Fatwa on football?

Well, why not? If the National Fatwa Council is presumably on the verge of banning yoga because its origins are non-Islamic and foreign to Muslim teachings, it seems to me we ought to also be considering a fatwa on all forms of indulgence in football.

Football, particularly the organised form of the game, has its origins in the West – the heart of the infidel world! Indeed, the sport is something deeply embedded in the culture of these infidels. It is associated with, for those who passionately follow the sport,  indulgence in excessive exuberance and cult like fanaticism. Its enthusiasts are often prone to engage in vices like excessive alcohol consumption, gambling, and even hooliganism.   

Oh, and while they’re at it, we might as well suggest to these supposed ‘religious scholars’ that they may also want to issue a fatwa prohibiting men from cooking. You see apparently, ‘at [a] fatwa council meeting, the religious scholars have also decided to issue a fatwa against females from dressing or behaving like men and engaging in lesbian sex.

Council chairperson Abdul Shukor had said that many young women admired the way men dress, behave and socialise, violating human nature and denying their feminity[sic].’

So in the interest of not ‘violating human nature’ and conversely ensuring that men don’t violate their masculinity, I think these co-called religious scholars ought to give serious consideration to issuing a fatwa that would put a stop to men cooking. Don’t you just see the serious threat it would pose to ‘human nature’ and the distinction between femininity and masculinity if we continued to allow men to indulge in hanging around the kitchen and cooking?

You see the fact is, these Taliban like characters who very likely know next to nothing about the origins of the science of yoga - let alone its practice – seem completely at ease to cast aspersions about a complex and scientifically oriented method of mind and body conditioning. Indeed, these characters likely know as much about yoga as they do about quantum physics. Quite transparently, what we see unfolding here is more intent on regulating the lives of others than in respecting the rights of people to pursue their faith as they see it. Specifically, the subtext in these developments about potential fatwas against yoga and ‘tomboys’ seem to be more about patriarchal dominance – not religious sensibilities.

 If I was to venture a guess, I would suspect that yoga, if it is at all appealing to any segment of Muslims, it must be drawing a disproportionate amount of attention among urbane women. Just as the concern over ‘human nature’ and ‘femininity’ is obviously directed at regulating women’s conduct. 

Ironically, this strikes me as not too far removed from the idea some months back from the foreign and home ministries to require women travelling abroad to carry a permission letter from their employer or family member. Perhaps you remember that little episode?

Perhaps these ‘religious scholars’ are capable of explaining to the wider Muslim population (and others as well) precisely where in religious texts do we find admonitions against dressing like ‘tomboys’ or undertaking a specific form of exercising regiment? [Of course this does not even begin to address the problem of how would you exactly decide when one is 'guilty' of dressing like a 'tomboy.'] Indeed, from the Islamic scholarship and scholars I’ve consulted, one will find about as much stipulated against ‘tomboys’ and yoga as there is against football. Issuing a religious edict against ‘tomboys’ and yoga has about as much grounding in Islamic teaching as issuing a fatwa against football based on Islamic religious grounds. There’s no relevant and credible religious basis for it.

But there sure seems to be a lot of patriarchy as to why these Taliban like religious authorities might find it convenient and appealing to regulate the kind of conduct closely associated with women.  

G. Krishnan

Hats off to Khalid Ibrahim

Amidst the hullabaloo surrounding the appointment of Low Siew Moi as the acting general manager of PKNS, I want to acknowledge Mentri Besar Khalid Ibrahim’s resolve in selecting Low on the grounds of her credentials. Isn’t it utterly refreshing indeed, for a change, to see a rather high profile appointment at the state level made on the basis of some rational and sensible criteria?

For those who read my column regularly enough will understand that I detest precisely the kind of sectarianism that was the basis of those six staff bodies within PKNS that objected to Low’s appointment. Apparently, among other things, in objecting to the appointment of Low their ‘memorandum stated that, as PKNS conducts activities that are spiritual in nature, its leader must understand and practice Islamic values.’ 

This struck me as rather odd. As a matter of fact, it also did not correspond with what I had – albeit somewhat naively – understood to be PKNS’s mission. In fact, I was all the more confused as I did not see any reference to PKNS mission involving ‘spiritual’ work or its mission had any bearing on the understanding and ‘practice [of] Islamic values’ as highlighted in the Malaysiakini article. 

Furthermore, here’s what the ‘mission statement’ of PKNS essentially states:

Misi PKNS sebagai peneraju pembangunan negeri telah terus memperlihatkan PKNS memainkan peranannya sebagai pemangkin industri hartanah dan pembangunan di Negeri Selangor. Fokus PKNS adalah terhadap pembangunan hartanah mampu milik bertujuan untuk memberi peluang pemilikan harta kepada semua golongan masyarakat.

You see why I’m confused now? How exactly does a mission statement such as the kind so explicitly spelled out above have any resemblance or relevance to ‘activities that are spiritual in nature’?

Well, you don’t suppose this is another one of those ploys to infuse ‘spiritual’ matters in the mix in order to gain political traction, do you? And before you go on accusing me of being too cynical again, perhaps you’ll pause for a moment and take a look at the track record on this front. As a matter of fact, this episode is but another symptom of the culture of sectarianism we’ve been thoroughly indoctrinated by Umno through the years; such that a vast segment of our society cannot think in any constructive fashion beyond the sectarian blinders they’ve been accustomed to.   

I suspect the Mentri Besar had a keen awareness that in making this appointment, he’d be breaking the mold – and somewhat unsettling the Umnoputera apple cart. I also suspect that the aforementioned objections that became public did not come as much of a surprise to him. I think he quite understood what he was doing. Not to succumb to special interests that detracts from the central function and mission of the organisation, and to try and peel off some of these layers of cronyism and sectarianism in our public and secular institutions is indeed something worthy of commendation.       

For that, hats off and cheers to Khalid Ibrahim.

G. Krishnan

PAS: A picture is worth…

Perhaps you’ve seen the photos (as this one on the left which appeared on Malaysiakini) of PAS vice-president Husam Musa with family members of the 10 individuals who were detained and arrested as they ‘attempted to deliver a letter to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’ in Putrajaya.

Husam Musa, accompanied by PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub, have unequivocally spoken out against the treatment meted out to those making genuine sacrifices to call attention to the plight of marginalised Indians – that is Hindraf. It is indeed a telling picture of the dynamics of Umno politics that having continually taken the Indian vote for granted for all these decades, it has also been essentially the architect of the systematic oppression of the truly disenfranchised. To its credit, this gesture by PAS to donate RM5000 to the families of the 10 who were arrested goes a long way in telling a story about how much and how fast the fault lines in Malaysian politics have changed.

Of course there is the cynical part of me that is tempted to view this gesture from PAS as a publicity stunt – one that helps PAS and the opposition score a few points with not just Indians, but all Malaysians who sympathise with the peaceful protest that Hindraf has embarked on in order to call attention to the serious grievances faced by our fellow Malaysians. Equally relevant, like others, I am not immune to the fact that PAS may also be capitalising on the image of the ‘bully’ that Umno has been publicly tagged with of late in some quarters.        

But this gesture by PAS is also a reflection of just how far along PAS has come in recognising the need to broaden its appeal and transcend its parochial and sectarian priorities – and image. We all know that of late, PAS has become keen on cultivating a wider appeal among Malaysians; one that presents a ‘softer’ image of the party. Perhaps Malaysians who were always led to feel suspicious about PAS may just be inclined to recognise that it may be worth taking a chance and building some worthwhile bridges with PAS.   

I strongly believe this gesture by PAS – to speak out about the plight of marginalised Indians - is as much a commentary about Umno and the BN regime as it is about PAS. As much as Umno and BN has tried to portray Hindraf as a threat to the nation, this gesture by PAS only undermines – and exposes the sheer transparency and opportunism of - BN’s own propaganda against Hindraf. Yes, the support shown by PAS for these families tells all Malaysians something most of them probably already knew: this non-violent movement has galvanised and captured the hearts of millions of Malaysians because they do have legitimate grievances that the regime has failed to acknowledge and address.

The gesture by PAS also puts Samy Vellu’s MIC to shame. This MIC, which for all practical purposes, is like an illegitimate child that is treated by Umno as if it’s inconsequential; only seeking affirmation from its patron, operates as nothing more than an extension of Umno. And the fact that the MIC cannot publicly come to the aid of the families of Hindraf is simply a refection of its precise impotence and irrelevance. It simply reveals the conundrum that the MIC is in. By being so closely married to Umno and being a political client of it, the Hindraf dilemma has literally paralysed the MIC. It has become, for all practical purposes, irrelevant to the disenfranchised and marginalised.

No, I am not blind to the fact that PAS has certainly scored some publicity points with Indians and non-Indians alike. But I am also heartened by the symbolism represented here. PAS could have opted to score points in so many other ways. The fact that it is willing to speak out about the plight of a constituency not traditionally associated with the party is, for me, an encouraging sign of progress.

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand…well, in this case, 678 words.

G. Krishnan    

Inilah erti Malaysia

It is widely known that well into the 9^th century, the Indian epic Ramayana had become popularised in much of Indochina and increasingly the Malay Archipelago through the expanse of the Srivijaya and Majapahit kingdoms. 

Over the centuries, the legend of Sri Rama and Sita Devi along with the supporting cast of Laksamana, Hanuman, Rahwana and a slew of other characters became an influential and dominant feature of traditional Malay culture and folklore in the form of the Hikayat Sri Rama. Indeed, the legendary epic of the Ramayana – as portrayed through our uniquely Malaysian Hikayat Sri Rama - became the major part for the growth and appeal of the art ofwayang kulit. This epic – especially the segment on the abduction of Sita Devi by the demon Rahwana and her eventual rescue by her husband the noble Prince Sri Rama, his brother and most loyal compatriot, Prince Laksamana, and an army of monkeys led by the much revered Hanuman – has endured for several millennia.

In the process, many other off-shoots of this much grand and celebrated epic have made their way into the heart and soul of the wayang kulit tradition and into the hearts of millions of Malaysians. Performed throughout the Malay Archipelago the story of Sri Rama and Sita Devi has become a truly historic, classic, and renowned facet of Malay – and Malaysian - culture and tradition.

As the legend has it, Sita Devi is abducted by the demon Rahwana while she, her husband, Sri Rama, and Luksamana were in exile in the forest from their kingdom of Ayodhya. Sri Rama and Luksamana, in their desperate search for Sita Devi, encounter Hanuman and his associates. The latter, devotees of Sri Rama, join the prince of Ayodha and his brother in search of Sita. Eventually discovering that Sita is being held captive by her admirer, the demon Rahwana in his kingdom of Lanka, the rescue party eventually confronts the demon and his forces in an epic battle.

As legendary epic battles between good and evil go, Sri Rama’s forces prevail. He and his entourage eventually return to Ayodhya triumphant and his long awaiting subjects in the kingdom revel in celebration. Darkness is defeated – let the world rejoice. Let there be Diwali – a celebration of lights – to signify the triumph of goodness.

May the spirit of the Hikayat Sri Rama – a truly historic tradition of Malaysia – which hails from the Ramayana, and which in turn is the basis of the celebration of Diwali – be an enduring symbol of the true promise of Malaysia: a celebration and fusion of diverse traditions and cultures.

The fact of the matter is, the Hikayat Sri Rama is but one example and manifestation of the true meaning of Malaysia. If we look close enough and are honest with ourselves, we will see that the examples of the fusion of our diverse traditions and cultures abound – be they of the Orang Asli, the Chinese, the Europeans, the Indians, the Malays, and others - that have not only dotted this society, but together, have given the country its essential identity.    

And on this occasion, as we celebrate Diwali – and one example of such fusion of our cultures - let us not forget those who remain political prisoners and prisoners of conscience. May this season of light bring them peace and shakti. 

May the spirit of Hikayat Sri Rama bring you and yours peace. Hari Om. 

G. Krishnan  

The true meaning of Malaysia

It is widely known that well into the 9^th century, the Indian epic Ramayana had become popularised in much of Indochina and increasingly the Malay Archipelago through the expanse of the Srivijaya and Majapahit kingdoms. 

Over the centuries, the legend of Sri Rama and Sita Devi along with the supporting cast of Laksamana, Hanuman, Rahwana and a slew of other characters became an influential and dominant feature of traditional Malay culture and folklore in the form of the Hikayat Sri Rama. Indeed, the legendary epic of the Ramayana – as portrayed through our uniquely Malaysian Hikayat Sri Rama - became the major part for the growth and appeal of the art of wayang kulit. This epic – especially the segment on the abduction of Sita Devi by the demon Rahwana and her eventual rescue by her husband the noble Prince Sri Rama, his brother and most loyal compatriot, Prince Laksamana, and an army of monkeys led by the much revered Hanuman – has endured for several millennia.

In the process, many other off-shoots of this much grand and celebrated epic have made their way into the heart and soul of the wayang kulit tradition and into the hearts of millions of Malaysians. Performed throughout the Malay Archipelago the story of Sri Rama and Sita Devi has become a truly historic, classic, and renowned facet of Malay – and Malaysian - culture and tradition.

As the legend has it, Sita Devi is abducted by the demon Rahwana while she, her husband, Sri Rama, and Luksamana were in exile in the forest from their kingdom of Ayodhya. Sri Rama and Luksamana, in their desperate search for Sita Devi, encounter Hanuman and his associates. The latter, devotees of Sri Rama, join the prince of Ayodha and his brother in search of Sita. Eventually discovering that Sita is being held captive by her admirer, the demon Rahwana in his kingdom of Lanka, the rescue party eventually confronts the demon and his forces in an epic battle.

As legendary epic battles between good and evil go, Sri Rama’s forces prevail. He and his entourage eventually return to Ayodhya triumphant and his long awaiting subjects in the kingdom revel in celebration. Darkness is defeated – let the world rejoice. Let there be Diwali – a celebration of lights – to signify the triumph of goodness.

May the spirit of the Hikayat Sri Rama – a truly historic tradition of Malaysia – which hails from the Ramayana, and which in turn is the basis of the celebration of Diwali – be an enduring symbol of the true promise of Malaysia: a celebration and fusion of diverse traditions and cultures.

The fact of the matter is, the Hikayat Sri Rama is but one example and manifestation of the true meaning of Malaysia. If we look close enough and are honest with ourselves, we will see that the examples of the fusion of our diverse traditions and cultures abound – be they of the Orang Asli, the Chinese, the Europeans, the Indians, the Malays, and others - that have not only dotted this society, but together, have given the country its essential identity.    

And on this occasion, as we celebrate Diwali – and one example of such fusion of our cultures - let us not forget those who remain political prisoners and prisoners of conscience. May this season of light bring them peace and shakti. 

May the spirit of Hikayat Sri Rama bring you and yours peace. Hari Om. [Oops! I almost forgot - Happy Diwali, Auntie Maalini.] 

G. Krishnan  

Hey Teresa, thumbs up on the Punjabi suit!

Teresa Kok, thank you for sharing the photos of you in a Punjabi suit while doing the rounds at open houses and at the Sikh temple in PJ. Far from being a national security threat who should be sent away to Kamunting, you’re a wonderful role model and an inspiration. Other politicians could learn a lot from your actions – though they might fall well short of looking as natural as you do in the Punjabi outfit. Come to think of it, some others look so bad in it they ought to be arrested for wearing one! [For those without a sense of humour, that's a joke.]

You epitomise all that is good about genuine multiculturalism – unlike so many other politicians who just frequently bombard us with lip service about our multiculturalism.

As you’re such a natural in the outfit, it might be a great choice for one of your days at the Dewan Rakyat!

By the way, I hope you got to try the chapattis at the Gurudwara!

G. Krishnan

Hello adik, want some kacang putih? (Again)

In a previous column, I noted that it was deeply disappointing ‘that some of our university students – those who are supposedly committed to free inquiry and exploration of ideas – were successful in gagging free speech by having the Nobel peace laureate Shirin Ebadi’s invitation to speak at the University of Malaya withdrawn.’ Well, I have to say, for several reasons, this whole episode – like eating burnt kacang putih - left a very bad taste in my mouth.

Apparently, Shirin Ebadi’s invitation was withdrawn due to the fact that the prospect of having her speak at the university did not sit well with a group of Iranian students. Furthermore, we were duly made aware that the about turn on Shirin’s invitation was ‘not political.’ Indeed, vice-chancellor Rafiah Salim is quoted to have said that the decision was made ‘out of respect for our Iranian students who were not very happy.’ 

Perhaps like me, some of you may be wondering, how exactly is such a decision ‘not politically motivated,’ as presumably claimed by the vice-chancellor? I am truly at a loss in understanding how exactly is this not political? By Rafiah’s own admission, the decision ultimately gave priority to the sensitivities of Iranian students – whose country we supposedly have good relations with.  

So let’s see, the university censors free speech, coming from those who should above all be champions for open dialogue, and then we’re to have our intelligence insulted by being told this was not politically motivated? How could the stated reason give for scrapping Shirin’s invitation be anything other than politically motivated?!!

Some months back, I noted in a column how our politicians have a neck for talking down to us, the average people, where their condescension practically amounts to treating us like juveniles. Well, here is another perfect case of it. And I find this so-called vice-chancellor’s tact no less political than the usual condescending dribble we get from the regime.

If, by Rafiah’s own admission, the action was taken so as not to undermine our relations and ties with the Iranians, and if the university, as she claims, ‘weigh[ed] the pros and cons and [took] into consideration the big number of Iranian students,’ then how exactly does this not amount to a politically calculated decision?  

It baffles the mind how even our educators – like our politicians – seem so at ease with this kind of babble which truly insults our intelligence. I for one am embarrassed that we have educators such as these who discount the very sanctity of the concept of the university over what is transparently politically expedient.

Let me take the matter of the Iranian students’ feeling for a moment. In my view, the vice-chancellor and her colleagues should have taken this opportunity to further educate those Iranian students about the importance and value the university places on free inquiry and exchange of ideas. That should be abundantly clear to students – no less university administrators; that is, if we have any hope of seeing our universities not continue to lose their credibility! Surely, these university administrators could have impressed on those Iranian students that we hold the mission of the university above political differences. And to be a student in Malaysia is also to respect this about our university system. But then again, when our own university administrators seem willing to put politics and censorship above principle, haven’t they simply undermined their own credibility? Well, the answer is obvious, isn’t it?

So, please you politicians…and so-called intellectuals - I really couldn't be bothered if you want to carry on making proposterous claims, but stop insulting our intelligence.

G. Krishnan

I say, you say - Not I say what you can say!

The Nobel prize winning economist from India, Amartya Sen, is noted for having pointed out that no known modern democratic society with a free press has ever been struck by a famine. By contrast, all despotic states with no freedom of the press – an essential ingredient, by any measure, of a credible democracy – have been ones that are chronically prone to famines. Indeed, the examples abound; one only needs to look into the history of famines around the world and see the glaring evidence. His argument essentially is that in legitimate democracies, such where a free press is respected and valued, elected governments are accountable and, as such, have a ‘strong incentive’ to avert human-made – and hence avoidable - disasters such as famines.

I could not help but be reminded on Sen’s argument after coming across the report that Malaysia’s press freedom ranking seems to be on a ‘free fall.’

 No, I’m certainly not suggesting that given the apparent undermining of democracy we’ve witnessed as reflected through the pattern of restrictive press freedoms and the muffling of free speech means that we’re on a path toward famine. As a matter of fact, Sen has himself asserted that ‘it would be a misapprehension to believe that democracy solves the problem of hunger.’

Sen’s argument, however, is very telling about democratic societies – and by implication, a free press’s role - in ensuring accountability and economic well-being. But his argument is also crucial to understanding how democracy and a genuinely free press are essential to social stability.

There is no denying that a legitimate democracy is a precondition to fostering a stable and prosperous society. This point often seems to be lost on those who repeatedly use the argument that we need to control press freedoms or prevent dialogue of ‘sensitive issues’ in the open because it will undermine stability and prosperity. Yes, it might seem like common sense:  Controlling freedom of speech avoids controversy, and this in turn prevents conflict from arising. Nothing could be further from the truth. Remember, once upon a time, ‘common sense’ also told us that the earth is flat! Much like the misconception about free speech and stability, common sense tells us a lot of other things, which are not factually correct.      

The fact is, free speech, rather than threatening stability, actually promotes stability. When a society values the right of all voices to be heard, it conveys the message that we respect the need for debating ideas freely without threat of censorship or persecution. By implication, a genuine democratic culture therefore abhors and rejects suppression, aggression, and certainly violence, as means for resolving differences. Accordingly, a democratic society becomes vibrant and grows because it is stable; and it is stable because it values the importance of free speech and debate.      

That is why I was also deeply disappointed to see that some of our university students – those who are supposedly committed to free inquiry and exploration of ideas – were successful in gagging free speech by having the Nobel peace laureate Shirin Ebadi’s invitation to speak at the University of Malaya withdrawn. Imagine, the very students who should be appreciating the principle of free inquiry and debate that is the virtue of a university, have abated the process of damaging and undermining  the culture of free speech and debate.  

No, Malaysia is not under threat of a famine because since 2006 we’ve steadily slipped down a slippery slope where the idea and practice of a free press has been undermined. We may not be a Sudan, Zimbabwe, Somalia, or North Korea. But these despotic societies and inherently unstable societies lack something fundamental to achieving stability: a genuinely free press. Even if our politicians, unlike those in other despotic countries, are well-intentioned in their motives for controlling the press, let us remember that the road to hell is often paved with good intentions.   

And politicians’ intentions notwithstanding, let us not continue to be hoodwinked that our stability is directly dependent on controlling and suppressing free speech. Yes, it might seem like common-sense that censoring a free press or free speech is necessary for stability. I say nothing could be more erroneous.

G. Krishnan    

Mamak-style mee goreng and the real thing

Recently we heard from the prime minister that the Barisan Nasional supreme council has broached the matter of possibly instituting direct membership for individuals in Barisan Nasional in order to create a multi-racial party rather than one consisting of a coalition of race-based parties. 

Shortly thereafter another seemingly novel idea gets floated. This time it’s the prospect of adding another deputy president of Barisan Nasional to be essentially occupied by an MCA member. Here’s part of what was reported in a Malaysiakini article:

‘MCA Youth has called for the Barisan Nasional leadership composition to be restructured, demanding that an additional No 2 post be created and held by the Chinese-based party.’   

Perhaps you too see the apparent anomaly with these ‘reform’ ideas circulating within Barisan Nasional. Wow! Did I utter the words ‘reform’ and ‘Barisan Nasional’ in the same sentence? What’s wrong with this picture, you ask? Well, let me tell you.

I’m sure many of us must be truly in awe about the level of activity within Barisan Nasional associated with rethinking the coalition’s structure and hierarchy. Now, I suspect you know all too well why this is happening. In these truly historic months that just passed, we’ve seen the beating and battering of Barisan Nasional. But it hasn’t been just that. Of course, Barisan is trying to reinvent itself after waking up to the reality that millions of Malaysians are far ahead of them in transcending the parochial, sectarian, and communitarian style politics the former seems to be deeply mired in. Yes, we all see through this agenda; Barisan, like a ‘Johnny-come-lately,’ wants to get into the ‘multi-racial party’ action as well. Yes, of course it wants to steal the thunder away from Parti Keadilan Rakyat, by trying to reinvent itself.

Now, how do you suppose this specific ‘multi-racial’ proposal will do alongside the MCA Youth proposal for, yes, a racially-based deputy president of BN seat? On the one hand, there is talk about getting past the racially based coalitions, and on the other, we see the desire to further deepen the racially based character of the coalition.

Talk about an identity crisis! Well, this sure is it if I ever saw one. Now I’m by no means suggesting that both these proposal are likely to be implemented. However, one thing is clear: BN is struggling with itself; seemingly undergoing a ‘mid-life crisis’ of sorts.

Then, of course there is the conciliatory tone being struck through claims such as ‘UMNO is not a bully’ in the Barisan coalition and ‘we are all friends.’ Oh, my. Two observations about this: First, why do you suppose the prime minister has felt compelled to sound so defensive? You don’t suppose he sounds like someone guilty of some misdeed, who feels compelled to go out of his way to deny the obvious – and the more he does it, the less convincing the denial? Second, you don’t suppose there’s a tad bit of trepidation being felt within the BN that perhaps the grassroots of these coalition parties may be just too fed-up with the arrogance of UMNO, coupled with the fact that the BN is detecting a steady erosion of its support among grassroots non-Malays?

And why might this be so? Competition. Yes, it’s amazing what a little bit of genuine competition in the political arena can do to make arrogant politicians to sit up, listen and take notice. As Parti Keadilan Rakyat began to offer itself as a real alternative to Barisan Nasional, and we begin to exercise our will as a people – thus making the political landscape more competitive – we begin to also hear murmurings to try and teach an old dog new tricks. Which bring me to my concluding point.

We all know the futility of trying to teach an old dog new tricks. If the aforementioned kinds of proposals to reform Barisan are any indication, it should be amply transparent that this exercise in reinventing itself is about as authentic as eating mamak-style mee goreng in a five-star hotel – it might be served on a fancy plate - but it’s just not the real thing.  

G. Krishnan

'UMNO is not a bully'

But an UMNO member can throw a fit and act out the ‘ketuanan Melayu’ attitude, and maybe he will get suspended from the party – after having had a chance to discuss the matter with the prime minister. And mind you, this UMNO member is not arrested under ISA or even banished from the party. On the contrary, the prime minister finds a way to deny that the former is a racist; and UMNO is not a bully.

An UMNO member can make a racist comment in a state assembly about members of another ethnic group and the individual is not publicly rebuked by the president of the party; but UMNO is not a bully.

UMNO’s leadership can brandish the keris and speak about bathing it in the blood of the Chinese. There's no need for the ISA against such individuals, and UMNO is not a bully. 

An UMNO member and son-in-law of the premier can make incendiary and inflammatory claims allegedly claiming that “non-bumiputeras have taken away the bumiputeras’ privileges and their quota for the (government’s) JPA scholarship”; but UMNO is not a bully.

An UMNO led government can practically act with impunity and destroy Hindu temples – time and again – while the MIC and the rest of the Barisan Nasional coalition remains impotent to stop such systematic marginalisation of minorities; but UMNO is not a bully.

An UMNO led coalition government has presided over the systematic degradation of the poor in our society, while admonishing anyone for speaking out against the discrimination meted out to non-Malays; but UMNO is not a bully.     

UMNO is not a bully. In fact, ‘we are all friends.’ Let me tell you a little secret: in UMNO's Malaysia, some friends are more equal than others.

[Stay tuned for the next UMNO general assembly.]

G. Krishnan    

From one flop to another

I’m sure you’ve experienced those moments before when you’re reading something and then you come across a quote or passage, which you didn’t expect and were not ready for – and the best part about it is that it happens to be so unintentionally ironic that it’s absolutely amusing, if not hilarious. Of course, these moments can quickly turn uncomfortable – that is, if you happen to be chewing on some curry puff, roti kelapa, kuih, or some other snack at the time; the laughter can quickly turn to discomfort as your try to figure out what to do about the food stuck in your throat!

Well, yes. I had precisely such an experience. You see, like most connoisseurs of quality news reporting, I went to the Malaysiakini website and saw the headline: ‘BN mulls new multi-racial group.’ Now, naturally it caught my attention, so I started to read the article. If you have seen the article I’m referring to, then you may recall there were several quotes attributed to Badawi speaking about the Barisan Nasional possibly creating some form of a multi-racial group where individual members would not have to be members of the component parties of Barisan. [Parenthetically, like a ‘Johnny-come-lately,’ this is admittedly a belated yet hollow response to try and dampen the appeal of the multiracial Parti Keadilan Rakyat. Perhaps I’ll deal with this specific issue another time. Now back to my main points.]

Then I got to the following part of the article where he turned his attention to Gerakan specifically: “’Gerakan wants to be multi-racial but it has not become what it should be,” said Abdullah as he turned to Gerakan president Dr Koh Tsu Koon and told the latter “you have not achieved the purpose” of why the party was founded.’”

Okay, I suppose you already know what happened to me at that very instance, right? I won’t go into all the details, as I’m sure you’ve got a good enough imagination. Amidst my amusement and chuckling - after I managed to clear my throat of the food, I pondered about just how so pompous and presumptuous of Badawi to be lecturing the Gerakan leadership and rank-and-file about their failure! After all, here is a man whose reign as primer has been, to put it mildly, nothing short of an utter disappointment. Okay, why hold back – it’s been an unmitigated failure. Given the euphoria in 2003 and then the unambiguous mandate he received from the voters in 2004, you’d think the man would have been on a roll and taken the country into new heights. Instead, he thoroughly squandered all that political goodwill and stumbled along like a lame-duck leader well before formally having his term in office turn into one.

I’m sure you don’t need me to recount the numerous ways he’s fallen far short of his agenda for reform. And here he is telling the members of Gerakan that ‘you have not achieved the purpose of why the party was founded.’ Oh, I know – the pot calling the kettle black,’ right? Sure – that characterisation does seem appropriate. But as I thought about it, it also seemed amusing simply for the fact that what we have is one flop telling someone else that the latter is a flop! I suppose who better to know what failure truly is than one who has himself been one! Now, that’s not only ironic – it’s blissful!

Now, I’ll just make two more points. Firstly, I would’ve loved to have known what Koh Tsu Koon must have been thinking – privately, of course – about Badawi’s remark regarding Gerakan not achieving it’s purpose. You don’t suppose he’d have thought something like this: ‘What nerve – to be lecturing us about having failed at our purpose! Have you looked at your own record of late, Mr. Prime Minister!’ But I suppose we’ll never know, will we? Now you might be wondering: ‘But it’s hard to deny that when it comes to being a multi-racial party, Gerakan has not been much of a success.’ True. I’m by no means suggesting that Badawi’s observation was not accurate. It’s the whole situation about the messenger and the message that seems so…blissful!

Second, I find this tradition of having the head of Umno addressing the annual gathering of the other BN parties such as Gerakan, MCA, and MIC just another aspect of this paternalism one finds emanating from Umno. Now I realise that the PM or DPM typically addresses these conventions in their capacity as leaders of the government – not as leaders of Umno. But yet, it is ultimately the case that they are the Umno leadership. You would think there would be some noteworthy reciprocity where leaders of the other main component parties could also address the Umno assembly.

I know it is wishful thinking that Gerakan, MCA or MIC will even develop enough of a backbone to be equal partners in the coalition. But this is precisely where this paternalistic culture practiced by Umno is most revealing. As we’ve know for long, these subservient parties are like toothless minnows – not only accustomed, but typically taking delight in being live bait for Umno. Imagine the day when the head of MCA or Gerakan can go to the Umno gathering and give the delegates and members there an earful! [Well, I’m allowed to dream, aren’t I?]

But as a result of the subservient, meek, and timid posture assumed by parties like Gerakan, is it any wonder that a failed leader of Umno is perfectly at ease about reminding the former about its failure as a party.

G. Krishnan

P.S. Oh, and I’m trying but it’s hard to break the habit of reading and snacking at the same time.

Samy Vellu: ‘Why is this idiot doing all this?’

I told you, didn’t I? I told you as much that Samy Vellu’s supposed attempts to ‘rebrand’ and rejuvenate the MIC was merely window dressing; actually, I said it was more like putting lipstick on a pig.

So it’s been three months now since Samy launched his infamous drive to rebrand his MIC. Well, during this time, we’ve seen the departure of some relatively high profile figures from MIC. To be more precise, we’ve seen various individuals ‘shown the exit door,’ so to speak, and one has to wonder at the amazing ‘reform’ and ‘rebranding’ underway in the MIC. As you might imagine, I bring this up only to further put in perspective the recent report that 5000 MIC members appear set to join Parti Keadilan Rakyat. Apparently, ‘Former Bayan Baru MIC division chairperson M Nganasegaran, who was sacked from the party yesterday, is expected to lead the exodus and officially handover their membership forms to PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim at the Bayan Baru PKR service centre.’ This report further notes that: ‘Besides MIC Bayan Baru, members from the nearby Bukit Bendera, Jelutong, Bukit Gelugor and Balik Pulau divisions are also expected to close down their branches and join forces with Nganasegaran.’

And what was the apparent cause for the sacking of Nganasegaran? It seems Samy had ‘taken offense’ that the Bayan Baru MIC division had endorsed the Pakatan Rakyat’s joint anti-Internal Security Act conference on September 14 in Penang. I guess this is Samy’s way of showing how much regard he has for respecting the range and diversity of views within MIC.

You might recall that shortly after the drubbing that MIC took during the March 8 general elections, Samy remained adamant that he was best suited for rebuilding the party. Some of us (yours truly included) not only had our doubts, but it was also obvious how utterly self-serving, predictable, and bizarre it was – to say the least - that Samy refused and was unwilling to lick his wounds and move on by passing on the party leadership to others who may be more capable. Here was a man supposedly intent on ‘rebuilding’ the party.

If you paid any attention, you would’ve seem that the MIC was headed in one direction – and one direction only; and it was not hard to see as the evidence was all over. We saw how the launch of Samy’s ‘rebranding’ initiative turned out. In case you missed that bit of news, Samy had to literally canvas the hallways of the Dewan Tun Razak Hall at the Putra World Trade Centre in order to prevent guests at his MIC gathering from leaving. 

And we especially saw how his self-proclaimed successful Permatang Pauh campaign to win back Indian voters also unfolded. Mind you, it was his Barisan Nasional coalition (through Najib) that proposed scrap metal collectors licenses for Indians if they helped BN win in Permatang Pauh.

Perhaps this is a sign. Might we be so fortunate that Samy continues to stay on this path and we continue to see more defections from the MIC? This recent news represents a ‘high profile’ incident and so it has received some attention in the media. While many of us continue to celebrate every time there is news of such defections, surely Samy and his cabal must know that there have been thousands of voters who have silently ‘crossed over’ from the MIC and, for all practical purposes, severed their support for the MIC. If this trend holds in Penang, then we can safely assume that not only the MIC but surely Barisan Nasional can expect to remain an opposition coalition in Penang for quite some time. There is also strong indication that Indians – both professionals and otherwise – especially in urban areas have become extremely disillusioned with Samy’s MIC. This, by implication, means Indian support for MIC in Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan in recent months (not unlike the trend in Penang) has been severely undermined. However, I’ll save my thoughts about the impact of this trend for Barisan’s future for another time. But I think you get my drift.   

Suffice it to note that at this rate, Samy will end up doing us all a huge favour by not just making the MIC irrelevant, he might even do enough that the preponderant of Malaysian Indians never again put their faith in the MIC. To quote Samy himself [from the MIC rebranding festivities at Putra World Trade Centre referred to above when – speaking about himself – he openly asked MIC members]: ‘You must be wondering why is this idiot doing all this?’ 

To that question, I say: Samy, I’m not wondering… I’m just delighted you are!

G. Krishnan    

‘Darling you gotta let me know…’

Badawi is obviously at another crossroads, another moment of truth; possibly having asked himself the same question from the line in the song by Clash: ‘Should I stay or should I go?’

Though the odds are quite good that he’s struck a deal with Najib and the party insiders already know the general parameters of his departure from the helm of Umno, it must still come as a rude awakening to Badawi that his days as prime minister are numbered. Why with all the cast of character seemingly throwing their hat in the ring for the deputy president post in Umno, you would assume that Najib is all but set to move up the pecking order and Badawi will orchestrate the transition to suite his desired outcome.

So should we take this as a foregone conclusion that Badawi is not going to contest for re-election as Umno president? Well, on one level, it sure seems that way. Arguably, despite all his political failures, Badawi surely could not be so incapable as not to see the hand-writing on the wall. He must know that even if he can garner enough nominations to run for re-election as party chief, it would still be humiliating – to say the least - if he only barely manages to meet the minimum required nominations or encounters significant dissent that all he ends up securing is a pyrrhic victory.

Or could there be an ‘October surprise’ impending from Badawi? Perhaps we cannot rule out a kind of surprise where Badawi somehow manages a miraculous feat – like pulling a rabbit out of the hat – and prolongs his term as Umno president beyond the next Umno party election.

It is hard to deny that Badawi’s reign has thus far – by his own benchmarks for reform - come close to being a total failure. It is also true, as Ku Li has pointed out, Badawi’s plan to postpone the party’s election may well be – according to party protocol - ‘extra-constitutional.’ But if Badawi goes down that path, does anyone within the party – including Ku Li – have any recourse? Ku Li has also made it apparent – in no uncertain terms – that he’s trying to secure the necessary nominations to make a go for the top post. This will no doubt be one of the main sub-plots of the whole reshuffle within Umno – and most certainly, Ku Li’s last hurrah. It will also reveal exactly how fractured the Umno body politic has become. If Ku Li cannot manage a real challenge, let alone win, then it’ll be apparent that Badawi and Najib have managed to successfully corral the troops and party bosses to go along with their transition agenda. And if Ku Li remains in contention, then that would also speak volumes of the upheaval within the party. Either way, Najib and Badawi both only undermine their own credibility when they treat the party’s leadership succession saga much like, in Ku Li’s words, ‘passing property’ from one owner to another.

As we wait for the proverbial shoe to fall, I’m amused at the possibility that Badawi could well have contemplated the following famous lines from the above song:

If I go there will be trouble
And if I stay it will be double
So come on and let me know…

Should I stay or should I go?

G. Krishnan

‘The crying game’

Thankfully, most fair-minded Malaysians are in fact able to see right through the propaganda and scapegoating that some within Umno tend to indulge in. Otherwise we would again be misguided by the bizarre and preposterous claims being hurled around regarding the visit by Hindraf supporters to the prime minister’s open house during Hari Raya. Among other things, some within Umno who are trying to politically capitalise on the situation have really made a big fuss out of the matter by even accusing those Hindraf well-wishers at the open house of presumably 'insulting Islam.'

Well, surely you’ve seen this game played before many times, right? I mean the part about some within Umno who try to stoke religious and sectarian animosity every time there’s a chance to score some political points with the base. But this typically and predictably tends to become especially notable around the time of the party’s general assembly or whenever the party is in tatters. Oh, wait a minute! Wouldn’t you know, it's that time of the year! Indeed, notwithstanding the fact that Badawi has yet to decide when the party’s elections will happen, it’s nevertheless approaching that very festive occasion when in previous ocassions, some have brandished their keris to intimidate others, some have celebrated sectarianism in other not so coded terms, and even - without any basis - warned their fellow Malaysians, not to, as they have put it, ‘play with fire.’

So, I’m not sure about you, but I was not the least bit surprised that some of the regime’s controlled media as well others who are vying for ‘high office’ within Umno have found it convenient to grossly distort and manipulate the goodwill message that those Hindraf supporters tried to convey to the prime minister during the open house. Just for good measure, perhaps those media outlets and individuals swiftly moving to capitalise on this matter would care to share with you some of the images that captured the good spirit and good wishes which those Hindraf members brought along with them to the open house.

But far from disrupting the festivities or ‘insulting Islam,’ I understand – as is evident from a greeting card that those Hindraf members presented to the prime minster – they conveyed the following message: ‘Happy Eid, May in this auspicious day the All Mighty bless you, ‘Yang Amat Berhormat,’ and may you release all ISA detainees and hear the plea of the Indian community in our beloved Malaysia.’         

And take a look for yourself. Posted here are a couple of photos that came my way. [Incidentally, I don't have a proper source for the photos, so my apologies for not duly attributing these photos to the appropriate source.] My oh, my - they sure do look like a manacing group that ventured to the prime minister's open house in order to cause insult to Islam, don' t you think?  

Wow! It is shameful how some of the extremists and nakedly opportunistic can take such a gracious greeting and poignant plea and twist it into a religious insult to score political points. But then again, using religion for profit or political gain has been the modus operandi of the Malaysian political class for decades.

No wonder I’m not surprised how some within Umno and the regime’s media have exploited this story by once again trying to scapegoat Hindraf.      

G. Krishnan

Sammy Chan, regarding your apology…

I applaud you; certainly not for the recent racial tirade on your blog against Indians but for your subsequent ‘unconditional apology.’ I applaud you for your courage to come forth and apologise and to appreciate the fact that what you expressed was insensitive, highly inappropriate and should not be tolerated.  

I was also struck by the fact that your apology was not just directed to Indians. You said: “I sincerely and honestly apologise to all Malaysians, not just Indians, as my comments have offended them.” 

To your credit, you epitomised a character trait that, sadly, many in our society lack: the ability to be reflective about oneself and to have the moral fortitude to stand up and correct oneself. Oh, I could go on and on with the clichés and metaphors, like ‘to err is human but to forgive is divine,’ or ‘those without sin should cast the first stone,’ etc. but these are all too self-evident – albeit apropos.

More importantly, I look upon your handling of this uncomfortable episode as a ‘teaching moment.’ Through your apology, you have modelled a sense of introspection that many of us ought to be more appreciative of and would be well-served to emulate. All too often, we encounter episodes where politicians, public figures, as well as ‘average citizens’ get tangled up in racially laden controversies. And despite the patently obvious faux pas having been committed, these individuals find it so difficult to apologise and redeem themselves or worse yet, to appreciate the gravity of their mistake. You did not take any of those paths.

It is not unheard of in our society to see some individuals who deliberately manipulate and thrive on exploiting racial hot buttons. In these instances, their motives are patently obvious and the matter of an apology doesn’t even seem relevant. In fact, the apology becomes cheapened – precisely because it is not meant as a genuine apology but rather a ‘political manoeuvre’ for what may be termed ‘damage control.’ Frankly, I find those kinds of apologies worthless and rather insulting.   

You, on the other hand, appreciated the incivility of your offensive words. From your apology, it is obvious that whatever the plausible explanations for your objectionable remarks, I have no doubt that the motives for your remarks were not insidious. Through your apology you showed us a simple truth: self dignity comes from humility – certainly not from arrogance and nor from having an over-inflated ego and sense of self-importance. And the fact that you appreciated that your insensitive words about Indians would have offended most non-Indians further illuminates much about your character. This humility you exhibited by coming forward and publicly acknowledging your mistake is something we can all learn a good deal from.        

If we are to be candid with ourselves we’d admit that for many years now, we Malaysians have been plagued by not just institutionalised racism in our society but by a lack of dependable and competent leadership committed to building genuine trust and equality across racial lines. I think we would be well-served on all these fronts if we had leaders who showed as much of an ability to be introspective and self-reflective as you have through your sincere apology.  

It is indeed reassuring to come across a fellow Malaysian like you.  

G. Krishnan

Garbage in, garbage out

Did you sleep well last night? No? Worried about share prices and the economy, ah? Well, I slept fine. You see once Najib assured us that “the fundamentals of the Malaysian economy are strong,” well, what else do I need to know? You see, people sometimes tell me I'm a real naïve sucker. It really doesn’t take much to convince me; Najib said it, I’m the type to just believe him. Aren’t you?

Now, I know, you’re going to tell me: "wait a minute, you fool, haven’t you been following the news? Forget about the U.S. economy and the mess over there on Wall Street, take a look here on Petaling Street, la!” I know, I know, you and your type are just going to try to confuse me, but I already told you, what Najib said. According to Malaysiakini,"Najib said Malaysia was a diversified economy and its 'stronger links to Asia' would allow the country to be in a better position to weather this challenging period." Huh! See la! Mind you, I’m not too sure what Najib means, but it sure sounds good to me.

Never mind the other news in recent days that Malaysia’s FDI outflow had increased by 81.9 percent from RM20.89 billion in 2006 to RM38 billion in 2007. In fact, I know you’re also going to tell me that the inflation rate has never been as high in over a quarter a century! Further, you will probably tell me: "look, man – the stock market also gone down 29 percent this year, la." Never mind, one! Remember, Najib said ‘the fundamentals of the Malaysian economy are strong.” Foreign investments, inflation, and stock market, maybe even the unemployment rate is all rubbish, la. This is not fundamentals, you know! Look at the real fundamentals, man.

What? You asking me – if not inflation, share prices, negative foreign investment flows, etc – then what are the real fundamentals? What man, how I know? You ask this kind of questions, what you think I am finance minister or what? Next thing I know, you will ask me how I think our economy is going to be affected when Malaysia fell to 47^th in the 2008 Corruption Perception Index. What? You asking me how do I know? All I know is Najib said….

Very hard to talk to you people la. Just pay attention to ‘the fundamentals’ – don’t worry about the facts…those things are meaningless you know. Then you'll sleep better. If you still cannot sleep, try some hot Milo - it always helps me.

Oh, by the way, Selamat Hari Raya to you all, ah.

G. Krishnan