What people expect in this brand new year - 2023.

It may be a new year may but I believe the hopes and expectations of the Rakyat remain the same in principle. 

Firstly, we all want to be able to live a life of dignity and have equal opportunities. Dignity is something essential to all human beings. It means being worthy of respect and honour. The opposite of this clearly means being treated as worthless or being disrespected. A true leader would do his/her utmost to ensure that the citizens have the opportunity to lead dignified lives. Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood”. 

A person’s self-worth and dignity can be lifted or destroyed by government policies and the laws of the land. A child who grows up being discrimination or ostracized from mainstream society simply because of the accident of his/her birth may become unhappy adult who feels oppressed. Only a leader with compassion, good conscience and who truly “fears” God can understand this. Therefore, a compassionate government should ensure that policies and processes exist that provide ample opportunities for those with talent to thrive. Policies should also exist to ensure the less fortunate among us, whether socially or economically, can lift themselves by way of positive assistance. 

Cruel discrimination in the name of race, religion or social status should never be allowed to be part of society, especially in a society that has a majority Muslim population like Malaysia. This is because any policy which is race based is clearly against the teachings of Islam. 

Furthermore, under the heading of “human dignity” are also economic and employment opportunities, positive working conditions, and equitable distribution of resources. I think it is time the government focuses again on small and medium enterprises, and cottage industries. There has been so much focus on mega projects that do not seem to benefit the common rakyat. Development in the country has also been too Klang valley-centric while the rest of Malaysia does not benefit. A proper policy would be able to create employment opportunities outside the Klang valley so that more balanced development can take place in Malaysia. 

Secondly, the government and political leaders should properly understand the provisions of fundamental liberties enshrined in Part II of the Federal Constitution – articles 5 to 13. Citizens themselves should familiarize themselves with these important provisions. You can only protect your rights if you know you have them. 

The Government should ensure that whatever policies that are passed strengthen these fundamental rights and not whittle them away. Parliamentarians should be engaging intelligently in debates and committed in ensuring that whatever bills that the Government passes does not contravene these Constitutional provisions. The Rakyat would be pleased to benefit from positive contributions from the minds of the parliamentarians rather than annoying sounds from their mouths. 

Thirdly, I hope that this Government is serious about and courageous in fostering true national unity. It is very sad that after more than 60 years of being independent we still allow blatantly divisive speeches, statements and politics to flourish in this country. 

I am not only referring to unity between the Malays and the non-Malays but between every Malaysian. And the Government ought to be wary of efforts to divide the Malays themselves for political reasons. They should also be vigilant of the rise of religious extremism which seems to be creeping quietly into Malaysia, posing serious security threats. 

Hence, it is my hope that this government addresses the issue of national unity substantially and designs long term policies that can unite Malaysians in striving for a common Malaysian Dream. Obviously, this effort must begin in the formative periods of Malaysian children. 

Fourthly, there needs to be serious efforts made to halt or reduce corrupt practices in all of our institutions and in all spheres of society. Corruption is not only cruel in the sense that scarce resources are diverted to feed the greedy rather that help the rakyat, but it also increases the costs of living. The negative effects of corruption are well known and I would not want to repeat it here. However, I have to emphasize that if there is real political will and efforts made, corruption can be significantly reduced. 

The Government should establish a task force or a committee with powers to come up with a way to tackle corruption in all institutions in the country. It is no doubt a major task but one that needs to be urgently undertaken. The corruption agency can audit lifestyles of even past political leaders to take back wealth that has been stolen through corrupt practices. If there is will, there is a way. The laws are certainly there.

Lastly, there needs to be continued respect for and upholding of the rule of law. Rule of law is a vast area that includes equality before the law, equal access to the law and so on. Essentially, adherence to the rule of law is the ordinary citizen’s last line of defence against oppression by the privileged or the powerful. Hence, our parliamentarians must ensure that any law approved is just. 

It is also important to ensure that whenever discretionary powers are given, as may be necessary, there are effective checks and balances. This is because, discretionary powers may also result in corruption, abuse and oppression. 

With this, I wish the readers: Happy new Year ! 

Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos.

Raperas are more urgently needed now !

I have spoken and written many articles over the years where I tried to provoke the Rakyat into taking responsibility for the well being of the Nation.  I was deeply concerned that the general rakyat who are generally good and decent people were illusioned that they are helpless in shaping the destiny of the Nation.

Whatever the impetus was, I am glad that the Rakyat now know that they can change the government if they are determined to. I hope that this makes the politicians realize that the Rakyat’s mindset has changed. They no longer fear the powers that the politicians wield.

I would like to remind the Rakyat that while the Rakyat’s mindset and imagination with regards to politics may have changed, they must remember one thing - power still has a druggish effect on the politicians and their servants.  Hence, they must not assume that just because the baton has been passed to the member of parliaments and state assemblymen on the other side of the fence, all must necessarily be well - they are still politicians.

Hence, our focus should still remain the same - we want a stable, peaceful country where each of us and our children have the opportunity to prosper based on the efforts that we put into life. Every Malaysian has a right to feel safe, useful, appreciated as a citizen with a sense of belonging and respected as a human being.

While the some or most of the Rakyat may still be caught up with the elections that have ended, the Raperas must put on their thinking caps while being balanced by their compassionate hearts.

While some or most of the Rakyat may think that their responsibility has ended by casting their votes, Raperas must know that duties and responsibilities to ensure that this Nation progresses comprehensively continues. Raperas must be ever vigilant.

Believe me when I say this: most people are unable to free themselves from vested interests that may actually run counter to national interests. Do not for a second think that a change of government automatically means that human nature itself has changed.

While we must give the trust, the benefit of doubt and support the government of the day, the Rapera must be vigilant of the human nature which may only want to act in its own interests.

Let us together unite, as Malaysians, to ensure that the key institutions in our country are strengthened not to act against ordinary citizens but to empower them so that they are protected and assisted in their quest to contribute in making this nation greater.

I pray that we have a great journey ahead.

Peace !

Apakah GST Sebenarnya?

oleh: YB Datuk Hj Ahmad Bin Hj Mazlan.

Timbalan Menteri Kewangan Malaysia.

Pernahkah kita terfikir mengapa 170 drpd 193 negara dlm dunia ini (88%) sudah melaksanakan GST, Goods & Services Tax atau CBP, Cukai Barang & Perkhidmatan atau VAT, Value Added Tax? Adakah mereka ingin menzalimi rakyat di negara masing2 itu?
Angka 170 itu termasuk negara mundur, berpendapatan sederhana rendah, berpendapatan sederhana tinggi (Msia termasuk kategori ini) dan juga negara2 maju.

Pernahkah kita cuba ingin mencari jawapan mengapa 43 drpd 57 negara (75%) dlm OIC, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation sudah melaksana GST/VAT? Tentu negara2 itu tahu yg GST hukumnya harus & dibolehkan drpd sudut agama Islam.

Jawapannya ialah kerana GST lebih baik drpd sistem cukai kepenggunaan yg lain spt SST Sales & Services Tax atau CJP, Cukai Jualan & Perkhidmatan yg di Msia ini sudah pun dilaksana sejak 1972 & 1975.

SST? Apa itu? Pembangkang sebut selama ini kita tak ada kena cukai tapi sekarang semua org kena. Betul ke itu? Black box kapal terbang warna hitam. Betul ke? GST cukai yg zalim. Betul ke? Kotak hitam rupa-rupanya berwarna jingga/oren. GST model Msia yg sebenar adalah cukai yg adil & tidak zalim.

Selama ini rakyat Msia sudah pun membayar cukai SST dlm banyak barang & perkhidmatan iaitu 5% atau 6% atau 10%. Malangnya SST itu kurang telus sbb ianya termasuk dlm harga barang yg rakyat tidak perasan sedangkan GST kini telus kerana ada dlm resit. Rakyat Msia tiba2 menjadi tambah celik kewangan bermula 1/4/15. Dulu tidak pernah simpan resit barang2 yg dibeli, skrng resit dibaca, disimpan & di whatsapp ke seluruh dunia !!

Berikut adalah sbhg drpd kebaikan GST utk rakyat & negara:

1) Sistem cukai yg berkesan, telus dan cekap kerana GST mempunyai aturan yg baik, penggunaan sistem komputer dgn perisian yg tepat & boleh diurus sendiri. Buku akaun jadi satu dokumen yg lengkap, bukan sentiasa rugi jika diguna waktu membayar cukai kpd Lembaga Hasil, LHDNM.

2) Mengembangkan ekonomi negara kerana GST jadikan perniagaan berkembang lebih teratur dgn rantaian jualan jadi lebih baik. GST boleh kembangkan ekonomi negara 0.3 - 0.5% dlm tahun pertama pelaksanaannya.

3) Mengurangkan ekonomi terselindung (pengelakan / penipuan cukai). Kini ekonomi gelap di Msia menurut kajian Bank Dunia berjumlah 30% drpd KDNK, Keluaran Dlm Negara Kasar / GDP Gross Domestic Product. Dan dgn GST "the shadow economy" ŵini boleh dikurang kpd 10-15%. Pembangkang yg tak sokong GST adakah mereka sedar ini bermaksud ingin lindungi penipuan cukai??

4) Membantu sektor eksport negara kerana semasa SST cukai dikenakan kpd eksport. GST tidak dikenakan terhadap eksport maka jadikan eksport lebih murah & berdaya saing di peringkat antarabangsa. Pembangkang tidak setuju kpd langkah yg baik ini?

5) Membantu sektor pelancongan kerana pelancong boleh claim GST di airport terhadap barang yg dibawa pulang. Namun khidmat & belanja dlm negara tetap pelancong bayar GST.

6) Mengurangkan kos perniagaan kerana peniaga boleh claim cukai input 6%. Rantaian kilang, pemborong & peruncit boleh claim balik yg akan turunkan kos niaga. Pengguna tidak claim balik sbb jika claim maka tiadalah sebarang cukai akan dikutip. Tapi pengilang, pemborong & peruncit adalah rakyat yg juga pengguna.

7) Menjadikan harga barang lebih patut bila kos niaga berkurang. Semasa SST, cukai dianggap sbg kos maka ianya dipindah kpd pengguna utk membayarnya. GST bukan suatu kos kpd peniaga. Pembangkang tidak suka harga barang jadi lebih patut?

8) Menambah hasil negara utk manfaat rakyat sbb cukai diguna utk pendidikan, kemahiran, kesihatan, keselamatan, kebajikan, ratusan touchpoints Bajet tahunan & pembangunan negara secara keseluruhan. Cukai adalah dari rakyat, dikutip & di bajet dgn adil oleh Kementerian Kewangan, diproses / lulus di Dewan Rakyat / Dewan Negara dan dikembalikan semula kpd rakyat.

9) GST sistem cukai yg lebih baik drpd cukai jualan & perkhidmatan SST kerana berlaku cukai atas cukai & pindahan nilai dlm SST. 5% SST jadi 8% dan 10% jadi 15%. Ini jadikan harga barang naik. Kesan 8 & 15% itu kini turun kpd hanya 6% GST. Pembangkang tidak suka cukai  diturunkan?

10) Membantu Msia jadi negara maju thn 2020 nanti kerana GST menepati standard antarabangsa. Sbb itulah maka majoriti negara di dunia ini sudah laksanakannya. 9 drpd 10 penduduk di dunia berada dlm negara yg laksanakan GST/VAT.

Namun jika GST baik mengapa harga barang naik? Hakikatnya tidak semua peniaga naikkan harga. Peniaga2 yg sokong pembangkang tidak akan jayakan inisiatif baik Kerajaan BN. Mereka suka "sabotaj" ekonomi negara ini, dgn naikkan harga barang agar rakyat marah kpd BN.

Peniaga yg beretika spt puluhan cawangan Mydin, 165 Kedai Rakyat 1Msia, lebih 300 cawangan Pasar Tani, 21 cawangan Jakel, lebih 600 cawangan KFC, Domino Pizza, sbhg besar pasar2 raya besar seluruh negara, hampir semua pengeluar kereta spt Proton dll menjual barang dgn sama harga atau lebih rendah dibanding sebelum GST. Ya GST yg sebenar boleh menurunkan harga barang. Jika barang turun maka pembangkang akan susah hati. Oleh itu adalah menjadi kegembiraan pembangkang jika GST dapat dimanipulasi dgn menaikkan harga barangan.

Penguatkuasaan sedang dilaksanakan oleh KPDNKK & Kastam. Rakyat sedang menanti ada peniaga yg akan dihadapkan ke mahkamah kerana melanggar Akta Kawalan Harga & Anti Pencatutan dll Akta yg berkaitan dgn perlindungan  rakyat & pengguna. Mahkamah baru itu kini ada di setiap buah negeri utk percepatkan perbicaraan.

Denda & penjarakan mereka yg mengambil kesempatan dgn naikkan harga spt kpd barang2 yg sebelum ini ada 10% SST maka patut turun harga kerana tolak SST 10% baru dicampur GST 6% jadi barang turun sekitar 4%. Peniaga mesti ikut SOP GST yg sebenar. Pengguna pula gunakan kuasa 3M, memilih, melapor & memboikot peniaga yg degil.

Sifar GST utk makanan asas yg dibeli dlm peratusan yg tinggi drpd belanja rakyat yg berpendapatan rendah, 4200 ubat2an, buku2, air paip, gas masak, susu bayi. Juga sifar GST utk beras, tepong, gula, garam, rempah, sayur, ulam, buah2an, semua makanan laut basah & kering, daging lembu, kambing, ayam, itik, telur dll.

Kedai kecil, warung2, pasar2 kecil yg pendapatan mereka kurang rm500 ribu setahun tiada GST. Perkhidmatan asas spt pendidikan, kesihatan, pengangkutan awam, penyewaan rumah & urusan Kjaan juga dikecualikan GST. Model GST sifar yg banyak begini hanya ada di Msia. Kadar 6% pula adalah terendah di dunia selepas 3 negara lain yg kadarnya 5%.

Kerana GST maka cukai SST turun 10% kpd 6%, cukai pendapatan individu turun 1-3%, cukai koperasi diturunkan 1-2%, cukai syarikat turun 25% kpd 24% dan cukai PKS/SME turun 20% kpd 19%. Kerana GST maka BR1M dinaikkan kpd rm950. Rakyat tentu inginkan akan ada lagi program2 kebajikan lain yg akan diumumkan dari semasa ke semasa.

GST adalah perubahan sistem cukai yg terbesar dlm sejarah Msia. Perdana Menteri sebut fakta ini dlm perjumpaan dgn Kastam pada 30/3/2015. GST akan stabil dlm masa 6 bulan drpd tarikh 1/4/15, menurut Kastam. Saya harap GST boleh stabil dlm masa 3-4 bulan, mudah-mudahan.

Ada orang minta saya berhenti bercakap ttg GST. Jika saya ikut kata mereka itu maka pembangkang akan menang dlm putar belit mereka merosakkan minda rakyat. Saya tidak akan berhenti menjelaskan yg GST lebih baik drpd SST. Anda boleh ikuti penjelasan GST saya dlm twitter @ahmadmaslan.

Atau dapatkan maklumat GST yg ada di hujung jari kita drpd telefon pintar dll di alamat:
www.gst.customs.gov.my
www.gstmalaysiainfo.com
www.gstpedia.my
www.treasury.gov.my
www.kpdnkk.gov.my

Terima Kasih.

Can you ever have a People's Government?

If you were to discuss this with the mainstream "intelligentsia", the direction of the discussion will be quite obvious.

Of course we have a people's government, they will say. After all, we live in a democracy - government of the people, by the people for the people.You have elections every five years and the citizens are free to vote whom they want. These MPs and the State assemblymen are the PEOPLE's representative, they will say. The system of governance is democratic and we have LAWS. All these arguments, you have heard, and you will continue to hear them forever. They are repeated so often that people believe all is well and that only the "stupid" will disagree or question the system and say, "But wait a minute....what happens after they are voted in...do I have a say in the policies or do I just have to accept it". NO!! We have never been trained to think like this.

ON the other hand, our school system teaches us to GLORIFY and DEIFY our political leaders> They have sacrificed for the Nation and for the good of the people. We can see that all of them retire very poor can we not? Poor souls...so busy serving the country that they had no time to work to even save up for thier retirement. Is that why we give them retirement  - as a reward for their sacrifice. Even their children are on state scholarship and barely surviving..poor souls. What a sacrifice, while the rest of us are living a very rich and comfortable life style!!!

SO., the question remains - can we have a people's government? I like to start with the Constitution where it guarantees fundamental freedoms which cannot be taken away by politicians by enacting oppressive laws. A human being to be able to live with dignity must have fundamental rights and fundamental freedoms. Otherwise, his life is enslaved to political masters and capitalists.

We often hear that we have a people's government because we have the fundamental freedom and fundamental rights.

Do we have the right to decide for ourselves in matters which WE deem personal or any reasonable person would deem personal?

For example, do you really enjoy the freedom to earn a living by making use of your talents and ability without discrimination?

Are the resources in this country equitable distributed or controlled by an elite few? Can you set up a moral, ethical business without much difficulty or do you have to go through oppressive laws that makes making a living a nightmare?

What about your children - are the national schools of the best quality and do the political masters think it is good enough FOR THEIR OWN CHILDREN? The answer to this will determine what the leaders actually think is the worth of your children compared to theirs.

Do you even have a right to decide on your faith and how you want to practice your faith or is it subject to laws that you had no part in making? Again this will determine how free you are in deciding on your own life.

If we have a people's government, how often does the government listen to the people's plights, their problems and their woes? DO you like the public transport system? Is it good at all?

Are the streets safe for your children? Is it so difficult to make the streets safe? Or maybe your children walk around with bodyguards and a motorcade complete with sirens that it does not matter?

When was the last time you went to our local beaches which I am sure must have been maintained for you by the people's government or has it been taken over by hotels in the name of the "economy" ?

Look at the housing policy all these years - does that reflect the work of a people's government? DO you think that the best that can ever be done for the people is building low cost flats with poor facilities and socially dangerous environments? Or terrace houses stacked together with narrow roads and a small park? Would you have designed housing estates that way if YOU were the government?

Really, whether it is Pakatan or Barisan - the question is: Can we have a people's government? In my view, a truly people's government is a dream under current political thinking and system.

It will remain so until the people themselves wake up to what they are really worth.

Peace!

Civil Servants Do Not Engage, Hence The Political Government gets into trouble?

The "government administration" which is made up of the civil servants, the various agencies such as Police, Bank Negara, Elections Commissions, etc, etc goes on automatic mode irregardless of who the "political government" is. For example, even if Pakatan Rakyat was to take over the country, the same civil service wil be serving the Nation.

I cannot but help notice that the Barisan Nasional political government is increasingly being put on the defensive by various events in the country. Some of this defensive position, in my view, is a choice that BN seems to make! There are many occasions where the BN government does no have to be defensive in my view. Anyway, I digress from the point I want to make in this article.

The point i want to make here is this: that the actions of the secure civil servants affects the image and the tenure of the insecure politicians in power. Let me explain.

Firstly, most of the Rakyat deal largely with civil servants and agencies and not with the political masters. The manner in which these civil servants deal and engage with the Rakyat is what really matters to the Rakyat. If these agencies exercise their powers unreasonably or do not address the Rakyat's complaints in a reasonable manner, the Rakyat gets very frustrated. If these agencies do not respond positively by having discussions with the Rakyat on specific complaints and refuse to interpret the law in a just and helpful manner, the Rakyat gets agitated. 

Frustrations and agitations lead to feelings of helplessness. Ultimate feelings of helplessness leads to collective actions against the agencies and often, these feelings are directed against the political masters. It is this fact that the political masters must understand clearly.

Hence, in my view, when the Rakyat has a legitamate complaint against a certain law or an agency, the ruling political masters must side with the Rakyat. They cannot adopt this automatic defensive position and be pro-agency because, the political masters are expected to side with the Rakyat. It is very plain and simple. This has got to be the new thinking among the politicians if they want to remain relevant at these times where the Rakyat is increasingly becoming aware of their rights. 

However, I find it almost ridiculous and self defeating that quite often, the political ruling class goes on the defensive whenever the actions or omissions of a government agency is challenged or brought into question. When this happens, the political opposition sides with the complaining Rakyat and projects itself as the champion of the oppressed Rakyat. It is almost as if the fact of continued incumbency has infected upon them the disease of defensiveness and ousted the attitude of embracing the Rakyat's complaint.  

In this regard, I have often mentioned to my friends in the ruling class that their "takut bayang2" attitude and the incapacity to embrace new political responses creates more problems for them even in situations where they are right.

It is about time that the ruling class pay serious attention to the exercise of discretion by the civil servants and the various agencies (including the state agencies, especially that which relates to religion). Whatever they do or do not do will impact on the support the ruling class gets.

The ruling political class must learn to stop being defensive. Get new advise on the new ways to respond. The whole world is changing, you should change too if you want to remain relevant.

Peace !

Democracy in Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s Party Elections?

Undoubtedly, the move to allow 400,000 over PKR members to vote directly is indeed a very democratic move.  Does this translate to mean that the PKR members now will have the opportunity to make an informed choice of the most suitable candidate? What will the criteria be – loyalty to party or loyalty to party personalities? Capability or pure popularity? Once the results are out, the people will evaluate the quality of PKR.

One may ask: why even have democratic elections in a political party anyway? Arguably, political parties do not have to exercise democracy within the party if they so choose to.  They can just stage manage the whole process of electing leaders. Obviously, democracy is exercised in political parties for the following main reasons:

1)      1) To give an opportunity for ordinary members to determine the leadership of the party by exercising their vote. They get to choose who to lead.

2)      2) Secondly, the elected leaders can be held accountable by the party machinery. If you hold no official position, then you cannot be held accountable by the party.

3)      3) The President of the main leader of the political party can give a direction and set its policies which can then be debated by the party members.

The manner in which a party allocates political power to its leaders reflects their true attitude towards the principle of democracy and accountability.

PKR is a peculiar political party when it comes to the allocation of decision making of the party’s direction. Every other political party, be it UMNO, DAP, MCA, MIC or Pas, the main power vests in the President of the party. In PKR, the perception is: the power does not vest in its President, Datin Seri Wan Azizah. She is perceived as a puppet for her husband or a stakeholder until her husband clears his trial.  Someone please correct me if I am wrong on this.

Wan Azizah’s husband is perceived to be the main power behind the throne. Her husband has also been nominated to go for the President’s post but I understand he had declined. By default, Wan Azizah wins uncontested. In democratic language, he has refused to allow his acceptance within the party to be tested. In democratic language too, this means that he has missed the opportunity to get the mandate from PKR members to lead them. Hence, he is without mandate, in the democratic sense. Why choose this path when PKR appears to extol democracy?

Long, long time ago (despite my reservations), I used to see PKR as a potentially 1Malaysia kind of party that may bring reforms to the Nation. However, the manner in which the party elections are unfolding especially in the election of the top leaders becomes worrisome for a discerning Rakyat who is evaluating alternatives.

If a political party continues to innovate something called “defacto leader” with vast powers, imagine the same political party taking over the government. You may end up having a democratically elected Prime Ministress with powers held by a defacto leader!  This would be a logical conclusion the people are entitled to make based on current behavior of the political party.  Am I wrong here?

The other thing that people are watching keenly is the expected results of the race for the Deputy President’s post. I am made to understand the contestants are – the sure winner Azmin Ali the loyalist, the idealistic reformer but not so politically astute Zaid Ibrahim and lastly the Abim Mustapa Ayub. Many say this will be the end of Abim influence in the politics of this country.  Times have changed.

It will be a shocker for the Nation and I bet, many people will have a second look at PKR should zaid Ibrahim win.

Peace !

Najib Tun Razak’s brave decision: No sports betting licence !!!

The Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Razak pleasantly surprised the majority of the Rakyat with his decision on the sports betting licence. There was rife speculation that he would ‘crumble’ to the many “powerful pressures” exerted upon him to approve the sports betting licence. This proves that the Prime Minster listens to the Rakyat. Contrary to some speculations too, this is also proves this PM can make up his own mind. Congratulations PM Sir!

 

If you know the “powerful” links and the “political temptations” of the gaming industry in this country, you will also realize that this is a courageous decision made by the Prime Minister. In a sense he has made a “Rakyat decision” and probably has upset some powerful elitists. I don’t think such a decision has ever been made by any PM since Merdeka in the gaming industry.

You will also note that there have never been any discussions on the effects of the gaming industry on the regular patrons. It is almost as if even the mainstream media is under “hush –hush” understanding with relevant parties on the issue. I am just speculating here!

You will also note that this country totally lacks “clinics” or avenues for addictive gamblers to seek counseling or cure. Ashamedly, even the legal gaming operators do not even sponsor any such clinics. Compulsive gamblers are sick people and they need help. They are not bad people who deserve only punishment.

I do hope however that this courageous decision by the PM will be followed by another courageous act – to re-evaluate the massive gaming industry in the country.

Kudos to you Honourable PM Sir! You have saved many families.

Peace !

Khairy Jamaludin: Umno Youth Against Sports Betting Licence !

The sports gambling betting licence issue has indeed brought forth much debate and diverse views.

UMNO Youth seems clearly against the issuance of the licence as is evident from the UMNO Youth Chief’s website. YB Khairy Jamaludin essentially cites three concerns of UMNO Youth and in brief, they are as follows (as I understand):

1. That the issuance of the betting licence is not well received by the majority of Malaysians, irrespective of race. The Muslims too are not convinced that there exists guarantees that some Muslims will not be involved in this form of gambling. Further, many Non-Muslims too are against it especially since there are some quarters who claim that gambling is part of the Non-Muslim culture.

2. The argument that since there is already illegal gambling, therefore, it is better to legalise it does not hold water. The more reasonable and practical approach will be to strengthen the enforcement against illegal gaming in the country. That such enforcement against illegal gaming should be consistent through the year and not seasonal.

3. Questions arise as to why Ascot should prematurely announce that they have been given the license when the Government has yet to make a decision.

You may read the entire statement here.

UMNO Supreme Council member and Deputy Minister of Education, YB Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi is also against sports betting. He feels that the culture of gambling in the country should be reversed. You may read further here. His post in his facebook inviting comments and feedback on the sports betting issue had attracted many feedbacks – almost all against the sports betting and other forms of gambling.

The StarOnline reports that “Former Wanita Umno chief Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz has backed legal sports betting saying that it will help regulate gambling among non-Muslims”.


Sun2Surf reports as follows: “Legalised sports betting is "not a problem" in Malaysian society, Information, Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Utama Rais Yatim said today”. It further reports: “Rais urged everyone, including politicians and public to view the issue in the perspective of respecting the rights of non-Muslims”.

What is your view?

Peace !

THE SAGA TO LEGITIMISE SPORTS GAMBLING

By Ramlan Kamal

Malaysia is a Muslim country, where already most forms of betting/ gambling are allowed. In non-Muslim countries like Thailand, Vietnam, India and even China, a much stricter and restrictive approach is taken in legitimising gambling, in any form.

A quick and pertinent snapshot to what gambling are already given licence in Malaysia:-

Type	Predominant Players/ Patrons (Income Group)
1.     Casino	Upper Middle & Middle
2.     Jackpots	Middle
3.     Horse Racing	All
4.     Numbers & Lotto betting	Middle-Low & Low

5.     Sports betting (if allowed)

All, including Youths

For the numbers and lotto betting (i.e. magnum 4-D, 1+3D, Toto), it is estimated that, at least 50% - 60% are patronized by the non-Chinese. So, the argument by an ex-PM, that it is OK to legitimise sports betting (for the Chinese, as claimed), does not hold water. And it is precarious, if one extends the argument that, since sports gambling is happening anyway (i.e. illegally) we might as well legitimise it, to other misdeeds in society (like snatch thefts, robbery, rape, etc.).

It does appear (over the last two weeks) that concerted and ‘orchestrated’ efforts were made (by Police, political leaders and parties) to bring to the fore on activities of illegal sports (especially football) bookies. But we all know these activities have been going on for years. Suddenly now (in the midst of a company attempting to get a licence to operate sports betting), there is a frenzy to show the dark side of illegal gambling. Off course, suspicions are abound that monetary considerations must have taken place to spur and shift public opinion to support the move to legitimise sports gambling.

It is perhaps alright for Singapore to legitimise sports betting, as it is, by and large, a middle class nation. One can argue that their populace can afford it. Already our country’s financial and competitive position does not appear strong and in need of dire turnaround. Now, the Government is making an initiative that will further impoverish our populace (mostly the middle-low and low income group), and enriching only a set of already highly-privileged tycoons. Not that the Government is contemplating to increase its taxes on gambling, so that a more sizeable chunk can be channelled back to the citizenry (assuming there is genuineness to do this).

Seriously, Government should make efforts to check and verify, on who patronizes all the various gambling outfits and joints in Malaysia, and see whether it is actually predominantly the Chinese who are gambling or the entire spectrum of Malaysians.

One also wonders, how come the Malaysian ‘ulamaks’ are very tight-lipped over this whole issue of legitimising sports gambling.

It is high-time that the ruling parties running this beloved country of ours, start pondering about new models/ paradigms of getting political funding. If we want to achieve a First Nation status (as envisioned in the NEM), lets start legitimising political funding first. The Westerners and other developed countries have done this. This would be a crucial step in turning-around Malaysia, in particular to avoid and stop repeating our wastages of the past.

As a Muslim country, Malaysia should not be overzealously legitimising gambling. Those existing are already superfluous and bad enough. We all know gambling is one of the root causes of social ills. Government cannot be seen to be supporting this kind of eventual outcome. There are other ways for countries to earn more. For us, address the leakages out of unnecessary expenditures, mismanagement of income sources from GLCs, Inland Revenue and Customs.   These ought to be the focus and priority.

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Encik Ramlan Bin Kamal is essentially involved in the logistics industry in the country, among other things.

Dato Ibrahim Ali - can't be Perkasa's stand?

I tried very hard not to write about this. I have more important things to do and trials are really taking up my time. But, I find it so annoying that I have pen down my thoughts. I am talking about a statement apparently made by “Wira” Datuk Ibrahim Ali, the Perkasa President.

According to TheMalaysianInsider, this is what the “Wira” said:

“Amat wajar kerajaan tangguh dulu apa jua peruntukan dan kelulusan kepada masyarakat kaum Cina, terutama desakan-desakan MCA dan Gerakan kerana jelas masyarakat Cina di Hulu Selangor serta India tidak menyokong BN.

“Mereka langsung tidak hargai apa yang diberi oleh kerajaan BN walaupun kerajaan BN terpaksa mengguris hati orang Melayu dan Bumiputera,” kata Ibrahim yang juga Ahli Parlimen Bebas Pasir Mas mengulas keputusan malam tadi yang memihak BN tetapi majoriti cuma 1,725 undi.

In fact the Perkasa website proudly publishes his statement:

“It is necessary for the government to delay any allocation and approval of projects for the Chinese community,” said Ibrahim in a statement responding to the by-election result”.

If you know Ibrahim Ali personally, it is not mind boggling that he may say something like that. However, since he is the President of Perkasa and Perkasa markets itself as representing the “interests” of Malays, such a comment cannot go uncommented. Malays are Muslims or at least they are supposed to be constitutionally.

So, here you have a Malay Muslim leader of an NGO which is largely made up of Malay Muslims asking the Government to delay allocations and approvals to the Chinese community of Hulu Selangor.  When Ibrahim Ali made this statement, was he thinking of the following (maybe he can clarify if he is reading this blog):

1)      The withholding of projects to the Chinese community – does that include the Chinese Muslim too, if any? Or does that not matter?

“O you who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do”. (Quran: 5:8)

2)      Does he not know that the Honourable Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib is working hard at his 1Malaysia policy, which this blog supports? Was he trying to throw a spanner into the policy which in principle is consistent with the Quran???

“And hold fast, all together, by the rope which God (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude God's favour on you; for you were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, you became brothers; and you were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth God make His Signs clear to you: That you may be guided”. (Quran:3.103) 

3)      Where in the Quran does it teach to discriminate against people based on race and political affiliations?

“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). (Quran: 49:13) 

 

4)      Does he not know that the Government’s money is the Rakyat’s money? It is not any political party’s money? And if it is approved, that means there is a promise made. Promises must be upheld right?

“God does command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due; And when you judge between man and man, that you judge with justice: Verily how excellent is the teaching which He gives you! For God is He Who hears and sees all things. (Quran: 4:58) 

5)      I wonder, if the Chinese community are considered “ungrateful” because according to him, they did not support the Government…he left UMNO to contest as an independent ! SO…that makes him….???

“So eat of the sustenance which God has provided for you, lawful and good; and be grateful for the favours of God, if it is He Whom you serve”. (Quran: 16.114) 

6)      Is it not possible to fight for “Malay rights” without being unjust to non-Malays? I am sure it is very possible.

I am sure the majority of the Perkasa members, being Muslims will not support his strategy of denying Chinese families and their children, mothers, fathers, grandmothers, etc what is due to them. I know many of my friends in Perkasa did not like this statement. As expected our Prime Minister did not find Ibrahim Ali’s statement persuasive at all !

Peace !