Malaysia and Turkey

Recently, a politician said that Malaysia should follow Turkey style, a quite developed secular country whose majority of its citizen is Muslim.

Turkey which is the ‘bridge’ from Asia to Europe since long time ago resist the influence of wahabism from Arab and strike to become a succeful secular country. However Turkey is not wholly secular in every governmental aspect, and for example, the government control the mosques and its staff.

Turkey may worth a ‘follow’ in some parts but not in all aspects. It is worthy for me to pick up some points from Andrew Mango’s “The Turks Today” to allow us to understand what really happened in current Turkey and we can have a comparison with Malaysia.

1. Ratio between boys and girls in primary school is quite balance with girls slighly lower than boys, but the gap widen in secondary school. Women labour force in year 2000 is only at 24 percent. – The opposite happened in Malaysia, where girls conquered most local universities.

2. Polygamy banned in Turkey but it does happen in some section of its society. – It is almost the same among non-Muslim in Malaysia. Many Malaysian included politicians have mistress out side, Tun Ling Liong Sik told us about this.

3. The judiciary system is unable to solve much of the cases that most of the ‘prisoners’ in Turkey are not convicts but are being put into prison while in trial process. – Thank God, Malaysia is much better, but there is much for us to accomplish.

4. Jail in Turkey is also unable to accommodate all the prisoners, that government will granting amnesty to prisoners from time to time in order to empty some spaces for new prisoner. - Seldom heard of amnesty in Malaysia, but it do happen from time to time but not in a big scale as in Turkey.

5. Conscript and compulsory military service is applying to Turks. The military is a pressure group in the society. - National service in Malaysia is full of controversy but I think it is still on the right path.

6. Many Turks like to seek job opportunities (never mind with lower wages compare to locals) in neighbour Europe countries who offered a better after service benefit. – Same situation in Johor or maybe Southern part of Pennisular Malaysia, where Malaysians like to work in Singapore.

7. Turkey ordered state owned banks to supply credit to farmers, investors and small traders without consider their ability and willingness to pay back. It is a kind of social consideration and a move to boost the standard of living and economy of certain part of the country.

Malaysia did the same thing actually, SME bank for small and medium enterprise, PTPTN to offer loans to higher learning institutions while Bank Pertanian to farmers. I do not know what happened to the loan offered by SMS Banks and Bank Pertanian, but we do know about PTPTN. As reported, many graduates refuse to pay the loan, after they already use it to pay tuition fees, buying laptop, CDs, DVDs, MP3, MP4 etc.

As developing countries, Malaysia and Turkey share a lot similar thing. We in different extent share the same problems concerning religion, extremist, judiciary reform, corruption (black economy) and impact of globalization. The way we hand some problem, is also similar with Turkey.

Some foreigner might look at Malaysia and Turkey as Islamist, it is true because although Syariah law is not applicable but majority in both country is Muslim, and Islam is playing important part to shape the country.

In political aspect however, I rather use the word conservative but secular.

后殖民时代的政治与种族冲突

当世界殖民强权在世界二战结束后，逐步退出亚洲各国并把政权归还本土政客之时，对外的斗争宣告结束，内在的种族冲突却相续爆发。

后殖民时代的种族冲突虽不能一概归纳为政治因素，但也难免与政治与政客息息相关。殖民者从亚洲诸国撤军后，留下空当的政权，都是各民族领袖所垂涎之物。当代族群领袖都是仗着民族利益为出发点，争取政权为同胞谋福为口号。

此外，当强大的殖民国撤军后，留下的一般上是较弱势的新政府。此势怂恿少数民族争取自治权或是独立权。如果新政府由单一族群主帅，争取自治或独立的浪潮肯定会更强大。新政府考虑到多米诺效应，通常都会拒绝自治的要求，而其要求不得要领的少数民族，最终将使用暴力来争取自治。这是权力共享无法达到平衡点的惨痛代价。

另外在殖民时期，殖民政府是以经济利益为最终依归，即经主政次。殖民者抱持井水不犯河水的原则，他们故此也不会干预偏远少数民族的固有政治及经济体系。相反的，新成立的本土政府希望统一国家政经文教体系以达到一国一政之效。此举直接威胁少数民族的固有体系。当两方互不相让之时，战事肯定避免不了。这是施政者的政策无法达到少数民族共鸣的后果。

印度的后殖民种族冲突为例，就与政治及政权分割不了，也是兴都教及回教徒政客无法对政权共享做出妥协的后果。当回教徒与兴都教徒领袖无法对政权分配达共识，可是又要仓促独立时，两者最后决定分割国土。本以为此策将解决僵持已久的政治瓶颈，不过却带来规模极大的种族大屠杀。

当英政分割印度小大陆为南国印度，北国巴基斯坦时，种族大屠杀随即爆发。当时从北国南下的火车载满血淋淋的兴都教徒尸体，而从南国北上的火车则载满回教徒的尸体。种族的仇杀历史促使两个核武国的诞生，也带来永无休止的战事。

步入冷战时代，美国及苏联更是踏上一脚，使到本是同根生的印巴两国之战再次升温。这也再次印证政权如何影响种族关系，由于种族政党瓜分政权，一国分为两国（过后巴国的种族冲突也致使孟加拉从巴国独立），然后演变成种族大屠杀，再因为世界列强插手而最后演变成国际核武战。

在中国，对外的战争结束后，随部而至的是连年内战。国民及共产两党的战事结束后，汉人与少数民族的战事也接踵而来。当西藏及新疆纷纷争取独立，而被报以强硬的同化政策之时，宗族冲突一发不可收拾。

新疆的清真寺改建成养猪场，西藏的佛寺成为和尚的囚房。日后，政府加强汉化政策，控制少数民族的人口增长率并把大批的汉人引入西藏及新疆，以期达到同化的作用。铁腕政策固然成功按住了少数民族顽抗的手，却无法磨灭他们仇恨的心。为此，中国政府在举行2008年奥运之际面对两个区域少数民族的暴动及示威，为该辉煌的盛事留下历史的瑕疵。

东南亚各国也难逃种族冲突的厄运，泰国及菲律宾皆面对南部回教徒的暴动。泰国早期成功同化华人，但却无法同化南部的回教徒。多种安抚回教徒的措施也无法平息南部回教徒对曼谷的仇恨。还有缅甸的嘉仁族争取自治，印尼的回教徒与基督教徒之间的暴动更是时有所闻。

看来无论是民主的印度，共产制的中国，军制的缅甸，还是皇室具有极大影响力的泰国都无法摆脱种族冲突的危机。其中冲突的原因更是形形色色，难以分解。不过其中必与政治及政权有着密不可分的关系。石在，火种是不会灭的！

13 May 1969

If we want to study history thoroughly, the first thing that we have to do is study all the details thoroughly. This included the prime source (such as documents from archive), secondary source (books and articles written by academician) and the debatable oral source.

It is quite hard for me to look on all the materials in local and England archive concerning about 13 May 1969, but I do have the opportunity to read some books including memoirs and academic readings either from well known historians or the grass root people who experience the tragic event.

I must said that, all academician using different approach to study 13 May 1969, Kua Kia Siong in his well known monograph focusing on what he called “unclassified” documents from England archive while former UKM lecturer, James Ongkili studied 13 May as part of the process in nations building in Malaysia.

Tunku Abdul Rahman who is the Prime Minister at the time described in his memoir how the tragic event changed his life and the politics in Malaysia. Among the first badge writers of 13 May, Leon Comber however in his book on the same event, start with the arrival of Chinese and Indians into Tanah Melayu.

Beside that, the well known ex-Universiti Malaya lecturer, Ramlah Adam in her Biography of Tunku Abdul Rahman also touched on the 13 May tragic and its impact to Tunku.

Indeed, 13 May incident is a racial riot among Malays and Chinese which we can (and should) trace the root cause of it since the arrival of Chinese at Tanah Melayu.

Therefore when we study the issue, we must not over look this factor. Bear in mind that, we cannot make history in one day! The outcome of a major history event is an accumulative of several minor events.

In the first world war, historians agreed that the murdered of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne as the immediate factors of the war, but it is also undeniable that the murder is not the sole factor. Political scientist would analysis the power imbalance in Europe. Sociologist might look at the ethnic rivalries at that continent, while economist will focus on economic imperialism and trade barriers during that time.

Therefore, we must not over look any factors when studying the details of 13 May and I would like to draw some points from some writers on the tragic event. All the points however is relate to the outcome of 1969 elections.

Ongkili

A Kadazan from Sabah, James Ongkili in one of the chapter in his book wrote comprehensively on the opposition party parade after the 1969 election. According to him, when the parade which is made up of Chinese entering Kampung Baru, a Malay settlement in Kuala Lumpur, this causing uneasiness among Malay settlers.

Ongkili said, the parade shouted that the Chinese was the victor in the election while Malays should go back to kampung or get out from Kuala Lumpur. Some Chinese according to Ongkili even so excited that they put down their pants and “parade” the penis to the Malays.

Ongkili at the same time wrote about how Malays response to the parade.

Kua Kia Siong

Kua insist that the tragic event as planned by some extremist of UMNO including the notorious Harun Idris. Uneasy with the parade of opposition party, UMNO who is still a winner in the election hold another parade to celebrate their victory. For Kua, extremist from UMNO is the one to be blame.

He also pointed out that the security force during the emergency lean towards UMNO.

Leon Comber

If you like to read about the “soul stiring” thing during the tragic like how many kill and how they kill, Comber will definitely fail you. When I first glance on the first chapter, it really bored me with things that I seem to know but when I read and read deeper, it changed my mind totally. For me, this is the book that every Malaysian must read.

Likewise Ongkili, Comber never blamed the Chinese or Malays, he neither made is conclusion about the tragic. For him, 13 May is worth a look from the day Chinese landed on Tanah Melayu. How the inter-racial relations go on from time to time and how the major events like Japanese occupation and Malayan Union leaving major impact to the racial relations.

Tunku Abdul Rahman

The first Prime Minister of Malaysia see the tragic as an outcome of Communist Party of Malaya (CPM).


A Simple Conclusion

After reading several accounts of the tragic, the only thing I can conclude is that the immature people (both Malays and Chinese is to be blamed) for the tragic. It is time for us to think in a more mature manner, stop being annoying to others!

Stick not carrot

Hukuman dalam politik

Bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad dalam blog beliau baru-baru ini menyimpulkan pembatalan 'Jambatan Bengkok' antara Malaysia dengan Singapura bagi menggantikan tambak Johor sebagai hukuman kepada penduduk negeri berkenaan.

Penganalisa politik menggunakan terma kayu atau stick ketika merujuk hukuman yang dijalankan manakala gun boat diplomacy digunakan untuk merujuk dasar yang bersifat ancaman kepada penduduk.

Dengan itu, marilah kita menjenguk balik beberapa jenis hukuman yang dilakukan oleh masyarakat antarabangsa untuk memahami beberapa keadaan membabitkan hukuman dan ancaman.

(1) Masyarkat antarabangsa yang diterajui oleh Amerika Syarikat menyekat perdagangan minyak Iraq selepas negara itu tersebut memulakan Perang Teluk pada awal 1990-an.

Implikasinya, walaupun Iraq dikurniakan dengan khazanah minyak yang lumayan tetapi rakyatnya sengsara kemiskinan. Sumber minyak di bumi sendiri langsung tidak boleh dimanfaatkan oleh rakyatnya.

Rakyat Iraq sekadar mampu mencemburu kemajuan yang dinikmati oleh jirannya, Iran, Emeriah Arab Bersatu dan Arab Saudi yang menjadi semakin kaya ekoran khazanah minyak yang lumayan.

(2) Republik Rakyat China pada awal pemerintahannya mengenakan hukuman berbentuk kekerasan terhadap masyarakat Tibet (Wilayah Buddha) dan Xinjiang (Wilayah Islam) yang enggan tunduk kepada pemerintahan Komunis.

Sami-sami ditangkap dan diganasi dan ramai orang Tibet dimandulkan untuk mengawal populasi etnik tersebut manakala etnik Han dibawa masuk ke wilayah-wilayah yang sebelumnya didominasi oleh etnik Tibet.

Di Xinjiang pula, etnik Uighur yang memeluk agama Islam menderita apabila masjid-masjid dirobohkan dan ditukar menjadi ladang badi manakala telaga air di situ dicemarkan dengan tulang babi.

Masing-masing etnik Tibet dan Uighur dinafikan untuk menikmati kekayaan ekonomi di bumi sendiri.

(3) Selepas Perang Dunia Pertama, kuasa-kuasa entente (England, Perancis dan Rusia) yang menewaskan kuasa pakatan Tengah (Jerman, Suatria-Hungary dan Turki Ottaman) menghukum negara yang tewas dengan menyekat kuasa ketenteraan dan ekonomi mereka.

Perjanjian Versailles yang dikatakan kurang adil kepada negara Jerman khasnya menyebabkan negara tersebut tertekan.

Rakyat Jerman turut dinafikan haknya untuk menikmati kekayaan ekonomi di negara sendiri.

Hukuman ke pemimpin politik ke atas rakyat atau sebuah negara justeru merupakan sesuatu yang biasa dan rakyat tidak perlulah terlalu ghairah dengan fenomana tersebut kerana ia akan berterusan selagi negara kita gagal mencapai demokrasi secara sepenuhnya.

Berdasarkan andaian Tun Mahathir bahawa pembatalan jambatan bengkok merupakan sejenis hukuman dan berdasarkan tindakan lepas yang diambil oleh kerajaan, maka rakyat boleh membuat beberapa spekulasi mengenainya.

(1) Jambatan Pulau Pinang kedua yang memakan belanja kira-kira RM4 bilion dan dijangka siap pada 2011 akan dibatalkan sebagai sejenis hukuman kepada penduduknya.

(2) Sebuah jambatan terpanjang di dunia yang menghubungkan Kuching dengan Kuantan akan dibina sebagai hadiah kerajaan atas sokongan rakyat Sabah dan Sarawak kepada Barisan Nasional.

Tak percaya? Mengapa tidak? Kan MALAYSIA BOLEH!

Foreign Immigrants in Sabah

再谈沙巴的非法移民

沙巴到底有多少非法移民？这肯定是当今政客想知道的答案。无可奈何的恐怕就算是首相或是州首长都无法提供正确的答案！有关的数据也不是几个数字那么简单，恐怕是数中有数，叫人永远都数不清。

首先要解答的几个相关问题是：（1）有证件的合法外劳有多少？（2）无证件的“合法”外劳又有多少？（3）不合法的多少？（4）持假证件的有多少？（5）持真证件的又有多少？（6）获分配人民组屋的有多少？（6）进政府学校的多少？不但如此，还要查外劳的祖宗十八代，看看他们是第几代沙巴人，毕竟很多外劳都有报生证书啊！相比一些因交通问题无法报生的内陆土著，外劳可不是更有资格成为沙巴公民吗？

那么到底有多少外劳留在沙巴？副首席部长拜林在国会说目前居住沙巴的三分二人口是恐怕是外劳！斗亚兰国会议员说有外劳在2008年大选投票！卡拉巴干国会议员则说沙巴的人口比列已显示该州不属大马而属菲律宾！大马英文第一大报《星报》评论说亚庇是小马尼拉！

托外劳的福，沙巴可够威水的了! 亚庇中央巴刹隔壁的菲律宾巴刹可是旅游景点。翻开著名的国际旅游导南《Lonely Planet》，这地方可是唯一列入沙巴旅游景点的巴刹！说不定各地以后除了开设Tamu之外也来个菲律宾市集推广旅游业！

托外劳的福，沙巴也够名闻国际的啦！菲律宾的女佣本来在国际市场的知名度就不差，在香港，新加坡，中东甚至欧洲，菲律宾的Mary都深受雇主欢迎并获五星级女佣的美誉。抹地，烹饪，洗衣样样棒，天亮还会说“Good Morning Mom”. 但受全世界欢迎的都是菲国北部的女佣，就只有沙巴钟情菲国南部的Aminah而不是北部的Mary,叫老外称奇不已。

不但如此，沙巴也是不少西马政客垂涎之地，毕竟只有在此州外劳可以投票。以外劳的惊人数目，只要获他们的支持就能保住政治江山了，何必费力去看花园的Longkang和拉票？此州还史无前例的因为外劳投票的缘故使某某重量级人物被法庭宣布选举成绩无效呢！

也托外劳的福，沙巴政客也变得更加团结！本来民统只会蹲马桶而不理会巫统，本来人团党只会自娱而不跟自民党打交道，但是每当国会讨论沙巴外劳问题时。所有的沙巴议员都团结起来互相挺组，借把嘴协助同州议员，他们仗义的精神，常使后辈泪满襟！

沙巴认真是厚道阿！反正本来已有三十多个族群了，多几个族群也不算多。以沙巴那么多元的文化及那么多的族群，传统舞蹈的数量肯定名列前茅！管理舞蹈的沙巴联邦部长说不定还可以来个舞蹈大会，还能上大马纪录大全！沙巴必定争艳不少！Malaysia Boleh! Sabah Lagi Boleh Bah!

natural reservoirs of Nipah virus

Only Solution

Modern farming is the only solution (29/04/08)

When we talking about pig farm, we must never ignore the JE and Nipah epidemic happened in Perak and Negeri Sembilan few years back.

Let us refresh ourselves. What is JE and what is Nipah? In simple word, people infected with JE via insects especially mosquitoes. Nipah virus however is quite different, pigs can spread the virus to human being directly without any vectors.

I went to Lukut recently and visited my friend who is a teacher at Tanah Merah, a small town very near to Bukit Pelanduk. You may not know where is Tanah Merah but I’m sure you heard about Bukit Pelanduk before! This is the place where so many pig farmers (some say even armies) killed because of the Nipah virus.

Bukit Pelanduk once housed wealthy farmers who rear pigs outnumbered the demand for Negeri Sembilan. Once reporter even told me that most of the residents even secondary school student at secondary school there drove luxurious cars, quite different with most kampong boys in other places.

After the epidemic, farmers plant dragon food at Bukit Pelanduk while many migrated to the town.

Like other farms is Malaysia (including Tanjung Sepat), Chinese in Bukit Pelanduk rear pigs the traditional way, which mean they rear pigs around their houses and pigs are all around the kampong.

With an unhygienic method, it is understandable why virus spread easily and this is also the reason why Malays so sensitive to pig. Scientific studies do prove that pig’s dung is very poisonous.

I must say that Tanjung Sepat is really polluted with pigs’ dung, it is easily visible at the sea shore there. Malay dailies not create headline, they are reporting the truth instead.

BUT the truth however is beyond what reported. The residents in Tanjung Sepat must understand that modern farming as proposed by Selangor state government is the only solution for the problems faced by them.

Modern farming promise less area being polluted while centralized waste control will make sure no pigs’ dung dispose to rivers or seaside. Instead the waste will be collected and use for a good purpose, even to generate power.

It is quite impossible to close own all farms in Tanjung Sepat but it is possible to centralize it and using a modern method to reduce or even curb pollution!

For the pig farmers, here is some message for you! Don’t be selfish! Many of you guys are ignoring the interest of Malays and pork eaters (like me). The environment spoiled, same as the health of pork eaters.

But not all pig farmers are bad guy, there is still good farmer just like the one I heard in Sepanggar at Sabah.

The farmers spend a huge sum to develop waste management on pigs’ dung and kill “extra” piggies periodically. When the pig population is controlled then it does help to prevent deceases.

Unlike this responsible farmer, many others want to earn more and never consider control the pigs’ population. They thought this is a waste, at the end there is too much pigs and causing so many sensitive issues, just like the one happened in Melaka recently.

Is killing baby pig to totally a waste? No! piggies is demanded for religious ceremony among Chinese. Go to a prayer meeting among the Taoist, it is not hard for u to see a baby pig posing as a “superman” in front of Guan Yi Go.

Gurkhas

Security Guard

Who is the Security Guard (23/04/08)

During the election campaign last month, DAP came out with an impressive theory : “MCA is the security guard of UMNO, must beat MCA first before defeating his master”.

According to the Secretary General of DAP, Lim Guan Eng, if voters want to hit off UMNO, then first, they must support DAP to kick off MCA, which according to him is the security guard of UMNO.

MCA President, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting the next day response wisely, he admit that MCA is a security guard but not for UMNO but for Malaysian Chinese. According to Ka Ting, MCA will put it best effort to secure the Chinese rights and interest in this country.

After 8 March when People Coalition (or opposition parties before this) able to deny BN with two third majority and won five states administrative power, it is worth a look back to the Security Guard theory originated by Guan Eng.

With the great lost of all major component parties: MCA, MIC and Gerakan, it is not difficult to see that UMNO (who is still a major party, thank to UMNO Sabah great performance) is having trouble by it self.

It is seem that the “Security Guard” theory put forward by Guan Eng is true when the big lost experience by components party is contributing (if not causing) to the unstable of the position of Prime Minister and also President of UMNO.

All major component party that suffered a great lost pointing their fingers toward UMNO and some of its leaders. Not openly but there is many hints on it.

Gerakan advisor, Datuk Seri Lim Keng Yaik a few days after the elections asked Pak Lah to think as deeply as possible on the great lost of BN.

During the close door session of brain storming by MCA, the “content” is a open secret to most Malaysian especially the Chinese, which MCA are pointing fingers towards UMNO on their lost in 25 Parliament seats. Such thing also confirmed by MCA ex Deputy, Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek.

Unable to secure the support of major component parties creating more opportunities for UMNO leaders who is not please with Abdullah several policies.

For this is the first time, Perikatan or BN unable to secure the votes from almost all races (except Sabah and Sarawak aborigines)

During 1969, UMNO although lost Kelantan but still able to secure its support in other states while MCA lost Chinese Votes. During 1990, MCA and Gerakan suffer quite a great lost also, but UMNO again is strong.

In 1999, UMNO facing a set back especially in the East Coast due to Anwar’s factors, but BN however manage to gain victory in Chinese and Indians constituencies while opposition leaders like Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh lost in Penang.

In 2008, BN however lost support among all race, this is a “breakthrough” for it, such thing never happen before 2008.

Due to such condition, it is imaginable when we saw the rising power of several UMNO leaders and not forgetting the Monarch of several state.

For the first time ever, there is conflict between PM and Monarch on the selection of Menteri Besar in two states-Terengganu and Perlis while several grass root UMNO leaders shouted out urge PM to resign.

At the end, the main issue face by UMNO now is the leadership transition scheme. UMNO is clearly weak and unstable. It is even become weaker when there are rumours saying that Rakyat Coalition will take over soon.

But! Is it undeniable that MCA is security guard of UMNO base on current situation? Yes for now! But the theory is still testable.

Bear in mind that UMNO it self is suffering a great lost! It lost Kedah and Perak and unable to conquer Kelantan.

If we want to conclude Guan End’s theory then we must wait until one time when UMNO recovered while MCA, Gerakan and MIC remain weak. Then we will able to see whether UMNO is still strong when MCA, MIC and Gerakan is weak.

Will that day come? Wait and see lah..

YB Ho Yip Kap

People Choice?

MCA Controversy on Ho Yip Kap (23/04/08)

Recently I pay a visit to Cameron Highlands, a small but beautiful town at Pahang, well known for cactus, roses, cabbages and tea plantations.

During the visit, I accidentally met Ho Yip Kap, the controversial state seat representative (ADUN) of Tanah Rata. He was a MCA member and leaders at Tanah Rata but he chosen as ADUN as an independent.

I met him in a coffee house at the township of Tanah Rata, he was sipping coffee while chatting with his friends. I did not went up to greet him, he don’t know me by the way, I’m a Sabahan while he is from Pahang.

However I do know about this guy, beside as the only politician who won the election as independent, Yip Kap was physics teacher of one of my colleague. I’m informed that he is a good teacher, not those who go into the class without teaching but talking nonsense.

I did put my ears on his conversation, nothing much I heard but some thing on MCA, its leaders and the policy and struggle of the party.

Through the “curi dengar” between Yip Kap and his friend I feel that Yip Kap really love his party, love his state and Malaysia. I proud of him and I’m sure that the Cameronian also proud of his victory in previous election.

Cameron Highlands mark a “strange” result in 2008 election, its MP, S.K. Devamany is one of the three MIC candidates that survive in the political tsunami that flooded whole country (especially the west coast of Semenanjung) which saw the defeat of MIC president, . Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu at Sungai Siput.

Many see Devamany victory as a result of his courage to speak in the Parliament, including issue that is not in flavour to the ruling coalition, Barisan Nasional.

Back to Yip Kap, there is now controversial among MCA’s leaders on him. It is understandable, if party President, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting accept Yip Kap membership, then it surely become a bad example to other party members, outsiders will also see it as a organization which is not hold tight to principles. I do not think Malaysian will vote a party like this, do you think so?

But things is not as easy as that, MCA have much thing to consider about Yip Kap especially when the party is still weak and `lack’ of MP and ADUN in several states.

Beside consider whether Yip Kap is a traitor to MCA or not, another thing that raise is whether MCA leaders had put a wrong candidate for the 2008 elections (not just Tanah Rata But other places as well).

Do bear in mind that Yip Kap won with 3,926 votes compare to Chai Kok Lim(BN-MCA), 3.351 votes and Go Mong Nging (DAP), 2,043. He won with the majority of 3,903 which is a relative strong if compare to other seats won by MCA.

For example, in Teruntum which is under Kuantan Parliament, MCA candidtate, Chang Hong Seong only slightly won by 293 majority.

Well the people already cast their vote, victory is belong to Yip Kap. Will MCA accept the people choice? Or will it hang on to the principles?

Chimp

13 and 38

心跳一百的三月八号 (25/3/2008)

二月十三号是小弟农历年假期后的开工日。由于我被编排在下午采访（我还记得是在卫生部采访马华总会长黄家定，当时黄部长接管蔡细历所卸下的卫长职），所以早上还蛮得空的。我十点准时进入办公室，坐在沙发上看报纸，突然隔壁的马新社记者走了进来，告诉我们首相将召开紧急记者会，而且有可能要解散国会以举行大选。

听完后，我的主任及副主任偕同摄影师交待了一下便放下手中的报纸，驱车“飞”往首相署。我暗地里开心，心想我下午有采访的工作，他们应该不会叫跟着我去吧！

虽然如此，我也可够忙了。首先我播电给马华&行动党的一些朋友通知他们解散的消息。过后还把消息传给其他报界，政界的朋友。（可真够八的，没办法啊！不然以后他们有什么消息就不八给我听了）

当我八的得意忘形时，没想到主任竟然播电叫我立刻去首相署支援。没办法啦，唯有赶快过去。进入首相署，不但是人山人海，还有一大堆的照相机，录影机，录音机等等器材。我窜来窜去，找了一个自认有利的位子，拿出笔记本,录音机及原子笔准备记载首相历史性的宣布。

“我谨此宣布，国会即日解散”这个宣布意识着大选的到来，也意识着人民可以做老板了，我们手中的一票将决定国家的未来。

大选期间，我从原本的布特拉再也分公司调回吉隆坡报馆总社。我被分配两个任务，第一就是“监视”马华公会的竞选活动，第二个任务则是采访武吉免登（Bukit Bintang）国会选区的大小事物。对第一个任务，老实说我不是很喜欢，原因很简单，我对马华感觉得有点闷 （马华总部最爱老调重弹，分析家认为这也是该党落败的原因之一）。相反的对第二分工呢，我却雀跃万分。

武吉免登坐落于首都的心脏地带，可谓是朝野政党的兵家必争之地。自一九六九年，该区是行动党的堡垒选区，马华的坟地。在2004年大选，行动党却仅能以三百多票险胜马华。故一般预测，2008年将会出现两党的硬战，武吉免登也成为全国二十大焦点选区之一。

容许我介绍武吉免登两党的候选人，两位候选人是宿敌，1999年第一次交手，两位可说是不打不相识！国阵马华的候选人是拿督李崇孟，是名兽医，因对家禽有研究，故有鸡医生的绰号.

行动党则派出方贵伦先生披甲上征，贵伦是原任国会议员，绰号方生，是行动党全国总财政。他最大的优点是谦虚，深受媒体工作者景仰！

十三天的竞选的详情我不多说，总之就是双方口水多过茶就是了。可是不能不提的是，这次选举，马华党内抽后腿现象特别多。虽然马华财宏势浩，有些地方的竞选活动，还比不上在野党呢！真叫人摸不清头脑。

三月八号的投票我也不多说，反正就是把两张纸条投进箱子就是了。一些有关幽灵选民的传闻我也不多说，毕竟这些传闻局限于少数选区，加上没证据，更怕幽灵事故吓坏小读者。（说多了也怕主编把我的稿拿来投篮）

我比较想多说三月八号晚上的情形，那是我毕生难忘的经历，我非常庆幸我当时能够在最前线报道，最先知道成绩，更庆幸能亲眼目睹这历史性的选举！

投票5时正结束后。我大概是五点半手里拿着一瓶水和一个汉堡步入武吉免登计票中心。随我而至的是星报的摄影师，我们两个最早到，身份经检查后，我们就进入计票中心守候（选票其实在投票中心计算，但在计票中心总结）。七点前，本地各大媒体包括电台，电视台均到齐。由于是热门选区，故也有海外媒体到场驻守。

不到六点，谣言已经开始满天飞！第一个非官方消息是马华候选人已在武吉免登告捷，此时本地媒体特别是中文媒体的记者都垂头丧气；证明了一个说法，新闻工作者（特别是华人）的选票都倾向反对党。

这是真的，因为六点半左右，当我们收到消息说行动党以一万八千票领先时，记者们包括我自己都非常的高兴！

大概七点，全国的同行都透过手机发送可靠的消息。国大党三美败了，民政党许子根与部长职擦肩而过，马华周美分也吃了败仗，就连人民进步党的卡维斯也输掉了江山。印裔同胞真的反了，华人票也翻天了，就连马来人也不投国阵了。

自独立以来，可说是第一次看见华人愿意投月亮，马来人回去投火箭！更难得的是，印度人不投三美了！我的一位华裔朋友还去帮月亮拉票，说什么：“坐火箭上月亮!”
在野党（行动党，回教党，公正党）连连告喜，执政党国阵却连连吃败仗。当时现场的记者是雀跃的，可能是为这历史性的改变而感到欣喜吧！

但接近八点多或九点多时，更多的消息（非正式）出炉时，大家开始冷了，开始怕了。除了吉兰丹，其他州如雪兰而，吉打，槟城甚至霹雳据说都将沦陷（过后证实真的沦陷）。民政党及国大党几乎全军覆没，马华巫统也连吃败仗！除了柔佛，彭亨及玻璃士稍微幸免外，整个西马半岛都是反风大吹！没了东马两州，国阵可就残了。（其实若非有三角战，预测有更多火箭在沙巴升天，甚至蓝眼也可能突围）

眼见国家变天了，大家的心里都有同一个问题：我们的国家会乱吗？
这是一个实际的问题。同事告知某选区的公正当党员开始狂欢，某某球场已有大集会，某某国际大酒店也向客户发出不出门的警告。我播电给一位警察朋友，他说警方为以防万一已经开始发送镇暴队！（我们庆幸暴动始终没发生）

这次大选，多名高官显要，一夜变成平民！也有不少平民，包括邮差在反对党的旗帜下也在一夜间变成YB. 他们很多本来只是Yang Berani(YB)，自以为会成为炮灰，岂止在反风的助威下，他们真得成了Yang Berhormat (YB). 据说某某YB因长期在外国竟然不会讲国语，我怀疑他如何在国会为民请命？

看着张张新YB的脸孔，我希望他们真得能够为我们建立一个更好的马来西亚。
若不能，不用紧，五年后再把你拉下来！（一般预测来届大选将更快举行）。

Good Old Days

忆古人 (20/10/07)

步进马大法律学院，有两座建筑物乃必到之地。敦Suffian视听中心及苏丹啊兰兹大厦乃该学院之代表作。雄伟的建构象征着两位前辈对吾国司法机关的贡献。

Tun Mohamed Suffian Hashim 1917年生于霹雳皇城，江沙。也是马大毕业生的他于1974年直至1982年担任我国首席大法官。

其任期内，我国司法界备受国际社会敬重。立法分明，充分表现出司法的独立性。如今本地海外的资深律师莫不对其大名肃然起敬!其中林碧颜律师提起他时，也莫不回忆当年我国司法机关的辉煌时代。

Tun Mohamed Suffian于1975年获颁菲律宾Magsasay大奖，该奖荣誉相等于亚洲的诺贝尔奖，一时成为本区域佳话!

Tun Mohamed Suffian于2000年8月与世长辞，葬于霹雳皇家墓园!

苏丹啊兰兹为首席大法官的继承者。虽出自皇族，但办事谨慎，为我国司法界，鞠躬尽瘁。他继承Tun Mohamed Suffian的严谨态度，我国司法再获国际社会的尊敬!

苏丹啊兰兹却于1984年继承霹雳苏丹皇位，虽然置身于法外，但透过其著作，继续贡献法律界! 为吾国吾民所爱戴。

反观，我们现任的首席大法官却因种种丑事闻名天下，人民对司法似乎也失去了信心。不但不受吾国吾民所爱，反而被指为误国殃民。

各种司法丑闻，更迫使律师走上街头。不知情的游客还以为只有缅甸会有和尚示威，没想到马来西亚竟然有律师示威。

种种耐人寻味的审讯，叠叠待审的案件，真叫人恼怒司法。 此时此刻，也不禁叫人回忆起当年的辉煌，当年的 “古人”!

About DAP

黄星 VS 火箭 (18/10/2007)

有人说我国的反对党像一群狗，爱向当官者吠来吠去。此理说得通，许多的选民也同意。所以每当民生差，治安坏，经济不景时，选民宁可放多几只狗入国会吠也不愿看见太多猪在国会睡大觉。

也有人说反对党是只顽皮的大花猫，爪子特别锋利，至爱搞破坏，是也要爪，不是更要爪。有时更因为乱爪，最终爪伤了选民的玻璃心，得不偿失，后悔莫及。但花猫对症下爪的时候，此时也是最痛快人心的一刻了。看见贪官污吏窜头而逃，莫不大快选民心 !

更有人说反对党是只展翅的老鹰，眼明心亮，捉着猎物就拼了老命死也不放
。管他是非成败，把猎物撕吞为快，更顾不了前因后果了。

反对党以敢怒敢言名天下，执政党则以功绩取胜。号称华人政党的马华更以协助迁校闻名，时不时还要向媒体发布成绩单。可是反对党就爱吠。明明自己迁校无功，却还要对别人的功绩指指点点，鸡蛋里挑骨头，真是岂有此理。

人家马华高高兴兴公布建校迁校，行动党却硬要提白小重开事件。岂不知道马华早已吩咐所有当家者闭嘴，避重就轻。人家不想讲，你就偏要提，这也太不把国阵老二放在眼里了吧。

难道那个连拿督衔头都没的火箭总秘书长不懂马华已经尽力了吗? 难道他还要马华尽力再尽力吗? 就万劳新村搬迁问题，邓诗汉不是说过已尽了力?为什么你们还要逼迫陈广才出头再尽力呢?

马华已经尽力了，尽力再尽力只会消耗该党的精力。岂不知马华贵人事忙吗？一头搞演出，另一头又要找阿聋谈判，忙得不可开交。正如邓章钦就宦官政治所言的 " 饶人处，且饶人" 。看在马华已经尽力了，你们就别再向马华泼冷水了 ! 让马华继续为华人尽力嘛!

难道林冠英没见到马华总会长的头发渐白吗，难道真的要他像砂州首长般满头白发还是像友党会长搬戴假发，才甘心吗? 难道你们不知道马华太多不听话的党员已把总会长高得头昏脑胀吗？

行动党，小弟劝你还是自家扫门前雪吧! 冠英兄，你和章钦兄 面左左 要到什么时候? 章钦兄，你又几时才能做到 饶人处，且饶人 呢? 隔岸观火，小心火势蔓延到自家门喔 ! 老兄，火箭烧焦了，如何升空？

Keris and Lion Dance

马华须安抚选民的不安 (18/10/2007)

全国大选渐近，若未见其影，亦能闻其蹄。朝野政党已敲锣打鼓陆续启动竞选机制，在野党更是抓准机会频密“扇风”，希望来届大选大吹反风，以便国州议会来个大风吹。
其中华裔选民最关注的莫过于炒得闹腾腾的回教国言论。识趣的行动党凭着在马哈迪时代的反回教国经验，再次旋起捍卫自由民主的旗帜，把枪头对准马华猛射，希望能够借此把更多火箭射上空。

无疑，自独立以来，宗教自由乃国人关注的课题。从早前教育延伸到到当今经济及政治的回教化，莫不让全体非回教徒国民担忧。

如果之前华裔以观战者的身份看待两个马来政党即巫统及回教党之间的权力斗争。进入八十年代后，两党在马来选民当中升温的激战不但深深吸引这群观战者，甚至其战情也亦蔓延至殃及池鱼。

巫统在八十年代有见回教分子实力逐渐蓬勃，前任首相，马哈迪为保住该党江山，不惜招揽活跃于回教青年运动的前马大学生领袖即前副首相，安华进入该党以抗衡回教党的实力。回教党亦不落人后的招揽回教青年运动的多名领袖，其中既包括该党前主席，发兹诺。

巫统及回教党的权利斗争，把我国的回教化的进展推到高潮。其中为了鼓励更多巫裔族群摒弃受反对党思想入侵的非政府宗教学校，政府已在七十年代把回教教育课程列为回教徒在国民中小学的必修课。

除了中小学教育，政府也建立国际回教大学，巩固我国在本地及国外的回教形象。
国营电视台更受促播放更多具回教意识的节目。在1987年，政府更规定新闻男主播逢周五必须头戴宋谷并以阿拉伯问候语作为播报新闻的开始。

此外，政府更设立相关的回教机制，其中不乏回教经济及金融机构，回教银行为最显著的例子。
外交政策方面，从首三任首相的偏向欧美的政策，到了马哈迪时代已有所改变。马哈迪善用外交手法凸显本国为国际回教徒的保护者，相信成功为巫统博取不少回教徒选票。

司法上，既然回教党鼓吹回教法，马哈迪也不落人后的在1988年宣布回教法庭及民事法庭在事发界享有平等的地位。

为更凸显回教形象，马哈迪，副首相，那吉及首相，阿都拉前后都异口同声宣称我国为回教国。首席大法官更发表言论要把不适合的英法由回教法取代之。同时，马来前锋报同时更报导有关摒弃华文为私人界应征的条例。

种种的言论，促使华人再也不能以观战的身份看待此事。这些言论也促使华人的不安，并对我国的回教化感到焦虑。回教化再不是只涉及友族同胞的事宜，反而与华族息息相关。

马华的名言“内部商讨”再也不是一个满意的答案。马青举宪法，反对举短剑之举
亦不能再转移华人对回教国言论的惊恐。马华对此事的沉默只会相对的让人民对其失去信心。

马来短剑乃我国友族的象征，他们佩戴短剑，我不觉得受威胁。我国独立功臣兼前副首相，敦以实马利曾经也配带短剑进入联合国会议厅，他的举动也不见得使当时的国际代表受到威胁，否着说不定已经有国家向我国宣战了。

我倒认为，华人的舞龙，外表看起来威猛无比，凶凶的脸孔，仿佛随时会喷火似的，倒把不识货的友族小孩吓得一把鼻涕，一把眼泪！

我担心的不是举不举剑。每每想到一个奉行自由民主的国家一夜之间变成回教国，这才真正的令人不安及焦虑。