"GEMUK" dangerous word...dun play play

Two incident when the "GEMUK" was uttered that cause lives of people. The first incident was the stabbing and murdered of a young girl who had playfully uttered the sensitive word and got stabbed 20 times. The second incident was reported in today the Star newspaper titled "Beaten up, stripped and photographed". It was described by the report as a Mafia-style "nine versus one".

As I said, words like this is hell sensitive among school growing children. So moral of the story is, for parents, NEVER TEACH YOUR CHILD THE WORD GEMUK or your child will received a mafia-style treatment.

Ooops will talk about it later....got to finish some work (BRB)

Is this fair?

The media whether printing or electronics is to provide useful and general information which regards to politics, economy, social and knowledge but no to the extreme of using it for opposition parties bashing. Why is the government so afraid? Are they so afraid that one day the truth will prevail. As the Bible once declared that the "truth will set us free" and indeed we need the truth. We need fairness, integrity, righteousness and justice. Fairness is justice. I was reminded by my jurisprudence lecturer who taught me John Rawls, a prominent American Jurist, in his article Justice as Fairness. It consists of two principles that all have the greatest degree of liberty and that social and economic inequalities be attached to positions open to all under fair equality of opportunity.

How do we like that? Will that happen to Malaysia? Will all be under fair equality of opportunity. I find it hard to read the Star just now on political bashing by our government. The past two days our newspaper reports are reporting about how the government should destroy the opposition. Worst still, to eliminate Opposition parties in Parliament. Maybe the government have forgotten that the Opposition is sometimes refer to like the UK (since we have all adopted the Westminster style of government) as His Majesty's Loyal Opposition. The Opposition are not opposing for the sake of opposing. In fact, the arguments and debates are to be read constructively by all members of Parliament whether government, opposition or independent.

The Opposition are not traitors as the government sees it. The Opposition just wants to see a true and healthy Malaysia. The way I see it, the government is just so afraid of the truth.

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Call to crush the opposition

MUAR: The Pagoh Barisan Nasional is working to ensure that opposition candidates contesting in seats within the Pagoh parliamentary constituency are completely “thra-shed.”

Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is the Pagoh BN chief, said he wanted to see them lose their deposits.

“We want Pagoh to set the benchmark ... that every opposition party which fields candidates lose their deposits,” he said when opening the Pagoh Umno division delegates’ conference yesterday.

So coming back to our mass media, why not it be fair for all parties?

Goblok hahahahahahaha

"We are the goblok, we are the goblok of the World" (Tune it in your head from "We are the Champion"). I feel like laughing. Ketawa sehingga perut sakit. A Minister, words like that would literally reflect himself. I must salute the alternative media for helping Malaysians to have an open mind. Before the internet we are all like 'katak di bawah tempurung'. All we got was news from the mainstream newspapers singing praises for the government. That the government is a good government. What the government did was for the people etc etc etc. But then again we have all forgotten that corruption is rooted in our society. Everybody wants kick back and a 'makan'. Projects gets bigger and expensive at the expense of the people.

Opposition parties are shut out from the media. Where now shall we go? We just don't want to hear from one party but we want to hear from all sides and every views, whether Government, Opposition, NGOs, Association, Religious groups etc etc. That the alternative media gives us. A voice to cry out and to vent our frustration. It allows space for criticism and argument. We are not kids any more and we do not want to remain a kid.

Why is the government so afraid? There is nothing to be afraid of. If it is defamation to sue the bloggers. Let an all out war in the court of law.

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Taken from the Star

Zam: Ignore ‘goblok’ bloggers

MALACCA: The public should be wise in identifying the websites of goblok (Indonesian slang for “stupid”) bloggers, who are willing to be tools of others to destroy the nation, said Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin.

“These writers do not have an Asian mentality but lean towards a Western thinking because they were educated overseas.

“Thus they assume that the Western style of democratic freedom is better. The goblok writers only have their own interests at heart and should be ignored,” he said after launching the Jalur Gemilang Convoy 2007 at Bandar Hilir here yesterday.

Earlier, in his speech Zainuddin said the convoy of 50 four-wheel drive vehicles that would travel throughout Malaysia was important to re-instil the spirit of Merdeka in the people.

He said the participants would be able to see the country’s development throughout their journey.

What is Rafidah talking?

This, I simply don't understand. The BN had a hell of a time since 2004 with a thumping and a VERY landslide majority with almost 95% of the seat in the lower house of Parliament. Forget about the upper House. That is a mere rubber stamp anyway. A first since merdeka. Such majority is very much unheard of in a democratically elected countries. Now when our Iron Lady mentioned that BN must win by a bigger majority that I presumed must be a either a total wiped out of Opposition Parliamentarian in the coming election or making it 99% of BN representative in our Parliament that supposed to be the highest law making body in the country.

She also says that a bigger majority in the coming general election is to enable the BN leaders to chart another 50 years of prosperity, unity and growth. Now, I' must pause awhile to think whether are we actually living in prosperity, unity and growth. With all the happenings since the 2004 election where our PM made numerous promises including the famous phrase of "Walking the Talk" and curbing corruption, as at to date it is still the old same thing. Ask anybody in the street I believe it will be the same answer. Maybe Rafidah forgets that why BN had 95% was because the majority felt that there was hope in the new PM but alas, that hope that we hoped for doesn't seems to be seen.

As a matter of fact, I'm still hoping but then again my patient is limited. I feel that something must be done to see all Malaysian be treated equally. What happen to corruption in the civil service and the government. Are we truly living in prosperity. Looking at our currency, we are far behind compare to the economic growth enjoyed by our neighbour Singapore. I believe our Ringgit is once upon a time the same as the Singapore dollar. What is happening now?

I can't imagine to see 99% of BN Parliamentarian talking rubbish like what had happen in our Parliament today. Our Parliament will continue to be a talking shop when you have the same old people sitting there warming the seat. I believe most of them do not know their role in Parliament except talking rubbish and making very unnecessary and irrelevant remarks at the expense of tax payers money. Just imagine we are paying their salary for them talking nonsense. There is no sense of accountability and responsibility.

If they dare say that they are doing the job, why don't parliament be telecast live for all Malaysians to see. We want to know what is happening to our country. We want to know what are the laws that are passed in Parliament. We want to know whether matters such of importance are debated with great care. I believe also that many Malaysians are willing and wanting to give our opinion which regards to the bills that will be passed by Parliament.

I cannot accept the fact that Rafidah wants more seats for the BN, just for the issue of prosperity and unity. I believe we want to see Parliamentarians that are responsible to their constituency.

Rexy, you deserve it

Congratulations to you and your family. You deserve the best from our country as you have made Malaysia badminton a proud game. We are seen to be force to be reckon with ever since you came to lead charge on the doubles. Seeing our Malaysian pair of Koo Kian Keat and Tan Boon Heong winning championships around the world is like seeing our former pair of Cheah Soon Kit and Yap Kim Hock fights their heart out. Thank you for giving hope for Malaysia.

Is it getting worst?

I seriously don't know what is the problem with people these days. A month ago we had little Sherway Ong murdered. She was about 4. Then yesterday Malaysians were shocked again with the abuse and murder of another very young child of only 17 months, Chin Shyan Ping. The post-mortem of suspected abuse victim showed that she died of head injuries sustained from a blunt object. Meaning she was beaten. She died as a result of being abused. What a parent? Now they cry for the death of their loved ones. How unfortunate. But whose fault are these?

It's so easy being a parent. Simply, you had sex with your lover in experimenting what adulthood is and there you go, a new life emerge. Immediately after that young couples in their teens get married and experience life as an adult even though they are still children. Where is the sense of responsibility? Sometimes we have more children by accident but without giving them the proper education and a proper place to live, as parents we became irresponsible. Our greatest responsibility is to see our children be successful. If the child fails to be what he suppose to be, that is the failure of the parent. The parent is to be blamed at the outset.

In the Christian world, my belief, sex is wonderful an beautiful consummate between man and wife. A holy matrimony. Where God created man and woman that they may be fruitful and multiply. That was a command by God to Adam and Eve. It creates responsibility and accountability between one another and the offspring. We are commanded to live and to see our generation and the generation to come. As parents we owe a duty to our children that they have good home to live, good education, good meal, good learning experience and the list goes on. Family is stress free and it all surrounded by love and understanding between children and parent.

Why can't we be called Malaysians?

Why can't we all be Malaysians? Why are we dividing ourselves within the ambit of our race and religion? It is so unfortunate and disappointed that I heard that we are 'menumpang' or that he malays are lord of this land. Why can't we simply be Malaysian and I'm proud of it. Regardless of race and religion, I'm glad that my late father have thought me well to be a Malaysian rather than being chinese first. I'm glad that I'm exposed to what is like being Malaysian. Thank you Dad

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Doing the right thing
by Loh Kian Ling

THE events of May 13 left a lasting memory for those who witnessed it. People like me who went through it hope that future generations will never have to face it again.

I was studying in Taylor’s College then and happily mixed around with people of other races without a worry. For most college students
then, race was not something we thought about. Neither was politics.

On that fateful day, we had a Malay tenant in our rented flat in Pudu. He was totally unaware of the chaos that was erupting all over the
city, and was preparing to go out for his dinner.

Luckily, we managed to stop him. Curfew was subsequently enforced but vigilante groups were out in the streets.

Although we were fearful of the consequences of harbouring a Malay in a predominantly Chinese area, we did what we thought was right. We sheltered our Malay tenant during the entire curfew period. And he left us only when curfew was lifted and peace restored.

Due to the passage of time, I have forgotten the name of our Malay tenant. I hope he is well and in good health.

I believe selfish politics played a big part in igniting the fires of May 13. I sincerely hope that today’s politicians think seriously about our children’s future before playing the race card to increase their popularity at the expense of racial harmony.

Malaysia is and always will be my home and also the home of my children and their children. Malaysia is going to be 50 years old and yet we still look at one another differently because of race. Why can’t we live as one? Why do we still need to identify ourselves by our race? Why can’t we just be Malaysians?

Loh Kian Ling, 56, has just retired from the corporate world after 33 years and is now operating his own management consultancy company.

Poor Teacher

Good that it is settled. But then again will the students ever learn this mistake. Well, I bet you that the students will continue to do it again. It is a culture within themselves. AND Culture are at times difficult to break away. Disciplining school children can be a very difficult task. Worst still when the parents get themselves very involved when their children gets disciplined. Teachers should be given some leeway in disciplining school children of course within the ambit of the given law. My personal view YES for strong discipline. School children needs it. I remember the days of my father, school discipline is paramount. Why not now?
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Taken from the Star below:

KUCHING: The dust has settled on the “pond squat” issue and SMK Bawang Assan school warden Wee Yim Pien has been forgiven.

She has also apologised to the families for forcing some 170 girl boarders into a fish pond last week.

Wee, 27, who is also the school's English teacher, had meted out the punishment after repeated dumping of sanitary pads in the school's toilet bowls.

The school’s parent-teacher association chairman Jimmy Kiu said: “Everybody has forgiven her.”

He added that the parents and the students want the teacher to stay.

“We do not want the students to suffer as the PMR examination is coming. The incident has been settled in good faith.

“It is hoped that it will not be repeated,” added Kiu in a telephone interview from Sibu yesterday.

The PTA arranged a goodwill meeting on Wednesday to mend fences between Wee and the students and parents.

Present at the gathering were school principal Kandon Ngadi, Sibu, division education officer Charles Tion and Education Ministry representative Shashim Shah.

There were hugs and handshakes, which indicated that the episode was over for Wee and her students.

However, Kiu said that the education department would still have to decide if any action would be taken against the teacher.

Shashim said the education department has submitted a report on its investigations to the ministry.

The school has more than 500 students, including 300 boarders.

Ohhhhhhh Peng

"AG orders corruption investigation against IGP closed" & "Former ACA Chief free of criminal misconduct, abuse of power, says AG" are two press statements taken from Bernama all sing the same tune by the AG. Under the laws of this country, the AG decides who gets prosecuted. The office has wide discretion as to the initiation of prosecution. Sometimes I wonder what are the methods of discretion to prosecute. Maybe he plays Ohhhhhhhh Peng with his deputy.

Bull's Eye

Well said. Tengku hits hard and sharp on the New Economic Policy (NEP). Indeed true that the Malays in the competitive world must realise that the protection and special privileges accorded to them by the government to develop them economically, are only a temporary. He described it as a "safety net". These are social safety net so that the Malays would not fall flat in going through the tests and pressures of life. There is a caution however that at the same time, they cannot continue to live in it for another 50 years or the Malay race be crippled and will have to use this social crutch till the rest of the Malay race. That will be a great hindrance for economic growth. The Malay race must learn fast so they need not depend on it forever.

The Malay race must desire progress. They must desire healthy competition and not depending on their social racial status of being Malay. I must agree with Tengku's view that they must move forward on their own accord and to scale greater heights. It is not that they can't do it but there is a lot of sheer hard work and understanding the social context.

The government cannot always help and there will be a time where the help will have to stop due to the global challenges and pressures arising from the many trade agreements like the Asean Free Trade Agreement (Afta) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) demanded the government to expedite the process so that the Malays would not continue to rely on incentives and privileges handed out by the government. A good example is our own local Iskandar Development Region or other development project of a high scale where the government will have no choice but to lift up certain strict conditions on Malay privileges to see great success for the future of Malaysia.

He also comment that though the NEP is to eradicate poverty and to uplift Malays' integrity and dignity in a short span of time, also seemed to have spared the country from racial turbulent during the 1997 financial crisis as was experienced by Indonesia and as reported by Bernama, the people's unity and harmony have earned respect and honour for Malaysia overseas as a model peaceful and harmonious multiracial nation, particularly at this crucial time when the causes of world conflicts are no longer due to ideological differences but owing to ethnic, cultural and civilization clashes.

Supremacy of the Constitution

I must first applaud the recent decision by the Federal Court especially from the learned decision of Judge Datuk Abdul Hamid Mohamad who said that the civil court was the right forum because non-Muslims could not commence action or appear in syariah courts. As such any disputes between a Muslim and a non-Muslim family and religious matters should be settled in a civil court.

The reason he mooted the idea was that the non Muslim cannot be present to defend themselves in the syariah court and that it is not the function of the civil courts to review laws passed by parliament and state assemblies. The function of the court is to apply and interpret the law. An interesting observation his Lordship made was that it is the legislature to decide which issues fell under the jurisdiction of the civil court and syariah court.

His Lordship also observed that he was confronted again by the issue of conflict of jurisdiction between civil and syariah courts, a problem that arose and had become more serious over the last two decades. As such, he was tempted to take a fresh look at the jurisdiction issue from a broad perspective since the federal constitution was now 50 years old and had the opportunity to review 46 other judgments from 1970 to last year. His Lordship strongly felt that there must be laws to vest jurisdiction in the High Court and the syariah court. The syariah courts will have no jurisdiction if the the state legislature did not pass an enactment to give them the power.

I have not heard a bold statement for such a long time until today. It is definitely a matter to be applaud. Glad to know that the Constitution is supreme.

Blame God....again?

Samy oh Samy, blaming God again? You must be so VERY desperate. So VERY desperate that you cannot find anybody except putting and pointing your stupid little finger on God. How could you? Why don't you just do the honourable thing and resign. So damn stupid. You are either making a mockery of yourself or MIC or the Malaysian Government or Malaysia as a whole. Listening what you say everyday makes not only me laugh but I believe everybody.

Serious note : After reading in the Sun today. Two things comes to mind. (1) A good and real contractor will make real good roof. Rain or shine the roof will not give in and will remain as it. (2) Nothing short of an irresponsible Minister. His exclamation in the Sun today was nothing but a cry baby. What he should have done as the Minister in charge of Public Works to make sure that this thing don't repeat. It is such an embarrassment for building such as the Parliament House suffers the agony of being mocked by the people. Leaks in Parliament House is not acceptable. Either the Minister goes or the contractor.

I simply don't understand why we allowing such stupid contractors doing real construction jobs for the government and the public. Should such contractors be screened before they are appointed to do the job. So blaming God for the shoddy work of contractors is so wrong. The Minister should blame himself for appointing such stupid contractor. The Minister should just quit his job and give his job to somebody more qualified than him. Why can't he just rest?

Now it's RPK and MT

Will Malaysia-Today be shut down? Will Raja Petra be arrested? This is currently in the mind of all bloggers in the blogsphere. My sister's boyfriend gave a prophetic exclamation almost a month ago by stating this RPK will one day be arrested for the postings in Malaysia-Today. Wow that exclamation may turn out to be true sooner or later.

Muhammad Muhamad Taib together with 30 UMNO craps lodge a police report recently complaining against RPK and Malaysia-Today for carrying a series of comments and remarks that it deemed as insulting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, degrading Islam and inciting hatred and violence in Malaysia's multi-racial society. Which RPK's defence is that this allegation are baseless and without any intelligence.

Interestingly, when the media ask for RPK's comment on the report, he gladly declare in his article 'See You In Hell Muhamad Son of Muhamad', the interesting words "Go to hell". In fact in that article, RPK gave a good write up and defence. The article also state about his divorce settlement of RM12 million. I wonder as a Menteri Besar, I would like to know how much is his salary then. Nothing short of corrupt practices by people like that.

I may wrong to say its a defence but like RPK, he is always in the offensive, striking and hitting hard first. This Ex Menteri Besar is nothing but a sicko. Unfortunately with the type of enforcement and police-ing in this country people like him got off scot-free. We are in a pathetic state of affair. The country is doomed to failure after 50 years of merdeka. Instead of getting mature and clever each day, we get all the more stupid.

Ban ar?

I wonder whether is there a ban on the recent ban by the government in discussing the issue of Islamic State in the media. Is there a ban? I'm a little puzzle as to whether there is a ban or not since people in UMNO keep on talking about the issue and issuing unnecessary threats. Hmmmm maybe the ban only applies to MCA ONLY whereas it's political master UMNO is not subjected to the so called ban.

This time Khairy Jamaluddin joined the fray as reported in today's Berita Minggu. He states that Malaysia is not a secular state but an Islamic State that is not autocratic. He further states that Islam is the official religion that was enshrined in the federal constitution and as such is not secular like Turkey, Indonesia or France. Seriously, what is the hell is he talking about. Maybe he should get the AG to advise him on what is meant when one say "STATEHOOD" He is just blaring, like what a politician is good at. Again election is nearing. And again PAS days are numbered.

Yesterday, Hisham issued a really unwarranted and unbecoming threat which I think make him real stupid. In conclusion, only those who are in UMNO are able to dictate policies even how discriminating the policies are which MCA, MIC, GERAKAN, PPP, PBB, LDP, SUPP, PBS, and the other ampu parties ALL are slaves to their political master. Do you call that power sharing? Dream on....

What a shame Mr. Policeman

The Internal Security Ministry and the top brass of the Police must be answerable to the Malaysian Public. What a slap to the faces concern. Here the same government is talking about ‘Ops Tulen’ and there you have top people been fooled by suppliers of imitation parts. Mistake like this is unwarranted and make a mockery of the police force and the Ministry concerned. This is indeed an embarrassment. The person and/or committee that approved the appointment of this unscrupulous and dishonest supplier must resign and that includes the higher up in the police and the Ministry. Mistake like this should not be tolerated.

---- taken from the Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The police have been duped into paying RM5mil for imitation spare parts for their patrol cars and police vehicles.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan is not amused and has ordered a full investigation into the matter.

Police Logistics Department deputy director Deputy Comm Datuk Mahsuri Zainal said the IGP has ordered that those involved be dealt with severely.

He added that Musa also wanted a thorough review of all police purchases.

“We want to know how long these activities (cheating) have been going on and if any police officer or personnel is involved.”

The scam was uncovered when a police logistics officer, suspecting something amiss, sent more than 90 of the items to Proton headquarters for verification.

After checking, Proton confirmed that at least 70 of the parts were imitation products.

Police are investigating a vehicle spare parts supplier engaged by the Internal Security Ministry for allegedly trying to pass off the parts – said to have cost RM5mil – as genuine.

The Proton parts were for the use of police patrol cars and other police vehicles under the Logistics Department.

DCP Mahsuri confirmed that an officer had lodged a report last month.

Sources said the federal commercial crimes department has started a probe.

The case has been classified as cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code.

The scope of investigations would also cover previous spare parts consignments ordered by the Logistics Department to determine if there had been cheating.

The department has more than 21,000 vehicles nationwide.

Above All

Above all powers above all kings
Above all nature and all created things
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began

Above all kingdoms above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure what You're worth

Crucified laid behind a stone
You lived to die rejected and alone
Like a rose trampled on the ground
You took the fall and thought of me
Above all

Jesus took the fall because He has thought of me.

Unwarranted Statement of the Year

Unbelievable and unwarranted especially it comes from a man who is the current education minister. As a Minister of an important portfolio and a former lawyer who have read the law and understand our constitution, he must know that Malaysia is never an Islamic State except that this is a country where Islam is the official religion.

Hisham's threat and warning is nothing short of political speech and ploy trying to win the hearts of the Malays just like his cousin, the DPM recently. I guess UMNO is trying hard to win the hearts of the Malays. Now coming back to his statement, he feels that it this will cause tension. Now what is the tension about and who creates the tension first? Who is the one that cause all the disunity and the disharmony among all race? Who is the one that divides each races with such discriminating policies? The answer is staring at our face. Not the opposition parties, not the NGOs BUT they that have spoken and threaten all Malaysian. I remember every time when there is an election, somebody from the 'dacing' must say '1969'. AND every time in their general assembly a dagger is raised.

Therefore, Hisham's threat is nothing but a mere political wayang kulit. Why can't he and his cousin just shut up. Can't they just accept that Malaysia is a nation of many religion and culture with the various races across the country, such as Malay-Chinese-India-Eurasian-Kadazan-Iban-Sakai- Negrito and the others. The late Tunku must be MAD and FURIOUS if he is still around for he himself had declared that Malaysia should not be an Islamic State. This country must be defended with all cost.

Contradiction?

Malaysian saw contradictions today which regards to migration of Malays in the country. The Minister said the total number of Malaysians who had left the country since Independence was 106,003, of which 10,411 were Malays, 86,078 Chinese, 8,667 Indians and other races 847. This is a contradiction stated by his Deputy who states in Parliament that 106,000 Malaysian had given up their citizenship between 1996 and April this year. Of the figure, the Deputy says that 70% or 79,100 are Malays, 25,107 Chinese, 1,347 Indians and 350 of other race.

Now who is correct, the Minister or His Deputy? Now his deputy have stated in Parliament during Q&A. Now, if he gave inaccurate statement, he and the Minister must apologised to the whole House and all Malaysians. Simple Mathematics and calculation. Is that not so difficult? There must be serious reporting and both man in charge must take responsible and be accountable for what said in Parliament. What is so difficult in apologising?

Anyway with regards to the number that have left the country, the government must seriously consider it's policy. Policies that are discriminating and against the notion of national building must be repudiated and repelled. The government must take all Malaysian at heart as this government is not just the government for a particular race but instead for all race and religion.

Is this true?

Is this true? If it is so than Malaysia is liken to be a child throwing tantrum to mummy. As such we will never grow up and take responsibility and be accountable to our nation. A blanket ban on the issue of Islamic State in the media is not warranted. I believe the non-Muslims would want the matter be debated on as the term Islamic State has a wide reaching effect over the future of this country. So with this total ban, Malaysia will never see the truth but a cover up by the powers that be. Like I said in my previous blog, a denial syndrome. So what if MCA or those in the government speaks? Still they are subjected to their political masters in UMNO. Will they resign from their position should UMNO continues with their own agenda?

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Ministry bans Islamic state debate in media
©Malaysiakini (Used by permission)
by Ng Ling Fong & Soon Li Tsin

The Internal Security Ministry has confirmed that they have given a directive to all mainstream media not to publish any news on the issue of Malaysia being an Islamic state.

Internal Security Ministry’s Publications Control and Al-Quran Texts Unit senior officer Che Din Yusof told malaysiakini that they are afraid that allowing such discussions would cause “tension”.

“Yes we have given the directive to all mainstream newspapers. Islam is a sensitive issue. They cannot publish any news on whether the country is secular or Islam.

“Stop harping on this. The debate would never end,” he asserted when contacted today.

However, he said newpapers can still publish statements from Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Najib Abdul Razak on the country being an Islamic state.

On Tuesday, Najib said Malaysia is an Islamic state and not a secular one while carefully assuring members of minority faiths that their rights will be protected.

He said the mainly-Muslim Malaysia has never been a secular nation as the government has always been driven by the fundamentals of Islam.

“Islam is the official religion and we are an Islamic state," Najib told reporters after he opened an international conference on the role of Islamic states.

“But as an Islamic state, it does not mean that we don't respect the non-Muslims. The Muslims and the non-Muslims have their own rights,” he was quoted saying.

No negative reactions

His comments have since drawn protests from the Opposition, civil society groups and MCA.

Che Din pointed out that while the two top leaders of the country can make such statements, any reactions from political parties and the public will not be allowed to be published.

“Reaction from political parties and the public cannot be published especially the negative reactions,” he said.

Several journalists and editors were contacted and they confirmed that they will adhere to the instruction.

Some of the editors also noted that they have already retracted some commentary on this issue from their newspapers.

Deputy Internal Security Minister Fu Ah Kiow could not be reached for further comments and clarification.

Dismal ignorance

Responding to Najib statement, MCA yesterday said that historical facts and documents showed that Malaysia was a secular state.

MCA Secretary General Ong Ka Chuan yesterday issued a statement stating that documents prepared by the British authorities before granting independence to Malaysia in 1957 clearly stipulated that “the members of the Alliance delegation...had no intention of creating a Muslim theocracy and that Malaya would be a secular state”.

“This was the consensus and social contract agreed upon by our forefathers,” he said.

Today PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim also lambasted Najib over his remark, calling it as "exposing his (Najib’s) dismal ignorance" of what an Islamic state was all about.

He said Najib's statement was calculated for political mileage.

Islamic State? The Bar's answer

PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE BAR COUNCIL

The statement made by the Deputy Prime Minister in this 50th year of Merdeka that Malaysia has never been a secular state is startling as it ignores the undisputed constitutional history of the country as well as the social contract by which the multi-racial and multi-religious people of this nation came together.

The Federal Constitution was a carefully thought out, carefully negotiated document that evolved after much debate and discussion. Some historical context is necessary. In 1956, Tunku Abdul Rahman had headed a Merdeka Mission to London to negotiate for independence. The negotiations were conducted by 4 representatives of the Malay Rulers, 4 representatives of the then Alliance Government and representatives of the British Government. The Reid Commission was then appointed to draft a constitution for independent Malaya. The Reid Commission held 118 meetings in Malaya. It met a wide cross-section of people and organisations and received 131 memoranda.

One of the striking features of the Reid Commission report and the Federal Constitution is the inter-communal compromises. These compromises were essentially the result of proposals set out in a memorandum by the then Alliance party which had in turn been vigorously debated over many months by a core group from UMNO, MCA, and MIC under Tunku’s chairmanship. The Alliance Memorandum referred to the issue of religion as follows:

“The religion of Malaya shall be Islam. The observance of this principle shall not impose any disability on non-Muslim nationals professing and practising their own religion, and shall not imply that the State is not a secular State.” (Emphasis added)

Subsequent to the issuance of the Reid Report, further reviews were carried out by a Working Party that again consisted of representatives from the Malay rulers, the Alliance party and the British Government. The Alliance party set up its own sub-committee chaired by its then deputy president, Datuk Abdul Razak. Again the Alliance maintained its position that they had no intention of creating a Muslim theocracy and that Malaya would be a secular State. A white paper subsequently issued by the British Government in June 1957 confirmed this by stating “This will in no way affect the present position of the Federation as a secular State”.

Since then Tunku himself, respected Academics, and our own Supreme Court in 1988 have reiterated in one way or another that we are a secular State and not an Islamic State. Thus for more than 40 years (until 2001), no-one had suggested that Malaysia is an Islamic State.

One has to only look at the Articles in the Federal Constitution, our system of government and the administration of justice to know that we are not an Islamic State. The Civil Courts set up under the Constitution dispense secular justice on a daily basis to all the citizens of this country. Secular law governs contracts, commerce, international relations and trade and every aspect of the lives of a citizen. Islamic law governs specific matters set out in the Federal Constitution in relation to persons professing Islam.

In the context of our history and the Constitution itself that proclaims its supremacy, it is the Bar Council’s view that there is no doubt whatsoever that Malaysia is a secular state and not an Islamic state. It is noteworthy that the Prime Minister in his speech delivered at the conference yesterday and in his propagating Islam Hadhari has never referred to Malaysia as an Islamic State.

It is time that the proposition that Malaysia is not secular, (which is a rewriting of the Constitution), be put to rest once and for all and that there is due recognition and reaffirmation of the clear legal and constitutional position that Malaysia is, and has always been, a secular State.

What the.....

The general election is definitely VERY NEAR. This time a loud cry by DPM stating that Malaysia Malaysia is not a secular state but an Islamic nation with its own interpretation. Meaning 'own interpretation' that would probably leave it to all the extremist and fanatic mind of what it means by an Islamic State. Is it a legal meaning like the one in Pakistan or Afghanistan that literally declared in the constitution? If it is not than what is by the DPM means by 'own interpretation'.

Now there are two interpretations. I stand to be corrected. In winning the hearts of the Malay in the coming election, a proclamation like that would give some caps to the DPM to spearhead the challenge to capture Kelantan and completely destroy PAS in all Malay heartland constituencies. Meaning a political gimmick. OR on the other hand, the ala UMNO style of Islamic State that never is one. Be that as it may, the 'own interpretation' is a dangerous formula as it gives many interpretation. However as far as I'm concern, our founding fathers have declared loud and clear that Malaysia is a secular state and that Islam is the religion of the Federation as declared in our Constitution.

I won't go into the laws as there are many blogs that have already state the law as it is. Blogees can find it in Haris Ibrahim's blog on some interesting points and arguments on the issue. However I must state this in 32 years as a Malaysian citizen, I have never heard the term “Islamic State” used in anywhere but only recently. AND as I said above elections are near, and the two Malay Parties are trying their best in outbeat one another in showing to the world at large who is more Taliban. Worst still, Parliament has been turned into a battleground between PAS and UMNO to turn Malaysia into an Islamic state. This is so going against the spirit of true Malaysia.

For over four decades coming five, the defence of a secular Malaysia with Islam as the official religion was the mainstream nation-building agenda. All regardless of race and religion must challenge the so cll cry by DPM. Malaysian must know that all first three Prime Ministers have all declared that Malaysia is a secular state. Tunku went even further in 1988 to declare the formation of Islamic State as it will kill the social contract build over the years by all Malaysian.

Please don't allow cries by DPM as it is legally wrong and unbecoming of the office of the DPM. What about the exclamation by PM that he is the PM for all race and religion?

950 cases of racial cases.... I'm so sad

Come August 31, 2007, Malaysia will reach 50 years old. From the days of agriculture and horticulture industry into an almost a modern nation where we are able to compete with our neighbouring countries as well as the countries in the west. We are seen to be competitive and able to produce excellence within our commercial and corporate spheres. And I believe as at to date our founding fathers like Tunku and the early alliance are proud of.

However after all the praises above, our country after 50 years seems to fail miserably in terms of understanding one another of different race and religion. I read in the Star recently of the 950 racial clashes this year and my heart cries for Malaysia that we have a 15% increase of cases reported. This is not progressive. So the issue is are we living in harmony or are we living tolerating one another. It is so unfortunate that in reaching 50 years we are still called our race first, what about being Malaysian first.

I remember when I was very young, my best friend is Azrul. We are the 'bestest' of friend. Literally we love and care for each other. Well, sad to say we have lost contact (and I'm hoping he reads this). BUT we knew even we of different race, culture and religion but we know how to live together in harmony. However all these change when one goes to the university. I remember in UM, whilst doing my CLP, I met an Indian friend of mine and had lunch together almost everyday. He was from another faculty. AND was shocked to find that the his Indian friends were not talking to him because he was close to me. I find this so difficult to believe. What is this nonsense?

When we were younger we are colour blind, but as we grow older we became to take sides. How sad we are? Instead of growing older and more mature, we become childish.

make us instead of being progressed, this into We grew stronger I find it hard to believe that reaching 50 this issue of Islamic state

Crime statistic

Taken from Uncle Kit's blog. My state Melaka..... oops I'm scared... and worst still there were three road block last month in my Taman, how is that?

The crime index for the first six months of 2007 as compared to the same period of 2006 is as follows:

Statistics of Crime Index According to States ( Jan - Jun 2006 / 2007)
	Year 2006 (Jan - Jun)	Year 2007 (Jan - Jun)	+ / -	%
Selangor	25,366	29,662	4,296	16.93
Perak	6,016	6,932	916	15.22
Sarawak	5,644	6,386	742	13.14
Kelantan	2,777	3,064	287	10.33
Melaka	2,814	3,104	290	10.31
Perlis	385	420	35	9.09
Kedah	5,550	5,886	336	6.05
Terengganu	2,735	2,866	131	4.79
Pahang	3,439	3,583	144	4.19
P.Pinang	8,423	8,599	176	2.09
Kuala Lumpur	16,111	15,835	-276	-1.71
Johor	14,587	13,471	-1,116	-7.65
Sabah	3,394	3,068	-326	-9.61
N.Sembilan	3,832	3,340	-492	-12.84
Total	101,073	106,236	5,163	5.11

Amendment to our criminal laws?

I read Uncle Kit's press statement on Nat Tan's unlawful arrest and detention and found it to be interesting. He says that the police should investigate first then arrest and not the other way around. He further states that the PM should respect human rights and end police abuse of powers.

Under section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code, it allows for a detention of up to fifteen days (include the day of arrest). The police would have to make application before the Magistrate within the first 24 hours after the arrest was made subsequently they can apply for a remand order for several days. In the event police investigation is not completed during the remand period, the police can apply for further extension provided they would have to satisfy before the Magistrate that a further remand is needed. And the Magistrate must inquire into the investigation diary and papers to consider the application by the police.

Having said that, Uncle Kit's post an important area on the law of remand that should be further elaborated. Many issues to be consider for and against. However if one look at the issue at hand, every men is deemed to be innocent until proven otherwise by the court of law. What the police should have done is call Nat for an interview and I believe Nat has nothing to hide. He is not a notorious criminal that warrant an arrest. Let there be a thorough investigation who is responsible for the anonymous website making the RM5.5 million investigation against the Deputy Minister but leave Nat alone. By remanding him and more so arrest him in a very secret way suggest unprofessionalism of the police in handling the issue.

In view of this, and the many errors of judgment by the police, should the IPCMC be introduced back in Parliament for a full debate and not making Malaysia a super police state.

So? Is there any difference?

Taken this from the Star.... what is the difference? We still live in fear.

----

Johor overall crime rate down, but rape cases up

By FARIK ZOLKEPLI

KULAI: The crime rate in Johor has dipped by as many as 1,162 cases in the first six months, but the number of rape cases has increased instead.

State CID Chief Senior Asst Comm II Roslan Ahmad said the number of rape cases increased some 8% in the first six months of this year.

He noted that 90% of the cases involved underage girls having consensual sex with their partners.

"Violent rapes are not common in the state but most rapes are results of social ills," he said.

SAC II Roslan told a press conference here that parents should monitor their children closely to prevent social ills such as underaged sex from increasing.

FAM, Better Close Shop

It will be a great and exciting season for Manchester United not only for the Premier League but hopefully as they will think to capture back the European Cup. Signing Owen Lee Hargreaves from Bayern Munich and getting two new players such as Anderson who played for FC Porto and Nani who played for Sporting. Both are Portuguese's clubs and both clubs have great footballing history. There is a rumour (rumour may be so true sometimes) that Carlos Tevez may sign with the Red Devils for the coming season. And if this is REAL that will work smartly and interesting with Wayne Rooney. It will be exciting. My vote will be on United to win the league again.

Now back to the local scene, Malaysia the host to the AFC this year and that as usual, they lost to great China (1-5) in their opening match on Tuesday and was wiped out 0-5 by Uzbekistan yesterday. Both matches were played at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil (Home ground with Home weather and Home supporter) and yet we were defeated nicely by the two teams. Indonesia also lost but to Saudi Arabia (played in a world cup before) with the score 2-1. They fought well. Unlike Malaysia we literally allowed our opponents to trash us. It is so humiliating and embarrassing. Gone are the days of great Malaysia football like the days of Mokhtar Dahari, Santok Singh and Soh Chin Aun.

With the going like that, Malaysia football should just concentrate on winning kampung competition and be jaguh kampung. What the........ and will the big building in somewhere in England help our sportsmen.

I believe there are too many politicians who never understand football sitting and warming the seat deciding what's best for Malaysia football.

The resignation of the Tengku Mahkota must be seen as positive. He did what he has to and that has to be respected. He took complete responsibility for the defeat even though he may not say it. And he shows great leadership in being accountable and responsible. He has put in a lot of effort in bringing the AFC to Malaysia and as such with such defeats, he felt embarrassed. Malaysians all over are also embarrassed with the defeat. HOWEVER I call upon the whole FAM to ponder the future of football in this country and accept that we are in dire strait of overhauling Malaysia football and the FAM which includes the possibility of sacking top officials and the whole management team.

Like Father Like Son

Me and Paul when he is like 4 months

I must say he is the love of my life. Paul Elijah Yeo Shean Yeaw that is his name. Long? Just like his Daddy. Born 23.1.2005 he is now two and a half years old. Small size but tall. We have many things in common and we share many things together. We love drinking cold water with an ice which of course is ain't good for him and we enjoy RICE... from chicken rice to nasi lemak to indian rice. Yummy.

Be that as it may, it is always in my prayer and hope, one day, he will be somebody truly better and greater than I.

Cleanliness Please?

I had a quite an ok dinner with my family just now. We were at Plaza Mahkota (Malacca) food court. I had laksa mee whereas my wife had prawn mee and my mom had clay pot chicken rice. We enjoyed our food but alas when I went to the the gents to do my 'small business' one basic thing was not there ----- LIQUID SOAP or at least SOAP powder. It was a new toilet probably 6 months ago and there is not a single sight of soap found in the whole toilet as well as at the food court water basin. This is embarrassing. It goes to show that Malaysians are not thinking about basic cleanliness and good hygiene. Halo..... toilet and food don't mix together UNLESS you have SOAP.

C'mon lah

That is Malaysia, quickly pointing the gun and shoot without examining the proper facts. This is what happen here when this 'Little Napoleon' (my definition not the Uncle Kit's version i.e. civil servants that forgotten that they are) have little power, they became the powers that be and thank God we have Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim for his out-of-this-world view.

©The Star (Used by permission)

By Izatun Shari

PETALING JAYA: Any party calling for a ban on a movie on religious grounds should first view it and state what aspects of it are against the teachings of the religion, said Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.

Once they have seen the movie and outlined what aspects of the film were against the tenets of the religion, they could forward their views to the Film Censorship Board.

“If you haven’t seen the movie, I don’t think you should create tension,” he said when asked to comment on a call by the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia to ban the comedy Evan Almighty, which is scheduled for general screening in cinemas nationwide from Aug 23.

According to Bernama, association secretary-general Datuk Dr Maamor Osman labelled Evan Almighty an insult to Islam because it “poked fun at God and the Prophet Noah”.

The trailer of the US$175mil (RM600mil) movie, featuring Morgan Freeman as God, asking Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) to build an ark to prevent the big flood that was to hit New York, has been shown in cinemas here.

Evan Almighty is the sequel to Bruce Almighty, which was initially caught up in a controversy four years ago when former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Zainal Abidin called for the film to be banned because it was against Islamic beliefs as the main character had assumed the power of God.

However, the Government allowed the screening of the movie after it was viewed and assessed by various government officials including those from the Islamic Development Department and Film Censorship Board.

Dr Rais said he would leave the current matter to the censorship board.

“Upon deliberation, the board has disallowed or allowed many stories,” he said.