Saturday, February 27th, 2010 1,344 views
I thought I would slow down writing on socio-political issues since I jumped on the Twitter bandwagon and spending most of my time there on such issues, but I need to pen down more than 140 characters for this particular issue.
Remember the covert mission by two Al Islam journalists who went undercover to spy on Catholic church by pretending to be Christians and taking part in its rituals – receiving and spitting out the Holy Communion wafer for photographs – believed to take place somewhere in April 2009? Malaysians were only made aware of such unethical and insensitive actions of Al Islam journalists after a police report were made in July 2009 after an article titled “Tinjauan Al Islam Dalam Gereja: Mencari Kesahihan Remaja Murtad” was published in the May 2009 issue of Al Islam magazine.
In the latest development, our very wise and forward thinking Attorney General has decided to let the two Al Islam journalists of the hook, without any reason given for such decision. So he is playing judge as well, deciding whether criminals can be let free or not, eh?
The duo were then investigated under Section 298A (1) of the Penal Code for causing disharmony, disunity or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill will, or prejudicing the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion.
It was reported yesterday that the Dang Wangi district police headquarters, through the officer in charge of the case, had sent a letter to the complainant telling him that the AG’s office would not be pressing charges.
No reason was given for the decision.
Well, guess who came to the AG’s rescue for his decision? Khairy Jamaluddin, Umno Youth chief, who also happened to be the first Malaysian Muslim politician to condemn the action of the two irresponsible Al Islam journalists when the issue came out.
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 — Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin (picture) said today the Attorney General’s decision to let two Al-Islam magazine journalists off the hook for allegedly desecrating Catholic Communion hosts should not matter so long as the magazine has “learned its lesson from this episode.”
Allow me to use famous point-form blog writing style ala Che Det here.
1. Stupid reason for not prosecuting.
‘So long as the magazine has learned its lesson from this episode‘ is one of the most stupid reason for not prosecuting.
What kind of signal the government is trying to send out? That rule of law can be undermined by politics? This episode happened way before the cow-head incident (happened in September 2009), churches arson attacks (happened early of January 2010) and pig head incident (happened end of January 2010).
When it happened, no swift and immediate action was taken, apart for the usual condemnation by politicians and promises to investigate the matter. Because of the efficiency of such inaction by the government and the authorities, it gave some sort of blessings for more untowards incidents to happen after, which we witnessed.
2. Lackadaisical action by the government and authorities in dealing with ’sensitive’ matters like this.
Lackadaisical action by the government may have led to a perception that certain groups of people with vested interests and subversive tendencies have the immunity to carry out their despicable acts to disturb the peace and harmony in the country.
When the ‘cow head incident’ took place, the government and the authorities took the ‘cow head incident’ played down the incident, taking it lightly and were even seen to show some support and sympathy for that provocative, senseless and insensitive action (Hishammuddin ‘Keris’ Hussein even went to defend cow head protester!). Malaysians couldn’t help but to think that those people had the blessings of someone or some groups with the required political clout to protect them.
Thanks to many sensible Malaysians who made it clear that such nonsense and ineptitude cannot be tolerated. Had it not been for the public outcry over that heinous behaviour, those responsible would not have been charged in court. Even that has been rather slow and lacked the urgency or importance for a highly-sensitive provocation with seemingly religious overtones.
3. Missed the train? Get on a plane, chap!
In few Twitter exchanges with Khairy Jamaluddin – @khairykj regarding his comments over AG’s decision, he explained that his comments were in the context of now, as we have missed the train.
@bongkersz Perhaps, but the train has left the station on ‘taking action’. Tensions must be eased first. 3:36 PM Feb 26th via UberTwitter in reply to bongkersz
Well, if I miss the train, I’ll be sure to take a plane to catch up, or at least give chase and not letting the train goes without me. To be honest, Malaysians are sick of inactions over matters like this, not the timing of such actions to be taken. Also interesting to note, this argument by Khairy.
He, however, argued that the decision may have been reached to “balance out” the racial and religious tension caused by the “Allah” row in a bid to prevent further unease.
Funny, because these two journalists were investigated under Section 298A (1) of the Penal Code for causing disharmony, disunity or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill will, or prejudicing the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion. Now, instead of using available laws provisioned to take care of offences that will jeopardise harmony or unity, we should ‘let go’ to get the same result – maintain harmony and unity? Aiseh, this is so confusing..
“I don’t want to speculate on the reason..but there are things that you can take to court and others best to leave it to other sensible ways for solution,” Khairy said.
Letting them off the hook is a sensible way of solution? This ’sensible’ solution is to please few stubborn extremists or the many good Muslims and Malaysians? Are we going to sacrifice the rule of law under the pretext of maintaining peace and harmony at the mercy of few troublemakers? What, they got the AG (government, police and KJ) by the balls now? Malaysian is held hostage by these crooks?
Many good Muslims out there would see the wrong committed by these two journalists and to press charges would bring satisfaction to many. (except for people like Ibrahim Ali) Give Malaysians more credits, they are wiser now and united to crush any element of chaos and destruction to their peaceful and harmonious living.
4. Glaring inconsistencies
Why we are letting some people off the hook for major issues, but calling heads for minor issues? Why the cow head protestors are charged but the two Al Islam journalists not? Would there be a lesser sentence meted out for the cow head protestors later if they are found guilty, because this is their first offence and they have learned their lesson well? Just recently, Malaysians were mind-fucked by this piece of news:
Man who raped minor gets sentence reduced
SEREMBAN: A 32-year-old odd-job worker had his jail sentence for raping a minor reduced by 10 years, after the High Court here took into consideration that he was a first-time offender and had cooperated with the police.
WTF is that?
Oh, I think Gunasegaran of The Star should use such argument over his caning article episode. Home Ministry is considering to take action against The Star and Gunasegaran for sedition (see what I said about inconsistencies?) so maybe Gunasegaran should say he has learned his lesson too. For greater impact, Khairy Jamaluddin can help to put out a good word for him and The Star too.
We cannot, in any way compromise the security, peace and harmonious living of the Malaysian community. We must reject those who use it to gain political superiority and power. Anything that threatens these vital requirements for a progressive and tranquil way of life should be dealt with swiftly while imparting a strong message to the perpetrators of the severe consequences of their actions.
The government has to set strong examples that Malaysians do not condone any disruption to their normal way of life, so enjoyed and valued for a nation of great hope. The right decision must be made in a swift and consistent manner.
ps: Of course, I am writing this with the assumption the rule of law still has meaning here. *chuckles*
Quoting Pete Teo in his reply to me when I tweeted that I was going to write this entry to highlight the inconsistencies of the government in dealing with Al Islam issue.
Consistency? That assumes the rule of law still has meaning here. Rule by cabalistic fiat is the new byword.
Have a great weekend peeps!
Posted in 2 cents, BN-ism, Bee End, Blogosphere, Boleh-ism, Bolehland, Current Affairs, Democracy, Idiocy, Idiots, Mainstream Media, Malaysia, Observation, People, Politicians, Politics, Quote, Rants, Thoughts, Tweets, Twitter | 3 Comments »
Friday, June 19th, 2009 1,726 views
Wednesday June 17, 2009
Compulsory day off for maids
By ZALINAH NOORDIN
KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has agreed to make it compulsory for employers to give a day off a week for their maids.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said: “The ministry will make it mandatory for all domestic helpers to sign the contract of employment containing provisions like salary, the name of employers, their workplaces and the compulsory one day off a week.”
(Source: The Star)
Yes you heard it right! Finally, our caring government has decided to make it compulsory for employers to give a day off a week for their maids. Something to rejoice? Perhaps not.
What it’s like working as a maid in Malaysia? Generally, maids in Malaysia needs to work 7 days a week, hardly get any day off, low pay (actually I think the agencies ripped both the empoyers and the maids off and make the most money out of this) Worst if they work with fussy employers and need to perform all sort of task from cleaning the house, taking care of the kids, sending and picking them from school, cooking food, washing cars, doing laundry, watering gardens, cleaning shits, walking the dog, taking care of the geriatrics you-name-the-work etc.
Maids working in Malaysia = Superwomen or Wonderwomen. These foreign maids choose to work her despite the low salary because it’s nearer to their hometown, common and very much similar environment – weather, food, language etc..
I once saw a maid with a family in a shopping mall, buying groceries. The poor maid was carrying the daughter on one hand, and pushing a trolly packed to the brim using another hand. A boy was tugging closely to her, must be the couple’s son. The couple walked in front carrying nothing, lenggang-lenggang kangkung. (strolling freely with willy hanging out ok-i-don’t-know-why-i-type-this-haha)
Another time, I was eating at this one food court, I saw this one family eating and the maid was sitting on another table, eating alone. No, the family’s table was not fully seated. WTF? She looked so lonely and sad sitting alone, chewing her food.
So, it’s not surprising and downright shocking for me to read about the employers prostesting against this move. It is one thing to read about how inconsiderate for these people to think ‘a day off in a week’ is something ‘lavish’ or should not be granted to their workers and it is another to read the excuses given by them. I was dumbfounded and I must say it is kinda disgusting to read the excuses/reasons given by some of these retarded sadists, for I can’t imagine such inconsiderate nincompoop-moron-dungu-idiots living among us.
She is apprehensive that the day off would be used by the maid to get involved in “unhealthy activities.
Oh? They get a day off and they would use this ‘great chance’ to do nothing but to get involved in ‘unhealthy activities’? This is the lamest excuse I ever heard. After working their asses off like donkeys (sorry donkey) for 6 days straight, they sure can’t wait to get involved in ‘unhealthy activities’ heh! So, if they don’t work as maid, then they must be plotting something evil like robbing banks, rempit-ing or killing orphans then?
“I don’t mean to discriminate but from past stories, we’ve all heard about how maids have gone missing after a week of working.”
We’ve all heard also how employers treat some maids inhumanely, worst than treating a dog prior to them gone missing, after a week of working. If anything, most of the maids ‘run away’ because of better offers from other places. (forget that part about them getting cheated, for a while) These employers must be scared of their maids getting or hearing some good ‘lubang‘ (opportunities) from other maids.
“Imagine if all the 300,000 foreign maids are given the same day off, then places like shopping malls will be teeming with these people!”
Damn! No wonder the shopping malls are full during the weekend! It is because most Malaysians work only 5 days a week and would be free during the weekend! Malaysia is so small, now with so many people not working during the weekend, especially when 300,000 foreign maids getting a day off, everywhere must be packed with people! How scary! Waaaaaaaaa! And, listen to the tone this idiot used to describe the foreign maids – ‘these people!’
Malaysians are hypocrites a lot. Not only the politicians. They want the best for themselves like working only 5 days a week, shorter working hours, minimum wage. high paying jobs, handsome perks and all the good shits, but when the foreign workers ask something as reasonable as ‘a day off’ in a week, they would say it’s unfair, not a wise move or downright no and offer some stupid justifications.
Hypocrites. I hate hypocrites. *crush them like cockraches* *stamp stamp*
ps: Ranting post on Friday night. That’s new.
pss: I wanted to write something along the line ‘Umno is in a hurry to sodomise Pas and Muhyiddin is a snake’ but I guess that needs to wait.
Posted in 2 cents, Boleh-ism, Bolehland, Current Affairs, Friday's Post, Idiots, Malaysia, People, Sarcastic, Serious, Silly, Work, World | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 15th, 2009 1,190 views
Rais warns of legal action against errant private groups and bloggers
By BEH YUEN HUI
KUALA LUMPUR: The Information, Communications, Culture and Arts Ministry will use a “diplomatic approach” in dealing with private media corporations and bloggers.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the ministry preferred to take follow-up efforts than legal action against those who have violated the laws.
He said they, however, have to act against the hardcore perpetrators.
“Those who have broken the laws have to face legal action. If we do not act on them, it is the fault of the administration.
“But I stress that using legal action will be our last resort,” he said.
He told reporters this yesterday after taking over duties from Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, who has been appointed Youth and Sports Minister.
Dr Rais, who is the former foreign minister, said he would study the current circumstances and find ways to work closer with private media groups and bloggers.
For this, he said a seminar on the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998 would be organised for journalists and bloggers.
The seminar will enable them to know the dos and don’ts under the acts, he said.
He said combining information and communications under one ministry would enable better efforts in enforcing the two laws.
“We want them to know that we have to take action if something happens,” he said, adding that the Bar Council would be invited to help organise the event.
Dr Rais also called on the private broadcast media stations to be pro-active in helping to develop the society and country.
He said some private television and radio stations had failed to adhere to laws that required them to play patriotic songs.
“Most of them are more concerned in making profit,” he said.
Dr Rais, who was the information minister from 1984 to 1986, said he would look into the contents of programmes provided by RTM and do the necessary rescheduling to attract more young viewers.
1. I am so afraid right now. But, wait… does any of my articles/posts break any law? I doubt so.
2. Calling stupid ministers as it is – STUPID, is that breaking the law? No I guess. Writing about discrepancies in government policies, irresponsible remarks by our politicians, quoting their moronic statements, insulting these gibbering numbskulls and ridiculing their mental capacity is breaking the laws? I doubt so.
3. Writing to share your own opinions on socio-political affairs and provides a platform for discussions of similar and dissenting views on current affairs and interests is against the laws? I doubt so.
4. Those who have broken the laws have to face legal action.
Nothing is wrong with the statement. But, this statement should apply to all Malaysians, not only certain groups of people, which described in the above news article as ‘private groups and bloggers’. Please do not apply the laws selectively. When you do this, you lose the last remnant of credibility and don’t cry wolf when people start questioning you. Hypocrites are not the most pleasant people to tolerate and live with.
So you are right when you mentioned “If we do not act on them, it is the fault of the administration.” Can you blame people for making noises when actions not taken against the perpetrators strolling along the corridors of power? When they see blatant display of injustice in front of their eyes. Give Malaysians some credits they deserve, not all are cluelessly submissive as you hope they would be.
5. That said, it’s a matter of saying what we want to say and how we say it. It is possible to write a fierce critism without pissing off the people you are criticising, but it takes a certain command of writing so pardon my limited vocabulary for not being articulate enough.
Nothing to fear people. What Mr. Minister above is trying to do is to instil fear. Politics of fear no longer work as FEAR is an acronym of False Evidence Appearing Real. 
and we are here to debunk the myths and baseless fears.
The Force is strong.
ps: Patriotic songs? To instill patriotism? What, are we living in the eighties? USSR already collapsed lah bro. You want patriotism to flourish among the citizens, make them feel being part of the country, being accepted without prejudice.
pss: Oh, you guys love my food posts eh? Like this one?
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