Standing My Ground

We’re in the news! Malaysia, that is. Unfortunately the news did not revolve around the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister or the Federal Government. Instead, the title is: Malaysian party urges Dutch boycott (Yahoo! News). Possibly my shortcomings, I do not see the effectiveness of this move. And, as some of my classmates would agree, to a degree it is rater childish. But let us walk down memory lane - the Israeli attack on Lebanon in 2006 would be far enough and consider. You might be surprised with your line of thought… Just keep emotions outside for now. Take note that I neither support violence by anyone nor condone the insults against any religion. Simple English: I do not support the film. I do not support the demonstrations.

Israel’s Aggression on Lebanon - Domestic Reaction

Remember back in 2006 when Israel attacked Lebanon? Oh come on… Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten? If you were in Malaysia, the issue was all over the papers. As the chair of the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC), Malaysia urged all countries to severe their ties with Israel in August 14th, 2006. How was the domestic reaction? Do you still remember the demonstrations held in front of the British High Commission and the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur? And can you recall the prominent participants of the protests? While writing this, I’m also looking for articles on the Net which records the events. The protests called for the boycott of Anglo-American products. Starbucks and Cola were among the products which were suggested to be avoided. (Replying to the comment on that blog: Zionist agenda indeed… :rolls eyes:)

Why?

Because the United States and the United Kingdom failed to halt Israel. Imagine a scene where young men and women gather… Shouting anti-US, anti-UK and anti-Israel slogans and urging the boycott of the same - still following me? - while wearing Levi’s jeans, Manchester United jerseys and ADIDAS/Nike shoes. Later that night, they await the EPL… So much for boycott.

The Prohibited Cartoons

Does the name Sarawak Tribune ring a bell? Jylland-Posten? Oh, forgotten the controversy you have? *Sigh* Needless to say: Do you still remember the demonstrations held in front of the British High Commission and the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur? And can you recall the prominent participants of the protests? (Familiar? Try going up a few paragraphs…)

I don’t wanna strike out a controversy - that’s the last thing I need as we near the final exams.

Reactions to Fitna

Fast forward to the past week. A private citizen of the Netherlands released a 15 minute video condemning the al-Quran/Islam. The private citizen so happened to be a Member of Parliament. Videos sparked anger. Just Google “Reaction to Fitna”. Here’s Dr. Chandra Muzaffar’s letter in the International Movement for a Just World (JUST) website. Because of the immense anger and hate, individuals forget that this film is not condoned by the Dutch Government. The global reaction, in my view, is becoming the butt of many jokes.

The street demonstration in several countries result in the destruction of public and private property. On the world press, it degrades your country. Those who view - irrespective where they are and who they may be - would be reluctant to go there. You have successfully undo whatever your government’s efforts. An even sadder part, how on earth do you expect people to buy the “Religion of Peace” explanation when demonstrations, violent ones especially, are so rampant. Even the most ‘democratic’ nation in the world does not see a monthly protest!

A Dog’s Bark is Worse Than its Bite

For once, I must agree. It’s funny how a consumer association and a local department store urges the boycott. Do you know what the department store did? It labeled Dutch products with a red label. I did not watch the news - not planning to because of another boycott I’m participating in… lol - so I do not know whether there were any protests or demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur. True, the Foreign Minister condemned the act of the filmmaker. Unfortunately, to me, this is not walking the walk. Yes, I concede, the mob shouting. But it means nothing.

If the department store was serious about boycotting Dutch products, throw it all out from the store! Cancel all orders made! Prohibit the entry of any Dutch products into their premise! Take real action. In fact, burn it all up. Call the media - mainstream and alternative. Refuse to store and sell. If you think the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel needs to be taught a lesson, throw out all Made in the USA and Made in the UK goods! Don’t just stick small red labels.

As for the consumer association, lobby the Government: demand that an embargo be imposed on the Netherlands, Denmark, the UK and the US! Enforce the same law that the Government of Malaysia applies to Israel! Prohibit the broadcasting of the EPL throughout Malaysia! Stop trading with the countries. Lobby for an embargo! It’s not hard, I’m sure the Foreign Minister would not mind introducing such measures. After all, the Minister did say it was a serious insult, right? Send back the Dutch Ambassador. Evict Shell and other companies based or trading with the Netherlands. Severe ties!

A serious offense requires equally serious repercussions. It is lex talionis after all, right?

Why wont Malaysia stop trading with Denmark? Why continue trading the the United States and the United Kingdom? Why not impose an embargo on the Netherlands? Why not? Allow me to quote the Prime Minister in his speech to at the Malaysian-Netherlands Business Forum on 19 May 2005:-

4. Malaysia and the Netherlands are therefore well placed to continue building upon our past relationship. After all, the Netherlands has remained one of Malaysia’s major trading partners. Trade has, over the years, expanded from an exchange of goods to cover services as well. For the period 1995 to 2004, bilateral trade more than tripled from USD 1.53 billion to USD 5.05 billion.

5. In 2004, the Netherlands was Malaysia’s second largest trading partner within the European Union. It was Malaysia’s largest export market in the EU, and the Netherlands was Malaysia’s 10th largest export destination on the global scale.

6. However, Malaysia’s trade with the Netherlands amounts to only 2.2 per cent of Malaysia’s total global trade. I am certain that more can be done to enhance the volume and coverage of the bilateral trade. In this context, I am pleased that the Malaysia - Dutch Business Council, established in 1996, has been actively involved in fostering business ties between our two countries.

7. The fact that there is considerable Dutch investment in Malaysia is also testimony of the growing economic relationship with the Netherlands. From 1980 through to 2004, the Netherlands was among the top 10 sources of foreign investments in Malaysia. During this period, 144 projects from the Netherlands, with investments amounting to USD 1.6 billion, were approved. These investments were concentrated in the electrical and electronics sector, natural gas, petroleum and petrochemicals products, chemicals and chemical products and food manufacturing.

How many jobs does the United Kingdom, the United States and the Netherlands offer in Malaysia? Too many. Are you willing to go jobless?

Again, I reiterate my contention: a dog’s bark is worse than its bite. And no, I am not equating any person or persons with a dog. It is the closest English proverb that can be used to illustrate my point.

So How Do You Address this Issue?

By going hadhari of course! Malaysia is proud of the fact that 51 years ago, her independence was secured through the negotiation table. Malaysia have promoted the round table policy over and over again, right Tun? On his ascension, Prime Minister Abdullah Hj Ahmad Badawi introduced Islam Hadhari (tranaslation: Civilised Islam - he chose the name, not me! I’m just spitting out whatever I learned in CTU551). You’ve got a lot of brains among your circle, ask them. Why resort to barbaric violent practices? Because you have the right to do so? Hello! HINDRAF tak lepas… Bersih was sprayed with tear gas. What are you saying?

No one has the right to insult or belittle any religion, belief, faith or creed. NO ONE!!! Everyone has the right to defend his or her own religion, belief, faith or creed. But how far should you go in defending it? And how do you defend it? That, my friend, you need to answer yourself. Just remember of a man who changed the destiny of his nation by peaceful means. Remember a Hungarian lady, poor, who helped many people and touched the lives of million. Food for thought, eh?

The Boycott I’m Taking Part In

Earlier - if you can remember - I mentioned I partake in a boycott. It’s just for today. I join for the fun of it - and to save RM1.20. hehehe… What boycott? It’s the Boycott Malaysian Mainstream Media Day which falls on April Fool’s Day. no NST for me today…

Cheerio