contested in the Malay majority? Do not pretend not to know on the tolerance and support given by the Malays? Do you think the Malays (Muslims) could win if they contest in the non-Malays majority? In fact the Malays are quite reluctant to vote the non-Malays if there is a Malay candidate contesting in the same place. So, why are they willing to vote the non-Malay (Chinese and Indian)? Please study this noble characteristic. Do not just jump when the vernacular schools are touched. Think for the future.
Remember! The Malays are the one who gives victory to the MCA. Otherwise, the MCA and Gerakan will be embarrassed. How many more positions will be appointed senators to meet the quota of the Chinese in this country? If the votes counted won by the MCA against the DAP, most of the votes won by MCA were Malay votes although they lost at the hands of the ultra kiasu. Who are more tolerant and not racist? The Malays are willing to put aside their principles merely because of MCA. So beneficial are MCA and Gerakan, despite losing, they will still have senator seats.
What is so clear is that the more seats the ultra kiasu party win; there will be more senator seats for the MCA and Gerakan. Eventually all three parties benefited. Win or lose, they are winners. Who are the losers? The Malays were forced to sacrifice. Sacrificial attitude is very good, especially in conjunction with the Eid al-Adha festivals, but not extending to self sacrificial! When will the other party willing to sacrifice? It is just not only enough by attending sacrificial ceremonies to say that it is in the spirit of 1Malaysia. Hence, after that followed with postings in the blog. This tactic is already redundant. If you do not believe, just visit the ultra kiasu members of parliament blogs and also the youth blog that is calling for the debate.
Recently some Chinese organizations have urged the government to replace MCA with them because MCA can no longer represent the interests of the Chinese. I wish to ask how many more organizations are requesting to represent the interests of the Chinese. Hasn't the ultra kiasu party, Gerakan and other NGOs of the ethnic group already representing them? Externally being criticized, internally they are being persuaded. This does not include states won by allies of the ultra kiasu such as in Selangor, Penang, Kedah and Kelantan, and not discounting Perak before this. Is it true that their voices cannot be heard if MCA does not exist? In my opinion, even without these parties representing the ethnic group, their rights will be protected, because it is guaranteed in the constitution and also in the holy teachings of Islam.
I believe the Islamic religion professed by the Malays will not marginalize the non-Muslims compared to the fate of the Malays in Singapore. It had been proven that when the Muslims ruled, the non-Muslims can have a good life. Their rights are guaranteed. These happen because of the tolerant teachings of Islam which teaches the believers not to persecute others. On the other hand when the non-Muslim rules instead, the Muslims spirits are being tortured.
Take a lesson from the film on the true historic story entitled Kingdom of Heaven which was aired on TV2 recently about the relationship between Islam (al-Ayubi Sallahuddin) and the Christian crusaders in the city of Jerusalem in the year 1188. When the crusaders ruled, the Muslims were killed indiscriminately. The violence depicted the blood of the Muslims killed flowed to the knees. However, when the Muslim army defeated the crusaders, the non-Muslims were not killed, but instead their rights were protected. The crusaders prisoners of war were well treated by the Muslims. This is the beauty of the Islamic teachings which the practice are being continued by the leadership of the Islamic country until today. Therefore, do not take this opportunity until became irrational and ultra kiasu.
In the MCA youth letter to me, they wrote that what I had written in the article on November 22 had created the anger of the parents, students and alumni of the Chinese schools. Had a survey been made? How could they made a research within 3 days and obtained the results? Have I wrongly labeled the ultra kiasu on one particular group only or have I overlook the youth wing of this group? I hope the MCA youth level has not reached that level yet. Having been with BN for that long, have they failed to understand the aspirations and needs of the government? Do not follow the foot steps of the ultra kiasu party, otherwise our generations will lose.
Let me state clearly that the Malays will not lose in the long term for their population are increasing whereas the Chinese population continues to decline. I am not sure whether if we can change that with the strategy of bringing in the people from Vietnam and China by way of marrying them! Perhaps the Ministry of Home Affairs can investigate. If this increasing trend continues, it means that the Malay rights will be increasing, too. They are able to change the constitution in the future, including eliminating the vernacular school. Consequently, who will lose in the end? Therefore, do not take advantage of the current political situation which is not in favor to the Malay Muslims today.
If we continue to be defensive and ultra kiasu, our great-grandchildren will face the greater loss. It is better that today we learn to understand the Malays rather than understanding the west. If we continue to be recalcitrant eventually our future generations will be the victims. By that time we are considered their ancestors. We will be condemned by these future generations for being too ultra kiasu.
Namawee is a clear example of ultra kiasu. It was already a controversial issue to offend the Negaraku recently and the latest with the ultra kiasu attitude against TNB. I do not blame him completely. TNB's attitudes need to be corrected also. Are we serious with our business? The 15454 line sometimes were not answered even after several calls. This led Namawee to the office of TNB due to the blackout in his residence area. He scolded TNB with harsh words in Chinese language which were offensive when his complaint was not treated well by the staff of TNB who was then seen eating banana and drinking coffee. This species are actually plenty. This type of attitude is closely related to the educational system and racial politics of today.
The Biro Tata Negara (BTN) does not pose danger as the ultra kiasu attitude. We can agree to disagree with the arguments presented by BTN as reported for we have the right to accept or reject. It is the same situation as why the ultra kiasu party and its allies can be friends with PAS, but yet reject the Islamic country championed by PAS. This attitude is much more dangerous for we became thorns in the flesh or the enemy in the camouflage. Pretending to be nice in the front but is actually evil in the back. Personally, we have to think of the danger in front of our eyes which is the ultra kiasu ego attitude, the racist education and the racist politics.
I would agree with the course organized by the ultra kiasu alliance to replace the BTN course if the course can reduce the ultra kiasu attitude that nest in them which also included those that invited the debate. I am worried that they will continue to become more ultra. If you do not believe, try to include a module on the Malay system of governing, Islamic country and privileges for the Malays to be discussed to understand better on the intention of the Malays and Islam. Observe the reactions from this handful group within these three parties.
I have repeatedly stated that it is necessary for us to appreciate the compromises that we have currently. Having not enough with that, acts by acts of the law had been amended to protect their feelings and to satisfy all parties, to the extend hurting our feelings, but a group of the ultra kiasu is never satisfied. Calves given not enough, instead the thighs are being requested. Today we need to make a little sacrifice; otherwise the future generations will be sacrificed. Consider all these issues before we debate.
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia
On the morning of 25 November 2009, I received a call from the MCA headquarters. Followed up from the call was an official invitation letter from the MCA Youth chief inviting me to an open debate together with Prof. Khoo Kay Kim on the one school system issue. After that I received calls from the China Press about my response related to the invitation. I told them to read my response in the Mingguan Malaysia. Since I can be patient with the earlier condemnations and accusations hurled at me for weeks by this newspaper affiliated to the ultra kiasu, why can't this newspaper be patient waiting for my response? Do they want to continue exploiting news about me? Be patient for patience is the greatest virtue.
Alhamdulilllah, the time has arrived. I am grateful to Kay Kim for accepting the invitation. Let us discuss the issue openly. If possible let this debate or forum to be broadcasted directly through the television channels and electronic media in our country. Let the people know what actually happens in an effort to strengthen the nation. Education must not be politicized in the country. It is too sacred to strengthen this multiracial nation of ours. I would like to propose that these forums be conducted in the Malay language in the spirit of 1Malaysia, rather than in English. We would like to see that a few people resulted from the SJKC will be selected to debate on these issues in the national language also.
Before the debate, I wish to remind the MCA Youth chief and his excited colleagues to solve its own party showmanship first. Is the purpose of the debate to divert the attention of the party internal problems? Or are there any possibility that the problems in the party were used as an excuse to demand and request? My advice is that not to imitate the foot steps practiced by the ultra kiasu party which is known to be uncompromised. The ultra kiasu party is very cunning and clever in taking advantage. Is there an alliance to bring up this issue?
I suggest that the youth leader stop crying because of problems in the party before the debate. I am just afraid that there will be tears later after the debate. Do not waste your tears because of politics. Let us cry thinking on the greatness of God and be grateful with the plentiful of grace that has been bestowed to our country. That will be more meaningful. Power obtained today is only a loan. It can disappear anytime as what is happening in the youth party. Therefore, use it properly and do not be too demanding until following the foot steps of the ultra kiasu party. We need to have our own stand especially in strengthening 1Malaysia.
I hereby urged again that before the debate, the MCA youth need to think and formulate strategies on how to win the hearts of the Chinese in the coming election in order not to lose into the hands of the ultra kiasu group. Is MCA not aware that the seats they won today were seats contested in the Malay majority? Do not pretend not to know on the tolerance and support given by the Malays? Do you think the Malays (Muslims) could win if they contest in the non-Malays majority? In fact the Malays are quite reluctant to vote the non-Malays if there is a Malay candidate contesting in the same place. So, why are they willing to vote the non-Malay (Chinese and Indian)? Please study this noble characteristic. Do not just jump when the vernacular schools are touched. Think for the future.
Remember! The Malays are the one who gives victory to the MCA. Otherwise, the MCA and Gerakan will be embarrassed. How many more positions will be appointed senators to meet the quota of the Chinese in this country? If the votes counted won by the MCA against the DAP, most of the votes won by MCA were Malay votes although they lost at the hands of the ultra kiasu. Who are more tolerant and not racist? The Malays are willing to put aside their principles merely because of MCA. So beneficial are MCA and Gerakan, despite losing, they will still have senator seats.
What is so clear is that the more seats the ultra kiasu party win; there will be more senator seats for the MCA and Gerakan. Eventually all three parties benefited. Win or lose, they are winners. Who are the losers? The Malays were forced to sacrifice. Sacrificial attitude is very good, especially in conjunction with the Eid al-Adha festivals, but not extending to self sacrificial! When will the other party willing to sacrifice? It is just not only enough by attending sacrificial ceremonies to say that it is in the spirit of 1Malaysia. Hence, after that followed with postings in the blog. This tactic is already redundant. If you do not believe, just visit the ultra kiasu members of parliament blogs and also the youth blog that is calling for the debate.
Recently some Chinese organizations have urged the government to replace MCA with them because MCA can no longer represent the interests of the Chinese. I wish to ask how many more organizations are requesting to represent the interests of the Chinese. Hasn't the ultra kiasu party, Gerakan and other NGOs of the ethnic group already representing them? Externally being criticized, internally they are being persuaded. This does not include states won by allies of the ultra kiasu such as in Selangor, Penang, Kedah and Kelantan, and not discounting Perak before this. Is it true that their voices cannot be heard if MCA does not exist? In my opinion, even without these parties representing the ethnic group, their rights will be protected, because it is guaranteed in the constitution and also in the holy teachings of Islam.
I believe the Islamic religion professed by the Malays will not marginalize the non-Muslims compared to the fate of the Malays in Singapore. It had been proven that when the Muslims ruled, the non-Muslims can have a good life. Their rights are guaranteed. These happen because of the tolerant teachings of Islam which teaches the believers not to persecute others. On the other hand when the non-Muslim rules instead, the Muslims spirits are being tortured.
Take a lesson from the film on the true historic story entitled Kingdom of Heaven which was aired on TV2 recently about the relationship between Islam (al-Ayubi Sallahuddin) and the Christian crusaders in the city of Jerusalem in the year 1188. When the crusaders ruled, the Muslims were killed indiscriminately. The violence depicted the blood of the Muslims killed flowed to the knees. However, when the Muslim army defeated the crusaders, the non-Muslims were not killed, but instead their rights were protected. The crusaders prisoners of war were well treated by the Muslims. This is the beauty of the Islamic teachings which the practice are being continued by the leadership of the Islamic country until today. Therefore, do not take this opportunity until became irrational and ultra kiasu.
In the MCA youth letter to me, they wrote that what I had written in the article on November 22 had created the anger of the parents, students and alumni of the Chinese schools. Had a survey been made? How could they made a research within 3 days and obtained the results? Have I wrongly labeled the ultra kiasu on one particular group only or have I overlook the youth wing of this group? I hope the MCA youth level has not reached that level yet. Having been with BN for that long, have they failed to understand the aspirations and needs of the government? Do not follow the foot steps of the ultra kiasu party, otherwise our generations will lose.
Let me state clearly that the Malays will not lose in the long term for their population are increasing whereas the Chinese population continues to decline. I am not sure whether if we can change that with the strategy of bringing in the people from Vietnam and China by way of marrying them! Perhaps the Ministry of Home Affairs can investigate. If this increasing trend continues, it means that the Malay rights will be increasing, too. They are able to change the constitution in the future, including eliminating the vernacular school. Consequently, who will lose in the end? Therefore, do not take advantage of the current political situation which is not in favor to the Malay Muslims today.
If we continue to be defensive and ultra kiasu, our great-grandchildren will face the greater loss. It is better that today we learn to understand the Malays rather than understanding the west. If we continue to be recalcitrant eventually our future generations will be the victims. By that time we are considered their ancestors. We will be condemned by these future generations for being too ultra kiasu.
Namawee is a clear example of ultra kiasu. It was already a controversial issue to offend the Negaraku recently and the latest with the ultra kiasu attitude against TNB. I do not blame him completely. TNB's attitudes need to be corrected also. Are we serious with our business? The 15454 line sometimes were not answered even after several calls. This led Namawee to the office of TNB due to the blackout in his residence area. He scolded TNB with harsh words in Chinese language which were offensive when his complaint was not treated well by the staff of TNB who was then seen eating banana and drinking coffee. This species are actually plenty. This type of attitude is closely related to the educational system and racial politics of today.
The Biro Tata Negara (BTN) does not pose danger as the ultra kiasu attitude. We can agree to disagree with the arguments presented by BTN as reported for we have the right to accept or reject. It is the same situation as why the ultra kiasu party and its allies can be friends with PAS, but yet reject the Islamic country championed by PAS. This attitude is much more dangerous for we became thorns in the flesh or the enemy in the camouflage. Pretending to be nice in the front but is actually evil in the back. Personally, we have to think of the danger in front of our eyes which is the ultra kiasu ego attitude, the racist education and the racist politics.
I would agree with the course organized by the ultra kiasu alliance to replace the BTN course if the course can reduce the ultra kiasu attitude that nest in them which also included those that invited the debate. I am worried that they will continue to become more ultra. If you do not believe, try to include a module on the Malay system of governing, Islamic country and privileges for the Malays to be discussed to understand better on the intention of the Malays and Islam. Observe the reactions from this handful group within these three parties.
I have repeatedly stated that it is necessary for us to appreciate the compromises that we have currently. Having not enough with that, acts by acts of the law had been amended to protect their feelings and to satisfy all parties, to the extend hurting our feelings, but a group of the ultra kiasu is never satisfied. Calves given not enough, instead the thighs are being requested. Today we need to make a little sacrifice; otherwise the future generations will be sacrificed. Consider all these issues before we debate.
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