Iqbal Abd Ghaffar

The first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman had once said “An unhappy Indian is its own political party”. I can’t recall the quote word by word, but it sounded something like that.

Tunku Abdul Rahman couldn’t have said it any better as the quote stands true.

In present day Malaysia, the world can bare witness to the myriad of political parties that champions the roughly 2 million Malaysians of Indian ethnic. There’s a total of 9 starting with MIC, PPP, MIUP, Hindraf, Mindraf, AMIPF, KIMMA, MCC, PPM. This doesn’t take into account multiracial parties such as DAP, PKR, Gerakan, and PAS supporters club that the Indians can join .The number is quite large considering that the Indians make roughly less 9% of the Malaysian population.

While the large number of Indian based parties shows that democracy certainly thrives, the flip side of the coin is that a large number of people in the Indian community may be unhappy with the oldest Indian party in Malaysia. This became even more so evident when in March 2008, the MIC was almost obliterated from the face of Malaysian politics.

This can be solely attributed to the dissatisfaction the community has had with the leadership of the MIC. More specifically pointing to Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, the man who has had an iron fist control of the party since 1979.

Since his “dynasty” as President of the oldest and largest Indian based party, he has marginalized his own people, destroyed the political (and personal) careers of anyone who opposes him, and expelled those who supported the opposed. His dictatorial ways have successfully instilled fear instead of  respect in the community, split its support base many times over, and created a highly marginalized community. In that same process, he destroyed many aspiring and talented leaders from rising within the Indian community. There was only one key message that he wanted to say and that was “Support me, and I’ll extend my help to you. Oppose me, and you’ll perish!”

Samy Vellu is one man whose is skin far thicker than the glaciers of the Alps. Despite his loss in his own constituency of Sungai Siput and the obliteration of MIC in March 8 2008, the calls by grassroots for him to step down, and despite knowing that the many of his presidential peers in the ruling BN coalition has retired and the current BN leadership especially Najib Razak does not openly support him anymore, he defies all this stating that the MIC still needs his leadership to be reformed.

The biggest call to reform, would be to start with himself stepping down as President of the MIC. With him out of the way, new blood and ideas can then be injected into the party. With him out of the way, the shackles of fear based politics would be dismantled. With him out of the way, and with a leader who is more dynamic, young, vibrant, and who stands up to the cause of uniting the community will the party be able to see real progress.

Sept 12 marks the day when 1,464 MIC delegates will elect 23 representatives into the Central Working Committee, three Vice Presidents, and one Deputy President.

Samy Vellu has already lined up 27 “preferred” candidates for this election. But within the party ranks and files and more strongly the grassroots has signalled that this will not be an easy fight. The focus is on the three-cornered fight for the Deputy President’s seat. Incumbent and Samy Vellu’s preferred candidate Datuk G. Palanivel, is being challenged by former deputy president Datuk S. Subramaniam, and new comer and former blue-eyed boy of Samy Vellu Datuk S.Sothinathan.

Subramaniam, 49, has a strong support base from the grassroots who want to see real change in MIC. His support also comes from those who have been expelled from the party by Samy Vellu. His mantra of change for the better, and his promise of accepting all members who have been expelled from the party has won their hearts and minds.

The task of winning the post is an uphill battle as Samy Vellu’s tentacle is strongly wrapped around many delegates. However, his move to publish and interview with Dr.Mahathir on the future of MIC and Samy Vellu has already caused quite a stir with Samy Vellu telling Subramanian brought “shame” to the party, and telling Mahathir to stay out of MIC’s affairs.

Dr. Mahathir’s comments will have an impact on the delegates decision to elect their leaders. Those who want change are already excited with the comments given by the grand old man of Malaysian politics as this endorsement has given steam for the party to push for reforms and a put in place a new leadership that will hopefully muster enough power to oust Samy Vellu.

It is a known fact that the MIC has lost its respect within the Barisan Nasional coalition. In their view, MIC has lost the mandate of the Indian community. Many in BN agree and want to see Samy Vellu step down and let someone else take the helm. The chairman of BN who is also PM, Najib Razak have on many occasions bypassed Samy Vellu when it came to Indian issues such as the Section 23 temple relocation debacle.

All eyes and ears are now focused on Najib’s speech at the opening of MIC elections on the morning of the 12th as this will give an indication to the delegates on who to vote and elect. The outcome of this election will determine the rebirth or the demise of the MIC.

-IAG-

Iqbal backs Subramaniam to lead the way for reform and change in the MIC and ultimately oust Samy Vellu from the post of President. He has Indians close at heart because he and his brothers were well taken care of by a Tamil Sri Lankan maid for 12 years since he was a born. He regularly blogs at www.iqbalghaffar.com

Iqbal Abd Ghaffar

I can still vividly recall back in August of 1997 of how almost every vehicle had stuck the Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian flag) onto their windscreen or the hood of their bike. I was only 15, staying in a boarding school. Access to outside of the school compound was only limited to weekends, and even that was limited on a fortnightly basis.

However, the site of my teacher’s and school staff’s vehicle be it a car, van, motorcycle flying the Jalur Gemilang  was a site to behold. TV news and the printed media reported the success of the “Raise The Flag” campaign that ran from the 15th of Aug – 15th Sept. Images of vehicles and homes proudly flying the flag was proudly showcased.

I was ecstatic! I was excited! My young-self then felt every vein in my body oozing with patriotism and love for the country.

The following year, the campaign changed its wording to “Kibarkan Jalur Gemilang”. Though many people did raise it, I could feel that the there was a slight reduction in participation from the public. The spirit was dampened as we were hit with the Asian financial crisis, and the Ringgit and stock market was plummeting to new lows.

The spirit of raising the flag dampened with the passing of the years. Today, finding a car flying the Jalur Gemilang is as rare as finding diamonds on the road.

The strong feeling of patriotism and love for the country that I had 12 years ago remains a distant memory.

People cite all sort of reasons for not raising the flag. Petty reasons such as, no one giving out free flags (cheap skate!) to safety reasons such as flags flying off the cars can become a missile (this argument does have merit).

Our closest neighbor (as much as we hate to admit it) by blood and history down south celebrates their independence day with vigor and pride. I haven’t experienced myself, but from what I read and gather, folks down there are patriotic about their Merdeka Day and its celebration. For every year without fail, they’ll raise their flag and fly it with pride and honor.

Citizens of the USA proudly raise the Star Spangled Banner in their homes as a display for the love of their country without fail on or before every July 4th. And they’ve been doing that since 1776!

So what has happened to the Merdeka day spirit of our fellow Malaysians? Have we really lost the pride of calling ourselves Malaysians? Are we just too distracted with fending for ourselves and our livelihoods that we are unable to express or show the gratitude towards this country in which we call home? Or have we succumb ourselves to petty politics and allowed the differences in opinions and our political stance to divide us and dampen our patriotism and love for the country.

I hate to shudder the thought of it, but the stark reality is that many Malaysians just have no clue on how to celebrate Merdeka day. They’re not sure of how to display their love for the country (even though they would like to). And a great many Malaysians are far too divided with their political stance or non-political stance that Merdeka day becomes a display of their utter disgust towards the government of the day (since the parade stand is always filled with government officials from the ruling coalition).

In my opinion, Malaysians of all creed from all walks of life should make this day a neutral day. It should be marked as a day where one remains apolitical and non-partisan. In all due respect, whatever opinions or stance you may have towards the ruling government towards the opposition, on this special day, all Malaysians should uphold the dignity and sovereignty of this land we call home.

Bask in her glory, and dignify her, and remember the struggles of our forefathers and generations that have passed of their plight to achieve independence and self rule. For since the fall of Malacca into the hands of the Portugese in 1511, this land has been under the control of foreign powers for 446 years.

Let us not allow narrow racial politics to control our emotions and thoughts. Disallow the chauvinists from every racial group who only form the minority from controlling the mainstream politics and majority of the rakyat who only want to see tolerance and harmony permeate and blossom. It serves no one any good to allow such groups to fester and penetrate into the thoughts and lives of peace-loving, multi-racial embracing, diversity-driven Malaysians of all walks of life.

In this time of confusion, let us uphold the sanctity of the constitution and look up to the Yang DiPertuan Agung for his leadership and his non-partisan stance on the politics of this country!

Selamat Menyambut Hari Kemerdekaan Yang ke-52.

-IAG-

ps: I too am guilty of not raising the Jalur Gemilang. I promise to that I will raise it next year and every year after that. Please join me and pledge to do the same.

A Fair Price for Oil

As the world’s population grows larger, and a country increases its wealth, so does the demand for energy. So high has the demand in energy particularly oil that the cost of it touched an all time high of $147 per barrel.

This had severely impacted many economies and ultimately eroded the net disposable income of many people. The rise in inflation due to the increases in price of oil has had a domino effect on every single sector and industry that largely depended on it as fuel for its vehicles, power generation, and manufacturing.

Many analysts had pointed that strong demand from China pushed oil prices to the heavens. In tandem with that, commodities such as palm oil, soy and wheat and raw materials such as steel, concrete and copper too reached all time highs.

There are many who claim that speculation and manipulation of oil supply and demand in the international market was the main reason driving the absolute absurdity in the oil price.

Whatever the reason is or was, the effects of rising oil price per barrel had finally bared its toll on us back at home. As prices touched an all time high, the Malaysian government rose petrol prices at the pump by 41% on 5th June. The effects of a 41% hike came reeling in with the inflation rate hitting an all time high of 8.5% in the months ensuing it.

But what’s more interesting to note is that after touching an all time high in June, oil touched an new low of about $32 in November. This new low is something not seen in many years!

Politicians in Malaysia are quick to use the fuel price as an issue to gain political mileage. Take for example Lim Kit Siang proposal to give out RM6,000 annually to poor families. And just where will the money come from? You guessed it! From Petronas’ profits. But now, that the price of oil has dipped and is hovering around $40-$50 per barrel, how does he propose to continue such a populist and unrealistic manifesto?

I’ve never agreed to his suggestion. I find that the suggestion is irresponsible and serves no good to the nation or the poor. First, a company is established to generate profits. A company that does not intend to generate profits is an NGO or a welfare organization. Petronas is not a welfare organization. It is a company responsible to manage the oil resources in the country and to generate profits that would benefit the nation through taxes that it pays to the government, the creation of jobs and flourishing businesses. The company needs money to ensure that it continues to grow and has enough to invest abroad and expand its presence both locally and globally.

Lim’s suggestion to pay out RM6,000 annually is short sighted and is a selfish suggestion only aimed to get votes during the elections. It is unrealistic and utterly stupid to suggest such a thing. Besides, how can he help the poor get out of poverty by giving them money? A good Chinese proverb sums it up “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime”.

Historically, the last time oil was hovering around $40-$50 per barrel, the pump price was about RM1.52. Today it’s RM1.80. Critics argue that the government is making RM0.28 per liter of fuel sold.

My stand? RM1.80 is fair. Demand and consumption of fuel then, is far more smaller compared to this day. We have more vehicles on the road and sea, more industries and factories that need electricity of which the primary source of fuel for electricity is diesel.

Malaysians seem to forget that Malaysia’s economy is a heavily subsidized one. Not only is oil heavily subsidized, but so are other commodities such as flour, sugar, rice and cooking oil. A subsidized economy where prices of goods are kept artificially low can not be maintained over the long haul. The most limited of resources is money, and since money is limited, it should be put to good use to derive an optimum impact to the economy.

As the government has been heavily subsidizing petrol and diesel through out all these years, it is only fair that the government taxes consumers for using petrol and diesel when crude oil price is low. The profits that the government makes through the sale of petrol and diesel can than be used to pay for subsidies for daily food staples and commodities as well as improving the public transportation system.

A lower fuel price would not help reduce carbon emissions from vehicles and other industries. It will only spur it as people become complacent and less attuned to critical green issues. Green initiatives will probably get less attention as the need and the pressure is not present to drive home the message that the world is on a brink of  an ecological crisis! -IAG

Malaysias’ Children Deserves A Color Blind Education System

Iqbal Abd Ghaffar

Whether it be for political mileage or in the name of national unity, the contender for the top UMNO Youth Post, Mukhriz Mahathir put forth a contentious issue into the limelight.

The mother tongue, vernacular education system adopted and practiced in Malaysia since independence has in my opinion put national unity and the realization of Bangsa Malaysia as distant as the far edges of the Universe. (I’ve once read somewhere that Malaysia is the only country that allows an education system in each of the 3 major race’s mother tongue).

True unity would really be hard to achieve if from the very early years of a child’s development, they have been separated, segregated, and clustered according to their skin color. They are to only mix and mingle with their own kind, in the name of preserving their culture, thinking and practices.

In the name of creating a true blue Bangsa Malaysia and in the name of National Unity and integration, i strongly believe that the mother tongue primary school education system to be of utmost rubbish! It is one of the most stupidest policies to be implemented. It has only gave birth to two generations of Malaysians who can hardly speak Bahasa Malaysia fluently.

It’s not the issue of language but it is an issue of national unity and integration. A true cohesive identity for a single Malaysian race is hard to define. We are still recognized as “Melayu, India, Cina, dan lain-lain” (Malay, Indian, Chinese, and others). We are still referring to ourselves as a race, by our skin color and by the language we use. Why can’t we just refer and call ourselves “Bangsa Malaysia”?

This is the failure of NOT having a single education system. This is the failure of our politicians to allow such a system to go on for so long that it breeds racism, chauvinism, and a feeling of threat and suspicion against one another.

Why should national unity and integration take a back seat to pure racial pride? What benefit does it bring us?

I, for one, am a rojak of all sorts. I went to a kindergarten that taught maths in Mandarin, playtime in English, and reading in Bahasa Malaysia. I then continued four years in an American School surrounded by students from all over the world. Then I continued the remaining years of my primary education in a British school where my classmates were 90% Chinese and most of them couldn’t utter a sentence of Mandarin.

The shock came to me when I had to enter government school for my secondary education. Not only could I not converse Bahasa Malaysia well, I found that the students were only hanging among their own skin colors!

I had a problem with that.

First of all, I grew up being color blind, and I expect to go on that way. The only friends I made were those who could speak English well (and they were a rarity).

The point I’m trying to make is that school IS and SHOULD BE the place where children are to integrate. A child understands not of color. It is the adults who instill such prejudice.

And in that same process of growing up, I have not lost my identity. I have not lost my customs and culture (though I may not know all, but is that important?). I still celebrate Hari Raya, I eat with my hand and occasionally use cutlery and chop sticks. I am still able to converse, write, and think in my own mother tongue. I know who I am!

I have many Chinese and Indian friends who have not forgotten their customs and practices, despite them having the opportunity to continue with international education all the way to secondary and tertiary levels. They still eat with chopsticks and hands. They still celebrate Chinese new year and Diwali. They can still converse in Mandarin and Tamil respectively, but they haven’t lost their identities…so what’s the BIG PROBLEM with a single education system for god’s sake!?

I am blessed to have parents that never taught me or my siblings about being biased to any race or recognize people by its colors. However, the Malaysian education system continues our former colonialists “Divide and Rule” policy.

It is high time that a National referendum be held. The referendum should seek the Malaysian public and NOT the politicians to decide on the future of our education system. Don’t allow narrow-minded-extremely-chauvinistic-selfish education groups, political groups, and NGO’s and to decide and persuade what’s in the best interest of an individual race.

This is not about Ketuanan Melayu, Ketuanan Cina, Ketuanan India, Ketuanan Iban, Ketuanan Dayak and etc.

THIS IS ABOUT the future of KETUANAN BANGSA MALAYSIA!

IAG

The author strongly supports the stand of Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, Prof Khoo Kay Kim and Datuk M.Kayveas to do away with the vernacular school system in support of a unified education system for Malaysia’s children.

The author also believes that the Dong Zong and the Jiao Zong are a bane to National Unity and Integration.

I hadn’t realized that the last post on this blog was exactly 2 months ago!

A lot has happened. It wasn’t my intention to stop, I was more in a dilemma of trying to find my substance and define my writing style.

It’s easy to vent anger and write an article that’s got “I am pissed” written all over it. But then again, I guess, controversies sells better doesn’t it?

What are the core issues? What is my passion?

It’s a dilemma of what really this blog should represent. What’s its substance? What’s the pull factor or what the  marketeers would call “Unique Selling Proposition”?

One thing is clear, I don’t want this to be “just another angry political blogger” type of blog.  Nope! There’s far too many of that in cyberspace and real space.

I’ll stick to my motto “Behind the Reading Glass”. That should guide me and the readers in what this small blog really stands for.

IAG

When Lee Chong Wei won the Silver Olympic medals for badminton, he not only bagged RM300,000 and a pension of RM3,000 for life from the government, he was also awarded a Datukship by the Penang Yang Dipertua (YDP) Negeri from the Penang government.

And so I thought, something isn’t right here. How come Lee Chong Wei gets to bag the money and the title? How about the person behind the scenes who tirelessly coached, mentored, and guided this shuttler all the way to the top? Doesn’t he deserve to be honored?

Also, what about our 1996 Olympic Silver medalists, badminton doubles Cheah Soon Kit and Yap Kim Hock, why weren’t they awarded a Datukship? I’m not sure of their monetary gains, but are they equivalent to what Lee Chon Wei had won?

It’s finally good to know that the Malacca YDP Negeri has also recognized this and awarded a Datukship to Malaysia’s badminton single’s silver medalist….Misbun Sidek. He truly deserves it for breeding a champion.

Next question is, shouldn’t our squash queen, world No.1 Datuk Nicole David’s coach also be awarded a Datukship?

Things look like they could really get messy!

Despite all that, my heartiest congratulations to Lee Chong Wei and Misbun Sidek for making me and the rest of Malaysia feel proud to be Malaysian. Sports is oone avenue where Malaysians become color blind.

Iqbal Abd Ghaffar

iqbal Abd Ghaffar

Cheah Soon Kit and Yap Kim Hock, Malaysia’s 1996 Olympic Silver medalist.

Lee Chong Wei, Malaysia 2008 Olympics silver medalist

Misbun Sidek, coach to Lee Chong Wei

Today, a reader posted a letter to the Star today and talk about Ipoh. It was once the most cleanest city in Malaysia. Today, Ipoh is a far cry from its former glory.

Rapid industrialization coupled with fierce competition to woo in big time investors to set up operations in the state has made the city into a pollution catchment area.

There is nothing wrong with wooing investors. There is nothing wrong with bringing money into the city and state to grow and develop the economy.

The problem is when there is no cohesive, comprehensive, and vision to develop the city and state. And many cities in Malaysia have become a victim of sub-standard urban planning, poor enforcement, and the “tak apa” mentality.

Look at our towns, cities, and housing estates. Compare USJ and Kajang. or Damansara and Cheras. Where one area thrives on proper planning, the other suffers. Roads are riddled with potholes and cracks, road signs are missing, roads are unleveled, landscapping is a joke!

Housing estates, offices, and industries are scattered all over the place. How can this be? Why should it be this way? It all goes down to the mayor and his team.

Problem in Malaysia is that local councils are not elected by the people, but are elected by political parties. Do you think then, that these elected councils would have the best interest of the people at hand? Figuring that their contract would end in 3 or 4 years, I think they opt to cash in as much money as they can. So when all they care about is money, proper town planning and urban upkeep becomes a policy that is kept behind a cupboard full of other policies collecting dust. And the vicious cycle continues.

So it begs the question, does development have to come with a huge sacrifice? Must development equate to raping pristine green jungles, polluting rivers and the air, and declining health conditions?

Developing countries can learn from the mistakes of developed nations. During the industrialization era, development was done irresponsibly by destroying the natural surroundings. And because of the very selfish act of those people back then, todays generation are suffering.

Does this have to go on? Definately NOT! Sustainable development should be the theme and top priority for any form of physical development. In this regard, any form of development must thoroughly consider the impact to the environment such as managing waste, using renewable energy sources, reducing pollutants, recycling pollutants or making it safe to be disposed. Development should also consider the socio-economic impact, urban planning impact and health impact.

I strongly urge local councils, the government, and private entititiest to adopt the principles of sustainable development. Local governments should adopt and uphold the principles of sustainable urban planning.

A city or state developed responsibly with the true spirit of sustainable development will in the end become more prosperous as health and wealth is direcly proportionate.

Iqbal

ps: You can read the article “Ipoh needs a new image” here.

But when I do get my hands on the keyboard, those ideas and thoughts, don’t seem to be so appealing to write about anymore.

Sometimes, I want to talk about my disappointment with the third world civic conscious mentality and attitude that Malaysians have. One commando on a jungle trekking trip I went with my department about two weeks ago, casually and cynically described it well. “Littering are Malaysians’ national sport”.

Just take a good look around you, and you will see plastic bags, newspapers, food wrappers, tins, cups, broken glass, cigarette bud lying on the road side, in our drains, on our gardens. what makes things worse is the third world maintenance mentality of our local council, the business community, and larger community. When will people really learn that cleanliness begins with you.

That’s on the ground, but have you seen the state of some flats, apartments, and condos? Run down paint, moss and fungus covered walls. Broken road signs and pot holed roads. Cracked curbs, missing road lines and paint. Unattended landscaping. Overgrown lalang! God! It’s so depressing! How can anyone say Malaysia is really beautiful? I find Singapore the most beautifully planned and managed city state cum country in the world.

How about Malaysian’s attitude on the road. If there is one thing that I’d like to shout about is that for Malaysian’s to use the bloody signals! Why are there so many kiasu users drivers out there? Is it that difficult to signal when you want to overtake, or make a turn? Does it knock off a few points from your ego or your coolness level? I think its best that the government create the “Malaysian Institute of Civic Conscious and Good Manners”.

The lead project manager of my department said it very well and I quote him “Safety is a habit”. Putting it in this context, good manners and civic consciousness is a habit. Old and bad habits die hard. But it must start with the individual.

Parents are guilty for not only not teaching their children to be mindful of the environment, but they are horribly guilty for not preaching it. I’ve seen parents carrying their babies and bringing their children strolling in wearing nothing but designer clothes and strollers, only to see them litter their food wrapper on the grass! What do you think the child will do? Go figure. You don’t need a PhD in rocket science to know the consequences.

And the community, is equally guilty of not telling these people of their offense. This has alot to do with culture. Yes, its a part of Asian culture that you don’t directly confront someone. But this has to change for the better of our own environment. In this case, all I could do was just stay pissed. I didn’t know how to confront the parent.

Safety is a habit. Likewise, civic consciousness is a habit. If you continue to educate yourself and continue to be aware of your actions and what you do, it will become a habit.

If you are going to create a new habit, why not cultivate a good habit? Have a high degree of civic consciousness. Do yourself and the community that favour and start planting the seeds of positive civic consciousness. Everyone stands to benefit.

So the next time you decide to make that turn, use the signals, or if you decide to litter, please find the trash, and if you can’t find one…do what my mom and teacher taught me…hold on to it until you find one!

Iqbal
The Civic Conscious Citizen Activitst Wannabe