On 14th May last year, I wrote this in my post ‘Bangsa Malaysia : Cyber Dream?’
Until ‘sons and daughters of Malaysia’ can truly mean each is a brother and sister one to the other who look out for each other at all times and not only when it is ‘safe’, those who continue to dominate us by the ‘divide and rule’, ‘Malays must have political power cos the Chinese hold the economy’ and ‘don’t you dare question our rights’ rethoric will continue to rule the day.
Until you are unable to sleep because there are brothers and sisters languishing as ISA detainees, poor and the impoverished, religiously persecuted, know then that your own desire for Bangsa Malaysia is only skin deep.
______________________________________________
Over the last year or so, I have had the opportunity to meet so many people who have voiced the same hope : no more race or religious discrimination; no more marginalised anak Bangsa Malaysia; one people, one nation; needs-based affirmative action programme.
And at every ceramah that I spoke at in the run up to GE12, I concluded with the same appeal to all : that we dedicated our vote on 8th March as a vote for change and to end the plight of every marginalised anak Bangsa Malaysia who has been victimised for years by BN’s divide and rule.
Not marginalised Malays, Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli, East Malaysians.
Marginalised anak-anak Bangsa Malaysia.
I watched Dateline’s ‘Malaysia’s Indian Uprising’ sometime back and watched it again today. Please make time to watch it.
If you note how some of those featured in this report spoke in terms of ‘us, the Indians’ and ‘them, the Malays’, you might get a sense of the concerns I had when I first voiced my reservations about the Hindraf rally as it might be seen as championing the undoubted plight of one community rather than addressing the grievances of all marginalised Malaysians.
I don’t want to start another debate here about the wisdom or otherwise of that rally. That’s not my purpose so, please people, let’s not go down that road.
I watched the footage of the little boy making his way amidst the rubble, the remains of what was once a temple, looking for the statue of a deity that had obviously once stood there, and found myself asking, ‘What reason have we given this little child to feel real love for king and country?’
I watched former rubber tappers, 82 year old Sathasivam and 73 year old Nyanammah reminisce about days long gone when they had reason to believe, and asked myself, ‘Have they not contributed to make this land what it is today? Are they not entitled to a little patch they can call ‘home’? Must they beg?’
I watched the short footage of the prayers being carried out in the makeshift temple following the temple demolition and asked, ‘Can we not see the beauty in the diversity with which each community approaches the Divine in worship and the celebration of life and His Grace? Does not true faith bring with it enough humility to embrace this diversity as part of His grand scheme?’
I fully understand how a community of one ethnic group living together and facing constant discrimination, deprivation of economic and educational opportunities, and the denial to live and practise their cultural and religious heritage in peace, at the hands of a near all-Malay BN administration might, as an ethnic community, feel resentment towards that administration, in particular, and the ethnic group that principally makes up that administration, generally.
Yet, the equally understandable reaction by such a marginalised ethnic community and its leaders to demand of the BN administration immediate attention and redress for the community, as was done in the Hindraf rally, firstly, ignores two very important truths about their condition and, secondly, lends to the BN administration the very framework with which to perpetuate its divide and rule.
The first important truth is that the marginalisation in this country has not afflicted only one ethnic community .
Indians, Malays, Chinese, Orang Asli, East Malaysians, all have been affected.
True, some are more affected than others, but all marginalised nonetheless.
The second truth, in my view, is that the divide that exists is not racial but only made to appear as such by UMNO and BN.
It is a class divide.
The ‘us and them’ is a divide between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’, with home and the homeless, with status and without.
With hope and the hopeless.
Privileged, not so, and none whatsoever.
How long more must this go on?
As long as we continue to think and make demands along the lines of ‘Malay rights’, ‘Chinese rights’ and ‘Indian rights’, we, you and I, will serve as the perfect frame-work for UMNO and its cohorts in BN to perpetuate their race-based divide and rule.
I am not for one moment advocating that we all abandon our ethnic and cultural identity. Quite the contrary, I urge that we recognise and acknowledge our diverse cultures as the richest attribute we, as a nation, possess. Sadly, this is so often overlooked.
What I do say is that there is no rationale why ethnicity should found the basis of right to education, housing , employment and government assistance to ensure that every citizen receives every possible opportunity to lead a decent life.
We are a rich country. That wealth was meant for all.
BN’s policies, in this regard is nothing short of apartheid, is unIslamic and runs foul of the tenets of all the great faiths.
And we all, Malay, Chinese, Indians, East Malaysians know this in our hearts.
Why do we allow this continue?
Understandably, there will be Malays who will feel threatened by these ideas.
Why?
In my view, because of the continued racist posturing of UMNO and some Muslim and / or Malay NGOs, claiming that the special privileges of the Malays are under siege.
UMNO and those Muslim and / or Malay NGOs lie.
To my Malay brothers and sisters, I say this not to hurt, but the truth is, the arrangement put in place by the Federal Constitution did not guarantee you ‘special privileges’.
What was put into place was a provision to allow the Malays and the indigenous citizens alive at the time of independence from the British to enable them to ‘catch up with the others’ so to speak.
That was in 1957.
And this provision was never intended to last forever.
It is now 2008.
To my Malay brothers and sisters, what you must know is that UMNO has, since the advent of the NEP, used the concept of ketuanan Melayu and its equivalent to rob all, including the Malays.
And everytime this abuse has been challenged, UMNO and their servants in the MSM will spin and present this to you as a challenge to your non-existent ‘special rights’.
To my Malay brothers and sisters, you must see that in order to further their own agenda, UMNO will continue to portray the Malay community as helpless and constantly in need of crutches.
This is not true.
Many, many Malays have made it on their own without ‘crutches’. They are testimony that Malays, like everyone else, can.
UMNO will not allow the Malay community any self-esteem because it does not serve UMNO’s interests.
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’.
The People's Parliament 
Paul Warren
August 31, 2008
So who is worse? UMNO or MCA & MIC?
MCA claims to represent the Chinese and MIC the Indians.
Have they really? Or have they sacrificed and appeased us to submission?
This trinity of UMNO for Malays, MCA for Chinese and MIC for Indians have colluded to successfully ensure our respective races submit to their representation of what this country is all about and what we as citizens are all about.
They give us Malay, Tamil and Chinese schools and now that mroe Chinese and Indian students study in these schools then in 1969, we take these as iconic representations and icons of our being. We see our turf and we defend it. But this works to the benefit of the leaders of this tripartite.
Obviously the profit and benefits bestowed upon the leaders of these so called representativs of the respective races compromise all of them to betraying their own races they pretend to defend and represent.
IT is almost like the farmer who leads his sheep and cattle to the slaughter house. That is what the leaders of MCA, MIC and UMNO have done to all of us.
Indeed if Gerakan is truely keen on seing a Malaysia for Malaysians they should walk out of Barisan Nasional. But even then these guys think they are too good to join Pakatan probably. Why?
I suppose the profits for the leaders of these parties is just too good. Why does Kaveas of PPP still remain in BN for? Surely all their arguments for the continuation of the past racist based politics cannot match the arguments for Bangsa Malaysia politics.
And yet they keep harping on perpetuating something only the leaders of the BN parties can find solace in. And that solace is more in the profits and surely not in the goodness of it.
steve
August 31, 2008
Please set up a Paypal account and I’m sure our fellow Malaysians all over the world will chip in.
Malaysians everywhere owe you so much for making Malaysia a better place. Thank you for the good work you’ve done.
steve,
Thank you for the suggestion, but it is really in the area of collaborations and the commitment of human resource that we need the most help.
Malaysian Wannabe Again
August 31, 2008
Well said Haris. Let me know when funds are required. I will do my bit.
Malaysian Wannabe Again,
See my response to steve.
Thanks for the offer. Will knock on doors if ever needed.
Reniv
August 31, 2008
To my Malay brothers and sisters, you must see that in order to further their own agenda, UMNO will continue to portray the Malay community as helpless and constantly in need of crutches.
IF A CHILD AND IF WE KEEP ON TELLING HIM THAT HE IS BAD, HE WILL GROW UP THAT WAY BELIEVING THAT HE IS BAD AND BEHAVES THAT WAY.
This is not true.
Many, many Malays have made it on their own without ācrutchesā. They are testimony that Malays, like everyone else, can.
TRUE, THOSE THAT MADE IT ON THEIR OWN MERIT WILL ALSO QUESTIONED THEMSELVES, DID THEY MADE IT ON THEIR OWN OR IS IT WITH THE HELP OF THE GOVERNMENT POLICY.
UMNO will not allow the Malay community any self-esteem because it does not serve UMNOās interests.
THE MINUTE THEY BREAK YOUR SELF-ESTEEM THEY ARE IN TOTAL CONTROL. THAT’S WHY IN ANY INTERROGATION THE FIRST THING THEY DO IS TRY TO BREAK YOUR SELF-ESTEEM.
DR.M’s LOOK GOOD & FEEL GOOD POLICY GAVE BIRTH TO ketuanan Melayu HE BROKE THEIR LEGS AND NEED TO PUMP THEM UP!
PAK LAH’S MERDEKA SPEECH SOUND SO GOOD OTHER THAN THIS NOTHING HAVE BEEN GOOD…from food to oil prices. hope he make good on his sound good.
shar101
August 31, 2008
Haris,
It’s about time. Let’s get the Bangsa Malaysia initiative into the next gear.
I sincerely hope that it is purely a Barisan Rakyat effort although any of the political parties are welcome to join us, if and when, they subscribe to the aspirations as outlined within The Peoples’ Voice and The Peoples’ Declaration.
Winning hearts and minds of Malaysians, by Malaysians.
doggone
August 31, 2008
Hey there Haris,
Funny though it may sound, it would be a good start for each of us if we could nuture a healthy relationship with at least one person of the other race. Give it a try, you will like it for sure. I am overjoyed when they share their murukus and rendangs with me during festivities. Their ear to ear grin tell me how happy they are when I delight them with my CNY cookies.
I’m really pissed why our government would want to divide our multi ethnic society. I rather they just plunder but leave us alone.
doggone,
That would be a good start.
Malaysian Wannabe Again
August 31, 2008
Haris
Let us, your human resources know how you wish to utilise us. I may be far in body but I am near in mind, heart and spirit.
Malaysian Wannabe Again,
Thank you, kawan. Just put you down on the list.
Naksam
August 31, 2008
Dear Haris,
Thank you for the beautiful article. Permission to reproduce it.
I am sick of listening to my ‘educated’ Malay friends who insist that Malays will lose their ‘privileges’ if we support this Bangsa Malaysia concept. This, i guess is the product of the indoctrination by BTN.
I am bad at argument, always raise my voice. So I would like to distribute your article to these friends and let them come back to me.
Anyone care to do a Bahasa Malaysia translation?
Naksam,
No permission to reproduce or translate required.
Lyn
August 31, 2008
This is such a well written piece of article but it’s so unfortunate governors of the country have a different mind set and they keep instilling that “divide and rule” attitude in their policies.
better future for all
August 31, 2008
To say
āMalays must have political power cos the Chinese hold the economyā and ādonāt you dare question our rightsā rethoric will continue to rule the day.
Firstly most Chinese are no better financially than the MALAYS
Bigjoe
August 31, 2008
Well, we’ll just have to given the PM’s merdeka messageL: On the same day his speech calls for unity he says that he will ask Bukit Bendera Ahmad Ismail not to repeat calling the Chinese ‘pendatang’… As if Ahmad Ismail could get away with it again…
So basically the PM is saying the same thing you are – its up to Malaysians to do it because he certaintly is not going to do it….
better future for all
August 31, 2008
sorry, the comment got listed.
Firstly most Chinese are no better financially than the MALAYS, in fact the Malays got employment in civil service and are guaranteed for life a secured life (pension). how many non Malays are employed there.
With the NEP doing biz is much easier as loans are easily available.
Education as well UITM, MARA, etc, the other races do not really want in on their special privileges, they can keep all these.
The trouble is that most of them use these special privileges but they don’t succeed or become independently fruitful.
Non-Malays do not get loans, scholarships are few,
whereas the Chinese and Tamil schools have to be financially supported thru their own means most of the time without govt assistance.
So why do the Umno leaders always berate other races as if it is not thru taxes derived from the few Chinese biz community that the govt have funds to pay for the bumiputras’ LOANS, SCHOLARSHIPS, EDUCATION, of course corps like Petronas also pay taxes.
viveg
August 31, 2008
Dear Harris,
Thank you very much for the wonderful article. It is like a dosage of refreshing energy when the nation has been sapped of it’s own energy with all the racial rhetoric from UMNO-BN. May God bless your endeavour. I am all in support of your iitiative and please let me know what I can do to help in Penang in anyway at all to make your talks a success.
viveg,
You’re the first person I’ll call when we’re coming up to Penang.
Cheers, bro.
cuddlyfamily
August 31, 2008
let me know what you need, haris.
cuddlyfamily,
Noted., thank you.
will get back to you.
Patek1472
August 31, 2008
Aku menangis pada Hari Merdeka.
(I am Crying on Merdeka (Independence) Day.)
1. Aku menangis kerana rakyat Malaysia telah hilang kegembiraan dan perasaan terhadap masa hadapan negara yang diimpiankan dan tidak seperti semasa Allahyarham Tunku Abdul Rahman melaungkan āMerdeka!ā.
(I cry because Malaysians have lost the joy and hope of a future Malaysia as wished for unlike the times when the late Tunku Abdul Rahman shouted “Merdeka”. )
2. Aku menanggis memikirkan ada rakyat Malaysia sendiri yang bercakap, berfikir dan bertindak memecahbelahkan rakyat dengan penuh perasaan perkauman dan keagamaan masing-masing tampa ada perasaan kebangsaan dan kesahabatan.
(I cry thinking of some Malaysians who talk, think and act to divide the citizens with their own racists and religious thoughts without a care for nationalism and friendships.)
3. Aku menangis memikirkan ada rakyat Malaysia yang lebih mementingkan sendiri dari negara apabila timbul isu-isu parti, jawatan, habuan, kuasa, kawan, kesahabatan dan keadilan.
(I cry thinking of some Malaysians who care more of themselves rather than the Nation when it comes to issues of party, posts, rewards, power, friends, relationship and fairness.)
4. Aku menangis memikirkan ada rakyat dan keluarga mereka yang masih belum mendapat keadilan sewaktu dipenjarakan, ditindas, dirompak, diugut, didiskriminasikan dan tidak juga dibenarkan bersuara.
(I cry thinking of some citizens and their families who have not obtain justice while being imprisoned, oppressed, robbed, threatened, discriminated and not even allowed the freedom of speech.)
5. Aku menangis memirkirkan ada rakyat Malaysia yang masih hidup Kias Pagi, Makan Pagi; Kias Petang Makan Petang walaupun Malaysia sudah 51 tahun merdeka.
(I cry thinking there are still Malaysians who still live from Hand to Mouth everyday, even though Malaysia has already achieved 51 years of Independence.)
Posted at http://patek1472.wordpress.com
CT Choo
August 31, 2008
I second viveg’s sentiments. Haris, you are giving voice to the feelings of many (most?) Malaysians not just in this piece but on a regular basis. Change has to take place. The sooner the better. I’m sure many Malaysians are eager to see if the beginning of the change process can take place on Sept 16 (the date when the crossovers are meant to take place).
Even if the crossovers do not take place, the process of change is inevitable. We have to keep working on it. By the way, Project Malaysia co-sponsored by Malik Imtiaz has ben launched. Click the URL link to visit the website http://www.projectmalaysia.org/
cuddlyfamily
August 31, 2008
I agree with you, Haris, the passion you feel for this subject is plain to see.
My kids are excited watching the Merdeka parade on TV. Hubby and I are trying to get excited too, at least stomp down the cynicism hehehee
su
August 31, 2008
Haris,
Just name it, and consider it done. Let me know of whatever I can do to help. And I’ll do it, no matter what.
su,
Now why did I think I would be seeing this comment from you?
God bless. Will get back to you.
nik class of 69
August 31, 2008
“no more race or religious discrimination; no more marginalised anak Bangsa Malaysia; one people, one nation; needs-based affirmative action programme”
I dream the same dream Bro but I think it shall always be a dream.Can you state where in this world do we have such ideal situation,both in policy and in practice.
From Moses to Jesus and to Muhammad and with billions of followers and yet no nation is implementing this dream.
nik class of 69,
Well if we just continue to dream about it and do not try to do anything, it will surely never happen.
Try and fail, you would have had the joy and the peasure that goes with trying.
Nowhere in the world?
If so, then we’ll try and make Malaysia the first.
You game to try?
cuddlyfamily
August 31, 2008
haris, I know this is blur of me but I’d like to email you a suggestion for a tshirt etc.. err.. but dunno how..
cuddlyfamily,
You can e-mail me at thepeoplesparliament@gmail.com
HeeHaw
August 31, 2008
Dear Harris,
some Merdeka, eh, where a fellow has to hide under an anon just to wish you all the best. You are a better person than I, for sure, thanks for sticking your neck out for cowards like me.
HH
HeeHaw,
All the best to you, too
sklee
August 31, 2008
For fifty years we have to tolerate
The racial politics of our State
It’s time for us to openly state
What we have so far fail to relate:
A nation that do not differentiate…
Yes, Anak Bangsa Malaysia is appropriate!
rajraman666
August 31, 2008
candleman,
You know how to hit the right button.
will chip in.
rajraman.dreaming to be Malaysian Putra.
cuddlyfamily
August 31, 2008
thanks haris. Emailed. š
S Nagalingam
August 31, 2008
Dear Haris,
Your article on Bangsa Malaysia stirred up emotions and feelings about our country Malaysia. What a beautiful country it was? I remembered my young days as an Indian boy staying in a vicinity of Malay kampung and having Chinese neighbours and for a while studied in a Chinese school (together with Queenie as my classmate). This was a country “to die for so that we all can live together”. I remember the days when all of us friends sitting in a Chinese coffee shop in Pulau Tikus, my Chinese friend having Hokkien mee, my Malay friend having the apom and me my favourite wan tan mee. Never did we uncomfortable about each other though we were eating food that some others are forbidden to eat. But we respected each other for the values that we profess.
I remember my Malay friend sister’s wedding at the kampung, do you need an invite? No way jose!!! It was your duty as a friend to go and help, helping to put the pandal (tent), arranging the tables and chairs and then assist to serve lunch by carrying the talam with all the good food and rice for the guest and don’t forget the complimentary “good morning towel” hanging on the shoulder so that you can wipe off the sweat. What’s the pleasure in all this? Sitting with all my friends at the back of the house with all my friends and having our own feast, whilst 4 guests share one piece of chicken, the Pak Cik makes sure these hard working lads gets a piece each. Then the next morning, help to clean up, bring the tent down and put away the tables and chairs and the reward for that hard work was breakfast, yesterday chicken curry with the hard-crusted Benggali bread and hot steaming black coffee amidst the laughter remembering all the stupids things we did yesterday at the wedding. I was there with my friends, Malays and Chinese enjoying all these.
I could go on and on but they are only memories!!! Can we as a team as a single Malaysian race, bring back these memories or possibly make it better.
What’s happen to our country? It was the best country in the world, this coming from someone who has worked all over the world and now in Bangkok.
Haris, I want to come home, really come home to my old Malaysia, truly old Malaysia. I want my children Padmini and Dinesh to know the true Malaysia. This is our country and how can we create the same again and maybe make it better for all of us and generations to come.
If there is anything I as an individual can do, please tell me.
All of you bloggers and believers of Malaysia, a country for all, are a great bunch. You created the March 8th tsunami , you gave us Permatang Pauh and together with all of us, we will deliver Malaysia for all peace loving Malaysian!!! Way to go Haris!!! Man, you rock, my brother!!!!.
Many thanks for the memories and kind regards
Naga
Alex
August 31, 2008
Bro,
Sometimes we dont really need balls to make a change. We just need honesty and common sense.
Bro, I agree the other side is rotten to the core. I read an invitation yesterday to attend a talk presided by your Public Enemy No.1 Tun Dr Mahathir and Tan Sri Sanusi Junid. Dress code: Baju Melayu.
In brief, non Malays no need to come. Well I didnt go cos I read the invitation late and also cos my son burnt a hole while ironing my most comfortable baju Melayu. I think the cancer is terminal. They are on their death throes.
We need an alternative. But the alternative needs to be honest.
Every time the other side does something rotten, we scream for justice and for their heads. But I have not heard a peep from the Pakatan people about Zulkifli Noordin (PKR Bandar Baru Kulim) and Salahuddin Ayub’s (Pemuda PAS) racial and religious outburst at the Bar Council Forum? How come?
Farish Noor says ‘Babi balik Cina’ was shouted out a few times. To her credit Chong Eng did chastise Zulkifli Noordin in Parliament. But no one else.
Its beginning to look more and more like a marriage of convenience. I will put up with your antics at least until I get my Green Card. Then we’ll go our separate ways.
I salute the coverage at Permatang Pauh. The guys have done a splendid job. But how come there was little or no coverage at the PAS Muktamar in Ipoh? That was just as significant (if not more) than Permatang Pauh.
Whether the Pakatan pulls together or goes separate ways could have been gauged at the Pas Muktamar. If we can discuss the Pas Muktamar objectively, they (Pas) may gain some good and make some amends.
From what I gather there is significant dissent within Pas towards close collaboration with PKR (Anwar) and DAP (anti Islamic state). The former is politics and is specific to some quarters in Pas. But since Hadi and Nasarudin are in this team, it is a significant quarter.
The latter is more ‘across the board’ within Pas. They all are aware of DAP’s anti Islamic state stance. What makes this matter ever current is that the fervour for an Islamic state in Pas has never really gone down. They just kept it under wraps in the 2008 GE. Perhaps now with ‘Malay political power’ threatened this particular tune will gain prominence again.
Todate the Pas have not developed an alternative. Perhaps a new front on this discourse will help Pas think clearer. Why not start a discussion ‘What are Pas’ alternatives?’
Politics is the art of the possible. One has to be practical. But this seems to hold true best during election time only. The next morning we wake up beside the pretty girl, pimples on her bum, morning breath and all. She too may have to put up with the smells.
But a balance can be found. A balance must be found. If it is kept under a tight lid, pressure will build up and one day it will pop.
Happy Merdeka.
Pat
August 31, 2008
Hi Haris,
Thanks for this lovely piece. I agree with the others above, that it speaks for all of us and our dreams.
This human resource would like to help, too.
wandererAUS
August 31, 2008
After 30 years absence in Malaysian politics, I find your blog have passion and truth. I enjoy your articles, I can use them as a guide to re-understand Malaysia. Hell with MSM.
My desire to see my old country prosper and live harmoniously, is my only desire.
Put me in your list if fund is required, I will gladly contribute.
Bornfree
August 31, 2008
Dear Haris,
When a child is born he/she needs guidance from the parents and elders but when a child is still being spoon fed at 51 yrs old something is very wrong here. Either he is retarded or a vegetable. Something must be done to change the mindset of the bumiputra. Throw away the clutches and slowly learn to walk and eventually start running. The Chinese controls the economy through sheer hard work despite everything going against them. When the going gets tough the tough gets going.
Haris my only wish this Merdeka day is for a united Malaysia. We are Malaysians.
Lemon Tree
August 31, 2008
āHow not to lose our āindependenceāā¦ā¦ā¦
Voted for a non BN Malaysian Government doesnāt mean that we will loose our independence or country or we love Malaysia less.
We love Malaysia too much to see the Government mismanage the country for the last 51 years. Most of the issues or mismanagement are proven and yetā¦ talkā¦talk but nothing have been done to solve the problems. Malaysians in general have to go through these problems day in and out in their lives.
During each of the BN parties GA, they shouted about their individualsā racesā rights. Then when election or Independence Day they are harping about being Malaysians. Who are the traitors here? Who are dividing us as Malaysian? Can we trust these people anymore? We have trusted these people for the last 51 yearsā¦. Donāt you think it is enough?
āIf we do not safeguard the nationās independence, we will be left yearning for our independence if we (the Barisan Nasional government) lose power,ā he said.
Think again?
Have all the MALAYSIANS in the āfive statesā lost their independence? The people of the 5 states have a better CAT STATE GOVERNMENTS.
It is ā the Barisan Nasional government ā who will loose power but we Malaysian will gain more without all the corruptions scandals, mismanagement of public funds, mismanagement of political power, mismanagement of the country future.
FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN AND COUNTRYā¦ā¦
THINK HARD. WILL WE LOOSE OUR INDEPENDENCE IF ā THE Barisan Nasional government lose power,ā ?
MALAYSIAN
I like chopin
August 31, 2008
Dear Brother Haris
A heart warming piece on a quiet Merdeka Day!Thank you so much for waking me up(and the rest of the anak anak bangsa Malaysia too)to the evil doings of Umno/BN.Yes,I am behind you all the way in all your endeavors to make this country a better place again for all of us to live in.Hope to help you in whatever little ways I can,brother Haris.If during school holidays,all the better!Have a nice weekend though you are in no mood to celebrate.
su
August 31, 2008
This is for Naksam, if you’re still looking for a BM translation. I hope I have done Haris’ post justice.
Haris, you might want to check and see if I misinterpreted your meaning.
Weapon X
August 31, 2008
If you need funds, just let us know brother..take care.
matador
August 31, 2008
Let us examine who was cheated by this SOB and his father and their friends.
Malaya and Singapore Population in 1963
Malay – 43.1%
Other indegenous – 0.4%
Chinese – 43.9%
Others – 12.6%
Projected Malaysia Population If North Borneo, Sarawak, Brunei and Singapore Join the Federation in 1963.
Malay – 41.5%
Other indegenous – 10.5%
Chinese – 38%
Others – 10%
Population in 1963 After Brunei Pulled Out Before Joining Malaysia
Malay – 40%
Other indegenous – 6.6%
Chinese – 42%
Others – 11.4%
Source: Willard A. Hanna (1964), ‘The Formation of Malaysia New Factor in World Politics’, New York: American Universities Field Staff, p. 20
So who is the minority here?
matador
August 31, 2008
Source: Willard A. Hanna (1964), āThe Formation of Malaysia New Factor in World Politicsā, New York: American Universities Field Staff, p. 20
āāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāā-
Suppose to be p. 10.
Sorryā¦ā¦..
ciltra
August 31, 2008
Yes!!! brilliant writing.heh!aunty is just waiting to pitch in,anyways,humanresources,financial ,name it.I feel so good after reading your article.We the bangsa anak Malaysia are there to help.Keep burning that candle!
RKP
August 31, 2008
If you talk about one particular race controlling Malaysia,lets forget about it.
If you say, a group of balanced races leading the country without any one race imposing a greater voice
than others,it might work out for Malaysia.
This group of people must be made up wise and upright people,true servants of the people.True leadership is yet to be discovered in Malaysia.
sambal muncha
August 31, 2008
Hi Haris,
You always write from the heart, for that I thank you.
Am o/s atm and invited to a Merdeka celebration by embassy but don’t feel like celebrating what with all the human rights issues in Malaysia.
As usual, AAB speech was uninspiring, superficial and unworthy of a leader of a nation.
I’m going to try the Sufi method of letting my anger and frustrations pass, and focus on contributing to your holler for help in any little way I can.
Selamatkan Malaysia Haris!
Alex
August 31, 2008
Bro,
An addendum. Without the Malay Special Rights as writtten in the Constitution there cannot be Felda, Felcra, Risda, JPA scholarships, etc. I think this is what the MNO boys are whipping up when they say ‘ketuanan Melayu is under threat’.
I say let them keep it. Let them have it. But I say let the same accrue to the non Malays. Especially the poor Indians, orang aslis, ibans, dayaks, bajaus, kadazans etc.
Let every Malay child who qualifies (no matter where the bar is set for them) enter university on a scholarship. Let every non Malay child do the same.
I think there is enough for everyone.
What the UMNO boys know for a fact is that give a Malay and a Chinese a mango tree and within one generation the Chinese tree would have multiplied into a plantation. The Malay tree may not. Despite 51 years this is still fact.
This is where the policy has to be properly done. This is where we need the alternative. UMNO does NOT know how to overcome this.
The World I know
August 31, 2008
Dear Haris,
Each time when i read your blog, i feel so touched & moved by your view & truth, i really happy you spoke for us, voice out for us. Malaysia will change if we have more people like you.
For your project count me in if anything i can contribute.
thank you and God bless!
Drachen
August 31, 2008
Do we really have a choice? United – Malay, Chinese, Indian, etc – we stand. Divided we fall. Global competition is going to INCREASE, not decrease! What happens when we run out of natural resources? What else are we going to offer the world? If we don’t adapt, we’re going to have a pretty bleak future!
Bro.G
August 31, 2008
16 Sept. DSAI Angkat Sumpah Sebagai PM Malaysia
15 Sept. DSAI mohon restu Agong.
15 Sept. DSAI mengadap DYMM AGONG.
15 Sept. DSAI mengisytiharkan pembentukan PAKATAN sebagai
Kerajaan baru di TV1,TV2,TV3,Bernama TV,Awani Astro
secara siaran langsung
12 Sept. Sidang Tergempar mengusulkan DSAI membentuk
‘Caretaker Government”
10 Sept. PM mengumumkan perletakan jawatan.
9 Sept. Sidang Tergempar Parlimen di panggil.
8 Sept. 5 Menteri & Timbalan BN Letak Jawatan
7 Sept. 10 Ahli Parlimen BN umum pindah kerusi Parlimen ke PAKATAN
6 Sept. Semua komponen BN dari Semenanjung keluar BN kecuali MCA/MIC
5 Sept.Parti Komponen BN dari Sabah & Sarawak isytihar keluar BN
Tham Chee Keong
August 31, 2008
Hi Haris,
As a Malaysian of this beautiful evergreen & resource-rich country without earth-quakes, typhoon & vulcanoes, I must do my bit to see this Nation of Multiraces living, sharing & earning in harmony.
Do keep me in your mailing list for any support needed. Cheers to “Change for a better Malaysia”!
Pak Sako
August 31, 2008
Another inspiring article. Well done, and thanks, Haris.
As we aspire and strive for fair, respectful treatment regardless of race, let us not also lose focus of the broader ethic of how we are all interconnected by virtue of the land upon which we all stand upon. It might help us to bear this in the periphery of our minds.
skidall
August 31, 2008
bro,
what you are saying is somethin that i hope for…and i hope will happen for this country in the near future.
Fairness to all that call themselves Malaysian. And we, Malay’s can only excel from this.
Muhammad Firdaus Christopher
August 31, 2008
Hi Haris,
My apologies for not being able to comment earlier as I had a death in the family. Nevertheless, I am in total agreement with regards to your article and am game, set & match to participate in any way I can during your proposed talks throughout the country. Please let me know how I can chip in (in terms of $, resources..etc) and do give me a call when you have your schedules drawn out, particularly in Penang. I will ensure maximum support from my comrades as well.
God Bless, Christopher
Chris,
Sorry to hear about your family’s loss.
Will certainly come back to you for our plans for the north. You guys are definitely part of our plans.
Brian
August 31, 2008
Dear Harris,
Like DASI, you have a way with words but you are so right that I feel WHY, why do people on the other side of the divide who no doubt see the situation as you do but do not make a stand for it, even behind closed doors? Call me naive,asking for the impossible from BN mp’s but sure we have the “law minister”,and I am sure a host of others who privately believe in what you say, to make a similar stand The sooner more Malays come on to this platform the sooner we will achieve our objective. Its a sad but true situation for the present, that making a stand as you have by other than a Malay would not carry the weight necessary to make the change.When I am proved wrong on this point that will be the start of changes we will see. It is my prayer that DASI will now stand by his pronouncements on the cherama platforms prior the PP bye election and effect the necessary change when he assumes the PM’s chair, he after all is a politician.DASI please prove me wrong
kavin
September 1, 2008
Haris, what you are doing is noble and serves “a great Malaysian purpose”. if not today,tomorrow, we will triumph to give the future generation a place, a home where everyone is treated equally and fairly judged neither by the colour of their skin/origins nor their religious believes but from the conduct of their characters. whether it will take another 50 years to achieve this, the struggle will go on till the very last one of us remain.
Sharing
September 1, 2008
From the Ethical Points of View – YES!
======================================
But, Frankly speaking, how many individuals think about Ethics?
Even within Professionials, how many are practicing Ethics?
Even these are emphasized in the LPA on which the Professional stemed out, how many of these Professional or the Industry been put into practice?
And, so are for Accounting, Town Planning, House Developping, Government offices…..!
The basis of ALL is Human Rights!
As Citizens of a Nation, what do Malaysians have?
As House buyer of Condo, Has Rights been observed when the Delivery was physically without facilities and Strata Title issued as Apartment?
As Quit Rent payer to the State, the State is even a party to manipulate Public or Reserved Land – Such as the Suba Ria Park and the Water Retention Pond of Subang Jaya!
As Assessement Payer to Municipal – what had they been used are out of transparency and MPPJ/MPSJ had not even been able to provide a Town Park for the last 20 years and more?
These are just a very examples and they are just a SIMPLE Rights – the Rights of Clients!! But they are abused and hardly there!!
IF THESE RIGHTS ARE NOT LEGALIZED, PROMOTED, AND PRACTICED, BANGSA MALAYSIA CANNOT GO ANYWHERE!!
IF A HOUSE BUYER CAN CONTINUED TO BE BULLIED,
-BY THE MANAGEMENT AND THE HOUSE BUYER COMMITTEE
-WITH DEFAMATION SUIT RASED BY LAWYER WHO INDUCED THE HOUSE BUYERS TO PAY FOR THE JOB OF THE DEVERLOPER BUT FAILED TO DO SO BUT IN RETURN CAME WITH A DEFAMATION CASE.
-WITH ENGAGEMENT OF LAWYERS AFTER LAWYERS TO FIGHT, THOSE LAWYERS WERE THERE TO DENY AND NOT PROPERLY REBUTTING, OR, TO DRAG, OR SIMPLY IDLE WITHOUT GOING TO COURT & DO THE UNDERTAKING AND FINALLY ASSAULTED CLIENTS.
-POLICE WERE USED TO CHASE OFF CLIENTS WHEN LAWYERS CANNOT ANSWER THE JOB. BUT POLICE WERE ABSENT WHEN THE ASSAULT WAS THERE AND DRAGING THE INVESTIGATIONS.
-EVEN A MEDICAL REPORT FROM GH IS CONTRADICTORY!
-THE AG or PP KEEPS PASSING BUCKETS!
YES, THE ETHICS OF THOSE IN POWER ARE NOT THERE!
BUT, WHERE ARE THE ETHICS OF THOSE IN OUR DAILY LIFE AND THOSE WHO CANNOT BE PROFESSIONAL WHEN THE BASIC ETHICS ARE FUNDAMENTAL!
BUT, PROFESSIONALLY CHARGED THEY ARE THERE AND “PROFESSIONALLY” THEY ARE MANIPULATING!
BANGSA MALAYSIA – WE ARE NOT FIGHTING ONLY ON POLITICS BUT ETHICS!!
NOTHING CAN HELP IF PARTLIAMENT CANNOT BE MONITORED, MAKE LAW FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, PROMOTED AND ENFORCED!! And, most Important – the Ethics to guide these Professionals and Officials!
IF PEOPLE HAVE TO WASTE FUND AND ENERGY ON THESE BULLIES, HOW MANY FUND AND ENERGY CAN BE CONTRIBUTED BY PEOPLE TO BANGSA MALAYSIA??
PKR HAD TAKEN SELANGOR.
Will they act ethically on the Land matter of Subang Ria Park and the Wangsa Baiduri matter because something are dam WRONG there? or only Politically when only a “Number” of People are voicing?
Hope BANGSA MALAYSIA is to guide People on Right & Wrong and not on numbers!!
Gandhi
September 1, 2008
Harris, this piece of yours is really very emotional.I must admit that you have this rare gift of pulling words out of our tougue and displaying it the way we want it to be heard.We had been so subdued all these years I find you like the light at the end of the tunnel.Umno puts the fear in its citizens with all the ISA and OSA and people dare not take any risk. And see what happened to the five!By putting them in they feel that they had successfully and completely casterated the complete Indian Community!! I hope I will live to see the Bangsa Malaysia one day. Thanks. May God Bless you and your family.
sam
September 1, 2008
Hi Haris. I`m a Malaysian working abroad. I follow your blog discussions regularly and fully subscribe to your ideas, in particular the concept of Bangsa Malaysia. This is my first time replyng to your blog discussions. I`m not sure how I can help but if you need the assistance of a Malaysian social scientist at large, please count me in. I am one of those Malaysians classified as ‘other’ in the Malaysian census. So, even in a race/religion-based Malaysia there’s another category outside the margins. And my family was not born into wealth either so they still struggle to make ends meet. It helps that I`m working abroad because my remittances make a difference to my family in Malaysia. I worked to support myself from Form six right thru my PhD. because my parents were too poor to do so. I`m doing well now but I cannot financially contribute to your project. I`m still working to support a number of my siblings and their children…intergenerational poverty sucks. But I plan to return to Malaysia in a few years time and would like to be part of the Bangsa Malaysia project now in whatever way I can. But for now, I can only support you from a distance, so tell me how.
sam,
Thanks for the offer.Will certainly take you up on it. get back to you soon.
ivan ho
September 1, 2008
“Bangsa Malaysia talks” Should these talks swing up north, do let me know how I can help.
fergie
September 1, 2008
A resounding YES, Haris, WE, together, can make it happen! Selamat berpuasa to you and ALL Muslims. Peace and blessings upon all.
cuddlyfamily
September 1, 2008
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/31/nation/22213085&sec=nation
Meng
September 1, 2008
Good work and appreciate your effort, Will do my fair share to chip in. Other then paypal you should have alternative method like money order etc. Being a victim of credit card fraud, Ppl like me don’t use card anymore.
Was at a MARA stall and a Malay quoted MARA stands for “”Melayu Akan Rugi Akhirnya”
Meng,
I think we will have the finances part covered. What we will need are more people getting in on the various aspects of the roadshow being planned.
mauryaII
September 1, 2008
Dear Haris,
I have always made it a point to browse through your blog at least once a day, just to read the beautiful and thought provoking articles written by you and the various comments by the readers.
I do comment occasionally whenever I feel strongly about the topic in discussion. Your article, “Bangsa Malaysia: You and I can make this real” is one among the best you have written so far.
I was moved to say the least by your insight about the Malaysian political landscape. Yes brother, I really appreciate your views and do subscribe to them whole heartedly.
If we had more educated Malays (not just scroll holders from ivy league universities who show their shallow understanding of issues in a multi-racial and multi-religious country), this beautiful country would not only be cosmopolitan in every aspect but also the economic and societal standard bearer in Asean if not the whole world.
Don’t get me wrong for just mentioning ‘educated Malays’. Though educated and intelligent ones from the other races are also a prerequisite for the all round progress of this nation, I feel more Malays of your calibre would provide the impetus to the realization of the Anak Bangsa Malaysia concept.
As it is what we see among the UMNOputras are just racists and religious fanatics who do not care whether the country is floundering by their actions and inactions so long as their hagemony and self-interests are preserved for posterity.
Even the 12GE and the August 26 tsunamis have not made a dent in their ketuanan mindset. It doesn’t look as if it will change in the near future. So long as they remain in the same rut, the country’s future is not assured. It will be in doldrums with each race envious and suspicious of the other.
I really welcome your project to bring the concept of Anak Bangsa Malaysia to the masses. If properly planned and implemented it would not only inform but also empower the rakyat to believe and make Anak Bangsa Malaysia possible.
The incumbents in power will do everything to derail attempts such as yours to educate and inform the rakyat. The rakyat must be made to realize that they have everything to gain and nothing to lose.
The insidious and sinister indoctrination of the rakyat to believe in the BN lies must be countered and proven wrong.
As you mentioned the Malays do not need handouts and crutches to succeed. They can if only they are willing to shake of the shakles put by the BN.
The only sore losers would be the BN and everyone with a vested interest.
Should you need any assistance in your endeavour, please do not hesitate to contact me. I shall do my part.
Rastaman.JB.
September 1, 2008
Dear Harris,
Please count on me when the bandwagon moves down south.
I stay a couple of minutes away from the city…but am willing to sacrifice anything for this noble cause.
BR
RastamanJB.
otai
September 1, 2008
BANGSA MALAYSIA HANYA AKADEMIK SAHAJA. LIHATLAH USA DAN ENGLAND… ADAKAH BANGSA AMERIKA ATAU BANGSA ENGLAND? YANG ADA HANYA WHITE AND BLACK SAHAJA! MELAYU JANGANLAH JADI BODOH KENA GULA2 AKADEMIK. LIHATLAH US APA DIA BUAT PADA BLACK DI IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN, IRAN DLL…. SEMUA MASIH BERPAKSI PADA KAUM DAN DNA, BUKAN AKADEMIK…. NANTILAH KAU ORANG… ESOK JADILAH PALESTIN, ORANG PETANI, ORANG MORO DLL YANG DINAFIKAN HAK DI NEGARANYA… MANA ADA BANGSA? YANG ADA HANYA KAUM DAN DNA…. HANYA MELAYU YANG KUAT ANGAN2 SEBAB TIADA JATIDIRI… SAYA SENDIRIPUN MUNGKIN CAMPUR DNA NYA!
ladyRP
September 1, 2008
silver n gold i have none
but the name of ladyRP
for use as human resource
Farida
September 1, 2008
Haris, count me in.
omar qayyum mohan
September 1, 2008
dear harris
“Until āsons and daughters of Malaysiaā can truly mean each is a brother and sister one to the other who look out for each other at all times and not only when it is āsafeā
i cant but agree that this must be d fundamental believe tat must be sown unto this generation and the coming ones.
whether we are malay chinese indian or watever tat made up this land we nid each other to move beyond a borderless world.
but d politicians have screwed us so bad tat each and every word or action seems like it is racial religion or ethnic centered
i hope bloggers can help to spread this “gospel” and damn any unholy-racist from sitting in Parliament ever again
to date u guys did a fantastic job against the might of petro-dollar BN machinery
thank god malaysia has u and other bloggers who never got a “cent” but did challenge a 50 years old government and brought down to its knees
cheers
tamade
September 1, 2008
Yes, Haris, your blog has been proposing the Bangsa Malsysia as a noble aim which I advocate 100%.
As a non-muslim, I truly respect the sincere, honest ,righteous and open-minded muslims from all over Malaysia.
Selamat Menyambut Bulan Ramadhan to all my fellow Muslim Brothers and Sisters and your families in or outside Malaysia.
May the virtues and the blessings of the Al-Mighty be with you always.
May peace, joy, happiness and freedom be always with you.
Happy Ramadhan and a Big Thank You to all you, Brother Haris, RPK and other Muslim Bloggers of the same Fellowship.
CTW
September 1, 2008
I could share certain sentiments articulated in Harris’s article like the yearning for social justice for all Malaysians. However, I have some reservations of some of the ideas that seem not to be well-thought of. For example, why the gendered term ‘anak’? Why called ‘Bangsa Malaysia’ in BM when the article is written in English? Is there such a thing called ‘Malaysian race’? How could cultural and religious right be dissected from political rights? How could the class concept be able to explain sufficiently racism? I think it needs re-framing and re-formulation. The ‘truth’ or ‘reality’ of race and religion have been so much socially constructed or manufactured that critical thinking is necessary.
Being a non-bumi is something like a stigma: You are half-human, semi-human, sub-human or even non-human.There are no yellow-stars attached to my shirt, like those in Hitler’s time.Modern racism are more shrewd. But, since my adolescent days, I see so many yellow stars, everywhere. I am forced to see and to feel that I am nothing but a yellow star. I like rainbow, I like to recall the joy and beauty of my childhood days of seeing the colourful leaves dropping from the rubber trees in the wind. But, I am forcibly being painted yellow and to wear yellow and my brain is dyed yellow. Many a times, I am reminded of being a non-human: a non-bumi is a mutatated political entity or instrument to be used. A human being has become a means and not an end itself.
I don’t want to be a yellow star. I want to be what I am, and to realise to the fullest what I am being capable of. There are millions of galaxies, why I am ‘allowed’ to be nothing else but a yellow star?
I was puzzled why I was imprisoned in a cage dog-tagged ‘yellow-star’. I then become a wandering star, looking and searching… I become a refugee, a stranger in my own land- physically,mentally and spiritually.
After many years of contemplation, I realised the no-thing-ness of all these -the banality of race, religion, nationality,class, ideology. All these are toys of the mind-game.
That is why I am skeptical of all these social categorisation of ‘Bangsa Malaysia’ or what not. They sow the seeds of prejudice and discrimination.
There are also ‘yellow stars’ also within the bumis or the Malay race. Look at how cruelly the socially deprived are being treated if they want to break away. The violence of authoritarianism is essentially coloured-blind.
It is a long process to unlearning prejudice.
I chance to stumble on some interesting Weblinks while trawling for some ideas on racism:
http://www.UnderstandingPrejudice.org, and
http://www.tolerance.org
Whatever it is, I don’t like to be categorised as ‘Anak Bangsa Malaysia’also. It associates too much with the humiliation of being a non-bumi, for too long. Call me by my name.
Anyway, I would like to say that the courage of Harris as a Malay to write as above is commendable!
patek1472
September 1, 2008
The Courage to Build a New Malaysia.
(Keberanian Membina sebuah Malaysia Baru.)
(Versi Bahasa Melayu dibawah)
The year is 2008. This is the year most Malaysians finally woke up from a deep slumber. Most Malaysians were just too busy earning their living and building up their lives to take notice that times have changed and the idealism spouted by our founding Fathers have still not been accomplished for this country even today.
It was not so long ago in 1957 and then for our fellow East Malaysians in 1963 when the ideals and dreams preached by the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj (Bapa Kemerdekaan and Bapa Malaysia) for Malaysia were first announced and was greeted with joy in the hearts and minds of all Malaysians. The late Tunku Abdul Rahman had a dream and ideals, just like Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and many others including the prophets over the history of mankind.
Many a times such dreams were hijacked and led astray under the guise of nationalistic, racist and religious idealism by so called politicians and self declared and appointed righteous and religious persons (Little Napoleons). Individuals who have risen to continue some of such idealisms are gagged, isolated, bankcrupted, blasphemied, rehabilitated or worst jailed, for it is deemed not in consonance with the dreams and idealism of the elected parties agendas.
cont’d at http://patek1472.wordpress.com
anaamir
September 1, 2008
Dear Sir,
Pls. visit my blog anaamir.blogspot.com/
Thanks..
jude
September 1, 2008
dear haris,
thanks for the wonderful post. i don’t know how i can help but would like to do my part – however small when you need it. my email address attached. once again, thanks and god bless!
abil
September 1, 2008
What words of wisdom on the firet day of Fasting. Fasting is also time for Malaysians to reflect on the future of our beloved Nations. I hope Mlaysians will take this oppurtunity to seek god during this holy month and also take time to reflect about building a Malysian Malaysia.
Kenny Gan
September 1, 2008
Harris, Singaporean Malays have proven that they don’t need crutches to succeed. In fact, it’s crutches which hold back the Malays here.
JOECOOL
September 2, 2008
Dear bro….will support your Bangsa Malaysia initiative in whatever way i can….just drop me a line.
I am a Malaysian Christian (of indian descent) and am so proud to hear your message of Hope….thank you for reminding thousands of helpless and depressed Malaysians that there is hope for us and our children…NO!! we dont have to migrate to Australia…why should we….this is OUR GOD-Given, BELOVED Malaysia!!
Reniv
September 2, 2008
Good work and appreciate your effort, Will do my fair share to chip in. Other then paypal you should have alternative method like money order etc. Being a victim of credit card fraud, Ppl like me donāt use card anymore.
Meng,
I think we will have the finances part covered. What we will need are more people getting in on the various aspects of the roadshow being planned
hARIS,
THINKING YOU HAVE FINANCES PART COVERED IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH. YOU NEED TO HAVE A CHEST, IT’S CALLED THE WAR CHEST AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU ARE GOING TO NEED IT AND YOU HAVE TO START RIGHT NOW. THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO CAN CONTRIBUTE THEY TIME & ENERGY BUT THERE ARE THOSE THAT ARE AFAR WOULD ALSO LIKE TO DO THEIR PART.
PLEASE RECONSIDER WITH YOUR TEAM.
Sokongterus
September 2, 2008
Brader, am happy with your bangsa Malaysia Initiatives. Count me in for whatever help required.
mwrmmg
September 2, 2008
1. who really benefits? will it be certain ethnic in reality?
2. equality or is it survival of the fittest?
3. Is this new social engineering or simply generalisation of ideals without considering specific needs?
4. And all these because we are mostly failed product of………?
Laoshan
September 2, 2008
It is really encouraging that even the Star published an article ‘ Making of our own Malaysia ‘ by Karim Raslan today ( 2 Sept.2008 ).
He had concluded well;
………………………………………….
………………………………………..
“We are surrounded by those who feel no shame in abusing the system to their own ends.
We have to take back Malaysia for the people. We have to set the agenda. We must speak for ourselves, as one nation. The Bar Council demonstrations. The teacher who racially abused her students. Those are not the faces of the real Malaysia. We are.
Malaysia will not become a āfailed stateā despite the prophets of doom. But only if we stand up and say, enough is enough; it is time we move forward.
The people of Malaysia will get the country they deserve. Many people groan at this, but I think of the long way we have come, the opportunities that lie ahead ā and think otherwise. I believe in the rakyat. I believe in Malaysia.”
Haris.
Is it not that this article mostly in line of what you had said all this while although in another form ?! With more and more people like Karim Raslan to speak up to support your call, although without mentioning it ,the new Malaysia will surely come faster.
Kell^
September 2, 2008
Dear Haris,
Meeting you guys further solidified my believe in dreams coming true…please continue to do what you do and take heart that it has an impact on everyday people such as me. By the way, I blogged about meeting you guys the other night =)
thanks for giving this country hope
http://wangsamajuformalaysia.blogspot.com/2008/09/night-with-some-esteemed-bloggers.html
frags
September 2, 2008
I must say that I have the same view as yours Haris. I feel taking an ethnocentric approach to social issues and economic issues will further propagate and exarcebate these problem and give them a racial tint to it.
I believe as long as welfare is given based on merit, it will be more fair and just.
Meng
September 2, 2008
Haris I agree with Reniv. You need a Chest of Funds to fight this battle for Anak Bangsa Malaysia. Please agree to alternative methods.
oldpatriot
September 2, 2008
Mr Haris,
Fantastic article sir. Please bear with me while I tell you a little of my life story. I am an old man now but when I was young, I was in the Malayan/Malaysia Navy and served for 23 years seeing ‘action”‘ during Confrontation in East Malaysia alongside my fellow Malaysians (Malay,Chinese, Indian & E.Malaysians).
I’m now old and have 4 grand children (2 Malay/Muslim & 2 Chinese/Christian), and now UMNO is calling me a “squatter” and “pendatang” while some of the Indonesians who confronted us when Malaysia was born (1963) are now called “Bumiputra”.
Have I wasted 23 years of my life?
navinda
September 2, 2008
Hi Haris,
I was there when Merdeka was declared and the Malaysian flag hoisted. I was on 13 then. It was a proud mement for me and I joined in the shouts of Merdeka just as my dad did. Back home the National flag was again hoisted on a bamboo pole. We shouted “merdeka’ at every one who passed by and this continued the whole day. We were full fledged malaysians then.
Life was good. My class was all boys from the different races. When we voted the head boy, I chose to vote a malay over the indian candidate, not on racial perspective but based on the charactor of the person. He proved to be the perfect head.
During May 13, I was stranded on an island for a week. I used to sit in the chinese coffee shop and play cards with the malay policmen and their friends. There was no animosity even as we heard stories of atrocities over radio and the rumor mill.We could move about on our own free will as no curfew was imposed there.
Life was pleasant till the early 80s. Slowly color consciousness and religious divides appeared. Friends disappeared from our lives and we were forced into racial groups.
When AAB took over as PM we thought that the old times will be back. We are sadly mistaken. We are frustrated and disappointed by his lack of action to unite the races. Instead, racial politics is at its height and if not checked could be very explosive. UMNO especially is playing the racial card and none of the so called leaders in the party seemed to care for a Malaysian nation.
Merdeka has lost its meaning. There is no pride in being a malaysian.
Sam Sambal
September 2, 2008
Bro, caya sama luuuuuu.. Love ur post… cheers
focussed08
September 2, 2008
Let me give my 2-cents worth of comments.
I am a non Malay and non Muslim. Over the last 30 years, I used to think that the NEP introduced by our government was to solely discriminate against the non Malays – needless to say, I felt angry and frustrated.
Little did I know that not only the non Malays were discriminated, the people that suffered the most under NEP were the Malays themselves. The only section of Malaysian society that benefited were the politicians/UMNOputras themselves. These are the ones who screams “Ketuanan Melayu” on top of their voice when their positions or gravy trains are threatened! These are the ones who put twenty cents into the pockets of the poor kampong Malays while keeping eighty cents in the dollar into their own piggy bank.
We, the non Malays did suffer for a period of time but the majority of us managed to survive and adapt to the changed environment. Though there are still a large number of us living in poverty, we are still mentally independent and capable of surviving in a competitive environment – there was just no choice!.
The majority of the Kampong Malays are nice & friendly people but with the influence/brainwashing tactics of the politicians/UMNOputras (for their own selfish reasons), they were made to fear the people of other races/religions. The NEP was meant to help the Malays living in poverty, but the UMNOputras never had the intention to raise the standard of living nor to educate these Kampong Malays because they needed a voters support base to maintain their grip on power.
To raise their standard of living would mean to raise awareness and to educate would mean to instil knowledge and thus, power onto the kampong folks. Knowledge is power and power would lead to the destruction of blind and unquestioned loyalty/faith to the ruling party.
For their scheme to work, the UMNOputras needs to keep the Malays fearful of the other races.
Secondly, they need to be kept ignorant and easily influenced and to act in group mentality. The recent protest by the students clearly demonstrate this point. All they need is someone to start the trouble, the rest will follow blindly – easy! What better method to achieve this objective than through the education system.
To improve or maintain the education system to international standard would defeat the UMNOputra’s objective. Ever wondered why the elite ruling party’s children are never put through our education system? Simple…, if they goes through our local system, they would end up being one of the followers. They always send them through overseas education system so that their children will be competitive and ends up being one of the leaders – and leaders needs followers…lots of them!
Thirdly, the “followers” would need to be kept within poverty line. Give bare minimum handouts to the folks to satisfy their basic requirements This is to ensure that they do not become too aware/knowledgeable of events other than from government sources. This measure will ensure that the kampong folks will always remain dependent upon the handouts of the government and will secure their unquestioned/blind loyalty.
Luckily, there is now a section of educated Malays/Muslims who had broken the unquestioned/blind loyalty that had been given to the UMNOputras. They are the ones who are leading the charge to free the kampong folks from the chain of the NEP.
These NEP measures had been ongoing for years and the kampong folks had been brainwashed to such an extent that they automatically fears people of other races. The handout mentality means that the kampong folks do not need to fend for themselves and as such, would genuinely be fearful if the government were to withdraw the existing level of assistance given to them via the NEP. This is because they know that they are not well equipt to compete in the real world. These are the people who genuinely needs assistance to slowly introduce them to the post NEP era.
My fellow non-Malay, non-Muslims, let us be fair to our Malay/Muslim brothers & sisters. Let us assist and help them get used to the competitive world. It was not their fault that they are in such a position. We can punish those UMNOputras but…let’s not punish these poor kampong folks!
Let us speak together with one voice – as Bangsa Malaysia!
focussed08,
Sir, one of the most enlightened comments I have ever had to moderate on this blog.
Would be ever so grateful if you would consider working with us on our Bangsa Malaysia initiative.
TJ
September 3, 2008
Haris, count me in. Let me know how I could be of help.
Anak Merdeka
September 3, 2008
Dear En Haris,
You have just given me hope that there is still a chance for a better Malaysia.
In my opinion, given that we have been brainwashed for the past 27 years, some Malays may not subscribe to your reasoning. It will take time and it will probably take a very strong Malay to be able to make it a reality. I think coming from any others, such idealogy would be viewed with suspicion, or at the very least, those with self interest will run it down and use it as proof that they have been right all along.
Hope I’m making sense.
Thank you for giving us hope that there are still right thinking folks in this country.
quek
September 4, 2008
I remembered while visiting our classmates during the Hari Raya,we ended up in almost every house in the kampung, of course our bellies were 3 times bigger.
I remembered going to the our local Sergeant’s house to have group studies with his beautiful daughter Yanshara every week, She would taught us BM and we in turn will teach her maths and science.
I remember Aminah would come to our house during the Chinese New Year and my mum will give her 2 sons Ang Poh
I remembered playing football with Rajul, Gopal and Sulaiman
I remember stealing Mahmud’s pants whenever he goes to toilet during class break to prevent him from coming out the toilet,
I remembered my Malay teacher Chik Rahim have a heart to heart talk with me about my lesson and told me not to give up but try harder
Those where the days……what happene now?
Gan Kwee Nah
September 4, 2008
Dear Haris,
Thank you for your effort and consistent championing of the cause to make Bangsa Malaysia a reality.
I salute you.
We need more Malaysians like you. Because you are a Malay Malaysian, telling everyone that Malays can do it is more believable.
I honestly feel sorry for the country and the Malay race who has been robbed, not just of the ability to compete, but the dignity and confidence of knowing they are as good as anyone else. To be honest, whenever I hear of a successful Malay who is, say, an Oxford graduate, I tend to think that maybe, just maybe, it was because his father is a high ranking gov officer who got him that scholarship. That someone is CEO of a multinational co. just because he is Malay. And that is the real loss of the Malay race I think. It’s sad when ppl second-guesses your success most of time.
So you have my heartfelt support to right this wrong that UMNO has done to the Malaysia.
CTW
September 4, 2008
Who are the poor in Malaysia? What is the criteria of being poor? Poor in what? Why poor? How do you explain the causes of poverty? Who are the deserving poor and the undeserving poor? What are our attitudes towards the poor? Is the Malaysian government giving out handouts after handouts indiscriminately without expecting the recipients to shoulder individual responsibility, thereby eroding their innate moral fibre? How do reform? Have handouts become a commodity to be exchanged for political loyalty? How do the mass media depict the poor? I am trying to reflect on these questions.
The key question is possibly how do we attribute causes of poverty. I read that there are 3 common explanations/beliefs: 1) blame the poor – laziness, lack of willpower 2) blame the society – social injustice and 3) blame fate or bad luck. Once we are clear on these, we will be able to know the sources of our anger, pity, empathy towards the poor.
Baling incident is a tragedy, so is May 13. However, those who died may have die in vain. The nation’s wealth which is supposedly aimed to eradicate poverty and to re-structure society has been hijacked or squander away by the political elites, plunging and shackling the great masses of people to inferior and humiliating quality of life. Racism is the key to open the safe-deposit of nation’s wealth. That is why you see more and more racism and not less and less.
The majority of the Malaysians, I think, do not mind all the hardships or the suffering needed to move to better quality of life for all, not just their own or their race, if they know the suffering or sacrifice has meaning. Oldpatriot’s voice ‘Have I wasted 23 years of my life?’ resonates deeply with me. The betrayal of trust of the ordinary Malaysians by the political elites hurts deeply. And also navinda’s voice’s words’ Merdeka has lost its meaning. There is no pride in being a malaysian.’ The sense of meaninglessness is very pervasive in all strata in the Malaysian society that you don’t see before the categorisation of bumis and non-bumis.
The writings of the persons I just mentioned should be archived somewhere. The voice and wisdom of the ordinary people often is drowned out by the jarring noises of the racists. Give voice to the voiceless, then the greatness of all ethnic groups will manifest fully.