[Dipetik daripada blog Pak Samad, http://samadsaid.wordpress.com/2011/04/24/mandi-rasuah]
Dia mula mandi air rasuah
konon dari pancur air amanah.
Dia bersihkan (atau kotorkan)?
Yang penting dia bermandi
bawah pancur harta dan kuasa.
Dia luaskan dewan layandiri
berlatih menjual apa saja—
rumah, tanah, ekuiti, maruah.
Dia menyanyikan lagu ringgit
bagi kelompoknya yang buncit.
Setiap tahun dia galak bertani,
menyuburkan slogana itu-ini.
Apa sajalah asal dipercaya.
Rakyat yang dilatih berasuah
mula nyanyi lagu-lagu dosa.
Dia dipupuk menjadi peniaga
demi untung, deminya saja.
Dia diasuh menghitung ringgit,
dijanji harta sungai dan bukit
tanpa ilmu pun dia tetap bangkit.
Dia tergalak bermandi air rasuah.
Kita bahagia, kita bersih, jeritnya.
—A. SAMAD SAID.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Part II: Ad Baculum, Islamic State and Malaysian Chinese Politics in the 11th General Election, March 2004
Analysis: Some Strategies
of Fear as Seen from the Local Media
This study recognizes that the election
campaign advertisement portrayed the “us versus them” ideology. “Us” are
portrayed as ‘good/saint’, ‘patriotism’ and ‘supporter’ in issues verses the
‘bad/evil’, ‘propaganda’ and ‘protester’ of “them”. Rhetoric of fear or ad
baculum tactics was used to bring out that contrast. Emotional words
presented together with visual effects were the most commonly employed tactics.
Visual effects used include pictures and caricatures. Other ad baculum tactics
included rhetoric of number, packaging of images and rhetoric of colours.
Despite some types of rhetoric not present within
the scope of channels of this paper, combining any of two or more type of
rhetoric tactics often found. Combining two issues in one advertisement and
presenting it with two rhetoric tactics was very commonly practiced. Findings
below were presented according to issues.
Issue No.1: “Peace” verses “Chaos”
Figure 1: Advertisement 1 to 3
In Advertisement 1 (refer Table 1 in Appendix II),
the word “Peace” << 和平 >> is displayed as implicating “vote for peace”. Present also is a
BN’s logo, urging to vote for BN. The presence of the word and the logo bring
out the image of “good/saint” to BN. This is further reinforced by visual
effect through a picture of a baby at the mother tender hand just below the
word “Peace”. Advertisement 2 is of same style of Advertisement 1 but the
“good/saint” image it tried to bring out is “Unity” << 團結 >>. A picture of three friends of
different races created the visual effect of unity between various races. In
both advertisements, a slogan stating “Past. Now. Future” << 過去. 現在. 將來 >> was found just below both words mentioned.
This is seen as a “reminder” to the voters that BN has brings peace and unity
in the past and present and only BN is capable to continue bringing it in the
future.
The two advertisements’ effects as in
Advertisement 1 (Peace) and Advertisement 2 (Unity) were further strengthening
strongly by advertisements as in Advertisement 3. Advertisement 3 showing two
contrasting picture on peace issue. On the left side was a scary war wrecked
scenario contrast to the picture of Malaysia’s
famous Twin Tower in a calm environment on the
right. Below the war wrecked picture was stated “act of terrorism and
fanaticism rampant” << 恐怖主义和极端主义横行 >> while below the Twin
Tower picture, wrote,
“Enjoy peace and stability” << 享有和平与稳定 >>. The word “or” << 或 >> is used to contrast the two pictures. A
slogan “Please vote BN to strengthen the Chinese’s strength in
Government” << 请投国阵一票加强华族在朝力量 >> is
stated. Thus,
this advertisement is portraying “bad/evil” image to fanatic group at the same
time contrasting BN as the “saint savior” to the Chinese over terrorist and
fanaticism threats. Below the ‘vote for BN’ logo stated the phrase “to
ensure your future” << 保障您的将来 >>, thus,
further emphasizing BN’s image as a “saint savior”.
Figure 2: Advertisement 7 and 8
Advertisements that are more
directly contrast against PAS are seen in Advertisement 7 & 8.
Advertisement 7 shows many demonstrators with one of them clearly showing off a
picture of Osama bin Laden who was accused as the mastermind of ‘September 911’
terrorist attack in the United
States of America. The description below the
picture portrayed the demonstrator as PAS supporters, which stated, “PAS make
used DAP to segregate the Chinese votes” << 回教党利用行动党分散华裔选票 >>. This advertisement link PAS with chaotic
and fanatic behavior thus, playing into the voters’ fear that if PAS win, chaos
is imminent. The headline for this advertisement is, “Use your voting right
wisely. Do not let others to determine your future” << 善用手中选票：别让他人决定您的将来 >>
while the ‘vote for BN’ logo with the phrase “to ensure your future” (just like
in Advertisement 3) was positioned at the bottom to emphasize the need for BN
to prevent chaotic events happening.
Issue No.2: “Freedom” verses “Restrictions”
There are 11 revealing visual rhetoric advertisements found published
in the major Chinese newspapers on freedom verses restriction issue.
Advertisement 9 to 16 showed eight of those advertisements, presented in the
same style to highlight several of restrictions if the oppositions formed the
government. Each of the advertisements has four characteristics: the word
“Ban?” strip across the center of the picture shown in the advertisements, a
header phrase at center top, description below the picture and a ‘vote for BN’
logo at the bottom. The word “Ban” << 禁止 >> is relatively big in size while below the ‘vote for BN’ logo
is a slogan stating, “to ensure your future.”
Figure 3: Advertisement 9 to 11
Advertisement 9 shows picture of a female artist singing with the
header phrase stated, “Concert” << 演唱会 >>. The singer did not dress
scantily. The description below the picture states, “Once the oppositions
become the government, concert would be prohibited” << 一旦反对党阵线执政, 演唱会将被禁止>>. It
scares voters to vote for BN to ensure that in future, concert will still be
allowed. It is a sister version of El Salvador guerrilla’s slogan
stating, “Vote in the morning; die in the afternoon” mentioned as example
earlier.
Advertisement 10 shows two pairs of properly dressed guys and girls
dancing with the header phrase stated, “Dancing” << 跳舞 >>. The description below states, “Once the oppositions become
the government, the dancing among opposite sexes would not be allowed” <<一旦反对党阵线执政, 男女共舞将不被允许 >> Advertisement 11 shows five guys and two girls wearing a full set of
swimming attires, including swimming trunk (men), swimming suit (lady) with
head cap and goggles. The header of this advertisement stated, “Swimming
costume” << 泳装 >> while the
description below, said, “Once the oppositions become the government, the
females would not be allowed to wear swimming costume” << 一旦反对党阵线执政, 女性将不被允许穿泳装 >>.
Figure 4: Advertisement 18 and 20
Played on the issues of religion
freedom, Advertisement 18 contrasted two statues of Buddha, one being destroyed
and the other are in well condition and receiving prayer from a devotee. The
picture of the destroyed statue was tag with “Afghanistan – the statue of Buddha
was destroyed by Talibans” << 阿富汗：佛像被塔利班炸毁
>>. While the other picture was tag with “Malaysia – BN promises the freedom
of religion practice” <<马来西亚：国阵保障宗教自由 >>.
Directly against PAS, BN’s advertisement as in Advertisement 20 urged voters
not to vote for PAS with the headline stating “The fact has proved that PAS did
not respect the Chinese cultural tradition” << 事实证明: 回教党不尊重华人文化传统
>>.
Issue No.3:“Development” verse “Backwardness”
Figure 5: Advertisement 24 and 25
Various advertisements asked voters to remember Malaysia’s achievement in 47 years of BN ruling,
good relationship with China,
development of Chinese education including establishment of University Tunku
Abdul Rahman (UTAR) as MCA’s effort and Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as the best
leader to fight corruption in Malaysia.
Examples included 4 continuous pages of advertisement of Malaysia achievement milestone year
by year as in Advertisement 23, three advertisements portraying Abdullah Ahmad
Badawi as the modern Justice Pau (Advertisement 24) and successful effort of
MCA to improve Chinese community (Advertisement 25). Advertisement 26 urged
that mother tongue education should not become political issues talk but must
be solved properly soonest possible.
Issue No.4: Transference
Figure 6: Advertisement 27 and 32
Transference issues seem to target DAP by
BN. In the BN advertisements, DAP was associated with PAS in order to
‘transfer’ the fear of Islamic state establishment to the DAP. In this case,
DAP was portrayed as supporting PAS’ vision to set up an Islamic state and
helping them to win the election by weakening BN political forces. Thus, following
slogan is used so frequently in many of the BN advertisement: “If you vote for
DAP, you will weaken the force of BN in opposing the PAS. Giving support to DAP
means giving support to PAS.” That slogan even appeared as a stand-alone plain
advertisement like in Advertisement 27 and 32.
The data collected seem to give us an idea that
“might is right” as the appeal to fear was used up to the maximum by the
members of the ruling party Barisan Nasional (National Front), especially
Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) through its controlled media. The
opposition parties cannot match Barisan Nasional in term of campaign fund and
most important, access to media. This is clear as during the 11th
Malaysian General Election, Barisan Nasional contested in every Parliament and
State seat but the opposition only contest in very few selected seats for both
Parliament and State level. As a result, the Barisan Nasional coalition won 199 Parliament seats (90.87%)
and 453 State seats (89.70%).
Barisan Nasional formed the
ruling government at national level and for all state except Kelantan state
where PAS won marginally. Barisan Nasional continues their 47 years grip on the
Malaysian politic since independent, leaving the voters a “convenient” attitude
toward political preference. Not only voters, especially the Chinese preferred
to maintain the current “comfort zone”, both the voters and the oppositions
already have pictured in a landslide victory for the Barisan Nasional, thus
challenging the Barisan Nasional is merely for the sake of opposing only. That
is the psychology reason on why the oppositions are never viewed as a capable
ruling party not only by the voters but also by themselves. These reasons hand
Barisan Nasional an almost sure win while this situation results in
strengthening the Barisan Nasional control on media access and the psychology
reason mentioned. That is a two ways causal relationship cycle that will
continue to strengthen each other over time in Barisan Nasional favor. So, in
conclusion, as a hyperbole, Barisan Nasional is expected to maintain their
dominance in politic arena until the end of the world if that cycle didn’t
break off. It might take a paradigm shift to break it and would be a mammoth
task for anyone. However that it should start off with educating the voters to
assess political issues rationally, not based on emotion especially fear.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Ad Baculum, Islamic State and Malaysian Chinese Politics in the 11th General Election, March 2004: Part I
Note:
This article is part of my published journal paper in Journal of Politics and Law; (2008); Vol. 1(1): 25 – 39; entitle “Ad
baculum, Islamic state and Malaysian Chinese politics: A rhetorical study of
selected Political advertisements in the local Chinese media during the 11th
Malaysian general election campaign”
Abstract
This
study analyzes the rhetorical strategy of using the emotion of fear as a
political tool in the 11th Malaysia General Election campaign. The
three-prong objectives of this study are to analyze the main themes and issues
used to address this tactic of fear, the general perceptions that non-Moslems
in Malaysia have of the concept of Islamic state as a symbol of fear and
rhetorical strategies used to provoke this fear. The scope of the study is
confined to the conventional communication model of
“Source-Message-Channel-Receiver”. The “sources” are political advertisements,
the “messages” are Islamic state theme and related issues, the “channels” are
symbols or rhetorical strategies and the “receivers” are the voters, with
special reference to Malaysian Chinese voters. The findings concluded that the
National Front party (Barisan National,
BN) used the fear factor effectively in its campaign. This situation is further enhanced by the
strong control of BN over the Malaysian media in addition to the character of
Chinese voters who generally prefer not to leave their current comfort zone and
are afraid of an Islamic state.
Intro
Bentham
was perhaps the first to relate fallacies to politics as can be seen in The Book of Fallacies; from unfinished
papers of Jeremy Bentham (By a friend. London: J. and H. L. Hunt, 1824). The Bentham’s Handbook of Political Fallacies
was later revised, edited and a Preface by Harold A. Larrabee was added before
it was published in 1952 (Baltimore:
The Johns Hopkins Press). However, the concept of fallacies discussed in that
particular text is not exactly the same as the concept of what informal
logicians means. In the context of informal logic, Ralph H. Johnson was the
first proponent who discussed the relationship between informal logic and
politics. In his paper presented at the Conference on Logic and Politics in Amsterdam, February
19-22, 1990, Johnson discusses the role of informal logic in the analysis of
political discourse and some dangers we encounter in applying this logic to
politics and its possible remedies. Among the popular fallacies commonly used
in politic is ad baculum, the fallacy of appeal to fear. Fear is a
classic political weapon, used throughout the ages. Its mechanism is simple,
making the people afraid and telling them that you are the one who can save
them.
This
paper will try to analyze one of the political discourses, that is political
advertisements and how these advertisements were used as a rhetorical strategy
for causing fear. Thus, a few objectives below will be analyzed:
1) What are
the kinds of main themes and issues used to address this tactic of fear?
2) What are
the kinds of fear or general perceptions that the non-Moslems in Malaysia have
of the concept of Islamic state as a symbol of fear?
3) What are
the kinds of rhetorical strategies used to provoke this fear?
Meanwhile,
the scope of this study focuses on the three above-mentioned objectives and
uses the conventional communication model of “Source-Message-Channel-Receiver”.
The source of study is the main political parties’ political advertisements in
the local Malaysian main Chinese media.
Rhetoric, Ad Baculum and Fear
Aristotle
in his Treatise on Rhetoric (translated by Theodore Buckley, 1995: 11
& 24), defined rhetoric as a faculty that considers all possible means of
persuasion on every subject. Today’s definition of rhetoric has become much
more complex due to its more than 2,500 years of history and evolution. Its
definition has expanded from Greek classic formal oratory to include all types
of literature or non-literature, oral or written discourse and even visual.
Thus, rhetoric includes non-discursive or nonverbal symbols as well as
discursive or verbal ones. Speeches, essays, conversations, poetries, novels,
stories, comic books, television programs, films, art, architecture, plays,
music, dances, advertisements, furniture, automobiles, and dresses are all
forms of rhetoric (Foss, 2004: 5).
The
fallacy that appeals to fear is an argument that uses threat of harm to advance
one’s conclusion. This fallacy according to Engel (1986: 220) is also known as
“swinging the big stick”, as the Latin word for stick or staff is baculum, and this argument is known in
Latin as argumentum ad baculum.
Quoted
from Aristotle’s Treatise on Rhetoric (translated by Buckley, 1995: 121
– 127), fear can be defined as a sort of pain or agitation, arising out of an
idea that is evil, capable either of destroying or giving pain. However, people
only fear those whose effect is either a considerable degree of pain or
destruction and these (pain or destruction) are not far removed, but give one
the idea of being close at hand, so as to be on the eve of happening. Generally
human are emotional beings, thus are subjected to fear. No matter how the
rational mind tells us that there is nothing to fear about, the feeling of fear
still exists naturally especially if the event of fear seems close by.
An
example of ad baculum tactic is El Salvador
guerrilla’s slogan: “Vote in the morning; die in the afternoon” (Harris, 2000).
The Nazis had also used the tactic of ad baculum. According to
Grunberger (1971), the Nazis used to send the following notice to German
readers who let their subscriptions lapse: "Our paper certainly deserves
the support of every German. We shall continue to forward copies of it to you,
and hope that you will not want to expose yourself to unfortunate consequences
in the case of cancellation."
Dhammananda
(2003: 9, 10 & 11) explained that fear is an intense emotional reaction
characterized by attempts to flee from the situation, imprison and ensnare the
mind and flourishes in the fog of ignorance. Therefore, presenting issues of
fear to voters and presenting self as the sole savior at the same time might
just easily make the voter flee from the fear elements without rightful
rationalization and then, leave them no choice but to pledge their vote to the
only “savior” party available. Otherwise, there will be unfavorable or negative
consequences.
Closely
linked to ad baculum strategy is ‘transference’, which is also known as
fallacy of association. It is used to associate the argument with something
attractive or unattractive depending of the purpose. Thus, by using
transference, one could bring the effect of ad baculum to any other
party through associating it with the original feared party.
Islamic State
The
concept of Islamic state seems to be rather vague, as it was not properly
defined in Koran. As such, the
vagueness of the term had invited various interpretations. In the Malaysian
political context, the interpretation has indeed attracted the interests of two
main political parties of the Moslems, namely United Malays National
Organization (UMNO) and Party Islam Semalaysia (PAS).
According
to the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam
Malaysia or Jakim), the term “Islamic state” is indeed not stated at all in
the Koran or al-Sunnah (Jakim, 2004). The same conclusion is also mentioned by
Asghar (n.d). Thus, the definition of “Islamic state” depends on each
individual, researcher or ulama (Moslem scholars recognized of having
specialized knowledge of Islamic sacred law and theology).
Main Theme and Issues Used to Address
This Tactic of Fear
Barisan
Nasional instilled fear that allowing the opposition (especially PAS) to win
will brings changes which are presented as a treat or risk too high for the
voters to take. The “changes” are particularly referred to the setting up of
Islamic state that is what PAS is campaigning for while the Islamic state idea
is packaged to look as a symbol of fear especially to the Chinese community.
The cost of change for the voters will be the “comfort zone” they are currently
enjoying during the era of the ruling of the Barisan Nasional. Briefly, the
comfort zones elements compared to the threats are as below:
1) “Peace”
versus “Chaos”: (Issue 1)
Related
issues include moderate government based on a mix of secular and Islamic
concept versus an Islam fanatic opposition. This particularly refers to PAS and
its determination to establish an Islamic state. Leaders of Barisan Nasional
are portrayed as loving, family oriented persons while having harmonious living
among multi ethnics. The opposition party, especially PAS is shown as related
to terrorism and not friendly to non-Islam.
2) “Freedom”
versus “Restrictions”: (Issue 2)
Related
issues include freedom to practice religion, celebrate festivals, permission to
sell-buy selected non-halal products
(in particular alcohol and pork), permission for various entertainment
businesses including betting, concerts, discos and karaoke lounges and freedom
plus equal rights for women groups. These are contradictory to the practice of
pure Islamic law, which prohibits most of the mentioned items while maintains
inferior status of women compared to that of men.
3) “Development”
versus “Backwardness”: (Issue 3)
Related
issues include presenting the good track record of economic and social
developments compared to both the poor development of PAS ruling state
(Kelantan and Terengganu) and the inexperience of the opposition parties to
develop the nation. Further strengthening this aspect is the portraying of
Abdullah Badawi, the top leader of Barisan Nasional as the Chinese legendary
character, Justice Pau who is famous for his justice and anti-corruption
stand.
4) “BN”
versus “PAS–DAP-PK”: (Issue 4)
There is also an issue of transference in which DAP and PK are said to
be associated with PAS, including helping PAS to minimize BN political strength
to the benefit of PAS. DAP, PAS and PK formed the Barisan Alternatif
(Alternative Front) to ensure a one-to-one fight with BN during the previous 10th
General Election. That has become an issue of transference. Thus, fear issues
associated to PAS were “associated” with DAP and PK also.
Kinds of Fear about the Concept of
Islamic State
The
kinds of fear or general perceptions that the non-Moslems in Malaysia have
of the concept of Islamic state as a symbol of fear can be categorized according to issues as below. This is refers to the
Chinese fear of PAS setting up an Islamic state for Malaysia.
1) “Peace”
verses “Chaos”
a. Terrorism activities could emerge in Malaysia or the new government
could support global terrorism activities prompting hostility from other
countries;
b. Aggression towards non-Moslem ethnics similar to the situation in Indonesia
might happen;
c. Forcing non-Moslems to adopt Islamic elements.
2) “Freedom”
verses “Restrictions”
a. Restriction to practice religion;
b. Restriction to celebrate festivals;
c. Banning pigs rearing;
d. Banning selling-buying of non-halal (Note 3) products (in particular
alcohol and pork);
e. Banning betting and gambling activities;
f. Restrictions to stage concerts and the establishment
of discos and karaoke lounge;
g. Inferior treatment of women.
3) “Development”
verses “Backwardness”
a. Economics mismanagement causing various social
hardship;
b. International boycott or avoidance in terms of foreign
direct investment and international trade that might affect the economics
negatively;
Analysis: Some
Strategies of Fear as Seen from the Local Media
To be continue in Part II.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Made in Malaysia, Malaysian style - Rasa Sayang 2.0 & Undilah
By Namewee [黃明志] & KarenKong [龔柯允]
Theme song in Nasi Lemak 2.0 [辣死你媽]
A Pete Teo PSA Music Video promoting the vote. Features vocals by Afdlin Shauki, Namewee & Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and many Malaysians
Thursday, September 22, 2011
ISA: Don't cheer till new laws can be scrutinised
Har Wai Mun [Sept 20, 2011]
[Source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/176368]
[Source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/176368]
Anyone aware of Sun Tzu's 'Art of War' will know that a surprise indirect attack yields higher chances to success.
In political warfare, adding a bit more of hypocrisy and media coverage will make the outcome even much better.
Perhaps, that is Najib's latest recipe for the coming general election.
On hypocrisy, let me highlight these points. Firstly, the draconian Internal Security Acts (ISA) is a violation of human rights and democracy.
Thus, the country should not have had it in the first place, not to mention it being purposely and radically misused it by the BN government.
So, what is the big deal? Abolishing the ISA is just correcting what the government has done wrong previously.
Indeed, this removal of this draconian act should be accompanied with a formal apology to the victims and strong condemnation on those who established and misused it.
The reason given by the minister is that those people are detained 'legally' as the ISA is still law.
Nonetheless, is this so-called law morally correct and justified when democracy and human rights are taken into consideration?
Detention through ISA may be legally correct, yet the agenda behind the usage of that draconian law is strongly questionable. The treatment to detainees is another mockery of the nation's legislation and human rights practices.
Secondly, the prime minister's claim of having two new laws to replace the ISA should be read with caution. Will they be different from the one they are going to replace?
If Najib is sincere in wanting to abolish ISA, why must there be other 'replacements'?
Further, the removal only can be done next year. Does that mean if BN does not win the coming election (should it be held this year), they still can use the ISA to turn around the results.
Thirdly, there many other ways to curb opposing views, such as using the laws on sedition and defamation. The former has already been widely used while the latter has bankrupted many opposition leaders in Singapore. Besides, BN can still rely on Utusan Malaysia, Perkasa and Malay ultras to cause tension as a warning for opposing the rule of BN.
In political warfare, adding a bit more of hypocrisy and media coverage will make the outcome even much better.
Perhaps, that is Najib's latest recipe for the coming general election.
On hypocrisy, let me highlight these points. Firstly, the draconian Internal Security Acts (ISA) is a violation of human rights and democracy.
Thus, the country should not have had it in the first place, not to mention it being purposely and radically misused it by the BN government.
So, what is the big deal? Abolishing the ISA is just correcting what the government has done wrong previously.
Indeed, this removal of this draconian act should be accompanied with a formal apology to the victims and strong condemnation on those who established and misused it.
The reason given by the minister is that those people are detained 'legally' as the ISA is still law.
Nonetheless, is this so-called law morally correct and justified when democracy and human rights are taken into consideration?
Detention through ISA may be legally correct, yet the agenda behind the usage of that draconian law is strongly questionable. The treatment to detainees is another mockery of the nation's legislation and human rights practices.
Secondly, the prime minister's claim of having two new laws to replace the ISA should be read with caution. Will they be different from the one they are going to replace?
If Najib is sincere in wanting to abolish ISA, why must there be other 'replacements'?
Further, the removal only can be done next year. Does that mean if BN does not win the coming election (should it be held this year), they still can use the ISA to turn around the results.
Thirdly, there many other ways to curb opposing views, such as using the laws on sedition and defamation. The former has already been widely used while the latter has bankrupted many opposition leaders in Singapore. Besides, BN can still rely on Utusan Malaysia, Perkasa and Malay ultras to cause tension as a warning for opposing the rule of BN.
Fourth, there are other restrictions on Malaysians other than on human rights.
Every day and night we live in fear of theft and crime. On the roads, our rights are suppressed in order to avoid possible violent acts by road bullies.
We cannot use public parking spaces as they are being illegally occupied by illegal car jockeys, eateries and car repair shops. Illegal 'Ah Long' advertisements have taken over our cities, including road signboards.
Every day and night we live in fear of theft and crime. On the roads, our rights are suppressed in order to avoid possible violent acts by road bullies.
We cannot use public parking spaces as they are being illegally occupied by illegal car jockeys, eateries and car repair shops. Illegal 'Ah Long' advertisements have taken over our cities, including road signboards.
These
are also the rakyat's basic freedoms and rights that are denied due to
the inaction of federal, state and local government and their agencies.
Thus, as Teresa Kok (MP for Seputeh) warned, welcome Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's political reforms with caution.
Not long ago, those BN top fellows swore to protect their reign with blood. So, do we believe that they would reform laws not favouring them?
If 1Malaysia was the top hypocrisy last year, do we expect these political reforms announced on Malaysia Day to come out tops this year?
Thus, as Teresa Kok (MP for Seputeh) warned, welcome Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's political reforms with caution.
Not long ago, those BN top fellows swore to protect their reign with blood. So, do we believe that they would reform laws not favouring them?
If 1Malaysia was the top hypocrisy last year, do we expect these political reforms announced on Malaysia Day to come out tops this year?
Friday, August 5, 2011
DPS Food Carnival 2011
Event:
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
10.00 am to 5.00 pm (Grand opening ceremony at 10.30am)
South Lobby, UTAR Bandar Sg Long Campus
Organized by Drama & Public Speaking (DPS) Society
For more information, feel free to visit:
Food Carnival 2011 event FB page:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192637560793087
DPS Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/156452666065
free
Monday, July 11, 2011
Truth that Cannot Be Cover - Bersih 2.0 09/07/2011
Jesus Christ, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi and many other scarified to the welfare of people… Soldiers protect the nations with their life during invasion for the safety of people… Thus, to those who are blessed today and those who are in power as of minister or police force, please remember those good deeds done by many in the past for you, directly or indirectly… Please do not trade the Rakyat’s freedom and rights for your own comfort or pleasure… Bersih had scarified themselves not only for a fair, free and clean election but a better future for Malaysian. Please appreciate them.
净化黑暗的政治
《哈利波特》系列电影的最后一集即将上映，万众期待哈利波特与黑魔王伏地魔将如何决一死战。与此同时，马来西亚人民也长期饱受黑暗政治的折腾。
整个国家充斥着欺骗，恐惧和贪婪的诅咒。当权派是如此强大，任何人不得批评国阵政权的弊端。
如今，许多颜色都被禁止，即橙色（因为声称是与兴权委员会‘Hindraf’有关），黑色（赵明福命案）和黄色（净选盟）。我不知道下一个被禁止的颜色是否为青色，因为回教党拒绝与巫统的合并献议，不肯与之联手对抗净选盟。
某些字眼也是不能被提起，最轰动的莫过于涉及C4 -军工爆炸谋杀案有关的国家和牵涉在此案中的人物。
在这里，我想引用诺贝尔经济学奖得主罗纳德科斯(Ronald Coase)的理论。
什么决定一间公司的做法呢？要回答这个问题，科斯强调，有必要了解为什么一间公司存在的原因。
举例许多被禁止的活动，如烈火莫熄 (Reformasi )，人民力量（Makkal Sakhti）和净选盟（Bersih），这是需要我们理解为什么它们会存在。在佛教教义中，有因就有果，或许科学和其他宗教也认同这一点。
在没有回答“为什么存在”的情况下，政府禁止人民走上街头集会的举动并没有平息人民不满的情绪。当权派这种欺骗性的诅咒，只是确保黑魔王及其亲信能继续掌权。
如果一个人拥有良好的生活，他不会希望自己成为窃贼，除非贪念作祟。
同样的道理，如果国阵政府是清廉、自由和公平的，那么净选盟集会的策划人将无法号召足够的支持者来抗议政府。
在马来西亚，有很多不真实及黑暗的诅咒需要 “净化”。首先，政府不等于国阵（这仅是一个政治联盟）。
政府属于人民，所以国阵不需要以血肉之躯捍卫布城。人民只需要一个公正的选举，让人民决定政府。
第二，警察、司法、选举委员会和反贪会应该在分权体制之下为国家和人民服务，而并非由任何政党操控。
我曾经在透明国际论坛上提问，如果首相影响这些组织的高层决策，那么这些组织的独立性是否该受到质疑。
一名选举委员会的高层代表作出回答，但是他的答案令现场观众哄堂大笑。
因此，当执法单位的许多决定都被批评为偏袒时，是一件不足为奇的事情。
第三 ， 我们亲眼看到和亲耳听到的都不能被视为事实，因为所有主流媒体直接受到产业股权或规章制度的控制。
因此，国阵不敢对其他资讯管道掉以轻心，包括网上新闻、部落格、YouTube和面子书，毕竟他们所能管制的范围是有限的。
问题是，主流媒体不断重复地向少接触网络的阶层作出不实报道，导致一些乐龄人士，教育水平不高的民众和郊区的村民对谎言信以为真。
事实上，通过不正确的教育，欺骗的种子已经开始在青少年的思维散播，减低了他们批判性的思维能力。
同时，教学准证的要求、印刷法令、煽动法令、严苛的内安法令和法律的威胁使批评国阵政府的人士噤声。
黑暗的统治者利用贪婪的诅咒，以确保获得更多亲信的支持。
然而，最惊人的欺骗法术还是施于一个马来西亚运动上。
“一个马来西亚”的宣传口号无孔不入，我们的日常生活离不开“Salam 1 Malaysia”，“Cuti-cuti 1 Malaysia”和“一个马来西亚商店”。一切标榜着一个马来西亚来显示国阵并非种族主义者。
事实上，一个马来西亚的存在就是种族主义。有一个比较抽象的哲学理论可以用来解除这种诅咒。
这是一个“无”和“被虚无化”的问题。在这种情况下，“无”被称为“无”的东西。
当你在想：“我没有思考什么”，你实际上是在思考！我思故我在。
因此，当有一个口号提醒我们要“非种族主义”或提醒华巫印必须是一体的，那么这意味着种族主义在发酵。
因此，非种族主义是““被虚无化”，这意味着我们不需要理会这个问题。
此外，国阵政府对土著权威组织（Perkasa）和马来西亚前锋报(Utusan)保持沉默的举动，完全与他们的竞选活动自相矛盾。
然而，黑暗的政治已经在马来西亚根深蒂固，无论是哈利波特和他的霍格沃茨团队，还是民联和净选盟都不能在一夜之间将它消除。
他们在上届大选看到曙光，但仍然不足以实现理想。黑暗的政治依然是马来西亚的危机。马来西亚人希望终有一天可以看到光明。
问题是，主流媒体不断重复地向少接触网络的阶层作出不实报道，导致一些乐龄人士，教育水平不高的民众和郊区的村民对谎言信以为真。
事实上，通过不正确的教育，欺骗的种子已经开始在青少年的思维散播，减低了他们批判性的思维能力。
同时，教学准证的要求、印刷法令、煽动法令、严苛的内安法令和法律的威胁使批评国阵政府的人士噤声。
黑暗的统治者利用贪婪的诅咒，以确保获得更多亲信的支持。
然而，最惊人的欺骗法术还是施于一个马来西亚运动上。
“一个马来西亚”的宣传口号无孔不入，我们的日常生活离不开“Salam 1 Malaysia”，“Cuti-cuti 1 Malaysia”和“一个马来西亚商店”。一切标榜着一个马来西亚来显示国阵并非种族主义者。
事实上，一个马来西亚的存在就是种族主义。有一个比较抽象的哲学理论可以用来解除这种诅咒。
这是一个“无”和“被虚无化”的问题。在这种情况下，“无”被称为“无”的东西。
当你在想：“我没有思考什么”，你实际上是在思考！我思故我在。
因此，当有一个口号提醒我们要“非种族主义”或提醒华巫印必须是一体的，那么这意味着种族主义在发酵。
因此，非种族主义是““被虚无化”，这意味着我们不需要理会这个问题。
此外，国阵政府对土著权威组织（Perkasa）和马来西亚前锋报(Utusan)保持沉默的举动，完全与他们的竞选活动自相矛盾。
然而，黑暗的政治已经在马来西亚根深蒂固，无论是哈利波特和他的霍格沃茨团队，还是民联和净选盟都不能在一夜之间将它消除。
他们在上届大选看到曙光，但仍然不足以实现理想。黑暗的政治依然是马来西亚的危机。马来西亚人希望终有一天可以看到光明。
[此文译自'Bersih' the dark politics in Malaysia, 刊登于2011年6月30日《当今大马》英文专栏]
Friday, July 8, 2011
Malaysia: UN rights office concerned at reported crackdown ahead of planned protests
(Source: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=38935&Cr=expression&Cr1=)
5 July 2011 – The United Nations human rights office today voiced concern about measures being taken by authorities in Malaysia, including restricting freedom of expression, ahead of a peaceful demonstration scheduled for this Saturday.
5 July 2011 – The United Nations human rights office today voiced concern about measures being taken by authorities in Malaysia, including restricting freedom of expression, ahead of a peaceful demonstration scheduled for this Saturday. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has recently been receiving reports of a crackdown, including harassment, intimidation, arrests and threats, targeting members of the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih).
“According to reliable sources, at least 150 people have been summoned, arrested or charged, including a number of opposition members of Parliament,” Rupert Colville, OHCHR’s spokesperson in Geneva, told reporters.
The authorities have also reportedly arrested activists simply for possessing Bersih’s distinctive yellow T-shirts and campaign pamphlets, he added.
“We are very concerned about the various measures that are being taken by the authorities to restrict freedom of expression in Malaysia, including preventive detention, and the Government’s decision to reportedly declare Bersih an unlawful organization,” said Mr. Colville.
“We call on the authorities to release all those being detained for peacefully exercising their freedom of expression.”
Saturday, July 2, 2011
'Bersih' the dark politics in Malaysia
Har Wai Mun [June 30, 2011]
[Source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/168518]
[Source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/168518]
As the world waits for the final instalment of Harry Potter battling the dark Lord Voldermort, Malaysians have also been battered by dark politics for a long time.
The whole country is cast with the curses of deception, fear and greed. These are so powerful that no one shall speak badly about the BN regime.
Nowadays, many colors are banned, namely orange (as it is claimed to be associated with Hindraf movement), black (Teoh Beng Hock) and Yellow (Bersih). I wonder the next color will be green as PAS gave UMNO a damn "no" to their unholy merger proposal through the Bersih.
Words are not spared either; most sensational are the name of the country associated with the brutal murder by C4-military grade explosion and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Associated-With-The-Case.
Allow me to draw your attention to the thoughts of Ronald Coase, a Nobel Prize in Economics recipient.
While amazed with the richness and complexity of literatures on how industries are organised, he pointed out the important missing piece - the determinant of the organisation of industry.
What determines what a firm does? To answer that question, Coase highlighted the necessary to understand why a firm exists at all.
Back to the many "banned" rallies like the Reformasi, Makkal Sakhti and Bersih, it is necessary for us to understand why they exist. In Buddhism, or perhaps also in science and other religions, when there is an effect, there is a cause(s).
Banning the demonstration rally without answering "why it exists" will not solve any antagonism of the people but it is a deceptive curse to ensure the dark lord and its cronies remain in power.
In fact, the cause bringing rise to such a rally is that the people no longer can tolerate the excessive manipulation and suppression from the ruling government. The people do not like to demonstrate but unfortunately they have no other alternative.
A thief may not wish to be a thief if he has a good standard of living, unless the curse of greed has corrupted his mind.
The Bersih rally organisers will not be able to gather enough supporters if the ruling government is clean, free and fair. Indeed, it is the BN ruling government that gives birth and supports the rally.
In Malaysia, there are plenty deceptive dark curses that need to be cleaned (di-BERSIH-kan). First and foremost, the government is not equal to BN (which is merely a political coalition).
The government belongs to its people, thus there is no need for BN to defend Putrajaya with their blood. Just have a bersih general election and lets the people to determine the government.
Second, the police, judiciary, Election Commission and MACC work for the country and its people under the separation of powers system, and not for any political party.
I once asked in a Transparency International's forum on how independent these organisations are, when the appointment of their top brass is influenced by the prime minister.
The answer from a high ranked representative from Election Commission sparked laughter from the audiences.
He said: "Our top management is appointed by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong". He then paused for few seconds and continued: "... on the advice of the prime minister".
Therefore, one will not be surprised that many decisions by the law enforcement bodies are being criticised as biased.
Third - what we see and hear cannot be taken as truth. All mainstream media is controlled either directly through equity ownership or rules and regulations.
Thus, the BN has been so scared of alternative channels from online news to blogs, YouTube and Facebook, which they have minimum control.
The problem is that when lies are told repeatedly through mainstream media to non-information savvy like senior citizens, the lesser educated and rural folk, lies are taken as truth.
Indeed, the seed of deception has been planted into the minds of young children through improper education that dampens critical thinking.
Meanwhile, teaching permit requirements, printing acts, sedition acts, a draconian ISA and threats of prosecution by the law have gagged many voices of criticism against the BN government.
The curse of greed casted on its cronies is added to ensure much needed support to the dark regime.
Yet, the most astonishing deception spell has been cast on the 1Malaysia campaign.
It's promoted aggressively into our daily life from "Salam 1Malaysia" to "Cuti-cuti 1Malaysia" and "Kedai 1Malaysia". Everything is 1Malaysianised to show that BN is non-racist.
Indeed, the existence of 1Malaysia itself is racist. There is a rather abstract philosophical reasoning to counter this curse.
It is a matter of "nothing" and "being nothing (nothingness)". In this case, "nothing" is something called "nothing".
When you think: "I think nothing," you are actually thinking!
So, having a slogan to remind us to be "non-racist" or a practice to ensure there must be a combination of Malay, Indian and Chinese in everything, implies racist thinking.
Thus being non-racist is "being nothing", meaning we don't need to bother with this issue at all.
Furthermore, the silence of BN government on Perkasa and Utusan Malaysia is completely contradictory to what they are campaigning.
Nonetheless, the darkness has rooted too deep in Malaysia that neither Harry Potter and his Hogwarts gang nor Pakatan Rakyat and Bersih can dispel it overnight.
They came close in the previous general election but it was still not enough. Dark politics remains a hazard in Malaysia. But there is always hope that there will be a time when Malaysians can see the light.
Friday, May 20, 2011
斗争一 ：安华无可阻挡的力量对抗屹立不倒的国阵
在2008 年， 《蝙蝠侠之黑暗骑士》的登场引起了大家的注意。不仅如此，这部电影也缔造了一鸣惊人的佳绩，也改写了以往的票房纪录。
除了欣赏该部电影的武打动作和蝙蝠侠在影片里使用的高科技器具以外， 大马观众不妨认真地思考小丑与蝙蝠侠斗争中的隐喻，尤其是在电影接近尾声时的经典对白：“无可阻挡的力量与屹立不倒的物体交锋。”
电影里的斗争是否宛如我国在第十二届的全国大选里，民联实权领袖安华凭着那股无可阻挡的人民力量（Makkal Sakhti）抗逆着屹立不倒的国阵呢？
最终谁将会获胜呢？在1986年的菲律宾革命运动中，前总统费迪南马可斯（Ferdinand Marcos）屹立不倒的独裁政权被无可阻挡的人民力量推翻了。尽管如此，缅甸的革命却无法取得相同的成果，昂山舒吉和其他政治扣留者曾经被缅甸军政府囚禁。
在2008年时，安华不断地强调屹立不倒的国阵会在当年的八九月垮台。2008年的第十二届全国大选结果出炉后，安华似乎想要建立一个无可阻挡的人民力量。
安华用了汽油起价为当时大众辩论的课题。当时，这课题为他赢得了民众的喝彩。虽然如此，国阵还是成功组成了中央政府。这带给了国阵当家的无限利益，以巩固和保护他们在这国家屹立不倒的地位。
其实，这简直就是一个轻而易举的斗争游戏。国阵只需不断削减安华的强势，长时间有利国阵。只要这场游戏的时间拖得越久，国阵的胜算就越高。
安华和民联需要花的是速度和敏捷的力量来对抗国阵设计的这场游戏。因此，安华鸡奸案无疑直接或间接给了国阵更多的时间利益。不仅如此，巫统与回教党之间的合作谈判也打击民联。
安华是民联最大的力量，也是该党最大的弱点；这是因为民联把整个党的希望都寄托于这位领袖的肩上。也许，这将会鼓吹“攻击安华”的现象。
国阵不断地对安华做出人身攻击，特别是在第十二届全国大选的竞选活动和大众辩论前后，这种人身攻击就更显为易见。国阵认为只要安华被击败了，整个民联就会受影响。
国阵政府利用47个条律和法令以严禁我国人民言论自由的权利。除此之外，国阵政府这种做法也影响了我国大众传播媒体的真实报道。
在早期的殖民地时期，政府也加强了印刷和周刊法令（Printing Presses and Periodicals Act 1948）。特别是在教育领域里，政府实行了马来西亚大学法令(Universities and Universities Colleges Act) 和大专法令 (Statutory Bodies Act)以控制教育界人士。
这些法令使马来西亚人民更加害怕发表言论，所以阻止人民支持民联和安华。由于欠缺社会各阶层人士对民联的支持，所以民联无可阻挡的力量也逐渐减退。
同时，人民行动党和回教党仿佛面对的“新力量” 不足的困境，比如教育界人士呢？看来也不多。刚结束的2011年砂拉越大选结果显示，所谓的“年轻一代革命”未必能够影响来届大选的结果。
目前民联的“新力量”资源来自安华的讲座会，一些著名的部落格作者，以及民联的忠心支持者。
安华在2008年的峇东埔补选以更高票获胜，这证明他在大选中获得了来自不同人士对他大量的支持。可惜民联输了几场补选，加上未能阻止国阵在砂拉越三分之二议席，再次打击民联无可阻挡的人民力量。
如果继续保持原状，看来屹立不倒的国阵将稳固地留守布城，但是世事难料，未来的变数是个谜！
无论发生什么事，这场“无可阻挡的力量与屹立不倒的物体交锋”的斗争是事实。它不是一场电影，但是这场斗争将会长远地影响马来西亚的政治局面，经济和社会。
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