The Problem with Msian POlitics

[aquila]

I think the biggest problem with the Malaysian opposition is that they represent very narrow interests and only appeal to a segment of society while alienating others. PAS, for one, appeals to Malays who are disillusioned with UMNO's dishonesty and corruption and fundamentalists who would like to see Malaysia be a "pure" Islamic state. DAP, on the other hand, mainly attracts Chinese and Indians who are angry about BN's totalitarian nature and MCA and MIC's failure to look out for their constituents' interests.

For many years, MCA and MIC have been harping on the Islamic state issue to scare non Muslim voters into voting for BN. The theory is that if votes are lost on the opposition (DAP or other parties), PAS might just win. So, it's almost like voters are forced to choose between the devil and the deep blue sea. For Malays who cannot imagine having PAS rule and relinquish their civil liberties (gender separation for the most insignificant things as an eg or even disparaging the role of women), the only other feasible choice is BN. Keadilan seems to be only concerned about the release of Anwar and nothing else. With a mission that is so narrow, it is not hard to understand why it fails to attract voters.

Malaysia, for all its faults, is rather well off, I would argue. This leads apolitical citizens to go the easy way ie "vote for BN". Why challenge the establishment? While I admit that the BN is far from perfect, it seems like it is the ONLY feasible party to vote for.

Unless the opposition parties come together and form a united front (with a wider range of ideals and interests), I think it will have difficulty garnering widespread support. And I think that PAS will never get non Muslim support so the united front will have to do without PAS if it is not to alienate voters. It is sad that Malaysians are not divided 50/50 like Americans are (think Democrats and Republicans) But for a country where racial and religion lines are so distinct in politics, I think it is hard to have it otherwise.

My vision of an ideal political party would be one that is made up of all races while committing itself to protect the needs of all peoples. It should emphasize how clean and real democratic politics is what it is interested in. This will draw a lot of votes from people who are sick of BN's totalitarian control of free speech and the media. I'm thinking more about city dwellers and the educated. Somehow, the "ideal" opposition party will have to make its case before rural citizens as well and draw their support. Again, it's a challenge to make Malaysians think less in racial terms than as just Malaysians. It is the way we have been wired to think and I feel that in progressing to the next era, we have to unwire our racial thinking and prejudices. Malaysia has yet seen a true leader who can challenge the people to change instead of making the authorities change. As long as we're wired to think in racial terms, BN will always win.

Please let me know what you think.

[aquila]

I think the biggest problem with the Malaysian opposition is that they represent very narrow interests and only appeal to a segment of society while alienating others. PAS, for one, appeals to Malays who are disillusioned with UMNO's dishonesty and corruption and fundamentalists who would like to see Malaysia be a "pure" Islamic state. DAP, on the other hand, mainly attracts Chinese and Indians who are angry about BN's totalitarian nature and MCA and MIC's failure to look out for their constituents' interests.

For many years, MCA and MIC have been harping on the Islamic state issue to scare non Muslim voters into voting for BN. The theory is that if votes are lost on the opposition (DAP or other parties), PAS might just win. So, it's almost like voters are forced to choose between the devil and the deep blue sea. For Malays who cannot imagine having PAS rule and relinquish their civil liberties (gender separation for the most insignificant things as an eg or even disparaging the role of women), the only other feasible choice is BN. Keadilan seems to be only concerned about the release of Anwar and nothing else. With a mission that is so narrow, it is not hard to understand why it fails to attract voters.

Malaysia, for all its faults, is rather well off, I would argue. This leads apolitical citizens to go the easy way ie "vote for BN". Why challenge the establishment? While I admit that the BN is far from perfect, it seems like it is the ONLY feasible party to vote for.

Unless the opposition parties come together and form a united front (with a wider range of ideals and interests), I think it will have difficulty garnering widespread support. And I think that PAS will never get non Muslim support so the united front will have to do without PAS if it is not to alienate voters. It is sad that Malaysians are not divided 50/50 like Americans are (think Democrats and Republicans) But for a country where racial and religion lines are so distinct in politics, I think it is hard to have it otherwise.

My vision of an ideal political party would be one that is made up of all races while committing itself to protect the needs of all peoples. It should emphasize how clean and real democratic politics is what it is interested in. This will draw a lot of votes from people who are sick of BN's totalitarian control of free speech and the media. I'm thinking more about city dwellers and the educated. Somehow, the "ideal" opposition party will have to make its case before rural citizens as well and draw their support. Again, it's a challenge to make Malaysians think less in racial terms than as just Malaysians. It is the way we have been wired to think and I feel that in progressing to the next era, we have to unwire our racial thinking and prejudices. Malaysia has yet seen a true leader who can challenge the people to change instead of making the authorities change. As long as we're wired to think in racial terms, BN will always win.

Please let me know what you think.

[Diesel]

My vision of an ideal political party would be one that is made up of all races while committing itself to protect the needs of all peoples.

Well, that's what I always hope to see in malaysia.
In terms of a multi-racial party (other than bn), i think we have keadilan. However, I'm still not sure about their vision. Of course, they establish their party in response to the political chaos a few years back. But I donno what is it that they want. The govt always tell us that Keadilan is all about Anwar. I'm not sure about that.
Is it really about 'keadilan' and uses that anwar case as an example, or it is just about anwar?
That's what I need to figure out.

p/s: Let's not let the govt's definition be our sole reference.

[Diesel]

My vision of an ideal political party would be one that is made up of all races while committing itself to protect the needs of all peoples.

Well, that's what I always hope to see in malaysia.
In terms of a multi-racial party (other than bn), i think we have keadilan. However, I'm still not sure about their vision. Of course, they establish their party in response to the political chaos a few years back. But I donno what is it that they want. The govt always tell us that Keadilan is all about Anwar. I'm not sure about that.
Is it really about 'keadilan' and uses that anwar case as an example, or it is just about anwar?
That's what I need to figure out.

p/s: Let's not let the govt's definition be our sole reference.

[Diesel]

http://www.partikeadilanrakyat.org/latarbelakang.htm#lambang
http://www.partikeadilanrakyat.org/dasar.htm

but i hate this one;
6. Menjamin Bahasa Malaysia sebagai bahasa.....

Aargh, i just dont like it. i think it's bahasa melayu. dont want to argue, since i did it already under a different thread.

[Diesel]

http://www.partikeadilanrakyat.org/latarbelakang.htm#lambang
http://www.partikeadilanrakyat.org/dasar.htm

but i hate this one;
6. Menjamin Bahasa Malaysia sebagai bahasa.....

Aargh, i just dont like it. i think it's bahasa melayu. dont want to argue, since i did it already under a different thread.

[__earth]

16. Melindungi alam sekitar daripada kerosakan, mengelakkan pencemaran sambil meningkatkan kualiti alam sekitar dan memastikan pembangunan bersifat lestari.

I'm impressed for the obvious reason. but i don't know whether they do work for it. and considering how the msian politics revolves, i dont think it matters though.

if it is not for Keadilan association with PAS, I would certainly go for Keadilan.

[__earth]

16. Melindungi alam sekitar daripada kerosakan, mengelakkan pencemaran sambil meningkatkan kualiti alam sekitar dan memastikan pembangunan bersifat lestari.

I'm impressed for the obvious reason. but i don't know whether they do work for it. and considering how the msian politics revolves, i dont think it matters though.

if it is not for Keadilan association with PAS, I would certainly go for Keadilan.

[USSDefiantNX74205]

The main thing I have against BN is the way they control free speech and public displays of disatisfaction against them. Protest against them and you get sent to Kamunting. Protest for them (against the opposition of course) and you'll probably even be granted a public place to do it, complete with flags and stuff.

Malaysia, for all its faults, is rather well off, I would argue. This leads apolitical citizens to go the easy way ie "vote for BN". Why challenge the establishment? While I admit that the BN is far from perfect, it seems like it is the ONLY feasible party to vote for.

While the BN has no doubt done a lot for Malaysians, is this debt of gratitude really that big that we are not allowed to speak against them in an honest way? I also don't understand why the voters keep returning them to power time and time again. Do they not see the shortcomings of the current government, despite all their laudable efforts in development, etc? Or do they not care about their personal freedoms? Or perhaps they dare not try a different govt for a change?

Looking at what all the parties are fighting for, it is clear that none can really appeal to everyone. PAS is busily promoting its Islamic state while Keadilan is only concerned with freeing Anwar, no matter what their other objectives may be. So the only two realistic choices left are BN and the DAP, both which have their own shortcomings as well. The BN's methods, while tried and tested, still leaves much to be desired whereas people are afraid to give the DAP a try even though a lot of people may agree with what they are fighting for. So who should one support? If you ask me, when it comes to issues, the most appealing would be the DAP, though they are not exactly perfect either.

But it all boils down to one issue if an 'ideal' party is to be formed: the freedom allowed by the BN government. For without it, anyone caught slinging mud at the BN will be arrested while they themselves do the same thing to all opposition parties. Which reminds me, anyone in Malaysia saw the ads the BN govt put in today's The Star condemning the DAP and PAS? Not surprising though, since The Star is an MCA controlled newspaper. Those abroad may remember such ads in the newspapers too during the 1999 elections.

[USSDefiantNX74205]

The main thing I have against BN is the way they control free speech and public displays of disatisfaction against them. Protest against them and you get sent to Kamunting. Protest for them (against the opposition of course) and you'll probably even be granted a public place to do it, complete with flags and stuff.

Malaysia, for all its faults, is rather well off, I would argue. This leads apolitical citizens to go the easy way ie "vote for BN". Why challenge the establishment? While I admit that the BN is far from perfect, it seems like it is the ONLY feasible party to vote for.

While the BN has no doubt done a lot for Malaysians, is this debt of gratitude really that big that we are not allowed to speak against them in an honest way? I also don't understand why the voters keep returning them to power time and time again. Do they not see the shortcomings of the current government, despite all their laudable efforts in development, etc? Or do they not care about their personal freedoms? Or perhaps they dare not try a different govt for a change?

Looking at what all the parties are fighting for, it is clear that none can really appeal to everyone. PAS is busily promoting its Islamic state while Keadilan is only concerned with freeing Anwar, no matter what their other objectives may be. So the only two realistic choices left are BN and the DAP, both which have their own shortcomings as well. The BN's methods, while tried and tested, still leaves much to be desired whereas people are afraid to give the DAP a try even though a lot of people may agree with what they are fighting for. So who should one support? If you ask me, when it comes to issues, the most appealing would be the DAP, though they are not exactly perfect either.

But it all boils down to one issue if an 'ideal' party is to be formed: the freedom allowed by the BN government. For without it, anyone caught slinging mud at the BN will be arrested while they themselves do the same thing to all opposition parties. Which reminds me, anyone in Malaysia saw the ads the BN govt put in today's The Star condemning the DAP and PAS? Not surprising though, since The Star is an MCA controlled newspaper. Those abroad may remember such ads in the newspapers too during the 1999 elections.

[Diesel]

if it is not for Keadilan association with PAS, I would certainly go for Keadilan.

well, they are assiociated with Pas for one reason. they both are against the totalitarianism practised by the BN govt.

if they were to have the same manifesto, they should be in the same party. so i guess, if you care more about ending the "dictatorship", you should consider going for BA.

[Diesel]

if it is not for Keadilan association with PAS, I would certainly go for Keadilan.

well, they are assiociated with Pas for one reason. they both are against the totalitarianism practised by the BN govt.

if they were to have the same manifesto, they should be in the same party. so i guess, if you care more about ending the "dictatorship", you should consider going for BA.

[wwhong]

i think the average political awareness in m'sia is still low. m'sian citizens especially chinese have that as long as i can live peacefully and make a living, whoever is in power is fine with me kind of mentality. but if let's say PAS, Keadilan or DAP manage to take over government, will they do a better job than BN? is the promise they give going to be kept? right now what we see is, those opposition parties are fighting to their very own interests instead of fighting for people. as a citizen, will u have confidence in those people? personally, i don't.

yes, we want change but that's minority voices. the majority people just want to remain the current peaceful situation. as long as their basic need is taken care of, they don't care what the hell reformation u want. that's why u see so many MP going around looking at longkang instead of doing what they supposed to do simply because that's one of the way to get people vote for you. kinda sad but that's the truth.


please do not misunderstand that i am rooting for BN but that's just my 2 cents on the current situation.

[wwhong]

i think the average political awareness in m'sia is still low. m'sian citizens especially chinese have that as long as i can live peacefully and make a living, whoever is in power is fine with me kind of mentality. but if let's say PAS, Keadilan or DAP manage to take over government, will they do a better job than BN? is the promise they give going to be kept? right now what we see is, those opposition parties are fighting to their very own interests instead of fighting for people. as a citizen, will u have confidence in those people? personally, i don't.

yes, we want change but that's minority voices. the majority people just want to remain the current peaceful situation. as long as their basic need is taken care of, they don't care what the hell reformation u want. that's why u see so many MP going around looking at longkang instead of doing what they supposed to do simply because that's one of the way to get people vote for you. kinda sad but that's the truth.


please do not misunderstand that i am rooting for BN but that's just my 2 cents on the current situation.

[littlebigone]

so i guess, if you care more about ending the "dictatorship", you should consider going for BA.

Are we really living under a "dictatorship"?

Personally I don't see BN putting a leash on my freedom to do what I want. I guess maybe I represent a majority of people who just want to be able to go on with their everyday lives without much interference by the government. I think that BN does this for most people. The opposition parties seem more like unnecessary risks.

In this sense I agree with wwhong that the majority want to preserve the peaceful environments that they have rite now and to go on making money.

So what's so good or important about freedom? Is our freedom really that affected? How would more freedom benefit the majority?

My post is not to challenge anyone, just curious as to the views of those who say that BN is always curbing our freedom of speech and thus we should vote to oust them.

[littlebigone]

so i guess, if you care more about ending the "dictatorship", you should consider going for BA.

Are we really living under a "dictatorship"?

Personally I don't see BN putting a leash on my freedom to do what I want. I guess maybe I represent a majority of people who just want to be able to go on with their everyday lives without much interference by the government. I think that BN does this for most people. The opposition parties seem more like unnecessary risks.

In this sense I agree with wwhong that the majority want to preserve the peaceful environments that they have rite now and to go on making money.

So what's so good or important about freedom? Is our freedom really that affected? How would more freedom benefit the majority?

My post is not to challenge anyone, just curious as to the views of those who say that BN is always curbing our freedom of speech and thus we should vote to oust them.

[topdog]

i totally understand why malaysians continue to vote BN into power.

however, i really sympathize with opposition leaders who are basically being abused by the ruling party. i am not a fan of anwar, but i would like to know what he has done to deserve the treatment he's getting. what about lim guan eng? irene fernandez? tian chua?

they are getting thrown into jail, humiliated in the mainstream press, taken away from their families. they can walk away from all the persecution by just quitting, but they do not.

i think i agree with earth...the BA is worth a shot if it dissociates itself from PAS.

[topdog]

i totally understand why malaysians continue to vote BN into power.

however, i really sympathize with opposition leaders who are basically being abused by the ruling party. i am not a fan of anwar, but i would like to know what he has done to deserve the treatment he's getting. what about lim guan eng? irene fernandez? tian chua?

they are getting thrown into jail, humiliated in the mainstream press, taken away from their families. they can walk away from all the persecution by just quitting, but they do not.

i think i agree with earth...the BA is worth a shot if it dissociates itself from PAS.

[__earth]

if it is not for Keadilan association with PAS, I would certainly go for Keadilan.

well, they are assiociated with Pas for one reason. they both are against the totalitarianism practised by the BN govt.

if they were to have the same manifesto, they should be in the same party. so i guess, if you care more about ending the "dictatorship", you should consider going for BA.

Going for BA? I think voting for PAS means worse dictatorship. I'm not ready going for worse to worst. If PAS gets out of BA, I'll be ready for keadilan

[__earth]

if it is not for Keadilan association with PAS, I would certainly go for Keadilan.

well, they are assiociated with Pas for one reason. they both are against the totalitarianism practised by the BN govt.

if they were to have the same manifesto, they should be in the same party. so i guess, if you care more about ending the "dictatorship", you should consider going for BA.

Going for BA? I think voting for PAS means worse dictatorship. I'm not ready going for worse to worst. If PAS gets out of BA, I'll be ready for keadilan

[topdog]

well, they are assiociated with Pas for one reason. they both are against the totalitarianism practised by the BN govt.

if they were to have the same manifesto, they should be in the same party. so i guess, if you care more about ending the "dictatorship", you should consider going for BA.

yeah what makes you think that malaysia will become a true democracy (if there is such a thing in the first place) if PAS takes over?

[topdog]

well, they are assiociated with Pas for one reason. they both are against the totalitarianism practised by the BN govt.

if they were to have the same manifesto, they should be in the same party. so i guess, if you care more about ending the "dictatorship", you should consider going for BA.

yeah what makes you think that malaysia will become a true democracy (if there is such a thing in the first place) if PAS takes over?

[Thirdshifter]

I myself would vote anybody but BN. The first thing to create a better democratic nation is, to break the power monopoly.

Once it happens then we will have BN complaning oh we have no press etc.

I strongly advocate this. Not that i hate BN, i just think they are now abusing the power they had been trusted with.

I still haven't seen what DAP, Keadilan did wrong. Beside the negative Media + the Free bash the opposition on national airwave that had been going on for 50 years.

[Thirdshifter]

I myself would vote anybody but BN. The first thing to create a better democratic nation is, to break the power monopoly.

Once it happens then we will have BN complaning oh we have no press etc.

I strongly advocate this. Not that i hate BN, i just think they are now abusing the power they had been trusted with.

I still haven't seen what DAP, Keadilan did wrong. Beside the negative Media + the Free bash the opposition on national airwave that had been going on for 50 years.

[__earth]

its true. I don't see what's keadilan's fault.

Keadilan doesn't fight solely for anwar's release. That's just propaganda by BN. Keadilan actually fights for a more transparent government. It's against racial segregation (no bumiputra rights and i presume, they are against vernacular education system, if they are not hypocritical).

Anyway, this is my view of the main parties in Malaysia.

PAS - ultra orthodox party, if I may say so. potential fundamentalist. This party is not even left. we need to redefine left if we say PAS is a left party. A total no no.

DAP - another MCA (or PAP in Singapore) with a little touch of liberalism. heck, DAP is a socialist party anyway. plus, im socialism adverse and i make no decretion between socialism and communism. so, thats out. but its a good opposition. a socialist/communist/left ideology always makes a good check and balance system in a liberal society.

BN - conservative. like how thirdshifter out it, racist in denial. IMO, outdated. but a better option when compared to PAS. somewhat better than DAP because i think socialists are irrational and idealist in nature.

Keadilan - liberal, might be similar to the democrat in the US. If you look at its manifesto, it doesnt take a person majoring in polisci to know Keadilan is a liberal party. my favorite in general. come to think of it, do you really think polisci majors learn anything useful?

[__earth]

its true. I don't see what's keadilan's fault.

Keadilan doesn't fight solely for anwar's release. That's just propaganda by BN. Keadilan actually fights for a more transparent government. It's against racial segregation (no bumiputra rights and i presume, they are against vernacular education system, if they are not hypocritical).

Anyway, this is my view of the main parties in Malaysia.

PAS - ultra orthodox party, if I may say so. potential fundamentalist. This party is not even left. we need to redefine left if we say PAS is a left party. A total no no.

DAP - another MCA (or PAP in Singapore) with a little touch of liberalism. heck, DAP is a socialist party anyway. plus, im socialism adverse and i make no decretion between socialism and communism. so, thats out. but its a good opposition. a socialist/communist/left ideology always makes a good check and balance system in a liberal society.

BN - conservative. like how thirdshifter out it, racist in denial. IMO, outdated. but a better option when compared to PAS. somewhat better than DAP because i think socialists are irrational and idealist in nature.

Keadilan - liberal, might be similar to the democrat in the US. If you look at its manifesto, it doesnt take a person majoring in polisci to know Keadilan is a liberal party. my favorite in general. come to think of it, do you really think polisci majors learn anything useful?

[topdog]

woah, check out these articles. the star is writing about malaysian students' lack of political awareness. hilarious, half-hearted attempt at objective journalism.

predictably, it makes no mention of the Universities and University Colleges Act.

Political awareness lacking (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2004/3/14/education/7483051&sec=education)

Tidak apa attitude rules (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2004/3/14/education/7494180&sec=education)

[topdog]

woah, check out these articles. the star is writing about malaysian students' lack of political awareness. hilarious, half-hearted attempt at objective journalism.

predictably, it makes no mention of the Universities and University Colleges Act.

Political awareness lacking (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2004/3/14/education/7483051&sec=education)

Tidak apa attitude rules (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2004/3/14/education/7494180&sec=education)

[Diesel]

yeah what makes you think that malaysia will become a true democracy (if there is such a thing in the first place) if PAS takes over?

i'm didn't say that. i said consider.

[Diesel]

yeah what makes you think that malaysia will become a true democracy (if there is such a thing in the first place) if PAS takes over?

i'm didn't say that. i said consider.

[topdog]

i'm didn't say that. i said consider.

okay, sorry. i understand what you meant.

[topdog]

i'm didn't say that. i said consider.

okay, sorry. i understand what you meant.

[budakkerek]

maybe msia should hv some kind of rule, that limits a ruling party to maybe 3 terms of being in office. that way, we'll see more changes, and we can experience diff types of gov.

p/s: i feel my english's a bit 'wrong'. 8O

[budakkerek]

maybe msia should hv some kind of rule, that limits a ruling party to maybe 3 terms of being in office. that way, we'll see more changes, and we can experience diff types of gov.

p/s: i feel my english's a bit 'wrong'. 8O

[Diesel]

well, maybe 1 PM for every 3 terms will do.

[Diesel]

well, maybe 1 PM for every 3 terms will do.

[topdog]

i guess whether or not this post belongs in this thread depends on how you perceive things...but anyways...

here is the "new" cabinet line up from nst:

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced the new Cabinet at a press conference here today. Among the line-up are: Prime Minister's Department:

Datuk Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, Dr Maximus Ongkili, Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz, Dr Abdullah Mat Zin.
Deputy Ministers: Datuk M. Kayveas
Parliamentary Secretaries: Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim, Datuk Johari B

Finance Ministry

Minister: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Second Minister: Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop
Deputy Minister: Datuk Ng Yen Yen, Tengku Datuk Putra Tengku Awang
Parliamentary Secretary: Datuk Dr Hilmi Yahaya

Internal Security Ministry

Minister: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Deputy Minister: Datuk Noh Omar, Chia Kwang Chye
Parliamentary Secretary: Datuk Wira Abdul Samad bin Haji Yusof

Defence Ministry

Minister: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak
Deputy Minister: Datuk Zainal Abidin

Home Affairs Ministry

Minister: Datuk Azmi Khalid
Deputy Minister: Datuk Tan Chai Ho
Parliamentary Secretary: Datuk Paduka Rahman Ibrahim

International Trade and Industry Ministry

Minister: Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz
Deputy Minister: Datuk Husni Hanadzlah, Mah Siew Keong
Parliamentary Secretary: Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew

Education Ministry

Minister: Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein
Deputy Minister: Datuk Hon Choon Kim, Datuk Dr Mahadzir Mohd Khir
Parliamentary Secretary: P. Komala Devi

Higher Education Ministry

Minister: Datuk Dr Mohd Shafie Mohd Salleh
Deputy Minister: Datuk Fu Ah Kiow
Parliamentary Secretary: Datuk Dr Adham Baba

Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development Ministry

Minister: Datuk Khaled Nordin
Deputy Minister: Datuk Khamsyiah Yeop
Parliamentary Secretary: Shamsul Baharun Abdul Rahman

Housing and Local Government Ministry

Minister: Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting
Deputy Minister: Datuk Azizah Mohd Dom
Parliamentary Secretary: Dr S. Subramaniam

Energy, Water and Telecommunications Ministry

Minister: Datuk Dr Lim Keng Yaik
Deputy Minister: Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor

Information Ministry

Minister: Datuk Paduka Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir
Deputy Minister: Datuk Zainuddin Maidin, Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai
Parliamentary Secretary: Noriah Kasnon

[__earth]

Education Ministry

Minister: Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein
Deputy Minister: Datuk Hon Choon Kim, Datuk Dr Mahadzir Mohd Khir
Parliamentary Secretary: P. Komala Devi

hell. this is gonna be one hell of a ride.

I would prefer the non-political person to be in charge of the education department.

[topdog]

yeah, hishamuddin should be a good one.:-/

so, would it be safe to say that pak lah's anti-corruption drive was but a pre-election gimmick?

[Thirdshifter]

Information Ministry

Minister: Datuk Paduka Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir
Deputy Minister: Datuk Zainuddin Maidin, Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai
Parliamentary Secretary: Noriah Kasnon

Oh i love that guy! for some ridiculous reason i think Abdul Kadir is a cool guy. Maybe it's his colourful, cheerful appereance. The polka dots bow-tie get me everytime. I think he's the most likeable guy in BN. There's simply nothing to hate about him. :D

[topdog]

here's the link: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/NewsBreak/20040327133127/Article/pp_index_html

samy vellu no more touch and go, now he is jkr. jaga k...never mind.

[__earth]

Information Ministry

Minister: Datuk Paduka Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir
Deputy Minister: Datuk Zainuddin Maidin, Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai
Parliamentary Secretary: Noriah Kasnon

Oh i love that guy! for some ridiculous reason i think Abdul Kadir is a cool guy. Maybe it's his colourful, cheerful appereance. The polka dots bow-tie get me everytime. I think he's the most likebale guy in BN. There's simply nothing to hate about him. :D

hehe! maybe that's the reason why he is chosen.

Science and Technology Ministry

Minister: Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis
Deputy Minister: Kong Cho Ha
Parliamentary Secretary: Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Ruddin Ab Ghani

Jamaluddin Jarjis has finally claimed up the ladder.

one the best thing is, SAMY VELLU IS GONE!!!

but i see redundancy. here:

Education Ministry

Minister: Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein
Deputy Minister: Datuk Hon Choon Kim, Datuk Dr Mahadzir Mohd Khir
Parliamentary Secretary: P. Komala Devi

Higher Education Ministry

Minister: Datuk Dr Mohd Shafie Mohd Salleh
Deputy Minister: Datuk Fu Ah Kiow
Parliamentary Secretary: Datuk Dr Adham Baba

and here:

Internal Security Ministry

Minister: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Deputy Minister: Datuk Noh Omar, Chia Kwang Chye
Parliamentary Secretary: Datuk Wira Abdul Samad bin Haji Yusof

Home Affairs Ministry

Minister: Datuk Azmi Khalid
Deputy Minister: Datuk Tan Chai Ho
Parliamentary Secretary: Datuk Paduka Rahman Ibrahim

looks like the american fever has hit us. dont you think we have too many ministries? talk about cutting the red tape.

[topdog]

Oh i love that guy! for some ridiculous reason i think Abdul Kadir is a cool guy. Maybe it's his colourful, cheerful appereance. The polka dots bow-tie get me everytime. I think he's the most likeable guy in BN. There's simply nothing to hate about him. :D

of course. :) who wouldnt love a guy that is so concerned about the rakyat's patriotism, that he gives such sound advice as "hang up your flag"?

[topdog]

perhaps i should give pak lah some time. even if he really wants to tackle corruption head on, one man can't catch all the big fish in so short a time. this should be fun to watch.

[Thirdshifter]

Oh i love that guy! for some ridiculous reason i think Abdul Kadir is a cool guy. Maybe it's his colourful, cheerful appereance. The polka dots bow-tie get me everytime. I think he's the most likeable guy in BN. There's simply nothing to hate about him. :D

of course. :) who wouldnt love a guy that is so concerned about the rakyat's patriotism, that he gives such sound advice as "hang up your flag"?

But undoubtly he is a good party guy. He made all the new years in KL extravagant. That warna warni Malaysia. Wasn't there the Minister of tourism and culture whatever before? i think that was his job before this.

[phantom]

seriously i find malaysian like politics very,very much.perhaps,the same way americans love american football or mtv

the problem is we malaysian end up talking about politics almost e'where in ceramah politik,in masjid,in kedai kopi,in recom and blah blah blah until i guess we perhaps start to be a nation who conceive sweet talkers than dedicated workers..and if not too harsh,i may say we have forgotten to make out country more developed.

just imagine wasting 3 hours for ceramah politik,multiply it with 16 days in a year= 48 hours,we actually spent 1 and 1/2 days e'year listening to people debunking people in the name of politics.multiply it with 60 years.that's almost 90 days!!3 month of your life listening to politics...imagine how many other great things we can do in that 3 months?how much development we can bring to our nation?how many volunteer jobs can be done to make this world not just as a better world but the bestest place for human race...

but alas,we are more interested in listening why you should vote,accept party XY and dont cross,reject party ZZ.

i never or perhaps rarely seen american indulging in politics talk.they are more interested in life.perhaps they are ignorance but never did i hate any american becoz of politics.

but in malaysia..OMAGOD...even the girl i have crushed on think differently than i do when it comes to pangkah-memangkah.eeeuw...sometimes really make me mad.

i know one case where these husband and wife voted for different parties and guess what,the husband divorced the wife!!how dangerous malaysian politics then...could torn apart family...and people's life.

politics is a dirty world,to quote a singaporean politician who was recently involved in a sex scandal...

but yet again,it's here to stay,it will give births to the next indira gandhi

but amid all,i just dont get it when gals likes guys who are activelly involved in politics..(i sense digression)

hmmmm...always wonder,why people want to be a politician,playing games in this risky field?is it for power,fame or the so-called helping the needy,berbakti kepada bangsa,nusa dan negara?

[topdog]

the problem is we malaysian ended talking about politics almost e'where in ceramah politik,in masjid,in kedai kopi,in recom and blah blah blah until i guess we perhaps start to be a nation who conceive sweet talkers than dedicated workers..and if not too harsh,i may say we have forgotten to make out country more developed.
maybe we should switch to communism then? seriously, then you won't have to bother with politics.


i never or perhaps rarely seen american indulging in politics talk.they are more interested in life.perhaps they are ignorance but never did i hate any american becoz of politics.
maybe it's because in america those who really care actually have the chance to actually do something? on my campus there's college democrats, republicans, greens, etc. americans don't care about politics? where have you been man?

[phantom]

didn't say support communism..

still live,breathe and kickin' in usa...

[__earth]

just imagine wasting 3 hours for ceramah politik,multiply it with 16 days in a year= 48 hours,we actually spent 1 and 1/2 days e'year listening to people debunking people in the name of politics.multiply it with 60 years.that's almost 90 days!!3 month of your life listening to politics...imagine how many other great things we can do in that 3 months?

have you ever calculate how much time you spend sleeping? or how much time you spend in the bathroom?

i never or perhaps rarely seen american indulging in politics talk.they are more interested in life.perhaps they are ignorance but never did i hate any american becoz of politics.

have you seen a lib vs con debate? are you sure you are in the US? ever notice whats going on the tv?

[topdog]

didn't say support communism..
well what you suggested certainly sounded like communism.

still live,breathe and kickin' in usa...
good. perhaps you should explore more of the usa. i am sure your college (penn state? just a guess) has a lot of politically aware students.

[USSDefiantNX74205]

I saw the telecast this morning when our PM announced the new cabinet lineup. In the press conference afterwards where reporters took turns to ask him questions, one of them asked this: are all the politicians in this lineup confirmed to be clean of corruption?

The PM of course says that they are confirmed to be clean and are not corrupt. What do you all think?

Internal Security Ministry

Minister: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Deputy Minister: Datuk Noh Omar, Chia Kwang Chye
Parliamentary Secretary: Datuk Wira Abdul Samad bin Haji Yusof

Pardon my ignorance, but was this ministry there before or is it a new one?

[Diesel]

what happen to BPR?

[__earth]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=516&ncid=731&e=10&u=/ap/20040327/ap_on_re_as/malaysia_cabinet

Lim Kit Siang, the new leader of the parliamentary opposition, called the Cabinet "flawed."

"Abdullah has failed his first big test in his pledge of a clean, incorruptible and trustworthy government," Lim said.

gotta love LKS.

From _earth's link:

"All the ministers are clean," Abdullah said at a news conference. "There's no case against them to say that they cannot be appointed."

Rafidah Aziz is clean? Well, if you define clean as cleverly cleaning up your dirty acts, then that would be accurate.

[Thirdshifter]

From _earth's link:

"All the ministers are clean," Abdullah said at a news conference. "There's no case against them to say that they cannot be appointed."

Rafidah Aziz is clean? Well, if you define clean as cleverly cleaning up your dirty acts, then that would be accurate.

I think Abduallah meant, they all took a shower that morning.

I think our Pak lah is in deep of this corruption crap as any others in BN.

BN = corruption, nepotism yada yada yada, yet they are still the less of two evil. Go figure!

I wonder how people actually define evil.

[topdog]

what happen to BPR?
well, as long as BPR remains under the home ministry, it will just be a horseshit agency.

[yekban81]

Sometimes bad things can turn out as good things
I guess Pak Lah risks the reappointment of Rafidah Aziz as long as she contributes excellently to the country regardless of all rumuors.
Anyway she is clean as long as no allegation is made against her. Who knows she is really "uncorrupted".
Personally I admire her as a woman leader.

[__earth]

From now on, Malaysians will have a say in changes to important laws. And the first exercise in obtaining public feedback will swing into action soon before amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code are debated in Parliament.

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/Frontpage/20040513070959/Article/indexb_html

a step forward for a more democratic Malaysian society?
they did the same with the royal police commission but frankly, i haven't seen anything from that commission yet.

[oxherd]

I think our Pak lah is in deep of this corruption crap as any others in BN.

Which raises the question, if corruption is really endemic in the system, then any lone ranger trying to correct the situation is going to find himself out on the streets before long.

What about the theory that Pak lah needs to consolidate his position in Umno before making any real attempt at tackling corruption ?

I wonder how people actually define evil.

Many of my friends agree that evil = KLSE dropping below 600 points.

[gohweihan]

well, they are assiociated with Pas for one reason. they both are against the totalitarianism practised by the BN govt.

if they were to have the same manifesto, they should be in the same party. so i guess, if you care more about ending the "dictatorship", you should consider going for BA.

yeah what makes you think that malaysia will become a true democracy (if there is such a thing in the first place) if PAS takes over?

At least if a PAS government start to be a totalitarian government, we could revolt against them. Can't do this to the BN government in power now, because there is just no good enough reason to go against them, and they have become too large an entity to attack.

[topdog]

At least if a PAS government start to be a totalitarian government, we could revolt against them.
please think before you post.

[Randomphantom]

I think Abduallah meant, they all took a shower that morning.
this just cracks me up :)

Well, all eyes wait for the next episode of Operation:Weed Corruption ... maybe it will be in time for the next election?

In the meantime, I still cannot envision DAP governing Malaysia. Yet I would vote for them, as someone put it, a balance in power is necessary to keep BN in check. Problem with DAP is, there are only a few next-gen'ers left to carry on the torch. Will there be another tough talking LKS? And we are left with the 'lesser of the evils' BN.

[budakkerek]

BPR? oh..they're still around eh? hehehe

[ElansarGelmir]

I think no politicians are TOTALLY free from corruption. That's why i think we really need a super strong opposition, even though i personally think our opposition is not ready to take the political lead of Malaysia.

[chenchow]

Just read this news from Berita Harian:-
http://www.bharian.com.my/m/BHarian/Friday/Nasional/20040521004934/Article/

I don't know the correct term for the translation, but I see it as a progressive step when we have members of these committee to include opposition leaders.

Jawatankuasa Perakaunan Awam (PAC) headed by Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib(BN) and deputy is Tan Seng Giaw(DAP). 12 more members in this committee, including 1 each from Pas(Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar), Keadilan (Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail) and DAP(N Kulasegaran).

Jawatankuasa Pemilih is headed by Tun Zahir, Speaker of Dewan Rakyat and Najib is Deputy, with 5 more members, including Lim Kit Siang, Ong Ka Ting, Bernand Dompok, Samy Vellu and Leo Michael Toyad.

Jawatankuasa Pertubuhan Antara Parlimen Asean is also headed by Tun Zahir, with Deputy Speaker, Lim Si Cheng as his deputy, and 10 more members, including Tan Seng Giaw and Datuk Kamaruddin.

I believe this is a good step ahead in forging a better cooperation between and ruling party and opposition!

[chenchow]

Parliament, in particular Dewan Rakyat has limits of 3 minutes for a minister to answer questions in Dewan Rakyat, after a proposal by Speaker and Opposition. What do you guys think about this proposal? Would it affect the quality of answers? Would it affect the quality of discussion in the parliament?

http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/content.asp?y=2004&dt=0527&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_10.htm

[misled_youth]

BTW - Please read this article. It's very meaningful to all of us.

Reclaiming democracy

Comment
Yap Mun Ching (I think she's hot btw)
11:30am Mon May 24th, 2004

Newspapers have been suffused with so many negative examples of so-called democratic leadership of late that it was a refreshing change to see two notable Indian leaders put the interest of their nation beyond their own political careers.

By rejecting the post of prime minister, Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi cleared the path for India to be led by Dr Manmohan Singh, a man she and many other Indians believe would do a better job of governing the vast country.

Gandhi?s move to give way to Manmohan, a former finance minister and architect of India?s economic reform in the early 1990s, will also spare India from divisive splits over her eligibility as leader in view of her Italian roots.

The other leader whose actions have stood out over the past week happens to be Gandhi?s former rival, the outgoing prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. The Bharatiya Janata Party leader accepted his party?s stunning defeat last week with humbling grace.

"My party and alliance have lost, but India has won," he said.

This is the kind of exemplary statesmanship that politicians everywhere ought to learn.

It is certainly apt that the reaffirmation of the supremacy of democracy as the best form of government has come from India. It is, after all, the world?s largest democracy, and arguably the most vibrant.

To read the rest: http://www.malaysiakini.com/opinionsfeatures/200405240041670.php

---------------------------------

Misled Youth comments:

1. Down with the system

2. Let's have more choices

3. Government should register PSM

4. Communist party should be allowed

5. Two-party system (e.g. USA, Britan, Australia) means end of democracy!

Cheers!
________
Homemade Bong (http://glassgallery.tumblr.com/glass-bongs/)

[Randomphantom]

Parliament, in particular Dewan Rakyat has limits of 3 minutes for a minister to answer questions in Dewan Rakyat, after a proposal by Speaker and Opposition. What do you guys think about this proposal? Would it affect the quality of answers? Would it affect the quality of discussion in the parliament?

Given that its point is to prevent beating around the bush, I would say that it would help clarify issues. May even help some of them with short attention spans :P Quantity does not mean quality. But to suddenly turn the mike off - thats sounds like a put off to me.

Considering democracy dictates that the winner is most deserving of the role of leadership. I don't see how it is a reaffirmation of the supremacy of democracy. Rather, coming back to the importance of democracy - to select leaders that will act in the best interests of the nation instead of those being the best leaders. (note the difference)

More choices? How about more 'quality' choices.

Communist party allowed? Really.

[Thirdshifter]

5. Two-party system (e.g. USA, Britan, Australia) means end of democracy!

Cheers!

Actually America has more than 2 parties. The republican and the democrat party are just the two dominant.

here's a list http://www.greyhawkes.com/ps/parties.html

[misled_youth]

5. Two-party system (e.g. USA, Britan, Australia) means end of democracy!

Cheers!

Actually America has more than 2 parties. The republican and the democrat party are just the two dominant.

here's a list http://www.greyhawkes.com/ps/parties.html

Yah loh... Australia also got Greens, Socialist, Democracts (these guys I admire the most) and even COMMUNIST.

But the fact is there is a TWO PARTY system. A truly pluralistic system would not allow TWO PARTIES to be overly dominant.

Then again, in our free marketplace of ideas, like sports apparel brands, some are going to be more dominant than others, because there are no rules. Organised chaos! Just do it!

Side note: The new NIKE football ad is suuuuuuuuuperb!!!!
________
NastyWetCunt (http://camslivesexy.com/cam/NastyWetCunt)

[__earth]

Yah loh... Australia also got Greens, Socialist, Democracts (these guys I admire the most) and even COMMUNIST.

But the fact is there is a TWO PARTY system. A truly pluralistic system would not allow TWO PARTIES to be overly dominant.

Then again, in our free marketplace of ideas, like sports apparel brands, some are going to be more dominant than others, because there are no rules. Organised chaos! Just do it!

so, what are you suggesting? ban a two-party system?

IMO, a two-party system is somewhat inevitable because some parties will make alliances.

[misled_youth]

Thank you earth for asking me to elaborate.

so, what are you suggesting? ban a two-party system?

In australia, Gomen have to fund OPPOSITION ELECTION CAMPAIGN. No shit man! That balances things out a little.

Not ban, but need a system that would not subvert/stiffle minority voices.

Another thing that can help stop TWO-Party system to stampede and crush small parties is like German system where parliamentary seats (do they use westminster system?) divided according to % of seats. In this happens in Malaysia, we won't see so many redeliniantion excercises in Malaysia, carving seats for BN.

Pluralistic society mah! Need many many voices!

If you want like German system, or Australian system, write to your MP and threaten him (say you will destroy his kids beyblade collection) so that he will bring it up in Parliament.

I dated an MP"s daugther once. Man... ho ho ho... Did I love visiting her house when her dad was there... ho ho ho... sooo funny...


IMO, a two-party system is somewhat inevitable because some parties will make alliances.

Yes! That is correct! Even within the alliance, the most dominant party will oppress the smaller party.

E.g. UMNO brokered peace deal for MCA during Team A Team B split.

Which can be read as - UMNO is taikoh of MCA , instead of Chinese Malaysians being the bosses of MCA (sorry... had to use example with racial overtones. No choice what... this is Malaysia).

Other examples: PBDS and all the other East Malaysian mosquito party also tow the UMNO line.

So... UMNO, being a party that is smaller than all it's component parties combined (bear in mind PPP is now unofficially BN's second biggest party), still get's to call the shots.

Now you know why Gerakan and MCA is merging... heh heh... smart buggers... not surprised if one day PAS and UMNO join forces. If that happens, I would tearfully migrate to Australia.

Cheers!
________
Wong Amat Tower Condo (http://pattayaluxurycondos.com)

[__earth]

In australia, Gomen have to fund OPPOSITION ELECTION CAMPAIGN. No shit man! That balances things out a little.
The same thing is also true in the US and I suspect it is also true in advanced democratic countries.

Another thing that can help stop TWO-Party system to stampede and crush small parties is like German system where parliamentary seats (do they use westminster system?) divided according to % of seats. In this happens in Malaysia, we won't see so many redeliniantion excercises in Malaysia, carving seats for BN.

how does dividing the parliamentary seats according to percentage of seats ensure no two-party system?

I am not sure whether you are making sense by saying dividing the seats according to percentage of seats. Did you actually mean dividing the seats according to a party's size as in proportional representation system?

if you meant PR system, then it most likely ensures a no two-party system.

[misled_youth]

>>>how does dividing the parliamentary seats according to percentage of seats ensure no two-party system?<<<

Not no two party system. But diversity of voices in Parliament etc.

Take for example Malaysia. Last GE, BN won 190+ seats out of 219 or roughly 90% of seats when they only receieved 65+% of popular vote.

Therefore, 90% is not representative to the wishes of the public in general.

Have a 35%+- representative from other parties can make a difference towards the agenda etc. debated in Parliament.

Pluralistic society mah... must have many voices. Not just DAP vs BN. PAS doesn't count, coz all they debate about is Islam related issues. Keadilan? Kak Wan has to take care of kids lah... how to attend parliament regularly?

Earth, I'm sorry, I didn't paint a detailed picture for you, but I'm sure you get my drift. Just take my advice, don't smoke weed. It lowers your IQ.
________
Colorado medical marijuana (http://colorado.dispensaries.org/)

[__earth]

how do you ensure diversity when you say pas and keadilan don't deserve the seats? you must realize, in malaysia, there are only 3 dominant oppostion parties and the independent size is too small.

it's not consistent with your pseudo-PR idea.