It is important for Raperas to understand some basic facts about how the economy works. In a free market (which ours is to a large extent), two important forces that move the economy is "demand" and "supply". These are collectively called market forces and the interplay between demand and supply not only affect prices and costs but also determine the distribution of goods, services and resources.
An economic slowdown may be due to factors on the demand side, or supply side or both. In this current crisis, it appears to have been caused by demand side factors when the financial crisis suddenly left many with no "money" (in lay person terms). It will be interesting to note that it was not caused by the supply side factors such as over-production, rising costs of production (and the accompanying consequences), etc.
When we say "demand", in economic terms we mean the desire to purchase something ie desire backed by the ability to pay. In other words, need or desire without the ability to pay is not "demand". Only when there is demand will there be supply of goods and services. Any supply of goods and services without demand will also slow down the economy and result in wastage of resources (meaning unemployment).
Demand, however can happen both on the consumer side and the producer side. Consumers demand for consumer goods and services while the producers demand for resources or the factors of production - land, labour, capital and enterprise.
If for example, the demand for houses increases, this will encourage entrepreneurs to venture into the housing construction industry. This means more resources in the country will now be diverted towards this industry. Engineers, architects, surveyors, construction workers, owners of land, "owners of capital" (banks), etc, etc will now be "employed" by this industry - meaning everyone here earns income. Income represents ability to pay which in turn means demand which in turn will lead to further production of goods and services to satisfy this demand. You can see that one act of employment leads to a multiplier effect in the economy.
Simple explanation of the multiplier effect: If you spend RM1, it is likely that you may spend 70 sen and save the 30 sen. B who gets your 60 sen may spend 40 sen, C in turn may spend 30 sen and so on. In this example, an investment of RM1 has created an income of 70 + 40 + 30 = RM1.40 sen. Imagine if 20 million people spend RM1...how much income will have been generated in the country? This is why spending is important to spur the economy. What you spend becomes someone's income which then becomes someone else's income and so on.
The reverse is also true. If you DO NOT spend RM1, the economy shrinks by a "demultiplier" effect. Th economy shrinks rapidly. Resources become unemployed, businesses become pessimistic and cut costs, income levels drop unleashing a vicious cycle that will bring the economy to a recession.
The above is of course a very simple explanation. However, it is clear that spending is important when economy slows down and the AREAS in which spending is done is equally important if the main purpose is to create employment.
Peace.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Detoxing the Economic Crisis1: THE BANKS - PRODUCTIVE LOANS
A major player in our economic system are the banks. Obviously because they ensure liquidity (meaning money)in the economy - both on the productive side (meaning businesses) and the consumptive side (meaning consumers).
Let us look at the productive side and see how the Banks can play a role in detoxing the slowdown or worsening it. Very often we hear of Government leaders making announcements of funds that have been allocated to banks to ease the economic slowdown and to spur the economy. The reality on the ground is: no money is moving out of the Banks.
I have clients who have major difficulty in obtaining loans nowadays. The answer they receive is that: "The business is viable but let us wait and see after March". This wait-and-see attitude of banks when faced with funding businesses or projects that are viable is hurting not only the business but the economy in general. The longer the waiting period to get the loan approved, the longer the delay of any recovery of the economy. This means resources (meaning generating income) cannot be employed quickly.
The longer the waiting period for the loan, the entire project or the business itself may be called off due to various factors. The cost of waiting can be extremely high and the loan applicant may run of financial stamina.
So, it is about time Banks learn to be nationalistic in their quest to earn the interest and to safeguard their profits. They should not kill off the economy because of their alternative "safer" mode of earning interest from the use of short=term funds.
Small and medium industries, which are so essential for the generation of incomes and creation of employment during crisis periods, should be supported by Banks. Again, I notice from the complaints I have received that such support is not coming or extremely slow. I know banks have "checklist" being used by the banking technocrats.....but it will be useful also if you get the views of someone knowledgeable about the business that is applying for the loans. It is extremely dangerous when all that the bank relies on is the armchair evaluation of a Harvard graduate who doesn't have the slightest inkling about the business that he is supposed to evaluate! Of course it is worse when the evaluator is some young officer fromm some local study place who does not know where he himself is coming or going in the bank. No offence but this is the impression I get and it worries me. During the "good times", every one seemed lax, no everyone seems lost and scared.
I will go so far to say that banks that do not approve loans to viable businesses due to dubious reasons or do not assist in overcoming the "lack of qualifications" that the applicant may have are actually working against national interests.
The Government, the businesses and the Banks have to work together to detox the economy. We have to ensure that there is liquidity in the productive sectors so that this will translate into demand for resources and hence income and employment generation.
On the consumption side, the local Banks must try something that they have never tried before - do not push those who are genuinely out of jobs into bankruptcy. Approach loan and credit cards defaulting with sober approaches that will not worsen the economy and cause further socio-politico-economic problems. Barclays card is a good teacher that knows how to handle defaulting credit card holders in a way that does not destroy the credit card user. Likewise, I understand, Citibank is good at handling those who may have difficulty in settling their credit card repayments.
Moments of crisis requires one to approach matters creatively and not just sticking to set procedures and textbook solutions.
Peace!
Let us look at the productive side and see how the Banks can play a role in detoxing the slowdown or worsening it. Very often we hear of Government leaders making announcements of funds that have been allocated to banks to ease the economic slowdown and to spur the economy. The reality on the ground is: no money is moving out of the Banks.
I have clients who have major difficulty in obtaining loans nowadays. The answer they receive is that: "The business is viable but let us wait and see after March". This wait-and-see attitude of banks when faced with funding businesses or projects that are viable is hurting not only the business but the economy in general. The longer the waiting period to get the loan approved, the longer the delay of any recovery of the economy. This means resources (meaning generating income) cannot be employed quickly.
The longer the waiting period for the loan, the entire project or the business itself may be called off due to various factors. The cost of waiting can be extremely high and the loan applicant may run of financial stamina.
So, it is about time Banks learn to be nationalistic in their quest to earn the interest and to safeguard their profits. They should not kill off the economy because of their alternative "safer" mode of earning interest from the use of short=term funds.
Small and medium industries, which are so essential for the generation of incomes and creation of employment during crisis periods, should be supported by Banks. Again, I notice from the complaints I have received that such support is not coming or extremely slow. I know banks have "checklist" being used by the banking technocrats.....but it will be useful also if you get the views of someone knowledgeable about the business that is applying for the loans. It is extremely dangerous when all that the bank relies on is the armchair evaluation of a Harvard graduate who doesn't have the slightest inkling about the business that he is supposed to evaluate! Of course it is worse when the evaluator is some young officer fromm some local study place who does not know where he himself is coming or going in the bank. No offence but this is the impression I get and it worries me. During the "good times", every one seemed lax, no everyone seems lost and scared.
I will go so far to say that banks that do not approve loans to viable businesses due to dubious reasons or do not assist in overcoming the "lack of qualifications" that the applicant may have are actually working against national interests.
The Government, the businesses and the Banks have to work together to detox the economy. We have to ensure that there is liquidity in the productive sectors so that this will translate into demand for resources and hence income and employment generation.
On the consumption side, the local Banks must try something that they have never tried before - do not push those who are genuinely out of jobs into bankruptcy. Approach loan and credit cards defaulting with sober approaches that will not worsen the economy and cause further socio-politico-economic problems. Barclays card is a good teacher that knows how to handle defaulting credit card holders in a way that does not destroy the credit card user. Likewise, I understand, Citibank is good at handling those who may have difficulty in settling their credit card repayments.
Moments of crisis requires one to approach matters creatively and not just sticking to set procedures and textbook solutions.
Peace!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR !
Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is one of the most important traditional Chinese holidays. It is sometimes called the Lunar New Year, especially by people outside China. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month (Chinese: 正月; pinyin: zhēng yuè) in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th; this day is called Lantern Festival. Chinese New Year's Eve is known as Chúxī. It literally means "Year-pass Eve".According to tales and legends, the beginning of Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mythical beast called the Nian or "Year" in Chinese. Nian would come on the first day of New Year to devour livestock, crops, and even villagers, especially children. To protect themselves, the villagers would put food in front of their doors at the beginning of every year. It was believed that after the Nian ate the food they prepared, it wouldn’t attack any more people. One time, people saw that the Nian was scared away by a little child wearing red. The villagers then understood that the Nian was afraid of the color red. Hence, every time when the New Year was about to come, the villagers would hang red lanterns and red spring scrolls on windows and doors. People also used firecrackers to frighten away the Nian. From then on, the Nian never came to the village again. The Nian was eventually captured by Hongjunlaozu, an ancient Taoist monk. The Nian became Hongjunlaozu's mount.
The biggest event of any Chinese New Year's Eve is the dinner every family will have. A dish consisting of fish will appear on the tables of Chinese families. A reunion dinner is held on New Year's Eve where members of the family, near and far away, get together for the celebration. The venue will usually be in or near the home of the most senior member of the family. The New Year's Eve dinner is very sumptuous and traditionally includes chicken and fish.
Red packets for the immediate family are sometimes distributed during the reunion dinner. These packets often contain money in certain numbers that reflect good luck and honorability. The red packet itself is said to represent good luck. Several foods are consumed to usher in wealth, happiness, and good fortune. Several of the Chinese food names are homophones for words that also mean good things. Yushengs or Yee sang is a raw fish salad. Eating this salad is said to bring good luck. This dish is usually eaten on the seventh day of the New Year, but may also be eaten throughout the period.
The fifteenth day of the new year is celebrated as Yuánxiāo jié (元宵节), otherwise known as Chap Goh Mei in Fujian dialect. Rice dumplings Tangyuan (simplified Chinese: 汤圆; traditional Chinese: 湯圓; pinyin: tāngyuán), a sweet glutinous rice ball brewed in a soup, is eaten this day. Candles are lit outside houses as a way to guide wayward spirits home. This day is celebrated as the Lantern Festival, and families walk the street carrying lighted lanterns.
This day often marks the end of the Chinese New Year festivities.
KONG HEE FATT CHOY !
The Horse Trick
He goes to town riding a horse expecting to be showered by scented flowers from both sides of the path. He tries a new trick which the horse has never done before. He expects the onlookers to be surprised and applaud him. The trick only killed the horse and he fell breaking his legs. The horse was never made ready for the show. Will he recover?
Peace !
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The Politics of NGOs.
How many times have we read in the papers with headlines like “24 NGOs protest against abolition of ISA”, and so on. It conjures up the image of quite a number of thinking people with no vested interest supporting a cause or protesting against some evil.RAPERAs, not necessarily so. You have to look closer. It could very well be made up just a few people with vested interests hiding behind the façade of an NGO. They could also be serving a hidden master. This is the politics of NGO.
“NGO” is an acronym for a non-governmental organization. It could range from a society for the old to any society founded on some cause, for example, Consumer Association of Penang, Persatuan Ibu Tunggal and so on. NGOs are supposed to be free from Government influence and from mainstream politics. They are supposed to have a cause free from vested interest with an ulterior hidden motive. Of course all NGOs have a vested interest – their own cause. Nothing wrong with that. It is the hidden ulterior motive that we are concerned about.
Reality is however different in this country where hypocrisy is a major value and almost a dominant culture. There is a lot of “silap mata” in country because there are many people with vested interests who actually believe that the silent majority of the Rakyat are fools. They mistake silence for stupidity and helplessness.
Hence, many NGOs are not actually apolitical or without vested interests. Many NGOs are actually formed and backed by politicians with various ostensible objectives but the main purpose being to sustain their power and influence. A close scrutiny will disclose that actual active membership of the NGO is negligibly small and the real persons moving it my be actually one for two persons. Hence it is not at all surprising if “24 NGOs” translates to actually 24 people. The movers of these 24 NGOs may even be just one or two or three persons at the most while the rest have a nodding skill.
SO, RAPERAs, do not be fooled or mesmerized by the “support” or “protests” of NGOs, Some are genuine and many are false serving hidden masters and hidden agendas. For people with hidden agendas and who are prepared to be tools, do they serve free lunches?
Let us look at another aspect of NGOs. There is an NGO called the “Muslim Lawyers Association” (“MLA”). Being a lawyer, I have always wondered why there was a need for this while there is the Bar Council. It seems to “justfy” the formation of a “Hindu/Christian/Taoist/Buddhist/Confucious/Sikh Lawyers Association”. If it is a “Shariah Law Practitioners Association”, I may be able to understand for obvious reasons. So I wonder how Muslims lawyers’ interests are served by the MLA which cannot be served by the Bar Council?
An NGO which has now resurfaced to capture the public eye is the Dong Jia Jong (United Chinese School Committees/Teachers Association) which a blogger has termed the “myopic dong-keys”. This group used to be very powerful among the Chinese based political parties and is supposed to represent “Chinese interest like education, culture, language, etc”. They are asking that Science and Maths be taught in Mandarin and not in English. Great leap forward! Had they not been of “Chinese origin” would they believe in that call too?
At another part of the dried lawn, you have “Persatuan Islam that” And “Persatuan Islam this”. Obviously some of them have Islamic teachings as the premise for whatever their cause may be. However, there are also others where you have to try hard to identify why they named themselves as “Persatuan Islam …”. A Muslim especially cannot avoid thinking that the label “Islam” is being abused for completely some other ulterior motive that has nothing to do with Islam. It may just be a case of pandering to the sentiments of the majority professed Muslims in the country.
A Rapera needs to avoid thinking that every NGO must necessarily be serving a “good cause”. Quite a number may turn out to be devils in disguise.
The art of politics is similar to the art of the sleight of hand or Houdini’s magic – what you see is not what is. What appears most harmless and most innocent may turn out to be the very centre of ………
Think about it.
Peace !
Sunday, January 11, 2009
NO POSTINGS UNTIL 16TH JAN
Friends and readers of this blog,
There may be no postings until 16th Jan as I may have to travel a bit. But that shouldn't stop you from sharing your views.
Peace !
There may be no postings until 16th Jan as I may have to travel a bit. But that shouldn't stop you from sharing your views.
Peace !
Thursday, January 8, 2009
"THEY"
A University lecturer friend of mine in England emailed me these lyrics. The song is linked below. Interesting.
"They"
Who made up all the rules?
We follow them like fools,
Believe them to be true,
Don't care to think them through
And I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry it's like this
I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry we do this
And it's ironic too
'Cause what we tend to do
Is act on what they say
And then it is that way
And I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry it's like this
I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry we do this
Who are they?
Where are they?
How can they possibly
Know all this?
Who are they?
Where are they?
How can they possibly
Know all this?
Do you see what I see?
Why do we live like this?
Is it because it's true
That ignorance is bliss?
Who are they?
Where are they?
How do they
Know all this?
And I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry it's like this
Do you see what I see?
Why do we live like this?
Is it because it's true
That ignorance is bliss?
And who are they?
Where are they?
How can they
Know all this?
And I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry we do this
"They"
Who made up all the rules?
We follow them like fools,
Believe them to be true,
Don't care to think them through
And I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry it's like this
I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry we do this
And it's ironic too
'Cause what we tend to do
Is act on what they say
And then it is that way
And I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry it's like this
I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry we do this
Who are they?
Where are they?
How can they possibly
Know all this?
Who are they?
Where are they?
How can they possibly
Know all this?
Do you see what I see?
Why do we live like this?
Is it because it's true
That ignorance is bliss?
Who are they?
Where are they?
How do they
Know all this?
And I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry it's like this
Do you see what I see?
Why do we live like this?
Is it because it's true
That ignorance is bliss?
And who are they?
Where are they?
How can they
Know all this?
And I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry we do this
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
REGAIN YOUR DIGNITY AS A RAKYAT – BE A RAPERA. [PART 4]
A Rakyat is obsessed, mesmerized and awed by politics and politicians. A Rapera knows that politics is not the beginning and the end of life. The beginning of life is life –you are born. The end of life is the end of life – you are dead. Between cradle to grave, there are many challenges, needs, issues, responsibilities, duties, temptations, etc that will be put in your path of life. How you respond to these things will determine whether you are a mere Rakyat or a Rapera.
“Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, "We believe", and that they will not be tested?” (Quran 29:2
These are simple truths of life. These simple truths do not admit differing interpretations. For example, at the very least, one has to eat and shit (no disrespect meant). Between the act of eating and shitting there are so many other simple truths. You either accept them or deny them. A Rapera cannot live in self denial like the common Rakyat. A Rapera must be prepared to confront the challenges with courage, wisdom and patience. In the process, be prepared to feel grieve, frustrations, loss of worldly privileges, etc. But you will not lose your dignity and humanity.
“You shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves; and you shall certainly hear much that will grieve you, from those who received the Book before you and from those who worship (serve) many gods. But if you persevere patiently, and guard against evil,-then that will be a determining factor in all affairs”. (Quran 3:186)
How do you guard against evil? Corruption and destruction of societies are not done by the ghosts and “evil spirits”. It is done by humans who worship false gods. Most of the Rakyat may serve and worship many false and created gods – politicians, priests, ego, materialism, tribalism and such. Have we not heard of the phrase for example, “biar mati anak jangan mati adat”? Culture is worshiped at the expense of the sacred life that Allah created. A Rapera is not distracted by these “dazzles of life”. A Rapera serves and worships only the Truth. The crystallization of truth is the performance of righteous deeds.
Politics is a conduit like a pipe. It may carry clean water or human waste. Untreated human waste is stinky and hazardous to life. Politicians that use the pipe to carry clean water or treated human waste are Raperas too. Politicians who use the pipe to carry untreated human waste or dirty water (like what is occurring today) have become part of the human waste. Hence we hear people say that politics is dirty. What is dirty needs to be treated and cleaned. The truth is that simple.
The question is: who will do the job? You or are you waiting for “them”? If you wait, then you are a common Rakyat. If you do what you can to start the cleaning process, then you are a Rapera.
Sure, power can be intimidating to some of the people, especially if power is in the hands of evil or those prone to evil. But look at the truth of power again. Briefly, it is temporary and self destructive in the hands of evil. If you have mixed with “powerful” people, you will realize that many of them are actually extremely lonely narcissists. They all know deep within that one day the curtain will fall and the audience will simply move to another show. That is why the corrupt ones are self deluded in amassing wealth with the false notion that at least I will be okey when I retire”. How much wealth will ease the loss of youth, agility and the audience? Please talk to ex-politicians, ex-high ranking civil servants, ex-judges, all the ex-ses. You can see that some have retired gracefully and some retired compellingly and unhappily.
Power is a subject onto itself that need to be understood carefully by the Rapera. Maybe I can take it up in another article. For the purposes of this article, let me add one more point – even the most “powerful” is not really powerful when you think about it. In the Quran you have the example of the Pharoah who finally died by drowning in his chase after Moses. In modern times, you have the examples of Indra Ghandi, Ferdinand Marcos, Joseph Estrada, Thaksin, Suharto, etc. In this context, Dr Mahathir was wise in voluntarily relinquishing power while he was at his peak. In other cases, you have leaders whose tenure in power have been cut short by events.
“Say: "O God! Lord of Power (And Rule), You give power to whom You please, and You strip off power from whom You please: You endow with honour whom You please, and You bring low whom You please: In Your hand is all good. Verily, over all things You have power”. (Quran 3:26)
A common Rakyat is submissive, and fearful of the powerful evil. Hence he has an excuse not to do the right thing. Hence, he may corroborate either consciously or unconsciously with the evil leader/person. On the other hand, while a Rapera may also be fearful, he is ever conscious that the presence of the evil leader/person is a test to him. The fear of failing the test overwhelms the fear of the “power” of the evil leader. Before God, there can be no excuses, maybe reasons AND there is a big difference between the two. You and I know it – deep inside.
A Rapera must forever hold on to the truth. Raperas need to remind each other of this.
Peace !
NEXT: REGAIN YOUR DIGNITY AS A RAKYAT – BE A RAPERA. [PART 5]
“Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, "We believe", and that they will not be tested?” (Quran 29:2
These are simple truths of life. These simple truths do not admit differing interpretations. For example, at the very least, one has to eat and shit (no disrespect meant). Between the act of eating and shitting there are so many other simple truths. You either accept them or deny them. A Rapera cannot live in self denial like the common Rakyat. A Rapera must be prepared to confront the challenges with courage, wisdom and patience. In the process, be prepared to feel grieve, frustrations, loss of worldly privileges, etc. But you will not lose your dignity and humanity.
“You shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves; and you shall certainly hear much that will grieve you, from those who received the Book before you and from those who worship (serve) many gods. But if you persevere patiently, and guard against evil,-then that will be a determining factor in all affairs”. (Quran 3:186)
How do you guard against evil? Corruption and destruction of societies are not done by the ghosts and “evil spirits”. It is done by humans who worship false gods. Most of the Rakyat may serve and worship many false and created gods – politicians, priests, ego, materialism, tribalism and such. Have we not heard of the phrase for example, “biar mati anak jangan mati adat”? Culture is worshiped at the expense of the sacred life that Allah created. A Rapera is not distracted by these “dazzles of life”. A Rapera serves and worships only the Truth. The crystallization of truth is the performance of righteous deeds.
Politics is a conduit like a pipe. It may carry clean water or human waste. Untreated human waste is stinky and hazardous to life. Politicians that use the pipe to carry clean water or treated human waste are Raperas too. Politicians who use the pipe to carry untreated human waste or dirty water (like what is occurring today) have become part of the human waste. Hence we hear people say that politics is dirty. What is dirty needs to be treated and cleaned. The truth is that simple.
The question is: who will do the job? You or are you waiting for “them”? If you wait, then you are a common Rakyat. If you do what you can to start the cleaning process, then you are a Rapera.
Sure, power can be intimidating to some of the people, especially if power is in the hands of evil or those prone to evil. But look at the truth of power again. Briefly, it is temporary and self destructive in the hands of evil. If you have mixed with “powerful” people, you will realize that many of them are actually extremely lonely narcissists. They all know deep within that one day the curtain will fall and the audience will simply move to another show. That is why the corrupt ones are self deluded in amassing wealth with the false notion that at least I will be okey when I retire”. How much wealth will ease the loss of youth, agility and the audience? Please talk to ex-politicians, ex-high ranking civil servants, ex-judges, all the ex-ses. You can see that some have retired gracefully and some retired compellingly and unhappily.
Power is a subject onto itself that need to be understood carefully by the Rapera. Maybe I can take it up in another article. For the purposes of this article, let me add one more point – even the most “powerful” is not really powerful when you think about it. In the Quran you have the example of the Pharoah who finally died by drowning in his chase after Moses. In modern times, you have the examples of Indra Ghandi, Ferdinand Marcos, Joseph Estrada, Thaksin, Suharto, etc. In this context, Dr Mahathir was wise in voluntarily relinquishing power while he was at his peak. In other cases, you have leaders whose tenure in power have been cut short by events.
“Say: "O God! Lord of Power (And Rule), You give power to whom You please, and You strip off power from whom You please: You endow with honour whom You please, and You bring low whom You please: In Your hand is all good. Verily, over all things You have power”. (Quran 3:26)
A common Rakyat is submissive, and fearful of the powerful evil. Hence he has an excuse not to do the right thing. Hence, he may corroborate either consciously or unconsciously with the evil leader/person. On the other hand, while a Rapera may also be fearful, he is ever conscious that the presence of the evil leader/person is a test to him. The fear of failing the test overwhelms the fear of the “power” of the evil leader. Before God, there can be no excuses, maybe reasons AND there is a big difference between the two. You and I know it – deep inside.
A Rapera must forever hold on to the truth. Raperas need to remind each other of this.
Peace !
NEXT: REGAIN YOUR DIGNITY AS A RAKYAT – BE A RAPERA. [PART 5]
Sunday, January 4, 2009
REGAIN YOUR DIGNITY AS A RAKYAT – BE A RAPERA. [PART 3]
When I first read the autobiography of Ghandi when I was in Form 4, I was moved and I was stunned. Was there really such a man who is prepared to take blows and swallow “pride”. So self sacrificial? I had to eliminate the possibility that this character is pure fiction. So I read as much as I can about the man. He is real. Since he is real, then it is possible for me to direct my behaviors and acquire mental attitudes of his – try in the face of hate to exhibit love. Must confess, I have not fully succeeded.
In the Ghandi movie, one of the scenes that will make me cry even to this day is this: - Ghandi was lying on his bed, half dead from fasting as a means to stop the rioting between the Hindus and the Muslims. A Hindu man threw a piece of bread on Ghandi’s chest and pleaded: “Eat! I have killed muslim children because the muslims have killed mine. I will burn in hell but I will not have your death on my conscience. Eat !”
Ghandi replied to the Hindu man; “I know of a way out of hell for you. Adopt a Muslim child whose parents have died in the riots of the same age as your child that died. Treat him as your own...but only make sure he grows up as a Muslim”.
Ghandi is asking the HINDU man to atone for his sins of killing muslims by adopting a MUSLIM orphan and making sure he grows up a MUSLIM. This is how love replaces hate. Hate the sin, not the sinner. This takes great internal strength. A Rapera needs to cultivate internal strength to confront evil in the world.
“O you believers! 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)
Undeniably, most of the Rakyat have been indoctrinated by the capitalistic-hedonistic-survival-of-the-fittest society that we live in to be tribal in our outlook. While technology may have advanced, the human is still not yet fully human – we are still cavemen living in different “furniture settings”. A Rapera tries very hard to safeguard his humanity from the onslaught of what is around him. In a sense, to be a Rapera, you have to walk it ALONE. If others follow, then they are walking with you – but expect no one but yourself to do what need be done. A Rapera has to walk his talk. A Rakyat merely talks and complaints.
“O you who believe! Why say you that which you do not do?” (Quran 61:2)
“Grievously odious is it in the sight of God that you say that which you do not”. (Quran 61:3)
If you do not walk your talk, you will be compelled to walk the path laid out for you by the evil forces. And you become part of it. You become part of the problem, not the solution. A Rapera must internalize this idea.
If a Rapera feels very strongly against racism and you feel totally helpless to “change the system”, here is something you can do alone – marry someone from another ethnic group. At least you will be a living example that it is possible to live as humans. At least your children will understand that ethnicity is a social and cultural construct. I can already visualize the common Rakyat coming out with many excuses even at this simple suggestion. A Rapera will find a way.
“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)
Most of the Rakyat are always concerned about numbers, about majority before they even decide to take any action. They are trapped in the mindset that only if there is a majority that thinks like them, then only they may take action. Hence they die never “contributing” because they can never find this majority as a prerequisite. History is clear that the majority always wait for things to happen before they follow the crowd. Generally speaking, following the majority in most cases in most matters merely because of the “majority factor” is “suicidal”. The “comfort zone” is a sure killer in the long run. A Rapera knows this. The Rakyat does not.
“Were you to follow the majority of those on earth, they will lead you away from the Way of God. They follow nothing but conjecture: they do nothing but lie” (Quran 6:116)
The “sad” fact is: the majority does not stop to think and reflect. They hardly make an attempt to obtain and appraise the true facts. They are existential in behavior and attitude. They simply live out the life that is laid out for them on the guess (conjecture) that that is the normal way to live. A Rapera must know this or must verify the validity of this. A Rapera know that majority per se does not make it the truth or right. A lie repeated a trillion times through the generations is still a lie.
The common Rakyat is like the sheep that can only make sense of its life if there is a shepard. They are forever waiting for the “right leader” before they want to right what they see as wrong. Of course, a leader is necessary and important but how do you know it is not you? A Rapera is not too concerned with the issue of leadership for the purposes of taking action. He does what has to be done as best as he can without waiting for a leader. It is not glory or heroism or claps that he is looking for. He merely does what need to be done.
“No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another; That man can have nothing but what he strives for; That (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight” (Quran 53:038-40)
“Verily, this is My way, leading straight: follow it: follow not (other) paths: they will scatter you about from His path: thus does He command you. that you may be righteous (Quran: 6:153)
A Rapera will persevere all through his life to be on the right path –the path of doing deeds of righteousness in all aspects of life. This is also known as the “power of one”.
Peace !
NEXT: REGAIN YOUR DIGNITY AS A RAKYAT – BE A RAPERA. [PART 4]
In the Ghandi movie, one of the scenes that will make me cry even to this day is this: - Ghandi was lying on his bed, half dead from fasting as a means to stop the rioting between the Hindus and the Muslims. A Hindu man threw a piece of bread on Ghandi’s chest and pleaded: “Eat! I have killed muslim children because the muslims have killed mine. I will burn in hell but I will not have your death on my conscience. Eat !”
Ghandi replied to the Hindu man; “I know of a way out of hell for you. Adopt a Muslim child whose parents have died in the riots of the same age as your child that died. Treat him as your own...but only make sure he grows up as a Muslim”.
Ghandi is asking the HINDU man to atone for his sins of killing muslims by adopting a MUSLIM orphan and making sure he grows up a MUSLIM. This is how love replaces hate. Hate the sin, not the sinner. This takes great internal strength. A Rapera needs to cultivate internal strength to confront evil in the world.
“O you believers! 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)
Undeniably, most of the Rakyat have been indoctrinated by the capitalistic-hedonistic-survival-of-the-fittest society that we live in to be tribal in our outlook. While technology may have advanced, the human is still not yet fully human – we are still cavemen living in different “furniture settings”. A Rapera tries very hard to safeguard his humanity from the onslaught of what is around him. In a sense, to be a Rapera, you have to walk it ALONE. If others follow, then they are walking with you – but expect no one but yourself to do what need be done. A Rapera has to walk his talk. A Rakyat merely talks and complaints.
“O you who believe! Why say you that which you do not do?” (Quran 61:2)
“Grievously odious is it in the sight of God that you say that which you do not”. (Quran 61:3)
If you do not walk your talk, you will be compelled to walk the path laid out for you by the evil forces. And you become part of it. You become part of the problem, not the solution. A Rapera must internalize this idea.
If a Rapera feels very strongly against racism and you feel totally helpless to “change the system”, here is something you can do alone – marry someone from another ethnic group. At least you will be a living example that it is possible to live as humans. At least your children will understand that ethnicity is a social and cultural construct. I can already visualize the common Rakyat coming out with many excuses even at this simple suggestion. A Rapera will find a way.
“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)
Most of the Rakyat are always concerned about numbers, about majority before they even decide to take any action. They are trapped in the mindset that only if there is a majority that thinks like them, then only they may take action. Hence they die never “contributing” because they can never find this majority as a prerequisite. History is clear that the majority always wait for things to happen before they follow the crowd. Generally speaking, following the majority in most cases in most matters merely because of the “majority factor” is “suicidal”. The “comfort zone” is a sure killer in the long run. A Rapera knows this. The Rakyat does not.
“Were you to follow the majority of those on earth, they will lead you away from the Way of God. They follow nothing but conjecture: they do nothing but lie” (Quran 6:116)
The “sad” fact is: the majority does not stop to think and reflect. They hardly make an attempt to obtain and appraise the true facts. They are existential in behavior and attitude. They simply live out the life that is laid out for them on the guess (conjecture) that that is the normal way to live. A Rapera must know this or must verify the validity of this. A Rapera know that majority per se does not make it the truth or right. A lie repeated a trillion times through the generations is still a lie.
The common Rakyat is like the sheep that can only make sense of its life if there is a shepard. They are forever waiting for the “right leader” before they want to right what they see as wrong. Of course, a leader is necessary and important but how do you know it is not you? A Rapera is not too concerned with the issue of leadership for the purposes of taking action. He does what has to be done as best as he can without waiting for a leader. It is not glory or heroism or claps that he is looking for. He merely does what need to be done.
“No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another; That man can have nothing but what he strives for; That (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight” (Quran 53:038-40)
“Verily, this is My way, leading straight: follow it: follow not (other) paths: they will scatter you about from His path: thus does He command you. that you may be righteous (Quran: 6:153)
A Rapera will persevere all through his life to be on the right path –the path of doing deeds of righteousness in all aspects of life. This is also known as the “power of one”.
Peace !
NEXT: REGAIN YOUR DIGNITY AS A RAKYAT – BE A RAPERA. [PART 4]
Saturday, January 3, 2009
REGAIN YOUR DIGNITY AS A RAKYAT – BE A RAPERA. [PART 2]
A Rakyat may be cowed by positions, power, and wealth. A Rapera knows that only Allah can bestow this on a person and take it away as He pleases. Hence, these glitters of life do not detract him from calling a spade a spade. A thief is still a thief even if he is called Tan Sri Adipandai and lives in a mansion. Why should a dignified human being be intimidated by and bow to a thief? What more if you truly do believe in God.
“They said: "We have more in wealth and in sons, and we cannot be punished." (Quran 34:35)
“Say: "Verily my Lord enlarges and restricts the Provision to whom He pleases, but most men understand not." (Quran 34:36)
A Rakyat may be happy living in the world that his forefathers created, even if it humiliates humanity, affronts common sense and destroys him in the long run. He is controlled by perverse habits of thinking that may be labeled as “norms”, “culture”, “values”, “religion”, and so on. He is enslaved to the human masters that created these ideas for the pure purpose of enslavement.
“When they are told to follow that which God has sent down, they say: "No!, we shall follow the ways that we found our fathers (following). "What! even if it is Satan beckoning them to the Penalty of the (Blazing) Fire?” (Quran 31:21)
A Rapera is evaluative. He evaluates whatever he has inherited. He discards whatever that humiliates humanity, affronts common sense and destroys him in the long run. He tries very hard to free himself from being controlled by habits of thinking that may be labeled as “norms”, “culture”, “values”, “religion”, and so on. He is aware that Allah did not create brains for decorative purposes. He knows that he has change himself first before the society that he lives in can change for the better.
"Because God will never change the grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in their (own) souls: and verily God is He Who hears and knows (all things)." (Quran 8:53)
A Rakyat is easily duped by politicians and religionists, believing that all of them must necessarily be good and sincere because of their speeches and their stature. They have not trained their minds to see beyond form. Hence, they cannot recognize substance.
A Rapera on the other hand, is guided by Allah’s warning – that such men may even swear in the name of Allah and yet commit all sorts of unthinkable atrocities. A Rapera learns to recognize substance over form.
“There is the type of man whose speech about this world's life May dazzle you, and he calls God to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies” (Quran 2:204)
A Rakyat may think that change must occur outside himself. He is forever blaming “them” while forgetting that he is part of “them”. He may think he is helpless in the face of evildoers. A Rapera knows that evil can control him ONLY if he gives up his mind and soul to the evildoer.
"As for My servants, no authority shalt you (Satan) have over them:" Enough is my
Lord as a Disposer of affairs (Quran 17:65)
DO not give the evildoers authority over you. Let us regain our dignity as a citizen of this beautiful Nation. Let us TRY to evolve into a RAPERA.
Peace !
NEXT: REGAIN YOUR DIGNITY AS A RAKYAT – BE A RAPERA. [PART 3]
“They said: "We have more in wealth and in sons, and we cannot be punished." (Quran 34:35)
“Say: "Verily my Lord enlarges and restricts the Provision to whom He pleases, but most men understand not." (Quran 34:36)
A Rakyat may be happy living in the world that his forefathers created, even if it humiliates humanity, affronts common sense and destroys him in the long run. He is controlled by perverse habits of thinking that may be labeled as “norms”, “culture”, “values”, “religion”, and so on. He is enslaved to the human masters that created these ideas for the pure purpose of enslavement.
“When they are told to follow that which God has sent down, they say: "No!, we shall follow the ways that we found our fathers (following). "What! even if it is Satan beckoning them to the Penalty of the (Blazing) Fire?” (Quran 31:21)
A Rapera is evaluative. He evaluates whatever he has inherited. He discards whatever that humiliates humanity, affronts common sense and destroys him in the long run. He tries very hard to free himself from being controlled by habits of thinking that may be labeled as “norms”, “culture”, “values”, “religion”, and so on. He is aware that Allah did not create brains for decorative purposes. He knows that he has change himself first before the society that he lives in can change for the better.
"Because God will never change the grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in their (own) souls: and verily God is He Who hears and knows (all things)." (Quran 8:53)
A Rakyat is easily duped by politicians and religionists, believing that all of them must necessarily be good and sincere because of their speeches and their stature. They have not trained their minds to see beyond form. Hence, they cannot recognize substance.
A Rapera on the other hand, is guided by Allah’s warning – that such men may even swear in the name of Allah and yet commit all sorts of unthinkable atrocities. A Rapera learns to recognize substance over form.
“There is the type of man whose speech about this world's life May dazzle you, and he calls God to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies” (Quran 2:204)
A Rakyat may think that change must occur outside himself. He is forever blaming “them” while forgetting that he is part of “them”. He may think he is helpless in the face of evildoers. A Rapera knows that evil can control him ONLY if he gives up his mind and soul to the evildoer.
"As for My servants, no authority shalt you (Satan) have over them:" Enough is my
Lord as a Disposer of affairs (Quran 17:65)
DO not give the evildoers authority over you. Let us regain our dignity as a citizen of this beautiful Nation. Let us TRY to evolve into a RAPERA.
Peace !
NEXT: REGAIN YOUR DIGNITY AS A RAKYAT – BE A RAPERA. [PART 3]
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Have a BLESSED 2009 YEAR
When I was a kid, and then a teenager, I could never understand what my friends and then the adults were on about when they said they were "celebrating" the new year". As an adult myself today, I further could never understand it, especially when I look at what is meant by "celebration".
How does one celebrate what is coming ahead? And that too by waiting in large noisy crowds and counting the second and then yelling "Happy New year"? New Year's eve is a mad night. Unruly crowd who have forgotten all civic consciousness, party animals for whom this is just another excuse to do all that is ordinarily not probable and getting drunk so that he/she can savour a hangover the next day.
What happens the next day of the so-called celebrations? We wake up more determined and have left our bad habits behind? We become more responsible people - fathers, brothers, workers, citizens,friends, etc? Life around us suddenly changes for the better? I suppose it is human malady to keep repeating the same useless, self delusional behaviors that we have been so accustomed to because EVERYBODY has been doing it FOR YEARS!
It would have made more sense to me to ponder over the passing year and/or to celebrate it. Or to give thanks for the coming of the new one. Or to say: "GOd, I am still alive. My work on earth is still not done?".
How about this to celebrate? -
Every new year means you are one year older and hence one step closer to death and old age (ceteris paribus)?
Every new year means you have an additional year to audit your performance on earth - has it been any different, useful or the same useless existence?
Every new year means you have an additional year to struggle to free yourself from the mental and emotional baggages that you have inherited - will you succeed this year?
Every new year means you have an additional year to live a life of a helpless citizen or a dignified "slave" of God or in another language - a decent human.
From cradle to grave, many live a repetitious, predictable and meaningless life. I pray we are not one of them.
HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR...a another extension in the lease of our life.
PEACE !
How does one celebrate what is coming ahead? And that too by waiting in large noisy crowds and counting the second and then yelling "Happy New year"? New Year's eve is a mad night. Unruly crowd who have forgotten all civic consciousness, party animals for whom this is just another excuse to do all that is ordinarily not probable and getting drunk so that he/she can savour a hangover the next day.
What happens the next day of the so-called celebrations? We wake up more determined and have left our bad habits behind? We become more responsible people - fathers, brothers, workers, citizens,friends, etc? Life around us suddenly changes for the better? I suppose it is human malady to keep repeating the same useless, self delusional behaviors that we have been so accustomed to because EVERYBODY has been doing it FOR YEARS!
It would have made more sense to me to ponder over the passing year and/or to celebrate it. Or to give thanks for the coming of the new one. Or to say: "GOd, I am still alive. My work on earth is still not done?".
How about this to celebrate? -
Every new year means you are one year older and hence one step closer to death and old age (ceteris paribus)?
Every new year means you have an additional year to audit your performance on earth - has it been any different, useful or the same useless existence?
Every new year means you have an additional year to struggle to free yourself from the mental and emotional baggages that you have inherited - will you succeed this year?
Every new year means you have an additional year to live a life of a helpless citizen or a dignified "slave" of God or in another language - a decent human.
From cradle to grave, many live a repetitious, predictable and meaningless life. I pray we are not one of them.
HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR...a another extension in the lease of our life.
PEACE !
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
REGAIN YOUR DIGNITY AS A RAKYAT – BE A RAPERA. [PART 1]
In my discussions and the talks I have delivered, I invariably insist that there is a big difference between a “rakyat” and a “Rapera”.
A “Rakyat” is one who is a citizen by law and he merely WANTS what he thinks are his rights. IN fact, on most occasions, he does not even know what his rights really are. Most of the Rakyat have, unwittingly, lost their dignity as a citizen and accept it as the natural state. Example of loss of dignity is: when they allow their elected leaders to talk down to them or plainly lie to them. Worse example is: when they allow these elected leaders to rape the Nation. And some of the Rakyat are divided by their narrow vested interests. We have allowed the mischief
“Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of (the deed) that the hands of men have earned, that (God) may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back (from Evil).” (Quran 30:41)
A “Rapera” is one while mindful of this rights, is totally aware of his DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES as a citizen of this Nation. He loves his country and his fellow citizens deeply. While he is careful to protect his rights, he is even more insistent in ensuring that he never fails to carry out his duty to the Nation. He wants to be counted as a citizen who is part and parcel of the total development and progress of this nation. He has dignity and protects it all the time. His dignity comes from the service of his Nation, without fear or favour. And the Raperas are united against evil.
“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity. (Quran: 3:104)
“Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving Clear Signs: For them is a dreadful penalty”. (Quran: 3:105)
A Rakyat may be a ‘coward’. A Rapera is courageous in the struggle to create a just society where all of Allah’s creatures can have a dignified space. He is forever mindful that if he turns a blind eye to the injustices suffered by others, the injustice will visit him or his relatives one day. No one is exempt from the hand of evil, including the evildoer.
A Rakyat may see only problems and obstacles in the quest for a better society. He gives plenty of excuses. He insults himself by saying that he has no power, no influence, no money, no connections and that he is busy fending for his family. He has no time to give, only to take whatever crumbs that are thrown his way. Through this attitude, he loses all in the long run, including his dignity.
“Those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us, but are pleased and satisfied with the life of the present, and those who heed not Our Signs, (Quran10:7)
“Their abode is the Fire, because of the (evil) they earned”. (Quran 10:8)
“Those who believe, and work righteousness,- their Lord will guide them because of their faith: beneath them will flow rivers in gardens of bliss”. (Quran 10:9)
A Rapera sees events as tests put before him by his Creator – will he prove to be a scumbag or a person of dignity? He sees that in the quest for a better society, he has no option but to overcome evil that is placed in his path of life. He does it in the best way possible under the circumstances of his life. AT the very least, he refuses to be part of the evil or even honour it. A Rapera knows that many evil persons are glorified, honoured and placed in high pedestals in society. He refuses to recognize that honour and glory even if he is the only person doing that.
“DO you not see those who claim sanctity (honour) for themselves? Nay-but God does sanctify (honour) whom He pleases. But never will they fail to receive justice in the least little thing”. (Quran 4.049)
A “Rakyat” is one who is a citizen by law and he merely WANTS what he thinks are his rights. IN fact, on most occasions, he does not even know what his rights really are. Most of the Rakyat have, unwittingly, lost their dignity as a citizen and accept it as the natural state. Example of loss of dignity is: when they allow their elected leaders to talk down to them or plainly lie to them. Worse example is: when they allow these elected leaders to rape the Nation. And some of the Rakyat are divided by their narrow vested interests. We have allowed the mischief
“Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of (the deed) that the hands of men have earned, that (God) may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back (from Evil).” (Quran 30:41)
A “Rapera” is one while mindful of this rights, is totally aware of his DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES as a citizen of this Nation. He loves his country and his fellow citizens deeply. While he is careful to protect his rights, he is even more insistent in ensuring that he never fails to carry out his duty to the Nation. He wants to be counted as a citizen who is part and parcel of the total development and progress of this nation. He has dignity and protects it all the time. His dignity comes from the service of his Nation, without fear or favour. And the Raperas are united against evil.
“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity. (Quran: 3:104)
“Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving Clear Signs: For them is a dreadful penalty”. (Quran: 3:105)
A Rakyat may be a ‘coward’. A Rapera is courageous in the struggle to create a just society where all of Allah’s creatures can have a dignified space. He is forever mindful that if he turns a blind eye to the injustices suffered by others, the injustice will visit him or his relatives one day. No one is exempt from the hand of evil, including the evildoer.
A Rakyat may see only problems and obstacles in the quest for a better society. He gives plenty of excuses. He insults himself by saying that he has no power, no influence, no money, no connections and that he is busy fending for his family. He has no time to give, only to take whatever crumbs that are thrown his way. Through this attitude, he loses all in the long run, including his dignity.
“Those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us, but are pleased and satisfied with the life of the present, and those who heed not Our Signs, (Quran10:7)
“Their abode is the Fire, because of the (evil) they earned”. (Quran 10:8)
“Those who believe, and work righteousness,- their Lord will guide them because of their faith: beneath them will flow rivers in gardens of bliss”. (Quran 10:9)
A Rapera sees events as tests put before him by his Creator – will he prove to be a scumbag or a person of dignity? He sees that in the quest for a better society, he has no option but to overcome evil that is placed in his path of life. He does it in the best way possible under the circumstances of his life. AT the very least, he refuses to be part of the evil or even honour it. A Rapera knows that many evil persons are glorified, honoured and placed in high pedestals in society. He refuses to recognize that honour and glory even if he is the only person doing that.
“DO you not see those who claim sanctity (honour) for themselves? Nay-but God does sanctify (honour) whom He pleases. But never will they fail to receive justice in the least little thing”. (Quran 4.049)
Sunday, December 28, 2008
The Rakyat-Politician-Corporate Cronies Relationship
Yesterday evening, I was invited to a friend’s house. He is a professor in a local university. While having tea with very nice cup cakes in his house, we drifted into discussing the unholy alliances between politicians and corporate cronies. He suggested that I write something about this in this blog. Ok. Let me try to get the basic message across in a very light vein.
Once upon a time there was the Rakyat. They are simple people with simple desires in life. Their biggest ambition in life is to live happily with their loved ones.
All that the Rakyat wants is the opportunity to find food, clothing and shelter. Translated in modern terms means job opportunities that can enable them to get the money to buy these things. Also the opportunities to get these opportunities – like education, etc. Seen in a certain light, these are basic “bread crumbs”.
Then ONE day, the capitalist was spying on the Rakyats basic needs. He had other dreams!
He set about thinking – how can I make profits out of these essentials that the Rakyat is now getting for free or cheap in the market. He thought and he thought.
Then, he got a brilliant idea. His capitalist ambitions can only be achieved by distracting the Rakyat. He needed someone who can distract the Rakyat from the basic, important things in life. He needed someone who can pretend to serve the Rakyat and pretend to motivate the Rakyat. In short, someone who can successfully take the Rakyat for a ride. He found the Politician.
SO enters the politician. The politician meow, meowed here and meow, meowed there. Speeches here, speeches there. Announcements here, announcements there. Issues here, issues there. Promises here, promise there. Meow, meow everywhere. Finally the Rakyat got distracted with all the moewing.
So, the corporate crony got his way. He made his move while the Rakyat was distracted. He controlled what the Rakyat had before. All became his to commercialize and make profits!
And what happened to the Rakyat with all the politicians’ meowing and the corporate cronies taking away even the Rakyat’s “bread crumbs”?
Ah well, what else is new Yang Berbohong dan Yang Berlagak?
RAPERAS, regain what is yours - first your dignity as a citizen of this beloved Nation.
Once upon a time there was the Rakyat. They are simple people with simple desires in life. Their biggest ambition in life is to live happily with their loved ones.
All that the Rakyat wants is the opportunity to find food, clothing and shelter. Translated in modern terms means job opportunities that can enable them to get the money to buy these things. Also the opportunities to get these opportunities – like education, etc. Seen in a certain light, these are basic “bread crumbs”.
Then ONE day, the capitalist was spying on the Rakyats basic needs. He had other dreams!He set about thinking – how can I make profits out of these essentials that the Rakyat is now getting for free or cheap in the market. He thought and he thought.
Then, he got a brilliant idea. His capitalist ambitions can only be achieved by distracting the Rakyat. He needed someone who can distract the Rakyat from the basic, important things in life. He needed someone who can pretend to serve the Rakyat and pretend to motivate the Rakyat. In short, someone who can successfully take the Rakyat for a ride. He found the Politician.
SO enters the politician. The politician meow, meowed here and meow, meowed there. Speeches here, speeches there. Announcements here, announcements there. Issues here, issues there. Promises here, promise there. Meow, meow everywhere. Finally the Rakyat got distracted with all the moewing.
So, the corporate crony got his way. He made his move while the Rakyat was distracted. He controlled what the Rakyat had before. All became his to commercialize and make profits!
And what happened to the Rakyat with all the politicians’ meowing and the corporate cronies taking away even the Rakyat’s “bread crumbs”?
Ah well, what else is new Yang Berbohong dan Yang Berlagak?
RAPERAS, regain what is yours - first your dignity as a citizen of this beloved Nation.
Friday, December 26, 2008
GROOMING FUTURE LEADERS .
Imagine the following scenario when the President of the party chairs a party meeting to choose potential leaders.
President: " we need to select 15 people to groom as the next generation of leaders. Ok. Lets start. Anyone with sons to propose?
[Five committee members raise their hands and hand over cards with their sons particulars written on it.]
President: Ok. Thats 5, anymore? none? Ok...how about daughters?
[Two committee members raise their hands and hand over cards with their daughters particulars written on it ]
President: Ok. Thats 2, anymore? none? Ok...how about son-in-laws?
[Two committee members raise their hands and hand over cards with their son-in-laws particulars written on it ]
President: Ok. Thats 2, anymore? none? Ok...how about daughters-in-laws?
[No one raises their hands]
President: Ok. I understand. We can't have our daughters-in-law in politics. Ok...how about nephews or nieces?
[Three committee members raise their hands and hand over cards with t particulars written on it ]
President: Ok. Thats 3, anymore? none? Ok...how about any relatives?
[No one raises their hands]
President: Ok. I know. We cannot have our relatives equally powerful and rich as us, What about friends or your cronies?
[Eight committee members raise their hands and hand over cards with particulars written on it]
President: Ok. We have more than enough. Next week we shall identify projects that can generate funds and set up these potential young leaders financially in poltics. Meeting adjourned.
Everyone reads some prayers and break off for tea.
President: " we need to select 15 people to groom as the next generation of leaders. Ok. Lets start. Anyone with sons to propose?
[Five committee members raise their hands and hand over cards with their sons particulars written on it.]
President: Ok. Thats 5, anymore? none? Ok...how about daughters?
[Two committee members raise their hands and hand over cards with their daughters particulars written on it ]
President: Ok. Thats 2, anymore? none? Ok...how about son-in-laws?
[Two committee members raise their hands and hand over cards with their son-in-laws particulars written on it ]
President: Ok. Thats 2, anymore? none? Ok...how about daughters-in-laws?
[No one raises their hands]
President: Ok. I understand. We can't have our daughters-in-law in politics. Ok...how about nephews or nieces?
[Three committee members raise their hands and hand over cards with t particulars written on it ]
President: Ok. Thats 3, anymore? none? Ok...how about any relatives?
[No one raises their hands]
President: Ok. I know. We cannot have our relatives equally powerful and rich as us, What about friends or your cronies?
[Eight committee members raise their hands and hand over cards with particulars written on it]
President: Ok. We have more than enough. Next week we shall identify projects that can generate funds and set up these potential young leaders financially in poltics. Meeting adjourned.
Everyone reads some prayers and break off for tea.
TIGHTER CONTROL OVER CIVIL SERVANTS?
I finally heard some good news in Putrajaya. Two government MPs told me that there are serious plans underway to tighten the control over the exercise of power by civil servants, especially the top ranking officials. Apparently, the executive now finally realises that abuses by the civil servants are giving the government of the day a bad name. I have been saying this and whispering this into their ears for years! I suppose, this whisper of mine was never heard without the arrival of March 2008.
I hope the plans that the relevant body is going to unveil and implement vis-a=vis curbing abuse of power by civil servants and improving the delivery system will also consider amending the general orders to enable expeditious termination of seriously delinquent civil servants. Contracts of top ranking civil servants should also be reviewed against the backdrop of their productivity before renewal. I can never understand why some of these contracts are renewed when they have only one year left and the official had already had a good ride on the tax payers money for years.
There has been so much talk about the delivery system and the little napoleons. The Rakyat is waiting to see some "walking the talk".
I hope the plans that the relevant body is going to unveil and implement vis-a=vis curbing abuse of power by civil servants and improving the delivery system will also consider amending the general orders to enable expeditious termination of seriously delinquent civil servants. Contracts of top ranking civil servants should also be reviewed against the backdrop of their productivity before renewal. I can never understand why some of these contracts are renewed when they have only one year left and the official had already had a good ride on the tax payers money for years.
There has been so much talk about the delivery system and the little napoleons. The Rakyat is waiting to see some "walking the talk".
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Dr Rasuawahi from Juburti 0 Chapter 5: The Assassination Attempt.
“But fate always plays out unexpectedly to determine leadership”, he said slowly while his eyes looked far into history. I waited in anticipation.
Looking at me, he continued. “While the President was planning to take me out, something happened. Just three days after the politburo meeting to sack me, his son, Lepaki was implicated in an attempt to overthrow the President and to assassinate me. It turned out that he was leading a group of rebels. The President’s car blew up with a planted bomb and my house was attacked by armed rebels in the middle of the night.”
I interrupted him, “Wait a minute Sir. I did some research on the internet on this so called rebellion by the President’s son. Treason? Against his own father? The facts and news on the internet seem to doubt the entire incident as staged by someone else. There are even accusations from many parts of the world that it was staged by you”.
He retorted, “Absolute nonsense! For the record, I saved Lepaki from the punishment of treason against the President by using my Presidential power of pardon. However, the people’s sentiments were beyond control with all the photographs splashed on the internet.”
“That’s another thing, “, I said, “How did the photographs get on the internet so quickly and so conveniently to implicate Lepaki…even before he was arrested? And those people whom he was photographed with look like some young people he was having fun with at the pubs and various places”.
“Ah! But these very same young people were arrested outside my house by our police who arrived quickly the very same night of the assassination attempt on me. It is evidence of collaboration and knowledge. The police had also recorded confessions from the rebels that Lepaki is their leader”, he emphasized.
Pausing for a while, he continued’ “And a 100 day trial proved his involvement”.
I inadvertently laughed when he mentioned the trial. All over the internet, the trial was denounced as the greatest shame to Juburti judiciary with all the three judges alleged to have very close links to Dr Rasuawahi. In fact, it is strongly alleged that the entire police team and the prosecution team involved in the prosecution of Lepaki were people indebted to him.
He looked at me displeased with my laughter. “You are not insulting our judicial system like the western press, are you? The West is the enemy of the developing and third world countries. Don’t you ever forget that. It was a fair trial and having defended himself with a team of the best defence lawyers, he was found guilty”.
Sounding like making a press statement, he said, “Yes. There was an assassination attempt against me in 1999 and a plan to overthrow the President. Anyway, as destiny wills it, I became president in the same year. Here look at this paper report. He handed me a newspaper cutting.
There were many things amiss in the alleged assassination attempt and the implication of Lepaki. One also cannot avoid noticing that the tables were very quickly turned against his very foes – the President and his son. I had a lot of questions to ask but since his voice had a tone of finality, I decided to just look at the newspaper cutting that he handed me.
“It says here you wife was in a coma? What really happened?”
“Yes. In the attempt to assassinate me, my wife Konveniens got shot by a stray bullet and she’s still in a coma until today…been 7 years now”.
I was perplexed. If indeed this was an event staged by Dr Rasuawahi himself, would he sacrifice his wife too? It is difficult to fathom to what length politicians will go in the quest of power.
“That’s horribly sad”, I muttered. “And when his son was charged in court and his daughter was in a coma, the President lost his will?”
“Yes, the implication of his son in the attempted overthrow of the Presidency and the coma state of his daughter ….. was simply too much for the old man. He slowly gave control of the State to me. Furthermore, it will be embarrassing for him to pardon his own son. I promised him that is the first thing that I will do as President”
“What happened to Lepaki after the pardon?”
“Well, we send him off to Sweden to live and undergo treatment in Sweden. However, he seemed to have contracted an unidentifiable disease that wastes his muscles while he is there”. Dr Rasuawahi took a deep breath as if he was feeling sorry for Lepaki.
I wondered, “eliminating the enemy?”.
Looking at me, he continued. “While the President was planning to take me out, something happened. Just three days after the politburo meeting to sack me, his son, Lepaki was implicated in an attempt to overthrow the President and to assassinate me. It turned out that he was leading a group of rebels. The President’s car blew up with a planted bomb and my house was attacked by armed rebels in the middle of the night.”
I interrupted him, “Wait a minute Sir. I did some research on the internet on this so called rebellion by the President’s son. Treason? Against his own father? The facts and news on the internet seem to doubt the entire incident as staged by someone else. There are even accusations from many parts of the world that it was staged by you”.
He retorted, “Absolute nonsense! For the record, I saved Lepaki from the punishment of treason against the President by using my Presidential power of pardon. However, the people’s sentiments were beyond control with all the photographs splashed on the internet.”
“That’s another thing, “, I said, “How did the photographs get on the internet so quickly and so conveniently to implicate Lepaki…even before he was arrested? And those people whom he was photographed with look like some young people he was having fun with at the pubs and various places”.
“Ah! But these very same young people were arrested outside my house by our police who arrived quickly the very same night of the assassination attempt on me. It is evidence of collaboration and knowledge. The police had also recorded confessions from the rebels that Lepaki is their leader”, he emphasized.
Pausing for a while, he continued’ “And a 100 day trial proved his involvement”.
I inadvertently laughed when he mentioned the trial. All over the internet, the trial was denounced as the greatest shame to Juburti judiciary with all the three judges alleged to have very close links to Dr Rasuawahi. In fact, it is strongly alleged that the entire police team and the prosecution team involved in the prosecution of Lepaki were people indebted to him.
He looked at me displeased with my laughter. “You are not insulting our judicial system like the western press, are you? The West is the enemy of the developing and third world countries. Don’t you ever forget that. It was a fair trial and having defended himself with a team of the best defence lawyers, he was found guilty”.
Sounding like making a press statement, he said, “Yes. There was an assassination attempt against me in 1999 and a plan to overthrow the President. Anyway, as destiny wills it, I became president in the same year. Here look at this paper report. He handed me a newspaper cutting.
There were many things amiss in the alleged assassination attempt and the implication of Lepaki. One also cannot avoid noticing that the tables were very quickly turned against his very foes – the President and his son. I had a lot of questions to ask but since his voice had a tone of finality, I decided to just look at the newspaper cutting that he handed me.
“It says here you wife was in a coma? What really happened?”
“Yes. In the attempt to assassinate me, my wife Konveniens got shot by a stray bullet and she’s still in a coma until today…been 7 years now”.
I was perplexed. If indeed this was an event staged by Dr Rasuawahi himself, would he sacrifice his wife too? It is difficult to fathom to what length politicians will go in the quest of power.
“That’s horribly sad”, I muttered. “And when his son was charged in court and his daughter was in a coma, the President lost his will?”
“Yes, the implication of his son in the attempted overthrow of the Presidency and the coma state of his daughter ….. was simply too much for the old man. He slowly gave control of the State to me. Furthermore, it will be embarrassing for him to pardon his own son. I promised him that is the first thing that I will do as President”
“What happened to Lepaki after the pardon?”
“Well, we send him off to Sweden to live and undergo treatment in Sweden. However, he seemed to have contracted an unidentifiable disease that wastes his muscles while he is there”. Dr Rasuawahi took a deep breath as if he was feeling sorry for Lepaki.
I wondered, “eliminating the enemy?”.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Public Caning for Seriously Delinquent Civil Servants (“sedics”)?
The country cannot function without the civil servants. Every citizen from the time she is born is tied to the civil service (birth certificate) to the time she dies (death certificate). Every single aspect and step of his life will also depend on the civil service – the delivery system, implementation of policies, mundane approvals for licences, certificate of fitness for buildings, passports, etc, etc.
In short, the civil service is for all practical purposes and intent, the GOVERNMENT. The civil service actually governs the administration of the country AND administers it.
The Rakyat has always acknowledged this very crucial role and contribution of the civil service. Due to this acknowledgement, the Rakyat has given many perks, allowances, benefits, etc to the civil service. The civil servants are even allowed to enjoy almost total job security which the majority of the working Rakyat do not. It is not easy to sack a civil servant for inefficiency as it is in the private sector.
The civil service is in the position of a trustee for the Rakyat. The Rakyat TRUSTS the civil service and the civil service system. The Rakyat believes that the various heads of department that go by the titles of “Pen. Pengarah”, “Timb. Pengarah”, “Ketua Pengarah”, “Pen. KSU”, “KSU”, etc, etc are all responsible people who can uphold the TRUST of the Rakyat and perform their tasks as well as they possibly can. Obviously, the Muslim ones are expected by the Muslim Rakyat to perform their duties ever mindful that Allah is watching their every step.
The Rakyat makes no distinction between the “PTDs” and the “PTAs”. TO them, all are civil servants and are TRUSTED to do their job.
Trust is the highest relationship one can form. The opposite of TRUST is betrayal. In relationships, I think betrayal is the worst crime, even worse than murder. When someone trusts you, he gives up a certain something in him. He has lowered his defence mechanism. He holds you in high esteem. Betrayal is sometimes described as “stabbing you in the back”. Only a hypocrite can betray you, never a righteous person. Allah says the worst people on earth are the hypocrites, not even the disbelievers.
Many societies in history mete out the death punishment for murder. If betrayal is worse than murder, what is the appropriate punishment?
There are many in the civil service who are worthy of our trust. Many who work hard and righteously. But it appears there are many too that are Seriously Delinquent Civil Servants or SEDICS for short who habitually and happily BETRAY the Rakyat’s trust. You have to judge the tree by the fruits it bears. And the fruits are all rotten.
In these past week, we read with sadness, frustrations, anger and sheer disbelief that what happened in Bukit Antarabangsa could happen after so many past incidences of a similar cause such as Highland Towers. This could only have happened because the Rakyat had trusted the system and the civil servants who are involved in this part of the administration. Due to the TRUST now being BETRAYED by the Sedics, many of the families that lived happily in the Ulu Klang area are now living with losses and total uncertainty while the Sedics have a “secure” home to go to and write reports apportioning blame to the rest of the world.
Was it unforeseeable - the problem of landslides in Malaysia? Just one example. On 1st November 2007, the then Works Minister, Datuk Samy Vellu, in his speech made the following statement:
“In a country like Malaysia where there are more than 7,200 slopes, including about 1,200 major ones, I therefore strongly believe that together, we must do all that we can, to prevent such incidents from recurring. Irrespective of whether potential landslides are merely disruptive or both tragic and disruptive to the public and businesses alike, we must always be on guard. A proper slope management is thus without doubt a critical necessity.”
He said it right. He was part of the cabinet. Were not any of the Tan Sri or Dato KSU listening and taking notes? Was there any follow up by anybody in the GOVERNMENT? What the F*** ( = “fish”, for the avoidance of doubt) was anyone in office doing? Lives and the welfare of ordinary Rakyat do not matter anymore? Helloooooooo……!!!
RAPERAs, Bukit Antarabangsa is just ONE example of the betrayal by the Sedics. Look. Wake up. Open your eyes. Many things that can be done right are not done right. Many things are abused and $$$$$$, money and money has simply blinded the Sedics to the potential sufferings of the Rakyat arising from their BETRAYAL. After many years of continual repetition of betrayals by the Sedics, I am totally convinced that the political masters absolutely lack the political will to plug the problem.
Excuse the language please, but it is one big shit system that simply must be flushed out! Too much excreta is nauseating even for the compromising. RAPERAS, think about this.
The Quran uses the word “fasikuun” to describe people who know what is right but insist on doing the wrong thing for selfish reasons. SO what do you do with fasikuuns in this sense? What do you do with current Sedics so that potential Sedics will then know that it is no longer profitable/worthwhile to be a Sedic?
Dataran Merdeka has a sentimental meaning for me. It seems to remind me of the merdeka that we achieved. So how about public caning for Sedics at Dataran Merdeka? Hopefully that can merdeka us from betrayals.
What do you think?
Peace !
Sunday, December 21, 2008
PRIVATISATION OF IJN?
The entire episode is mind-boggling! First, the papers reported that the Government okeys the takeover of IJN by Sime Darby. Apparently, both the PM and the DPM are of the view that privatization will benefit IJN. But the next day, the papers reported that the DPM now says that in depth study needs to be done before a final decision is made. Does that mean no indepth study was done before the first announcement in the papers - I wonder how many new patients IJN had since the first announcement!
More mind boggling is that Sime Darby apparently will charge the same fees as is being charged now by corporatised IJN. Why would private sector Sime Darby want to maintain corporatised rates is indeed mind boggling in the economic sense. A private sector that does not want o make profits? What a heart!
DO you smell something foul somewhere?
Hmm..and they think the so called protest votes of March 2008 will not remain as votes of reformation in the future!
More mind boggling is that Sime Darby apparently will charge the same fees as is being charged now by corporatised IJN. Why would private sector Sime Darby want to maintain corporatised rates is indeed mind boggling in the economic sense. A private sector that does not want o make profits? What a heart!
DO you smell something foul somewhere?
Hmm..and they think the so called protest votes of March 2008 will not remain as votes of reformation in the future!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
SIZE 10 SHOES FOR BUSH
An Iraqi journalist throws two shoes at President Bush calling it a "goodbye present". Bush was cool about it, saying that it is "size 10".
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Are YOU still in the Malay-Chinese-Indian mindset??
[Norman Rockwell drawing]We all have our experiences. We all have stories to tell. Most of these stories and experiences shape the way we look at our selves and the world. For the unaware, the unthinking and the one who does not do any self reflection, their experiences appear to be the truth to them.
I hail from Penang. I recall the prejudiced clichés I have heard of the various ethnic groups – Malays are lazy and stupid, Chinese are dirty and materialistic, the Indians are untrustworthy and drunk. But I continued to have friends from all these ethnic groups. In fact I have very good friends from all these ethnic groups. I am lucky because my family is not racially biased. My mother taught us that if you really believe in Allah, you must be aware that all are “makhluk Allah” ie the creations of God.
Of course I too had unpleasant experiences with people. I recall when my family shifted house somewhere far from my school, I approached a few Malay friends of mine and asked them if I could stay with for two months until my STPM examinations are over. They said: No. A Chinese friend of mine, overhearing my request, offered and I stayed with him and his mom. His mom became like my mother. She even bought special utensils to cook for me without me asking her to do it. She took good care of me. I thought wow, the Chinese are kind people. Not materialistic as I heard others say they are. And her house was kept very clean.
I had a Malay uncle and aunt who will make drinks and food for the schoolchildren who pass by their house everyday – most of the children were Chinese. He was a school teacher and I recall him giving free tuition to quite a number of poor Chinese school children (yes, there were many poor Chinese around and I know there are many today too). I have Malay friends whose brains and their diligence which I admire. Not all Malays are lazy and stupid. If you look hard enough, you will find stupid, lazy people in every ethnic grouping all over the world.
Until today, I have a very good friend who is like a brother to me. When I came back from UK after doing my law, I stayed in his house for more than a year for free. He not only refused to take any rent, his wife cooked for me and he took good care of all the things I dumped in his house when I left for UK. I know that his house door is always open for me if I need to even live there. He does not drink. He is absolutely trustworthy. In fact, everyone who knows him will testify that he is an absolute angel. He is Indian.
I was dating a Chinese girl once. My parents had no objections. Her mother however, could not accept a non-Chinese son-in-law. I was a reject because I was non-Chinese. They engineered everything possible to make sure our relationship does not work. Was I supposed to hate her and think that ALL Chinese are racist? Just when my young mind was upset at the “racial rejection”, a few years later, I met another Chinese family which accepted me in totality. The parents are wonderful people. SO, there you go. Just because the first girlfriend’s mother may be a racist does not make all Chinese racists. She was probably ignorant or fearful of the "unknown" (a non-Chinese in the family?).
And sure, I have been “betrayed” by some “friends”. But they were, incidentally from the Indian, Malay and Chinese ethnic origins! I know some Chinese, Indian and Malay people who are downright racists. But hey, aren't the aware blessed?
The point I am making is this: we may have bitter experiences in the hands of some people from some ethnic groups…..but let us not make the error of judging the WHOLE ethnic group as evil or bad. There are a lot of good, decent human beings among them.
DO not let politics and politicians diminish our humanity. They are glorified scoundrels and thieves - most of them.
If we do so, we are the racist. There is something very wrong with our souls. Better fix it quick or we will be part of the problem.
What about YOU?
Peace !
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