Legislative Branch Undermined

Ever since the Linggam case, the Judiciary in Malaysia has been shoved under the public’s scrutiny. Some will point out the demise of the Malaysian Courts System began in the 80s under then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Why the fuss? Because the Courts are the last bastion and platform for justice and appeal for the people and the final stronghold against the many political and personal agenda of politicians. Where one is wronged, she ought to be able to expect justice being dispense when she approaches the Bench. But with the development and exposure, she can expect her case to loose anytime its against the Government or a big corporation… (Urm… Why am I talking like a socialist?! I’m Tory!)

However, as a independent and sovereign federation of states, we have another institution where her dignity, honour, position, function and position is being compromised by petty bickering, ignorance, arrogance, politicking, self-interests and immaturity of those privileged to be part of: Parlimen (Parliament) and the various Dewan Undangan Negeri (State Legislative Assemblies).

We’ve Still Got A Long Way to Go

The stage is set. The players are beefed up - slowly but surely, they are shedding their skin to reveal their true colours. These colours are captivating; Malaysians are beginning to react in favour or with displeasure. The once proud and arrogant party who once fought for the people now see cracks. Cracks within themselves and in their relationship with those around them: the people, their allies, the country and their supporters. Truly, the foundation - though solid and strong - has reached its limit. That, dear reader, is how we can describe the current political landscape of Malaysia.

Yesterday, on June 19, 2008, the Barisan Nasional was shocked by the statement of Datuk Yong Teck Lee, President of the Sabah-based SAPP. Datuk Yong announce that his party intends to leave the ruling coalition due to inaction by Prime Minister Abdullah Hj. Ahmad Badawi with regards to issues in Sabah.

Allow me to set my views down. The reason the BN lost in West Malaysia was because of the weight of the inaction, arrogance and ignorance of the ruling coalition led by UMNO. Voters in West Malaysia, including Penang - home state of the Hon. Prime Minister and Member for Kepala Batas, were tired of how they were being played with. The Barisan Nasional, though insisting on the message of unity, in the same breath tried to sow fear among the populace on what would happen if the Malays voted the DAP Chinese. They toyed around with who shall be the next Chief Minister of Penang. Despite being the Government of Malaysia, the Pak Lah Government blamed the Elections Commission for failing to study the ink issue and the former Prime Minister for causing disunity. The methods employed to handle protestors were questionable. Flip flop policies and actions - similar to inaction - became the straw which broke the horse’s back.

Immediately after the elections, while pointing out the weaknesses of the Opposition, the ruling Coalition continued to hang their own dirty laundry. Bickering between members of standing in the Coalition helped more cats escape the bag.

In Parlimen, the elected reps acting like children defies the sanctity and dignity of the House of Parliament. Politicking overtakes the nation’s interests and denies real issues into the centre spot. Seemingly biased House rules were adopted and sustained under the the shadow of a whip. Not doing any good for BN’s case in West Malaysia.

At the end, it all comes down to Sarawak and Sabah. Sarawak helped the Coalition obtain 30 seats while Sabah giving the coalition 25. With the SAPP, two would be lost. The Pak Lah Government enjoys 140 seats in the 222-member Dewan Rakyat. Without East Malaysia, the Barisan Nasional has 85 seats. How much does the Opposition have? 82 seats in total. Pardon my ignorance, but I am clueless as to how many Opposition MPs are from Sabah. But from the map, they have at least one. What I do know is that Sarawak sent one for Bandar Kuching. Disbarring the recent development, East Malaysia, it seems, play a crucial role of kingmaker. The Opposition just need 30 seats to be Government.

Where did we go wrong?

Now it’s time to consider: where did we go wrong?

Many pointed out the arrogance of the ruling coalition and UMNO for the loss. The latter has consistently patronised other parties. The impression that the Malay-based party bosses everyone around is there in the mind of the rakyat, especially in West Malaysia. The way they played the Penang CM post, how they would bicker with the Sultans of Perlis and Terengganu, how they - it seems- pressure Gerakan to manage the latter’s affairs. These are among the seen and reported. I’m sure there are many unreported factors. Heck, I was told that the Kelantanese were furious of the way UMNO played and insulted them with the “Clean Up” campaign. Fundamentally, the rakyat is fed up with how the Federal Government conducts its affairs.

Let’s take a look at the Opposition now. Hey, I am a Member of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak after all. The problem with the so-called Pakatan Rakyat is that they have no common ground, no common vision for Malaysia or any state. That is why many citizens are complaining, especially in the five Pakatan states, that they feel that it’s like no change in government happened! I think it’s because they only focused on winning the March 8 elections and forgot all about the days after. I’d like to point out, from my personal experience playing in Political Simulations (read: Politics UK <Link>), it’s easier to be in Opposition that to be in Downing Street… urm… I meant Putra Perdana. Take it from a one time Secretary of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food then Secretary of State for Health (90s Game) and Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (80s Game). Being a Shadow Secretary of State is way much easier!

The Common Problem: Leadership

One common problem that both sides of the floor have is leadership. It’s either the case of knowing the destination but clueless on how to get there or knowing how to get there but clueless of where they are going. Being in public office is unlike being a CEO. Your voters must know you genuinely care and work for them. Yes, politics is politics, but your responsibility is paramount.

In UMNO, there are calls for a change in leadership. In the Malaysian Indian Congress, the Youth Wing Office Bearers were asked to resign. In Parti Keadilan Rakyat/PKR, Anwar’s return isn’t as smooth sailing as they once thought. In PAS, well, they’re at loggerheads with noisy DAP leaders. Too many voices.

Fortunately, Sarawak is blessed with YAB Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Hj Mahmud and his Team. Under the same person, we get to see rapid development in the past 20 years or so compared to those in Sabah, Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Labuan FT. With limited resources unlike Selangor, Penang and KL, it is a challenge to lead a state having the size larger than West Malaysia. When people point out the corruption of the Taib family, especially if it is from West Malaysians and the Opposition, it is because they want to do the same thing. Remember Animal Farm, now it’s four legs good, two legs bad. Sooner than you know it, it will be four legs good, two legs better.

When Pehin Sri introduced the politics of development and consistently pursued it, Sarawak began to prosper. Today, we have the largest cash reserve among the states of Malaysia. Do not you forget: prior to March 8, Sarawak was the stepson and colony of the Federation. From what Pehin Sri has done for the State, I’m more than happy to support him until the day he retires. The next person to fill in his shoes will have a hard time. Hopefully it’s not another Pak Lah.

I don’t mind pointing out Pak Lah’s weaknesses here on my blog. However I would like to continue my studies in Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia for this final year in peace. So I will leave it as it is.

What I admire of the State’s Leadership is the way they conduct themselves in these tough times. They continue to fight for Sarawak, I assure you. Though it is not in ways that would jeopardise the State’s development.

Deny Them Presence

During the election campaign, the Opposition’s battle cry was “Deny them 2/3 majority”. For this section, deny them presence is the most appropriate.

I hope you remember, as Minister of Finance, Anwar Ibrahim never raised the royalty rates paid to the State. We did ask from him, but he said no. He barely did anything for us. On the issue of New Economic Policy, he once supported it, then he ‘realised his mistake’ and now oppose it. We’re talking of a career politician here. Remember why Parti Keadilan was formed? To secure the freedom of Anwar Ibrahim. Now he is free. What next? To make Anwar Ibrahim Prime Minister. Is that a vision for the country? Sounds more of the ambition of one family.

Let’s move on to Parti Islam Malaysiaor PAS. PAS’ playground is Islam. They have been consistent in promoting Islam. No problem where Muslims are the majority. But for Sarawak? Heck, the break down of religion would see Islam being in the minority. The lifestyle they promote and their mentality are at the opposite of those of the Sarawakians. We are a multi-ethnic society with our various religion. They, like UMNO, cannot comprehend unconditional and pure unity. One group must have an edge: the Malays and the Muslims. What about 80% of the Sarawakians? I find politics using religion as a platform is despicable. It’s worse than being race-based. They banned Mak Yong. Imagine all the cultures and heritage of the Sarawak people vanishing from existence, courtesy of PAS. I was told that in the last State Election somewhere in/near Lambir, the way the campaigners promoted their candidate was by saying “don’t vote the BN candidate, her father was Chinese”. Talk about meritocracy.

Then there’s DAP. The Opposition party with the most members in the DUN. Besides bickering and complaining about the songkok, I do not see them walk around like Datuk Tiong from Bintulu (Kidurong). They talk about this, then they talk about that. But that’s all they are good for: talk. Have you ever heard any DAP MPs talk about Sarawak’s interests in Parliament? Besides Bandar Kuching, that is.

None of the Opposition Parties are interested in the welfare and the development of the State or her People. All they care is becoming Government. That’s all. Have you heard them form a Shadow Cabinet all this while? Have you heard them offer alternative policies? Have you ever seen them walk about - outside election time? Have you seen them do what they blamed the BN MPs or Assemblymen not doing? They do not know how’s life in Sarawak. They live in the Klang Valley where there are Chinese, Indians and Malays. They don’t give a damn for the Iban, the Bidayuh, the Kayan, the Kenyah, the Melanau, the Penan, the Orang Ulu, the Orang Asli, the Kadazandusun and all other indigenous tribes of Malaysia. Why should they? They want power to advance their own agenda - to be Government. No more.

We’ve Still A Lot To Go

I will not sing the song of praise calling Malaysian voters as mature nor will I condemn them for being ungrateful. But I will say this: we have got a long way to go.

West Malaysian politicians are lost and confused. As they resort to bickering and politicking, they continuously smear their faces with coal. One is in denial - trying to cling on to power. Another is counting his chickens before they hatch. Two are bickering and complaining. One wants to avoid a Watergate scandal while his counter-part wants to bring the party back to its roots. One is still licking his wounds while facing pressure from another.

But if worse comes to worse, I’d rather Malaysia be just this:

 

Where are the two? Forming their own sovereign nations.

On Gas and Fuel Prices

I’m typing this entry at 9.41 am while tuning into Bernama TV and, later, CNN, BBC and CNBC. The big buzz now, apparently, is the announcement of the petrol price increase made by the Government last Wednesday. I’m personally appalled by this group of people who seem to capitalise from this rise.

Let’s do a reality check, shall we? Before a certain Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance was sacked in 1997, the price of oil was less than US$30 per barrel. Today, it’s passing the US$130 per barrel mark. Heck, there are predictions the price will march onto US$200 per barrel!

 

The Federal Government’s move is not populist one, as we can anticipate. But when global market dictates the prices of commodities traded internationally, there’s little thing that a nation’s government can do. Sure, as a country with it’s own oil and gas reserves, we can ban export of oil. If we’re going to do that, I hope that we could ban the export of oil and gas from the states producing them, i.e. Sarawak, Sabah, Kelantan and Terengganu.

The equilibrium, if you may, is a rather complex one. Certain quarters were insisting that the Government use the profits of PETRONAS, the National Petroleum Company linked to the Government, to subsidise the rising cost of gas. On the surface, it sounds like a sound idea. But throw in the number of employees, the rising cost of oil and gas exploration, the development programmes of this company etc. etc., will the idea be viable? Yes, if you want to see major retrenchment and a possible bankruptcy filed by the national oil and gas company. The then Minister of Finance could not offer the States of Sarawak, Sabah, Terengganu and Kelantan an increament in royalties rightfully entitled to that states then, now he’s promising the world? Good God!

Yes, the rising price of fuel and gas will take its toll on the lower income group. I’ve been saying this over and over again orally, the group to be under the spotlight should be on the poor. Those in the middle income and higher would be able to absorb the costs. But right now, the Government is seeing the backlash in policies which damages the mental of the populace. Namely, the subsidies and protectionist policies and its generics.

Again, the group which promotes demonstrations and offer nothing but criticisms and condemnations disgust me. While they proudly call themselves the Opposition and walk as if they are the next government, they offer nothing new to this country at the Federal Level. What they will do, I anticipate, is that they will initiate populist policies while under the same breath do away with the Barisan Nasional’s policies and intiatives. After that, it wouldn’t surprise me if they introduce similar policies but with a new and different packaging. Take the Internal Security Act, for example. Many members across the floor (pardon my Parliamentary Language… No, these words aren’t employed by the Parliament of Malaysia. I look up to the Parliament of the United Kingdom when it comes to decorum, order, dignity, honour etc.)… Any way, the members across the floor calls for its abolishment. Strangely, none from Pakatan Rakyat talks of repealling Article 149 and 150 which allows the passage of the ISA, nor do they talk of revoking the Proclamation of Emergency. These two components are the roots of the ISA, Sedation Act and all preventive measures laws. It seems that they do not like the leaf which grows but they want the roots.

My economic understanding is guided by the supply-side school. Demand for fuel and gas are increasing but the supplies are deminishing. Meaning, the humankind needs an alternative to gas anf fuel, IMHO, thus the Government needs to encourage, if not compel, for study and R&D going in this direction. We need to increase the supply to meet the demands.

Returning to my Roots

 

Gawai 2008 would be a memorable one for me. Why? Around the season, I managed to throw away the “wall flower” mentality and behaviour during these gatherings. Helping out where I can as ‘co-host’ and relative was fun. More importantly, despite how much I would like to deny it - I’m getting to know more family members closer and getting in touch with my Iban roots. I guess the realisation comes after taking my heritage for granted for all so long.

Miring, or offerings/sacrifices, are usually made and prepared for important functions and celebrations by the Iban community. You can be certain that some sort of miring will be done before the Gawai Dayak, or the Dayak New Year cum Harvest Festival. This ceremony varies in degree of elaboration - the more grand the festivities are organised, the more elaborate and bigger the miring may be. The size of the household or longhouse, too, comes to play. The traditional purpose of the miring is to offer sacrifices and offerings to the Gods and souls of past. Back then, appeasing the various Gods and spirits as well as the departed was necessary to ensure the undertaking flow smoothly. This practice, however, began to loose out on the modern Ibans.

This Gawai, I had the opportunity to learn a bit of the ceremony on two occassions: once in Betong followed by in Kuching. The number and size of offerings differ based on the factors I wrote before engaging in theological debate. When I say size, it means the number of offering per plate. What do I mean by number of offering per plate? It’s indicated by the portion on one plate. The portion comes odd numbers of three, five, seven or nine. Three being the smallest and nine being the greatest. Whether it’s three, five, seven or nine, you need to know what the offerings was intended for and why. The preparations and conditions for each size differ as well. So far, I have tried my hands on the piring 5, or offerings of 5. The number of the offerings, on the other hand, depends on the size of the household or longshouse and the venue. Geographical and historical factors also comes into the picture here. The Dewan Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan, or Stephen Kalong Ningkan Hall, in Betong as an example is located in the Tanah Antu Gerasi or the Giant Spirit’s Land. Thus at least one should be made for this spirit.

Preparing the Miring

On May 16 and 30, in Betong where I witness the preparation and in Kuching where I tried it out myself, there were similarities. The preparation was led by an elder or a manang (Iban Shaman) and participated by some people on a mat. A rooster was nearby. The participants of the ceremony sat around the ‘ingredients’ of the miring. This ‘reciepe of success’ (as I’d call it) are:

 

• Sirih leaves;
• Sliced Pinang beetle nut;
• Kapu or chalk;
• Pengenan or Mexican-hat shaped bun;
• Pulut Mirah or Red rice dumpling;
• Pulut Bura or White rice dumpling;
• Pulut Chelum or Black rice dumpling;
• Pulut Kuning or Yellow rice dupling;
• Asi Tuci or plain rice;
• Beras kuning or yellow uncooked rice;
• Ketupat or rice cooked in coconut leaves;
• Hard-boiled egg;
• Cooking oil;
• Salt;
• Sagun or caramel flour;
• Letup or rice a la popcorn.

On the plate, five slices of pinang preceed all the ingredients. This is followed by five torn sirih leaves with chalk spread over them. Then, tobacco and five rolls of cigerette leaves as I’d like to call it were added before five portions of each pulut were added to the offering. Before five slices of bananas, you add plain  rice and half a ketupat. You continue with five slices of hard boiled egg - with the yellow. An uncle joked, “add the yellow, the spirits aren’t afraid of cholesterol”. One spoonful of salt, sagun and some cooking oil were added before we sprinkled some letup. To top it all off were some yellow uncooked rice. Worth mentioning that the yellow rices and uncooked rice were white before kunyit or turmeric were used to colour them. And voila, c’est receipe de le miring!

Before the ingredients were kept on the plate, the elder waived the rooster over the ingredients seven times before chanting the prayer, or called miaw in Iban. Sounds like a cat’s purr? Thought so initially. After the number of offerings were done, the elder then waved the rooster over the final products again. The ceremony indoors was led by my uncle, as shown in the picture below. In the picture, was taken by yours truly before we prepared the offerings.

 

And there you have it: the miring ceremony of the Sea Dayaks.

Unity Through Diversity

In this month of May, the number one historical event which shaped Malaysian history happened in 13 May 1969. Racial tensions were so high in West Malaysia, among the Malays, Chinese and Indians, that on that day, innocent and pure blood were shed. A Proclamation of Emergency was pronunced, and is still in effect to today. Instead of being governed by the Cabinet held accountable by an elected Parliament, Malaysia was placed under the administration of the National Action Council under the late Tun Abdul Razak. This Council adviced the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong on the promulgation of Emergency Ordinances and other functions thrusted upon the Crown by Articles 149 and 150 of the Federal Constitution. In fact, these two Articles continue to cast their shadow today. Just so you know, the Proclamation of Emergency can only be revoked by either Parliament or the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (see Johnson Tan). It cannot end for lapse of time, the Supreme Court then ruled. As off today, the earlier emergencies were never revoked.

In the wake of Malaysia’s river of blood, the National Action Council sought to identify the causes of the tensions and came up with several solutions. The solutions were, namely, the National Pillars (Rukun Negara) and the New Economic Policy (Dasar Ekonomi Baru/DEB) among others. It seems that in today’s political scenario, the Rukun Negara is the least favourite.

What were the causes of the racial tensions? Should we re-examine history and current affairs, nationally and globally, why do racial tensions happen? First and foremost, the reason which stares in our faces is the high level of ignorance we have towards another group. The next reason is the refusal or ignorance to accept a national identity, what is common to Malaysians in our context. Let’s not forget the class-competition and distribution of wealth.

Some ‘experts’ and groups claim and cry that racial tensions are caused because of the “younger generation’s ingrateful behaviour towards contributions of past leaders and for being carried away by progress”. I’m no expert, but I say that the religious and racial tensions are caused by the people who see evil and corruption everywhere but within. Some Malaysians still have the 1957 mentality - good God, it’s not even the 1963 mentality! - and continue to sow the seeds of hatred among the young. Instead of finding and applying new formula which would ensure continuity of this country, this class of society prefers to hold to the 1957 idea that “we own this land, you ought to be grateful we gave you citizenship”.

As we continue to move forward, Malaysia cannot afford to stand on the shoulders of any one race. In fact, since 1957, no race can claim exclusively that they are the reason Malaysia is where she is now: not the Malays neither the Chinese, not the natives of East Malaysia or the ‘immigrants’. 51 years on for Malaya and 45 years on for Malaysia, we are where we are because of our cooperation. Times have changed, being in the past means walking in the reverse.

As for government initiatives, I urge the Government to take measures which would bring all of us forward, not the “one step forward, two steps back” approach we see today. To the media, be more responsible and ethical in presenting news. Keep your opinions in the “Opinions” section, not the ‘News’ section. Politicians, you adapt to today’s silent majority and behave - otherwise say bye-bye to your seats. As a part of Generation Y, I’m offended by the term Pakatan Tsunami. The changes seen in March 8 wasn’t caused by any parties: it was caused by the new generation who are fed-up and tired of nonsesical and historical rhetorics and tactics.

As I conclude this entry, let us remember that the Rukun Negara was formulate for Malaysians. Not for PAS or Semangat 49 or UMNO or just for one exclusive segment of society. Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan, Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara, Keluhuran Perlembagaan, Kedaulatan Undang-Undang and Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan should be in every Malaysian’s soul and mind - irrespective of age, gender, race, religion and creed.

Whoa~ Need to recharge the Grey Matter

Writing isn’t as easy as it seems to be. For one thing, writing a particular format demands 100% focus if you want it to come out right. Somehow, there are still probabilities that an error or two would prop up. That’s when the time you need to re-energize and reignite that grey matter of yours.

While in Shah Alam, I enjoy watching the fishes at the aquarium at the lake park. The lake park itself is also a nice place to read, study and relax. No wonder so many couples and families go there every now and then. Though that comment is directed to the more ’secluded’ smaller lake. The larger part (which faces the PKNS Complex, SIRIM Bhd and Section 2) is too crowded and ‘open’. Feel exposed there, actually. The greenery and facilities of the smaller lake (behind Wisma Darul Ehsan and Plaza Alam Sentral) provides the serenity a student and a writer needs.

Back in Sarawak, I cannot say the same for beaches. Perhaps because I rarely go to one despite living about 50 metres from one. :-p When in Betong, however, the ideas rushes into my head that if I haven’t got a paper and pen to write it down, it would all be lost. There’s something inspiring in this Saribas heartland which I seem to enjoy. I guess it’s the simplicity of things here which eases the generation of ideas.

If I’m set to be a copywriter for life, I wouldn’t mind staying at either these two locations. The privacy the two towns has to offer are magnificent. As they say in French, c’est magnifique!

Alright, now it’s off to the showers before I work on the Bandar Puteri blog <link> entries for yesterday (still unpublished) and start on the entry for today. Then it’s a bit of speech writing for me. My first project of that nature. I look forward to the challenge.

p.s. Besides the location, writing this entry out helped to slow the pace my brain is working. From serious to relax. Like a car, you do not want to overheat the engine.

When comparing AF to AI

It’s 12.49 am. Can’t sleep. :-p My Grandmom has Astro Ria (Channel 104) on the box. We have the Akademi Fantasia Concert playing - good Gawd, I aint a fan of such tasteless shows. Don’t get me wrong - I do watch reality TV. But sometimes, reality tv is too unreal for me. My favourite have been American Idol, Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader, Weakest Link, America’s Next Top Model and the like. Perhaps some more which I cannot recall.

Looking at what the students were wearing, I could only think, “you would never see THAT on an American Idol contestant”. I do not know what the teachers and designers taught these kids, but it’s terrible.

For one, the students were all over the place on the stage. I can only imagine what Simon and Randy would say. It’s just hideous. Their performance would have been alright, should they know what they were doing. A critic highlighted this, Adlin Aman Ramli, I think was his name. Fortunately someone has some sense to point that out.

The reason, however, why I never bother to watch Akademi Fantasia, One in a Million, Gang Starz and the like is because of the quality of the contestants they seem to take. With due respect, I don’t have a voice which would encapsulate the heavens; though the moment one note comes out of my mouth, Hell seems to freeze in terror and the Heavens start crying. Grateful Homeland Security didn’t try to arrest me for disturbing the peace and crimes against humanity. Back to the quality of the contestants: I’m sure there are people out there - out of the 27 million people in Malaysia - there is at least a handful of individuals who were gifted with angelic voices.

Take for example the heartthrob which many are obsessed with: Mawi. He lacks looks and voice. He an barely speak one sentence of English, yet he caused a mass hysteria among Akademi Fantasia fanatics. Won awards at various levels. I dare bet, the moment Mawi sings before Simon Cowell, not a word of praise would come from the latter.

p.s. Words in italics denotes sarcasm… >_>

p.p.s. Don’t miss the last two weeks of American Idol!!!

Back in Betong

Holiday began for me on the May 4, 2008 with the conclusion of our last Final Exams paper. This time it was Cyber Law. Less than 24 hours later, I had to catch a flight to Miri. Now I am back in Betong, Sarawak <Wiki Link>. ‘Back’ because I spend 3 years of my life here. Studied in SMK Datuk Patinggi Kedit from mid-2000 to early 2002.

I finally got my hands on the papers today: The Borneo Post. Not my usual New Straits Times; when in Sarawak, read what the Sarawakians read, right? Two articles prompted me to finally write an entry.

Sarawak could protect Greece just as well as Greece could protect Sarawak

The first article was about SCORE (which stands for the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy). In conjunction with the sitting of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, SCORE have been raised by the Hon. Members of the Assembly. Needless to say, there’s a lot of coverage on this ‘corridor’. The title of one article is: Czech Republic shows interests to invest in SCORE (p. 4, Borneo Post, May 13, 2008).

I doubt there was any coverage of the event in the mainstream ‘Malaysian media’. Usually that refers to mainstream West Malaysian media. As far as many are concerned, the Borneo Post, Eastern Times, Borneo Bulletin, Utusan Borneo and the BM equivalent are tabloids. Sad, isn’t it.

Anyway, I’m a skeptic when it comes to the 5 corridors. I believe I wrote something about it some time back. The gist to that would be: it took us 10 years to understand the first corridor, last year and early this year we see 5 more. That opinion was from the last edition Financial Times in 2007. Also, the costs incurred are absurd.

But the interests of the Czech Republic, among others, could signal something positive. Hopefully positive enough to convince our skeptics. I pray that this would not be a repeat of 1800s Greece-Sarawak relations.

Urm… I’m seeing a blur in your face. Sarawak had a diplomatic relationship with Greece in 1800s? Lest you forget, despite the citizenship of H.H. Rajah Brooke being British, the country he ruled over was a sovereign one. We had relations with the United States even. It’s at page 101 of Joan Rawlins’ Sarawak 1839 - 1963. The book was published in 1965 by Macmillan & Co Ltd. in London. The text per verbatim:-

James Brooke was still worried because no great nation was prepared to offer its protection to Sarawak. When the British Government showed no interest, he considered other European governments: France, Belgium, even Holland, whose colonial policies he greatly disliked. Miss Burdett Coutts [Baroness Angela Burdett Coutts] suggested Greece, but the Rajah replied that Sarawak could protect Greece just as well as Greece could protect Sarawak.

At page 14 of the same daily, the headline of one article goes S’wak targets 20,000 entrepreneurs by 2010. Dato Sri Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, the Minister of Public Utilities, made the statement in his winding up speech at the Assembly meeting.

Here’s where I now spin the two articles into one fine opinion of mine:

SCORE is a noble idea intended to bring development to the region it covers. I’m certain jobs and opportunities would be created. As the former Secretary of State for Trade and Industry at Politics UK <Politics UK link>, this was a strategy I intended to adopt to tackle the in-game 1980s recession. Creating more and more opportunities by creating and providing infrastructure for prospective and current Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs). Programmes and agencies were created to help achieve the figure by the State Government and I respect that. In fact, I support it. The Government of Sarawak spent RM243 million in the past to years for local entrepreneurs. Sadly, the Government, too, has limited funds. That’s where the Czech Republic, foreign and local investors, come into the picture; they supplement the available resources. Ultimately, whether SCORE can succeed and the 20,000 be met, the efforts, will, preparation and determination of the locals are what makes it so. Do not wait until it is too late. Opportunity stares us in the face, it’s a matter of whether you can identify it or not.

UiTM & the Blogging World

The second article which inspired this entry is at p. 22 of today’s Borneo Post. UiTM willing to offer course on blog writing.

With respect to my varsity, the idea is now obsolete. Sadly, while blogs have been in existence since the mid-90s <Link>, it was only taken seriously after March 8, 2008. Prior to that date, bloggers were considered “unpatriotic gobloks [translation: idiots]” by the Government of Malaysia. The position was expressed by the then Minister of Information, Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin, in Parliament. Just so you know, a stand of a Government Minister is the stand of that Government. It’s called collective responsibility, especially if the Minister has the portfolio over the subject matter.

Blogs and bloggers in Malaysia came into the spotlight as the cause of the loss of the Barisan Nasional in West Malaysia. In light of that, the blogosphere became the “in-thing” among Malaysian politicians. Dato’ Seri Dr. Khir Toyo <blog link>, Leader of the Opposition in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly and former Menteri Besar (chief minister), and his MB predecessor and current Minister of Rural Development, Datuk Muhammad Muhammad Taib <blog link> both have one.

Talk about U-turns. *Cringes* If I were to do that in Politics UK, I could kiss my portfolio and constituency goodbye.

Anyway, the idea for a course on blogs is obsolete because of the available resources online. You do not need to pay hundreds of ringgit for free updated information. There are two books on the market written in Malay for blogs. Refer to my entry on Materials for Writing Career. If those were basic, imagine reality. Here, I do not oppose the move of my university, but I believe that we have other issues to address.

My learned Vice Chancellor, Datuk Seri Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Abu Shah, said that there were some rules and guidelines to be observed. Ethics, primarily. The report ended with Datuk Seri saying:

Isn’t there any other media which can provide a balance to the situation. Do we have to be trapped and allow ourselves to become victims of cyber media without check and balance on ourselves, family and the society.

It’s here I think the cyber colony can be regulated. If the blog is used, then it is also through the blog that we can merge the traditional and new media.

Aldric’s comments: This was quoted verbatim from the report - including the punctuation marks. Good God, there are many errors!

As an undergraduate who took cyber law as a subject at Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia, I must dissent with the opinion. It is nearly impossible to regulate the blogs. My learned Vice Chancellor may have had his reasons not reported. It would be enlightening to see his reasoning. Cyberspace is no where near the real world. You can say that it is a totally new dimension. You can regulate what is in Malaysia, but not what is outside; well, not as easily that is.

A course on blogging is not viable because of the rapid change the blogosphere sees every second. Remember that the Chief Executive of the University talks on ‘writing blogs’. Sadly, there are many forms of blogs besides writing. Blogs can be ‘written’ by publishing artworks, videos and recordings. As technology continue to develop, the evolution continues.

In Memory of May 13

Today in 1969, Malaysia went through the worst racial conflict she has seen since time immemorial. What was in the past should not be forgotten. Instead, it should be made into a lesson. As the trend continues, it is not impossible to see a repeat of history.

In memory of May 13, here’s the Rukun Negara which was drawn up to address the problems we faced. Memorise it, understand it, appreciate it and apply it:

• Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan
• Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara
• Keluhuran Perlembagaan
• Kedaulatan Undang-Undang
• Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan