The position of Special Officer to the Prime Minister carries great responsibility. As such, the disposition and behavior of any aide to the premier is a reflection of the Prime Minister and his policies.
Hence, the disparaging remarks uttered by Dato’ Nasir Safar is most disappointing to say the least, as it smacks of jingoism completely devoid of the 1Malaysia concept mooted by the Prime Minister targeted at sowing cohesion and harmony between all the diverse ethnic groups in Malaysia.
It is even more disheartening that his racist remarks associating the flesh trade with the Chinese community whilst referring to the Chinese and Indians as “pendatang” were delivered at a seminar ironically entitled “Rapat 1Malaysia” in Malacca. Rather than contributing towards enhancing harmony, Nasir’s delving on stereotype derogatory identities have polarized society even further. He had also gone against the very spirit and fabric of 1Malaysia concept propagated by the Prime Minister.
If Nasir is so concerned about the flesh trade in Malaysia, perhaps he should also observe the sheer numbers of illegal foreign workers from Indonesia (the highest among all illegals)and numerous neighboring nations, who had also participated in the flesh trade. He should also be equally concerned with the number of locals involved in the flesh trade due to socio-economic reasons. He should also be concerned with the activities of human traffickers and the ineffectiveness of the authorities in fighting this social scourge. More efforts and focus should be placed on resolving such phenomenon instead of politicizing them.
No doubt the Prime Minister Office’s has since issued a statement declaring that Nasir’s remarks “do not in any way reflect the views of the Prime Minister” and Nasir has since tendered his resignation, MCA NGO Liaison Bureau believes that the former Special Officer should be investigated under the Sedition Act, as his remarks with regard to the citizenship of Non-Malays did provoke the sensitivities and encroached into the Constitutional guarantee of all Malaysian citizens. Action should be enforced against anybody irrespective of rank or status in society when they utter racist and seditious remarks, as such penalties will discourage others against pandering to racial slurs.
Nasir’s insults are a disservice towards building bridges in the nation already divided by distrust. He should have accorded recognition to all the multitude races in Malaysia who have contributed towards nation building whether they were Malays, Chinese, Indians, orang asli comprising Temiang, Negerito, Semai etc or the many different indigenous populace of Sabah and Sarawak consisting of Ibans, Bidayuh, Kenyah, Kenyalang, Ulu, Murut, Kadazan, Dayak, Melanau etc
We are all Malaysians. It does not matter where our ancestors derive their origins from or when they reached the shores of Malaya or Malaysia. What matters most is that we are all Rakyat Malaysia or Malaysian citizens. All our rights as Malaysian citizens are enshrined therein in the Federal Constitution and these rights should be respected irrespective of our ethnic identity.Historical background should be referred to in a positive manner and not to derogate, deprive or belittle one another in a irresponsible manner. Actions must be taken against such mischief to ensure that similar speech or actions are not repeated at the expense of the nation building.
Datuk Ti Lian Ker
MCA NGO Liaison Bureau Chairman
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Monday, December 14, 2009
Organized Crimes Must be Nipped At The Bud....
MCA NGO Bureau would like to congratulate Starprobe in their expose on the beggars syndicate using "foreign" disfigured beggars at several night markets in Malacca.
The organized activities of these syndicates will tarnish, damage and eventually destroy our nation's image and reputation. The activities of these syndicates must be expelled and eradicated from our Malaysian public life as it is a poor reflection of our nation and government.
The Bureau is concerned with the methodology of these syndicates in using disfigured and defaced beggars who were beyond recognition. The fact that their fingers were maimed and removed seems to point to an effort to remove any form of identification.
What is there to guarantee that these beggars may not be foreigners or may have been abducted locally, defaced and maimed inhumanly and forced to be beggars and slaves to the syndicates for the rest of their life?
What if the syndicates resort to abducting locals instead of foreigners if the going is good and the return lucrative whereby it is more convenient and cheaper to abduct local victims using the same modus operandi?
The ugliness and the inhuman approach by these syndicates ought not to be tolerated. The Malaysian public must show their utter abhorrence's and contempt of this ugly and hideous crime.
The authorities must show their pro-activeness and seriousness by taking immediate and drastic actions to stamp out these activities before it is further rooted in our society.
In line with the Prime Minister's 6 NKRAs whereby reducing crime is primary on the list, the Bureau called upon the Police to take immediate actions to put a stop to the activities of these organised criminals.
The Police must not only be only hot on the heels of the taxi operators used to ferry the beggars but they ought to have made arrest and persecute the king pins behind these syndicates. There must be zero tolerance of these crimes.
We have seen how the authorities have lost in the war against Ah Longs, drugs and prostitution and similar syndicates as a result of our tolerances, attitude and inaction.
We do not want to see the activities of these syndicated beggars becoming a part of our daily sight and an ugly lifestyle that we have to live with .
We do not want to see the syndicates growing in force and influence such that we have lost our war against these organized syndicated crimes.
The Bureau noted with deep regret that organized crimes are fast growing and becoming a serious threat to our Malaysian peace, security and way of life. Of late many syndicated activities had rear its ugly head and surfaced into our public eyes. These activities foreign to our life had since been tolerated and accepted as our norms.
The organized activities of these syndicates will tarnish, damage and eventually destroy our nation's image and reputation. The activities of these syndicates must be expelled and eradicated from our Malaysian public life as it is a poor reflection of our nation and government.
The Bureau is concerned with the methodology of these syndicates in using disfigured and defaced beggars who were beyond recognition. The fact that their fingers were maimed and removed seems to point to an effort to remove any form of identification.
What is there to guarantee that these beggars may not be foreigners or may have been abducted locally, defaced and maimed inhumanly and forced to be beggars and slaves to the syndicates for the rest of their life?
What if the syndicates resort to abducting locals instead of foreigners if the going is good and the return lucrative whereby it is more convenient and cheaper to abduct local victims using the same modus operandi?
The ugliness and the inhuman approach by these syndicates ought not to be tolerated. The Malaysian public must show their utter abhorrence's and contempt of this ugly and hideous crime.
The authorities must show their pro-activeness and seriousness by taking immediate and drastic actions to stamp out these activities before it is further rooted in our society.
In line with the Prime Minister's 6 NKRAs whereby reducing crime is primary on the list, the Bureau called upon the Police to take immediate actions to put a stop to the activities of these organised criminals.
The Police must not only be only hot on the heels of the taxi operators used to ferry the beggars but they ought to have made arrest and persecute the king pins behind these syndicates. There must be zero tolerance of these crimes.
We have seen how the authorities have lost in the war against Ah Longs, drugs and prostitution and similar syndicates as a result of our tolerances, attitude and inaction.
We do not want to see the activities of these syndicated beggars becoming a part of our daily sight and an ugly lifestyle that we have to live with .
We do not want to see the syndicates growing in force and influence such that we have lost our war against these organized syndicated crimes.
The Bureau noted with deep regret that organized crimes are fast growing and becoming a serious threat to our Malaysian peace, security and way of life. Of late many syndicated activities had rear its ugly head and surfaced into our public eyes. These activities foreign to our life had since been tolerated and accepted as our norms.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Reshuffle of Presidential Council is administrative matter
With reference to the recent reshuffle of the MCA Presidential Council as announced by the MCA President Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat after chairing the Central Committee (CC) meeting yesterday, 18 Nov 09, the media has been misled into making headlines that appear as if the Greater Unity Plan (GUP) had failed or there was abuses.
Words uttered to the effect of “chop, slash and burn” are a distortion of reality.
The dramatics of breaking down in public is a political drama. I can testify in public that the personalities who cried in public were happily laughing away during the CC meeting. It therefore, caught me by surprise that MCA leaders wept tears in front of the cameras yesterday.
On the new appointments to the Presidential Council, the Wanita MCA and Youth wings’ respective chiefs who were present at the CC meeting yesterday have every right to seek clarification. There was no need to go to the media and put on dramatics accusing the MCA leadership of wrongdoing whenever administrative actions were taken to implement CC decisions.
The Presidential Council is merely a body responsible for the administration of the affairs party. It is not an all powerful body, but being an implementing body, the MCA President needs to appoint people he deems fit and willing to support and implement the GUP as endorsed by the CC.
Article 46 of the Party Constitution reads:
“There shall be established from amongst the members of the Central
Committee a Presidential Council which shall consist of the President,
the Deputy President, one or more Vice Presidents, the
Secretary-General, the Treasurer General, the National Organising
Secretary, and not more than ten (10) other members appointed by the
President in his absolute discretion, who likewise may terminate such
appointment if and when he thinks fit.”
I wish to state that Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun and Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong are still the duly elected chairmen of the women’s and youth’s wings respectively. By virtue of Article 46 of the party Constitution, both leaders are also Vice Presidents.
The issue of “axing” does not arise as the President needs a team that will support and not continue a protracted dispute/debate CC decisions in the Presidential Council.
It is regrettable there has been posturing to mislead the public that the Wanita MCA and MCA Youth are not represented in the Presidential Council. Wanita MCA is represented by Senator Heng Seai Kie (Secretary-General) and Sdri Tan Cheng Liang (National Organising Secretary) which are very powerful positions. MCA Youth is represented by Dr Mah Hang Soon (Deputy Chairman).
We must emulate the instances where Umno Youth Chairman was not included in the cabinet reshuffle, but they maintain their discipline and did not cry foul or attempt to bring the party down. There was
absolute respect for the prerogative powers of the Chief. The line of command is clear and thus the order, discipline and stability.
In any organization, there is always an estimate of 30% dissent. This is a healthy culture in a democratic system. We cannot permit the vocal aggressive minority to disrupt the silent majority and bring down the structure, order or stability of the party. This political mob culture must be stopped. Dissent can be tolerated but not
continuous act of subversion. We must respect the party Constitution
and party order.
Vice President Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai has repeatedly mentioned that CC decision must be respected. I appeal to Vice President Dato’ Sri Liow and his colleagues to similarly respect the CC decision rejecting the EGM of 28 Nov 09, and not revert to unconstitutional acts of inviting the public to subvert the GUP. Please be responsible and work towards forging the GUP. It is regrettable that there are leaders who continually project that the party is in a crisis where as the top
leadership is trying earnestly to work towards the GUP.
No need for outside interference
On another matter, while I appreciate Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who speaking from Rome had had shown concern for MCA reportedly said that UMNO would have to interfere into MCA matters, I hope that there will not be a political godfather culture within the party where rebellious quarters undermine the party agenda purely because they have the comfort of the ears of their political godfather outside the party.
The perception of external intervention into internal party matters which is only administrative of nature will further damage the party’s dignity or independence. When other BN component parties have internal bickering, we don’t see their leaders crying to component parties to interfere.
There are people from within the party setting the platform for outside interference. This is only is peculiar only to MCA where personalities unashamedly are seen or perceived to be orchestrating a scenario to justify outside intervention.
I appeal to all to respect the party Constitution and the organization structure. External interference into our party matters will be perceived as undermining
MCA as a party, disrespecting our party Constitution besides belittling our leadership.
It is my hope that party members who hold close ties with BN leaders will not project a distorted situation to invite their interferences.
Once again, I appeal to all party leaders and grassroots members to close ranks, and pledge full support for the GUP. Please make the GUP work, and refrain from attending the 28 Nov 09 meeting which is unconstitutional and will continue to destabilize the party.
Press statement by MCA NGO Liaison Bureau chief
Datuk Ti Lian Ker
Words uttered to the effect of “chop, slash and burn” are a distortion of reality.
The dramatics of breaking down in public is a political drama. I can testify in public that the personalities who cried in public were happily laughing away during the CC meeting. It therefore, caught me by surprise that MCA leaders wept tears in front of the cameras yesterday.
On the new appointments to the Presidential Council, the Wanita MCA and Youth wings’ respective chiefs who were present at the CC meeting yesterday have every right to seek clarification. There was no need to go to the media and put on dramatics accusing the MCA leadership of wrongdoing whenever administrative actions were taken to implement CC decisions.
The Presidential Council is merely a body responsible for the administration of the affairs party. It is not an all powerful body, but being an implementing body, the MCA President needs to appoint people he deems fit and willing to support and implement the GUP as endorsed by the CC.
Article 46 of the Party Constitution reads:
“There shall be established from amongst the members of the Central
Committee a Presidential Council which shall consist of the President,
the Deputy President, one or more Vice Presidents, the
Secretary-General, the Treasurer General, the National Organising
Secretary, and not more than ten (10) other members appointed by the
President in his absolute discretion, who likewise may terminate such
appointment if and when he thinks fit.”
I wish to state that Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun and Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong are still the duly elected chairmen of the women’s and youth’s wings respectively. By virtue of Article 46 of the party Constitution, both leaders are also Vice Presidents.
The issue of “axing” does not arise as the President needs a team that will support and not continue a protracted dispute/debate CC decisions in the Presidential Council.
It is regrettable there has been posturing to mislead the public that the Wanita MCA and MCA Youth are not represented in the Presidential Council. Wanita MCA is represented by Senator Heng Seai Kie (Secretary-General) and Sdri Tan Cheng Liang (National Organising Secretary) which are very powerful positions. MCA Youth is represented by Dr Mah Hang Soon (Deputy Chairman).
We must emulate the instances where Umno Youth Chairman was not included in the cabinet reshuffle, but they maintain their discipline and did not cry foul or attempt to bring the party down. There was
absolute respect for the prerogative powers of the Chief. The line of command is clear and thus the order, discipline and stability.
In any organization, there is always an estimate of 30% dissent. This is a healthy culture in a democratic system. We cannot permit the vocal aggressive minority to disrupt the silent majority and bring down the structure, order or stability of the party. This political mob culture must be stopped. Dissent can be tolerated but not
continuous act of subversion. We must respect the party Constitution
and party order.
Vice President Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai has repeatedly mentioned that CC decision must be respected. I appeal to Vice President Dato’ Sri Liow and his colleagues to similarly respect the CC decision rejecting the EGM of 28 Nov 09, and not revert to unconstitutional acts of inviting the public to subvert the GUP. Please be responsible and work towards forging the GUP. It is regrettable that there are leaders who continually project that the party is in a crisis where as the top
leadership is trying earnestly to work towards the GUP.
No need for outside interference
On another matter, while I appreciate Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who speaking from Rome had had shown concern for MCA reportedly said that UMNO would have to interfere into MCA matters, I hope that there will not be a political godfather culture within the party where rebellious quarters undermine the party agenda purely because they have the comfort of the ears of their political godfather outside the party.
The perception of external intervention into internal party matters which is only administrative of nature will further damage the party’s dignity or independence. When other BN component parties have internal bickering, we don’t see their leaders crying to component parties to interfere.
There are people from within the party setting the platform for outside interference. This is only is peculiar only to MCA where personalities unashamedly are seen or perceived to be orchestrating a scenario to justify outside intervention.
I appeal to all to respect the party Constitution and the organization structure. External interference into our party matters will be perceived as undermining
MCA as a party, disrespecting our party Constitution besides belittling our leadership.
It is my hope that party members who hold close ties with BN leaders will not project a distorted situation to invite their interferences.
Once again, I appeal to all party leaders and grassroots members to close ranks, and pledge full support for the GUP. Please make the GUP work, and refrain from attending the 28 Nov 09 meeting which is unconstitutional and will continue to destabilize the party.
Press statement by MCA NGO Liaison Bureau chief
Datuk Ti Lian Ker
Monday, November 16, 2009
Why are Backbencher MPs behaving worst than...
The irresponsible manner in which Government Backbenchers took the
government ministries to task on non-issues is indeed a disappointment to the public.
It is worst if Members of Parliament from the Backbenchers are seen to be barking at the wrong tree or perceived to be abusing their parliamentary privileges to discredit targeted Ministries or Ministers.
MCA NGO Bureau called upon elected representatives to live up to the
KPI culture in their performance as Members of Parliament.
In the name of commitment, accountability,transparency and integrity Sri Gading, Dato’ Mohamad Aziz, ought to be taken to task for misleading the public with regard to the purchase of four used diesel multiple units (DMUs) by KTM Berhad.
He had barked at the wrong tree and should have done his
homework before smearing the Ministry of Transport by abusing his
parliamentary privileges and misleading the public into believing that
there are impropriety or abuses.
Of late, there are elected representatives from the government
backbenchers who are behaving worst than irresponsible opposition
members in distorting or misrepresenting to the public on alleged
abuses whereas there were existing blatant abuses and public misappropriations escaping their naked eyes.
Their actions had lead the public to believe that there was a dire need to upgrade the quality of our representatives who had failed to obtain further and better particulars from friendly parties or ministries but instead chose to blow a non-issue out of proportion thus causing increasing lack of public confidence on the government of the day.
This culture that used to be prevalent amongst opposition MPs is now prevalent among backbenchers raising the perception that our MPs lacked credibility, ability and integrity.
The questionable manner and sensationalism of a non-issue seems to
reflect on individual MPs but also reflects badly on the government
and Barisan Nasional as the ruling party.
One starts to wonder why are so many pressing and obvious issues or abuses such as the PKFZ scandal conveniently escape their eye? Why are they spinning a non-issue into an issue? Why are they picking only on a particular Minister and Ministry that has been acting in accordance with the public expectations of commitment, accountability and transparency?
These actions seem to be sending a wrong signal to the public. It is as if, the backbenchers are going for a head hunting spree.
Unfortunately the head that they are hunting seems to be those who are publicly perceived to be pursuing and walking the talk of public commitment, accountability and transparency.
Ti Lian Ker
MCA NGO Bureau Chairman
government ministries to task on non-issues is indeed a disappointment to the public.
It is worst if Members of Parliament from the Backbenchers are seen to be barking at the wrong tree or perceived to be abusing their parliamentary privileges to discredit targeted Ministries or Ministers.
MCA NGO Bureau called upon elected representatives to live up to the
KPI culture in their performance as Members of Parliament.
In the name of commitment, accountability,transparency and integrity Sri Gading, Dato’ Mohamad Aziz, ought to be taken to task for misleading the public with regard to the purchase of four used diesel multiple units (DMUs) by KTM Berhad.
He had barked at the wrong tree and should have done his
homework before smearing the Ministry of Transport by abusing his
parliamentary privileges and misleading the public into believing that
there are impropriety or abuses.
Of late, there are elected representatives from the government
backbenchers who are behaving worst than irresponsible opposition
members in distorting or misrepresenting to the public on alleged
abuses whereas there were existing blatant abuses and public misappropriations escaping their naked eyes.
Their actions had lead the public to believe that there was a dire need to upgrade the quality of our representatives who had failed to obtain further and better particulars from friendly parties or ministries but instead chose to blow a non-issue out of proportion thus causing increasing lack of public confidence on the government of the day.
This culture that used to be prevalent amongst opposition MPs is now prevalent among backbenchers raising the perception that our MPs lacked credibility, ability and integrity.
The questionable manner and sensationalism of a non-issue seems to
reflect on individual MPs but also reflects badly on the government
and Barisan Nasional as the ruling party.
One starts to wonder why are so many pressing and obvious issues or abuses such as the PKFZ scandal conveniently escape their eye? Why are they spinning a non-issue into an issue? Why are they picking only on a particular Minister and Ministry that has been acting in accordance with the public expectations of commitment, accountability and transparency?
These actions seem to be sending a wrong signal to the public. It is as if, the backbenchers are going for a head hunting spree.
Unfortunately the head that they are hunting seems to be those who are publicly perceived to be pursuing and walking the talk of public commitment, accountability and transparency.
Ti Lian Ker
MCA NGO Bureau Chairman
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Ti lauds report on MACC’s investigation
Extracted from The Star
Thursday October 8, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR: An MCA central committee member has welcomed a report that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has not found any evidence indicating Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat has received RM10mil for party activities.
“We are glad with the speedy investigation by the commission,” said Datuk Ti Lian Ker in a statement.
The Star and Nanyang Siang Pau yesterday stated the commission had not found any evidence to indicate that Ong, the MCA president, had received RM10mil from Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing for party activities.
It was learnt that investigations by the commission have so far drawn a blank, and nothing had been uncovered to back Tiong’s allegation.
Tiong himself is being investigated by the police and the commission for fraud, including overcharging and unsubstantiated claims in the construction of the controversial RM4.6bil Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project.
Ti, the MCA’s non-governmental organisation liaison bureau chief, said Ong’s management of the PKFZ fiasco should be lauded and given full support.
Thursday October 8, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR: An MCA central committee member has welcomed a report that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has not found any evidence indicating Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat has received RM10mil for party activities.
“We are glad with the speedy investigation by the commission,” said Datuk Ti Lian Ker in a statement.
The Star and Nanyang Siang Pau yesterday stated the commission had not found any evidence to indicate that Ong, the MCA president, had received RM10mil from Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing for party activities.
It was learnt that investigations by the commission have so far drawn a blank, and nothing had been uncovered to back Tiong’s allegation.
Tiong himself is being investigated by the police and the commission for fraud, including overcharging and unsubstantiated claims in the construction of the controversial RM4.6bil Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project.
Ti, the MCA’s non-governmental organisation liaison bureau chief, said Ong’s management of the PKFZ fiasco should be lauded and given full support.
Monday, October 5, 2009
A War for the Public Mind
Extracted from Malaysian Mirror
Farah Azreen
05 October 2009
Monday
COMMENT Do you know them? The arrogant, the self-serving and the ones who are failing in their duty after being swept into office.
They are everywhere, like the new flu that has gone viral in the human ecosystem.
Such is the inescapable scenario in Malaysian politics. The few who are sincere about answering the call of public service labour in the looming shadows of the dastardly inept and corruptible.
Few players in politics can claim the high moral ground these days and we have come to expect the unexpected. The eternal optimist will be hard put to rationalise the assorted problems besetting the system that includes racist politics, endemic corruption and opaqueness in governance. Pray tell, what else is new?
The main Chinese component in Barisan Nasional is caught in a maelstrom - again. MCA is a party in disarray. A body that was set up to look after the Chinese interests is now a body that is struggling not to fall apart.
Ong Tee Keat surely didn’t bargain for a roller-coaster ride when he took over from the other Ong.
MCA needs the people
But events one year later have proven to be a thrill-a-minute within the MCA corridors and provide rich fodder for political gawkers, bloggers and what-have-yous.
Much has been said and written about the Chua Soi Lek factor and the Port Klang Free Zone scandal that has opened up a can of worms. The ruling coalition in which MCA is embedded is in no better shape, its energy sapped by last year’s defining general election and beaten black and blue in the series of by-elections that followed. It’s hoping to break its losing streak with a strong but questionable contender in Isa Samad at the Bagan Pinang battleground.
The waning Chinese support adds to the stream of woes in MCA-dom.
Like celebrities who rely on their fan-base to thrive, MCA needs strong public support to regain its pride and place in Barisan Nasional and the government. In other words, MCA needs the people; the people doesn’t need it because there is viable alternative representation today.
So to continue to account for its existence, it must find new ways to regain the trust of the disillusioned and to pitch a new deal to the younger crowd whose minds are not yet set in their ways.
Amid the upheaval, it would be wise to review the party’s core support base – the Chinese.
The Chinese are not a monolithic bloc that thinks the same way. For the longest time, MCA has relied on the Chinese-educated segment for support in its varied permutations. They are the group that holds fast to all that identifies the race: Chinese media, Chinese schools and the assorted Chinese clans and associations.
Win over English-speaking segment
The English-speaking segment, though small in numbers, are the younger and Western-educated professionals who have huge resources at their disposal and wield great influence. Their priorities cut across racial boundaries, encompassing human rights, civil liberty issues and democratic principles. Their votes remain largely with the Opposition.
Some analysts in fact say they were the game-changer in the last general election. MCA will have to craft a strategy that wins over the English-speaking segment while not alienating its traditional support network.
It’s not going to be easy and there will have to be compromises made.
Executed well, the day may come when the MCA evolves to become a party that draws its lifeblood not just from the Chinese but Malaysians of every creed and faith. By then, it will have no need for the “C” in its name.
Far-fetched? Maybe. But it’s the policies set today that will shape the aspirations for a truly multi-racial party of the future.
Meanwhile, the MCA has fires to put out, come Oct 10.
Farah Azreen
05 October 2009
Monday
COMMENT Do you know them? The arrogant, the self-serving and the ones who are failing in their duty after being swept into office.
They are everywhere, like the new flu that has gone viral in the human ecosystem.
Such is the inescapable scenario in Malaysian politics. The few who are sincere about answering the call of public service labour in the looming shadows of the dastardly inept and corruptible.
Few players in politics can claim the high moral ground these days and we have come to expect the unexpected. The eternal optimist will be hard put to rationalise the assorted problems besetting the system that includes racist politics, endemic corruption and opaqueness in governance. Pray tell, what else is new?
The main Chinese component in Barisan Nasional is caught in a maelstrom - again. MCA is a party in disarray. A body that was set up to look after the Chinese interests is now a body that is struggling not to fall apart.
Ong Tee Keat surely didn’t bargain for a roller-coaster ride when he took over from the other Ong.
MCA needs the people
But events one year later have proven to be a thrill-a-minute within the MCA corridors and provide rich fodder for political gawkers, bloggers and what-have-yous.
Much has been said and written about the Chua Soi Lek factor and the Port Klang Free Zone scandal that has opened up a can of worms. The ruling coalition in which MCA is embedded is in no better shape, its energy sapped by last year’s defining general election and beaten black and blue in the series of by-elections that followed. It’s hoping to break its losing streak with a strong but questionable contender in Isa Samad at the Bagan Pinang battleground.
The waning Chinese support adds to the stream of woes in MCA-dom.
Like celebrities who rely on their fan-base to thrive, MCA needs strong public support to regain its pride and place in Barisan Nasional and the government. In other words, MCA needs the people; the people doesn’t need it because there is viable alternative representation today.
So to continue to account for its existence, it must find new ways to regain the trust of the disillusioned and to pitch a new deal to the younger crowd whose minds are not yet set in their ways.
Amid the upheaval, it would be wise to review the party’s core support base – the Chinese.
The Chinese are not a monolithic bloc that thinks the same way. For the longest time, MCA has relied on the Chinese-educated segment for support in its varied permutations. They are the group that holds fast to all that identifies the race: Chinese media, Chinese schools and the assorted Chinese clans and associations.
Win over English-speaking segment
The English-speaking segment, though small in numbers, are the younger and Western-educated professionals who have huge resources at their disposal and wield great influence. Their priorities cut across racial boundaries, encompassing human rights, civil liberty issues and democratic principles. Their votes remain largely with the Opposition.
Some analysts in fact say they were the game-changer in the last general election. MCA will have to craft a strategy that wins over the English-speaking segment while not alienating its traditional support network.
It’s not going to be easy and there will have to be compromises made.
Executed well, the day may come when the MCA evolves to become a party that draws its lifeblood not just from the Chinese but Malaysians of every creed and faith. By then, it will have no need for the “C” in its name.
Far-fetched? Maybe. But it’s the policies set today that will shape the aspirations for a truly multi-racial party of the future.
Meanwhile, the MCA has fires to put out, come Oct 10.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Child Traffickers : Malaysia is transit point
Extracted from NST
2009/09/24
MALAYSIA has been in the spotlight not as a source country but rather as a transit point for child trafficking.
A recent assessment found such trafficking activities continued despite the best efforts of the governments concerned and aid agencies.
The study, "Child Trafficking in East and Southeast Asia: Reversing the Trend", showed that a new approach was needed to confront not only child trafficking, but also other related forms of abuse and exploitation.
There were many instances of child labour, sexual exploitation and child violence or neglect.
The study showed that much had been done in generating bilateral, multilateral and transnational cooperation besides legislative and policy reform.
It was found, however, that enforcement of laws was generally poor in the countries.
Unicef said the study concluded that what was required to address the situation was the development of national child protection systems within countries, similar to the creation of effective health systems.
2009/09/24
MALAYSIA has been in the spotlight not as a source country but rather as a transit point for child trafficking.
A recent assessment found such trafficking activities continued despite the best efforts of the governments concerned and aid agencies.
The study, "Child Trafficking in East and Southeast Asia: Reversing the Trend", showed that a new approach was needed to confront not only child trafficking, but also other related forms of abuse and exploitation.
There were many instances of child labour, sexual exploitation and child violence or neglect.
The study showed that much had been done in generating bilateral, multilateral and transnational cooperation besides legislative and policy reform.
It was found, however, that enforcement of laws was generally poor in the countries.
Unicef said the study concluded that what was required to address the situation was the development of national child protection systems within countries, similar to the creation of effective health systems.
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