Extinct turtles?

Compare the reports from the UN Environment programme which appeared in cosmosmagazine the 8th August 2006 and the feedback from the Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre (Tumec) which appeared in thestar of 10th August 2006. What is the difference between "declined drastically"” and "“effectively extinct"”. The Tumec head disputes the effectively extinct verdict in the UN report.

He said the authorities found five nesting places with 336 eggs of two leatherback turtles this year compared to one nesting place with 90 eggs in 2005. In 2003, 14 leatherback nesting places, with 1,083 eggs, were detected while in 2004, five nesting places with 295 eggs were found.

I do not see any encouraging news from those statistics. Anyone can see that two turtles landing is a very dismal figure and this is already August 2006. Yes, I guess we can try and save the whole population starting from those two but isn't this a case of too little too late. That has always been the predicament faced by those involved with conservation in Malaysia. There is a lot of talk but any action taken leaves much to be desired. Lack of political will is one of the major contributing factors to this situation. I doubt the situation will change that much unless and until those in power realize that the non-human population is also important to this country.

We have inadvertently killed the goose that lay the golden egg.

Picture from cosmosmagazine

First choice in Singapore, not here

That is the heading of a letter from a reader published in thestar 22 June 2006.

One particular paragraph summed up the dilemma.

"At first, I was reluctant to accept any of the offers by the Singapore universities as I thought I had a responsibility to serve my country.

Moreover, the Government has been working hard in addressing our country's brain drain problem."

That paragraph speaks volumes about the sentiments of “the others”, since it is usually this group that gets rejected from Malaysian universities despitfulfillingng all the requirements. Unfortunately, they could never cross to the other side of the road unless they become Muslims.

It is tragic, unsavoury and demeaning to say the least when your own country does not want you just because you are not one of them. The government may say otherwise but reality stares glaringly bright. This does not happen only in education but throughout the broad spectrum of Malaysian life.

The leading brains should just stop wasting their time trying to get back the brain that has gone away. If the so-called think-tank could not or would not point out the government's policy blunders, the trend will continue ad infinitum. All the talk about unity in diversity would just be paying lip service to higher ideals. No action, just talk.

Why the Malay Agenda won’t help Malays

This article sums up quite neatly what is happening among the Malays in Malaysia today - 2006. This article is in theedgedaily and the printed version appeared on 12 June 2006.

Some excerpts.

"But more often than not, it'’s not the community they are looking out for. They are looking out for themselves and for very narrow interests within the community, often at the expense of the very community they purport to represent."

"They" in this article refers to the leaders of the Malay community. How so very true but of course it is not acknowledged by "them". There are also supporters who do not mind being their lackeys as long as they get their share of the largesse. A continuation of the feudal lord-servant mentality, perhaps?

"The new Malay Agenda must recognise that a clean, efficient and incorruptible government serves the Malay's best interests and that what is good for the country as a whole is good for the Malays too because they form the majority in the country. In many ways, the new Malay Agenda will also be a Malaysian Agenda."

A most heartening wish. I do hope it will become a reality but I doubt this will happen in my lifetime. Maybe in the next generation or two if everyone is willing to put the good of the community first. That will be the day.

Fragile faith

It takes the Prime Minister himself, check thestar 16 June 2006, to put a stop to the so-called fatwa that the kongsi raya celebrations is a big no-no for muslims. I’m sure he’ll be cursed to kingdom come for being bold enough to issue such a statement. This will be another test whether the PM’s vision of a moderate Islam can withstand the pummeling from the established conservative religious scholars.

The fight will be an uphill struggle since the religious establishment is always adamant that their interpretation is the correct version of how we should lead our lives as Muslims. Any suggestions otherwise is dismissed as half-baked ideas from those not qualified to delve into religious matters.

We will wait and see what will be their next move.

Ulamas want kongsi raya celebrations reviewed

That headline appeared in the The Star 14th June 2006.

Here we go again. Why do Islamic religious leaders in Malaysia keep on harping on minor issues. There are other important and urgent issues to be discussed rather than a review of practices such as the 'kongsi raya' celebrations and open house. It seems this is to ensure that the celebrations do not contradict Islamic laws.

'the National Fatwa Committee had decided that celebrating the festivals of other religions could erode the faith of Muslims and could lead to blasphemy.'

Has there been any indications of such thing happening. I for one who is not well versed in Islamic laws cannot see what went wrong. I have always thought that once the fundamental allegiance that there is 'Only One God That Is Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger' has been made, all else will follow suit. The Muslims will learn about the good and bad guided by that oath.

The open house concept is just celebrating each others big day. I do not see any wavering from that fundamental oath. I'm sure there are some Muslims who partake of forbidden things during those festivities but I doubt they have forgotten that oath or have had a change of heart and change their allegiance to others.

The leaders must look again at what exactly is affecting the community. Are they afraid of losing the flock. If that really is the case, should not the way the religion has been thought be reviewed. At the moment the hell and brimstone aspect is emphasised and the beauty of the whole concept of Islam has been neglected. The Muslims in Malaysia seem to be Muslims in name but the love for their religion is missing. The externals are there but the fundamentals are not internalised. What a shame.

And who, really, is demonising whom?

That is the title in the New Sunday Times 11 June 2006 from the man who has been accused of masterminding a 'blackout' of the good doctor in the Press.

At least we know his point of view which generally reflects what a lot of people think of the current rantings of the good doctor. I'm not sure the good doctor sees the whole picture and consequences of his rantings. If push comes to shove will he come out squeaky clean. As the saying goes people who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

The good doctor is only human. He is not infallible. I have not detected an iota of humility when the good doctor speaks of his frustrations with the current administration's handling of national affairs. The good doctor's plans or vision is not for me at least my plan or vision for this country. The cabinet's agreement with the good doctor while he was in power is more a reflection of the yes-men mentality of the whole group that surrounded him. Any dissent is always dismissed. Just look at Musa Hitam and Daim Zainuddin's resignations.

The good doctor always knows best even if the medicine kills the patient in the process. Take a look at the damage done to the environment in the name of progress. For a doctor, he has failed miserably to take account the fragile nature of this temporary abode we call Earth. He knows if we take step A, we will gain something in terms of economic and monetary progress. But what about the opportunity cost? There has been a lot of objections to his vision and the minority groups that were affected negatively by those plans. But since they are the small people who are inconsequential to the whole scheme of thing, their voices have been silenced.

That is our good doctor.

Some opinions on the good Dr's comments

A few opinion pieces today 9^th June 2006 from Rehman Rashid at NSTP as well as Wong Chun Wai and Joceline Tai at the Star sums up quite neatly what is happening.

I find this statement from Joceline intriguing:

'What he said on Wednesday was perhaps the deepest cut. It amounted to disowning his choice of successor and was as good as a severing of ties. But can one disown one's own decision without casting some aspersions on oneself?'

The good doctor has not come clean on why he chose Abdullah over Najib. Is Abdullah in his eyes a pushover, to be manipulated behind the scenes? That would be ideal for the circle around the doctor as they would benefit the most from any decisions that are in their favour.

But so far, Abdullah has been his own man. The business community might argue that the economic pace has slowed down compared to the halcyon days of the doctor. But has everyone forgotten the high price we paid and still are paying for those projects. The consequent social problems.

For example, the construction industry had a heyday with so many government spearheaded projects. The labour force comes from abroad with their own attendant problems. The local work force are set aside since the industry argues that the imported labour is cheaper. At what price. The hallmark of the doctor's schemes have always been 'implement the plan at whatever cost to the nation'. Whereas his successor tries to take a more holistic approach. An overall view of the opportunity costs that will accrue if this or that project is carried out. Of course he is not perfect. A different style entirely and that bugs the good doctor to the core.

Here we go again

Today the 8th June 2006 big news in most of the dailies is about the good doctor again as in the New Straits Times

Some excerpts:

Dr Mahathir complained that the new Government had cancelled several major projects initiated during his two decades in power, despite assurances they would be carried out after he left office.

Hmmm, I wonder whether he is talking on behalf those who have been left out of the money making machine. - big projects. The present PM is just continuing the previous administration's legacy in other areas and the spoils goes to the inner circle of the present leadership.

He is also upset that the pace of development of Putrajaya has slowed; peeved that the Johor bridge project has been scrapped; and angered that the National Automotive Policy has put Proton at a disadvantage.

All those projects mentioned and others as well have their detractors from the start. The previous leader has never entertained any disagreements to his vision, a classic example of doctor knows best. Some of the plans worked well but others seem more half baked than anything else. There are some projects like the Bakun Dam that should have been given more thought but it was just pushed through hurriedly.

"One cannot tell what a person will do when the person is out of your control," Dr Mahathir said yesterday. "I thought I had made the right choice."

A telling statement. He controls people. So why the surprise and frustration when the person is out of his control? It is just a logical progression for those who have been so long under the rule of one man to try and breath easier and try to do their own thing in their own way. It is just the wheel of fortune turning as usual if some of the things seem the opposite of what been agreed during his leadership.

He can continue his vigilance over the present administration but to harp on the change in attitude and direction seems naive. They are just implementing what has been learned during his leadership – power in one hand and be damned to all opposition.

Misyar marriages

I'’m not knowledgeable about the haram or halal of the arrangement. That would need further research. On first glance, a marriage just to satisfy the sexual needs of both partners by exchanging marriage vows without any financial responsibility on the man's part seems ideal. According to those well versed in Islamic laws there is nothing sinister about the arrangement since the woman has agreed.

I wonder whether this is just slightly above the usual cohabitation arrangements practiced by a number of couples nowadays or even the state of some legally sanctioned marriages, in terms of ethics and morality. One of the arguments supporting this kind of marriage is to lessen the incidence of sexual acts outside the legally sanctioned marriage institution. It seems this arrangement would be an avenue for single woman who are financially independent but with no luck in the man stakes to fulfill her sexual needs. This is where the man comes along to 'help'’. He is the proverbial stud but does not have to be responsible for the woman'’s material needs. How convenient. As the experts say, the woman has agreed. So there!!!!

Lelaki Komunis Terakhir - Curtains

At last, the final curtain has fallen on Lelaki Komunis Terakhir (The Last Communist). Would this be the harbinger of the future fate of independent, non-mainstream thoughts and ideas? We have always tried to push the boundaries of accepted liberalism in this country. The internet age has managed in a way to level the playing field. Alas, the internet itself is full of inconsequential gibberish that prudence is required.

The silent majority has to play a bigger role in demanding that differences in opinions are not evil incarnate undermining the security and prosperity of the country. The ban will definitely not stop others from starting their own "‘controversial"’ projects. I guess this ban will see pirated sales of the film in our night markets. Too bad the producers themselves would not be able to make any profits from the sales unless they make a pact with the pirates. That arrangement would certainly help the producers in recouping their investment and at least help finance future projects.

I wait patiently for the next Amir film which is still at the production stage, "Susuk" to gain its fair share of notoriety.

The Last Communist: Umno supreme council to view film and advise on ban

I just love the heading in the New Straits Times 23 May 2006.

Some excerpts:

"Radzi said even the title 'Lelaki Komunis Terakhir' had caused quite a stir among the people.

"When you mention the title, many will react to it. Some will ask why we are championing an issue that caused the sufferings of our forefathers. It is not right," he said."

So, the title is the crucial point. That means Amir, the director of the said film must take note of this observation from the honourable minister himself. Next time he makes a movie, he must use that very apt title 'Senario Cinta Mawi' as mentioned in his own blog lastcommunist.blogspot.com. But that title itself might give the wrong connotation. So please play safe. As a very bright person, I'm sure he'll be able to come up with something along the lines of Gerak Khas or Man Laksa.

"Asked if he had watched the documentary, Radzi said he had. However, he declined to say what he thought of it. He only said it depended 'on circumstances'."

An action that shows transparency of the highest order? Is big brother watching? He declined to say what he thought as it will also depend on circumstances. A classic example of survival of the fittest and the bottomline is, we must take care of our rice bowl. So please do not rock the boat. A very good and prudent move. Ten brownie points and may more of his ilk be in the cabinet...

The abandoned forum in Penang

The New Sunday Times 21 May 2006 had an interview with one of those who protested against the forum.
Some comments...

"Q: But Muslims were among panelists at the forum?

A: Unfortunately, other Muslims do not see them as representative of the community. They have their own secular, liberal, understanding of Islam. They want Syariah to be placed along with universal values and are in favour of a secular society in a secular state.

Because they are not representing the Muslim community, they are actually representing a secular minority group. We feel that what they stand for is their own perception of Islam.

They want Islam to be just a private matter and that Syariah law should only be used in handling private matters. They do not represent the community or what Islam stands for in this country."

I guess everything is already cast in stone. We can't even discuss certain issues among Muslims. If one authority has declared that his interpretation is the correct version, everyone has to follow. Haven't we learnt from history itself that Islam went through a lot of upheavals. There were lots of views, interpretations and discussions. Shouldn't that be the norm rather than the exception?

"Q: What should Article 11 do to defuse the situation?

A: There are mechanisms to address their grievances. They can meet the Attorney-General since some of the cases they discussed included conversion.

The forum touched on issues that have already been decided upon. If people don’t agree, they have to meet the A-G and see if there is a mechanism to settle it.

That is better as you don’t need to arouse the sentiments of Muslims. But they start going around saying that Syariah is not protecting the rights of non-Muslims. This is absurd."

Isn't it an assumed conclusion that once someone had converted to Islam in Malaysia he is governed by the Syariah courts. What recourse does the non-Muslim family have in the Syariah courts? Usually the Syariah court judges are dismissive of those who seek the court's help as evidenced by the many instances of single mothers going countless times to get their rightful dues. What more someone of a different faith. Even a Muslim woman unveiled is asked to veil herself first before any proceeding will continue????

The controversy of conversions will continue as long as those in power do not show any compassion towards the non-Muslim family. I'm certain that Islam does not condone breaking families due to the conversion of one family member to the religion. This is where discussion is vital. The protesters can say what they want, but the responsibility is squarely on their shoulders to ensure that justice is meted out equally to the non-Muslim family. I wonder if they have ever thought of being in the other person's shoes???

Australian's 'last wish' is to get PR status

That was one of the headlines in New Straits Times 3 May 2006.

This is interesting to say the least. A non-Malaysian who fell in love with the country and wants to spend the rest of his days here. I hope he gets his wish. There have been countless cases previously which tell almost the same story. A non-Malaysian falling for the charms that this country has and willing to uproot themselves from their country of origin in order to spend their life here.

This is in contrast to the reluctance shown by Malaysians who have made it good abroad and are in two minds about coming back here. Their only existing ties might still be some family and friends. I'm sure there are a multitude of factors which made them make that decision.

The government's efforts to stem this brain drain is pointless if the target does not feel attached to the country. No amount of incentive would change their mind since this country is not attractive to them anymore.

Maybe the government should look into giving better treatment to those who have stayed behind. They are the ones who have made the country what it is today through thick and thin. What we see now is still not perfect and no one country can claim that distinction.

With all its flaws, this country is what it is now through the efforts of those who stayed behind. This group of people should get better recognition for their contributions. This would surely make better economic sense that trying to woo those who have always been reluctant to come back from the beginning.

Why is he so angry?

The headline "Dr Mahathir: Malaysia a ‘half-past-six country with no guts’ if ... " in the New Straits Times 2 May 2006 is very intriguing.

“He said as a citizen, he had a right to do so if the country’s sovereignty was surrendered.”

When did the present leadership surrender our country's sovereignty? The moment the decision was made to abandon the bridge project? There was nothing wrong with the project per se, but the extra baggage that went with the ambitious plans made us a laughing stock. The plan to have that half bridge seems very childish, just to spite the neighbour. If he was still the PM and the project went ahead, it will not help in improving the traffic or the water flow.

"Even if I were to give it to you to publish, you will not do it.

"Even if you do, Kalimullah will chop it," he said, referring to New Straits Times Press deputy chairman and editorial adviser Datuk Kalimullah Hassan.”

This seems to be a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black. Didn’t he use his power to prevent others from publishing their opinion in the mainstream media? At least his rantings are still published. So there is no reason to complain.

He is still a very angry man after all these years. After more than 20 years in power. There must more than what we see from this whole episode and through his previous his outbursts. Is he really concerned about the country or speaking up more on behalf of those near and dear who have lost their opportunity to make their pot of gold.

Trainee Dies In NS Camp Brawl

That is the headline in the New Sunday Times 23 April 2006.

I guess this tragedy was just waiting to happen after all the previous news about the shortcomings in the camps - attempted rapes, salary not being paid, trainess being bullied etc. The whole scheme seems to be plagued by problems from day one.
It was a very noble idea to have this scheme supposedly to integrate the youths of the country more cohesively. How do you expect a few months togetherness to bring that elusive harmony and integration when the main racial issues is still swept under the carpet.
Just look at our education policy. The moment a child enters school, he is made aware of how different he is from others not of the same race or religion. There are no concerted effort to ensure that these differences are not barriers to integration. Instead, we see overzealous teachers who go out of their way to strengthen the common misperceptions that we have of each other.

Condolences to the family and others who are sending their children to the NS camps.

Point Blank

A very appropriate headline. This is the the front page of the New Straits Times, 4 April 2006.
I guess the frustrations of the Inspector General of Police is felt by the public too. I doubt his speech would leave that much of a dent on the police force. An entrenched culture of so many negatives takes more than just a speech to rectify. It will take another IGP or two to see some improvements.
Why does this happen. A million dollar question. Most probably the causes are multi-faceted and the solutions would need a gargantuan effort from everyone interested in seeing a clean, efficient and trustworthy police force become the pride of the nation. I doubt again whether that will happen in my life time.
I wonder how the guilty ones sleep at night. Peacefully??? I guess so since there has been no let up in the number of incidents involving shady dealings between the police and public. I also wonder whether any thought comes to the minds of those black sheeps. I guess it is a sign of the times. We make the best use of whatever advantage that we have. However small or insignificant to others, the power held by the ordinary policeman is supreme in his area of jurisdiction. That power leaps to gigantic proportions when the particular constable is promoted. The rank that comes with the job and the knowledge that you can use it for your benefit. A heady proposition.

Low cost carrier terminal

At last, I've experienced the terminal. The building itself reflects the low cost emphasis. Someone said it reminded her of the hypermarkets. Very true.
The lines going through the baggage security checks were haphazard. It is still early days for the terminal but some sort of order is necessary so that there will be smooth operations from point A to B. A much more efficient system has to be implemented. A better system would enable passengers to experience a less hassle free journey.
The walk to the airplane was another first after the old airport at Subang. Passengers had to follow designated paths to their respective carriers. The lines look like disciplined ducks walking back to their nests. The rain that day did not help to improve the efficiency. The flight was delayed due to some technical problem. I hope this aspect of the delays will be just a memory once the new planes start replacing the old ones.
Anyway, this would not be my last experience here since despite everything, I will still be using a low cost carrier as one of the means to travel far and wide.

Hang the noose - Abolish the death penalty?

This is the heading in NST 21 March 2006.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said: "For me, a life is a life. No one has the right to take someone else’s life, even if that person has taken another life."

This seems to be a very noble idea but I wonder whether the feeling is the same if the victim is one of our loved ones. A death sentence will never bring back our loved one but it is one way to compensate for the loss. The penalty is just like a compensation for the victim's family - an eye for an eye. It has always been said that it would be better for the family to forgive the guilty party as another death serves no purpose.
Easier said than done and the harder to adhere if the perpetrator committed the crime mercilessly.

Don’t interfere in Islam, non-Muslims warned

Let us just change some of the sentences in the article which appeared in today's thestar

“”Muslims should not interfere in the religious affairs of non -Muslims, as this will make the non- Muslims uneasy.

Expressing his concern about some recent articles written by Muslims, he said the tolerance level among non-Muslims was high

“But you must remember the word amok comes from this country and there is a limit to everything,” he said, telling Muslims not to make comments or write articles on non-Islam that could be construed as belittling the religion.

“I want to remind Muslims to refrain from making statements on something they do not understand,”….

“We do not want to take away your rights but religion is an important matter, especially to the non-Muslims,” he said. On whether Muslim journalists should not write about issues concerning non-Islam, Nazri said they should know what they could or could not write.

“However, there are some things which should not be touched on,” he said.””

Each sentence seems reasonable on its own. The Muslim/Non-muslim, Islam/non-Islam phrases could be interchanged with the same effect on the target group.

What irks me is the statement's tone. It seems more like an edict carved in stone without any recourse for redress.

Has the speaker ever been in the ‘others’ shoes. I guess not. Born into a privileged group, I doubt thoughts of others’ feeling come into his mind. Tolerance??? Understanding???

How do you expect others to emphatise with Muslims if one of their leaders rides roughshod over others. This has been going on for umpteen years and I have not seen any change in the current administration.

Please buck up and face reality. Do unto others what you would like to do unto yourself. If you were in 'their' shoes...

Cabinet approval for public transport fund

That is the big news on the front page of the New Straits Times. Finally, the public transport sector is getting the attention it deserves which has been overdue for a long time. I wonder whether this attention came about only because of the recent big oil price increase. Previously, any master plan for the country pays scant regard to the needs of the public who need an efficient reasonably priced transportation system. The emphasis for the past twenty years was on building the highways. There was low priority for other means of transportation, for example a mass rapid transportation system for the urban areas or a similar system linking the major towns.

I suspect this emphasis to cater to the needs of the car driving public has something to do with the national car industry. It is an egg and chicken situation. The nation wants to leap frog into the developed group of nations by shifting to a more industrialized based economy from the previously rural based economy. The nation’s leader put up a plan to galvanise all resources into the national car industry. The national car industry became a cause celebre which has to be a success by whatever means.

I have not seen anything to be proud of after so many years. The much hyped technology transfer has not materialized and the quality or standards seem stuck at least a few years behind the competitors. Why was our limited resources channeled to the car project instead of a better public transportation system that can benefit all walks of society.

The present administration has to undo quite a lot of things that has been the norm for the past generation. Good luck.