Political cramps

Technorati tags: Humor, Politics, PMS, Parti Makkal Sakti

Seriously – who needs real life, when politics can be stranger than fiction?

Najib finds new Indian allies, bypasses the MIC
by Baradan Kuppusamy

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 — The invitation card is glossy, in gold colour and of superior quality, in keeping with the VIP who is guest of honour at the Oct 10 launch of the new kid on the block — the Parti Makkal Sakti Malaysia.

The VIP will be Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who appears to be signalling that he is not going to solely depend on Barisan Nasional (BN) stalwart parties like the MIC and MCA to reach out to the non-Malay communities.

He will launch the new Indian-based party formed by former leaders of Hindraf at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park in Serdang next month in a strategy which bears similarities to his father Tun Razak Hussein's move in the 1970s to welcome more political parties into the establishment fold.
(source: The Malaysian Insider)

Per capita, the Indian demographics seems to have their unfair share of political parties (supposedly) championing them – MIC, PPP… and now Parti Makkal Sakti – PMS.

Yes, by some stroke of divine comical providence, the fledgling political party will share its acronym with that once-a-month, dreadfully painful female affliction – which also affects males within spitting distance, incidentally.

Was Hindraf really such an unbearable pain, that BN had to embrace PMS instead?
(the pain, the pain, and more, in the full post)

As if the acronym weren’t bad enough, they’re going to launch the party at an Agro Exposition Park. Let’s just hope this doesn’t turn out to be just a load of political bull.

And more puns fully intended – is PMS going to one day cramp MIC’s style?

Yes, one can really go to town with this… and Walski intends to do just that. Even its full name can be a source of comedic faux pas – like, if Sakti was to be misspelled as Sakit.

Letting his imagination run even more wild – if Parti Makkal Sakti were to be modeled after its BN counterpart, UMNO (which, Walski thinks, will be the case), are we going to also see the emergence of Pemuda PMS, Putera/Puteri PMS, and… get this – Wanita PMS?

It does make Walski wonder, though. When can a Puteri PMS member graduate into Wanita PMS? It would be kinda pointless if it were after menopause, one would imagine.

Within BN, though, it’s bad enough that PPP is these days pretty much a Powerless Peoples’ Party. Walski wonders if MIC is also going to suffer a similar fate, once PMS rages through the coalition.

Or, is PMS going to be more a politically subdued entity? Like, hearing from them only about once a month or so? But when you do hear from them, you’ll probably be compelled to pay attention.

But actually, Walski is not a bit surprised that Najib has decided to support a 3rd Indian political front within the BN fold – assuming that PMS will be assimilated. Najib, like Walski, has probably had it up to here with the MIC theatrics and geriatrics. And PPP being PPP… well, a third front makes perfect sense.

And Najib probably likes the idea of PMS being part of the Malaysian political landscape [insert your own Rosmah joke here], even though it’s already acne-blemished as it is.

Seriously, though – the existence of a third Indian-ethnocentric political entity within the BN coalition is bound to raise all sorts of interesting symptoms… err, scenarios.

Like making BN experience even more bloating that it already suffers from – we’re talking about what, 13 member parties now? Add PMS, and it’ll be 14. Now, that’s a number that probably won’t be popular with the Chinese-based components.

It’s already almost a given that there will be severe irritability within MIC and PPP, once PMS takes root. Walski’s already mentioned the possibility of PMS cramping MIC’s style. Which then will lead to a whole lot of stress and headaches within the bosoms of BN. As if it doesn’t already have a butt-load of anxiety. 

Then again, this is politics we’re talking about – an area of life that’s very prone to mood swings.

Should the day come that BN has just about had enough of PMS, are we going to see the emergence of another new political Indian entity? Something like, say, the Malaysian Indian Democratic Oratorical League – or MIDOL, for short?

And if you do feel cramping in your abdominal area after reading this, let’s just hope that it’s not PMS…

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

Cause & Effect?

Technorati tags: Humor, Music, Synchronicity, PAS Youth, Politically Partisan Royalty

This is just too funny.

If you believe there’s a higher power out there somewhere (call it what you may), you gotta to be thinking the same as Walski – maybe the Big Guy’s trying to tell us something.

Cause and Effect, perhaps?

Whatever it is, Walski thought that both happening on the same day was kinda hilarious. 
(even more causes and effects, in the full post)

Okay, so it’s probably not possible to use physics to prove that royalty being partisan causes lightning. Walski, at least, can’t. Then again, he’s not a physicist.

So, what happens when a successful F1 weekend is at risk, due to the novelty of a night race wearing off, and general ongoing F1 problems? Not sure what Malaysia would do (apart from wanting to spend billions of our own F1 team), but…

Yup, if it’s Singapore, organize a big name 3-day music festival.

Okay, granted that most of these acts are oh, so 20th century, and those that aren’t Walski isn’t particularly interested in… but big names are big names. And big names pull in big crowds from all over, not just Singapore. Not exactly something that Walski would fork out money for, but he knows of several people who would love the opportunity to catch as many big names at one music festival: ZZ Top, Simple Minds, No Doubt, Black Eyed Peas, Beyoncé…

Oh, and speaking of Beyoncé…

Wanna make PAS Youth pissed off? Easy - just tell ‘em you’re planning something fun, preferably something music-orientated. Just about any music for that matter (they’ll have a ready excuse).

Now, how’s that for Cause & Effect?

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

A schism of isms

Technorati tags: Schism, Ism, Religion, Dogma, Malaysia

Going against the mainstream can be a challenging thing to do. And not always fun, either. But Walski being Walski, there are some occasions when he has to do exactly that.
Yesterday, The Star published an article written by Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Ahmad, director of the Center for Syariah, Law and Political Science, an academic sub-group within the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia, better known as IKIM.
Walski won’t duplicate the entire article, entitled “Human rightism” vs religion, but rather will pick out certain areas that he thinks are of interest to this discussion. The gist, however, is that what’s termed as “Human rightism” is not entirely congruous with Islam. Or, as Dr. Wan Azhar argues, any religion.
Once again, the tired argument that those who don’t have “sufficient” knowledge on religion, Islam in particular, should not voice any opinion or objections when it comes to matters deemed Islamic, becomes one of the key points raised. Even if these matters have an effect, direct or indirect, on one’s life.
Well, Walski for one believes that he has a right to critique anything that has an effect on his own life. And frankly, if Dr. Wan Azhar doesn’t like that, well, just too bad.
The first thing that the article does is to paint human rights as an ideological doctrine, and therefore an ism. Understandable, because from many an Islamist’s point of view, any ism may be seen as somewhat derogatory. With the exception, naturally, of Islamism (emphasis by myAsylum).

THE doctrine of human rights seems to have developed into an ism that has rapidly spread, and been embraced, defended and championed by an increasing number of people beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries worldwide.

This universal human rightism is also perceived by many as an ideology that prevails over national laws and even transcending religions.

For some reasons, conflicts are always portrayed to happen when the values of human rightism are brought against the teachings of Islam.
(source: The Star)

So, it would appear that the stage is set – values of human rights can be incongruous to the “teachings of Islam”. Or the conventionally mainstream view, anyway. 
(schisms of isms, and more, in the full post)
In a larger sense, the article is a commentary on the events and opinions surrounding the Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno case. But it does also try to reinforce certain mainstream and conventional views.
Such as the one that not everyone can comment on religion. Or, at least, not Islam. And that view is very apparent in the article.

Another argument goes to the effect that every Tom, Dick and Harry must be given a chance to speak about things even if he has no sufficient knowledge about or no knowledge at all.

It is as if we ask a layman having no knowledge and training in medicine to prescribe medication for a dying patient.

In religious matters, not everybody has the right to claim that he enjoys the freedom to give an opinion as he wishes without first gaining a certain degree of knowledge on the subject matter in dispute.

Religious matters must be left in the hands of qualified ulama to address, in as much as medical matters must be given to qualified doctors.

If one is ill-informed or totally in the dark about any religious precept, then one has to do some research, seek counsel from those who are competent, qualified and authoritative.
(source: The Star)

Very mainstream. Very conventional. So, no surprises whatsoever.
But once upon a time, it was conventional belief that headaches were the work of demons. And if it were not for the freedom for certain “heretical” individuals to question this belief, we’d still be subjected to exorcisms, rather than aspirin or paracetamol, for headache relief.
One bit written in the article, somewhere mid-way through the piece, caught Walski’s attention more than anything else, and is something that he would like to explore a bit more.

Let’s turn to the mockers of the case. Some remark that whipping for drinking intoxicating beverages is not there in the Quran. It’s true, but the sources of Islamic law is not confined to the Holy Book alone.
(source: The Star)

Consider the following verses from the Quran.

Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than Allah; that which hath been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by being gored to death; that which hath been (partly) eaten by a wild animal; unless ye are able to slaughter it (in due form); that which is sacrificed on stone (altars); (forbidden) also is the division (of meat) by raffling with arrows: that is impiety. This day have those who reject faith given up all hope of your religion: yet fear them not but fear Me. This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But if any is forced by hunger, with no inclination to transgression, Allah is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
(Surah 5, Verse 3)

Shall I seek for judge other than Allah? - when He it is Who hath sent unto you the Book, explained in detail. They know full well, to whom We have given the Book, that it hath been sent down from thy Lord in truth. Never be then of those who doubt. (Surah 6, Verse 114)

And We put coverings over their hearts (and minds) lest they should understand the Qur'an, and deafness into their ears: when thou dost commemorate thy Lord and Him alone in the Qur'an, they turn on their backs, fleeing (from the Truth). (Surah 17, Verse 46)

Far be it for Walski to contradict what Dr. Wan Azhar says – the bulk of “Islamic laws” are indeed not based on the Quran. In fact, according to Dr. Zaharuddin Abdul Rahman, a Syariah scholar, a vast majority of it isn’t (translation and emphasis by myAsylum).

Kiranya hadith Ahad tidak diterima dalam hukum. Ini bermakna hampir 95% sumber perundangan hukum Islam akan ditolak. Kerana semuanya bersumber dari hadith Ahad.

If “hadith Ahad” cannot be accepted in the area of jurisprudence. This would mean that almost 95% of Islamic law sources would be rejected. Because all of these are based on “hadith Ahad”.
(source: Zaharuddin.net)

“Hadith Ahad”, incidentally, is defined as hadith (sayings/narrations of Prophet Muhammad) whose narrators at every point in the chain of narration is few in number (3 or less, according to some definitions).
As far as Walski knows, the Quran is God’s final direct revelation to mankind. If that is the case, and if the Quran is detailed, and contains God’s perfected religion and favor for mankind, why is it that the sources of Islamic laws are not confined to the Quran alone? This is a question that Walski will not provide an answer for.
And yet, without a moment’s hesitation, most Muslims will immediately agree that the Syariah is God’s undisputable law on Earth. Despite the fact that there are many versions of the Syariah, which is a diverse as “Islam” is today.
It’s not Walski’s intention to debate on what constitutes “God’s law” and what doesn’t – he merely wants to put some perspective on some claims. And based on these added perspectives, to think a little bit beyond our dogmatic isms.
Walski realizes that it would be pointless to debate this at any great length, as centuries of disagreement can never be resolved in one blog post. In all likelihood, such disagreements will continue for a considerable time to come.
The point remains, however, that when we become absolutist on one position over the other, we create our own ism. That, in totality, then creates a schism between the various isms we create.
The path forward, therefore, is not through exclusivity, but through objectivity. And objectivity, in part, necessitates looking at all isms, from all angles, including those isms that some might claim exclusivity to.
Otherwise, all we’re left with will be schisms. Perpetually.

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

LRTQ2: Eid, Drink and Be Merry

Technorati tags: Eid, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Quran, Reading, Campaign

Yes, it's day 3 of Eid-ul-Fitr, and no, Walski's not forgotten. It's just that he's decided to stay under the radar for a bit. But why is a long story that he chooses not to talk about, so don't even ask.

That said…

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri
~ Eid Mubarrak ~

Which also means that the LRTQ2 campaign has come to an end. And so this post doubles up as a closing post for the campaign. Truth be told, on Walski’s part, he feels he could have done more.

Co-campaigner Marina M. had posted her closing bit for the campaign, touching on the concept of forgiveness, a theme that is abundantly spoken of in the Quran. It has become a tradition, of sorts, in these parts that one asks for forgiveness during Hari Raya. Wiping the slate clean, so to speak, of any misdeeds or screw ups we may have committed.

Walski won’t get all over-preachy on you in this post, but he does want to highlight one verse that touches on forgiveness (emphasis by myAsylum).

And those who, when they do an evil thing or wrong themselves, remember Allah and implore forgiveness for their sins - Who forgiveth sins save Allah only? - and will not knowingly repeat (the wrong) they did. (Surah 3, Verse 135)

The point is this: forgiveness, ultimately, is not unconditional. 
(conditioned by the conditioning conditions, and more, in the full post)

As human beings, we’re prone to screw ups – by no means are we perfect creatures. And by no means shouldn’t we forgive one another for honest mistakes or misdeeds.

What Walski questions, sometimes, is the sincerity. Being that asking for forgiveness has become a Hari Raya tradition, he wonders how sincere we are in asking for forgiveness sometimes. It’s as if we ask for forgiveness just because we’ve been conditioned to do so.

Is it really out of remorse, or just because it’s “the thing to do” this time of year? When politicians ask for forgiveness, does that mean they’re making a pledge to become better human beings, or simply better politicians?

It is, however, not for Walski to question anyone’s sincerity, by the way – he’s not a mind reader. Sometimes, we have to take things at face value, and not think the worst of people. That said, although Walski can easily forgive, he seldom forgets. Which brings to mind this little number, from one of the few pop acts that he actually likes.

Not to say he keeps score, or anything like that. It’s more of a “once bitten, twice shy” kinda thingy.

Well, we can only try to do our best, Walski supposes. If he has inadvertently offended you, do remember that it’s not personal – Walski may criticize ideas and actions, but he doesn’t think that people are inherently evil. Misguided, maybe, but not evil. And therefore, they have the capacity to change for the better.

So, this Hari Raya, Walski hopes that while you seek forgiveness, you enjoy yourself, tool. But don’t over do it – especially when it comes to food. Easier said than done, though – every home we visit, food becomes the central attraction, and Malaysia being Malaysia, the diversity of food is really tremendous.

Enjoy the company of friends and family, definitely… Eid, Drink and Be Merry… so to speak.

As for the LRTQ2 campaign, Walski hopes that whatever little he’s contributed has been beneficial. Circumstances have been that too much went on during the period to really be able to concentrate on doing a good job with the campaign.

Oh, one other seasonal reminder, before Walski forgets – if you have to travel, do be careful on the road. It’s the time of year when the highways get choked up (literally), and time to tap on your patience bank account. Yes, it’s easy to get pissed off when driving this time of year (or during any festivities), but just remember to not do anything rash, or emotional, while on the road. It’s better to be a little late, than to not reach your destination in one piece.

Okay, folks… time for Walski to get ready to do the 3rd day of Raya thing… more visiting and such. Take good care while you have your fun!

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

Bovine Perspectives

Technorati tags: Humor, Cow, Malaysia, Current Events

One of Walski’s favorite home-grown websites has to be PopTV (pronounced Pop Tee Vee). It has a neat collection of ongoing programs, such as The Weekend Sessions, 20 Questions, and Bulletin Popek – a brilliant political and current events gossip program, presented by a hand-puppet (for some reason not updated since July).

But the program that Walski tries to catch without fail is The Fairly Current Show, hosted by Fahmi Fadzil. It also features Elaine Presley reading from “Unwelcome Words” by Amir Muhammad.

The latest installment, though, is special – Fahmi interviews a cow, named Jay Cee to get her perspective on current events. Seriously.

Is it just Walski, or did you find it moo-ving, too? 
(fair, balanced, and cross-species viewpoints, in the full post)

Truth be told, Walski’s more than impressed. Never realized that Fahmi spoke cow. In a totally psychic way, to boot. Not sure of Jay Cee’s religious affiliations, but you may be forgiven if the phrase “holy cow” came to your mind while watching the segment.

But why this effort by PopTV? Producer Mark Teh, in a Facebook message sent out via The Fairly Current Show’s own Facebook group page, explains.

Much has been written and debated about on the Shah Alam cow-head controversy. Members of the Section 19 and 23 communities, politicians, provocateurs, bloggers, the mainstream media, the online media, the international media, concerned Malaysians, ugly Malaysians, beautiful Malaysians – they've all had their say.

But one voice remains unheard. The most important voice.

This week, The Fairly Current Show brings you deep inside a community of cows, to understand the story from THEIR perspective, to hear the words, so to speak, directly from the cow's mouth. We interview Jay Cee, a female cow, on her lunch break for her thoughts on the controversy, as well as her take on vegetarianism, ecological sustainability and Malaysia Day.

Selamat Hari menJadi Malaysia, Selamat Hari Raya, and Maaf Zahir dan Batin.

It's an important reminder to us that when dealing with issues of the day, what’s crucial is to get views from all around, before you form your own opinion. And who says that the perspectives must come from the human species alone?

Well done, PopTV, for enabling a truly balanced view to be herd.

Yes, the typo was intentional. And that’s no bull.

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

A forgotten birthday

Technorati tags: Thoughts, Malaysia Day, Hari Malaysia

There's a downside to being on the road so much - the scarcity of time and mood to update this blog. But Walski figured that he’d find a bit of time today, because it is an important day, after all.

Today is Malaysia Day – the day this nation became complete, with Sabah and Sarawak joining the peninsular states to create what is Malaysia today.

Sadly, though, it is a day that’s not observed as much as it should be.

Kinda like a forgotten birthday, if you think about it.

And anyone who’s had their birthday forgotten before will know how much that can hurt. 
(more Malaysia Day thoughts, in the full post)

Is Malaysia one nation united, 46 years after its inception? Yes, and no, all things considered.

Looking at recent events, one might be forgiven if they thought that we’re slowly coming apart at the seams, with race and creed being used as divisors with increasing frequency. Be it those who want more exclusivity when it comes to their own belief, or those who have scant respect for the beliefs of others, or the race nationalists who continue to emphasize that their rights and privileges alone must be promoted – it’s not the least bit heartening to be bombarded by these sentiments on an almost daily basis.

Arguably, these views are of a small minority of folks. Walski’s fear, however, is that these voices are getting louder with each passing day. His other fear is this – are these belligerent views growing in influence and prevalence?

It is great, therefore, to read narratives that go against the grain of these exclusivists. Like a letter by Ineza Roussille, which was published today in The Nut Graph.

I WAS one of those who visited the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Section 19, Shah Alam on 4 Sept. The visit, comprising a small group of about 30 Malaysians, was initiated as an act of solidarity with the Hindus on the receiving end of the now infamous cow-head protest a week earlier. We brought with us some flowers and kuih, and were very warmly welcomed by the temple committee members and other worshippers there.

We were invited to sit alongside the worshippers as the prayers commenced. Not long after, we began to discuss the issue of the temple relocation. They explained that the issue had been ongoing for almost 20 years, and were eager for some sort of resolution that would be practical for all the parties involved. It was evident that what should have been an easily resolved issue got blown out of proportion by certain parties, and became an unnecessary burden on the temple committee.

And yet, they were calm in explaining the harassment that they've had to endure for many months. For instance, being refused permission to repair the temple that gets flooded after every heavy downpour; having to get a police permit for special mass prayers during Hindu festivals; or having a zinc fence suddenly appear where their parking lot used to be so that devotees could not park their cars. It almost seemed like they have accepted such injustices, and one could not avoid feeling a deep sense of shame at this.

While I was aware that the temple committee were very appreciative of our visit, it did not feel as if it were an extraordinary gesture, or that it was surprising for Malaysians to go out of their way to support other Malaysians. It just felt biasa for different races to mingle, without question. This was the real Malaysia.

From our little visit alone, it was painfully obvious that the apparent "racial tension" that we're constantly reminded to be fearful of is nothing but a divisive tool to support our race-based politics. The defence by our very own home minister and other supporters of such a bigoted and violent act as the cow-head protest is clear evidence of this.

How shameful it is that the people who are supposed to govern and protect us could sit side by side with these protesters and condone such hateful behavior. Is it so hard for our politicians to simply acknowledge that these protesters do not represent Malaysians, regardless of race or religion? Doesn't it also benefit them to safeguard the interests of all Malaysians, rather than the bigoted few? Are these the people our children are supposed to look up to as role models?

But Malaysia is not fooled. It isn't hard to see right through such political games, and realise that it really isn't about one race or religion against another. You'd only have to walk the streets of this country to see temples, mosques and churches standing side by side without much fuss. You'd only have to speak to its citizens to see that many of us don't see each other as "pendatang". As the late great Bob Marley sang, "You can fool some people sometimes, but you can't fool all the people all the time."

As we celebrate Malaysia Day this 16 Sept, I hope we can all stand up and say that we do not judge our neighbour based on race or religion. That we accept and wholly embrace our differences and similarities. That we are all secure in our identities that we should not feel threatened by the "other". That we refuse to be divided along racial lines and be used in this way as a means of political gain. That we are all, simply, Malaysians.
(source: The Nut Graph)

It's these types of voices that Walski thinks represents the true spirit of Malaysia. So glad to know that the spirit lives. It would be better if Walski knew for a fact that this represents the feelings of all Malaysians. For now, he’s not certain.

But with many other positive things that need to be rediscovered, Walski would be more than glad to be proven wrong.

Happy Malaysia Day, folks…

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

In Memoriam: 9/11

Technorati tags: In Memoriam, September 11, 2001, 9-11

Believe it or not, it's been 8 years. It’s a day that changed the world.

A Tribute in Lights over NYC
(originally from here, via The Malaysian Insider)

May the souls of those who died on that tragic day rest in peace.
(blah-blah-blah, in the full post)

All told, just over 3,000 people perished in the tragedy, either at the Twin Towers and Pentagon, or on the 4 ill-fated flights. A memorial site has been set up by CNN.com which, among other things, lists the casualties.

Theories abound about who really was behind the tragedy – theories which Walski has no intention to delve into here.

What’s important is that thousands of lives perished that day, and that is what this short remembrance is about.

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

Poll: What should the Cow Head 12 be charged with?

Technorati tags: Law, Cow Head Protest, Sedition, Illegal Assembly, Penal Code, Opinion Poll

A quick post before Walski has to go attend to his work – which has taken him on the road... again.

As indicated in his earlier posting, there are some reservations about charging the Cow Head 12 under the Sedition Act (1948). Not just Walski’s but that of a few other people as well. 

Similarly with charging all the protesters with Illegal Assembly.

With such uncertainty in the air, a snap poll was the what Walski thought would be the best next-thing to do. And you can find the poll where it usually resides, at the sidebar of this blog.

Also as mentioned in the earlier post, there is another alternative – using the Penal Code – specifically, either section 298 or 298A. This is what was suggested in Charles Hector’s posting on the same issue yesterday.

The poll will be open until midnight, this coming Sunday, September 13, 2009.
(what Sections 298 & 298A say, and more, in the full post)

When Walski announced the poll via Twitter earlier, twitter-friend @MXVoon commented that many folks may not know about Sections 298 and 298A of the Penal Code. A very valid point, indeed – thanks, dude.

Charles Hector, in his posting, actually detailed out both sections of the code. Here’s an abbreviated version, based on what Charles had posted (go to his posting to read the full-blown deal).

298. Uttering words, etc. with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person.

Whoever, with deliberate- intention of wounding the religious feelings of any person, utter any word or makes any sound in the hearing of that person, or makes ant gesture in the sight of that person, or places any object in the sight of that person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.

298A. Causing etc, disharmony, disunity, or feelings or enmity, hatred or ill-will, or prejudicing, etc., the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion.
(source: Charles Hector's blog)

So, there – now you know. And now you also know why Walski wonders about the choice of charges as announced by the AG on Monday (via The Malaysian Insider), when there are other applicable laws to charge the twelve with. It does lead to the feeling that taking the route announced will also be an affront to freedom of expression. Killing two birds with one stone, so to speak.

In any case, as with the last few previous polls, you can embed it on your own Blogger-based blog, if you have one (click on the button below the poll). But even if you don’t, Walski would appreciate it if you could pass the word around a bit. Polls aren’t much fun if the participation level is low-ish.

What do you think? Is the AG’s choice the more appropriate one, or are the alternatives better?

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

Keeping them worms canned

Technorati tags: Law, Cow Head Protest, Sedition, Illegal Assembly

Or, put another way, why a certain Pandora’s Box shouldn’t be opened. Ever.

Confused? Well, here’s what Walski’s talking about:

Charles is not the only one who thinks so. Aisehman, Zorro, and numerous others are thinking the along same lines.

Yes, they should be charged – no frickin’ doubt about it. But charging them under either the Sedition Act [Section 4(1)] or for Illegal Assembly (under the Police Act) is not doing anyone any favors.

Walski thinks that it’ll just be opening up a can of worms – and if you’ve ever opened one before, you’ll know how impossible it is to herd ‘em back and re-can them. 
(why charging them with sedition is not a good idea, and more, in the full post)

Herding cats would probably be easier, all things considered.

Don’t forget – civil law has this concept called precedence. If they’re convicted under either one (Sedition or Police Acts), we can forget about peaceful demonstrations. If this thing goes through, then everybody can get charged with sedition. Or at least that’s the concern most people have.

Walski has another angle – charging them under Section 4(1) is a good way to get ‘em in court, then get them acquitted. Or, at least, the ones parading, and spitting/stepping on the head of the martyred cow.

Here’s what Section 4(1) says:

4. (1) Any person who—

(a) does or attempts to do, or makes any preparation to do, or conspires with any person to do, any act which has or which would, if done, have a seditious tendency;
(b) utters any seditious words;
(c) prints, publishes, sells, offers for sale, distributes or reproduces any seditious publication; or
(d) imports any seditious publication,

shall be guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable for a first offence to a fine not exceeding five thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both, and, for a subsequent offence, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; and any seditious publication found in the possession of the person or used in evidence at his trial shall be forfeited and may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of as the court directs.
(source: Sedition Act [1948])

Section 3 of the act has a long, drawn description of what constitutes sedition. In essence, it’s any act (or speech/publication) that incites disaffection for the State, or the Rulers (imperial and metric – ok, just kidding), or that questions certain constitutional provisions. See pages 5 – 7 of the act.

Now, Walski’s not a lawyer, but a layperson’s reading of Section 3 would indicate that while the protesters were really pissed off with the Selangor state government, they weren’t making calls to overthrow it. Or any government for that mater. At least, Walski doesn’t think so.

So, his theory is that charge the cow-head bearers/steppers/spitters with something that don’t quite fit, and there’s a good case for acquittal. Lawyers reading this, your learned comments, please.

As for charging all of them for Illegal Assembly, Charles Hector probably said it best in his blog posting (emphasis by myAsylum):

By not charging them just under section 298 and/or 298A of the Penal Code - I wonder what is the message that the government is sending...

It seems to be that old message that they are AGAINST the freedom of assembly, freedom of expression...
(source: Charles Hector's blog)

In any case, Walski echoes what many folks think – charging them with anything other than section 298 or 298A of the Penal Code is not a good idea.

Call it what you want – can of worms, or Pandora’s Box – opening it will be something we’ll live to regret for a good while to come.

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

Herd in Conversation

Technorati tags: Shah Alam, Town Hall Chaos, Section 23, Agents Provocateur, Cow Saga

First, an example of how a particular type of herd communicates. You’ve probably already seen this by now, but our Cow Saga simply wouldn’t be complete if Walski didn’t include it here.

To be honest, Walski can't quite classify exactly what kind of herd it is, per se. Cows – dumb as they are – generally are a pretty docile bunch. And they’re rather quiet, for the most part – they just follow, with the occasional moo. Oh, and they have horns.

This herd? Well, in lieu of a better anthropological classification, let’s just say that it was part barking-hyena, part Neanderthal. Blogger friend Marina M. calls them the “Ugly Malay” kind of herd. Well, Walski thinks she got it half right – to Walski they’re just plain ugly. Fugly, even – especially their mode of speech and behavior.

And so continues the Cow Saga – which began with one martyred cow, just over a week ago in Shah Alam, whose head was paraded by approximately a 50-strong herd of these fugly barking hyena-Neanderthal hybrids.

A slightly different herd from the one in the video above, but definitely of the same stupid breed of God-knows-what. 
(herds that don’t converse intelligently, and more, in the full post)

Dialog is definitely not in the vocabulary of this herd. Neither are courtesy, civility and manners. No, they prefer to just scream their half-baked, half-gibberish rants, not once wanting to listen. They went to the dialog session with an agenda, and that agenda was chaotic tomfoolery. Shout down anyone within spitting distance, and generally make total moronic fools of themselves.

It would therefore be interesting to find out if all of them actually were residents of Shah Alam Section 23.

Well, sadly, they accomplished their loud mission – the relocation of the temple from Section 19 to Section 23 has been shelved for now.

But Walski thinks that he’s gotten ahead of himself – pun not intended – in relating the Cow Saga from when it began over a week ago.

It's probably unnecessary to rehash the actual Cow Head Protest – the prologue, of sorts, to our saga. As part of his LRTQ2 campaign, Walski posted about it not long after it happened.

What is interesting, however, is what our so-called national leaders had to say about the protest itself.

Minister of Herd Central – better known as the Home Ministry – Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Tun Hussein – came out in support of the Section 23 Malay/Muslim residents who have problems with the temple relocation. What A Lulu, in a posting this past Friday, painstakingly transcribed what Keris Man had to say in the following Malaysiakini video.

All Walski will say is this: interesting. Doesn’t know who brought the severed cow head? Limited the (initial) protest to 10 people? No political overtures? Walski wonders if Hishamuddin has even seen the video of the protest.

And as the intrigues of things Malaysianly political would have it, the video above, plus the one of the original protest, are the two videos that the Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has ordered Malaysiakini to take off their video site and YouTube. Reason? For being "… ‘provocative’ and ‘offensive’ under Section 211 and 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998" (via The Star).

Real reason? In the case of the Keris Man video above, it probably an exercise to cover up just what a doofus our Home Minister is. This takes into account a different tone per what the mainstream press has been reporting, calling for stern action to be taken on the protesters and all. Kinda doesn’t add up, if you were to ask Walski.

The original video, incidentally, does show the involvement of UMNO members – as pointed out by in an analysis done by Teluk Bakong Online. Political hijab in the month of Ramadhan, perhaps?

Well, we’ll just have to wait and see what transpires next in this saga… Thus far, the decision to relocate the temple has been shelved. Under the circumstances, probably a good thing, so that tempers have a chance to cool down.

Here’s the strange thing, though. As volatile as the initial protest was, the police made the decision to do nothing because the situation did not permit any action (via The Malaysian Insider). And yet, when there’s a candlelight vigil, a different story altogether.

Strange, but true. Many people accuse the Malaysian police for having double standards. Well, Walski happens to think that if it weren’t for those double standards, they’d have no standard at all…

Perhaps it was the candles and red roses… had it been a flaming cow’s head, maybe the police might have been more forgiving… Okay, perhaps the choir should have had a couple more practices. But riot police?

But Walski digresses…

And so the Cow Saga remains never-ending, albeit currently in hiatus mode. But one question does remain – was the barking hyena-Neanderthal herd really representative of the Section 23 folks?

Or was it a nomadic one, purposely travelling to the town hall meeting, acting up, to get themselves… err, herd?

 

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

The Cow Head Petition

Technorati tags: Petition, Cow Head Petition, Civility

If you’ve been observant, you’d have noticed that there’s a new box in the sidebar, right below the blog introduction blurb.

Walski feels that it’s an important petition, aiming to delegitimize violence and hatred. It was prompted by (surprise, surprise) the cow head protest that happened last Friday.

Not surprisingly, the petition is entitled Cow Head Lessons: Delegitimize Violence and Hatred.

Walski was one of the first hundred who signed it. And if you are someone that values civil behavior (even during protests), then you should take a look at it, at least.

Better yet, if you sign it.
(petition preamble, and more, in the full post)

The following is the petition preamble. You can read the rest here.

The Cow-Head Lesson for Merdeka: Delegitimize Violence and Hatred

We, the undersigned civil society organizations are shocked, angered and saddened by the “Cow-Head protest” in Shah Alam last Friday, 28 August 09, against a proposed Hindu temple in Section 23 of the city. The carrying of the head of a freshly slaughtered cow, a sacred animal to the Hindus, and the unveiled threat of bloodshed on the eve of Merdeka celebration suggests that all Malaysians need to reflect deeply about our 52 years of nationhood, and the clarion call of 1Malaysia.

From the outset, these heinous acts of crime perpetrated by the irresponsible few must NEVER be seen as a conflict between the two faiths or the two faith communities. All major spiritual traditions, Islam and Hinduism included, uphold peace and human dignity as their common and core values. Our spirituality and love for humanity mandates us for the perpetual quest for peace and abhorrence of all forms of hatred and civil disorder.

The Shah Alam incident sadly reveals that violence and hatred are still inadequately delegitimized in our society. We exhort all Malaysians to unite in our joint efforts to decry and delegitimize violence and hatred to prevent any individual or grouping from resorting to intimidation and provocation when faced with any town-planning disputes or rows of similar nature.
(source: The Cow Head Petition)

If, after you’ve read the whole thing, agree with the petition, do sign it. Better yet – spread the word about it via Facebook or your blog (if you have either), or send an e-mail to your friends informing them about it. Instructions on how to do all this can be found on the petition page itself, after you’ve signed it.

While Walski is all for freedom of expression and all, even the kind of expression displayed by the Cow-Head fellers, in tense times, insulting others to further your cause is not always the most intelligent thing to do. And inciting violence is a definite no-no, under any circumstances.

So, give the petition a gander, and sign it if you agree. In the day or so that the petition has been put online, over 780 people have signed it (as of the time of this posting), but more signatures are needed. It is, after all, a call for everyone to conduct ourselves with more civility. Even if it’s to express our outrage – there are intelligent ways of doing it, and as we witnessed last Friday, stupid ways, too.

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

Closing an open society in 10 easy steps

Technorati tags: Books, Open Society, Closed Society, Politics, Malaysia

As you probably are aware, Walski’s on the road a fair bit. And this is one of those times. As such, he’s decided to re-post some interesting stuff that a friend posted on his blog, called {w a s t e d t a l e n t}.

Now this information you’re about to read actually pertains to the United States of America, looking at the effects of policy changes during the eight years the nation was under Dubya’s presidency.

It originally appeared in a book by Naomi Wolf, entitled The End of America: Letter of Warning to a Young Patriot, published in 2007, and later made into a film the following year.

While the 10 steps are really a critique of what happened during the Bush years, Walski would really appreciate it if you gave the list a read anyway.

Because when he did, initially, Walski could feel a sudden eerie feeling of familiarity wash over him… 
(fascism in ten easy steps, and more, in the full post)

So, without further ado, here are the ten points (with the original commentary in italics, and Walski’s own two bits included in this color):

1. Invoke an internal and external threat – People who are afraid are willing to do things that they wouldn’t otherwise do
   Think of the constant harping on "protecting Malays rights" and "Malay/Muslim unity" (against what, nobody will say), plus invoking the "evil West" every now and again...
   
2. Establish secret (unaccountable) prisons where torture takes place - In a secret system, the government does not have to provide any proof of wrongdoing by those it holds, so it can incarcerate anyone it wants
   Okay, so we don't have secret prisons (but if we did we wouldn't know, would we?), but what Walski thought of when reading this point was the ISA detentions
   
3. Develop a paramilitary force - A private military force — under the exclusive direction of the “commander in chief” with no accountability to Congress, the courts, or the public — blurs the line between a civilian police force and a militarized police state
   Rela? Oh, wait – that’s civil defense. Hang on… didn’t UMNO Youth say that they wanted commando-type training modules?(thanks Geekrawk for the memory jog!)
   
4. Surveil ordinary citizens - People who believe they are being watched are less likely to voice opposition. To scare a population into silence, the government need only monitor the activities of a few to make everyone fear that they are being surveilled. Every closed society keeps a “list” of so-called opponents it tracks
   Cybertrooper surveillance of online activity comes to mind...
   
5. Infiltrate citizen’s groups - Spies in activist groups put psychological pressure on genuine activists by undermining their trust in one another. They may also disrupt legal activities, undermining the effectiveness of group efforts
   Well, don't know about this one, but Walski has heard rumors about infiltrations by the SB into protest groups. But whether true or not... who knows?
   
6. Detain and release ordinary citizens - Detention intimidates or psychologically damages those arrested and also lets everyone know that anyone could be labeled an “enemy combatant” and “disappeared”
   A number of people have experienced this during candlelight vigils - arrested for illegal assembly, but not actually charged, and later released on police bail
   
7. Target key individuals - People are less likely to speak out when those who are highly visible, like journalists, scholars, artists, or celebrities, are intimidated or have the livelihoods threatened. Targeting those who are especially visible makes it less likely that people will speak out and robs society of leaders and others who might inspire opposition
   Hmmm....
   
8. Restrict the press - The public is less likely to find out about government wrongdoing if the government can threaten to prosecute anyone who publishes or broadcasts reports that are critical of the government
   Does Walski even need to add his comments to this one?
   
9. Recast criticism as espionage and dissent as treason - People who protest can be charged with terrorism or treason when laws criminalize or limit free speech rather than protect it
   We've come close to this - like certain personalities accused of being traitors to their race? Same difference.
   
10. Subvert the rule of law - The disappearance of checks and balances makes it easier to declare martial law, especially if the judiciary branch continues to exercise authority over individuals but has no authority over the Executive branch
    Again, does Walski need to comment?
    

Naomi Wolf's contention is that open society, through these 10 steps evolves into a fascist one. And that is something that may have happened had the Republicans managed to secure another 4 years.

And what would Malaysia turn into? Well, we’ve never been as open a society to begin with, but these same ten things would definitely lead to a much more closed society, even bordering a fascist one.

The thing is, though, is Walski the only one that sees the parallels?

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

Wall of Voodoo

Technorati tags: Wall Of Voodoo, 1Malaysia, Harmony, Equality

Well, credit where credit is due. And this time, it's for PM Najib Abdul Razak, namely for what he said in his national day address.

Think whatever you might about Najib, but at least he has the sense to know that something is definitely ripe in the state of Malaysia (Denmark, on the other hand, seems to be doing okay, in these post-Hamlet days).

But Najib's concern, plus the headline underlining the concern, does beg this question: Who was it that built those walls in the first place?
(it’s the voodoo that vee done, therefore undoable, and more, in the full post)

Put simply, Walski thinks that each and everyone of us has had a hand in putting up said barricade. In some cases knowingly, and in some ways not. But it’s a wall that’s been building up for a long, long time.

Right now, it really is a matter of whether or not we want that wall to remain or not. Walski personally thinks, yes, it should be torn down.

But tearing down the wall is going to take a big commitment from every single Malaysian, right up there from the monarchy, the executive, and all the way down to each and every common citizen. And this includes those in the religious bureaucracy, too, let’s not forget.

Because for the wall to be effectively demolished, we must ensure that all factors contributing to it being there in the first place be removed. For the wall to be broken down, each and every Malaysian must be made to feel like he or she is an equal citizen, in all respects.

And as we know too damned well, equality is certainly not the case today.

Today, we live in a Malaysia that’s rife with double standards and differential treatment, depending sometimes on who you are and what social status you hold, or more often than not, which demographic segment you are deemed to belong to. Or, as some might say, doomed to belong to.

But perhaps the most difficult part, if we’re really serious about tearing down that wall, is the removal of religion from the public sphere, and not using religion to shape our public policies. Religion – any religion – once used as the basis of public policy becomes divisive, and doesn’t contribute to cohesiveness. Or wall removal.

And that alone potentially makes Najib’s aspirations of wall demolishing an almost impossible thing to ask for. Unless everyone agrees that we get back on the track that our forefathers set on 52 years (and one day) ago.

For the most part, however, it is heartening to note that most Malaysians, regardless of ethnicity or creed, do treat each other cordially still. Apart from the occasional nut case show of hatred for the “other”, like what we witnessed in Shah Alam last Friday.

That cordiality has generally been the case for many generations. And yet, like it or not, there is still an invisible barrier between communities, and individuals of varied demographics, that prevents us from truly feeling we belong, as one undivided nation, in this land we know as Malaysia.

That invisible barrier is the wall that we are talking about – and it is built not from brick and mortar, but from institutionalized norms, social conditioning, and not least, our own evolved perception. Which is why Walski contends that to break down this wall of voodoo, it will take a concerted effort from the top down.

Voodoo as it may be, it’s a wall that we’ve unwittingly built over the years together. So, the question remains – do we really want to break down this wall, or have we become all too comfortable and secure within it? To demolish it won’t require some mystical counter-voodoo. Or any other hocus pocus bomoh-rific dark arts, for that matter.

All it really takes is to sincerely, and honestly, want to. And every single Malaysian, from the top down, must want to, as well.

Waski’s not so cryptic musical post-title reference: Wall of Voodoo is the name of a now-defunct popular 1980’s rock outfit, most known for the catchy hit tune “Mexican Radio“ from 1983. Being that the wall Najib talks about is not a physical sort of barrier, the band name immediately came to mind. And like he mentioned above, the removal of the wall won’t take some counter-voodoo, or other supernatural means…

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