“Am I making a racist statement? Am I instigating racial hatred? Is what I am doing dangerous considering that racism in Malaysia has reached a dangerous level never seen before since May 1969?” – RPK, in his ‘Cina sudah kurang ajar! Dah lupa 13 Mei ke?’ post.
The excerpt quoted above comprises 3 questions and one statement of fact.
I don’t give two hoots about the questions.
The statement of fact I have highlighted in red.
Janji Demokrasi at Dataran Merdeka
Janji Demokrasi at Dataran Merdeka
To those of you who were at Dataran Merdeka for Janji Demokrasi on 30th August, did you see racism of any kind in your midst, or a oneness of spirit and purpose for all who were there?
BERSIH 3.0
What of those who were at BERSIH 3.0 and 2.0?
Did the tender scenes of the makcik in the Ganesha temple in Jalan Pudu putting bits of salt in the mouths of those anak bangsa Malaysia of all ethnicities and gender, seeking refuge in the temple after being hit by tear gas and chemical-laced water, smack of racism?
Was I merely feigning concern after we were all hit with gas and water at the Bar Council during BERSIH 3.o when, blinded, I together with so many others, sought to share the little water and salt we had?
But then I have, like so many other Malaysians, been blind to colour and race for as long as I can remember.
Have the Anti-Lynas campaigns been racist?
One fo the many anti-Lynas protests attended and supported by Malaysians of all ehtnicities
No!
The only thing racist in this country is UMNO, BN, Dr M and the mainstream media.
And now, of course, RPK’s untiring efforts to sow the seeds of fear.
For some time now, I hoped that it was a case of, being away from home, Manchester was out of touch with sentiments on the ground.
It now seems otherwise.
In my “Oh Lord, how soon we forget!” post on 3rd January, this year, I had said :
“Many of you appear to be of the view that RPK has betrayed us, and has sold out.
I think you premise this on his interview with TV3 last March and his latest interview with NST and Utusan.
I do not share this view.
Mine is premised on the man and Marina that I believe I have come to know.
We cannot both be right.
Let us all hope and pray that the error is yours and not mine.
You have my word, though, that should I discover the error to be mine, I will not hesitate to disclose all that I know to you.”
I admit now that the error was mine, and not yours.
And I apologise.
The People's Parliament 
Shovelnose
September 23, 2012
RPK has sold his soul to the highest bidder. I’m sure many has friends request on facebook from this “avatar” lately, just as I had. He’s lost followers of his blogs and friends as quick as he gained them in the past. But let’s not waste time on this individual who did create a stir in the past but is irrelevant now. There’s more important work in ABU-kan the nation!
suzy
September 23, 2012
I Am of the opinion that rpk is a lost soul.He is trying his best to undo what civil society has put together.
There is no more fear amongst the populace of a racial riot thus the trump carrd of umno is lost.Now the people will vote their choice of PR caring a damn for what rpk is subtally trying to say initially but now he knows the fear is out so he is trying to put in a fearfull stance.
For all i know , his spin got stuck in his own revenge on pkr esp anwar for not installing rpk on a pedestal.
It started from the meeting they had in UK from then on rpk swear revenge .
OK people lets get on with the matter in hand and forget about rpk.
He is contradicting too much ,almost in all his articles of late.
He is a wounded snake
Capt Sudhir
September 23, 2012
Bro Haris, in the context of his whole post it was not out sync with RPKs style of in your face hard talk. No I do not believe RPK has sold out to anyone. He has always been his own man and we cannot grudge him for that. In fact if we had more Malaysian’s like him, in the context of being independent and critical minded with the government, and willing to walk the talk, we would not be facing this distasteful political situation we face right now. RPK has always been consistent on his stand. If we do not agree with his style and inclinations that is okay but to assert he copped out is not fair to the man.
But you have the right to say what you want, based on your perceptions and experience and I value that. Have a nice day and keep the fight going. Take care.
Looes74
September 24, 2012
You too can be independent. Why rely on rpk?
Capt Sudhir
October 6, 2012
That too is a perception.hence not truly independent as now I conform to your views (if I follow your suggestion) ….dig deeper.
Paul Warren
September 23, 2012
Haris, don’t sweat! Maybe some of us see through a little sooner. Or maybe you felt compelled to stand by your man! Either way, I saw racism gone at the Bersih 1 rally. I missed Bersih 2, But joined the one in Auckland. And I was there at Bersih 3. I know what I felt. I know what I saw. The racism of the kind imagined by RPK and his UMNO friends does not exist anymore. And looks like they are disappointed. After all assuming such racism as they imagine still does exist then there are so many things they can do to continue on with their actions. Like declaring an emergency because of an imagined eruption of racial tensions and violence. They like continuing to say the kettle is hot so that you will keep your hands from it lest it burns. But its nicely warm and invites all of us to lay our hands together on that kettle!
MMC
September 23, 2012
no apologies, haris.
its a judgement we made in life. not all are right. for the misjudgement, put it aside.
i have couple of drinks and i thought he was a great man willing to sacrifice for his principles. i was asked by my numerous friends after the TV3 interview. I said RPK may has his good reasons and the strategies will bear good fruits for us. I am dead wrong just like you. But we have to move on and disregard what he says.
Bersih has given us a new hope.ABU initiative is progressing well as per your numerous updates. Move on, Hars and again no apologies needed. He has made his choice for the dark side. It is his loss and not ours.
The Whisperer
September 23, 2012
I beg to differ, bro.
The message I get from his posting can be summarized in one sentence.
” Why give Umno more ammunition when they are playing the racial game?”
What we have seen from all our walks are confined to citizens who have high awareness that made them sees and thinks beyond the box. And we cant deny the fact that they are still many out there who are still stuck in the supremacy box.
I would suggest for you to keep your focus on ABU-ing. If Pet has indeed sold out on us then he is just as bad as Umno. Why want to get yourself distracted when they are in self-destruct mode?
HuaYong
September 25, 2012
i think haris make it very clear that he refer to that particular statement. hope u are difference from those mt “half-past-six” commenters like rot jim n themangkuk who always post irrelevant comment thinking that their remark could have impact on readers, which in fact none. pity.
Singam
September 23, 2012
I am still waiting for the other shoe to drop!
Manivannan Letchumanan
September 23, 2012
Why do you think RPK has sold his soul to the devil, if he has decided to support something different from us, thats ok by me, we cant be praising him when he was thinking like us and blast him when he is not, He has all the right to do as he likes. Its his choice. I dont read RPK anymore, it used to make sense perhaps its making dollars now, i dont know but i am not concerned.
Now the real issue, the struggle for better Malaysia is not about RPK, its about all of us, its about how we can achieve a better malaysia, its about what we want. Once upon a time RPK wanted the same thing now he doesnt, that boat has sailed in another direction, forget that boat, lets build another boat, lets build a thousand boats. We will sail this boats with the winds of change.
When one door is closed many more is open <–Remember this
Muhammad Azman
November 16, 2012
Thank you for acknowledging RPK’s right “to do as he likes”. Thou shall not comment any further on him. Period.
Now for the real issue. What do Malaysians want?
1.00 Chairman of Election Commission elected by Dewan Rakyat, and the Commission itself placed under Dewan Rakyat jurisdiction.
2.00 MACC following the same path above.
3.00 Attorney General and Auditor General appointed to Minister’s rank (if Uncle Samy qualifies, then why not…?) and answerable to Dewan Rakyat.
4,00 Dewan Negara members to be directly elected by the Rakyat.
5.00 Petroleum Act rescinded and it’s accounts subjected to Dewan Rakyat scrutiny.
Any of your boats sailing my way?
ps. Racist policies at it’s best. Consider the following.
“PTPTN TIDAK memberi bantuan pinjaman pelajaran bagi pelajar-pelajar yang mengikuti kursus professional di institusi-institusi SWASTA. Bantuan pinjaman PTPTN hanya untuk pelajar-pelajar di institusi-institusi AWAM SAHAJA”.
WHY ? After all it is only a LOAN, payable upon employment. It might be digestible in scholarship awards where discrimative constrains are placed, but to extend it to PTPTN ?
WHY ? Simply because, students of certain race attend by majority at IPTA, and the others are by majority intake at IPTS?
The salient worshipping of racism GOD, BN style?
Taipan
September 23, 2012
RPK is doing what Umno has now failed to do so and, that is, to instill fear and hatred amongst the populace in it’s divide and rule policy. It was always the case with the 3Rs being used to exploit the Rakyat. With GE13 drawing near, RPK and his paymaster are getting desperate so expect more of these craps from him. That man has lost every respect there was for him and no longer had the trust of his supporters. He needs to open up the floodgates to draw out those suckers with his innuendo just in order to carry out his agenda. That picture he put up looks more a photoshoot in all likelihood. No one in his right frame of mind would be that foolish as such. What more with a Malaysian Chinese who knows only too well! To hell it is with RPK
The Whisperer
September 23, 2012
Photoshop? Truly you have not been around for a long long time. Go look for the link where Shaun Tan posted his article. Get your facts right first before you shoot away blankly. Only make you look like a jerk.
Taipan
September 24, 2012
How simplistic! And here we have you telling us on the need to see and think outside the box which you yourself fell short of being one. Photoshop? Looks like you can’t even read properly what more with the interpretation of my comment here. What made you think that I have not read what Shaun Tan has posted? My question was not so much for his reasons but rather what was he trying to achieve from his dramatic display. I can only hope it is good whatever his true intention was. Is that so difficult for you to understand? It is people like you that RPK would love to call sucker. Now, do you know why?
lukeling
September 23, 2012
RPK is vaporous, capricious man without substance. He was trying to act like a hero fighting for democracy but he couldn’t stand the pressure from the powerful BN devils. He was so used to good and easy life, how can he face the challenges in fighting against a powerful corrupt regime? Finally, he made a U-turn and join the devil ! Life is so much cosy now !
sampalee
September 23, 2012
There is always two sides to a coin.If we think it is cool to be ABU,then equally accept APR.Both are based on hatred and exclusion.Why not just stick to vote for us.Just tell us how good you are in serving the public and not how bad others are.
We Stand Together
September 27, 2012
Both sides are the same only in the strange world of sampalee.
malchindian
September 23, 2012
Sir,
Surely your perception of racial unity at the bersih rallies (which incidentally I attended as well) cannot represent the racial sentiments of the rakyat as a whole? Discard the cotton wool-ling please! The racism pot has been simmering for too many decades and the many feeble attempts by bUmno to turn up the heat are mere warnings of darker things to come. The cornered rats will retaliate with enough distraction in place.
RPK’s tactical approach is unconventional and it is pointless wasting drams debating the man. Just remember this; he doesn’t need to educate you, me or any of the ABU-ers anymore nor does he need to remind us of his loyalties.
He is busy with a different breed of trolls and new readers and probably feels obligated to tease, provoke and somehow educate them just as he has been doing for over a decade (deja vu).
So see past the man, focus on the bigger picture and continue to do what you do best!
ABU!
We Stand Together
October 2, 2012
If the Bersih attendees cannot represent the state of racial polarisation in Malaysia, then obviously the racists of any stripe cannot do so either. The racists do not represent me and I would not represent the racists, or in fact any man other than myself. Does this sound logical to you?
So what is the main issue here?
The issue is whether we will allow the continued use of racial accusations to preserve racist bullying and abuse of power, or if enough people have had enough, and will not under any circumstances allow this to pass unchallenged any longer.
The racists don’t represent all Malaysians.
They will not set the agenda, so thank you and good day sir!
vasantha
September 23, 2012
Haris Ibrahim, be your own person. You have disappointed me for some time now because you refuse to see the truth about this person. Wake up! Make a stand! before he drags you down with him.
marie
September 23, 2012
Lets move on with ABU.
I would take RPK’s blog with a big pinch of salt.
No sane minded anak bangsa malaysia will fear 513.
That was in 1969, I was then in form 3.
Most of the populace then were mostly uneducated, and easily swayed by the politicians whom they thought were their saviours.
The voters now esp new voters are mostly college educated students, who are very aware
and now showing their mettle.
Bersih 2. and 3. crowd is the evidence.
Tokngah
September 23, 2012
Harris actually sold his soul.
orangkampung
September 23, 2012
Hi Haris,
I fully agree with your statement – “And now, of course, RPK’s untiring efforts to sow the seeds of fear.”
I believe RPK changed allegience towards the UMNO/BN devils because:
1) his son who was in jailed was released from Sungai Buloh prison in exchange for him writing and uttering all things good about UMNO/BN and that evil Mamathir from Kerala. His son was bashed up while in Sungai Buloh and during detention, RPK wrote about it and how the govt was using his son as a bait for him to return to M’sia to face his charges. So, as a father, he would eat his own words and do all he can to protect his son. Now, all his sons and a daughter are safe and sound by his side. Ask Zorro, uncle Bernard….he would know because he was the one who paid bail money for RPK’s son.
2) RPK wrote that the evil Mamathir asked for his contact# in the UK. Already talked and money settled lah…..his son’s release is part of the deal. So, now he has to be “soft” on BN/UMNO and bash the opposition.
3) RPK is reduced this label “he is a walking excrement”….he has stooped so low.
4) When the traffic volume to his blog dropped drastically, he wrote an article to show the traffic statistics being high…he is doing all he can to prop himself up. What a dog!
He is helping UMNO/BN by inciting fear, bash the opposition.
We Stand Together
September 24, 2012
Don’t worry, we will FIND OUT what happened. There will be no forgiveness, neither for masterminds nor mere culprits.
shakuntala
September 24, 2012
Let’s keep it that way……RPK has been a real bugger…….he stings like a bee, and he stinks also.
So let’s say, “Bugger off, or go to Hell”
We have earned our credits as one of the most colourful people on Planet Earth because we have come a long, long way, trying our level best and living together in peace and also in perfect harmony ie Bersih.
And we’re all indisputably…..anak2 bangsa Malaysia.
I love the Human Race;
I love its silly face,
I like the way it walks
I like the way it talks
And when I’m introduced to one
I think…… oh, what jolly fun…….
….
Malchindian
September 24, 2012
If we are to survive the impending bloodbath that will be GE13, then I want some of whatever weed shakuntala is smoking….
achibong
September 24, 2012
Throwing the cat among the pigeons, and watching gleefully from afar is RPK’s new pastime. The consequence is yours, not his. No apology is needed here.
Stay focus on ABU, the old boy will just fade away.
Donplaypuks
September 24, 2012
I’m glad you have finally woken uo from your self-induced slumber. It’s time you said “frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn” to RPK, who has lost that most important of virtues to his followers – TRUST!
Let’s move on and move forward.
Dpp
we are all of 1 Race, the Human Race
meatloaf
September 24, 2012
Sir, if you don’t post it here, I also don’t know got such issue. Cheers.
Ipohgal
September 24, 2012
No apologies needed, Haris. Glad you finally see through that man!
May 13? To hell with May 13!
“Three things you cannot hide – the sun, the moon and the truth – Lord Buddha.”
prime cut meat
September 24, 2012
Dear sir, didn’t even realize there is such issue until reading it here. Keep my peace. Anyway, I believe you know what is best for yourself.
Jini
September 24, 2012
Yup no need to apologize..i refused to see it too at first. He must hv sold his soul to the highest bidder and now must sing their tune, I suppose. U just carry on your good work!
bumi non malay
September 25, 2012
if chaos were to occur we Malaysian would only rise and Obliterate UMNO only after an apology by UMNO that one of those Chinese Killed was a Chinese Nationals mistook by UMNO Murderers/Police/Malitia. That is the point that UMNO hands are tied and we change the shape of Malaysia Forever……We cannot allow the same Sham of 55 years to go on without check and balance…..None of the institution in place at the moment have improved Malaysia…..times up UMNO…ABU!!
Yee Chut Ngeow
September 25, 2012
Haris, I believe that it is RPK vengeance that is rearing its ugly head here. I think he still believes in his course of actions, his infallibility, and his sense of superiority over the rest of us. In this respect, RPK is very similar to Mahathir. But he is no way as dangerous as Mahathir, because really, I don’t think there are many people reading him nowadays. And the quality of comments in Malaysia-today made me cringe. It is indicative of the type of readership that are drawn to Malaysia-today now.
I used to have some fun posting challenging questions to him under the login name humblevoice. But he blocked me a while ago. That’s fair enough, since Malaysia-today is his playground, but it is indicative on how he deals with criticisms.
Amaranathan
September 25, 2012
No, Harris, I don’t think he sold his soul or anything else to anyone. He is very much his own man, and he calls a spade a spade. About racism, i have to differ, Malaysians are so full of it. No doubt, people do come together for a good cause, but in every other aspect, politics, economy, education, everyday life, people tend to stick to their own ethnicity. Ask yourselves, Malaysians, how many of you have friends mostly of other races? Or would encourage your child or sibling to marry outside the race? Or would encourage employment of other races in your companies, businesses, etc? Or would sympathise with those fighting for equality for their own ethnic group instead of labelling them rascist? Or racially-profile certain ethnic groups as lazy or crooked or worse than snakes? So, please look at the man in the mirror.
We Stand Together
September 27, 2012
Look in the mirror? Why?
Do I constantly bully, frighten and intimidate people, and threaten to commit mass murder based on a person’s race? Do I take public funds and put them into my own pocket? Do I cover up my own crimes and that of my cronies? Do I do all these things because I believe in wealth and power over all things, and racial supremacy?
Only truly feeble-minded and mentally weak Malaysians will buy such pure unadulterated BULLSHIT, so enough with that “look in the mirror” nonsense.
Amaranathan
October 1, 2012
Feeble and weak-minded, me thinks not. I was pointing out that most Malaysians, to varying degrees, are rascists, in their everyday dealings, the most extreme would be the examples that you gave, the milder ones are the examples that i gave. So instead of having a knee-jerk response everytime someone has differing view and dismiss it as bullshit or “bought over” or “cybertrooper”, try to look at things from the side of your detractor and then at least agree to disagree
We Stand Together
October 2, 2012
Dear Amaranathan,
Nowhere have I mentioned “cybertrooper” or “bought over”, so where did you get that from? Perhaps you should indeed look in the mirror, if at least to recognise your own knee-jerk response.
Saying that racism in this country is only matter of degrees is such a weak and feeble rationalisation that I almost feel embarassed to have to explain it to you.
Can’t you tell the difference between prejudices carried out and harbored in a personal capacity, versus one that is propagated by the state and people allied with the state, and perpetrated in an organised and systematic manner?
The difference is not a matter of degrees. That is just an obfuscation. The difference is a political philosophy that preys on and makes use of the worst natures of some people in order to further its own goals.
I will give you an example: calling an entire group of Malaysians “racist”, in order to JUSTIFY and excuse the SUSTAINED USE of racial intimidation and bullying on them.
Again, I say, enough with the “look in the mirror” BULLSHIT. You WILL NOT hang the likes of Katak Ali from Pasir Mas on our necks before preaching to us our sins.
The racists in Malaysia are NOT the face of Malaysia, and the ones who try to browbeat us about “racism” at this juncture, either MOCK the idea of a shared, common humanity, or are completely ignorant of it.
Enough is ******* enough.
Amaranathan
October 4, 2012
I didn’t mean that you had called me “cybertrooper” or “bought over”, what i mean’t was the knee-jerk response and the name-calling and use of profanities that commenters, like your self, and people in the street resort to the moment someone has a opposing or contradictory view. Whatever happened to rational discussion? Freedom of speech? Behaving like adults instead of school-boys fighting in a schoolyard?
Anyway, back to the topic, I am not indifferent to, and definately do NOT support, the state-sponsored racism ( both at the Federal AND State levels), and my vote will definately be AGAINST the rascists. The point i am trying to make here is assuming BN is put out to pasture, what guarantee is there that PR would implement such policies that puts an end to racism and promotes harmony? Would they boldly put an end to race-based affirmative action and instead start on needs-based policies? Would they stop looking at what the Malays, Chinese or Indians want and instead on what every Malaysian wants? If their record in Selangor, Penang or Perak is anything to go by, then I’d say it’s old wine in a new bottle. So my point again, change comes from within us, for if we still think on racial lines, ABU would be a waste of time, at least as far as racsism is concerned
We Stand Together
October 5, 2012
Amaranathan, this is nothing. You are the champion of “freedom of speech” and contradictory and opposing views. Surely you should know this includes the freedom to lambast a position and idea without hesitation, especially when it has been detected to have only superficial merit, to be obfuscatory in nature, or to bear too much similarity with what is REALLY being propagated by real cybertroopers, in their blogs and all their transparently fake multiple accounts.
Fair is fair isn’t it? If someone maintains his right to employ race-baiting and haranguing, he should be man enough to take what comes his way, especially if people have become sick of it.
I will say also on your attempt to return to the topic. A moronic idea has been making the rounds for quite some time this year: the idea that each and every Malaysian needs to emulate Gandhi in order for any progress to be made in Malaysia, without which things are hopeless and nothing will change.
This is unnecessary. The idea is to dupe people into navel gazing instrospection in order to distract attention from the state. Truly, only FEEBLE minds fall for this. The only thing Malaysians need to do is to take away the power that allows the state to propagate the abuse and corruption. No navel gazing is necessary. Voting properly is one way, but there are other means. There are other things that can be done.
This predicates itself on individuals being able to understand clear cause and effect relationships, which is why I guess so much noise is being thrown out by Barisan Nasional and affiliates to distract and confuse people. LOL
Back to the topic, Amaranathan. Ye of little faith. The change has indeed arrived, or 428 would not have happened. More tellingly, that people can disagree so vocally and stridently of their own free will at odds with what is being propagated in organised, paid campaigns is a sign that the old ways no longer bind. If there has been no change or difference in Malaysians, we would not even have the capacity for this.
Even better, the movement for a more just Malaysia grows in strength with every passing moment. It cannot be stopped, and in light of this Anything But Umno’s work is inestimable.
Amaranathan
October 6, 2012
Dear We Stand Together ( what is your real name – since you’ve implied the need to be forthcoming ), nothing wrong with emaluating Gandhi in the struggle for good governance and more just Malaysia, in fact we need more of Gandhi and less of Rambo. Being loud and aggressive in pursuing a just Malaysia may actually be counter-productive, as it may turn-off many of those on the fence. This is a war for the hearts and minds of the fence-sitters, and you are not going to win this war by brawn – witness the Yanks in Vietnam and Afghanistan. You cannot brow-beat the “the feeble, of little faith” into submission by shouting them down or dismissing their GENUINE concerns or , again, implying that they are plants trying to sabotage the struggle. Believe me when I say this, such tactics are turning-off a lot of people on the ground ,” the feeble, of little faith”, the very people needed to win this war, who perceive this as arrogance of those who would be king but not even made it there. Truly, sir, you have to show that you are a better alternative than the thugs ( cyber or otherwise) of the otherside
We Stand Together
October 6, 2012
Dear Amaranathan, if that is indeed your real name, could you show me where I “implied the need to be forthcoming”? I am curious as to where you read that in what I wrote. Do you want to meet me, and take a group photo?
In addition, are you known to Haris Ibrahim or any of the regular posters here? Has anybody here met you in person? Are you actively involved in any civil society organisations or charities? If you answer affirmatively to any of the above, then I will apologise immediately and unreservedly.
Otherwise the name you use here is as good as mine. So please Amaranathan, don’t put on airs.
I do not need to show that I am a better alternative to anything. My opinions here do not represent anyone’s other than purely my own. If a reader wants to know what ABU or the opposition is about, then read only the articles from the official spokesmen. Do not read my comments.
Amaranathan, you and I have gotten to this point over one thing only. Your defence of what I deem indefensible: the perpetuation of race-baiting in this country, and the broad brush with which you paint Malaysians in the light of racial disharmony. You say this is a natural state. I say it is manufactured. I say Malaysians who believe that allow themselves to be DUPED. Every other point you have brought up following this is a digression from this main issue.
Since you would like to digress further and tell me about Gandhi instead of addressing or admitting the fallacies of your argumentation, what did Gandhi himself say? May I very loosely paraphrase?
That humanity is an ocean and even if a few drops are dirty, it beggars the imagination to think of the ocean itself as tainted.
Would you also like to know what else Gandhi said? I would like to very loosely paraphrase once again:
That is is better to be angry and violent if there is anger and violence in your heart than to put on a cloak of love and nonchalance and the morass of equivalency argumentation to hide confusion, cowardice and impotence. An angry and violent man may cease being angry and violent. No such hope exists for the cowardly and feeble-minded who dupe themselves into apathy and helplessness time and time again.
Someone wants to sit on the fence, even after the PKFZ scandal, the murders and coverups of Altantuya Sharibuu and Teoh Beng Hock, the procurement scandals that will destroy the country’s capacity for self-defence, and the numerous other visible, clear examples of the scale of the corruption and abuse of power ingrained in this country. Someone’s character must lack some essential quality. This lack of this quality will make that someone a perpetual dupe and victim.
If there is any time at all in the life of a confused man to disabuse himself of this state of self-duping and self-helplessness, the time is NOW.
Amaranathan
October 7, 2012
Answers to your questions:
Yes, my name is Amaranathan, no need for this “feeble, weak-minded, cowardly” me to actually hide behind a pseudonymn.
Yes, I’ve met Haris personally once but I doubt he remembers me.
No, I am not actively involved with any civil society groups but am a member of the Lions, which is a charitable organisation and am currently working on the plight of the stateless people.
Yes, would not mind taking photo ops with you and sincerely trying to be a friend, however difficult it may be.
Nope, I’m not indifferent to, or supportive of, all the scandals mentioned above.
Yes, I would still agree with you that people are not born with, but rather moulded towards rascist attitudes; however, the moulding occurs through upbringing and interaction with others, and the state or others with vested interest merely have to EXPLOIT this weakness in people.
And yes, did my very small part in voting against such excesses and crimes against the people. And i do my part in educating those who are uninterested or indifferent in the state of our country.
You paraphrase Gandhi, NOWHERE did I say that we should be nonchalant, or that our conduct as individuals, as far as rascism is concerned, is EQUAL to state or “NGO” sponsored rascism. What I did mention is that as individuals, we should bury the rascist demons in ourselves before, or at least while, we preach against the rascism of others.
I know very well my position in relation to the fence, and I do not need anyone to lecture me on that.
However, just to repeat what was mentioned earlier, it’s the undecided, the ones on the fence, that are going to make a difference, and need convincing ( not high and mighty pontificating or name-calling or challenging).
That is if you are really interested in winning this round and not live a perpetual life of owl wanting the moon
We Stand Together
October 7, 2012
Dear Amaranathan, I first started using this name at the beginning of the “hang Ambiga” episode. Had anything happened to Ambiga, then I and others like me know how to respond. No signal nor orders need be given. Who I am will never be as important as what I will do in relation to this matter.
I appreciate your work with the stateless so I apologise for the combative nature of my argumentation.
The issue of racism, racial politics and agendas in Malaysia will not take an election to solve. It is beyond the abilities of political organisations alone to handle. As for burying racism within ourselves, here is what I think about that in summarised point form:-
1. Even under the best circumstances, an individual’s gains made via introspection and other forms of growth is a slow and gradual process, with possibly just as many setbacks as there are forms of progress
2. Racism propagated via institutions, organisations and the media have a multiplier effect because they reach hundreds of thousands and they can operate on a tempo far higher than many individuals can respond to
3. It falls to us to effect a multi-prong strategy of consistently of not just personal growth but also steadfastedly recognising and repudiating Barisan Nasional racial and religious baiting and propaganda
4. It is important to speak up in a forthright manner for better or worse because the BN propaganda is so laughable, silence allows the low level of discourse propagated by BN and other “ketuananan” sympathisers to dominate
5. The focus must always be targeted on the political goals of racial baiting and haranguing rather than individual virtues because the political aims of racism shapes environments and environments have powerful effects, pervading effects on individuals
6. I unapologetically say Barisan Nasional and UMNO because the idea that PR = BN is a fallacy supported only by volume of noise. There are key, clear differences that we must accept if we are honest
7. A key Mahathirist tactic is to use ultras and hardliners to provoke and abuse people as well as hold an extreme stance. Any silence to such stances and abuses cultivates permissivity. Any opposition is then itself accused or racism, chauvinism, et cetera
8. Another Mahathirist tactic fully absorbed into UMNO and all its ketuanan sympathisers is to consistently paint the rakyat as stupid, gullible, racist, corrupt, etc or whatever, so that this lack of self-esteem and dystopic view of human nature will translate to sympathisation with the oppressor
9. The son of Mohammad Kutty and his grandchildren, all his sympathisers and cronies and allies, all his legacies of divide and conquer and bald-faced lying, all of this must be opposed to the very end.
Amaranathan
October 8, 2012
Agree with you on all points
Jonno
September 25, 2012
A good friend once said this to me and I have ingrained it into my own philosophy. “Reputation is what you are in the light, character is what you are in the dark”. Haris, you epitomise this and that’s why I call you my brother. Some people just lack both and we should not waste more time labouring over them.
Like you, I was defending him for a long time and like you, I ran out of good reasons to continue. Credibility takes a lifetime to build but with a snap of a finger, it’s gone. Hero to Zero in a minute second because of the wrong path chosen. As a Buddhist, I can only feel sad but as they say, it’s karma.
fairijus
September 25, 2012
RPK is used to privilege! He thinks he has the right to say anything he likes. He is not bothered what anyone thinks. He is not concerned about the future of the country. He is only concerned about himself!
Phua Kai Lit
September 25, 2012
Dear Encik Haris
Best for all of us to just thank RPK for all he has done in the past,
and totally ignore him for the present.
(History teaches that we should not be surprised to see people
jumping from one end of the political spectrum to the other
e.g. Benito Mussolini, the neoconservative intellectuals of the USA who used
to be Trotskyists in their youth. In politics, anything is possible. Especially the
very murky politics of UMNO-BN and our present ruling regime)
newwave33
September 25, 2012
After reading much of Malaysia Today, all I can say about RPK which himself has confirm on numerous occasion on being “tao fung”, in malay it means “kepala ada angin”. I would say he is a loose cannon.
My observation is that, being a gangster for awhile does gets into his brain, till today, the way he talks and behave is similar to a gangster which is no holds barred attitude. RPK just loves talking that way.
He is a survivor, man on his own standing and stubborn as a mule can be.
I am thankful on what RPK has done in the past and appreciate on most of his “I told you so” arrogance.
I do not like some of his post neither I can agree on them but majority of his write is about “I told you so” and it sucks to hear him says that.
Malaysia still need him but… how much longer can we…. er..
Lau Chin Jien
September 26, 2012
His statements in the article “And I do not see that Chinese chap who is stepping on the Prime Minister’s photograph as him exercising his freedom of expression. I see it as Chinese arrogance and a challenge to the Malays (cabaran kepada Melayu). Hence I say: Cina sudah kurang ajar! Dah lupa 13 Mei ke?” were extremely disturbing.
Alan P
September 28, 2012
Oh gosh please read the whole article again….it’s meant to mock the hypocrisy of those shouting freedom of expression but won’t allow it when the disagreement is pointing to them….the point of the article is meant to make people think, which is what RPK is doing all this while…..is it so hard to understand ?
Lau Chin Jien
September 28, 2012
Now what happen if those people don’t think? They take it as truth. Wouldn’t it cause another round of culling to a specific race?
Lau Chin Jien
September 28, 2012
Try to defend the statement ‘I see it as Chinese arrogance…’.
We Stand Together
September 28, 2012
You want to know what’s more hypocritical?
1. Using “freedom of expression” to support factions and political ideologies who mock it and are in disdain of it.
2. Writing about abuse of power, intimidation and bullying only to in the end support it by churning out the same propaganda points being endlessly replayed in the Barisan aligned media.
3. Refusing to accept that it is normal for people to become angry when their trust is abused, and they are constantly being cajoled, mocked, intimidated and bullied.
Wave33
October 1, 2012
Lau Chin Jien,
I have to agree with you that not all Malaysian think. If all Malaysian has been thinking hard and long enough, UMNO would be dead long time ago.
Why UMNO is still in power? Most Malaysian do not think. We still have a lot of blind supporters.
shakuntala
September 27, 2012
Mr. Malchindian, you are quite entitled to your opinion.
You ought to meet up with some truly courageous people, like for instance the persons in Suaram, who take the trouble to put guts into other Malaysians in their efforts to seek the truth.
shakuntala
September 29, 2012
How come if we are so dangerously racist, all of us, were we so perfectly harmonious at Bersih?
Cowards die many times, that is why they constantly mention May 13.
.
Jong
October 5, 2012
Haris, that bugger’s not worth your time and attention, just burn that bridge lah! Ignore him.
shakuntala
October 5, 2012
Mr/Ms We stand together
I don’t think people in the know are distracted from focus these days,they are aware of the means employed to dupe and for some the Gandhian idea to offer peaceful resistance can by no means be described as being feeble, as you call it. With Gandhi it worked, so it should if emulated by others who respect and admire the man for his strength as a pacifist.
Ambiga won the praise of nearly all Malaysians because she dealt with insult, injury and humiliation by employing or rather being totally humble …..she dealt a stronger blow than the so called buttocks swirling veterans, who had evil intentions, to upset the status quo..
Moreover, a while ago,generally peaceful Christians, in this country, were near enough persecuted or rather made to feel that their God could be treated any old how, when churches were boldly burned, under the nose of the Government, and Christian Malaysians targeted with false accusations of being evangelists ie that they were using conversion as a means to win over people of other faiths….it was calm and peaceful dignity which won the persecuted, accolades. Again peace was offered in return for blows, so to speak.
So if you are advocating total freedom of thought, why not allow the individual to do it his or her own way, without calling a certain stance…. feeble.
We Stand Together
October 6, 2012
Dear Shakuntala,
I must apologise if it appeared otherwise, but I did not mean to disparage Gandhi and his philosophies at all. However, as I know it, Gandhi was not a navel gazer. He was also not a confused man. When the time came, he did not budge on Indian independence. He did not try to protect British rule in India by saying Indians were no better. He did not ask Nehru to form shadow cabinets. He did not sneakily ask fellow Indians to “look in the mirror” because supposedly the acts of the British and the scale of the exploitation was merely an extension of the lack of moral purity of the oppressed themselves. Most importantly he did not try to drum into the Indian populace that there was no real alternative to the British, and therefore, things are the way they always will be. He did not ask people to choose the devil they know rather than the devil they don’t. He did not try to drown Indians in a morass of equivalency arguments.
Gandhi was not a weak, feeble or confused person. At no time did he ever preach to the Indians the type of introspective morality and guilting that came with the churches that followed on the heels of the conquistadores. At no time did he ever imply that since the politics of the day were not as pure as the ideals then that would be a good reason to withdraw and become an ascetic as if now only the afterlife mattered. I repeat: Gandhi was not weak, feeble, cowardly or confused.
This is a far cry to the superficial appeals to moral purity that I see making the rounds now. To me, this represents nothing more than the most blatant and vile, sickening perversion of what Gandhi represented.
I am just calling things out as I see them. Don’t begrudge me this. The scale of the breakdown in Malaysia is astounding. I do not need to give examples, they are so many! At no other time has there been a more urgent need to ABU-kan Malaysia without reservation and hand-wringing.
shakuntala
October 8, 2012
Dear Mr. We stand together
So sorry, to have mis-read you.
Your very pseudonym makes me suspect that you are an artful person…..don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that. Artful in the sense that you camouflage the real message.
I have a feeling you’ve been on Haris’s blog before, because you sound familiar….??
It seems to me, ….that you think that the best way to get rid of the racial tendencies that we have either been born with or are conditioned..into, is to let it boil over., get angry, have a so called May 13.
In this respect you resemble a certain someone having an initialed name, who regularly insists, in his treatises, that the breakdown in race relations has reached an unmendable, alarming stage.
I suppose you’d not hesitate to say that Bersih was pure pretence, or play acting, or cleverlly organized, not spontaneous….it wasn’t all this. It was a tremendously fine effort on the part of Malaysians to show their strength as a people interested in living peacefully togther, and not as racists..A clear message to a Government that insists that an enemy is in its midst which needs constant control,via unfair tactics
.
By the way is a danger in being too analytical Mr We stand together,..one exposes oneself..By the way, your assumed name is interesting…..do you really and honestly, mean it?..
We Stand Together
October 8, 2012
Shakuntala, when I read what you wrote, I almost choked on my coffee. What the heck? Of course I don’t believe we should have another May 13!
I can’t really understand a jot of anything else you are saying and asking either?? My first question is why are you asking me such things, my second is how could you even?? Oh my god…
1. I don’t “camouflage” what I mean. Why are you even asking this?? What have I written that gives you cause to suspect that I “camouflage” my “real message”?
2. I have never been on Haris’s blog before. I came here when that idiot from Sri Gading opened his mouth and then cried something like the very next day. Prior to this I was unaware of Haris’s work.
3. Sanctioning mass murder in order to cure racism in this country?? Really? What have I ever said that could even have remotely been construed as this? Are you actually trolling me or something? This is like some guy recommending drowning to cure ashtma or something equivalent. How could you liken me to a complete moron?
4. I do not write treatises, and anybody who keeps saying that the breakdown in race relations has reached an alarming, unmendable stage is a PRAT. I will never say such things like a total BITCH.
5. What kind of blithering idiot will say that Bersih was some kind of stage managed act? If Bersih was stage managed the entirety of UMNO could not have lost their minds completely and subsequently disgraced themselves with all sorts of imbecilic acts. Do you even know how many months it took for them to recover their wits?
5a. Look. In my opinion, any person who says such a thing, that Bersih was stage managed or something to that effect, can only be seen with the utmost pity. The retardation is so extreme, if their mothers had drowned right after childbirth it may have been merciful.
5b. I will concede that this is the only time I have said something I don’t really mean, with the drowning babies part.
6. You really are trolling me, aren’t you? That’s pretty good, just assume the complete opposite of everything I have written. This is amazing, it really cramps a person’s style and makes him lose control of any discussion. I can think of no other reason why you are doing this other than that you intend to troll me??!
shakuntala
October 8, 2012
No, We Stand Together, I am Certainly Not….. trolling you…..because I think you are merely engaging in friendly discourse. I mis-read you for the simple reason that my intelligence certainly does not equal yours
Let me tell you this. You have a lot of thoughtful energy and you simply like engaging in discussion. Go ahead and use it, to effect, without fear or favour.