Merdeka 52 – A truly united nation only way forward

Pondering as the nation turns 52

As we celebrate our 52nd year of independence it may be pertinent for us Malaysians to pause and ponder on our achievements, our problems and the direction we are heading as a nation.

There is no doubt that we have progressed tremendously over the last 51years and that is a cause for joy and celebrations. In physical development, economy and technology we have done extremely well, to the envy of many but when it comes to basic human development, democracy, morality and racial unity we must admit that we are still far from where we should have been. Despite our great strides in various fields our continued progress in this highly competitive global world is hindered by racial polarisation, politicised public institutions and unhealthy political rivalry.

Fifty-two years may have passed but the nation is still deeply divided by race and religion. In fact deteriorating race relations has become the greatest worry and its repercussions are threatening the peace, progress and prosperity of the country. It is unfortunate that we have a new generation of Malaysians, political leaders, parents and the people in general, who despite being born and bred here, are so racially charged they have become over sensitive and intolerant to the most trivial provocations from members of other races.

Each community has become highly suspicious of the other and has cultivated a selfish attitude in wanting to sustain their own, sharing their knowledge, skills and wealth among themselves with little consideration for the plight of others. We are beginning to succumb to the ugly influences of racism, losing all the goodwill and tolerance that were once our national pride.

After 52 years of self rule where are we as Malaysians today? By right we should be nearer to the ideal state of a united Malaysia where everyone regardless of race and religion would have an equal stake in the fortunes and misfortunes of our nation. We should have been nearer a state where all citizens must have equal opportunities in education, scholarships and job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. We should have been nearer a state where we must have mutual respect for and accept the traditions and cultures of those different from ours. Unfortunately we are nowhere near this ideal scenario; instead we seem to be on divergent paths, moving away from that situation.

Politicisation of the public institutions including the police, judiciary and most recently the MACC has seriously undermined their independence and impartiality. This has created a negative perception of these institutions in the minds of the people who see them as being biased and unfair to certain sections of the population.

Public institutions must regain their independence to serve all fairly in accordance with the laws of the country. Failing to do so will lead to chaos and lawlessness which we are starting to witness with increasing frequency these days. A non-partisan and racially balanced public service is the best way to ensure its professionalism in serving the rakyat without fear or favour.

On the political front, the results of the recent by-elections show that the people continue to demand a strong opposition which has created hopes for the possible evolution into a two-party system with the formation of a formal opposition coalition. The stronger opposition has managed to expose the various scandals and misdoings of the government which were never possible before. The government should encourage not suppress, this positive political development which will bring lasting benefits to the country. All parties must discard their unethical political rivalry and work together for the well being of the rakyat.

The amicable solution of internal disputes within the opposition coalition on issues relating to race and religion has demonstrated the maturity of the people. These had provided opportunities for open debate on such sensitive issues in a peaceful and civil manner. This desensitisation is of paramount importance for the peace and harmony in a multiracial and multi-religious society.

The Prime Minister’s 1Malaysia policy has provided some hope as the nation turns 52.He has pledged to be the leader for all Malaysians alike, he has promised to provide equal opportunities for all and he has pledged to work closely with the opposition. Let’s pray that God will give him the courage to lead to the dawn of a new Malaysia where all races can work together hand in hand without fear or suspicion to realize our common dream for a truly 1Malaysia.

Dr.Chris Anthony

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Merdeka 52-1Malaysia is the way forward

Where we are as Malaysians today?

One of the greatest problems that plagued mankind throughout the ages and continue to do so till today is racism. The Cambridge dictionary defines racism as the belief that people’s qualities are influenced by their race and that the members of other races are not as good as the members of your own, or the resulting unfair treatment of members of other races. A racist is therefore someone who believes that other races are not as good as their own and therefore need to be treated different often unfairly. Basically all of us are racists to some extent as this feeling of superiority exists in the hearts all of us.

Racism is an evil that is never condoned by any religions in the world. If we sincerely mean well for the future of our nation, and strictly adhere to our respective religious values, we must strive to rid ourselves of the inherent racist trait from our hearts and regard all men as equal. We are all equal in the eyes of God but not in the eyes of men who claim to profess in Him.

As the nation is gearing up to mark its 52nd year of independence with various elaborate programmes, it may be pertinent for us Malaysians to pause to ponder on our achievements, our problems and the direction we are heading as a nation. Can we say that we are far better off as a nation than we were at the time of independence? In physical development, economy and technology there is no doubt we have advanced tremendously but when it comes to basic human development, democracy and racial unity we must admit that we have failed badly.

Fifty-two years may have passed but the nation is deeply divided by race and religion. In fact the biggest problem that we face today is the deteriorating race relations and its repercussions are threatening the peace, progress and prosperity of the country. It is unfortunate that we have today a new generation of Malaysians, political leaders, parents and the people in general, who are so racially charged so much so they become over sensitive and intolerant to the most trvial comments and criticisms from members of other races. In fact we have succumbed to the ugly influences of racism losing all the goodwill and tolerance that were once our national pride.

The people rose above the racial divide to vote for the adoption of a multiracial concept but this has been severely thwarted by our politicians who are bent on resorting to racial and religious issues to gain support. The divide and rule mentality of our colonialists is still very much alive and active today. Those who advocate a multiracial approach are condemned as traitors ready to be persecuted.

We seem to be going backwards to the era of politics based on race that existed at the time of independence 52 years ago. At that time race politics might have been necessary to unite the individual ethnic communities who had immigrated from other lands but is it still needed when today the people of all races were born and bred in the country with many not having set foot on foreign soil? Today wherever we go; schools, government offices, places of work, recreational areas and even places of worship we are reminded of our ethnicity. We are constantly reminded of our differences rather than the similarities as Malaysians. The 1Malaysia concept initiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak when he took office brought some hope to Malaysians that the era of differential treatment is finally over. There were hopes for the dawn of a new era where all Malaysians will be treated equally but whether these hopes will materialise remains to be seen. A number of incidences since then have however shown that it is not that easy to shred of this emotionally charged racist tendencies from our lives. It is made more difficult by the existence of those opportunists who capitalise on it for their own monetary and political benefits. We may have attained self rule 52 years ago but where are we as Malaysians today? By right we should be nearer to the ideal state of a united Malaysia where everyone regardless of race and religion will have an equal stake in the fortunes and misfortunes of our nation. We should be nearer a state where all citizens must be treated equally with regards to education, scholarships, job opportunities in the civil service and armed forces. We should be nearer a state where we should have respect not just tolerance and accept the traditions and cultures of those different from ours.

Unfortunately we are nowhere near to this ideal scenario; instead we seem to be on divergent paths, moving away from that situation. We have achieved a state where we have a new generation of Malaysians, political leaders, parents and the people in general, who are born and bred here but so racially charged that they have become over sensitive and intolerant to the most trivial provocations from members of other races. As a result of the suspicion those of other ethnicity we have become comfortable living within the cocoons of our own community and find it insecure, difficult and odd to mingle with fellow Malaysians of a different race and religion. Under these circumstances forging racial goodwill and integration may be a difficult task but if we do not start now in the small environment around us how can we expect our politicians to do so at the national levels where it is far more complex and challenging?

It is sad that despite our leaders calling for an end to racism, there are no genuine attempts or political will to eradicate it. Our leaders should conduct themselves in a manner that they are seen to be caring for all regardless of ethnicity. As parents we must show our kids an exemplary behaviour that illustrates the right attitude towards our people of different race. In short, while it may be important to propagate our own ethnic cultures, what is more important is for us to adopt a Malaysian culture that is colour blind and which does not distinguish one by his ethnicity but by his comradeship as fellow humans. On this National day let’s ponder where is all this racism is going to lead us? Unless we unite and say ‘NO’ to racism now we will definitely be heading for self-destruction and doom. As citizens we have to decide our destiny and not allow others with ulterior motives to lead us astray. We must believe and propagate that believe to all around us that what brings us together as Malaysians must be stronger than what pulls us apart.

It is time for all Malaysians to share a common dream, a dream that one day Malaysia becomes a developed nation by the whole-hearted contribution of all its citizens regardless of ethnicity, a day when all communities are accepted as equal and every citizen feels equally proud to be called Malaysians.

Prime Minister has pledged to be the leader for all Malaysians alike; Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans and others. On this 52nd.Merdeka let’s pray fervently that God him the courage and the political will to work together with all parties including the opposition to initiate the cascade reactions that will lead to the dawn of a new Malaysia where all races can work together hand in hand without fear or suspicion to realize our dream of a truly 1Malaysia?

Dr.Chris Anthony

Kampung Buah Pala : A test for the Pakatan government

CM should reach out to the people

The Kg.Buah Pala issue in Penang seems to reveal that goodness and righteousness alone on the part of a political leader is not enough to overcome the multitude of problems facing the people. What is equally important is political shrewdness and astuteness of the leadership that only comes with experience and maturity. A leader may be good and righteous but unless he has the shrewdness to avoid offending the electorate unnecessarily, he may not survive politically.

The issue of Kg.Buah Pala is not something that sprang up overnight but has been going on for some time from the time of the previous government. Evicting long-staying residents on public land had always been a very thorny problem that is closely inter-twined with social and human rights issues that are easily sensationalised by the media and exploited by opportunist political opponents.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s decision to allow protest by unhappy residents against his government and his willingness to accept their memorandum is a cordial atmosphere by his representatives must be commended. Such an accommodative stance towards protestors is indeed rare. However the absence of his personal involvement was regretted by the people who had high expectations in his new government which they thought would be different from the previous one.

Lim had the opportunity to turn the problem that he inherited from his predecessor to his advantage by paying a visit to the village during the early days of the crisis to express his solidarity with the people there. He should have revealed to them the truth of what really happened to their land and the tremendous limitations under which he has now to work to bring an amicable solution. He should have advised the aggrieved parties to turn to the Federal Government for help.

Although there may be residents who are out to take advantage of the situation for massive monetary gains, there are those who are genuinely desperate and living in fear of losing their livelihood and homes. It is the duty of the state government to protect the interests of these desperate residents regardless of who caused their hardship and predicament. A simple courteous visit to explain the limitations of his government would have gone a long way to win the hearts of the majority of the residents.

Lim had missed the opportunity that was available to him to show that his government is a people-friendly one, willing to go out of the way to relief the people’s burden, which was not his making, regardless of race or creed. Failing to do that has resulted in he being accused of being heartless, cruel, racist and taking sides with the developer for commercial gains over the people’s welfare which most Penangites know is not true. He is being accused of being arrogant for not wanting to meet the residents to listen to their grouses when they came to see him. He is being accused of violating human rights, the very harsh criticism he had for the previous government.

The land that houses the ‘High Chaparral’ has been sold and development project planned by a private developer well before the Pakatan government came into power. From the way the issue had developed we are aware that there is not much the state government can do to save the ‘High Chaparral’ as the proceedings were done legally. Even the Federal Court has ruled in favour of the developer against the residents. The present state government is not being blamed for the crisis but the way the it handled the problem had created a lot of unhappiness among the people who had voted for the Pakatan Rakyat, which they expected to be more people-friendly than its predecessor.

The lesson to be learnt from this issue is that the government should accountable and forthright in its dealings at all levels. The truth must be revealed and not submerged by false promises made for political gains. The truth, that the residents will have to finally vacate, may be bitter but will eventually be accepted by the people.

The Kg.Buah Pala dilemma may be a political issue for some and a legal or commercial one for others. For the genuinely desperate residents it is an emotional issue that affects their livelihood and the very existence of their homes where they have been living for over a century. The only solution is by way of negotiations, not force, possibly involving the federal government in a considerate, fair and humane manner for a win-win situation.

Heartless loan sharking : signs of moral decay

Getting to the root of loan sharking

The recent revelations of the operations of loan sharks (Ah Longs) is very flabbergasting and bring shame to all Malaysians who cherish goodwill and kindness as their way of life. Pictures of men displayed in the mainstream media who were abducted and held captive by being chained like criminals is very disturbing. These remind us of the days of slavery. It is unbelievable that Malaysians who are generally known for their friendliness and kindness can resort to such cruel acts against desperate fellow citizens. What has gone wrong with us?

Loan sharking has wrecked many individuals and their families at the prime of life. It has to be stopped before more become victims of the menace which is a form of modern-day slavery. The problem of loan sharking is getting worse with borrowers having to pay extremely high interest rates and to face unethical modes of collection.

It is heartening to know that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) is taking the problem of loan sharks rather seriously with his decision to go all out to hunt down and bring these culprits to task. However it is not enough for the police to capture and punish few cruel loan sharks each time their atrocity is highlighted in the media. What is needed is a whole-hearted, dedicated, full time and lasting commitment of the police force to fight this menace. More money, time and energy must be spent to fight crimes like this that brings tremendous hardship to the people.

Greed and the get-rich-quickly attitude that is prevalent among us today contribute greatly to the flourishing trade of loan sharks. In the pursuit of wealth and more wealth there is no place for compassion and empathy for fellow humans who are desperately in need. Ironically our materialistic system today seems to encourage such a culture where the rich and powerful are glorified, idolised and put on high pedestals regardless of how they acquired their wealth and status.

Punitive action against a few Ah Longs and borrowers may deter some but will not solve the problem altogether. What is needed is to get to the root cause of this menace and come out with a comprehensive plan that includes education of the populace regarding financial management and prudence, the disasters of excessive borrowing, social and moral responsibility to society. There must be deliberate attempts to bring change in the Malaysian mindset which blindly pursue material gains that can be detrimental to the well-being of the society.

Poverty, either absolute or relative undoubtedly, is a major factor that contributes to the flourishing of loan sharking. There is no way we can succeed in fighting loan sharking without a concerted effort of all parties to eradicate poverty in our midst. It is not the rich and powerful who resort to Ah Longs but the poor and helpless in society who are forced into the arms of unscrupulous loan sharks who in turn exploit them to the maximum. Although the major responsibility in on the government, all citizens have a role to play in eradicating poverty among fellow citizens regardless of race or creed.

The government must look into the setting up of a loan scheme for those in dire need for financial assistance but with no fixed income to prevent them from resorting to loan sharks. The unreasonable requirements imposed by big financial institutions and non-helpful counter officers often make their applications for even a meager loan almost an impossible feat. Loans and other forms of financial grants must be made available easily to those who really deserve and are eligible, without favoritism and unreasonable collaterals.

Borrowing and lending of money are acceptable and healthy practices that have been in existence for ages. However those involved must comply with to some acceptable norms in this trade. There must be mutual respect and appreciation by those involved in this activity as it benefits both the borrower and lender alike.

The 59th UMNO General Assembly

Will it bring new hope?

All eyes are on the United Malays National Organisation ( Umno) General Assembly this week. Malaysians from all walks of life regardless of ethnicity are watching closely what transpires at this assembly as the deliberations by the 2500 or so delegates and the resolutions adopted by them to some extent affects every Malaysian in some way or another.

Umno has played such a dominant role in the country’s 52-year rule under the Alliance and then the Barisan Nasional(BN)coalitions. Together with its major non-Malay partners, the MCA and MIC and other minor partners, it can be said that it had ruled the multiracial and multi religious nation reasonably well to elevate the status of the country to where it is today. However like all political parties, in uninterrupted power for so long, of late signs of arrogance, apathy and corruption have begun to set in which were glaring in the eyes of the voters in the last general election.

The results of that general election showed that the support of the people for the coalition has declined drastically and the BN was forced to undergo an in-depth soul-searching for the reasons for their loss. It was the first time in over 50 years Unmo-BN realized that it could lose its power to rule the nation to an opposition. It was the first time it dawned on them that they can be rendered irrelevant by the next elections in 2013 if genuine change does not come.Umno-BN realizes the need for drastic change and its leaders have pledged to bring that change but unfortunately Malaysians have yet to see any tangibles signs that those changes are coming.

The Umno General Assembly this year is of special significance as it marks the transition of power of its president and thereby the PrimeMinister.In his speech at the opening of the Umno Youth and Wanita, incoming president Datuk Seri Najib Razak has called for a change of mindset and adopt wide ranging reforms to remain relevant to the younger generation.

Najib is taking over the premiership at a very difficult time when the nation is ethnically divided, corruption rampant, a stronger and more hostile opposition to deal with and not to forget the looming economic crisis. Most importantly it is a time of increased maturity and wisdom of the populace that demands greater accountability and transparency. Will Najib be able to turn these unfavorable factors to his advantage remains to be seen in the coming weeks and months.

To show that he is sincere and serious in wanting change, Najib can start by ensuring that the Umno General Assembly this time conducts itself in a manner that will be earn the respect of Malaysians of all races. It should debate the issues facing the country in a fair and unbiased manner refraining from resorting to words and actions that hurt the sensitivities of other races. The assembly should not be an avenue to bash the opposition but rather one where discussions made to find solutions to the problems of the nation.

Umno may be an organization for the Malays but, being the backbone of the multiracial BN, it cannot confine itself to championing the rights Malays alone but has the moral obligation to cater for the welfare of all Malaysians, working hand in hand with its other partners in BN. The people, not just the Malays but the non-Malays as well, look up to Umno for their well being and opportunities.

It was the fairness and the caring attitude of the pioneer leaders of Umno towards all citizens that earned them the admiration and respect of all the races. Unfortunately of late Umno is becoming increasingly more suspicious of the other races and adopted a pro-Malay stance. It is due to the unfounded fear that the non-Malays are undermining their rights and authority to rule. It has gone to the extent of labeling the Malays who cooperate with other races in the opposition Pakatan Rakyat as being traitors. If this continues the future for racial integration, unity and peaceful coexistence will be remote.

Najib, the incoming Umno leader and Prime Minister, has an important task of eliminating the mistrust and suspicion among the races and uniting them to build a harmonious nation where everyone regardless of ethnic origin is proud to be called Malaysian .We hope he can bring about the change he promised, a change that will envisage the mutual cooperation between the various races in the country for lasting peace, comradeship, progress and prosperity.

Dr.Chris Anthony