Zero-Nine Rewind

Technorati tags: 2009, Retrospective, Recap, Rewind

Wow… we’re actually on the verge of welcoming another new year.

2009 seems to have whizzed by in a long flash. It seems like only 360-some yesterdays ago that Walski wrote his post to usher in the year. Time flies, as they say – although the passengers on the Air Asia flight to Gold Coast a few days ago might disagree.

And now, it’s almost another new year, in less than 6 hours time.

It’s been a rather slow blogging year for Walski, comparatively, including a few near-miss attempts to quit altogether. No point getting into the specifics of why – rest assured that he will definitely continue with myAsylum for a while yet.

But there were a few blog projects that Walski had kinda planned, but didn’t manage to pull off this year, due to time constraints, the key one being a new blog dedicated to the Hell on Earth News Network (HENN) . Same with the stalled comic series Kaca’s Eyes – of which Walski’s only managed to churn out two strips in ‘09 – the plan was a spin-off blog for Kaca and Dewilicious. It’s something Walski’s been thinking of doing for quite a while. Maybe next year.

So, how did 2009 pan out, all told? Well, to put it mildly, it’s been an interesting year. But a lot of it for all the wrong reasons… 
(a brief 2009 retrospective, and more, in the full post)

Walski won’t be so ambitious as to try to recap the entire last decade. Many others have already done that, and there really is no point reinventing the wheel – unless you’re a die-hard Islamist who wants to reinvent the Islamic this and Islamic that…

But 2009 has been a busy year for the conservative Muslim demographic in our country. In February, an attempt to quell the voices of our more progressive sisters in Musawah (see also here) was in high gear. For the more conservative Malaysian muslims, the established status quo must be upheld, even if its defense is the flimsiest of threads. Particularly when it comes to women’s issues, as evidenced by the many attempts at trying to silence Sisters In Islam this past year, including the call by PAS to ban the NGO.

And then there’s all those activities to ban anything resembling music and fun for the masses. Even something as mundane as Michael Learns To Rock came under attack. And you wonder why so many music acts opt for Singapore, Bangkok, or even Jakarta?

Perhaps all of Malaysia’s conservatives should take a leaf from what’s currently happening in Iran (which started the June elections, and has never really stopped since), or the continued tyranny that ordinary Saudis face – a theocracy, as good as it sounds in theory, does not work. Let’s not even mention the utter chaotic mess that is Somalia.

Will this realization sink into some people’s heads? Walski certainly hopes so – but only time will tell. It’s useful to see how others have failed, if for nothing else, to not make the same blunders.

The growing conservatism aside, one thing that underlined 2009 for Walski was tragedy – both on a personal basis, and also the demise of a number of well-known personalities, both locally and abroad. Like Yasmin Ahmad, for instance – a gigantic loss to the Malaysian film industry. Or Farrah-Fawcett, and more recently Brittany Murphy. The world this year, however, mourned on a global scale when one Michael Joseph Jackson breathed his last.

But the most tragic, needless, shocking, and incomprehensible demise in 2009 will undoubtedly be the death of Teoh Beng Hock, who was found dead under very mysterious circumstances, on the rooftop of the podium block, below the Shah Alam MACC office. A big media circus, and two autopsies later, we are no closer to knowing whether his death was accidental, a suicide or whether he was murdered. Teoh’s death created all kinds of reactions from civil society, the press, and the government, so much so that Malaysiakini named him their Newsmaker of 2009.

Teoh's death has been linked to the attempted coup to overthrow the rightfully elected Pakatan Rakyat in Selangor, alleged in a mystery letter that emerged a couple of months following his death.

Which brings us to something we simply had too damned much of in 2009 – politics. It seems like the politicking running up to the March 8, 2008 elections simply refused to stop running a whole year and 10 months later. So bad did the politics get in 2009, Walski literally became quite fed up. There was, of course, the infamous Perak Power Tussle, in which BN maneuvered a take-over of the state government. This pretty much became the shit icing on an equally crappy political cake, whose foul taste was left in many peoples’ mouths throughout much of 2009.

Whether or not well see a reduction of extreme politicking in 2010 is left to be seen, but Walski certainly hopes so.

And because the Internet was credited as one of the key factors in getting Barrack Obama elected last year, everybody wanted in on the new media bandwagon, including a very unnecessary website for Rosmah Mansor, the PM’s other ¾’s (she’s large and needs more than ‘half’). Well, a quick check at the site moments ago has revealed that it still defaults to the lovely fuchsia, and is no different (or better) than when Walski first blogged about it in August. Oh, and still with the unlinked buttons and the ‘Others Link’ pull down.

But the Internet was perhaps one of the few pluses about 2009, in particular, this application called Twitter, which really became big this year. Walski will admit that he only got on the bandwagon this year, too, but since hopping on board, he hasn’t looked back. And he blames Twitter in part for the dearth of blogging this year.

The nice thing about Twitter is that it’s compact, easy to take along with you anywhere (literally), and you don’t have to think beyond 140 characters whenever you have something on your mind.

In any case, Twitter became the new source of instantaneous information, putting another dent into the viability of traditional media in the new millennium. So much so that today, even the traditional print and online press organizations have their compulsory presence on Twitter. It is through Twitter that the world kept up with the aftermath of the Iran Elections – the insurgency that keeps on giving, until even today. And it’s also through Twitter that the shocking news regarding the collapse, and later, untimely death of Yasmin Ahmad spread through cyberspace like wildfire.

2009 marks the year that Twitter really exploded onto the scene, big time, not just in Malaysia, but across the world. Makes blogging seem so 20th century. But putting one’s thoughts across 140 characters at a time does have its limitations, and so blogging is not about to die off any time soon. Which is more than Walski can say about the traditional media.

But 2009 wasn’t entirely about doom, gloom and politics – we had some really fantabulous films that were released this year. No thanks to the fear that that Walski may blow hard earned cash to watch a butchered film on the big screen (assuming it makes it to our shores in the first place), he didn’t get to watch a number of films release this year. And so, courtesy of YouTube, and the creative genius of one Kees van Dijkhuizen, here’s a mashup of the years films.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the debut album, “Pretty Hate Machine” by Nine Inch Nails, one of Walski’s all-time favorite music acts. And finally Walski got to see them live in concert in August. Not here in Malaysia, of course, but in neighboring Singapore, during the Asian leg of Trent Reznor’s (supposedly) last tour. Walski has to thank The Lord Panda for making the encounter possible.

Now, he’d wanted to do a proper post on the concert, but one thing led to another, and so Walski never got to doing anything else but the one that was supposed to only be an interim post.

2009 was also a strange year in many respects. Walski won’t elaborate much, but friend and fellow-blogger Pah Nur, in her year close out, has brilliantly put together some of the strangest news items published this year, from around the globe. And that, inevitably, includes a couple from Malaysia, as well.

Truth, as they say, is sometimes stranger than fiction… and the truth is that this post is starting to get really, really long.

And so, as we anxiously count the hours, and later, the minutes and second, towards a brand new year, there are a few Thank You’s that Walski feels he has to make.

First and foremost, to the blogging community, particularly the Malaysia sector of the bloggerhood, for making 2009 an interesting year. And that means ALL of you bloggers out there, even the unscrupulous hyper-political ones, and the fervent & foaming at the mouth Islamist ones. 2009 wouldn’t have been the same without you. So thanks. Really.

Special mention, and thanks, however, need to go out to a couple of bloggers – Art Harun, in particular, for being the voice of reason in a sometimes unreasonable Malaysia. Marina M., is another blogger Walski wishes to thank, for her support for, and occasional linkage, to myAsylum – especially for her being so kind as to host the current ISA poll on her blog.

But most of all, 2009 would not have been the same if it were not for one very important person in Walski’s life – Mrs. Walski. Thanks, my dear, for being there, and for keeping Walski on an even keel. It would have been the real asylum for him, if it weren’t for the truly unconditional love of this one truly special person. It takes a lot to put up with Walski – he knows that, and for being there, thank you.

And so, as 2009 draws to a close, Walski wishes one and all a very Happy New Year. Don’t forget tonight’s partial eclipse of the Moon, 2010’s first wonderful gift to us all. Walski hopes that it’s not so partial that we don’t get to see squat.

Happy 2010 people…. see ya’ll next year!

Click here for the full post......

Antares vs. The Plasmodium-bots

Technorati tags: Antares, Magick River, Malaria, Update

As most of us would’ve already guessed (and secretly hoped), it’s gonna take a lot more than a bunch of puny parasite bots to overcome the fierce warrior-blogger we all know, and love, as Antares.

Walski thought he should post some updates about Antares’ condition, which was reported on some days back. As he’s made the decision to not visit Antares until the guy recovers a bit more, Walski will relay some news he got via other concerned bloggers’ reports.

Beginning with Zorro Unmasked, which received a comment from Belle, daughter to Antares:

I just saw my dad and he managed to open his eyes and even smile!!!! Words can't describe how happy and relieved we are. He's got most of the tubes out and hopefully when we see him again later he won't need any tubes at all. The parasites have been wiped out and they're expecting him to be out of ICU within the next day or two. I told him that everyone is praying for him and sending him love. Thanks so much for all your healing and support. His 60th birthday on Jan 7th will be a day of celebrating his "re-birth" :)
(received in Zorro's comment box at 3:22pm yesterday)

Plasmodium falciparum is the parasite of protozoan proportions that causes Malaria. Nasty buggers they can be. But fortunately, not nasty enough to get a good man down, in this day and age.
(more updates, bloggers who expressed concern, and more, in the full post)

Another blogger, Hawkeye, posted a similar update yesterday.

Antares on the recovery and looking good!

Got news from our medical sources at about 4 pm today and was informed that Antares is recovering well.

For those medically inclined:
Was informed that he had "metabolic acidosis from kidney involvement of Malaria (Plasmodium Falciparum)". He was put on the ventilator and is currently being weaned off it, but still requires to have dialysis

But in general the information is that he is recovering slow and steady and that is good news to me.

Many folks, both online and off, had expressed concern about Antares’ condition, and it’s heartening to note that the man is on the mend. Quite a few bloggers have written posts of positive good wishes include Art Harun, Hawkeye (the above, and here), MarGeeMar, Mary Maguire, Masterwordsmith (here and here, chronologically), Patrick Teoh via Niamah!!!, and even Ku Li (via Twitter), among others. 

There was, however one sicko pseudonymically called Sister Stella who tried to spread a totally bogus story to say that Antares had passed on (see this Zorro Unmasked post). Not at all a nice thing to do.

It’s been a while since Walski’s personally heard of anyone contracting Malaria, but it just goes to show that some diseases, including an ancient one like Malaria, although not as prevalent as before, can still strike.

Them Plasmodium-bots are sure hard as hell to eliminate for good… bloody parasites.

In any case, thanks to all the positive thoughts, good wishes, and prayers that went towards Antares’ general direction. His family truly appreciates it, and I’m sure so does Antares.

Click here for the full post......

Sunday Tee-off

Technorati tags: Humor, Politics, Utusan, Ridhuan Tee, Santa Claus

If you’re a golfer and found this post thinking that it’s got to do with the game, please prepare to be utterly disappointed.

No, this post has nothing whatsoever to do with golf. Golf, as it turns out, is Walski’s handicap… (that’s a lame golf joke, incidentally).

Original image taken from here

Nay, this post is about an article written by Dr. Ridhuan Tee, published in Mingguan Malaysia this past Sunday (PDF version), which was also posted on his blog. An English version of the same article can be found on Tee’s English blog here. The article, if you haven’t yet read it, scored a hole-in-1Malaysia (sorry, another lame-ish golf joke), promoting a blatantly racial agenda in how Malaysia should be, in Dr. Tee’s eyes.

Ridhuan Tee, is certainly no stranger to controversy, and is definitely not a medical doctor, in case you’re wondering (Politics & Government is his doctoral forte). Walski knows because (through Twitter) a lot of people were feeling sick to their stomach after reading the Dr.’s article.

But before we delve into the article itself, there are two excellent rebuttals to Tee’s article, which Walski urges you to read, if you haven’t yet. One, in Bahasa Malaysia, comes from Dengan Izini…™ entitled “Siapa Yang Jahat, Dr Ridhuan Tee?” by Hidayat Saifudin.

The second comes from none other than Art Harun, who penned “An Open Reply to Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah”. A brilliantly written retort, Walski might add.

Needless to say, there probably are quite a number more, but Walski feels these two deserve special mention.

So what is it about Ridhuan Tee’s article that really got many people feeling they’d just encountered the wrong end of a 1-Iron to their gut? No birdies for guessing – it had to do with the ludicrous notions of 1Apartheid-ish race & religious relations numerical formulas, grave ornaments, and Santa Claus.
(the social contract, minus the santa claus(e), and more, in the full post)

As a precaution against being accused of not stating facts accurately, Walski will quote from both the Bahasa Malaysia and English versions of Dr. Ridhua Tee’s article. If you’re thinking of visiting the English version blog, though, be forewarned that Tee’s embedded some really cheesy easy listening music that you cannot turn off.

The article starts off with a kinda defense on behalf of Utusan – no big wonder, because that’s the vehicle he rides on for his writing. And as with any champion of the Malay/Islam cause, the Holy Grail of race-based politics, the Social Contract, is invoked early on (all emphasis by myAsylum).

Persoalan saya, apakah akhbar tabloid parti ultra kiasu dan parti-parti politik perkauman lain dan mereka yang bersekongkol tidak jahat? Parti ultra kiasu dan kuncu-kuncunya bukan sahaja jahat, tetapi terang dan nyata lagi berniat jahat dengan menolak kontrak sosial dan perlembagaan persekutuan serta mencabar perkara-perkara sensitif yang telah dipersetujui bersama sekian lama. Rakan sekutu parti ultra kiasu langsung tidak berani bersuara kerana takut hilang sokongan. Inilah strategi licik ultra kiasu dan sekutunya berselindung di bawah gagasan 1Malaysia untuk mencari laba dan keuntungan politik.

My question is whether the ultra kiasu party news tabloid and the other racist political parties and those concocted with them are they also not evil? The ultra kiasu party and its group are not only evil, but it is already clearly a fact that they have an evil intention by not accepting the social contract and rejecting the federal constitution and also challenging sensitive matters that have long been agreed upon. The partners of the ultra kiasu party do not dare to speak directly for fear of loss of support. This is the cunning strategy of the ultra kiasu party and its allies hiding behind the 1Malaysia concept for its benefits and political mileage.

Ironically, while accusing the anti-agenda papers and other ultra-kiasu political parties of cowardice for “not speaking directly”, Ridhuan tee neglects to identify whom he’s referring to exactly. In the same paragraph, no less. His own “cunning strategy”, perhaps.

Now, Walski’s no lawyer, but he’s dealt with enough contracts to know that there are none which are not subject to review, and are to be maintained for perpetuity, regardless of how circumstances change. Much less an unwritten contract. Art Harun, who is a lawyer, explains this in great detail in his open reply (from paragraph 5 onwards).

And then, it starts to get stranger.

Sekurang-kurangnya Utusan Malaysia berterus-terang, bermakna tidaklah terlalu jahat, daripada berselindung melakukan kejahatan, di depan orang pijak semut tak mati, tetapi di belakang bukan main lagi, seolah-olah hidup ini tidak akan mati. Inilah tindak-tanduk mereka untuk mengaburi mata rakyat. Kalau kita intip pergerakan mereka, saya yakin kita akan berjumpa dengan manusia yang sejahat ini, termasuk salah seorang exco yang membawa santa claus berjumpa pemimpin negeri mereka baru-baru ini. Kepada pemimpin tersebut, kalau suka sangat raikan santa claus, jangan sampai terlebih meraikan pulak. Sebagai umat Islam, kita diajar menghormati agama lain, tetapi elok berpada-pada. Mereka ini licik perancangannya. Ramai orang Melayu sudah tersasar kerana terlalu dekat dengan santa claus.

At least Utusan Malaysia is frank, meaning not too bad instead of camouflage doing evil, like being sweet in front of people but when behind actually are not. Those are their actions to obscure the eyes of the public. If we spy their movement, I am confident we will see their true colors, including the one exco that brought the santa claus to meet the leader of their country recently. To this leader, if you enjoy celebrating with Santa Claus, please do not over do it. As Muslims, we are taught to respect other religions, but do not go overboard. They are very cunning at planning. Many Malays have side tracked because of being too close to santa claus.

Bad English aside, the mystery of why the Malays have gotten sidetracked, despite opportunity after opportunity has now been solved – it’s Santa’s fault. Oh, the English version also upgrades Selangor to a country. Cool… Khalid Ibrahim must be pleased that he now has his own country.

Ironic, but while Tee fervently upholds the “social contract”, he totally dismisses the Santa Claus…

In any case, what Ridhuan Tee must have been referring to – in his not so direct, but still gallant way – is this image which surfaced a few hours after the release of his boundary-pushing article.

Yes, it’s Khalid Ibrahim partying with a badly disguised Santa, some bored-looking Santarinas, and a few state Ex-Co members. So, what’s so wrong with this happy celebratory get-together? Well, nothing really, if you asked Walski. But Ridhuan Tee probably has other ideas of how dangerous this could be to the faith.

But seriously, fear of a fictitious character? Wouldn’t that, logically, mean that the fear is kinda fictitious as well? Then again, that’s just Walski – who’s he to say, right? 

So, back to the article, the un-named, but obviously-referring-to-DAP, ultra-kiasu types are accused of bringing up sensitive racial issues to promote their own agenda.

Dalam memahami politik Malaysia, isu-isu perkauman dibangkitkan untuk mendapatkan sokongan politik dan pada masa untuk menyedarkan kaum masing-masing agar mereka sedar siapa mereka yang sebenar dan apa yang sepatutnya diperolehi. Manakala isu-isu sensitif dibangkitkan untuk mendapatkan hak sama rata dan sama rasa bagi kumpulan ultra kiasu. Mereka tahu perkara ini tidak boleh dibangkitkan secara terbuka kerana ia boleh dikenakan tindakan di bawah akta hasutan. Mereka sengaja mahu menguji UMNO yang ketika ini berada dalam keadaan agak tertekan disebabkan tidak mendapat majoriti dua pertiga dalam parlimen dan perpecahan Melayu Islam yang amat menyakitkan.

In understanding the Malaysian politics, racial issues were raised for political supports and to make the respective races to realize who they are and what should be obtained. Meanwhile, the sensitive issues were raised to demand equal rights and opportunities for the ultra kiasu group. They know these things can not be raised openly as they can be held under the sedition act. They deliberately want to test UMNO which currently is at its most crucial situation because of not getting two-thirds majority and also facing the painful disunity of the Malay Muslims.

Ok, so Tee’s a big UMNO sympathizer, a party which never raises any sensitive issues that are hurtful to others, right? Oh, but we have to forgive UMNO because they’re at a very painful ebb. UMNO, after all, is God’s gift to… well, Walski doesn’t know what, exactly.

Incidentally, not too long ago, when someone converted to Islam in Malaysia, that act was sometimes called “masuk Melayu” (loosely translated, converting to being Malay), because of the so-called societal expectation that once you’re Muslim, you must “become” Malay to be accepted. Of course, this is more perception than anything else, because there’s no such thing as racial discrimination in Islam, a point that’s highlighted by Tee himself. Or, does he?

Sebagai rakyat Malaysia, kita mesti tahu bahawa konsep sama rata dan sama rasa tidak menepati kehendak perlembagaan persekutuan, walaupun konsep Malaysian Malaysia yang selalu dilaung dan didesak oleh parti ultra kiasu. Ingat, agama Islam agama majoriti masyarakat negara ini. Kedudukan Islam begitu istimewa dalam perlembagaan. Jika ada ‘kelebihan’ pada agama Islam, ia bukanlah satu diskriminasi kerana selaku majoriti, Melayu Islam berhak, apatah lagi ia telah dipersetujui melalui kontrak sosial. Tidak perlu dipertikaikan atau dituduh tidak adil. Termasuk menggunakan dana-dana kerajaan untuk mengembangkan syiar Islam. Malangnya, perkara-perkara ini tidak pernah diformulakan. Akhirnya, setiap kaum atau parti menginterpretasikan mengikut kepentingan masing-masing mengikut latar belakang bangsa dan agamanya. Tidak ketinggalan perancangan jahat mereka.

As Malaysians, we must know that the concept of equal rights and equal opportunity do not fulfill the requirements of the federal constitution, although the concept of Malaysian Malaysia which is always being shouted and demanded by the ultra kiasu party. Remember, Islam is the religion of the majority community of this country. Islam has a very special position in the constitution. If there is any 'advantage' in Islam, it is not discrimination because as the majority Malay Muslims, they have the rights, let alone it had been agreed upon through the social contract. There should not be anymore questions or being accused of unfairness. These also included using government funds to develop the growth of Islam. Unfortunately, these things were never formulated. Finally, each race or party interpreted according to their interests respectively basing on the race and religious background. Not forgetting also their evil plans.

Now, Walski doesn’t know offhand which governance textbooks Dr. Ridhuan Tee studied to obtain his PhD in Politics & Government, but what he describes here is certainly not democracy – it’s majoritarianism, another favorite doctrine espoused by many in UMNO. The problem, according to Tee, is that there has not been a formalization of unequal rights for Malaysians. And with this in mind, we’re introduced to the Ridhuan Tee Social Formula.

Untuk mengelakkan daripada parti ultra kiasu ini menjadi bertambah jahat, setidak-tidaknya kita mesti menggariskan formula bagi menyelesaikan kejahatan ini. Formula saya adalah berasaskan kepada pecahan statistik agama dan bangsa di negara ini. Mengikut bancian tahun 2000, anutan agama rakyat Malaysia adalah seperti berikut 60.4% Islam, 40% bukan Melayu (22% Buddha-Toaisme-Konfucius, 9% Kristian, 6% Hindu, 3% lain-lain). Formula ini boleh diaplikasikan dalam konteks kehidupan bernegara termasuk hak-hak beragama dan sambutan perayaan setiap kaum, bagi mendapatkan keadilan. Formula ini menepati sebahagian maksud keadilan dalam Islam yang membawa maksud meletakkan sesuatu pada tempatnya walaupun tidak sepenuhnya.

In order to prevent the ultra kiasu party continues to become evil, we must at least outline the formula to solve this. My formula is based on the statistical breakdown of races and religions in this country. According to the year 2000 census, the percentages of Malaysians by religions were as follows: 60% Islam, 40% non-Malay (22% Buddhist-Taoism-Confucius, 9% Christian, 6% Hindu, 3% others). This formula can be applied in the context of the nationalization, including justification on the rights of religious festivals and celebrations of all races. This formula fulfills part of the meaning to justification in Islam which means to put things in its place although not completely.

Okay, this formula is great if you’re making pancakes, but if applied to governance, it will very likely lead to tyranny of the majority. Then, he goes to say that this is Islamic. And you wonder why Islam gets such bad press? This thing about how “justice” is not equality is another favorite among religionists, by the way.

Now because Utusan apparently has really sloppy copywriters, we are also made to believe that there is an additional 0.4% in 100% (go take a re-look a the BM version of the quote above. Walski did a straight copy & paste, by the way. Don’t believe him? Take a look at the PDF from the Utusan website. But let’s not belabor this minor faux pas, shall we?

The thing is that Ridhuan Tee almost laments the fact that the reality in Malaysia doesn’t fit his neat pancake social formula, attributing it to tolerance.

Atas dasar toleransi, formula ini boleh dikatakan langsung tidak diterima pakai, sama ada dalam bidang politik, ekonomi mahupun sosial. Misalnya, bilangan rumah ibadat bukan Islam melimpah ruah, perayaan mereka menenggelamkan perayaan orang Islam walaupun bilangan mereka sedikit. Lihat sahaja gedung-gedung membeli belah, walaupun Kristian hanya 9%, sambutan Krismas dan Tahun Baru 2010 menenggelamkan perayaan utama seperti hari raya dan tahun baru Islam. Kalau tidak percaya, lawatilah negeri-negeri yang diperintah ultra kiasu dan sekutunya serta gedung-gedung membeli belah sekutu mereka di seluruh negara.

Saya fikir, umat Islam di negara ini amat berlembut dan bertoleransi tinggi. Upacara perayaan keagamaan dan kematian begitu beradab serta mudah. Jalan raya tidak sesak. Kuburnya begitu kecil. Berbanding agama lain, sudahlah bilangannya kecil, kadangkala sehari suntuk jalan raya sesak ketika perayaan tertentu. Kubur-kuburnya begitu luas dan besar. Sampai bilakah amalan ini boleh diteruskan, di kala penduduk semakin ramai, tanah semakin terhad? Setakat ini orang Islam tidaklah bising sangat berbanding orang lain, walaupun kubur mereka semakin terhimpit dan protes daripada bukan Islam yang semakin berani apabila ada tambahan tanah perkuburan Islam.

On the basis of tolerance, this formula was not applied completely, either in politic, economic or even social. For example, the number of non-Muslim places of worship exceeded overwhelmingly, their festival celebrations actually drowned the Muslims celebrations even though they are less in numbers. Just look at the shopping malls, although Christians are only 9%, the Christmas and New Year 2010 celebrations are incomparable to the Hari Raya and the Islamic New Year. If you do not believe, visit the states ruled by the ultra kiasu and its allies and the shopping malls of their allies throughout the country.

I think the Muslims in this country are very tolerant and soft. Their religious festivals and funerals are well mannered and simple. Roads are not congested. Their graves are very small. Compared to other religions, which the number is already smaller, at times the roads are congested the whole day on certain festivals. The graves are so wide and large. How long will this practice be continued, whereas the population is growing but land is limited? So far, the Muslims are not that noisy compared to others, although their graves are narrowing and protests from the non-Muslims are increasingly bolder when there is an increase in Islamic cemetery.

One exception Ridhuan Tee conveniently omits is the road congestion caused by double, even triple-parked cars during Friday congregational prayers, which mysteriously go unseen by the traffic police. Yes, it is a Muslim’s obligation to attend Friday prayers, but does that make it an obligation to be a public nuisance – not to mention safety hazard – to others? What happened to being so tolerant and “soft”?

Now, Walski is pretty damned sure that in Johor and Pahang, the shopping malls are decked with Christmas decorations, just as they are in the states where the “ultra-kiasu” rule. If there’s anyone around the Johor Bharu and Kuantan areas is reading this post, Walski would really appreciate some perspective on his assumption.

But, let’s humor Ridhuan Tee for a sec – assume that the Islamic New Year is to be forcibly observed at the shopping malls – how exactly would the malls be appropriately decorated? Walski personally thinks that the last thing the Middle Eastern tourists would want to see is more desert sand and dromoderies. Similarly, on Prophet Muhammad’s birthday... On second thought, let’s not even go there…

The rest of the article goes on (and on) about graves, some more. Interestingly enough, he also lambasts Gerakan for insisting that the Grik parliamentary seat be given to them (from UMNO) to contest, which Walski thinks has something to do with the tussle between UMNO and Gerakan in BN’s Penang leadership arena.

Some people have commented that Dr. Ridhuan Tee’s writing portray him to be “more Malay” than your typical UMNO-phile. Which is really ironic, unless the doctor is actually a member of the party – something that Walski doesn’t think is the case.

Now, Walski hopes that this post is not misconstrued as being an ad hominem against Ridhuan Tee. It’s Tee’s ideas that Walski finds disturbing, and somewhat ironic at times – portraying the ideal of race supremacy, not-so-subtly disguised behind religious primacy, championing for an ethnicity that Tee cannot possibly represent, hard as he may try.

They say that a leopard can’t change its spots. And then you have Adidas that says “Impossible is Nothing”. Between the two, the doctor has gotten pretty confused, Walski thinks.

But at the end of it all, the biggest winners were probably the golfers – because inadvertently, they got a surprise Christmas weekend gift – a Ridhuan Tee.

Walski’s seemingly irrelevant picture-inclusion explanatory (somewhat) footnote: You may be wondering what relevance the first picture above has to this post. You see, Walski’s mind works in mysterious (and strange) ways sometimes. Suffice it to say that picture of the lovely teddy was taken during tea-time. Which is similar to what kind of time Walski had while writing this post...

Click here for the full post......

Approaching Gaza

Technorati tags: Gaza, War, Gaza Freedom March, Viva Palestina

Yesterday, December 27, 2009, marked the one year anniversary of the beginning of the Gaza onslaught by Israel, purportedly in retaliation to Palestinian cross-border rocket attacks. The operation, which lasted for approximately one month, claimed the lives of more than 1,300 Palestinians, many of whom were women and children.

The UN Fact finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict released their report last September, in which they found that in many instances, Israeli forces were in violation of established rules of war conduct, and UN humanitarian guidelines and laws. The continued blockade of Gaza has made the territory one humanitarian nightmare.

All that you probably already know.

The convoy crossing the Syria-Jordan border
(image from The Star)

What you may not know about is the London to Gaza Convoy (via RantingsbyMM), organized by Viva Palestina, an organization that organizes convoys to Gaza to deliver food, medicines and other essential stuff.

But they’re facing a problem – not from the Israelis, but from the Egyptian government, which has not allowed them to use a closer route. 
(what you can do, and more, in the full post)

Walski received this in the mail last night, and it details the difficulties being faced by the convoy.

Dear all,

It has been one year since Israel's attack on Gaza that left 1,400 people dead, 400 of which were children.

Currently 250 vehicles laden with foodstuff and medical aid are on their way to Gaza. They started our their journey in early December from the UK, crossed Europe into Turkey, then Syria and now Jordan. In the convoy are 9 Malaysian vehicles - 4 from Viva Palestina Malaysia (formerly known as COMPLETE) and 5 from the Perdana Global Peace Foundation.

They are 4 hours away but are currently stuck at Aqaba, Jordan, as the Egyptian government wants to travel 500 miles back to Syria so as to approach Egypt from a different route and ask Israel for permission to cross from Egypt into Gaza through the Egyptian controlled Rafah crossing.

Tomorrow Malaysians will be handing over a letter of appeal to the Egyptian Ambassador, asking for safe, easy and quick passage of all vehicles through Egypt into Gaza.

Please show your support by joining us.

When - 12pm
Where - Egyptian Embassy, 12 Jalan Ru, Off Jalan Ampang Hilir, 55000 KL

Please pass this on to as many people as possible. Let not our efforts be in vain.

Regards,

Shazeea Banu

Medicine III, Monash University
Clinical School, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Ph. +60166514543

The convoy in Amman Jordan, awaiting clearance to proceed
(image by @juanajaafar, via RantingsbyMM)

And in case you were wondering, yes, there are Malaysians taking part in this interfaith international convoy, among them, Walski’s Twitter-friend Juana Jaafar, who’s participating as a representative of the Perdana Global Peace Organisation (driving an ambulance, Walski’s told).

There are a few ways you can lend your support – apart from attending the letter hand-over today – blog about it (if you are a blogger), Tweet and re-Tweet anything to do with the convoy (for example, you can follow @juanajaafar who’s been updating her experience since earlier this month. Other Tweeterers you can follow: @ramgk, @pgporg & @GazaFreedom), or simply raise awareness by highlighting this to your friends & family. Or, you can write to the Egyptian government – politely.

While the Egyptian government is not outright disallowing the convoy to pass, what Egypt is asking is for the convoy to take a much longer route, adding another 500 miles to the route, approaching the Egyptian border a different way.

The convoy at the Jordanian border earlier on
(image by @juanajaafar, via RantingsbyMM)

Because of the many other things that have been happening, including Antares’ illness, Walski’s really been neglecting this very important and symbolic international effort for Gaza. This post is his attempt to make amends.

Equally as important is that it’s not about religion, being anti-anyone or pro-anyone-else – the Gaza disaster is simply a humanitarian disaster. Just ask former South African Constitutional Court judge Justice Richard Goldstone – himself not only a Jew, but a Zionist:

We accepted this Mission because we believe deeply in the rule of law, humanitarian law, human rights, and the principle that in armed conflict civilians should to the greatest extent possible be protected from harm.

We accepted with the conviction that pursuing justice is essential and that no state or armed group should be above the law. Failing to pursue justice for serious violations during any conflict will have a deeply corrosive effect on international justice.

We accepted out of a deep concern for the hundreds of civilians who needlessly died and those who suffered injury and dislocation of their lives.

We accepted because we believe that the perpetrators of serious violations must be held to account.

We do not claim to be immune from error. After the release of the report we have received a number of comments from people who are sincerely interested in the truth.

We have considered them and where relevant redressed inaccuracies in the final version of the report which is today before you.

We regret that the response to date of the Government of Israel avoids dealing with the substance of the report.
(source: Richard Goldstone's address to the UN Human Rights Council on September 29, 2009)

Humanitarianism transcends creed, culture and political ideology – remember this simple fact, and everything else will be nothing but useless noise.

Click here for the full post......

On a wing and a prayer

Technorati tags: Antares, Magick River, Malaria, Get Well Soon

Updated @ December 28th 1646 hrs: Got to know via Art Harun's Facebook page that Antares' condition is steadily improving. He quotes a message from one of the daughters: "Just saw my dad and he managed to open his eyes and even smile!....He's got most of the tubes out..... The parasites have been wiped out and they're expecting him to be out of ICU within the next day or two. I told him that everyone is praying for him and sending him love. Thanks ...".

Updated @ December 27th 2024 hrs: Latest news on Antares, taken from a comment posted by Zorro on his own blog, relaying a message from one of Antares’ daughters, Moonlake Lee. His condition is improving, but he’s not out of the woods, yet. See the comment excerpt at the end of this post.

Original Post:
Today, December 27th, makes it exactly one year to the day that Walski met Antares, Earth-spirit mystic, and keeper of Magick River (both the physical and online manifestations), for the first, and only, time.

It was in Penang, where Walski was spending time with the in-laws, and Antares was spiritually officiating an art show, where the image above was captured. Walski was given the task to fetch Antares from the art show, and to physically transport him to dinner, graciously hosted by Masterwordsmith and her lovely family.

Well, as you probably would already have heard, either thru Art Harun’s or Uncle Zorro’s blogposts, Antares is very ill, struggling to fight off an extremely bad case of malaria..

The little angel may be inanimate and made of clay, but it represents the positivity and good wishes that Walski’s trying hard to transmit, for Antares’ speedy recovery. 
(the cartoonist formerly known as Kit Leee, and more, in the full post)

If you’ve ever met Antares, you’ll probably either like, or totally dislike, him. Very few people Walski knows have an in-between feeling for the guy.

As an activist, Antares is very passionate about how he feels, be it for the cause of the peoples of the land and their fast-disappearing culture and habitat, or for our nation, Malaysia.

That, and the fact Antares is a bit of an eccentric person. Which is okay as far as Walski is concerned, because he realizes that creativity takes many forms in real life. But probably not so comfortable for others.

Be that as it may, last Walski heard, Anatares is still at the Sungai Buloh General Hospital, suffering not only a bad case of malaria, but from renal failure as well, a complication that developed while he was hospitalized.

Those of you who know him personally will probably know that Antares is the current persona of a well-known cartoonist of old, named Kit Leee, author/artist of the Adoi! cartoons. Those of you born after 1990 may not have heard of Kit Leee, even though you know of Antares.

Everyone has a history, as they say…

For now, however, Walski hopes that you focus your positivity and good thoughts in the general direction of the Sungei Buloh hospital. So well-known and noticed is the man’s dedication towards a better Malaysia, it’s even gotten the notice of another notable Malaysian.

Get well soon, Antares…

Update
The following is an excerpt of a comment taken from Zorro Unmasked, by one of Antares' daughters (slightly edited for punctuation).

Hi Everyone,

This is Moon, Antares' daughter. My sister, Belle and I, would like to thank everyone who has showed concern and love for our dad. Thanks for all your concern

Our dad's condition has improved but he is still in critical condition and not out of the woods yet. Please keep up the prayers and healing wishes.

Please note that he is under sedation (i.e not conscious) and in a weakened state. The doctors have advised to limit visits to immediate family for the time being - this is to minimize risk of infection to him.

My dad would be happier to see his friends when he is able to interact with them - not at this stage. You are most welcome to visit once he is out of the ICU and in the normal ward.

My sis and I will post updates on his Facebook wall so you can check there regularly to see how he is doing.

Thanks again for all the love and concern. We appreciate it and we know Antares does too.
(source: Zorro Unmasked)

Click here for the full post......

Opinion Poll: Do the majority of Malaysians really want the ISA to remain?

Technorati tags: Opinion Poll, ISA, Internal Security Act, Malaysia

For the first time in a long while, Walski’s on a roll with his blogging duties.

He’s got another poll up to gauge what the feeling in the bloggerhood’s like about a claim made by a senior politician, published in, among other places, Friday’s Berita Harian.

It was also reported by The Star, The Malaysian Mirror, and Malaysiakini, but without the same exuberance and gung-ho feel that the Berita Harian report seemed to have (download a PDF copy of the BH report here), basing on how they headlined the story: Everybody Agrees ISA to Remain (Semua Setuju ISA Kekal).

Essentially, our Home Minister held 6 meetings with focus groups, as reported by all the media bodies publishing the story.

The following is the version as published by The Star, dated yesterday, December 25th (emphasis by myAsylum):

Hishammuddin said that following the public meetings and discussions with the target groups, the ministry’s law review technical committee was in the final stages of studying all the views and suggestions before the amendments are tabled in Parliament.

He said he wanted the review to take into account the five main issues that had been identified as the basis of public dissatisfaction over the Act.

They are: the powers of the minister; duration of detention; the rights of and treatment given to the detainees; public perception that the enforcement of the Act was purely for political purposes; and detention without trial.

Hishammuddin said the Home Ministry had held six meetings with representatives of the various groups to discuss the proposed amendments.

“There is a general agreement on the need to retain the Act as an early prevention measure against acts of terror or other actions that can jeopardise national security,” he said.

He said the six meetings involved enforcement agencies, non-governmental organisations, academicians, law practitioners, politicians, members of Parliament, media practitioners and the general public.
(source: The Star)

The question is this: exactly which “various groups” was the minister referring to? Yes, Walski is a born skeptic, and being less than upfront about exactly whom Hisham met doesn’t sit well with his skepticism one tiny bit.
(a chance to give your two-bits worth, and more, in the full post)

Walski does admit that while he was a little unnerved by the Berita Harian headline, reading the English language version of the report did calm his nerves somewhat.

Let’s put it this way – does Walski think that it’s important to maintain national security? Hell, yeah. That’s a real no-brainer. But we live in a time when the public doesn’t buy any authority’s say-so merely on their say-so. If there’s evidence, formally charge them. It’s as simple as that.

Detention without trial is against the morality of just about any faith. Even against the morality of those without any specific faith, for that matter.

So you know where Walski stands on this issue.

But he still would like to know what all of you people think – and as far as the poll is concerned, he’s been fair.

There are 3 choices for you to pick from, based on what your opinion may be: abolish the ISA altogether, keep it, or keep it with the necessary amendments to prevent abuse of power.

As with earlier polls, if you have a Blogger-based blog, you can easily include it there by clicking the Add To Blogger button at the bottom of the poll. If you don’t have a Blogger-based blog, you can still add it by going to the Polldaddy poll page, and using the embed code provided.

Walski feels that this is a very important opinion poll, if there ever was one – what is the real feel of common everyday Malaysians. So spread the word, as far and wide as you can.

The poll will remain open until Midnight, December 31st, 2009. Walski’s counting on you…

Click here for the full post......

Poll Position: A reality TV show called BTN

Technorati tags: Opinion Poll, Poll Position, BTN

It’s Christmas Day, and Walski’s got time on his hands – a bit more than he normally has. So, he thought that there’d be no better time than to go on an update-binge of myAsylum. To make up for lost time, and since he has time to kill.

Well, the BTN poll has concluded, and the results are in.

It really looks like the pro-BTN & pro-BN/UMNO types didn’t bother to participate – just like many UMNO members aren’t even registered voters (tsk, tsk). Why? Because the fourth choice – “Let it be - it's doing the nation a great service” – was not even selected by a single person. Zero. Big fat nada. Zilch.

Either that, or it is true that NOBODY actually believes that the BTN – as is – is doing this country anything but disservice.
(result analysis, and more, in the full post)

The (simple) majority of 52% thought that the BTN should be shut down altogether. While the remainder 48% were split an equal 50/50 between a comprehensive revamp, and turning the damned thing into a reality TV show.

Walski has no clue whatsoever what a BTN reality show would resemble – maybe, based on some of the public sentiments about the department, a contest to see which BTN facilitator will emerge the Juara Rasis (Racist Champion)? A la American Idol, complete with viewer SMS voting, and with the participants themselves as judges. Not too shabby an idea, eh?

But kidding aside, Walski personally feels that the BTN – the National Civics Bureau – is still needed. Why? Simply because many Malaysian don’t have an ounce of civics consciousness in them whatsoever.

Special Handicap Reserve Parking Lots – who the fuck cares? Apart from Walski, not very many people. It’s more important that able-bodied Malaysians walk as little as possible, rather than even think of allowing those with physical disabilities to park. This totally screwed up personal priority system also accounts for double-parking, in many cases. It’s like Malaysians are totally allergic having to walk more than 10 steps… lazy fucks.

Holding the door for the person walking behind you? Naah – let the fucker fend for her/himself.

Saying “Thank You”, or wishing “Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening” to random strangers? Heck no – that’s reserved for foreigners, so that they can go home with the totally FALSE impression that Malaysians are courteous.

Traffic light junction? The main aim is to see how best one can cut the queue, and God forbid that one should have to line up like everyone else….

All of these are examples of why Walski thinks that the level of civic consciousness in Malaysia is decaying… so yeah, in that sense, the BTN is still needed. Not to develop a sense of blind allegiance to BN/UMNO or whomever the fuck the government of the day happens to be, but to teach Malaysians BASIC MANNERS.

But isn’t that the role of schools, you may ask? Once upon a time in Malaysia, yes, it used to be. Not anymore, though. Nope, these days it’s either Ugama or Moral Studies – and based on the general lack of civic consciousness Walski observes – neither of these cultivate good civics awareness.

Oh well… for the time being, though, the reality is that no one, save the PM, knows what will become of BTN. Many don’t see its relevance other than trying to brainwash young Malaysians. Others see it as a waste of time.

Walski thinks that it should be retained, but with its role totally overhauled, in addition to its curriculum. The question is, though, does ANYONE have the political balls to do anything with BTN?

Or, is it going to be another case of big hoo-haa sloganeering, and no action whatsoever?

Click here for the full post......

The "Bak" Stops Here

Technorati tags: Humor, Religion, Islam, Ignorance, Bak Kut Teh

Walski really wanted to say something about this yesterday, but because of the mad rush at work to get stuff done before the long-ish weekend, he didn’t get an opportunity to do so.

Once again, Malaysian Muslim “authorities” proudly display their SAPI-ness on their sleeves…

Just in case you were wondering, SAPI is a Walski-created acronym, which stands for ‘Stupidly Arrogant & Prejudicially Ignorant’. Sapi is also happens to be a Malay language word (not very frequently used on the Peninsular) which means ‘cow’. And no, it’s no coincidence. And yes, it is meant to be insulting (assuming, of course, the insultees even have a clue what Walski’s on about).

But at myAsylum, there’s no insult without just cause, and the sheer stupidity and ignorance proudly displayed in this case, which in turn paints a picture of all Muslims being so feeble-minded, warrants insult. Because, quite frankly, they brought it upon themselves – reaping what they have so SAPI-ly sown.

And just to set the record straight, The Star did not mistranslate the original Bahasa Malaysia article, which you can read via this posting at The Malaysian Insider. The original article (published by Utusan – no SAPI surprises here) stated:

Penggunaan istilah bak kut teh halal boleh mengelirukan umat Islam di samping bertentangan hukum syarak kerana bercanggah dengan kaedah fiqah yang ditetapkan oleh Islam.

Ketua Penolong Pengarah Jabatan Kemajuan Agama Islam Malaysia (Jakim) Lokman Abdul Rahman berkata, bak kut teh tidak boleh dianggap halal kerana ia masih mengekalkan penggunaan nama yang haram mengikut hukum Islam.
(source: The Malaysian Insider)

Nevermind that JAKIM thinks all Malaysian Muslims are as stupid as they are, What really perplexes Walski is this: how the fuck can “bak kut teh” be an illegal name?
(proudly proclaiming ignorance, a Hokkien lesson, and more, in the full post)

Unless, of course, one is ignorant of what it actually means, and lets one’s prejudice take over. So, here’s a lesson in basic Hokkien:

bak means 'meat'. ANY meat.

kut means (literally) 'bone', and

teh means 'tea'

So what’s so bloody illegal about meat-bone-tea? Even if you took the phrase ‘bak kut’ in isolation – literally, “meat bone”, which is generally used to refer to spare ribs – there’s no direct reference to pork. And in case you didn’t know, cows and sheep/goats have spare ribs, too – basic biology, people.

As far as Walski knows, there's no prohibition on the consumption on meat in general stated in the Quran, except for the meat/flesh of swine/pigs. And you would definitely not be able to find the term bak kut teh anyplace in the holy book.

Part of the article also quotes the secretary-general of the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia – better know as PPIM – Datuk Dr. Maamor Osman.

Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia secretary-general Datuk Dr Maamor Osman also disagreed with the introduction of bak kut teh halal.

“I am worried that misusing the term will slowly reduce the disinclination of Muslims towards pork. I hope Jakim can take strict measures to ensure that the food does not get halal certification,” he said.
(source: The Star)

To jolt your memory, PPIM are the same forsaken einsteins who took so much offence to cross-like patterns on biscuits.

You know, it's exactly this sort of authoritative dumbing-down stupidity that paints Muslims overall in a less than complementary light. So can you really blame the bad press that Muslims get the world over, when they themselves do and say the most ludicrous of things, and do it proudly, at that?

Walski's not entirely sure if PPIM had anything to do with the JAKIM statement, but it wouldn’t surprise him one bit if that were the case. Likely, what he thinks happened is that PPIM (dumbass ignoramuses that they are) made a complaint to JAKIM, who in turn didn’t think twice to support the consumer organization.

A clear-cut case of the blind leading the stupid…

Well, whatever these ignoramuslamists think they know, and proudly proclaim in all their ignorant glory, the bak definitely has to stop here.

Walski’s terminally made-up concatenative terminology attribution footnote: The term ignoramuslamist is another one of those words Walski made up. It consists of the the English word ignoramus, and muslamist, modified from the made-up word muslamism, penned by writer Ali Eteraz, from an article he wrote for Jewcy.

Just like Malaysian drivers and parking, when there doesn’t exist a word to adequately describe an idea, Walski simply makes one up.

Click here for the full post......

Peas On Earth

Technorati tags: Humor, Christmas, Peas On Earth, Bhangra

When Walski was in college many many years ago, there was a pun greeting that he and his friends used to utter around this time of the year,

Merry Christmas, Peas on Earth…

sometimes accompanied by spilling some boiled peas on the table/floor/ground, or playfully throwing 'em at each other.

Merry Christmas from myAsylum
(image originally from here)

And so, on the last Christmas of the first decade of the 21st century, on behalf of the elf, weaves, weasels and goblins who work the pixels hard at myAsylum, Walski would like to wish all his readers a Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings.

Peas on Earth, and all that good stuff… 
(a Christmas video of a “different” kind, and more, in the full post)

After almost an entire year of interesting, and sometimes tumultuous events, Walski hopes that everyone gets a bit of respite, in anticipation of an even more interesting year ahead – the beginning of a new decade.

Walski, like many others, doesn’t observe Christmas for its religious significance, but rather for the spirit of the season. It’s the time of year when family and friends – and sometimes even foes – gather for some good times together. The same, he supposes, for many other holidays, but somehow of them all, Christmas has this “fun” connotation to it for some reason.

And in that spirit of fun, Walski leaves you with a fun Christmas that he found yesterday on YouTube. And Walski being Walski, you definitely know that it’ll be a little offbeat. And yes, fun.

Merry Christmas, people!

Click here for the full post......

Is that an F-5E engine in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?

Technorati tags: Humor, Missing Jet Engine, RMAF, F-5E

This whole thing with the missing/stolen/sold fighter jet engine definitely has to be filed under the WTF section. When Walski first heard about the missing Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Nothrop F-5E engine, it got him wondering. Wondering in more kinds of ways than one.

First of all, the aircraft isn’t something you’d consider “small”. In fact, the F-5E is approximately 47 ft 4¾ in (14.45 m) in length, nose-to-tail. That’s roughly twice the width of a typical Malaysian link house (aircraft dimensional data obtained from Wikipedia).

And so just how big is the engine? 
(the engine, the ridiculousness, and more, in the full post)

According to Wikipedia, the F-5E is powered by two General Electric J85-GE-21B turbojet engines. Each one of them measuring between 45.4 to 51.1 inches long – that’s between 1.153 to 1.298 meters for you metrically inclined people – depending on what accessories are installed. It’s diameter is 17.7 inches, by the way, and weighs from anywhere between 396 to 421 pounds (or 179.62 to 190.96 kg), again depending on the accessories (all engine dimension and weight data obtained from Wikipedia).

Not exactly something that would fit into someone’s pocket, now, is it?  Unless you’re one extremely gigantic person, and therefore, not at all inconspicuous.

While Malaysia can take pride in the ability to make billions of ringgit disappear, without much consequence, and make it into an art-form almost, slipping a several-hundred pound jet engine under the noses of many levels of security is something else altogether.

So, more than whodunnit, Walski was wondering more along the lines of HOWdunnit? Which, of course, led to the silly title for this post.

What’s even stranger is that the engine was first found to be missing back in – get this – 2007! That’s two years ago. And the matter is still being investigated, according to a Bernama report, posted by The Malaysian Insider – Walski knows that things move very slowly in the government, but this is ridiculous (emphasis by myAsylum)!

Earlier, Zahid said the loss was detected in 2007, and internal investigations were undertaken by Mindef while police also probed the matter.

“The investigations revealed RMAF’s logistics system was foolproof. However, the shady activity might have been carried out staff in the lower rungs in cahoots with outsiders,” he told reporters after launching the Penang and south Kedah territorial army company, here today.
(source: The Malaysian Insider)

Well, obviously not foolproof enough. And a large item like a General Electric J85-GE-21B is probably not something that could have been misplaced, hiding on a shelf someplace.

And funny, though, how it’s always the lower rung people that are immediately the first to be suspected, huh? Probably easier that way than having to overhaul the entire logistics chain of command, Walski supposes…

But has anyone considered the possibility that David Copperfield might have had something to do with the theft? He has, after all, made much larger objects disappear. And didn’t he perform in Malaysia in 2007? Oh wait, he was scheduled to perform, but had to make himself disappear from his Asian tour, due to an FBI investigation on him following allegations of sexual misconduct. Okay, so maybe not.

In any case, the missing/stolen/sold F-5E jet engine incident makes you wonder what other stuff goes missing from the Malaysian military from time to time, now, doesn’t it? Well, we already know about the C4…

Be that as it may, Walski has no intention to speculate, nor does he want to make any effort whatsoever to try to get to the bottom of the mystery. But it does make him wonder. A whole helluva lot.

And so, if you didn’t before, you now know exactly what to ask, the next time you see an inordinately large person, with a humungous bulge in his/her pocket, walking a tad bit funny…

 

Click here for the full post......

Common Ground for a Common Cause

Technorati tags: Politics, Pakatan Rakyat, Pakatan Rakyat Convention, Common Policy Framework, CPF

If you rely on the MSM (mainstream media – not men who have sex with men) to get your news, it’s a very good chance that you may not have heard about the first Pakatan Rakyat (PR) convention, which was held yesterday, December 19, in Shah Alam.

That said, The Star and New Straits Times did have cursory reports on the unveiling of the Common Policy Framework during the convention.

But not surprisingly, nothing on the convention by either Utusan or Berita Harian. Instead, both Malay language dailies not only ignored the convention, but also published less-than-positive reports about the component parties.

Arriving at a common ground, as simple as it may sound, is no mean feat, particularly between three political parties that have, at times, very disparate views on certain issues.

To Walski, this is a very positive step forward towards having a common Pakatan Rakyat voice. The real test henceforth is to live up to the common ground agreed upon.

Since none of the MSM (as far as he knows) has outlined what the common framework actually is, and since not everyone has a paid subscription to Malaysiakini (which published the contents of the framework document), Walski felt it incumbent upon himself to publish them here. He thinks that it’s important you are adequately informed. 

The chief architect of the framework is none other than former Law Minister, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who apparently has been working on it for the past few months, ever since he joined Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) back in June this year (via The Malaysian Insider).

The Common Policy Framework (CPF), as reported by Malaysiakini yesterday, has three main thrusts:

1. Democracy
2. Economy, and
3. Social Justice

While there were some shortcomings in terms of expectations (like the issue of local council elections [via The People’s Parliament]), Walski personally feels that it’s a good start – provided that PR can live up to what they’ve put down on paper. 
(the Common Policy Framework, in full, and more, in the full post)

The following, constituting what Walski thinks is the complete gist of the policy, was published yesterday by Malaysiakini. Each of the three thrusts is explained and expounded upon, and gives a clearer picture of where PR stands as a single political entity.

Pakatan Rakyat’s Common Policy Framework

1. Democracy

A. Constitutionalism and the rule of law
The federal constitution is the manifestation of the aspirations and hopes of the independent Malaysian people.

Within it, the fundamental rights of every citizen including rights to religion, language, citizenship and culture are fully guaranteed.

Therefore, Pakatan commits to uphold the spirit and provisions of the federal constitution.

Pakatan will:

1. Defend the federal constitution, Islam as the religion of the federation while other religions can be practiced peacefully anywhere in the country and protecting the special position of the Malays and the indigenous peoples anywhere including Sabah and Sarawak, and the legitimate interests of other races in accordance with Article 153.
2. Defend the role and responsibility of the institution of constitutional monarchy.
3. Uphold the use of Bahasa Melayu in accordance with Article 152 of the Constitution and promote Bahasa Melayu as the regional lingua franca, while protecting and strengthening the use of mother tongue languages for all races.
4. Abolish the Internal Security Act and other laws that allow for detention without trial while simultaneously propose that all existing emergency declarations be rescinded.
5. Abolish or amend all other oppressive laws and regulations that are repressive and contravene fundamental rights.
6. Guarantee the spirit of federalism and a just relationship between the federation and the states, especially Sabah and Sarawak.

B. Separation of powers
The effectiveness of the democratic system is dependent on the proper implementation of separation of powers.

The integrity of a government is dependent on the independence, credibility and legitimacy of its institutions that have been entrusted with the responsibility to ensure checks and balances among the branches of the executive, judicial and legislative.

Pakatan will:

1. Restore the integrity of the judicial system and guarantee transparency and full independence of the Judicial Appointment Commission.
2. Restructure the workings in Parliament to make it more transparent, democratic and able to perform its role to check and balance.
3. Guarantee the direct accountability to Parliament of bodies such as the Election Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, Human Rights Commission, Petronas, Khazanah and others.
4. Ensure that the appointment of positions such as the inspector-general of police, the attorney-general, the anti-corruption commissioner and the auditor-general require the approval of Parliament.
5. Create a National Ombudsman Department.
6. Strengthen local government democracy and democratically enhance the competency and effectiveness of the delivery system and guarantee transparency at all levels.
7. Free all media, amend the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, enact a Freedom of Information Act and ensure Internet freedom.
8. Enhance the performance of public service sector and ensure the welfare of its members. Ensure that the institution remains independent and able to perform its responsibilities competently.
9. Empower and enhance civil society. Increase the participation of people through dialogues and consultations.

C. A clean, free and fair electoral system
The tarnished electoral system must be restored its integrity.The sovereign power of the people to choose the country's leadership must be defended from any defects that allows for manipulation.

Therefore it is important for us to review all the relevant electoral laws.

Pakatan will:

1. Enable all citizens age 18 and above to vote via automatic registration.
2. Eliminate all weaknesses in the electoral system by cleaning the electoral roll; abolish postal votes for voters within the country, ensure all citizens outside the country can vote; and introduce the use of indelible ink.
3. Ensure the media provides political parties fair and just space, reasonable campaign period and a clean and free election process.
4. Re-delineate constituencies to mirror the principle of one citizen, one vote in order to guarantee a more fair and just representation.
5. Grant political parties campaign expenditures based on the percentages of votes in general elections.
6. Enact more effective laws to punish candidates or political parties that are involved in corruption or vote-buying practices.

2. Economy

Pakatan is determined to create a national economy with high performance and sustainable growth.

To ensure national competitiveness, it is critical that effective distribution of national resources and wealth in key and strategic fields or sectors of the economy is ensured.

Stimulating local investment and generating strong domestic demand as well as attracting continuous foreign direct investments will foster an economy that is progressive and resilient.

Pakatan is committed to creating a 'People's Economy' to ensure that the prosperity and wealth generated will be reaped by people of all classes whilst reducing the gap between rich and poor, as well as overcoming the disparity of development between regions, as a consequence of mismanagement that failed to prioritise the interests of the majority.

A. High-performance economy
The basis of a high-performance economy is a workforce that is knowledge-based, competent and highly-skilled.

Pakatan will provide all necessary investment to produce a high-productivity workforce in order to boost high-added value in national economic activities.

Pakatan will:

1. Guarantee that opportunities of higher education and training based on competency are provided in all service, manufacturing and agricultural sectors.
2. Ensure that every worker who wants to improve his or her skills is given an opportunity to obtain continuous training to enhance productivity.
3. Encourage citizens who are professionals and skilled living overseas to return home by creating a professional and attractive working environment.

B. Democratic and transparent economy Pakatan is committed to implement policies to ensure that the management of the economy is free from corruption, abuse of power and cronyism in order to enhance accountability, transparency and good governance.

Corrupt practices and abuse of power has dissipated national wealth and prevented sustainable economic growth and weakened national competitiveness.

Pakatan will:

1. Reform the tender system so that it becomes open, fair, transparent, and gives the best value for the people's money.
2. Reject privatisation which burdens the people. Re-negotiate unfair concessions and contracts that profited cronies, including IPPs, highway tolls and water infrastructure.
3. Implement a progressive taxation system and reject any taxes that burden the people. This includes putting a stop to the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) until the people and the country are ready for it.

C. Decentralisation and the empowerment of state economic management
In keeping with the spirit of federalism to improve the government's delivery system, effectiveness and efficient expenditure, the implementation of extensive development and economic policies will be needed to be devolved to the state governments according to respective priorities.

Decentralisation can motivate structural change in the economic framework to boost efficiency and productivity due to greater effectiveness in expenditure, besides higher multiplier effects for government expenditure in the national economy.

Pakatan will:

1. Implement grants for development and equalisation based on a formula of total population, poverty rate, development area, cost, human development and gross revenue per capita indices that will ensure that the poorer states are not left behind.
2. Redistribute economic and administrative power and the implementation of infrastructure works to the state governments, for example an equitable negotiation rights in ascertaining public transportation design and network.
3. Generate a more balanced geographical development, thereby creating productive secondary cities nationwide in order to reduce development centralisation in the Klang Valley.
4. Prioritising policies that generate high and long-term growth, based on an economic understanding where the state governments are in a better position to determine and implement socio-economic strategies.

D. Affirmative action policies based on need
Pakatan recognises that all Malaysians are entitled to assistance based on need regardless of background.

Pakatan is determined to make the national economy people-centred, so that the national wealth can be enjoyed equitably by all.

Pakatan will:

1. Ensure equitable economic assistance and distribution to all based on need.
2. Assist marginalised groups from all races.
3. Provide cash assistance directly to target groups to end hardcore poverty.
4. Provide education scholarships based on need and merit.
5. Ensure social mobility by guaranteeing more equitable and equal economic opportunity for all.
6. Use the savings from leakages and wastage and the fight against corruption as additional resources for programmes to eradicate poverty.

E. Labour
Labour is the foundation to the continuous prosperity of the nation. Pakatan will guarantee that all Malaysian workers will be treated justly and further ensure their welfare and prosperity be preserved.

Pakatan will:

1. Introduce minimum wage for all Malaysian workers.
2. Defend workers' rights to form trade unions according to their needs and choice; and ensure that they are given the same rights and protection in accordance with international standards.
3. Introduce an Equal Opportunity Act to ensure that work opportunities are open to all.
4. Support entrepreneurs and businessmen of Small and Medium Enterprises by providing access to loans, adequate infrastructure and further reduce bureaucracy.
5. Facilitate assistance to fishermen and farmers to drive increased productivity.
6. Re-structure an integrated foreign workers policy and reduce national dependence on foreign labour.
7. Provide support system to groups involved in the informal economic sector such as small businesses, hawkers, farmers and those who are self employed.

F. Social safety net
All Malaysians are entitled to enjoy life with dignity at all times. Those who have lost their income, the elderly, the disabled and low-income groups must be protected and also given the opportunity to enjoy the economic benefits of development.

Pakatan will:

1. Strengthen the Employees' Provident Fund system and introduce a pension scheme for private sector employees.
2. Set up a National Retrenchment Fund to provide temporary financial support to those who have lost their jobs, subsidy for on-the-job training and retraining of workers
3. Extend the retirement age to 60 years in order to provide opportunities to those who wish to continue contributing to society.

G. Housing
Housing is a basic human need. In reality, a large number of Malaysians could not, without assistance, afford their own housing especially those from the lower and middle income.

Therefore Pakatan will:

1. Set up a Perbadanan Perumahan with the mandate to increase the number of affordable housing and achieving the goal of One Family, One House.
2. Overcome the problems concerning 'squatters/urban settlers' as far as possible through in situ housing development and/or land sharing and through low interest loans to assist the squatters/urban settlers to purchase their own houses.
3. Coordinate a negotiation system for' squatters/urban settlers', developers and the authorities to achieve a win-win solution for matters concerning housing and land;
4. Provide assistance to upgrade low-cost houses and Projek Perumahan Rakyat in order to meet the increased number of household occupants;
5. Invest in public amenities in the apartment surroundings to ensure a balanced and healthy environment.
6. Encourage transparency and competition in the financial sector in order to make housing loans more accessible and affordable.
7. Cooperate with state governments to safeguard housing policy and ensure that affordable housing is provided for those in need.

H. Infrastructure and public facilities
Providing and maintaining good public infrastructure is the government's responsibility.

The implementation should not burden the people or merely profit certain cronies.

Good public infrastructure and facilities can increase the people's disposable income and their productivity.

Pakatan will:

1. Guarantee clean water and electricity at reasonable rates to every family in Malaysia.
2. Review and re-negotiate all highway toll agreements and study the possibility of purchasing back the Plus highway with the objective to eliminate tolls in seven years.
3. Improve the efficiency of the public transport system through the establishment of the Commission of Public Transport comprising government and community representatives.
4. Introduce a half-fare scheme for elderly citizens, the disabled, students and retirees for all types of public transport.
5. Re-assess the granting of taxi permits to large companies and prioritise individual entrepreneurs and their associations.
6. Provide efficient broadband Internet service for free in order to reduce the digital divide.

I. Environment
Our environment is a national treasure that must be preserved for the sustainability of the future generations. Facing crisis of climate change, Pakatan resolves to:

1. Entrench the practice of recycling as part of our culture by providing the necessary infrastructure and a comprehensive system.
2. Ensure all logging activities and deforestation are carried out in a controlled and sustainable manner.
3. Build the foundation and technological expertise to enable a smooth transition to the use of alternative energy resources.
4. Restrict the development at hill slopes and hazardous areas.
5. Reduce carbon emission rate to conform with international standards and increase the ability of the ecological system to absorb carbon.

J. Sustainable growth and green development
Pakatan is determined to make the green economy as the core of a new era of equitable and sustainable prosperity for Malaysia.

The provision of infrastructure and development of new industries in line with the transition to a green economy will become an engine for dynamic economic growth.

Pakatan will:

1. Introduce modern, comprehensive and appropriate infrastructure for a low carbon economy, including a world-class, integrated public transport system and a comprehensive recycling programme.
2. Develop industries based on green technology such as manufacturing solar panels and hydrogen cell fuels.
3. Lead the development of alternative energy systems and renewable energy in the Asian region.
4. Strengthen the agriculture sector with the latest methods and technology to ensure that the national food supply is secured.

3. SOCIAL JUSTICE

A. Unity and social justice
Pakatan resolves to foster understanding and unity among the people based on the principle of preserving our common interests.

National unity must reflect a genuine solidarity, understanding and togetherness among the races, cultures and religions.

Pakatan promises to rebuild a united multiracial society, where the different races can live in peace and harmony.

Pakatan will:

1. Focus on efforts to mend the deteriorated relationships among the races and religions.
2. Consolidate the efforts of all stakeholders in order to restore the good will, mutual respect and trust which have long been practiced by the multi-racial and multi-religious people of Malaysia.
3. Enact a Race Relations Act to safeguard unity and harmony of the people and to eliminate discrimination among the races.
4. Generate support from every level of the society so that it can hold fast to all the principles and norms that should be upheld by an open society.
5. Strive to eliminate the practice of racial politics through various means including education, mass media, dialogues and consultations.
6. Cultivate a Malaysian culture based on moral values and excellence that is accepted by all races.
   This will require an open attitude towards cultural diversity that is practiced by the various races and ethnic groups in Malaysia.
   Pakatan will do this whilst taking consideration the country's history and evolution.
7. Improve the welfare of Orang Asli, Orang Asal and other minority groups in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak besides defending their fundamental, economic and social rights.

B. Religion
Religion and other beliefs practiced by Malaysians should form the basis of unity that is founded on good universal values.

Malaysians have almost fallen into the boiling pot of discord and tension that was caused by manipulation of religious differences.

This should not happen in a genuinely democratic Malaysia, with Islam occupying a special position whilst the rights of other religions are guaranteed.

Pakatan vows to:

1. Defend the position of Islam as the religion of the Federation and guarantee freedom of religion for every Malaysian.
2. Organise dialogues and consultations between cultures and religions in order to strengthen the understanding among them.
3. Set up a comprehensive mechanism to provide just resolutions to cases which involve the overlap of civil and syariah laws, including a royal commission to deeply study all the relevant issues.
4. Strengthen the management of Islamic institutions such as Baitul Mal and Tabung Haji to ensure that they are administered effectively and efficiently to achieve their objectives.
5. Ensure suitable areas for places of worship and burial grounds for all religions.

C. Education
Education should be aimed at creating a person who is balanced spiritually, physically and intellectually.

Through the national education system, Pakatan resolves to provide a system of education that is competent, of high quality and guarantees equal opportunity to the people.

Pakatan will:

1. Make the national school system the foundation of the nation's education system.
   Ensure the equitable support and funding to religious schools, Chinese and Tamil national schools, mission schools and vocational schools in a concerted effort to increase the standard of national education.
2. Balance the emphasis from an examination-oriented system to a learning system based on critical and analytical thinking in search for the truth.
3. Ensure that every eligible student will have an opportunity to be placed in public institutions of higher learning regardless of their backgrounds.
4. Amend the University and University Colleges Act 1974 in order to create a conducive climate that guarantees academic freedom and university autonomy which increases the quality of education comparable with developed countries.
5. Ensure the appointment of vice chancellors, rectors, and other high ranking academic officials are based on qualification and approval of the Senate Council.
6. Improve the quality and facilities of disadvantaged schools in the interior parts of Sabah and Sarawak;
7. Increase the quality of teachers' education at every school level and increase the number of trained teachers based on demand.
8. Provide a high level of training opportunities for teachers and lecturers so that their knowledge and professional expertise are up to date.
9. Re-examine the teachers' service scheme and increase incentives for those who teach in the rural areas.
10. Provide scholarships based on merit and other financial aid based on need with priority given to poor students from the rural and interior areas.
11. Emphasise the importance of students mastering various languages including English, Arabic and Mandarin as leading languages in the world and also other mother tongues.
12. Provide places and training for those who drop out of school.
13. Widen the scope of the National Accreditation Board to monitor and propose the recognition of certificates, diplomas and degrees both local and international which fulfill the acceptable academic standards including the UEC certificate and Diploma Muadalah (twinning).

~ o 0 O O O 0 o ~

Needless to say, these are a very lofty set of principles. No, it’s not everything that Walski had hoped it would be, but he will reserve his comments for a follow-up post. Again, he would like to reiterate that Pakatan’s credibility going forward will depend on how well they live up to the policy framework that they, and they alone, have agreed upon.

In a sense, the launch of the CPF is somewhat historic and significant, being that the Pakatan Rakyat, as a single political entity, is infantile compared to Barisan Nasional, in terms of the number of years of being around. And yet, they (or at the very least their leadership) seem to be more committed towards coming to a common ground, from which they can proceed to fight for a common cause.

Walski takes it that now, you have been duly informed… and therefore in a position to decide for yourself – is this the foundational beginning for a better Malaysia?

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