Hindu American Foundation Press Release: Hindu Americans Condemn Banning of Hindu Group in Malaysia
Posted Sat, 08/11/2008 - 22:57 by admin
www.hafsite.org
HINDU AMERICAN FOUNDATION
PRESS RELEASE
Hindu Americans Condemn Banning of Hindu Group in Malaysia
Demand Release of Its Leaders
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Media Inquiries contact:
HAF Director of Public Policy
Ishani Chowdhury
Office: 301.770.7835
Fax: 301.770.7837
Email: ishani at hafsite.org
November 5, 2008 (Washington, D.C.)--A prominent U.S. based human rights group, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), today joined a growing chorus demanding restoration of civil rights in Malaysia after the recent banning of the Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF). In a letter written to the Malaysian Emabssy in the United States, the Foundation condemned the recent banning of the avowedly non-violent organization and the ongoing incarceration without trial of five HINDRAF leaders.
In November 2007, HINDRAF organized a massive, peaceful rally in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that leaders said was to raise global awareness about the persecution and discrimination the Hindu minority faces in that country. These allegations have been verified and documented in HAF's Annual Hindu human rights report as recently as this year.
According to media coverage and first hand reports reaching HAF offices, the Malaysian government brutally crushed the gatherings and jailed five of the HINDRAF leaders without trial under the draconian Internal Security Act. Popular discontent over the government's response led to a major reversal in the ruling party's electoral fortunes earlier this year. In a bid to consolidate power, however, the Malaysian government banned HINDRAF on October 15, 2008.
"In our letter to the Malaysian embassy, we highlighted the temple destructions, lack of free speech and discrimination Hindus are facing in that country on a daily basis," said Ishani Chowdhury, HAF's Director of Pubic Policy. "We call upon the Malaysian government to lift its ban on HINDRAF and release the Hindu leaders imprisoned without cause for nearly a year."
The HINDRAF chairman, P. Waythamoorthy, is currently exiled in London, and has been in close touch with HAF leaders. Waythamoorthy's six-year old daughter was among eleven others that were illegally detained without cause on October 23, 2008.
"The Malaysian government has chosen an anti-democratic, authoritarian path that ostracizes and persecutes Hindus--a people whose history in that country spans six centuries," added Chowdhury.
Evoking the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, in her letter, Chowdhury wrote that, "it is imperative that...Malaysia work for the equal and fair treatment of the Hindu minority community and address grievances as such."
The Hindu American Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, non-partisan organization promoting the Hindu and American ideals of understanding, tolerance and pluralism. Contact HAF at 1-301-770-7835 or on the web at www.HAFsite.org
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Muslim Professionals: THE ISA MUST GO!
It's heartening to note that there are honorable souls in every profession who have the courage to make a clear stand against abuse of power and state tyranny. In response to the Shah Alam High Court's widely applauded decision to grant Raja Petra's habeas corpus and order his immediate release yesterday, the Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF) issued the following press release today...
The Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF) applauds the decisions handed down at the Shah Alam High Court and Kuala Lumpur Sessions court on 7th November, 2008.
In ordering the release of ISA detainee, blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin, judge Syed Ahmad Helmy Syed Ahmad has shown great wisdom and fairness as has judge Komathy Suppiah in denying the prosecution's request for the case of Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim to be transferred to the High Court. We similarly echo the sentiments of the defense counsel in the former case, when he said that this was a "historic ruling and a profound moment for civil liberties in this country."
The ISA is an archaic piece of legislation and the time has come for its natural demise. The Muslim Professionals Forum very strongly calls for the immediate repeal of this draconian relic and the prompt judicial review of all ISA detainees. We urge the government to take the bold step of doing what is right and just. Justice and fairness are principles enshrined in Islam, and it is incumbent upon every Muslim to uphold these values, elevating them to their sublime pedestal.
The decisions in our courts yesterday augur well for our judiciary, which has been the brunt of many criticisms lately. These judges are beacons that shine through the winds of change, a gust that has blown across the globe. Resistance to such would only rank amongst the most futile of actions. We have but two options, to embrace this change that is upon us, or be left amongst the outcast nations of the world.
Board of Directors,
Muslim Professionals Forum
Dr. Mazeni Alwi
Dr. Shaikh Johari Bux
Haji Mohamed Ali Ghazali
Dato' Dr. Musa Mohd. Nordin
I salute the Muslim Professionals Forum for their brave and noble stand. They, too, are "beacons that shine through the winds of change." In my curiosity to find out more about these fine examples of humanity, I stumbled upon a letter written in March 2001 to Mahathir Mohamad by Dr Musa Mohd. Nordin and have taken the liberty of reproducing it below:
OPEN LETTER TO THE PM REGARDING HEALTH OF DSAI
29th March 2001
Dr. Musa Mohd. Nordin
President
Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia
Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad
Prime Minister
Malaysia
Assalamualaikum WBT
The spinal problems (both lumbar and cervical) of Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim is causing a lot of anguish for our medical fraternity not to mention the untold anxiety of his loved ones. It was our fervent hope that an amicable compromise would be obtained and Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri Anwar would be offered the best, safest and evidence based surgery currently available for his spinal predicament. But quite clearly there is a stand off and political doctoring has gained the upper hand and evidenced based medicine has been sidelined.
The members of our association participate in numerous humanitarian and medical missions worldwide e.g Bosnia; Kosovo, Turkey, Gujarat, Maluku, Mindanao, Iraq, the depths of Pahang and Sarawak, etc., and it would seem most irresponsible of me if I did not now address what is fundamentally a humanitarian (and medical) issue vis-a-vis the medical condition of Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri Anwar.
As a healing and caring profession we are the instruments of Allah's mercy (Ar Rahmah) and I am reminded of the oath of a Muslim Physician "To be the instrument of Thy Will and Mercy, and, in all humbleness, to exercise justice, love and compassion for all Thy creation; to extend my hand of service to one and all, to the rich and to the poor, to friend and foe alike, regardless of race, religion or colour" - and if I may add, imprisoned or freed.
Being a fellow Muslim Physician I am sure that Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri subscribes similarly and continually to these noble values and would ensure that they would always prevail. I would appeal to Y. Bhg. Dato Seri to put a stop to all the unkind and merciless statements made by various politicians and enable Y. Bhg. Dato Seri Anwar to undergo the optimal surgery available.
His large central disc herniation and the associated spinal stenosis precludes a conservative dorsal approach due to the increased risk of post operative morbidities. And it has been agreed by the panel of experts in Kuala Lumpur (3 orthopaedic surgeons, 3 neurosurgeons, 2 radiologists, 1 neurologist and 1 anaesthesiologist) and Dr. Hoogland Thomas (orthopaedic surgeon and diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery from Alpha Klinik, Munich) that a transforaminal endoscopic discectomy would be the surgical procedure of choice for decompression of the nerves. Furthermore, it obviates the need for general anaesthesia and endotracheal intubation considering Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri Anwar's longstanding cervical problems, as the endoscopic procedure can be performed under local and intravenous anaesthesia. Other post operative sequelae, namely neural damage, back pain and sepsis, would also be considerably less.
And it was also emphasised that the surgery should not be delayed beyond 4-6 weeks to ameliorate any further neurological compromise. This is the art and science of evidence based medicine in practise and it should not be tarnished by political doctoring from various quarters. I would again appeal to Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri to enable the medical experts to discharge their duties professionally without any form of interference whatsoever from pseudo doctors.
The excruciating pain and physical suffering of Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri Anwar, the sense of helplessness of his family and friends alike, the diagnostic MRI scans and the consensus of opinions of the medical experts must surely touch the deep recesses of our hearts and human conscience; and more so to the Muslim Physician. And I appeal again to Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri to make it possible for Dato' Seri Anwar to undergo the endoscopic procedure at the earliest possible opportunity, in the best possible medical centre dedicated to spinal surgery. I truly believe that Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri's magnanimity in this painful medical scenario would go a long way towards alleviating the hurt that has much wounded this great nation of ours.
And to Allah, The Omniscient and The Wise Judge do we turn for succour.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Musa Mohd. Nordin
MBBCh (Wales) FRCP (Edin) FAMM
at 10:21 PM
Labels: Abolish the ISA, Dato' Dr Musa Mohd Nordin, Dr Mazena Alwi, Dr Shaikh Johari Bux, DSAI, Haji Mohamed Ali Ghazali, Muslim Professionals Forum
by Magic River
The Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF) applauds the decisions handed down at the Shah Alam High Court and Kuala Lumpur Sessions court on 7th November, 2008.
In ordering the release of ISA detainee, blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin, judge Syed Ahmad Helmy Syed Ahmad has shown great wisdom and fairness as has judge Komathy Suppiah in denying the prosecution's request for the case of Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim to be transferred to the High Court. We similarly echo the sentiments of the defense counsel in the former case, when he said that this was a "historic ruling and a profound moment for civil liberties in this country."
The ISA is an archaic piece of legislation and the time has come for its natural demise. The Muslim Professionals Forum very strongly calls for the immediate repeal of this draconian relic and the prompt judicial review of all ISA detainees. We urge the government to take the bold step of doing what is right and just. Justice and fairness are principles enshrined in Islam, and it is incumbent upon every Muslim to uphold these values, elevating them to their sublime pedestal.
The decisions in our courts yesterday augur well for our judiciary, which has been the brunt of many criticisms lately. These judges are beacons that shine through the winds of change, a gust that has blown across the globe. Resistance to such would only rank amongst the most futile of actions. We have but two options, to embrace this change that is upon us, or be left amongst the outcast nations of the world.
Board of Directors,
Muslim Professionals Forum
Dr. Mazeni Alwi
Dr. Shaikh Johari Bux
Haji Mohamed Ali Ghazali
Dato' Dr. Musa Mohd. Nordin
I salute the Muslim Professionals Forum for their brave and noble stand. They, too, are "beacons that shine through the winds of change." In my curiosity to find out more about these fine examples of humanity, I stumbled upon a letter written in March 2001 to Mahathir Mohamad by Dr Musa Mohd. Nordin and have taken the liberty of reproducing it below:
OPEN LETTER TO THE PM REGARDING HEALTH OF DSAI
29th March 2001
Dr. Musa Mohd. Nordin
President
Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia
Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad
Prime Minister
Malaysia
Assalamualaikum WBT
The spinal problems (both lumbar and cervical) of Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim is causing a lot of anguish for our medical fraternity not to mention the untold anxiety of his loved ones. It was our fervent hope that an amicable compromise would be obtained and Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri Anwar would be offered the best, safest and evidence based surgery currently available for his spinal predicament. But quite clearly there is a stand off and political doctoring has gained the upper hand and evidenced based medicine has been sidelined.
The members of our association participate in numerous humanitarian and medical missions worldwide e.g Bosnia; Kosovo, Turkey, Gujarat, Maluku, Mindanao, Iraq, the depths of Pahang and Sarawak, etc., and it would seem most irresponsible of me if I did not now address what is fundamentally a humanitarian (and medical) issue vis-a-vis the medical condition of Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri Anwar.
As a healing and caring profession we are the instruments of Allah's mercy (Ar Rahmah) and I am reminded of the oath of a Muslim Physician "To be the instrument of Thy Will and Mercy, and, in all humbleness, to exercise justice, love and compassion for all Thy creation; to extend my hand of service to one and all, to the rich and to the poor, to friend and foe alike, regardless of race, religion or colour" - and if I may add, imprisoned or freed.
Being a fellow Muslim Physician I am sure that Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri subscribes similarly and continually to these noble values and would ensure that they would always prevail. I would appeal to Y. Bhg. Dato Seri to put a stop to all the unkind and merciless statements made by various politicians and enable Y. Bhg. Dato Seri Anwar to undergo the optimal surgery available.
His large central disc herniation and the associated spinal stenosis precludes a conservative dorsal approach due to the increased risk of post operative morbidities. And it has been agreed by the panel of experts in Kuala Lumpur (3 orthopaedic surgeons, 3 neurosurgeons, 2 radiologists, 1 neurologist and 1 anaesthesiologist) and Dr. Hoogland Thomas (orthopaedic surgeon and diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery from Alpha Klinik, Munich) that a transforaminal endoscopic discectomy would be the surgical procedure of choice for decompression of the nerves. Furthermore, it obviates the need for general anaesthesia and endotracheal intubation considering Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri Anwar's longstanding cervical problems, as the endoscopic procedure can be performed under local and intravenous anaesthesia. Other post operative sequelae, namely neural damage, back pain and sepsis, would also be considerably less.
And it was also emphasised that the surgery should not be delayed beyond 4-6 weeks to ameliorate any further neurological compromise. This is the art and science of evidence based medicine in practise and it should not be tarnished by political doctoring from various quarters. I would again appeal to Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri to enable the medical experts to discharge their duties professionally without any form of interference whatsoever from pseudo doctors.
The excruciating pain and physical suffering of Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri Anwar, the sense of helplessness of his family and friends alike, the diagnostic MRI scans and the consensus of opinions of the medical experts must surely touch the deep recesses of our hearts and human conscience; and more so to the Muslim Physician. And I appeal again to Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri to make it possible for Dato' Seri Anwar to undergo the endoscopic procedure at the earliest possible opportunity, in the best possible medical centre dedicated to spinal surgery. I truly believe that Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri's magnanimity in this painful medical scenario would go a long way towards alleviating the hurt that has much wounded this great nation of ours.
And to Allah, The Omniscient and The Wise Judge do we turn for succour.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Musa Mohd. Nordin
MBBCh (Wales) FRCP (Edin) FAMM
at 10:21 PM
Labels: Abolish the ISA, Dato' Dr Musa Mohd Nordin, Dr Mazena Alwi, Dr Shaikh Johari Bux, DSAI, Haji Mohamed Ali Ghazali, Muslim Professionals Forum
by Magic River
Saturday, November 8, 2008
RPK’s freedom stirs Malaysia further
NOV 8 — Raja Petra Kamarudin’s unexpected release from detention under the Internal Security Act will have an impact beyond his family and band of supporters.
News that he is free and ready to crank up the Malaysia Today website will:
? Cause some unease in the Datuk Seri Najib Razak household and among supporters of the prime-minister-in-waiting.
Why? Because no one has been more persistent and to a degree effective in chipping away at Najib’s credibility with his postings than RPK, as he is known.
His countless allegations on the involvement of Najib and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor in the murder of Altantuya Shariibuu created a cottage industry of coverage on the Mongolian model. To the extent that the deputy prime minister was forced to swear in a mosque that he did not know the woman, let alone have an affair with her, as alleged by a private investigator in a statutory declaration which was retracted within 24 hours.
RPK was detained under the ISA for allegedly writing and posting articles which were insulting to Islam and Muslims. The court allowed his habeas corpus application, ruling that his detention was unlawful. While he was in Kamunting, his website lost its zing; Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced that he would step down in March; Najib raced to snare the most number of nominations from divisions and become president-elect of Umno and the High Court acquitted Abdul Razak Baginda of abetting in the murder of Altantuya.
Razak, an advisor to Najib, was alleged to have directed two police officers to murder the woman, with whom he had an affair with. It is arguable whether RPK’s missives against Najib will carry the same threat now that the DPM is on the cusp of the top job in Malaysia and his standing in Umno and Barisan Nasional has been fortified. After all, the disclosure of a chain of SMSes with lawyer Datuk Shafee Abdullah, which suggested some form of interference in the probe surrounding the murder did not have much traction on the ground.
Still, it will not be like RPK to put away his notebook or file away his thoughts. Expect the latest wave of attacks against Najib, Umno and the country’s leadership to start soon.
? Cause great excitement in the opposition ranks, especially among supporters of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Pakatan Rakyat lost a valuable ally when Raja Petra was detained under the ISA.
Opposition politicians clung on to the coat tails of many of his exposes and he was willing to publish unvarnished allegations against national leaders, something the mainstream media and news portals were hesitant to do. It was Raja Petra who stunned the country with the statutory declaration of P Balasubramaniam, the investigator engaged by Razak Baginda to keep Altantuya away from him and his family.
The investigator made a series of damaging accusations against Najib, retracted it and then disappeared with his family, some say to India. RPK also alleged that government officials had bloated several defence deals and benefited from it. Opposition politicians seized all these allegations and raised it in Parliament, putting the government under pressure.
Details of the Eurocopter deal were first posted on Malaysia Today before it was picked up by the opposition and mainstream media. The RM1.6 billion deal was recently cancelled by the government because of the economic slowdown but opposition supporters argue that the administration had no choice but to put it on the backburner given the controversy enveloping the purchase of the helicopters.
Anwar and his ilk, who by the day appear resigned to playing the role of a vigilant opposition till the next polls, will be hoping that RPK’s enthusiasm to publish and be damned has not been blunted by his time in Kamunting.
News that he is free and ready to crank up the Malaysia Today website will:
? Cause some unease in the Datuk Seri Najib Razak household and among supporters of the prime-minister-in-waiting.
Why? Because no one has been more persistent and to a degree effective in chipping away at Najib’s credibility with his postings than RPK, as he is known.
His countless allegations on the involvement of Najib and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor in the murder of Altantuya Shariibuu created a cottage industry of coverage on the Mongolian model. To the extent that the deputy prime minister was forced to swear in a mosque that he did not know the woman, let alone have an affair with her, as alleged by a private investigator in a statutory declaration which was retracted within 24 hours.
RPK was detained under the ISA for allegedly writing and posting articles which were insulting to Islam and Muslims. The court allowed his habeas corpus application, ruling that his detention was unlawful. While he was in Kamunting, his website lost its zing; Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced that he would step down in March; Najib raced to snare the most number of nominations from divisions and become president-elect of Umno and the High Court acquitted Abdul Razak Baginda of abetting in the murder of Altantuya.
Razak, an advisor to Najib, was alleged to have directed two police officers to murder the woman, with whom he had an affair with. It is arguable whether RPK’s missives against Najib will carry the same threat now that the DPM is on the cusp of the top job in Malaysia and his standing in Umno and Barisan Nasional has been fortified. After all, the disclosure of a chain of SMSes with lawyer Datuk Shafee Abdullah, which suggested some form of interference in the probe surrounding the murder did not have much traction on the ground.
Still, it will not be like RPK to put away his notebook or file away his thoughts. Expect the latest wave of attacks against Najib, Umno and the country’s leadership to start soon.
? Cause great excitement in the opposition ranks, especially among supporters of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Pakatan Rakyat lost a valuable ally when Raja Petra was detained under the ISA.
Opposition politicians clung on to the coat tails of many of his exposes and he was willing to publish unvarnished allegations against national leaders, something the mainstream media and news portals were hesitant to do. It was Raja Petra who stunned the country with the statutory declaration of P Balasubramaniam, the investigator engaged by Razak Baginda to keep Altantuya away from him and his family.
The investigator made a series of damaging accusations against Najib, retracted it and then disappeared with his family, some say to India. RPK also alleged that government officials had bloated several defence deals and benefited from it. Opposition politicians seized all these allegations and raised it in Parliament, putting the government under pressure.
Details of the Eurocopter deal were first posted on Malaysia Today before it was picked up by the opposition and mainstream media. The RM1.6 billion deal was recently cancelled by the government because of the economic slowdown but opposition supporters argue that the administration had no choice but to put it on the backburner given the controversy enveloping the purchase of the helicopters.
Anwar and his ilk, who by the day appear resigned to playing the role of a vigilant opposition till the next polls, will be hoping that RPK’s enthusiasm to publish and be damned has not been blunted by his time in Kamunting.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The Malaysian Will – Trying to cross the sea by standing and swearing at the ocean
From Malaysia Today
We have gone through a whole generation of totally brainwashed sheep. We have followed anything and everything that benefits the people in government and the government system while depriving ourselves and our future generation the chance of a life filled with humanity; where we can see true law and order, where we can be happy with any other race.
When our children do not get the scholarships they deserve, we complain a little, then say, "Baa!" and bow our heads. When we do not get the contracts we ought to deserve as being the most competitive, we complain again but still we say "Baa!" and bow our heads. When our then Deputy Prime Minister was beaten up and hauled to prison on what seemed like trumped up charges, we do not even complain. When RPK was taken away from us, we are even more cowered. We do not even complain anymore. Well, we do; but only to each other.
Malaysians have been taught to always accept, always be agreeable. We are willing to give up our liberty to speak, to think, to act; hoping that by hiding, we will save ourselves from persecution. But we do not see that we are being persecuted every day. Every single day. We see others voicing out for us and get imprisoned. We want to protect ourselves. We say if we keep quiet, then it won't happen to us. We say we are not busybodies. But we are suffering. Our children are suffering. And the children of our children will suffer more if we continue to stick our heads in the sand.
Why should we think change will come if we do not do anything to make change happen? Yes, there are some of us who are willing to voice out. But how many of these are there? 300? 500? 1000? Malaysia has a population of about 27 million. Where is everyone hiding? You can't even hide in the jungles anymore. Even the Penans have been reported to have been persecuted.
A person's will is how a person will act in order to get his wishes fulfilled. The key word here is ACT. Nothing is going to change if we are just going to think about it. Any delay to act erodes our freedom further. Time waits for no man.
Nobody can change anyone else, nor do most intend to. However, by thinking, brooding and complaining about everything and everyone, it isn't going to help either. We all know what has been going on. We have talked about it to death with friends, with family, with other readers of Malaysia-Today. We now need to be willing to act on this knowledge.
If every single one of us rise up to do our part to do what is right, not just do what is right for us individually, but right for all Malaysians irrespective of race or religion, then Malaysia will have a better future. I am not Nostradamus, I cannot foresee what should be the right thing to do or how it should be done but at least by doing something, there is a chance that change can happen. It is by doing nothing that I can guarantee that nothing will change.
Let's all evolve in our public will that you, me and everyone around us will spend some time to act or initiate acts for the good of society without any expectations. Just for the sake of wanting to do something for someone else. Anyone else; not just for people of your own race, of your own religion, of your own beliefs.
Be your own judge.
R. Shan (Human Being)
We have gone through a whole generation of totally brainwashed sheep. We have followed anything and everything that benefits the people in government and the government system while depriving ourselves and our future generation the chance of a life filled with humanity; where we can see true law and order, where we can be happy with any other race.
When our children do not get the scholarships they deserve, we complain a little, then say, "Baa!" and bow our heads. When we do not get the contracts we ought to deserve as being the most competitive, we complain again but still we say "Baa!" and bow our heads. When our then Deputy Prime Minister was beaten up and hauled to prison on what seemed like trumped up charges, we do not even complain. When RPK was taken away from us, we are even more cowered. We do not even complain anymore. Well, we do; but only to each other.
Malaysians have been taught to always accept, always be agreeable. We are willing to give up our liberty to speak, to think, to act; hoping that by hiding, we will save ourselves from persecution. But we do not see that we are being persecuted every day. Every single day. We see others voicing out for us and get imprisoned. We want to protect ourselves. We say if we keep quiet, then it won't happen to us. We say we are not busybodies. But we are suffering. Our children are suffering. And the children of our children will suffer more if we continue to stick our heads in the sand.
Why should we think change will come if we do not do anything to make change happen? Yes, there are some of us who are willing to voice out. But how many of these are there? 300? 500? 1000? Malaysia has a population of about 27 million. Where is everyone hiding? You can't even hide in the jungles anymore. Even the Penans have been reported to have been persecuted.
A person's will is how a person will act in order to get his wishes fulfilled. The key word here is ACT. Nothing is going to change if we are just going to think about it. Any delay to act erodes our freedom further. Time waits for no man.
Nobody can change anyone else, nor do most intend to. However, by thinking, brooding and complaining about everything and everyone, it isn't going to help either. We all know what has been going on. We have talked about it to death with friends, with family, with other readers of Malaysia-Today. We now need to be willing to act on this knowledge.
If every single one of us rise up to do our part to do what is right, not just do what is right for us individually, but right for all Malaysians irrespective of race or religion, then Malaysia will have a better future. I am not Nostradamus, I cannot foresee what should be the right thing to do or how it should be done but at least by doing something, there is a chance that change can happen. It is by doing nothing that I can guarantee that nothing will change.
Let's all evolve in our public will that you, me and everyone around us will spend some time to act or initiate acts for the good of society without any expectations. Just for the sake of wanting to do something for someone else. Anyone else; not just for people of your own race, of your own religion, of your own beliefs.
Be your own judge.
R. Shan (Human Being)
Will reducing wealth gap alone narrow the race gap?
by: drchris
Eradicate poverty regardless of race
Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was reported as saying that all races living in this country will refer to themselves as Malaysians once the economic gap between them is reduced.His contention may be true to some extent but economic disparity alone is not the only reason for the failure to achieve racial unity to the desired level. What is needed is a genuine desire and whole-hearted commitment to by all to close this widening gap between and within the various ethnic communities in the country.
There are many other factors that need to be fulfilled before one feels proud to call himself a citizen of his country. The situation can be compared to a family where the children feel proud to be members of the family not just by the money and comforts provided by their parents but by the love and appreciation rendered to them. Money and wealth may be important but far more important is the need for appreciation of one’s love for the nation. In the US, descendants of once an enslaved race now proudly proclaim themselves Americans and they excel in almost every field like the descendants of their masters.
While it may be important to eliminate the economic disparity among the different races it is equally important to rid of such disparity among all citizens regardless of race. It is utmost to ensure that such measures to eliminate this disparity among the races are not abused by those in power otherwise it would result in one group becoming overtly favored over the others. They should not be used as excuses for encouraging corruption and abuse of power resulting in a small segment of the elite amassing wealth at the expense of the vast majority of the people who continue to suffer in poverty and hardship.
Eradication of poverty should be a top priority of the government and it should deploy all the resources at its disposal to ensure its endeavors succeed. Poverty is color blind as it transcends all racial divide, so should be all attempts in its eradication.
The government has embarked on many development projects since independence to eradicate poverty among its people by its policies to restructure society so that no one particular community will be identified with poverty and backwardness. There is no doubt the target groups have benefited tremendously by such measures. However due to overzealous implementation of these projects unfortunately certain other groups have been neglected resulting in being left out of the mainstream of the rapid socio-economic development thereby giving rise to much unhappiness and frustration among them.
It is important for the government to realize its shortcomings and address this issue of poverty among its entire people for lasting peace and harmony in our multiracial nation. Race based policies initiated 50 years ago may not be relevant anymore due to the rapid advances taking place in the country in a highly competitive global world. It is timely to review the policies of the past and make amends to improve their effectives in a new social-economic environment.
There is no reason for any group to suffer in poverty particularly in our country that is endowed with abundant God-given natural resources. All that is needed is a fairer, prudent and more accountable management of the economy of the country which the government has pledged to undertake.
Eradicate poverty regardless of race
Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was reported as saying that all races living in this country will refer to themselves as Malaysians once the economic gap between them is reduced.His contention may be true to some extent but economic disparity alone is not the only reason for the failure to achieve racial unity to the desired level. What is needed is a genuine desire and whole-hearted commitment to by all to close this widening gap between and within the various ethnic communities in the country.
There are many other factors that need to be fulfilled before one feels proud to call himself a citizen of his country. The situation can be compared to a family where the children feel proud to be members of the family not just by the money and comforts provided by their parents but by the love and appreciation rendered to them. Money and wealth may be important but far more important is the need for appreciation of one’s love for the nation. In the US, descendants of once an enslaved race now proudly proclaim themselves Americans and they excel in almost every field like the descendants of their masters.
While it may be important to eliminate the economic disparity among the different races it is equally important to rid of such disparity among all citizens regardless of race. It is utmost to ensure that such measures to eliminate this disparity among the races are not abused by those in power otherwise it would result in one group becoming overtly favored over the others. They should not be used as excuses for encouraging corruption and abuse of power resulting in a small segment of the elite amassing wealth at the expense of the vast majority of the people who continue to suffer in poverty and hardship.
Eradication of poverty should be a top priority of the government and it should deploy all the resources at its disposal to ensure its endeavors succeed. Poverty is color blind as it transcends all racial divide, so should be all attempts in its eradication.
The government has embarked on many development projects since independence to eradicate poverty among its people by its policies to restructure society so that no one particular community will be identified with poverty and backwardness. There is no doubt the target groups have benefited tremendously by such measures. However due to overzealous implementation of these projects unfortunately certain other groups have been neglected resulting in being left out of the mainstream of the rapid socio-economic development thereby giving rise to much unhappiness and frustration among them.
It is important for the government to realize its shortcomings and address this issue of poverty among its entire people for lasting peace and harmony in our multiracial nation. Race based policies initiated 50 years ago may not be relevant anymore due to the rapid advances taking place in the country in a highly competitive global world. It is timely to review the policies of the past and make amends to improve their effectives in a new social-economic environment.
There is no reason for any group to suffer in poverty particularly in our country that is endowed with abundant God-given natural resources. All that is needed is a fairer, prudent and more accountable management of the economy of the country which the government has pledged to undertake.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)