The term “political tsunami” has been tossed around liberally of late. The political changes sweeping Malaysia have certainly been major. However, I seriously doubt if it has caused fundamental changes from a value system perspective. The tsunami may have wiped out some lives but these have been replaced with similarly diseased lives.

I refer to the disease of racism.

Anwar Ibrahim was very quick to jump in with a racist posturing by saying the chief minister of Perak must be a Malay. Sure, it is possibly a requirement in the state constitution but that is at best, an archaic document. Reliance on that document betrays desperation. In any event, the issue has now been resolved, on a despicable and wrong principle of racism. Anything which starts with the dogma of race opens up the obvious threat of racism and in the context of the Perak chief minister fiasco, it was racism which was the root cause of the problem and a racist solution was happily accepted by all.
Now we have Tengku Razaleigh, another ex-finance minister, who has waded in with another racist statement. He has urged UMNO to convene an EGM to discuss the threat of UMNO losing the right to represent Malays. It implies that currently UMNO has that right. The idea that a political party was formed to protect the right of any one race is really, despicable and totally outdated. It should be rejected in the modern society because it is now rightly seen as morally wrong.

Does Anwar not believe that a Chinese chief minister can equally protect the rights of Malays in Perak? A chief minister is tasked with managing the development and welfare of the every single person in Perak, irrespective of the race of this person. A chief minister of Perak should rule the people of Perak not as Malays, Chinese or Indians but as citizens of Malaysia residing in that state. To suggest that the chief minister must be Malay to ensure the interests of Malays are protected is to undermine the objectivity of the office of the chief minister and encourage racism. It is fundamentally wrong. It is part of the major ills of Malaysia which has plagued Malaysia for much of its history. It now has a golden opportunity to remove this ill but at the first instance, an otherwise popular and successful politician like Anwar chose instead to return to his vomit.

Similarly Razaleigh’s warning to UMNO is essentially racist in nature. It pre-supposes that only a Malay leader can protect a Malay citizen. This thinking is totally wrong and that is why the modern world has branded it outdated and unacceptable. If Malaysia seeks to be a significant contributing member of the modern international community, it must discard such archaic values which are immoral and wrong in principle. A DAP representative can and should protect the rights of a citizen of Malaysia regardless of that citizen’s race. An UMNO representative should conversely and equally protect the rights of a Chinese, as much as that of a Malay or Indian. In short, take race out of the equation. It should not matter. Malaysia, it is time to move on. Both victors and losers of the recent general election must realise to be relevant to the world, Malaysia must really change. The people have asked for change. As leaders, give the people real change. Get rid of racism now.

From: Teh, Ian

Sent: Friday, 14 March 2008 1:37 PM

To:

Subject: RE: Not heard from you

I would obviously have to defer to your views. Quite apart from the fact that I am so far removed from the scene (for over 3 years now!), I recall you always had the knack of reading a situation accurately.

I had wanted to see a fresh start, and I would have thought the non BN victors of this election would seize the opportunity the push through such a fresh start. I have met numerous Malays who have started to accept that special treatment is not going to work and that by resorting to a level playing field, everybody wins in the long term. The example of how an average Malay in Singapore compares to that in Malaysia, is often cited as proof of this. I’m not saying the MB has to be a Chinese simply because DAP has the clear majority in the coalition. DAP has said it is not a Chinese party and has rejected race based politics so it has no business insisting on that, and I don’t think it has said that or would say that. I’m saying though, to start with a premise to say an MB must be a Malay, is to a step back to the old ways. That would be to squander an opportunity which Malaysia has been presented, to start re-building on a more equitable basis. If we start to worry about whether the Malays would feel threatened and use that as a basis for our decision, we are not seizing the opportunity. I believe it has to be more robust than that and Malaysia has lost too much time to pussy-foot around.

I believe there is a mandate now for change. People like Anwar must stop his old tendencies to play up racial and religious based bigotry for this mandate to be effective.

You know what? I’m enjoying this “discourse” – tired of listening to boring Kevin Rudd and Brendan Nelson accusing each other of backflips and spendthrifts. I think Malaysian politics is one of the most interesting in the world and no Monster from Arkansas/Obama/Vietnam Veteran Hero can put up a show to come anywhere near.

Best regards

Ian Teh

Assistant General Counsel

AIG Life

Level 3, 549 St Kilda Road

Melbourne Victoria 3004

Ph: 03 9009 4525

Fax: 03 9009 4149

http://www.aiglife.com.au

P Please consider the environment before printing this email

  

——————————————————————————–

From:  

Sent: Friday, 14 March 2008 12:49 PM

To: Teh, Ian

Subject: RE: Not heard from you

Well, I take a slightly different stance. An old friend told me just yesterday after an intense discussion of the political landscape post-March 8 that I’m more of a “realist” than she is.

I really believe March 8 could be (and that’s the operative term) – could be – a watershed. However, how far it takes us really depends on how the leaders of DAP/PKR handle this new-found opportunity. Forget about PAS.

Remember – what was achieved would definitely not have been possible without the Malay vote. And PKR and DAP should be cognizant of this – and not move too quickly to frighten off the Malays into thinking they have made a mistake. The Malays voted UMNO/BN out – not DAP/PKR/PAS in – that’s a critical point. And it’s because the pie has obviously become smaller and the ordinary Bumiputra is losing out to the UMNO-putra. Of course they are also fed up about corruption etc.

Thus it is critical that DAP/PKR tread slowly and exercise their new found power wisely especially in relation to ensuring they do not frighten off the Malays. The strategy will be to continuously send a message to the Malays that they do not have to worry about losing their rights etc. Remember, the non-Malays did not vote BN out because they were fed up of the NEP – I really believe that they have accepted the special rights of the Malays – however grudgingly. The non-Malays just want more equitable distribution of wealth and are really fed up of the corrupt practices of BN politicians, erosion of independence of institutions etc.

So if the DAP/PKR leaders play their cards right there’s a great chance they will further improve their chances in the next election – because the Malays will believe they can still get their rights (enshrined in the Constitution mind you) without having the corrupt BN leaders in govt. The non-Malays will see that their economic future is not threatened, continuous economic growth, foreign investment etc and the great thing is that corruption has been reduced – at the very least we won’t have BN leaders acting with impunity.

And this will slowly but surely see the decline of race-based politics, especially if PKR and DAP can institutionalize their partnership and eventually nudge PAS out of the equation.

I must say I am surprised at the way Kit Siang reacted to the perak MB episode by calling for a boycott of the swearing in by DAP elected reps. Even his own Perak DAP chief spoke against Kit Siang’s suggestion. All this just feeds into BN’s fear-mongering that it is a “coalition of the opportunists” – they are playing right into BN’s hands. I expected more of Kit Siang – symptoms that they were, and still are, unprepared to take advantage of the winds of change blowing towards our shores.

But – I am still hopeful – losing hope cannot be an option!

Cheers mate 

  

——————————————————————————–

From: Teh, Ian [mailto:Ian.Teh@aig.com]

Sent: Friday, March 14, 2008 5:19 AM

To:

Subject: RE: Not heard from you

Actually my friend – I sent you probably 3 emails, all bounced back. Some domain related thing – don’t understand, obviously.

I’m just disappointed with what’s happening in Perak. The premise is wrong. We have proven racists like Anwar who start on the premise that the constitution of the state requires a Malay MB. What kind of starting point is that? Surely change is what the people have voted for and Anwar the purported leader of the people, should look to that. Instead, when it comes to protecting the status of the Malay, he said nary a word about change and is happy to abide by the constitution.

Race based politics would remain in Malaysia for a long time, unfortunately. TO that extent, it is just a case of people having enough of UMNO/BN, not them wanting fundamental change. Looks like that, anyway.

Best regards

Ian Teh

Assistant General Counsel

AIG Life

Level 3, 549 St Kilda Road

Melbourne Victoria 3004

Ph: 03 9009 4525

Fax: 03 9009 4149

http://www.aiglife.com.au

P Please consider the environment before printing this email

  

——————————————————————————–

From:

Sent: Wednesday, 12 March 2008 6:33 PM

To: Teh, Ian

Subject: Not heard from you

Hi

I’m surprised I still haven’t heard from you following the weekend’s political tsunami in Malaysia. Still in a state of orgasmic stupor?

xxxx yyyy

General Manager, Malaysia

  

DID (603) nnnn mmmm

Fax (603) nnnn mmmm

   

So there you have it – in less than a week since historic election results in Malaysia, the old symptoms of a long term disease has reared their ugly heads. It is the disease of race based politics. Soon after the elections, you get stalwarts of the racist game like Anwar Ibrahim, saying things like the Chief Minister of Perak state must be a malay. Apparently the state constitution said so. Really? This election has been about change, has it not? Is a provision of the constitution based on race a good provision? Surely this is a great time to revisit this issue and work to change that provision? But of course not – this is one aspect which Anwar Ibrahim is happy to retain status quo. With people like Anwar Ibrahim helming things, Malaysia would remain largely unchanged. Lots of rhetoric for sure, but real change would not take place.With the Perak state chief minister issue causing consternation to Kit Siang, you see the real obstacle to reform and progress in Malaysia – the malay, and their leaders, remain adamant about maintaining an unequitable and unfair status in the country. Surely if change is what the people have voted for, change is what you seek to deliver to the best of your ability? Why cant for example, the state assemblymen agree amongst themselves, who the chief minister would be and bear the responsibility of explaining to their constituency the basis for the assemblymen’s collective decision? If that decision turns out to be choosing a malay as the CM, fantastic! If the choice was a chinese, equally fantastic! The basis however, must be that it is the choice of the assemblymen, not some pre-determined preference of racist leaders like Anwar Ibrahim.Anwar Ibrahim is merely new school UMNO. His PKR boys – ditto. Unfortunately, this is starting to look like a “same car, different driver” scenario. So what if UMNO lost big time – PKR is here to salvage matters and ensure business as usual in racist Malaysia.Actually Anwar could have been smarter about it – he could publicly state he believed there should be a fairer and more equitable basis to go about this and the decision should be left to the respective assemblymen. Their collective choice should be the determining factor. This would smell like a bunch of roses – it would suggest true democratic characteristics have started to define this newly elected bunch of representatives. Behind the scenes of course, he could use his considerable persuasive powers to suggest Malaysia should remain racist. What has he got to lose? He has another 5 years before he has to face the electorate and confront the fear of his malay voters thinking he is less malay. Nearer that date he could be a racist politician again and seek to win votes that way. Perhaps he is contemplating a by-election soon, as rumoured. Maybe he is asking a PKR guy to give up his seat so that this champion of the Malay race can ride again and he needs to play the unfortunate racist card to maintain his popularity. Maybe he simply isn’t smart enough. Not as smart as he is racist.

BN has been roundly beaten, with its tails tightly between its legs.

I believe Badawi (he who is elegantly silent) will now be under tremendous pressure from within. Najib and his dogs will follow this bloody trail to try and finish him off.

This, apart from the obvious interests as to the State governments of Penang, Kedah, Perak and Selangor, will be the agenda of the Malaysian political radar.

Very interesting indeed – a lot more interesting than Brendan Nelson, that’s for sure. Looks like Aussie Aussie Aussie is boring now. Even our cricket has been abysmal!

A few days ago, someone sent us an internet link to a video clip showing Anwar Ibrahim make some typically fiery speeches. He condemned the government in his usual effective and charismatic manner. His audience was largely ethnic Indians and the event was in Klang. His rousing call was for the Malays, Chinese and Indians to unite to throw out the present government.

Really? Does anyone really trust Anwar Ibrahim to abandon all preferential treatments for the Malay and really work for a truly equitable Malaysia? Why is it that he still sounded so convincing despite having been in government himself for so long? Anwar Ibrahim was a senior member of the BN government, a Deputy PM and a Finance Minister, no less. Under his watch, Islamisation and the Malay Agenda grew in prominence. In fact he championed these issues.

How can you fight for something so passionately for so long, only to abandon it and work in a completely opposite (for NEP) direction not too long after? He has been out of government for less than 10 years. He was in government for more than that – what- 15 years? He started championing his racist policies when he was probably the Education Minister, or perhaps earlier, when he was ABIM leader. He was a Deputy PM for what – 5 years? All through that time, he continued pushing his Islamisation programs and continued upholding preferential treatments for the Malays and added fuel to his racist and bigoted policies.

Sure, he has now called for the abolition of NEP. But he would now, wouldn’t he? He knows PKR is powerless and has nowhere near the electoral appeal, acceptance and presence of PAS or DAP. He certainly has no hope of matching his influence and power while in government as one of those UMNO goons many now deride. In fact many still see PKR as just another bunch of disaffected ex UMNO goons, all hoping to ride on Anwar’s coat tails to what they perceive as their rightful places to receive and dish out favours. Characters like Tian Chua are die-hard political activists anyway, who would much sooner attend a political rally than sit down and put his head down to work out a plan to improve or correct something which is wrong with the country. If I recall correctly, Nalla (like many before him) left when they realised who PKR really were.

Anwar knows he needs a cause, a platform, to again launch one of his numerous attempts to gain traction in the national political arena. What more prominent basis can he find than the NEP? Would he for example, openly declare that university opportunities, for intakes of students as well as for promotion and research grants for academic and administration staff, be equal for all races if he is elected? If he shies away from promising true equality, how can he expect a united front to “throw out the BN government”? Quid pro quo, as Hannibal liked to say. What can you do for me, Agent Starling? What can you do for the Chinese and Indians, Anwar? Nothing? Then why do you expect them to unite for your party?

Which brings one to a more basic question – is the PKR (or anyone in Opposition for that matter) – ready to form an alternative government? They do not even have a shadow cabinet. I suppose with the usual dirty tricks of the BN it is hardly a threat that they (BN) will lose their 2/3 majority, let alone lose government.
I mean one can imagine mysterious and fraudulent shipping of truckloads of votes to whichever constituency needing protection, deploy the police if need be to stifle protests, have the press report the matter any which way it pleases and appear the grateful victor of yet another mandate. The victims of systematic electoral fraud can wring their hands, clog up cyberspace with their chest thumping pieces in blogs and cyber media and lodge a few complaints with some obscure international agencies. At the end of the day BN retains government.

In that sense I suppose there is no real danger of the Opposition actually winning enough seats to throw out BN. In fact the rallying cry is to “deny BN 2/3 majority” and not to throw BN out. So Anwar’s call for Malays, Chinese and Indians to unite is a bit of a wank, if you pardon my French. Anwar was being Anwar – full of rhetoric. Charismatic maybe, but rhetorically so. He knows he cant form a government. So what made him say those things? Crowd pleasing, charismatic rhetorical orator – that’s Anwar Ibrahim.
It’s shocking but probably true – that the BN is expected to cheat in this forthcoming election, to ensure victory. The only ones who can prevent large scaled, systematic fraud are BN goons themselves and they use this in their internal fights. And there have been some serious internal fights. It has been rumoured for example, that Najib Razak is pulling all stops to make Badawi look bad and risk losing his parliamentary seat in Kepala Batas.

So notwithstanding very positive vibes on the ground (and in cyberspace) suggesting the Opposition has great traction this time around, no one is seriously contemplating defeat for the BN. The mood is probably positive enough to suggest there may be a threat to the 2/3 majority the BN has enjoyed for a very long time. Unless of course, BN pulls off its usual bag of tricks, which it will almost certainly do.
If the Opposition fare badly despite all the sentiments and it becomes clear that there is more than a hint of impropriety which caused this debacle, what does the future hold for Malaysia? What saving grace would there be to safeguard the integrity and indeed, the future of the country? Whence would deliverance come?

We have seen countries like Russia, Pakistan and the Philippines, where the people protested in very strong terms when they think they’ve been duped at the polling stations. They refused to be cheated repeatedly and made their discontent well known. Would that happen in Malaysia? Or is the fraudulent electoral practice a largely unnoticed matter amongst the larger masses and is therefore not strongly resisted? Perhaps then that is where the efforts of the campaigns should be focused on – to highlight, amongst these masses, the real potential for these frauds and to coax them to be extra vigilant in its prevention? Perhaps when the general unheard masses are clearly told of these malpractices of their government to date, then they can think about doing something about it.