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That we are among the most corrupt societies in the world needs little reiteration. But that's not the real bad news. The real bad news is that our corruption has several layers - in fact layers upon layers - which may make it all but...
one were to trace the genesis of the epidemic of corruption it could be argued that the disease could well have been spawned during MAHATIR's regime and the licence raj inevitably fostered both the generation of black money and the unholy nexus between politicians, bureaucrats and big business. With its catchy slogan of 'BERSEH CEKAP AMANAH' and its populist gimmicks i's asocialism was in fact the legitimising of a mahatirmafia.
In the eyes of the law, giving or taking a bribe is a crime. However, bribery is not a crime when the bribe given is by the government to the people, or to certain electorally important — read vote bank — sections of the people.
Race-based quotas of various forms, from reservations in jobs to admission into educational institutions, have been an accepted part of vote-bank politics since Independence. The policy of reservations — affirmative action on the part of the government to help the social and economic uplift of communities which have suffered cruel oppression over millennia — was initially supposed to last 10 years, after which it would be reviewed.
Fifty-four years after Independence, quotas and reservations have proliferated and become inextricably entrenched in the system. Originally meant only for dalits and tribals, the quota system has, thanks to the pressures of competitive populism, been inevitably extended post-Mandal to cover various categories of OBCs. Demands have also been raised for separate quotas for the weaker sections among religious minorities. If quotas are seen as reserved slices cut from a pie, it seems that soon there will be more reserved slices than there is pie.
Undaunted by this paradox, the government — its image battered by corruption charges and uncheckable inflation — is reportedly proposing to extend the quota system beyond government jobs to include the field of entrepreneurship UMNO policymakers are said to be working out a scheme, first proposed during the tenure ofUMNO-BARISAN,
The scheme seems to have been motivated with an eye to the polls.
While the avowed objective of the scheme is social and economic justice for the oppressed, shorn of its window dressing it is a clear case of government-sanctioned bribery based on vote-catching calculations. It is undeniable that NON MALAYS continue to suffer brutal discrimination and deprivation. But it is also undeniable that the strategy of redressal through diverse kinds of reservations and quotas — pursued not only by theUMNO but by almost all political parties — has more often than not intensified inter-race antagonisms and has deepened the schisms in malaysian society. In the present case, the question to be raised is: To ensure national progress for all, should government tenders go to the most competitive bidders, or should a percentage be reserved to Malaybased constituencies?
Quotas and reservations have been an unqualified success in only one thing, and that is in the creation of captive vote banks for political parties. In other words, they have proved to be a successful form of openly practised political bribery.
Bribery and corruption, and the long overdue need for electoral reform, Even those who disagree with UMNO extra-parliamentary methods agree that corruption and electoral malpractice are the twin evils which have to be exorcised from our polity.
Are reservations a politically correct euphemism for bribery? Is it time to cleanse the electoral system of vote-bank manipulation? Inconvenient questions which need inconvenient people to ask them. Hands up those prepared to be inconvenient today.
By ABC Radio Australia News
Malaysia's youngest sitting politician says his generation of leaders is ready to move away from race-based politics. Politics in Malaysia is centred on race and religion, with the Malay UMNO dominating a multiracial political coalition.
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad told Radio Australia's Asia Pacific program the opposition coalition, the Pakatan Rakyat, is ready to take power.
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad told Radio Australia's Asia Pacific program the opposition coalition, the Pakatan Rakyat, is ready to take power.
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad: 'The younger Malays come back and they start to question the analysis that Malays . . . need political protection in order to survive.' [Australia Network]
Nik Nazmi, who is 29, is a member of the assembly in Selangor state, Malaysia, and communications director for the opposition Parti Keadilan. He says all signs are pointing to an early election - as soon as November this year, or in the first quarter of 2012.
He also called for a more equitable distribution of wealth in Malaysia.
NIK NAZMI: The problem we have today is that the economic policy we have in Malaysia is very much a trickle-down one for the ordinary people, regardless of race. Of course, the politicians would like us to see in terms of racial paradigms, but in reality the ordinary Malaysians, regardless of race, lose out, whereas those who are politically connected, regardless of race, benefit.
So I think that currently the government talks about liberalising the NEP (New Economic Policy), moving away from the NEP, adopting our own rhetoric, which is good, but in terms of reality, we think that it also means an over-emphasis on liberalisation, without a balance in terms of social justice, which is bad I think for the country as a whole.
SEN LAM (PRESENTER): But in politics appearances count for a lot as well. How do you think that will sit with your Malay constituents, who might feel that they're losing their rights?
NIK NAZMI: It is, the problem for the ruling coalition is that they have shaped the debate for so long in terms of race-based analysis. If a Chinese gains, then that means the Malays and Indians lose, and vise versa. Whereas our emphasis has always been about the ordinary people against the powerful. Even the One-Malaysia campaign (of Prime Minister Najib Razak) is not being accepted by their own (UMNO) party, because they've always been talking about Malay supremacy - Ketuanan Melayu. So I think that's where the government faces a problem, as a result of they've become the victim of their own rhetoric.
The children of those who benefited from the NEP, the younger Malays, who, their parents, studied in Australia, in the US and in the UK, come back and they start to question the analysis, that Malays are naturally weak and that the Malays need political protection in order to survive. So in that sense, I believe that rather than being a headache for us, it's actually a headache for everyone in the country, because this is your 'Gen Y', which is shaped by a different mindset than the previous generations. They tend to be critical of the government, which means BN (Barisan Nasional) rather than the (opposition) Pakatan. But they're not as loyal in terms of party politics as their parents were. You know, I think that's a phenomenon across the world, where in the past, our parents' time, where they would vote for a certain party from cradle to grave, but today the younger generation are more interested in voting along the lines of issues.
LAM: So are you saying, that the future in Malaysian democracy and in a more vibrant political landscape, lies in this current and future generations of younger people?
NIK NAZMI: Definitely, I mean, Malaysia especially being a very young country - the population pyramid in Malaysia is very broad-based because of the number of young people. So in that sense, definitely, the young people are the ones we should focus on. They are shaped by a very different view and things are changing so fast, the tools that are out there, we cannot take them for granted any more, definitely.
LAM: If elections were called in early 2012, how do you think the Pakatan Rakyat, the opposition coalition, how do you think you'll fare? Do you think you'll get more than five states?
NIK NAZMI: Predictions are not my thing, but I would think that generally, the two coalition systems are here to stay. Malaysians do not want the time where one coalition knew best or one party knew best, or during Mahathir's time, perhaps one man knew best. I think those times are over. People see the benefit because now, both parties, the Opposition coalition has just been elected. I think there's a greater desire, younger more energetic, they work harder but at the same time, the ruling coalition has been to a certain extent, woken up from their slumber. And they're trying to win (voters) over. At the end of the day, the people benefit. So I think the people are smart enough to realise that. The government has lost the monopoly of information.
LAM: Through new and social media?
NIK NAZMI: New and social media, definitely. People are more interested to hear both sides of the view.
LAM: So, is the opposition Pakatan Rakyat coalition . . . are you prepared to take over federal politics? To take over government?
NIK NAZMI: We are better prepared than we were in 2008, definitely. It was a loose coalition in 2008, there was no formal coalition between Keadilan, the Islamic PAS and the DAP. And we have come out with a common "Orange Book" which details our common policies. Yes, there are differences, I will admit that, but it's natural. There is no coalition or party in Malaysia that would not have differences, because it's a reflection of the diverse spectrum of Malaysian society.
LAM: Well, some people might argue that the Barisan Nasional stayed in power for so long because it had UMNO at the helm, it had a galvanising factor, a party that's strong enough to hold everyone together. It might be argued that Pakatan Rakyat lacks that cohesiveness -what do you say to that?
NIK NAZMI: Well, that model worked in the 20th century. It worked in 1955, it worked all the way until 2008. But I think the Big Brother model of politics, where you have one dominant partner, is not relevant for the 21st century. People want a partnership of equals. And I think it has to go out from the race-based political situation that you have today.
Definitely, there have been differences, issues, but I think at the end of the day, all the three parties have accepted the constitutional concensus in Malaysia, where Islam is the religion of the federation, but the rights of other adherents to practise their faith are fully respected. We need to stick to things that we agree on, rather than harp on the things that divide us. I mean, I think we're all learning here. It's all a maturing process.
The "Arab Spring" has shown whether you're Islamist or whether you're a liberal, that democracy is ultimately the most important thing to fight for, because it's something that we need to run governments. At the end of the day, without a functioning democracy, then countries cannot function, nation states cannot have peaceful transitions of power.
LAM: I read in one blog, that recommended you as a politician of the future, and as the sort of politician that Malaysia needs, because, the argument of the blog goes, you are Malay and ultimately, Malaysia still needs Malay leaders because the Malays are the majority. So that's still race-based though, isn't it?
NIK NAZMI: That is the reality in Malaysia, because I think you want to talk about political change. It used to be about Malay supremacy, I think the opposition has rejected that. We talk about "people's supremacy" but I think at this point of time, change still needs to be Malay-led because people still vote along racial lines, that's a reality. I think all countries have this - I'm not saying it's perfect, but it's a political reality. But what is better is that enlightened Malay leadership is better than this ignorant Malay leadership.
But I would say that, while there are those challenges, the good thing is that because of social media, because of the internet, people are better-informed. This is the Reformasi, the Bersih generation, you know, the concerns are different. So in that sense, the parameters are different, that provides an opportunity. The problem is that some politicians still want to dumb down old politics, but I think if we keep making the argument for a Malaysia that moves forward, then I believe that the younger generation is ready to step into the 21st century.
Nik Nazmi, who is 29, is a member of the assembly in Selangor state, Malaysia, and communications director for the opposition Parti Keadilan. He says all signs are pointing to an early election - as soon as November this year, or in the first quarter of 2012.
He also called for a more equitable distribution of wealth in Malaysia.
NIK NAZMI: The problem we have today is that the economic policy we have in Malaysia is very much a trickle-down one for the ordinary people, regardless of race. Of course, the politicians would like us to see in terms of racial paradigms, but in reality the ordinary Malaysians, regardless of race, lose out, whereas those who are politically connected, regardless of race, benefit.
So I think that currently the government talks about liberalising the NEP (New Economic Policy), moving away from the NEP, adopting our own rhetoric, which is good, but in terms of reality, we think that it also means an over-emphasis on liberalisation, without a balance in terms of social justice, which is bad I think for the country as a whole.
SEN LAM (PRESENTER): But in politics appearances count for a lot as well. How do you think that will sit with your Malay constituents, who might feel that they're losing their rights?
NIK NAZMI: It is, the problem for the ruling coalition is that they have shaped the debate for so long in terms of race-based analysis. If a Chinese gains, then that means the Malays and Indians lose, and vise versa. Whereas our emphasis has always been about the ordinary people against the powerful. Even the One-Malaysia campaign (of Prime Minister Najib Razak) is not being accepted by their own (UMNO) party, because they've always been talking about Malay supremacy - Ketuanan Melayu. So I think that's where the government faces a problem, as a result of they've become the victim of their own rhetoric.
The children of those who benefited from the NEP, the younger Malays, who, their parents, studied in Australia, in the US and in the UK, come back and they start to question the analysis, that Malays are naturally weak and that the Malays need political protection in order to survive. So in that sense, I believe that rather than being a headache for us, it's actually a headache for everyone in the country, because this is your 'Gen Y', which is shaped by a different mindset than the previous generations. They tend to be critical of the government, which means BN (Barisan Nasional) rather than the (opposition) Pakatan. But they're not as loyal in terms of party politics as their parents were. You know, I think that's a phenomenon across the world, where in the past, our parents' time, where they would vote for a certain party from cradle to grave, but today the younger generation are more interested in voting along the lines of issues.
LAM: So are you saying, that the future in Malaysian democracy and in a more vibrant political landscape, lies in this current and future generations of younger people?
NIK NAZMI: Definitely, I mean, Malaysia especially being a very young country - the population pyramid in Malaysia is very broad-based because of the number of young people. So in that sense, definitely, the young people are the ones we should focus on. They are shaped by a very different view and things are changing so fast, the tools that are out there, we cannot take them for granted any more, definitely.
LAM: If elections were called in early 2012, how do you think the Pakatan Rakyat, the opposition coalition, how do you think you'll fare? Do you think you'll get more than five states?
NIK NAZMI: Predictions are not my thing, but I would think that generally, the two coalition systems are here to stay. Malaysians do not want the time where one coalition knew best or one party knew best, or during Mahathir's time, perhaps one man knew best. I think those times are over. People see the benefit because now, both parties, the Opposition coalition has just been elected. I think there's a greater desire, younger more energetic, they work harder but at the same time, the ruling coalition has been to a certain extent, woken up from their slumber. And they're trying to win (voters) over. At the end of the day, the people benefit. So I think the people are smart enough to realise that. The government has lost the monopoly of information.
LAM: Through new and social media?
NIK NAZMI: New and social media, definitely. People are more interested to hear both sides of the view.
LAM: So, is the opposition Pakatan Rakyat coalition . . . are you prepared to take over federal politics? To take over government?
NIK NAZMI: We are better prepared than we were in 2008, definitely. It was a loose coalition in 2008, there was no formal coalition between Keadilan, the Islamic PAS and the DAP. And we have come out with a common "Orange Book" which details our common policies. Yes, there are differences, I will admit that, but it's natural. There is no coalition or party in Malaysia that would not have differences, because it's a reflection of the diverse spectrum of Malaysian society.
LAM: Well, some people might argue that the Barisan Nasional stayed in power for so long because it had UMNO at the helm, it had a galvanising factor, a party that's strong enough to hold everyone together. It might be argued that Pakatan Rakyat lacks that cohesiveness -what do you say to that?
NIK NAZMI: Well, that model worked in the 20th century. It worked in 1955, it worked all the way until 2008. But I think the Big Brother model of politics, where you have one dominant partner, is not relevant for the 21st century. People want a partnership of equals. And I think it has to go out from the race-based political situation that you have today.
Definitely, there have been differences, issues, but I think at the end of the day, all the three parties have accepted the constitutional concensus in Malaysia, where Islam is the religion of the federation, but the rights of other adherents to practise their faith are fully respected. We need to stick to things that we agree on, rather than harp on the things that divide us. I mean, I think we're all learning here. It's all a maturing process.
The "Arab Spring" has shown whether you're Islamist or whether you're a liberal, that democracy is ultimately the most important thing to fight for, because it's something that we need to run governments. At the end of the day, without a functioning democracy, then countries cannot function, nation states cannot have peaceful transitions of power.
LAM: I read in one blog, that recommended you as a politician of the future, and as the sort of politician that Malaysia needs, because, the argument of the blog goes, you are Malay and ultimately, Malaysia still needs Malay leaders because the Malays are the majority. So that's still race-based though, isn't it?
NIK NAZMI: That is the reality in Malaysia, because I think you want to talk about political change. It used to be about Malay supremacy, I think the opposition has rejected that. We talk about "people's supremacy" but I think at this point of time, change still needs to be Malay-led because people still vote along racial lines, that's a reality. I think all countries have this - I'm not saying it's perfect, but it's a political reality. But what is better is that enlightened Malay leadership is better than this ignorant Malay leadership.
But I would say that, while there are those challenges, the good thing is that because of social media, because of the internet, people are better-informed. This is the Reformasi, the Bersih generation, you know, the concerns are different. So in that sense, the parameters are different, that provides an opportunity. The problem is that some politicians still want to dumb down old politics, but I think if we keep making the argument for a Malaysia that moves forward, then I believe that the younger generation is ready to step into the 21st century.
Layers of corruption The most Unfit Prime Minister says if you let me needle you in the front I promise to needle you at your bud
Corruption is not about money and power alone. It is anything and everything that compromises morality. And today morality is the first casualty everywhere — from Parliament to dirtiest Toilet Ministery, from mall to TAXI PERMIT and from stock market to school.
This is not a news item that is likely to make the government or its vast machinery sit up and take note. After all, in all 'fairness', we have a humongous machinery in the name of government that does not sit up and take note of anything for that matter, does it?
Clearly, service mentality and the Government rarely go together in our part of the world. This is because by definition, one is supposed to have no service or performance matrix for government servants. By definition, no one in the government sector may easily be penalized, leave alone lose his or her job, for such cavalier treatment of those they are supposed to serve. And yet, the same government servants will be at their servile best before political masters who often demand services they are not entitled to.
The most Unfit Prime Minister says if let needle you in the front i promise to needle you at your bud
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BY THE TAXIDRIVER Misgovernance: a fish rots from the head down When you’ve dug yourself into a deep hole using a pickaxe, it’s tough to dig yourself out using a toothpick. That, in essence, is the UPA government’s predicament: the harder it tries to extricate itself from the quicksand of the 2G spectrum scam, the … Read more
When I look at Najib, Muhyiddin, Mahathir, Ibrahim Ali - all those bombastic self-proclaimed Ketuanan Malay “leaders,” I do think of Hang Tuah! Huh! All they remind me of are Field Marshall Idi Amin Dada, Mobutu Sese Seko, Robert Mugabe and His Excellency Benito Mussolini Head of Government, Duce of Fascism, and Founder of the Empire. Yes at one time or another they were all leaders of their people, all striding to the sound of brass bands and traveling around in motorcades flanked by armed guards. Leaders they might be but they were all totally oblivious to the look of contempt and disgust from the very masses that they consider themselves to be Lord and Master over. Totally oblivious of the massive harm they have done to the country they ruled. Totally oblivious to the crumbling ruins of their government because all they see are the trappings of power and their personal needs. Never the misery of the people they rule.
I want you all to understand this. When in power these kinds of leaders will do what they want. They would not investigate themselves. MACC, the AG, the Judiciary and PDRM (among other Government entities) are there to ensure that these leaders are given the means and leeway to do what they want. And what they want is to stay in power and make money for themselves and their cronies.
And who are the people who have been in charge in Malaysia? For 22 years of the last 30 years it has been this man call Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad. The fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia whose political career has lasted 40 years and still counting.
Just as Singapore has been shaped by one iconic man Lee Kuan Yew, Malaysia too has been shaped by one man, Mahathir……and therein lays a tale. Singapore is one of the world’s most prosperous countries with strong international trading links with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe. Malaysia has the most prosperous politicians and strong family links with these politicians will ensure that your personal capita GDP will be equal, if not better than that of many African Politicians with similar inclinations to rob their own country blind. Transparency International Corruption Perception Index of the past 16 years puts Malaysia as the worst country in Asia-Pacific. Malaysia is the 7th most corrupt nation in Asia. Corruption is common among the country's political and business class. Bribery and other corrupt practices pose major problems for companies operating in Malaysia. The business of government is equally corrupt. So while Singapore has taken the high road, Mahathir has taken the low road and he has, unfortunately, taken us along for the ride.
Now we have Najib Tun Razak. This man is unfit to be our leader. Unfit to be the Prime Minister of our country. He would have a hard time holding on to a position as Manager of any decent size organization where decency, honesty and integrity are required of its employees – as it should be of any individual holding a position of responsibility.
But in UMNO he thrives! He is their President! He can fool UMNO, he can fool the Attorney General of Malaysia, he can fool the IGP, he can fool the Cabinet (though one can argue that the closing of one eye and the shutting of the other has the same effect!) – but try as hard as he can, he will not fool us and of course he cannot fool his wife. After all it takes a thief to catch another thief…birds of a feather flocks together…get my drift?
Why is Najib unfit to be our Prime Minister? Let me count the ways…..
Hands down the tragic murder of Altantuya tops the list. Don’t ask me about it because I am bias. Go ask that Indian kachang putih seller, the Pak Chik selling satay by the roadside or that Chinese guy selling Yong Tau Foo at the market in Lucky Gardens each morning. Ask them about Najib and Altantuya. This is what they say:
NAJIB IS GUILTY UNTIL AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY CLEARS HIM.
No need to swear in the mosque, no need to discredit Bala’s SD, no need to say that the murderers have already been caught, gone to trial and have been sentenced. The damming thing is this Najib – YOU know that WE know that YOU are involved somehow and somewhere in that sordid saga of the RM$500 million submarine commission for Razak Baginda and in the murder of Altantuya. Whether the facts are made known during your time, your children time or your children children’s time is to be seen. The truth shall prevail but you will not.
Under your watch MACC murdered Teoh Beng Hock while he was under their custody. PDRM bludgeon Kugan to death and shot Aminurasyid to death! All the king’s horses and all the king’s men could not put Humpty Dumpty together again. You Najib did not even try! A political police force? Is that what PDRM has become? Huh! If today PDRM has become a tool for the survival of UMNO and BN then be assured that after the 13th General Election the people will claim back PDRM and not leave it to be the force of evil that PDRM has now become but cleanse it to become once again a Force for good.
This is also the same Najib that made an offer of RM$5 Million to the people of Rejang Park during By-Election time to elect BN's Robert Lau. Truly a courageous (in politician lingo that means stupid!) and remarkable (in our lingo this also means stupid!) attempt by our Prime Minister to BUY a by-election. An enlightened electorate rejected his offerDuring Najib’s stint as Minister of Defense the procurement of arms and equipment became an ‘art form’ that impacted favorably on the financial well being of his and UMNO's cronies.
Eurocopter.
Ministry of Defense signed a Letter of Intent to acquire 12 Eurocopter EC725 Cougar helicopters for the sum of RM2.3 billion. Brazil paid only RM$1.2 billion for 50 units of the same mode.
Sukhoi Fighters. 18 Sukhoi Fighter Jets were bought for RM3.2 billion. A 12 percent commission of RM380 million was paid to its local agent IMT Defence Sdn Bhd whose Chairman was Adib Adam, former Chief Minister of Malacca. The same Malacca that once had an UMNO child molester as its Chief Minister.
Naval Patrol Boat. Ministry of Defense paid out RM4.26 billion to PSC-Naval Dockyard for only RM2.87 billion of work done. The Malaysian cabinet waived late penalties of RM214 million. 14 progressive payments amounting to RM943 million was paid out to PSC-Naval Dockyard without payment vouchers or relevant documents dealing with the payments. The technical incompetence of PSC-Naval Dockyard to undertake the contract can be confirmed by the fact that PSC had never built anything but trawlers and Police boats before being given the contract by Najib.
Missing Jet Engines Two fighter aircraft engines from the Royal Malaysian Air Force went missing in May 2008. Enough said.
Any individual that is involved in any one of the above truly shameful straight out grab for the Rakyat's money would not be considered for employment at any reputable business entity. In Malaysia he becomes our Prime Minister! Camna ni? Does that not make him an unfit person to be Prime Minister of our country? I rest my case.
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