Obama stepped through a door opened 145 years ago when Abraham Lincoln, a fellow Illinois politician, issued the Emancipation Proclamation that freed African-Americans from enslavement in the rebellious South in the midst of a wrenching civil war.
The powerful orator lays claim to the White House on Jan 20, only 43 years after the country enacted a law that banned the disenfranchisement of blacks in many Southern states where poll taxes and literacy tests were common at the time. – Malaysianinsider
The quote in Malaysianinsider from vanquished McCain, in reference to Obama’s historical win, got me thinking about how, in the matter of some months, this country of ours may be cursed with a leader whose appointment appointment to the highest political office we, the people, have had no say in. This cannot be right.
“The American people have spoken, and spoken clearly”
I leave you with two quotations by Obama from the days when he was still trying to achieve the seemingly impossible, in the hope that we may draw inspiration from the same in the days to come.
‘Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek’.
‘It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to where we are today, but we have just begun. Today we begin in earnest the work of making sure that the world we leave our children is just a little bit better than the one we inhabit today’.
expletive deleted
November 5, 2008
Thank you America.
Congratulations President Obama.
The world heaves a collective sigh of relief that help is on the way.
Blogreader
November 5, 2008
Initially, i had my reservation in posting this comment. However, i just find myself “have to”!
Haris, this title of your blog is just sooooooo much better, just and wiser than our Rocky’s. Dont get the wrong understanding here, people, i have no intention to draw a gap between Haris and Rocky. It is just an observation i’d like to share with you:
Haris: 44th US President : The son of a black Kenyan father and white mother from Kansas
Rocky: The first black President of the USA
The worse part is Rocky proceeded on to question his own intelligence, maybe while doing so, he was thinking how intelligent and neutral he is. Quote, “Btw, Obama is mixed, actually: dad’s a black from Kenya, mom a white from Kansas. So why is he the first BLACK president of the USA?”
You titled your post “..BLACK President…” and asked why?? Such a dumb ass you are Rocky! Stop slapping yourself the way those BN corrupts do!
Get back yourself while you still can, while you still have your true friends!
yh
November 5, 2008
the r.a.h.m.a.n. prophesy has to be fulfilled. key is for how long? and inside me I have the strong feeling, a new dawn will emerge after this.
Mr Smith
November 5, 2008
“..this country of ours may be cursed with a leader..”
Haris,
We will be cursed, not ‘may’.
A country led by a man so utterly tainted will not receive God’s blessings.
Yes, we did not chose him so he will be a PM of UMNO, not Malaysia.
Mr Smith,
I said ‘may’ because ,the infernal optimist that I am, as long as the appointment has not happened, I leave open the possibility that it will not. Who can say?
I have no doubts that we will be cursed if that appointment comes to pass.
p-loon
November 5, 2008
Let’s take the cue from them and begin by voting in–or otherwise–a non-UMNO prime minister.
clearwater
November 5, 2008
Change is coming to America. Alas poor Malaysia is still waiting for change nearly 8 months after her own historic elections. Whatever happened, or more correctly, did not happen? Still the same old ketuanan rhetoric and hypocrisy.
Lyn
November 5, 2008
Let us live with HOPE. In all the present adversities, let us also say……YES, WE CAN…..
SH Tan
November 5, 2008
Anak-anak Bangsa Malaysia:
Yes, we can!
LKO
November 5, 2008
I don’t think Obama’s ancestors were slaves. His father was from Kenya. He’s situation is closer the the “pendatang” claims that we hear in Malaysia.
I hear your pain too. I just hope our country will be able to overcome our short-sightedness. Some day soon, I hope. Some day, were we will have leaders that lead the country and not just UMNO and gang.
yellowwoman
November 5, 2008
Dear Haris,
I was teary-eyed when I heard McCain’s speech. I think it is his most sincere speech ever and in my heart, I couldn’t help but add this for him: “If I wasn’t running for the Presidency myself, I would have voted for Barrack Obama.”
I believe he was really sincere in thinking that Obama is the best man to lead America in the next 4 years.
Obama’s victory speech stirred me even more. His victory is not just about, even though it surely is about, a black man’s triumph to be America’s president. To me it is about reclaiming what America was so great once – true democracy, equal opportunity for everyone, a quest for excellence, believing in one’s “can-do ness”, etc. It is about choosing the best man to do the job of leading America. It so happens he is black. (or rather half black, half white, and may I add, very handsome and intelligent.)
If Obama can be America’s first black president, think of what can happen in Malaysia, if we rise above racial politics. And if we truly believe and accept that it is for the betterment of every Malaysian, if the best person is chosen for each job.
Let’s start with the Prime Minister’s job. So what if he is Kadazan? So what if she is Punjabi? Or Murut, Chinese, Indian? Or Malay? If he or she is the best person to lead our beloved country, that’s my Prime Minister.
Imagine then, our PM and a whole cabinet of intelligent and passionate individuals who champion a culture of excellence in which every job is given to the BESTEST person. The best man or woman to plan and run the transportation system. The best man or woman to implement education policies. The best man or woman to run our hospitals. What a great country Malaysia will be!
Yes, Bapak Anak-anak Bangsa Malaysia, pls don’t forget that you said you will seriously think about how you, Zaid, and all the good men and women of the Pakatan leaders can do for Malayia.
We can. Yes we can!!
yellowwoman,
Working on it. Scout’s honour!
sinnersaint
November 5, 2008
The Audacity of Hope – is ALIVE!
It transcends race, religion, colour, thats the testimony of this American election.
We should not view it otherwise, cause that will only point to our own bigotry. India paved the way many years ago when the people had voted a Muslim as a President and a Sikh as their Prime Minister… not forgetting a Roman Catholic who heads Congress….. its now Americas turn to showcase true democracy minus bigotry.
I do believe, Malaysian will rise to the occassion, sooner than the pundits would have it. Remember its the will of the people that wanted and turned it around -especially the younger generation -they determine the future of any nation.
So, to all Malaysian, we can become a powerful beacon too, once we all throw out the Bushes and the Ku Klux Klan mentality within our society and politics.
THERE’S HOPE – SHALOM
Shower
November 5, 2008
Obama is mixed, actually: dad’s a black from Kenya, mom a white from Kansas. So why is he the first BLACK president of the USA? BY Rockky.
Then how to call you ?
Sam Sambal
November 5, 2008
Mahathir Muhammad –> father Indian, mother Malay –> So why isn’t he recognised as Malaysia’s first Indian prime minister?
Malaysianfirst
November 5, 2008
To Shower,
So what you are saying is he is not all black so to say he is the first Black President is not entirely correct.
Then AAB is also not the first pure Malay PM since I understand he has Chinese blood. Hmmm..does that mean we were already having a first Chinese Malaysian PM all the while. Hey that means we already had an Indian Msian PM all the while.
The mind boggles!
Hazel
November 5, 2008
“Change has come to America” these were words Obama said, so when will we see ” Change has come to Malaysia”?? Eh….RPK said before Christmas, we shall see….god bless Malaysia!!!!
farida
November 5, 2008
Mr Smith,
You said “We will be cursed, not ‘may’.” and Haris chose to be the optimist.
A very wise woman said this and I hold on to it dearly:
“We will have what we say.”
And so I have not stopped saying this country is blessed and will be blessed.
I have not stopped saying that Malaysia will get a government that is accountable, just and honourable.
And I say, “God bless you, Mr Smith.”
Magga
November 5, 2008
This will never ever happen in Malaysia. NEVER
CWI
November 5, 2008
The US Presidential election campaign has opened a new chapter for US imperialism. The overwhelming opposition to the policies of the Bush regime and the onset of a deep and serious recession has seen a mass demand for ‘change’. Massive enthusiasm and high expectations have been aroused, especially among young people and Afro-Americans in the Democratic candidate, Barak Obama. The enthusiasm and hopes of what his presidency will mean goes beyond the USA. In poll after poll in Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa, Obama is by far the favoured candidate. While the outcome of the election to the Congress and scale of the Democrat majority, especially in the House of Representatives, will be important factors in determining what Obama actually does in some spheres of US intervention, one thing is clear: Obama is coming to power in an entirely different world situation than when Bush and the neo-cons took power in 2000. The question of US foreign policy in the post-Bush era is being posed sharply.
THE ‘US EMPIRE’ AFTER BUSH—> http://asocialistmalaysia.blogspot.com/2008/10/world-relation-us-empire-after-bush.html
matkilat
November 5, 2008
Actually, little known fact.
Obama is in support of race-based Affirmative Action – somewhat similar to UMNO’s “Ketuanan Melayu” policies.
Should we be proud of that fact too?
matkilat,
Substantiate
John
November 5, 2008
We still have a long road ahead of us. Just look at the picture in the Star today of those people marching in protest over some road signs in Penang!! But we still have hope with people like you, RPK, Zaid Ibrahim and the like. Thanks for your sense of justice and above all love for all Malaysians.
emannual
November 5, 2008
Haris..Thanks for all your effort to bring about anak Malaysia..good that all good people will embrace this.
I am sure i will the first to follow you.
Cheers..Malaysian frist at all times.
Bentoh
November 5, 2008
I’m not that much fancied about his win… I just hope he walks his talks… but nonetheless… it’s extremely remarkable to have blacks american president soon
Am neither fancying Hillary Clinton or Sarah Palin… but it seems sexism is greater issue in the US than the racism… for this presidential election…
In Malaysia, both exist, and not going anywhere…
Gan
November 5, 2008
Did you hear McCain’s speech?
See how he states up front that he acknowledge Obama’s win, and, together that have got to work together towards the greater good of the country.
Whereas, here … different ball game altogether at the expense of the country and the people.
Can we ever emulate US’s style of politics?
Weapon X
November 5, 2008
50 years ago, blacks in America were segregated because of colour, and today a black man is their President Elect..51 years after Merdeka and the Malays can’t accept a Chinese as the head of PKNS. Just goes to show that the 3rd world mentality is very much alive in Malaysia..I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Islam and Ketuanan Melayu will screw up Malaysia’s potential to be a great nation…..
Peter
November 5, 2008
Haris,
I plea for you to start a petition to all the Members of Parliament that we Anak-anak Bangsa Malaysia have no confidence in Najib as the next Prime Minister of Malaysia and that we their constituencies ask of our MPs to pass a vote of no confidence in Najib. I would do it if I have the followers but I have few you have many. Will you do it?
Peter,
Be patient. Coming soon
matkilat
November 5, 2008
Haris:
“matkilat,
Substantiate”
When he was senator for Illinois, he called traditional US affirmative action “absolutely necessary”.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/03/us/politics/03affirmative.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print&oref=slogin
Mr. Obama, a Democrat, has continued to support race-based affirmative action, calling it “absolutely necessary” when he was a state senator in Illinois and criticizing the Supreme Court for curtailing it in his time in the United States Senate.
hope for all
November 5, 2008
At least McCain still won in Arkansas and Bush in Texas….our Bodohwi lost Penang.
kwmark
November 5, 2008
Congratulation,Mr President Obama!!!
Too bad Malaysia,my beloved country still sleeping and playing with the racial card…What a shame…
Saya Anak Malaysia
nstman
November 5, 2008
A black can become president of the US, but a non-Malay cannot even head PKNS. What a joke.
Gan
November 5, 2008
Haris,
I think many of us are terrified of Najib holding the PM position.
Whilst many of the official bodies has cleared him of any blemishes clearing him for the position, I think he has still to pass this test in the eyes of the rakyats.
I dread the day when Najib takes over the rein !!
su
November 5, 2008
What strikes me the most, is that when Obama won, he extended his praise to his opponent, John McCain, saying that they are better off for what he had sacrificed and contributed to America. That Obama would work together with McCain in leading America, to bring new change to America.
He did not run his opponent down. He did not call McCain a traitor of his country. He did not put himself up on a pedestal and say that he is the better man because he won over McCain.
And having the Parliament session running live on my computer now, sometimes I wonder if our politicians will ever rise above pettiness and immaturity, and see us for who and what we are; that we are all looking for a better Malaysia.
SNarayanan
November 5, 2008
Malaysians can definitely learn from what has happened in US. US has something to be proud off as they have shown the world how to go beyond RACE as a criteria in their selection. The best man for the job. Why did the Republicans lose the elections: because of arrogance. Almost all major nations worldwide would agree on this. Why did Barison lose the 5 major states: because of arrogance. We Malaysians know this. If the Barison continues to stay in power we can forget about anything improving as everyone of them is enriching themselves at our expenses.
AuntyG
November 5, 2008
Haris,
I am most inspired by Obama’s quote.. “we are the change that we seek” .. unquote.
America succeeded in voting in somebody who is better than Bush. Thailand succeeded in ousting the powerful Thaksin. Malaysia is also experiencing the winds of change blowing.
Nothing is impossible, so I will say, keep on praying and “working on it”
Asliman
November 5, 2008
Haris,
Let’s hartal and ban all racists parties.
This we must do for the sake of our children and our future generation.
At least then, our children can proudly claim this beloved country as home.
Right now, I am not feeling any pride at all.
Neoh
November 5, 2008
I believe that in the West, anyone who is not white is classed as black, politically.
Eg, in my trade union in the UK, we have a Black Members’ section where anyone who is not white is eligible to be a member.
Hence, it is correct (politically at least) to call Obama black. To label him anymore correctly would be pedantic.
What about Anak Bangsa Malaysia?
“The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term, but we have never been more hopeful that we will get there. We as a people will get there.”
Yes, we can.
walski69
November 5, 2008
I posted a video of Obama’s victory speech in my own posting (http://asylum60.blogspot.com/2008/11/obama-yes-we-can.html), if anyone’s interested.
I also asked this question:
“But can Malaysians at large ever see someone for his or her own merit, rather than what race the person belongs to?”
My personal belief, echoed by Barrack Obama many times over in his speech: Yes, We Can…
remie
November 5, 2008
I read Rocky first. Huh?
Do I assume he can vouch for his own family line to be pure Malay, who came from IndoChina through Thailand and settled in Peninsula? Or is his line that sailed the seas from Majapahit or Sri Vijaya? Well, Rocky?
So, Dr. M is Indian-Malay or Malay-Indian, ABB is Malay-Chinese, Syed Albar is ??-Malay, Tunku Abdul Rahman is Malay-Thai?
When is this going to stop? How far down the line are we going to go?
Edi神
November 5, 2008
0bama memang…
Saribu mongolian pun boleh menag!
Mongolian as Msia PM! That’s for a change!
tengok najib & razak apamacam?
Peter
November 5, 2008
“Peter, Be patient. Coming soon”
Cannot wait. How about a petition that we anak-anak bangsa Malaysia have no confidence in Najib as Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia.
mei1
November 5, 2008
What an inspiring speech there by Barack Obama! He said that:
“The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America – I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you – we as a people will get there.”
“And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.”
Don’t you think the excerpts above are rather appropriate to our political predicament, yes it’s still a pretty long journey to get to our aspirations and dreams, but eventually we’ll get there. We’ve seen some minor changes since 8 March, can we expect for greater will of change from the masses, keep the faith of CHANGE & be part of the change that we want to be?
Can we have the powers that be here cease the lip service & start listening to the people’s voice, exercising the true spirit that enshrines in the original Constitution & work together with the people to build a better nation?
storm62
November 5, 2008
can we, anak bangsa malaysia show UMNO the way out?
yes, we ALL can.
alice
November 5, 2008
God works in mysterious ways.
gobloking
November 5, 2008
I sincerely hope that our future 1st Lady will take SOME lessons from Michelle Obama, who won me over with her humility.
They say one can judge a person by the partner they take. If there is some truth in that …oh LORD. BLESS MY COUNTRY & KEEP HER SAFE!!
kainpelekat
November 5, 2008
To matkilat
Obama advocate a helping hand for the minority and the weaker but not unending affirmative actions that is badly implemented and abused. If you do not read him out of context, he places self-help first. Today, Obama stands proud of his achievement; the validity of his victory unquestionable.
On another note, it seems to me a Malay from an ordinary family will have a better chance of becoming the President of USA than being PM of Malaysia. This is because our leaders are not there by virtue of merit but are placed there for their colour, connections, and corruptions.
kainpelekat
November 5, 2008
I have stopped dropping by Rockybru’s blog altogether. He is not worth my time. To me, he is a man of scarsity. He constucts glass ceiling instead of helping society to break through for greater things. A total waste of his talent.
Negarakita.com
November 5, 2008
When the human talking about human-alien relationship, may be is the time malaysians talk about chinese pm.
Kunta Kinte
November 5, 2008
Yes, the people have spoken in America. They have made their choice of their leader. Elsewhere in Malaysia, UMNO has chosen a leader for us. They have spoken on our behalf.
KYLim
November 5, 2008
The whole world needs change.
USA has taken the lead for change. Let us pray for a better Malaysia, and vote Zaid as Prime Minister.
Haris for DPM?
Jarod
November 5, 2008
Yes , we can!
Malaysia can! Malaysian, we can make a change too. Is time to change the mindset of our people and prepare for the next election. Nothing is too early nor late.
The younger generation, be aware! For Obama is also the youngest President! So, young is not a problem! Hope is in the air!
koolgeek
November 5, 2008
First thing that comes to Rocky’s mind is how purely Black is Obama. Speaks a lot about racism among Malaysia.
He should then also question how “Malay” is Mahathir.
Parli-Man
November 5, 2008
Dear Haris,
It was a historic day of gigantic proportions. Obama’s election is beyond a doubt one of the most significant positive global event to have taken place the past few centuries.
We Malaysian’s should ask ourselves could we, would we and answer defiantly, we could and we would !
koolgeek
November 6, 2008
Malaysian delivered the votes to a coalition fully knowing Badawi was helming it. It was just March 2008.
Barely a year later, UMNO change-out Badawi and put a Najib and the people have to put up with this because UMNO said so.
What democracy is this? The head of state of this nation can be changed at whims and fancy of the few political warlords that makes up UMNO’s supreme council (and of course, Mahathir).
I don’t think Malaysian voted for a Najib as PM in March.
Joshua
November 6, 2008
Obama is the voice of the people.
http://takenotetakeheart.blogspot.com/2008/11/change-has-come-and-conquered.html
Paul Warren
November 6, 2008
As for Najib actually becoming our 6th Prime Minister, the members of UMNO may have paved the way already.
But does he still not need to show to the Agong that he has the confidence of the majority in the Dewan Rakyat before the Agong appoints him Prime Minister?
As for UMNO members ensuring Najib becomes the President of UMNO is almost akin to the 40 thieves of Ali Baba and the 40 thieves realising at the last moment that they’d be better off selecting Ali Baba their chief!
This is why, knowing all the allegatios stacked against Najib, UMNO members can still almost unanimously have endorsed Najib.
But it is still not over yet.
Now it is left to all the decent men and women, if there are any, in the Dewan Rakyat, to stand up and be counted for all time that they had the rectitude to display for all to see their show of no confidence in Najib becoming the 6th Prime Minister.
Without the confidence of the majority in the house to show to the King, Najib’s appointment to the premiership can still be frustrated.
Maybe it is for us, the rakyat , to impose ourselves on our own MP’s to do the right thing. The UMNO members who had been given the task to ensure Najib fails to become the next Prime Minister have failed us as they have chosen to be like the 40 thieves and would rather Najib, oops…Ali Baba… lead them and consequently us.
koolgeek
November 6, 2008
UMNO should name who they want to put up for the PM job BEFORE election, not AFTER.
We should make this LAW.
koolgeek
November 6, 2008
If Najib was the candidate put forth by UMNO for the PM job in March, I don’t think they will only lose the 2/3rd majority.
storm62
November 6, 2008
Syabas Obama, Syabas USA.
The difference between the politicians in US and Malaysia is that the Malaysian BN MPs are sore losers. Why BN MPs are sore losers? read on.
In the New 5 Pakatan Rakyat’s states since 08 March 2008, i noticed that the BN MPs do not cooperate with the PR MPs to help the State’s Rakyat but instead creating troubles and protest whenever PR makes a decision or improves some policies.
The recent issue about the road signs in Penang for that matter, groups from other BN states when all the way to Penang’s street to protest, why can’t they just take care of their own back yard? are they paid to protest in other peoples state? who bares the cost for them? free travelling, free hotels, free makans and so on.
Did PR’s MPs stick their nose into BN controlled states and create a big huha for them?
Wake up BN MPs in Pakatan states, if you can work together to improve the way of life for the Rakyat then move out to BN controlled states and enjoy yourself there since it’s so comfortable for you there.
Bloody sore losers. I wonder if these BN MPees really loves their Country?
Come next GE, i hope those who votes for BN could wake up from their cowardly acts and not betray the poor warga Bangsa Malaysia from selling their children’s future to the incompetent politicians.
Sungguh memalukan as a Malaysian.
Kean
November 6, 2008
I had read many blogs and seen many negative comments like “it will never happen in Malaysia”, “non-bumi will never become Malaysia Prime Minister” and so on.
Do you guys know that these words too exist in the American mind?? “The blacks will never stand equal with the whites”, “The blacks will never get a chance to step foot in the White House”, “The blacks will never become the President of the United States of America” and so on.
Yet, did they give up? Did they leave America? NO!! THEY DID NOT!! For the past 200 years, they keep fighting and they did not give up in the American dream!! If their generation fail to do so, they will pass the baton to the next generation and kept the American dream go on.
For those of you who live long enough, you too had remembered all the pain and suffering these African American had been through. The beating and discrimination they received during the 60′s and 70′s. The killings in the 80′s and the most recent case which happen in this century, ‘The Hurricane Katrina’ incident where lots of African American were left to die (they even show it in Discovery and National Geographic Channel)!
Yet, did they give up their believe? NO, THEY DID NOT!!
4th of November is the result of their undying fighting spirit! 4th of November is the day they overcome all their obstacles. And 4th of November is a day which all American (and the world) will remembered, the day when an American dream came true!
Look at ourselves. Just a few obstacles and we give up! I was shame on myself too as I had give up on this country and plan to leave. How can we achieve the so call ‘Anak Bangsa Malaysia’ if we give up now! How can I call myself a civilized person if I chose to run away just after 26 years of discrimination compare to those who had endure it for more then 200 years!
8th of March victory is just a fraction of our battle and we must keep fighting till the day we can finally call ourselves ‘Anak Bangsa Malaysia’, the day when all of us can stand equal in the land we were born and the day when all the Ketuanan Melayu, NEP, ISA to be abolish!
YES, WE CAN! 4th of November had inspire me to keep on fighting even it might take another 50 to 100 years because I too had my Malaysian dream. Do you have yours too?
Jane
November 6, 2008
I watched the election coverage on major networks here in North America for 5 1/2 hours, right through McCain’s concession speech (extremely gracious) and Obama’s powerful address. I’m not American, but my heart felt so full and I was in tears. To be sure, it’s going to be tough for Obama to live up to such high expectations, but the sense I get is that he will surely try.
And what do we have in Malaysia? The same tired politics, the same rhetoric, the same corrupt system. A bunch of politicians who try to hang on to power by hook or by crook to advance their own narrow-minded agendas based on race and religion. In a just world, these bigots wouldn’t be able to run a coffee stall, let alone a country.
I used to devour Malaysian news online, every day. For a while until very recently, I had high hopes of change for the better. Not any more. I was also very sure that I’d never give up Malaysian nationality. Not any more. Now I’ve given up hope and I’m just sad and tired and angry.
By the way, I have to agree with one of the comments above about Rocky. [Haris, please forgive me for this off-topic rant on your blog about a fellow blogger.] I used to read Rocky’s blog everyday because I thought he was objective. But that’s changed in recent weeks, in a rather insidious way. Sure, it’s his blog and it’s entirely up to him what he writes, and it looks like he’s still got lots of fans. Me, I just stopped going there.
Jane
yapsir
November 6, 2008
Could Malaysia just begin with PKNS?
WTF
November 6, 2008
Dear Haris,
America chose a black President, and in Bolehland some idiots went berserk when a Chinese woman was appointed as Acting GM for PKNS,can you see the deep contrast ?
No wonder Bolehland is backward compared to Singapore, Korea, Hongkong , Taiwan and others…and very soon even Thailand , Vietnam will surpass Malaysia !
cresma
November 6, 2008
I do not understand why Haris and pro Pakatan Rakyat bloggers kept on pursuing the racial differences. They are making race more pronounced just to pursue their political agenda.
When you guys are criticising Umno for using race to pursue their agenda, you guys are also guilty of doing the same.
The title of this post says it all.
In politics, everything is kosher kan? Even hypocrisy and racism. Shame on you Haris.
erniejean
November 6, 2008
Haris,
When I first heard Obama won the election to become the 44th President-Elect of USA, I started weeping……not tears of joy though, but rather tears for our nation……
Badawi probably didn’t know what he was saying when he said that it is possible for someone from the minority group in Malaysia to become PM, but it does seem he has thrown us a challenge….that anything is possible as long as the voters collectively decides for a change……….
Let’s prove him right, shall we?
C
November 6, 2008
I went abroad over the weeks and saw the overwhelming support of my migrated US’s uncle towards Obama. He voted him. My american borned chinese cousins went and work in his campaign. America is truly a land of hope and global leader. Look at the whole world citizens’ response and celebrations.
The Malaysian chinese ,indians …have learned to accept and respect the choice of Malay as a leader over the years as long as he has wisdom and integrity. Now Anwar biggest support is from them. Yet , yup idiots when berserk over the selection of PKNS’s GM , the forum of ‘conversion to Islam’ by the bar council , govt cos’ senior minority are overlapped by the Malay junior over the promotions( thats why few participate in the army,police,petronas,proton …where future is not there)… But there is always hope where we can see in YB Zaid , YB Khalid , YM Raja Petra , Haris …many more from the ground whom I have seen are truly amazing.
koolgeek
November 6, 2008
Rocky is a huge disappointment. An example of what is really in the minds of the majority Malays – racism.
desperate housewife
November 6, 2008
In the US, the people elected their President, in Malaysia, the prime minister’s gang (UMNO) elected the PM, what a joke !! If you draw a circle representing the entire population of Malaysia in ratios, and colour the ratio of UMNO gang, you will see a very thin slice of a tiny piece of cake … and how can this small little piece represents the voices of Malaysians as a whole ?? Our government is a joke, it can only run with one engine, that is, dictatorship in the form of tyranny.
navinda
November 6, 2008
Haris,
The Americans have shown the way. Yesterday the current PM said that, It is possible for anyone from a minority group to be a nation’s leader, even in Malaysia, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi.
“It is up to the people to decide, just as the Americans had done through the democratic process,” he said while extending his congratulations to Senator Barack Obama.
Coming from the UMNO leader, we can expect a flip-flop soon. The bigots in UMNO are so entrenched in their superiority that they would rather the nation suffer than allow anyone capable except from their small group of semi-literates.
‘Malaysians are not mature enough to deserve a capable and great leader, regardless of his or her race, who can drive this country to become a greater nation’ (stocktube)
I still believe that things and attitudes can change and our children may see the installation of a PM from the non-UMNO parties.
mh
November 6, 2008
Dear Haris,
President Elect Obama is biracial and having a Kenyan father, does have the added baggage of slavery. He is black but by the dominance of the melanin in his skin. At heart his humanity transcends race & creed. He embodies all our hopes. Our tainted leaders have denied the truth for too long, but truth will out.
Thank you for your passion and commitment. I would like to see an international petition going on-line to abolish the ISA. Malaysians among others worldwide would be happy to respond I am sure. I need the IT expertise to set it up.
mh
November 6, 2008
Oops, I meant
President Elect Obama is biracial and having a Kenyan father, does NOT have the added baggage of slavery.
Palaniappan
November 6, 2008
WE OFTEN COMPLAIN BN IS A GROUP OF RACISTS PARTIES. HOW ABOUT PAKATAN RAKYAT? IF THEY WANT TO BE A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO BN, THEY ( PKR, DAP & PAS), FIRST, MUST GET RID OF THEIR AFFINITY TO RACE AND RELIGION. TO BE REALLY MULTIRACIAL & MULTIRELIGION, PLEASE FIGHT FOR ALL MALAYSIANS, IRRESPECTIVE OF RACE AND RELIGION. PAS, ESPECIALLY, MUST RECRUIT DIRECT MEMBERSHIP AND NOT THROUGH PAS SUPPORTERS CLUB. ISLAM DOESN’T DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN RACE AND RELIGION. ISLAM HAS GREATER RESPECT FOR OTHER RELIGIONS. YOUR RELIGION IS YOURS AND MY RELIGION IS MINE. ISN’T CORRECT? I HAVE GREATER RESPECT FOR TOK GURU NIK AZIZ AND I HOPE HE WILL PERSUADE PAS LEADERS TO CHANGE THE PARTY’S CONSTITUTION TO RECRUIT DIRECT MEMBERSHIP. DON’T CONFUSE PEOPLE AS THOUGH YOU HAVE AN HIDDEN AGENDA. PLEASE WALK THE TALK.
waitlonglong
November 6, 2008
It took America more than 200 years for an Afro American to become President…I guess the non-bumi will have to wait for more than another 100 years to see a non-bumi PM. What Pak Lah said was correct…Malaysia can expect a non-bumi PM in future. So to the non-bumi pls be patient 100 years is not a long time in history.Wait ok??
-rocksteady-
Littlebird
November 6, 2008
America waited for 200 years so Malaysia also must wait for another 150 years?
Hellooo…. then America also waited for almost 100 years for motorised vehicle, electricity, internet, mobile phone etc..etc. Should Malaysia also wait that long to enjoy the same?
fudzail
November 6, 2008
Kalau obama itu bapaknya Melayu
http://1426.blogspot.com/2008/11/kalau-obama-itu-bapaknya-melayu.html
MaX
November 6, 2008
It’s not about non-bumi becoming PM or wahtsoevermatter if you can get your brain’s cell get connected.
Read the whole article again before you drop off your bombs at nowhere.
Silly to your racism
mickey
November 6, 2008
we had coloured PM over 50 years ago, taking over from the white!!!
Well done malaysia!
Pak Sako
November 6, 2008
As interesting as Obama’s win may be, I believe the most deserving candidate in the American presidential election was Ralph Nader.
http://paksako.blogspot.com/2008/11/thank-you-for-running-for-president-mr.html
al-sadr
November 6, 2008
Dear fellow contryman;
Malaysia has follow great nations like Russia , China and USA footsteps to become a space explorer nation . She is even the only nations that follow the flag style stripe of the US . But can’t Malaysia do the same in abolishing the aparthteid system in this country?
To our friends in the BN , can you please proof to the whole world that race based politics is still relevant in our generations!!
jaycee
November 7, 2008
Haris,
Americans got the chance to choose their Leaders of integrity which they are proud of while on the other side of the globe malaysian got the very opposite where the ppl despice to the core.
Is God playing a joke on us Malaysians ?. Or is it God loves us less ?.
.
November 7, 2008
Dear bro Haris,
If you give this matter a good re-thinking, you would notice that Obama doesn’t really like to link himself to Kenya.
Why?
Because Kenya is the homeland of a worthless and irresponsible man who had dumped his mom after he impregnated her !
Thank you for spending time re-thinking this matter !
drago2008
November 8, 2008
While Malaysians from different sides of the political divide throw brickbats at each other, Barack Obama’s US election victory as president-elect comes as a great gust of fresh air.
In his victory speech, Obama’s resounding message that “change has come to America” rings out loud and clear.
The American people have decided that this African-American, whose roots go back to Kenya, will now lead the most powerful nation on earth that is a melting pot of people from different ethnic backgrounds.
Now, the question is: Will change come to Malaysia?
Will all the races be as ONE – true Malaysians – who believe in trust and respect, and freedom of choice in the way they live?
Will this manifest itself when we see CHANGE in the next elections four years from now? Or are we consigned to the present pollution of bigotry that may well continue for the next 100 years?
It’s dreadful to think of the long wait for salvation from bigotry, by which time, this country will become the “sickman of Southeast Asia” or worst.
Even the loser, Republican John McCain, was graceful when he conceded defeat by saying that the Democrat president-elect has achieved a “great thing” for himself and the country with his historic victory.
Compare McCain to some of our parliamentarians who have no compunction to utter words that are downright disgraceful. I wonder how Obama, who has shown his ability as an orator, would react if he watches the antics of our elected representatives in Parliament and listen to how they articulate themselves.
And what would the 44th president of the United States of America think of some of our politicians whose words and deeds smack of racism, chauvinism and bigotry, all of which Obama, in this extract from his victory speech, sums it up in two powerful sentences:
“In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let’s resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.”
ariffdanial
November 8, 2008
Bro. Haris,
What if I say that there are similarities between Obama and DSAI. It seems that both has been able to break racial and religious barrier. The last Malaysian GE and the recent US Presidential Election were good indication.
My only concern is that to what extent they will be able to fulfill their promises.
Like Obama, DSAI has made plenty promises to all different races and religious background. With regards to Obama, the Afro American are looking forward for him to make a difference. Same goes for the Hispanic and other minorities.
For DSAI, the Chinese and Indian are really forward for the abolishment of NEP. On the other ahand ,the Malays would like to see DSAI maintain ther present status quo.
These are the critical areas that both Obama and DSAI has to address. Both cannot fail. If it happen, then that will be the end of them.
Regards.