Getting Anak Bangsa Malaysia back on track
February 23, 2009
On 31st August, last year, I ended the ‘Bangsa Malaysia : You and I can make this real!’ post with the following :
‘The concept of Bangsa Malaysia envisages that all anak Bangsa Malaysia are equal.
This is as it should be.
Islam teaches us that God made us all equal.
Islam teaches us that those who are blessed with more must reach out to those who have less.
All who have less, without exception must be helped.
This is implicit in the concept of Bangsa Malaysia.
Islam teaches us that we are all brothers and sisters in creation.
This is the very foundation of Bangsa Malaysia.
To my Malay and non-Malay brothers and sisters who share the views above, let us work together to help others see the truth of what has been happening in our country.
My friends and I are working on a series of Bangsa Malaysia talks that we hope to take through the country.
Owing to constraints of time and finance, we cannot yet say when we can get these off the ground.
When we do, we will need your help and support.
The Bangsa Malaysia concept aims to end the ‘us and them’
Let us work together to bring an end to this ‘us and them’.’
To this post, 87 comments and an almost equal number of e-mails were received, mostly offering to help in one way or another with the envisaged anak Bangsa Malaysia initiative.
In response to those comments and e-mails, I had, on 5th September, last year, in the ‘Taking Bangsa Malaysia forward’ post, written :
‘My staff are presently collating the e-mail addresses of all those who have sent in comments and e-mails with offers to help. Once this is completed, you will each receive an invitation to join an e-group so that we can try and brainstorm how we might take this initiative forward.’
One week later, RPK was detained under the ISA and, rightly or wrongly, the anak Bangsa Malaysia initiative took a backseat.
Anti-ISA vigils took centre stage.
DSAI’s ‘on-off-on-off’ takeover of the federal government proved to be another major distraction.
As did the transition of power saga between Pak Lah and Najib.
So, too, Kugan’s death.
And Kuala Terengganu.
It’s been one distraction after another.
Then Markus reminded me.
It’s time to get the Anak Bangsa Malaysia show on the road.
Ee Chia’s been working with me on the production of a Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia T-shirt. That should be out soon.
Jaya’s going to sit down with me to structure the Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia forum that we hope to bring to you.
Last night, at the PJ Anti-ISA vigilers get-together at the Lotus Restaurant, new ideas sprang forth as to how we might optimise the opportunity to interact that the proposed forums will offer us.
And to those who wrote in earlier offering to help, an invitation will be coming to you in the next few days to join the e-group so that you can share your ideas with the rest of us as well as help us to take this initiative forward.
Anyone else want to get involved? Drop me a line at thepeoplesparliament@gmail.com
I look forward to working with all of you in this endeavour.
February 23, 2009 at 11:18 pm
AT LAST!. Now I can quit ALL my party posts and even retire (I am already 59) from the Political Secretary post to Subang MP. I only want to focus on this ANAK BANGSA MALAYSIA CRUSADE for the rest of my years on this earthly pilgrimage. Thank You Jaya, Haris, Danny, Pat Lu and not forgetting Marcus.
AT Least People’s Parliament is back on track…Long wait for me.. Since 31 Aug 2007 @ Blog House Opening..very prophetic that the panel of speakers were..Zaid Ibrahim, Malik Imtiaz, Jayanath, Bernard Khoo, Haris Ibrahim and one other fallen brother..
MARCUS, RPK THANK YOU
February 24, 2009 at 1:18 am
Haris,
Will your programs mostly be centered around KL?
No.
Anything I can do for Penang?
You’re kidding? Lot’s you can help us with in Penang!
Please count me in if you intend to do something similar in Penang.
You’re counted in
I would much prefer to follow any programs you may have for Penang but I wouldn’t mind help organize stuff if you have no one in Penang to do so.
Count me in for “Anak Bangsa Malaysia”, this is the only way forward for our beloved country!
Hear! Hear!
February 24, 2009 at 5:39 am
It’s about time, I’d say.
With 2 maybe 3 by-elections on the cards, there’s lots of opportunities to get this moving.
Errr.. you still have my number eh bro.
P.S. Will the S.A.B.M. roadshow start with Sabah & Sarawak coz I honestly think we’ve been too Pen-centric.
shar101,
Still got your number, yes.
Will Sabah and Sarawak immigration let us thru?
February 24, 2009 at 6:27 am
Haris Ibrahim!
Count me in.
You have my number & you know my place!
What do I do for PJ?
Cheers!
February 24, 2009 at 7:56 am
im sure theres lots we can do while away from home…
keep me posted
ciao
February 24, 2009 at 7:58 am
Bro, you are making sense now. This should be our basis and platform towards bigger things ahead.
Time to recoup and focus.
Come on readers, what are you people waiting for?
February 24, 2009 at 8:58 am
Cheerio, back on track. We’ll be there!
February 24, 2009 at 8:58 am
Haris,
Would like to get some of those t-shirts. I honestly cannot contribute my time as I’ve companies to run.
I support “Anak Bangsa Malaysia” ! Isn’t that who we are….????????
You’ve my email.
Thank you.
February 24, 2009 at 9:18 am
Hi Harris Ibrahim brother,
I am with you.
What shall I do?
Best regards.
February 24, 2009 at 9:22 am
romerz, no problem with penang if haris brings bangsa malaysia to penang as in penang we already have formed a small ‘bangsa malaysia’ group after the bangsa malaysia road-show/forum in penang few years back. i was one of those who helped in the organisation. i think at that time you were not blogging yet so you were not aware of it.
yes, haris, you can count on me for sure if you are bringing bangsa malaysia to penang… and of course a few of the active penang ‘bangsa malaysia’ members too. talking about the e-group, is it the same one that is administer by SK? several of us are already in the egroup.
February 24, 2009 at 9:38 am
oops sorry. not yet finished ‘talking’. am in a talkative mood.
two years back our bangsa malaysia penang group used to be very active and we had meetings once a month or once every 2 months, and we had even formed a pro-tem committee. however as we went along, we see the same old faces, we too get disillusioned so many of us slack… also as you, haris said, due to other commitments popping up. however, we can bounce back i’m sure.
btw, just something to share. a year ago when there was a forum for all NGO, a friend and i went and at the registration, under group, we put in ‘bangsa malaysia’. later on one of the organisers approached me and asked me what is this bangsa malaysia group! the first thing i told him was that this is a group started by haris ibrahim the lawyer and blogger and his few friends, also bloggers. then i said it is a group where like minded malaysians come together without distinction of their skin colours or religion.
February 24, 2009 at 10:48 am
Dear Haris,
It is good to note the Anak Bangsa Malaysia (ABM) road show is to be launched soon. It would provide a good forum to put our heads together and give the necessary impetus to go forward.
Many of my friends and I would like to be part of this good initiative. I would like to suggest that you and other like minded ABM organize such road shows in as many towns as possible to unite and forge a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among ABM.
If we could organize a get together of known ABM, it would be very much easier to support any initiative undertaken by you. As it is we don’t know the ABM in our locality.
The organizing committee could furnish the e-mail/tel nos of participants from the attendance list at such forums so as to enable the ABM to meet regularly and establish good rapport among ourselves.
Such a group would be able to spearhead any initiative by your committee in our own localities. For example the call to lend support to RPK in Putra Jaya would have been more effective had we known the ABM in our locality. That knowledge would have come handy to manage the logistics problem. Car-pooling would have been easier.
Whatever distractions may unfold in the coming months, please go ahead with the ABM roadshow as it will get everyone focussed on the prime objectives of Anak Bangsa Malaysia.
February 24, 2009 at 10:48 am
Am I allowed in although I did not attend the Lotus gig?
I thought we did an Anak Bangsa Malaysia thing in Penang and only went to bed at 7am the next morning?
February 24, 2009 at 11:10 am
What is this crusade about bangsa la? whatever bangsa also i dont mind as long as i can eat and sleep peacefully. all these while no one die because of their bangsa in this country what? ok May 13, but thats because of people like you all stirr up things like this. no one goes hungry in this country also, despite everything said about bangsa? the Chinese seems to be doing well, business are more or less good. malays quite contented. they are not asking for too much. indians also seems well. in fact their per capita income is better than malays. ya, got poor chinese, malays and indians too. but got american british and australian poor too, right? no need to put labels on us can or not? want to have this so-called bangsa malaysia, but later on have everybody at each others throat for what? last time when just after merdeka, race relation was much better, dont have bangsa malaysia also what? why la? everyone seems happy. malays are not too pressured to chase the economic stuff. they didnt kacau the non-malays too much. non-malays also happy, they got citizenship, do business, and not oppressed and hungry like in their former countries. now you all want to stirr things up again for what? you think only non-malays not happy ka? malays also not happy you know. in fact american, british and australians also not happy. that is if evveryone want to look at just the negative side of their life la. try count our blessings la once in a while. cannot? then go to hell la, or go to america or australia la. maybe you all happy there. why want to stirr up things here. make trouble for everyone for what? if not happy with gomen, hantam gomen enough la. no need to cause tension between the people. why want to manipulate people for your own agenda. can or cannot? come on la, dont try to be a hero at the expence of peace loving malaysians. as if we do not know who you all really are. now global economic crisis you all know or not? if you all really want to be heroes, go campaign on something to help those going and already retrenched. collect money for their children or something. better what? sheeeeessshhh….
February 24, 2009 at 11:14 am
The Fund Raising for this project is already on the way……check out harapannegara.blogspot.com
we must keep the momentum going…….
I offer my services to this Call to National Service
February 24, 2009 at 11:24 am
I think it should read “Saya anak Malaysia”. Using the word Bangsa seems to reflect that there are many races. It would be prudent not to use the word Bangsa at all if we are trying to rid of racial prejudices.
February 24, 2009 at 11:35 am
Amen, preach it brother . . .
but more than words, I will see how I could connect other groups I know with this effort.
Like the African saying goes,
“Together, we can go far . . .”
It’s still more than about talking (which is part of it), it’s about walking!
February 24, 2009 at 11:38 am
Bro
It is timely that this Anak Bangsa Malaysia project is intensified in tandem with Barisan Rakyat as the 3rd Front.
The silent majority will feel comfortable with the 3rd front with its moderate stand in the face of all forms of extremism as currently played to the hilt by BN.
It can also act as a pressure group to PR, to toe the line when it gets out of line.
Cheers!
February 24, 2009 at 11:48 am
I’m still waiting for the slides that was promised to be mailed.
February 24, 2009 at 11:52 am
Bro, count me in. You know my coordinates.
Lets move on.
Admiral Tojo
February 24, 2009 at 11:55 am
Haris
I must have missed your first post but you know you can count on me to support this cause. I am an Anak Bangsa Malaysia deep inside. Physically I am far but I am always near.
February 24, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Alloysius,
I’d suggest you hold your horses, and let’s not burn bridges, mate!
Not a very good idea lah.
As you thought earlier, we can always maintain a link to work with politicians, although you can focus on civil society. But of course you can’t serve two masters (who are possessive).
It is obvious that politicians refrain from lending us their wholehearted support beyond their words.
Whatever said & done, for a start, we need to detach ourselves from aligning ourselves as a group, with any political party – BN or PR.
We cannot play partisan politics, or we alienate a segment of society.
We should be willing to work with all parties, and hence should stop carrying the flags of any one.
There should only be one flag – of the people!
February 24, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Awaiting your further instructions in JB.
February 24, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Oh BTW,
We can of course, always support/endorse any candidate in any election, who we feel will help us achieve our goal.
February 24, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Hi Harris & Romerz,
Pls keep me posted on any programs you may have in Penang.
February 24, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Harris,
I would like to help and get my friends involved.
Thank you for your various articles which I find inspiring.
Ian
February 24, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Hi Haris,
Bravo for your enthusiasm and commitment. I will do whatever I can to help. You have my email bro. TQ
February 24, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Acts 17:
26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
February 24, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Yes, Haris, Saya Bangsa Malaysia.
Is your programme can run in Sabah too?
Then, get me involve!!
February 24, 2009 at 2:15 pm
I can arrange accommodation for the SB in Sg. Petani for the Bkt Selambau by-elections.
February 24, 2009 at 2:31 pm
COUNT ME IN!
Thank you Harris =D
February 24, 2009 at 2:32 pm
bro,
…at your service ! Let’s get the show on the road !
February 24, 2009 at 2:44 pm
awrite… bro…
lets restart building the tracks…
btw… another distraction in Batang Air (doesn’t it always..hahaha) awaits…
February 24, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Dear Harris,
Wish you and all others with you, all the best for a commendable effort.May god continue to bless Malaysia.
February 24, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Hi Haris
I am colour blind. Can I join?:) You have my whole hearted commitment. Any cause that does away with racial and religious bias and bigotry has my big support. Just lead on, brother anak Malaysia!!!
Strike up the band, start the parade
Don’t let that grand old rhythm fade
Just play that drum, play that number
When the saints come marchin’ in
Shake tambourines, play that cornet
Crank up that horn you won’t forget
Your heart will hum to that number
When the saints come marchin’ in
The cymbals clang, just pound that beat
Sounds like a hundred marching feet
It’s fun to join in that number
When the saints come marchin’ in
See banners wave, oh hear that ring
We all feel prouder than a king
‘Cause everyone, everyone loves that number
When the saints come marchin’ in
February 24, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Wouldn’t it be a good move if someone could get the Tiger beer makers to put that logo of the ISA with a line drawn across it (as seen in lucia’s postings here)on their bottle tops?
The thought-provoking symbol seems to somehow lend itself naturally to that brand of beer. And it might be a win-win move for the beer producers too, to emulate smart/people-power adverts, like those that Guinness excel in.
“Imagine Power To The People” John Lennon.
February 24, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Saya sokong konsep Bangsa Malaysia.
Dan saya juga amat terganggu dengan pelbagai gangguan politik terkini yang tidak membantu penyerapan atau penyebaran pemahaman ini secara jujur dan ihklas seperti yang penulis terangkan.
Saya bangsa Malaysia. 1963 ialah permulaannya. =)
February 24, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Count me in, please.
February 24, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Get the waggons rolling man!…Haris!
p.s.nathan
PJ Utara
February 24, 2009 at 6:02 pm
I strongly believe this is a very good cup of tea. But may I please respectfully decline this here teapot? The original brew from that other teapot is more up to my simple taste. Thank you.
Any way, count me in please.
February 24, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia!!
Saya Anak Malaysia!!
I just asked my friend sitting in front of me and he says the latter, Saya Anak Malaysia, sounds better.
I thought so too.
I would second Raja Chulan on his suggestion. Why bring race to this? I am Malaysian compared to I am of the Malaysian race sounds a whole lot less complicated and nicer to the ear.
February 24, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Kelana Jaya People’s Parliament was started in Apr 08 in anticipation of this. Let’s roll.
http://tindakmalaysia.com/tm_forums2008/index.php/topic,758.new.html#new
February 24, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Count me Haris,let me work with Subang Jaya team.and I have my net work of contact.
keep me inform through my e-mail and get my HP later.
To all Malaysian,let works for better Malaysia to come.
February 24, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Jeez, the show has yet to go on the road and we’re already quibbling over its name! Haris, this is your baby and you need to decide once and for all what the name is going to be.
My tuppence? This is a RACE issue and I therefore suggest we stick with Anak Bangsa Malaysia.
February 24, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Dear Haris
I’m so proud and glad I joined your group as the PJ Vigilers. And I actually look forward to our sunday gatherings and enjoyed the fellowship too. So PLEASE count me in, you call the shots.
February 24, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Beautiful words from famous philosopher ……
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social conditon; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
Emerson
February 25, 2009 at 12:13 am
What is this bangsa malaysia? How do we justify as being bangsa malaysia? In malaysia we have multi racial, so how do we creat a new race? We have chinese schools, malay/islamic schools and we have indian schools. Should we stop celebrating the wonderfull chinese new year because thats not bangsa malaysia due to the fact that chinese new year is inaccordance to the chinese calender originating from China?
Should we stop learning indian writings/language because it originated from India and not from Malaysia?
Pls let me know Mr Haris Ibrahim. I really dont understand this concept. Pls email me how do we go about in creating this new race. I really want to understand more.
February 25, 2009 at 1:07 am
I beg to differ.This is Tanah Melayu, that can never happen. The economic pie has long been taken over by the chinese & S’pore has been given away. Move there ( downunder Malaysia ) if more is needed.
February 25, 2009 at 1:44 am
overseas msian,
If you had taken the time to look at the right hand side of this blog, below ‘Pages’, there’s a drop down menu bearing the caption ‘Select a category’. Since you really want to understand, why not try clicking the drop down menu and select ‘Bangsa Malaysia’? There are 96 posts in regards to Bangsa Malaysia. With your passion to really understand, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind spending some time perusing through the posts.
You can also read these posts first:
http://harismibrahim.wordpress.com/2007/05/14/bangsa-malaysia-cyber-dream/
Keyword from the post above is its not ‘label’ its the ‘
feel’
http://harismibrahim.wordpress.com/2007/08/30/the-mind-and-heart-of-anak-bangsa-malaysia/
http://harismibrahim.wordpress.com/2008/08/31/bangsa-malaysia-you-and-i-can-make-this-real/
The 2 links above, I believe should answer most of your questions.
I’m sure you’ll be reading the other posts as well, so, have fun.
February 25, 2009 at 1:56 am
Because of the ingrained focus on race/religion by so many in today’s Malaysian society – which I think is a natural but deplorable result from the successful reinforcing division socially-engineered for so long by UMNO, MCA and MIC through cultivating more and more segregation, rather than more integration, in the key education system – it may be more helpful perhaps to start off with the race-barrier breaking ABM concept first before moving to that barrierless, fully-fledged AM destination.
“Imagine Power To The People” John Lennon.
February 25, 2009 at 8:42 am
[...] Getting Anak Bangsa Malaysia back on track On 31st August, last year, I ended the ‘Bangsa Malaysia : You and I can make this real!’ post with the [...] [...]
February 25, 2009 at 8:46 am
with corrections
Yes Anna Brella, you have got a valid point. We must start with something that will be of least resistant first.Then if appropriate from ABM to AM. You see our theme song “MALAYSIA KITA BERJAYA” is acceptable by all Malaysians BN or PR, and it also recognises the states of Sabah and Sarawak. It also has the words “SATU BANGSA SATU NEGARA”. Should we want to adopt AM now, we will have to re-write so many texts and it may still not be acceptable yet with certain quarters.
I propose we also orgnanise a session/s to bring awareness among so many who have identified with the ABM tagline. We must ALL really understande the history, significance and foundations of what we are finally aiming for. For me, re-visiting the PEOPLES’ DECLARATION and the ANAK BANGSA MALAYSIA concepts is paramount at this stage before we get the ROAD-SHOWS going. Otherwise we may not be able to cope with so many who may only want to join this bandwagon, without really understanding our motives, aims and objectives, vision and mission and how we can collectively and postively contribute to re-build the wonderful nation.
I hope others will also give their opinions and suggestions on these issues – ABM & PEOPLES’ DECLARATION.
ANAK BANGSA MALAYSIA
February 25, 2009 at 9:10 am
@menatwork
“This is Tanah Melayu”
how about Sabah and Sarawak?
February 25, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Beats me why the phrase Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia is used. Why cant it be Saya Anak Malaysia which should be the correct usage. Agree with OverseasMalaysian you cant create a new race. Do you see any countries in the world embark something similar? There is no such things as the American race or Canadian race or Singaporean race. I smell something sinister about this whole Anak Bangsa Malaysia thingy….
Al-kudsi,
I am also told that, scientifically, there’s no such thing as the Malay race.
Don’t see you quibbling about this, though
February 25, 2009 at 3:04 pm
So Haris is this what it is about? Vanishing the Malay race or all institutions that is malay?
February 25, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Eric,
Tanah Melayu covers the Peninsular, Sabah & Sarawak joint in 60’s. S’pore was part of Tanah Melayu later given away.
I give your futile effort less than 6 months, It will soon be down the drain now should yr preseverence allows to stay longer, trouble starts brewing, we should should avert May 16, at any cost.
The Chinese carries the name that is typically chinese, Bangsa Malaysia has to have some form of identity and MUST NOT DECIDED by a bunch of street people who meets once awhile for a wrong reason & trying to change a civilization.
You guys need platform a strong political platform & believe me the majority of Malays will never agree, except for a few strayed one that you are closed with.
Reflect yourself & think hard !
February 25, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Al Kudsi,
Malay or Melayu existed before 1500 on this very land, Nusantara Melayu covers Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia & Philipines even down in Madagascar.
Read the Nusantara Theory you will know more about Malayu.
February 25, 2009 at 5:46 pm
menatwork,
Why would you want to avert Hari Guru at any cost?
Majority of Malay will not agree you say. Care to provide some facts to support that or do you take it that your personal view represent that of the majority?
This is not a labelling game, its an aspiration. For it to manifest itself it may take a year or a lifetime and the manifestation may not even be seen in this lifetime by some, but that should not be the reason to put a halt to that aspiration, now does it? And it is a valid aspiration. Far from calling people to shed off their unique cultural identity, its a call to embrace the diversity that makes our nation that much more beautiful. Its an attempt to unshackle the mind from the mental bondage that has been perpetuated all these while to ensure that we view everything through an ethnic microscope that attempts to pit a group of people against one another when in fact, should this group of people, recognising their individuality, now come together, there’s nothing to stop the realisation of the huge potential that belongs to our nation which till now remains just that, a potential that is decreasing by the day.
With all due respect, the argument that ‘trouble start brewing’ and for whatever reason you are saying we need to avert the Hari Guru which is May 16, at any cost, no longer holds water because I believe we’ve moved past that point. Give Malaysians some credit in terms of the collective maturity that is already visible.
February 25, 2009 at 8:49 pm
saya anak malaysia?
rasanya mereka yang lahir selepas malaysia tercipta layak menggelarkan diri mereka anak malaysia. tetapi generasi tua sebelum merdeka dan semasa malaya (sebelum 1963), bukan anak malaysia. mereka anak tanah melayu atau anak malaya.
penggunaan bangsa malaysia lebih tepat dan jujur untuk menggambarkan penyatupaduan kita semua selepas sejarah malaysia terbentuk dan tercipta.
bangsa malaysia ialah bangsa yang berada dan wujud atas nama kemalaysiaan. bukan anak malaysia. sifat anak malaysia terlalu kecil konsepnya hanya berteraskan pemikiran lahir dalam bumi malaysia sahaja.
bangsa malaysia lebih menyeluruh dan kuat jatidirinya.
February 26, 2009 at 4:02 am
Hidup Nanda!
February 26, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Dear Nanda,
I have full respect on yr good deeds & thanks you for your positive comments. I must also correct my date to May 13.
Without a doubt I offer due credit to M’sian on the visibility of their collective maturity seen off-late.
However, I beg to differ.
1) We are indeed Malaysian unique in it composition ( Malay, Chinese, Indian & others )that continue to live in harmony as Malaysian whilst maintaining customs & traditions of our roots.
2) As it is now, Malay has a priviledge being the majority & as a bumiputra, other races too were given fair share both politically & economically.
3) We practice a Democratic Constitutional Monarchy.
The Malays hail their Sultans.
4) The fine line of Bangsa Malaysia is rather vague more so when men on the street are the one creating this new civilization. All races divided by their customs & traditions will have to meet at one point. It is inevitable that at certain point some races will have to forgo something in order to achieve uniformity.
5) Closer to home you have Bangsa Indonesia. Chinese have had to forgo their name & obviously no chinese school.
It is through my observation that it is the aspiration of the various men and women with certain political agenda that have given birth to the so called “Bangsa Malaysia” & it is the “political divide at work” that is trying hard to unite the people??..& that is exactly where doubts set-in.
Regards – MEN AT WORK
February 26, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Harris,
Salam. Yes, I too was wondering what happened to the “Anak Bangsa Malaysia” project! I too was very concerned that, predictably, we get get distracted by other peripheral issues, though sensational in the worldly sense of the word.
People’s Parliament had been in the forefront in mobilizing people’s imagination towards this important humane project. I pray that PP does not get disracted from this.
Thank you and God bless
February 26, 2009 at 11:07 pm
MEN AT WORK
Please do not be careless with your facts! Check them before you write, and please try not to be emotional.
No country that has worked its way along racial and religious lines has been successful….this is history.
Thank you for calling us men on the street who are trying to create a new civiliztion. That is exactly what we intend and are trying to do. Rest assured we will survive…..not as you say for only six months…..sorry lah…we are here to stay! Remember, Keranamu Malaysia. That is not a pat on the back for just one group of people is it?
Good thing you checked your fact…..about May 13!
Rest easy, and do a good job, man at work. Time will have a good effect on you, I am sure.
February 27, 2009 at 1:39 am
menatwork,
In regards to the points that you raised in numerical order, my reply as follows:
1) Agreed
2) I do not agree because I don’t subscribe to the view that any other races are GIVEN fair share of anything because, I came to realize that it was EARNED by the sweat and blood of their forefathers…my forefathers…our forefathers. So, there are no reasons to see it as a charity for which anyone should be forever bounded.
3) Agreed with some modification. The Sultans and the Raja’s are not only hailed by the Malays, the monarchy is hailed by Malaysians irrespective of creed.
4) I beg to differ on this because I don’t see the need to clarify any fine lines at this moment and what exactly is the problem with men on the street creating anything?
You state ‘ forgo something to achieve uniformity’. I ask, what’s wrong in forgoing our ingrained biased perception in order to achieve an educated unbiased view? What’s wrong in forgoing a privilege system based on race for a system that is based on need? What’s wrong in forgoing hate and embracing love? Those are the things that we need to forgo. Not our names. Not our cultural identity. Not our language. And I do not see any wrong in that.
5) My points are similar to my points in 4). We are not working towards creating a label in an attempt to assimilate people forcefully.
You said through your observation that it is the aspiration of the various men and women with certain political agenda that have given birth to Bangsa Malaysia. Granted, the term was introduced by TDM, but the initiative here was started by a man whom I believe, only has the interest of the people at heart. If the interest of the people is the political agenda that you are talking about, then I ask, what is wrong with that agenda? But if you refer to the current political parties then I think your observation may be inaccurate. You can see prove in this blog when BN MP was lauded for the right thing that was done, case in point, among others, YB Bernard Dompok when he stood up against the rest to correctly disagree and ascertain that Malaysia is a secular nation. Also, YB Zaid Ibrahim was already seen as a man with caliber even before he opted out of UMNO. Likewise, you’ll see prove that PR people are whacked and the only reason that support was given to Anwar was because he openly proclaimed ,’ Anak Melayu, anak kita juga, Anak Cina anak kita juga, Anak India, anak kita juga, kenapa nak dibeza-bezakan?’ and that is our aspiration. In my humble opinion, this initiative is not motivated by the temptation of political power. So, I do not see any reason for doubt to set in, furthermore when the call is for all of us to work together, hence, should we see the initiative losing its objective, we bring it back to its course.
Best regards.
February 27, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Dear Sir
Please desist from proceeding with your road show as your provocative acts may inevitably lead to road blocks!!
Use the time wisely in quiet contemplation of your past misdeeds and iniquities and repent from thine perfidious ways before it is too late.
Bless you Sir
Thank you.
Warrior 231
February 27, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Dear Mr Nanda
Thank you for the laughs and thank you in advance for even more upcoming jokes!! Ha!Ha!Ha!(drying my eyes) what a chortle.. and what a jester!!
Thank you again, Mr Nanda..You made my day with your nanda (“crab”) ha!ha!ha!…LOL
Warrior 231
February 28, 2009 at 9:24 am
Dear Shakuntala & Nanda,
I truly appreciate both yr positive comments in order for me to gauge a clear direction on the matter.
1. Clearly if you read between the lines, I have totally detached emotional elements.
2. Please be specific which country on earth found to be successful similar to yr attempt.
3. My observation off late that only Malay hails their Sultans.
4.There must be a fine line to establish yr aspired BANGSA MALAYSIA, some form of uniformity & a clear definition vs current establishment. Apart fr just stripping away the privilige system as per yr only clear definition, rest of which are still vague.
Adious ! Memn At Work
March 1, 2009 at 8:47 pm
[...] been getting a tad disillusioned with Pakatan Rakyat that WE HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE - unless the Anak Bangsa Malaysia movement registers itself as a political party - it’s either them or we [...]
March 2, 2009 at 12:43 am
Hello Haris.
This is off topic but I am sorry to know (from Zorro’s blogsite) that your mother passed away yesterday.
I offer my sincere condolences to you and your family and I respectfully attach a poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley here, which is not a sad one about death, but a beautiful one that is meant to be in remembrance and in celebration of one’s mortal life.
And I like to imagine that perhaps some who leave here go on to be like those wonderful skylarks who will grace a loving God’s heavenly skies.
May your good mother rest in God’s gentle care and peace always.
http://www.globalpoet.com/skylark3.htm
Thank you, anna
March 2, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Dear Harris, do not know where else to post. Al-Fatihah.
Deepest Condolence to you and your family.
Thank you
March 4, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Warrior 231,
LOL.
By the way, assuming you were referring to Tamil, the correct word for ‘crab’ would be ‘nandu’. Of course, you are free to prove me wrong.
Meanwhile, a good kari ketam wouldn’t be a bad idea for tomorrow. It’s been awhile. Those were the days.
March 4, 2009 at 7:20 pm
menatwork,
1. I don’t recall saying anything in regards to your emotional attachment or detachment. I appreciate the manner in which you are engaging me in this discourse. I can’t say the same for the other commentators that you are engaging.
2. Fair enough. Assuming I can’t give you any specific country, can you now please honour me with any specific established provisions that would stop us from trying to be the first?
3. My observation of late seems contrary. And to substantiate my observation, last year, a number of about 25 000 Malaysians signed a petition to plead His Majesty in regards to the appointment of new CJ. If there’s no faith and respect for His Majesty, I doubt we’d be able to garner a single signature. But if you point out the recent happenings in Perak, I’ll have to beg to differ because I really think loyalty cannot be taken as a silent consent even when the actions taken goes beyond the provisions given in the constitutional framework. There’s nothing wrong in a respectful disagreeing view when constitutional boundaries are not respected.
4. If you read through the previous posts in regards to this aspiration, I really think you’d see there’s no need for any physical distinction as I’ve pointed out in regards to name, cultural identity and what not. I confess, I might have done injustice to the concept that was formulated by the pioneers by stating my opinion about the privilege system as a part of it. I may be wrong and I apologise if I am. Or I may be right and perhaps that’s one of the mechanics among many that we still need to work on and hence the call for participation and involvement.
If I may backtrack, I don’t think we can physically define or provide a physical distinction to the desire to see each one of us as one, beyond the skin colour and what nots.
Best regards.