Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Relaxing the Rules for Hawkers

Penang State Government and may be all the state government run by the opposition parties should look into helping the livelihood of the jobless and low income groups.

One way is to relax the rules controling the self initiated hawker business. May be help to relocate some of them to a more organised hawkers centers.

I came from a very poor family background. My father passed away when all the children were still young and school going. My poor mother had to sell her goren pisang and kueh-kueh at the road side to earn to feed the children. If not for the opportunity of such road side hawker business, we would have been in serious poverty.

Some years back a family tried to sell rojak at the road side but they were chased away by the authority. Their poverty resulted in marriage breakup and children droping out from school.(Bright children with good results.) Thus we see how important it is to help the poor.

Hope the local government conside to relax the rules governing road side hawkers.Instead of chasing them off, help them to relocate if neceesary.

Habitable Low Cost Housing

It was good to hear that more low cost housing will be built for the low income group. May I present my suggestion as follows:-

Can the Penang State Government pay attention to the need of the Kampong Malays in regards to low cost housing.
I would suggest that the state government build simple housing scheme----low cost scheme in the Kampong region, and make available to the low income group. However, it must be habitable. I say this because I have seen some housing initiated by some local government was unsuitable for people to stay in.

Houses too low, hot in the day. Rooms not enough for an average family. I've just got an idea from a friend that low cost housing should have a simple concrete celing, shielding away the heat. An average Malay family has about four to six members. A minimum of 3-room unit is needed.

With this simple housing, the state government would have raise the standard of living for these kampong folks. This in turn will creat a good study envirolment for the children.

The gorvernment should also consider alocating a piece of agricultural land for each family.(May be when you dislocate them to the housing, encourage them to farm on their old piece of land.) This will help to creat a job and also income for the family.

Have some officers from the Jabatan Pertanian to teach tem some farming skill. Providing them with some vegetable seedling etc.

Kindly consider a tangible help to the low income group among the kampong Malays.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Police Should Act Now




Some readers send me some of the photos of these banners found around KL. It is clear that these are placed by UMNO. How could UMNO place such sensitive banners around the city? It will frightens off tourists and scared off potential foreign investors. If I am a foreigner I will interprete this as a very unstable situation in Malaysia.

To be fair police should at least issue a warning to those concern. Even if the police does not who did it, a public warning should be issue over all mass media.

I believe the Election is over. The Rakyat has spoken.BN has returned to power. Now is the time for our PM to move on. Anyone who could not understand the action taken by our PM and could not agree with him should resign. Instead of asking the PM to quit, it is those who cannot agree with our PM who need to quit. Give time for our PM to work a team who will support and assist him to prove to the Rakyat what our PM can do for all Malaysians.

Has not the rich in UMNO rich enough to live the whole life through? It is time for the poor especially the kampong folks and the low wage groups to enjoy the prosperity of the nation. Do not force the poor to through off BN all together.

It is time for our PM to act tough against those who have been made rich in UMNO and had wanted more, and is now pressing for the PM to quit. Instead of giving in to them, as the Chief of UMNO act against them. All Rakyat is behind our PM who tries to salvage the reputation of BN after the election. What the Rakyat is saying, do well or we will have another to rule the nation.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Sabar Rakyat Malaysia

Let all Malaysians be united for a better Malaysia in the near future. Much damage had been done by the politicians when they play the racist card to stay in power. These had resulted in much suspicions amongst the various communities as to the genuinous of every promises of our politicians.

It had gone on for so many years! We cannot expect it to go off just over night on 8/3/2008. More so with some senior politicians who had gone through much fightings for a united Malaysians Malaysia. Thus I could understand the mistake done by our Mr.Lim in the recent Perak MB nomination case. Sabar ! Instead of complaining, we should value the effort put in to rid off racial sentiment. Let us move on!

Nobody is going to take away anyone's right, more so the special right guaranteed by the Constitutions. It shall be preserved by all right minded Malaysians. However, the special right had been manupulated by some politicians to mean more than it was initially intended. Including a 5% discount for buying a RM200,000 house, 30% share (without any share capital put in) in any listed company etc.... Will you give away you hard earn RM3000 for every RM10,000/= investment put in by your own goodself. However, I would not mind if you put in RM3000/= to help me to invest in a RM10,000/= cash capital business and earn a 30% share of the business.
Surely this is over doing.

Therefore I hope all Malaysians will see the growth of the nation as the top priority in this moment. Bringing back direct foreign investment is our goal. Portraiting a multiracial public services should be our next agenda. Creating vocational training for blue collar jobs should be targeted for the less scholastic students. Why must everyone be taught to aim at white collar jobs? Why must we promote easy lifestyle? We should be challenging our youth to deligent and responsible job attitude.

Let us not fear but learn to trust one another. Let us give time for settling down with a more friendly Malaysian lifestyle. Working together to build up our beloved nation---Malaysia.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Sabar ! Hi Sabar

Sabar in Bahasa Malayu means "be patient", "Let's be calm".
When I read about Mr.LIM Kit Siang refusing to attend the ceremony of appointment for the Menteri Besar of Perak, I felt greatly disappointed for him.

1. It is historical at this point of time that the opposition has taken over an additional four states from the BN government. (Kelantan remains in the PAS government.) Thus we need time to adjust and to learn how best the new state government can portrait a true Malaysian identity. Instead of complaining, it is time to present a mature statesmanship in resolving any difficult situation.

2. It is wise of the Sultan to have a PAS candidate as a Menteri Besar. (how I wish there is a PKR candidate for it). The Menteri Besar is the right hand man of the Sultan, and the MB is also dealing with cultural and religious matters as well, thus this is a good choice.

3. It is the best alternative to have the DAP candidate as the deputy MB in Perak. This will be the man responsible to run the state affaire except the cutural and religious context of it. Both the MB and his Deputy is a good team.

4. By refusing to attend the ceremony is showing no respect to our beloved Sultan. This is not right. Our beloved Sultan is not a politician, He is the Head of the State. He has many things to think of in making His decision. We must respect His decision.

I hope our respected Mr.Lim take some positive action to make up with the Sultan and pave a good way for our DAP Deputy MB to work harmoniously with the MB and be found in favor by the Sultan. God bless Perak state and bring about prosperity and peace to the state.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Dream of An Ideal Governance In Penang

In this multiracial and multi cultural population of Penang and Malaysia, we need to study how we could have capable leader to represent each cultural and religious people group in their various functions. Building a good rapport between the state and the people.

Ideally we should have a headman to lead the cultural department. He would have a committee of leaders who can represent the state to attend the various functions of the people. The people is also encourage to submit their needs and problem to their various represntatives sitting in the committee. Such information will be tabled at the monthly Cultural Board meeting. The Head man (Pengarah) will give the final decision as how the various problems will betackled and solved.

The YB of every constitution should get in touch with the regional Community Welfare Committee. This committee will present their proposal and complaint to the YB. This will be brought before the Undangan Negeri. The CM will then instruct how the matter is to be dealt with. A close supervision by the YB over the MPPP/MPSP to see to the implementation of what was approved in the Udangan Negeri.

Some State Exco should help to attract foreign investment and local investment into the State. This will creat job opportunity for state nationals as well as to boost the state economy.

One serious project should be looked into. It is the matter of public transport throughout the state of Penang. I had always imagine a MRT systems covering the housing, factory zones, business centres and across to the mainland, even right to Kulim High Tech Park, to Sungai Petani Industrial Estate, and to Seberang Perai Selatan. I always felt that Penang State can learn from Singapore and to excel in it.

Looking into DAP led Penang

Just read about the appointment of Muhammad Fairuz from PKR to be the Deputi CM1 and Ramasamy as the Deputi CM2. This gives Penang a very special look. You have a Chinese, a Malay and an Indian rakyat on the top list in the newly formed government.

This may sound good and look good as a first impression. Good enough at this point of time. (Transitional period.) However, this goes to say that Malaysians have yet to learn to accept one another as rakyat Malaysia without the tag of race. This also goes to say that we have yet to learn to trust one another. Nevertheless, it is a good begining for Malaysia in a new era.

In the near future, Malaysians will learn to accept any Malaysian to sit in position and have confident that the leader they put in position will take care of their welfare well. What we are witnessing in Penang is a transitional event, it had never happen before in UMNO era. Too much of racist mentality is found in the old system. People just could not believe that the new system can work. Let all Malaysians open our eyes and see what our votes can do to all of us.

I am sure DAP led Penang state government will bring much progress and better economy to all in Penang. God bless Pulau Pinang.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

What the Rakyat Is Waiting after the Election

The Rakyat is watching how PAS led state government is going to affect the live style of the rakyat in Kedah. Therefore it is important for the other opposition parties in the Kedah state government to monitor and to advice PAS led government. Otherwise, the rakyat will return the state to BN in the coming round election.

Giving respect and recognise the feeling of the rakyat is the key to remain in power. Otherwise you can be sure it shall be gone by the next election.

The Rakyat is also watching how the DAP led Penang state government is to improve the economy and livelihood of the rakyat. Of couse the rakyat does not expect a miracle. Neverthe less, something must happen. We expect the Majlis to improve its performance. We hope the state government will creat a good investment atmosphere to attract foreign investors to come to Penang.

We hope that no public open fields be converted to other usage. Improve the landscape of all housing estates for better living enviroment. Introduce better control over all the flat maintenace ---- to improve the livelihood of flat dwellers. (They are the bulk of supporters for the election.)

Creat more hawkers centres so that more people can earn a living. However, make sure that one hawker can have only one lot not owning many lots for business. Give opportunity to those who deserve it.

Rakyat is waiting to see what is happening to the Perak state government. If opposition can not work together, when such opportunity is given, then they do not deserve the support of the Rakyat. Prove your maturity by thinking of the welfare of the rakyat, not power and face for the individual party.

KeAdilan must now prove their political ideology in Selangor state. Take it as a challenge to show the rakyat how would KeAdilan manage the Malaysia through the model in Selangor. Lots of hard waork. Sure lah! Ask any parents then you will agreed it is not easy to manage a home with some many kids! We are waiting to see results !

PAS has got good support from the grassroot people group. PAS must review its political ideology to include the whole spectrum of Malaysia Rakyat. Otherwise, PAS will be rejected by the new and modern generation. PAS now must review and restructure its state operation and priority in Kelantan. The Rakyat will make a good appraisal for all parties and the next election, the Rakyat will express their finding with the vote. If the Rakyat can vote you into power, the Rakayt can also vote you out of power. This is democarcy. This is Malaysia, our beloved nation.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Where Has BN Gone wrong

In the TV forum and interview during this 12th.General Election, people talk about what has gone wrong with BN.
Let us reflect together and hopefully BN will give it a serious thought. First as a Malaysian I must confess BN has done lots for Malaysia. However, BN needs to reflect on this:-

1. It was not wrong for the Malay privileges, none opposed to it in principle as it was intended by the Constitutions.
Reflect: Has not BN over do it by making it to cover a wide spectrum of Malaysian life. What was its initial objective?

2. Malaysia is a nation of multiracial population, each with its cultural background.Has BN really appreciated it and given respect and opporunity for the development of the various cultural beauty.

3. Education is a backbone for national growth. Talents are the basic resources for national development. Has BN tape on it? Or was it not bias and prejudiced in its implementation.

4. Economy keeps the nation alive. However, are all people given the same opportunity to develo the economy of the nation? Was there the right incentive and right policy for foreign investment?

5. Why is life in Malaysia getting tougher as the years gone by. Cost of living is ever increasing. The rich is getting richer and the poor finds it hard to go on. Where has the profit and gain of national wealth gone to? Why is the rakyat force to pay such high cost in everything we need for our basic living.

6.Has not BN turned a deaf ear to the Rakyat? Instead of listening, BN suppress the voices of the Rakyat, and man-handled peaceful demonstration. How would BN expect the Rakyat to react?

7.Has BN given respect to the various leaders of the component parties. How would the people they represent feel when their leaders are mere puppets and not true representatives?

8.The last spark for the matter was the holding up of centain people before the election. There was some uncalled for comments from BN leaders, saying that without the support of some they will still win the election. That sparks off the effect for the 12th General Election.

If BN has carefully dealt with the series of events, and free the people held up by the authority, BN will still have a sweeping victory in the last election. It was the arrogant and unwise tactic that caused a great damage to BN in the election.

Hope such refletions leads on to more reflections for BN leaders

A BIG Thanks

Thanks for Support of Rakat Malaysia
The voters for the 12th.General Election have successfully sent a message across the land of Malaysia. They have voiced out their discontentment with the policies of BN government. They have also expressed that they wanted BN to rule, with a just and upright spirit.

Though many states had fallen into the hands of the opposition, it is time for the opposition to show their maturity, their integrity and also their capability to rule. Prove your ability before you take over the nation.

Many thanks for the victory of Rakyat Malaysia

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Membership Campaign

By this time the 12th.General Election for Malaysia is over. It is time to wait and see how the Rakyat responds to the need and call for a Malaysia Baru.

Whatever it is, responsible political party should begin to draft out an action plan for recruitment of new members. At the same time re educate party members on the vision and aspiration of the party for Malaysia. Work towards a Malaysian Malaysia, Malaysia for all Rakyat.

In the next four years train up new leaders to organise and to manage the various party district committee and service centers.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Hope for Malaysia

Can't we see what is going on in Malaysia? Can we not tell what damage is done to Malaysia? See this movies clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY-ZfuYSJx8

Hope for tomorrow

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

TV Ceramah

Saya harap Rakyat Malaysia yang sayang pada negara tercinta ini , sila faham akan apa yang sedang belaku pada negara kita ini. Adakah pemimpin-pemimpin negara kita ini menguruskan tangungjawab mereka dengan iklas dan baik. Cuba melawat ke http://tvceramah.tblog.com/

Timbanglah sisapakah anda akan menlantik sebagai pemimpin kita pada pilihanraya kali ini.

Kerajaan Baru

Siapakah akan mengetuai kerajaan baru jika opposition menang dalam pilihanraya ini? Ini bukanlah masalah bagi opposition. Ada lawyer, ada business man, ada professor, lagi pun kerajaan baru boleh melantik orang yang cekap dan cerdik menolong dalam segala pentadbiran negara.

Serupa apa kata Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak kata di Bachok "Try Barisan for one term", harap rakyat Malaysia bagi opposition peluang bentukan kerajaan baru di Malaysia. Apa kata, 5 tahun di bandingkan 50 tahun yang telah dicubahi oleh BN.Siapa tahu, ia akan lebih bersih, cekap, dan menghasilkan kestabilan semua bilangan kaum di Malaysia. Kerajaan baru akan membantah segala polisi yang menakutkan foreign investment. Kerajaan baru akan memperkenalkan polisi yang menarik foreign investment, supaya Malaysia dapat bertanding dengan negara negara lain seperti Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia dll.

Kerajaan baru akan memperkenalkan kursus kursus latihan bagi segala remaja yang kurang minat dalam persekolan yang biasa. Kerajaan baru akan mementingkan bidang pertanian supaya meningkatkan taraf hidup petani petani di seluruh negara. Banyak lagi akan berubah bila kerajaan baru dapat di bentukkan dalam pilihan raya kali ini. Sokongan semua rakyat adalah mustahak.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Is it True?

It is commonly said that we should vote wisely, and even work from inside (meaning from BN).So it goes, don't waste your vote. Let see what others said aboyt this "work from inside", is it true?


There is no point in voting good BN candidates (if there issuch a thing).
You will see that there are good BN MPs/reps in UMNO/MCA/MIC etc.
Politicians with a bit of spine and some principles. But what's the point of voting them when they are overpowered by the hoolligans and backbenchers within their parties?
Good people join BN to change and improve the system, from within. They stand up for the people and are shot down by the party and system. Why waste your votes on them then if they are powerless?
*S. Sothinathan*, MIC (Telok Kemang), was suspended from his deputy minister's position in 2006 for criticising the government policy on the recognition of foreign medical degrees. He felt that the many of the students at the Crimea State Medical University (CSMU) in Ukraine, which woudl be derecognised, were Indians and because of this, being a BN component party, the MIC is duty-bound to protect their interest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqGRMvi91yw
*Loh Seng Kok*, MCA (Kelana Jaya), complained in Parliament about 'imbalanced' history textbooks, new prayer recital guidelines and the problems faced by non-Muslims with regards to places of worship. Six days later, some 50 Umno Youth members, led by Kelana Jaya division chief Abdul Halim Samad, paid him a visit late at night to deliver a "warning letter".
*Shahrir Samad,* UMNO's conscience, supported an opposition motion (to censure the one eyed Jasin MP), did not receive support from his fellow government backbenchers to condemn the corruption within his own party.
*Tan Cheng Liang *(Jawi) and *Lim Boo Chang *(Datuk Keramat), two BN state assemblymen in Penang abstained from a vote on the Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) in 2002. The controversial PORR was proposed by the BN government and vehemently opposed by the opposition. Both were meted "disciplinary action" for not supporting the government, even though they thought that the project would not best serve the interest of Penang.
*K. Devamany *of MIC (Cameron Highlands) had said the fact that 50,000 people showed up at the Nov 25 2007 Hindraf protest showed the Government's failure in distributing wealth equally. Trying to highlight the seriousness of this issue, he was strongly condemned by his BN colleagues.
*Zaid Ibrahim,* UMNO's conscience, has been dropped from this election. This former Kota Bharu MP was one of the first UMNO politicians to publicly demand the establishment of a royal commission of inquiry into the Linggam tape. This same man has been very public and vocal about the rotting state of the judiciary and rule of law. Zaid also led a campaign to reelect Shahrir Samad, fellow UMNO conscience, as the backbencher's club chairperson after the one eyed MP incident. He didn't succeed.
http://www.bakrimusa.com/archives/a-gemstone-among-pebbles
These BN politicians are fighting for the people, and they are being defeated by their own party. If they can't criticise the government, they can't stand up for you.
Please read about the whip in parliament
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_Whip_(Malaysia)
Meanwhile the spineless:
*Shahrizat Jalil*, Women, Family and Community Minister of UMNO (Lembah
> Pantai), on the passing of the Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) (Amendment) Bill 2005 which undermines the status of Muslim women and the family institution said this first:
*The uproar over this issue is symptomatic of the real problems affecting Muslim women in the country. Let this be a lesson to all concerned to not trivialise issues involving the rights of women. *(Dec 23, 2005)
She then went on to say that *her ministry had earlier objected to almost all the clauses of the Bill, which discriminated against women *(Dec 25, 2005).
She later went on to vote to support the bill.
And some quotes by BN and non-BN politicians. Self explanatory:
*UMNO has now become completely paralyzed.
* Dr. Mahathir http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sXdc8gHrmQ
*... it's an opposition motion and we usually reject their motions.
* Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, The Star
5 May 2006
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/5/5/nation/20060505075251&sec=nation
* Our principle is that BNBBC will not support the opposition. *
BNBBC Deputy Chairman Datuk Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar, Bernama 5 May 2006
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news_lite.php?id=195453
* Based on our policy and practice, the BN elected representatives cannot support a motion tabled by the Opposition... under whatever circumstances, they should not have supported a motion from the Opposition.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, who is also BN Chief Whip, The Sun
http://www.malaysia-today.net/Blog-e/2005/10/two-bn-mps-in-fix-for-backing-dap.htm
He [Sothinathan] is a member of the front bench and should not have taken a stand like what he did, criticising his own Government... [this] is certainly a breach of party discipline.*
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi , The Star 23 June 2005
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/6/23/nation/11295892&sec=nation
*What happened is unprecedented but he is at fault. That is why action has to be taken against him
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, The Star
23 June 2005
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/6/23/nation/11295892&sec=nation
*He broke ranks. You cannot have your cake and eat it too.*
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri
Nazri Aziz, The Star
23 June 2005
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/6/23/nation/11295892&sec=nation
**The action against Tan Cheng Liang (Jawi) and Lim Boo Chang (Datuk Keramat) was good enough to serve as a reminder to the rest of the backbenchers. *
BN secretary-general, Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat, MGG Pillai 6
January 2003
http://www.mggpillai.com/article.php3?sid=1580
**We are of the view that the final decision on this issue should be made by Barisan. But as far as Umno is concerned, we want them sacked. *
Former Prime Minister and former UMNO/BN Chairperson, Dr Mahathir Mohamad,
SNNI 29 November 2002
http://www.snni.org/cgi-bin/snni2/list_item.cgi?archives/2002_11_30/malaysia/st3011_1.txt
*MPs are more free now, compared to 10 years ago, to voice their opinions and views.*
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, New Straits Times 14 January 2005
http://www.suaram.net/display_article.asp?ID=454
*[On an objection by a leading backbencher] He may disagree, but at the end of the day it is the Whip's decision.*
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, New Straits Times 14 January 2005
http://www.suaram.net/display_article.asp?ID=454
*I am a loyal party member and will obey. [if the government bill didn't go
through] i t would have meant trouble for me. *
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, The Star
25 December 2005
http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/columnists/2005/12/25/suhaini/20051225114
912&sec=Suhaini

*They are free to debate and speak their mind, but when it comes to a vote they have to follow.*
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, BBC News 22 December 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4551532.stm
*WE are not doves that can be tamed. We did not intentionally support the Opposition. Our intention was to protect the integrity of Parliament.*
Datuk Bung Moktar Radin, NST 5 October 2005
http://www.malaysia-today.net/Blog-e/2005_10_05_MT_BI_archive.htm
¡¡

Be a Responsible Voter

Let me present to you a mail to read:

Former Bar Council president Yeo Yang Poh wrote an open letter to ALL Malaysians, to discharge our responsibilities as a voter and make those elected candidates to be accountable for their promises made during the election campaign.
He believes that change and betterment are not empty dreams, if all of us play our respective parts.Dear Fellow Malaysians,It is true that there are things that we Malaysians should be proud of, and be thankful for. It is equally true that many things are not well in our country. They have not been well for some time now. Matters of safety and security, price hikes, education, issues of equal opportunities and equal treatment, constriction of various forms of freedom, marginalization of several segments of society, the failing justice system, corruption in the public sector, the rising denial syndromes, the arrogance of wrongdoers nourished by their repeated ability to get off scot-free, and thenumbness of the public reaction towards misdeeds and the lack of accountability, just to describe a few.Many of the ills that we complain about in our society are the symptoms of the underlying causes.

Some of the major root causes are:
(a) epidemic corruption in a system that does little to prohibit or redress it,
(b) lack of a system of transparency and accountability,
(c) the suppression of various freedoms so as to turn a silent majority into a silenced majority, (d) a Government that is more interested in commanding than serving,
(e) a Parliament whose overwhelming majority cares more about power-consolidation than nation-building, and
(f) a weak "last bastion" in the form of a failing justice system.

Can things be allowed to go on this way? Can we afford to do so? Should our future generations suffer the consequences of our permissiveness?It is quite obvious that we need a better Government and a better Parliament.But that will not happen if we, the citizens of Malaysia, do little more than blaming the Government and criticizing our Members of Parliament. It is we who put our MPs in the Parliament.

It is we who must take the ultimate responsibility. The buck stops at each and every one of us.My earnest appeal to everyone is therefore as follows:

  • discuss the need for a better Parliament and a better Government, with your family members, colleagues, friends and persons close to you;
  • make it a point to go and vote in the next election, and to vote for change and for betterment;
  • discard the notion or excuse that your single vote will not matter;
  • discard the notion or excuse that politics is dirty and all politicians are the same, and
    therefore that there is no point in voting;
  • influence and encourage as many of your family members, colleagues, friends and persons
    close to you as possible, to come out and vote for change and for betterment in the coming
    election.

It is meaningless for us to complain about our Parliamentarians and the Government, if we do not first discharge a simple but sacrosanct duty of choice.Let us all take the time to look into the beautiful but expectant eyes of our children, and of the children of many others for whom we care. The future of our nation is meant for them. But millions of them cannot vote. They put their fate in our hands. They rely on us not just for their present living and support. They rely on us, too, to vote for a better future for them.And after discharging our duty to vote, we must continue to be vigilant, and ensure that our elected representatives account for their actions, and make good their promises.I humbly suggest to you that change and betterment are not empty dreams, if all of us play our respective parts. I invite you, and I urge you, to answer my appeal as set out above.Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Yeo Yang PohAdvocate & Solicitor,& a concerned Malaysian

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Should This Go on?

HERE'S THE FACTS WHY WE CANNOT GIVE THEM 2/3 OF PARLIAMENT
1. Barisan lost 2/3 majority once, in 1969. Only briefly.

2. Since 1957, it has amended the constitution 690 times to propagate its power. By comparison, USA which is more 200 years old has only amended its constitution 27 times; Singapore as little as only 4 times.

3. Barisan's ability to amend the constitution as it likes (and make unjust and unfair constitutional changes) must be stopped now.Here's the statistics from the 2004 election:1. UMNO received 35.9% of the popular votes but has 110 parliamentary seats or 50% of all parliamentary seats.2. In total, Barisan received 63.8% of the popular votes but has 199 parliamentary seats or 91% of all parliamentary seats.3. The opposition received 36.2% of the popular votes but has only 20 parliamentary seats or 9% of all parliamentary seats.

4. Why? Because of gerrymandering (check the dictionary: it means dividing voting districts so as to give unfair advantage to one party in elections), or unfair election rules. The election rules are stacked against the opposition. No matter what happens, the opposition will never, I repeat, will never be able to win the next election.Here's the decision-making power process within our present cabinet.1. UMNO not only controls the parliament via Barisan, it has allocated itself 24 cabinet positions or 71% of all cabinet positions.2.
MCA has 5 cabinet positions or 15% of the cabinet positions.3.
MIC has 1 cabinet position or 3 % of the cabinet positions.4.
Gerakan has 1 cabinet position or 3% of the cabinet positions.5.
Other component parties hold 3 cabinet positions or 8% of the cabinet positions.
One should take note that although UMNO controls 50% of all parliamentary seats, it controls 71% of all the decision making processes within the cabinet.4.
Many marginalization issues or unfair election practices are the result of legislations passed by Barisan (lead by UMNO) unchecked in a dominant Barisan parliament. Under the Barisan Party whip system, the majority component party within Barisan will dictate the rules of the game. Other Barisan component parties like MCA, Gerakan or MIC cannot vote against what UMNO decides in whatever it likes, even if they wanted to.

5. Best part is this: even if the opposition won all the seats it contested, no single opposition party can form the next government.
Why? Gerrymandering (of the present election borders) has ensured that even if Barisan were to win 50% of the popular votes in the upcoming election, it will still control 2/3 of parliament. As an example, in 2004 Barisan took 64% of the popular votes but ended up controlling 91% of parliament. It is easy to see why if they win only 50% of the popular votes in the next election they will once again be able to dictate absolute power in the parliament.

Check this out and see how you wanted to vote !

Saturday, March 1, 2008

New Voters Registration

I have come across many younger generation eligible voters who have not register for it. I felt disappointed with both the government as well as the opposition parties. In goes to say that one party prefers to leave these disatisfied generation aside, not ready to vote. The other party has failed to tap on this resources of young world be supporters.

I hope the young voters themselves will register soon ,ready for the next general election. I also hope that opposition parties do some serious thinking and planning, find ways to get the younger generation to register for voting.

We should also remind those who have shifted to change the address of their IC and be qualify to vote for the next election.

This time the opposition have lost some thousands of unregistered voters.What a waste!