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.)

Tuesday, July 07, 2015

We have come a long way indeed

In our so-called guided democracy, I am led to believe that Umno has divine right to rule Malaysia because it claims to be the only party which protects race, religion and royalty, not necessarily in that order.

Umno can do no wrong because they can explain everything which others complain of. Money politics is not corruption but to pay for party machinery. Use of public funds is alright because it is for the people. Paying a higher price for goods or services to benefit certain officials is still acceptable because it is not a crime to be stupid. So is taking advantage by buying a property first and then selling it months later at a huge profit, with the collusion of the person with authority to approve the purchase.

Gatecrashing other party's events seem to be their right, to prevent others from criticising Umno leaders. Taking down other parties' pictures, signs or flags and tearing or burning them will be tolerated by the authorities. Threat to kill or injure someone is considered only a threat and not a crime unless and until committed. Such acts are considered normal responses to provocation by others. Never mind the fact that they gatecrashed other's event... and even before hearing the speech!

Any accusation against PM or other ministers is political sabotage, based on tainted evidence. They could be either the work of political opponents, the US or the Jews. Probably even Anwar could have planned it while in jail. They are innocent until proven guilty which is the norm, unless they are leaders of the opposition, who should be considered guilty until they can prove their innocence.

What used to be normal attire by non-Muslims and even Muslims in the past, is now considered unacceptable under our Arab-influenced Muslim standards. Like skirts above the knees, sleeveless tops (forget about spaghetti straps and plunging necklines), and even man in shorts and slippers! Even in sports, where for eg. leotards are normal for gymnasts are criticised. Our national champion who won a gold medal in the SEA Games was described as showing her 'aurat' and the person even put it as showing her vagina (when what he meant to describe was probably camel toe)! In other words, Muslims under such rules can never participate in most sporting competitions, and this has been confirmed by a Muslim leader. I cannot imagine any Muslim can effectively compete in swimming events wearing T-shirt and sarong or wearing long pants in running events.

Some ministers have super powers which cannot be challenged in a court of law. Like what they say about people having absolute power, they are likely to abuse it. The Home Ministry's departments, like Registrar of Societies or those in charge of Publications Act, are fond of issuing 'show cause' letters to organisations under their purview. Those letters are likely to be non-specific, without mentioning any specific wrong, leaving the recipients wondering and having to second guess what it is all about. We get the impression the official who issues the letter has not a clue what his minister really wants or is too lazy to pinpoint the fault in question (in case he makes a mistake), leaving it to the alleged wrongdoing party to figure out and hopefully, trip in their reply.
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