How should we judge a government?

In Malaysia, if you don't watch television or read newspapers, you are uninformed; but if you do, you are misinformed!

"If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing." - Malcolm X

Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience - Mark Twain

Why we should be against censorship in a court of law: Publicity is the very soul of justice … it keeps the judge himself, while trying, under trial. - Jeremy Bentham

"Our government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no
responsibility at the other. " - Ronald Reagan

Government fed by the people

Government fed by the people

Career options

Career options
I suggest government... because nobody has ever been caught.

Corruption so prevalent it affects English language?

Corruption so prevalent it affects English language?
Corruption is so prevalent it affects English language?

When there's too much dirt...

When there's too much dirt...
We need better tools... to cover up mega corruptions.

Prevent bullying now!

Prevent bullying now!
If you're not going to speak up, how is the world supposed to know you exist? “Orang boleh pandai setinggi langit, tapi selama ia tidak menulis, ia akan hilang di dalam masyarakat dan dari sejarah.” - Ananta Prameodya Toer (Your intellect may soar to the sky but if you do not write, you will be lost from society and to history.)

Monday, April 28, 2014

A bit on political correctness

Politicians try their best to speak with political correctness in front of the people they are addressing, while diplomats are trained in protocols and to be diplomatic.

What are normally said by them are generally what can be expected or predictable. But now and again, we come across exceptions to the rule, which make life more interesting. Like what Al Gore said, as then Vice President of USA, at a dinner in Kuala Lumpur, in the presence of then PM, Dr. Mahathir.

Political opponents on the other hand can be vicious (no holds barred) against each other, when making statements or even false allegations. But when an opponent died, immediately, his greatest political enemy is likely to say something like, 'He was a great man, greatly respected by all... we are going to miss him.' This reminds me of a sketch in Not the 9 o'clock News years ago, where two political opponets were arguing 'tooth and nail' on stage, and suddenly, one of them collapsed and died. You can guess what the opponent said immediately, appearing sorrowful!

Generally, between Britain and USA, the former tends to be more polite while the latter more direct when making statements.

Below is a list prepared by someone (tongue in cheek) which gives us an idea of what is said officially by the British, what they mean, as well as what foreigners might think they understand:



So far, President Obama's statements while on an official visit to Malaysia, have been direct, leaving no doubt what he means. But to most Malaysians used to our political leaders, though we welcome Obama's criticisms of Malaysian leadership, we are afraid, our PM and his cabinet members are likely to think otherwise. Very likely, they will put up a brave front while the President calls a spade a spade, and continue with the status quo and thinking, 'You can keep your democratic principles, we have our own version and we are very happy with it.'

Some headlines in Malaysiakini speak for themselves as to what President Obama meant:

'Najib a reformer with much to do'
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/261198
'Obama: Discrimination a hurdle for M'sia's success'
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/261192
'Obama: It doesn't mean we don't care about Anwar'
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/261184
'Obama urges 'full transparency' over MH 370'.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/261174

Update: Example of what Obama said and what he meant, according to Raub MP, YB Ariff Sabri:

'President Obama says Dato Najib has the instincts for unity and moderation. That’s a most diplomatic way of saying- hey man I think you suck. It only serves to confirm that Najib is not a rational leader who believes that the way forward is moderation and unity.'
Source: http://sakmongkol.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-obama-visit.html
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