Check out this story on the Zhongshan Building and our little community.
Wednesday, July 05, 2017
Friday, June 16, 2017
the adventures of a retired signboard
I hope you enjoyed these glimpses of our new office at the Zhongshan Building. Come meet us and the signboard.
This pictorial essay has been brought to you by the letters Z and B and the numbers 84 and 82.
#thezhongshanbuilding
#thepeopleseemtobemissing
#cannibalsignboarddevoursstaffoflawfirm
#isthesignboardactuallyanalienlifeform
Bullying can kill
Nhaveen
and his friend, T. Previin, 19, were at a burger stall in Taman Tun
Sardon, Gelugor in the early hours of June 10 when they bumped into two
other teenagers. A fight broke out after insults were thrown.
Previin escaped with injuries. Nhaveen was hauled off to a field in Jalan Kaki Bukit where three other teenagers, believed to be friends of the initial two, and brutalised with crash helmets and burnt with cigarette butts. He was also assaulted anally.
- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/penang-teen-nhaveen-dies#sthash.OaAuxMKX.dpuf
Previin escaped with injuries. Nhaveen was hauled off to a field in Jalan Kaki Bukit where three other teenagers, believed to be friends of the initial two, and brutalised with crash helmets and burnt with cigarette butts. He was also assaulted anally.
- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/penang-teen-nhaveen-dies#sthash.OaAuxMKX.dpuf
Nhaveen
and his friend, T. Previin, 19, were at a burger stall in Taman Tun
Sardon, Gelugor in the early hours of June 10 when they bumped into two
other teenagers. A fight broke out after insults were thrown.
Previin escaped with injuries. Nhaveen was hauled off to a field in Jalan Kaki Bukit where three other teenagers, believed to be friends of the initial two, and brutalised with crash helmets and burnt with cigarette butts. He was also assaulted anally.
- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/penang-teen-nhaveen-dies#sthash.OaAuxMKX.dpuf
Previin escaped with injuries. Nhaveen was hauled off to a field in Jalan Kaki Bukit where three other teenagers, believed to be friends of the initial two, and brutalised with crash helmets and burnt with cigarette butts. He was also assaulted anally.
- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/penang-teen-nhaveen-dies#sthash.OaAuxMKX.dpuf
Nhaveen and his friend, T. Previin, 19, were at a burger
stall in Taman Tun Sardon, Gelugor in the early hours of June 10 when they
bumped into two other teenagers. A fight broke out after insults were thrown. Previin escaped with injuries. Nhaveen was hauled off to a
field in Jalan Kaki Bukit where three other teenagers, believed to be friends
of the initial two, and brutalised with crash helmets and burnt with cigarette
butts. He was also assaulted anally. Nhaveen was unconscious upon admission. The media later reported that he had been declared brain dead, and the news that he had died at 6pm yesterday evening (15th June 2017) resulted in an outpouring of grief and rage on social media.
haveen
and his friend, T. Previin, 19, were at a burger stall in Taman Tun
Sardon, Gelugor in the early hours of June 10 when they bumped into two
other teenagers. A fight broke out after insults were thrown.
Previin escaped with injuries. Nhaveen was hauled off to a field in Jalan Kaki Bukit where three other teenagers, believed to be friends of the initial two, and brutalised with crash helmets and burnt with cigarette butts. He was also assaulted anally.
- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/penang-teen-nhaveen-dies#sthash.OaAuxMKX.dpuf
Previin escaped with injuries. Nhaveen was hauled off to a field in Jalan Kaki Bukit where three other teenagers, believed to be friends of the initial two, and brutalised with crash helmets and burnt with cigarette butts. He was also assaulted anally.
- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/penang-teen-nhaveen-dies#sthash.OaAuxMKX.dpuf
Nhaveen's story has horrified and outraged all who have heard it. The sheer scale of the brutality and violence inflicted on him, is magnified when we consider that these atrocities were committed by other children and young persons.
Thousands of children go through brutal bullying on a daily basis.
Thousands of children go through brutal bullying on a daily basis.
It
happens in all schools. It happens to children you know. It happens
every day. One of the leading reasons why a child is driven to suicide
is bullying.
The only way to make Nhaveen's story better is to
learn from it. And to immediately call for action. It is not only
prosecutions against the perpetrators of this crime that we should be
calling for.
We should set in place and in practice measures to
ensure that children are better protected against bullying. This
includes asking schools to set up anti- bullying measures, educating
children on positive steps that they can take if they are being bullied,
educating children (and parents and teachers) that bullying is wrong
and will not be tolerated.
This includes educating everyone on the
dangers of gender stereotyping and pressuring politicians and the
education ministry to come up with compulsory anti bullying policies and
measures. Educating the media on responsible reporting would be an
added bonus (was there any need at all to repeat the insults and
derogatory words that had been used by the perpetrators on Nhaveen?).
It's correct to be OUTRAGED. I am outraged too.
But it's not enough.
If you want to make sure that this doesn't happen again - you (and I)
have to do more.
Let's make enough noise to make a difference to the
lives of the children who are going to school daily knowing that they're
going to be bullied.
Wednesday, March 01, 2017
We're Moving!
After 18 years in Jalan Bangsar, we're moving next week to The Zhongshan Building (a circa 1950s building that has been newly restored) in Kampung Attap. With the restoration, The Zhongshan Building has become a sort of arts commune and our neighbours will include Malaysia Design Archive, The Ricecooker Archives, Tandang Store, Bogus Merchandise, Artist Studio, Reading Library by Amateur Collective and others.
We're very excited about the move - it's going to be a very real change from what we've become accustomed to in Jalan Bangsar.
Our new offices are full of windows!!! and light!! and green views!!! We have rooms!!! and a courtyard!!! (The exclamation marks are a clear sign of insanity I know - but what can I say - we're in the midst of moving office. It's mad here. I will post pictures soon once we have got over the insanity of the actual packing and actual moving).
Most of our clients, friends, neighbours and ex-staff however have greeted this news with sadness and dismay, with the most common statement being, "how can you move out?" and I can see you looking at me with dismay in your eyes as you read this and think the same thing...
to which, I have this piece of advice dear reader - DON'T PANIC!
You know, to be honest, we're going to miss Jalan Bangsar too. I bet there're going to be many days in the coming weeks when we automatically drive here only to realise that we've moved office.
We're going to miss (in no order of preference):
-our neighbours (the mamak shop downstairs that delivers food and drinks to us,the clinic where we can pop in for a chat or a panadol, the motor bike mechanics, shoe guy and various loafers and hangers on who keep an eye out for us and tell us when our car numbers have struck big on the 4D,
the chinese restaurant uncles who've now got hip bicycle neighbours, paneer's stall at the food court, the people over at the corner nasi lemak joint.
- people popping in to say hello because they were just around the corner or at the clinic or the speedmart
- the orange colour reception.
But that's about it really. We're not going to miss the parking problems and the dirty staircase and the fact that it's pretty lonely after 6.30p.m. Plus we've got some nice new neighbours, and different kinds of food, and a place that you can really pop into.
We're officially moving in on 11th March 2017. Come unload a box if you're in the neighbourhood.
Business as usual on 13th March 2017.
It's all to the good. Come visit ya.
Change of Address and Contact Numbers
We are pleased to
inform that with effect from 13th March 2017, we shall be moving to our new
premises:
Muhendaran Sri @
The Zhongshan Building
84A Jalan Rotan
off Jalan
Kampung Attap
50460 Kuala
Lumpur
Tel: 603.2260
2611/2811
Fax: 603.2260
2711
Saturday, April 19, 2014
The Spirit of Karpal
Earlier today I commented on Facebook that it may take another 100 years for another Karpal to grace our land.
But I was thinking, why do we have to wait this 100 years for another?
If all of us are willing to stand up and do a small bit by saying NO to corruption, nepotism, cronyism, racial politics, police brutality, constitutional breaches and say YES to the rule of law, the independance of the judiciary, meritocracy, equality amongst all races, equal opportunities, and the protection of every citizen's constitutional liberties, I am sure that the spirit of Karpal Singh will live on.
Rather than mourning the loss of a Great Man, let's all of us embrace his spirit and the principles by which he lived, and walk in his footsteps.
But I was thinking, why do we have to wait this 100 years for another?
If all of us are willing to stand up and do a small bit by saying NO to corruption, nepotism, cronyism, racial politics, police brutality, constitutional breaches and say YES to the rule of law, the independance of the judiciary, meritocracy, equality amongst all races, equal opportunities, and the protection of every citizen's constitutional liberties, I am sure that the spirit of Karpal Singh will live on.
Rather than mourning the loss of a Great Man, let's all of us embrace his spirit and the principles by which he lived, and walk in his footsteps.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
last weekend
Last Sunday, the 15th of September, I had the pleasure of reading in our mainstream media, our beloved prime minister's decision to reward Bumiputras in this country for their loyalty to the government. Many initiatives were announced as being in the pipeline to assist/help the Bumiputras in this country. Many UMNO politicians lauded this decision to reward to the extent some UMNO politicians went on to state that it is within the Malaysian constitution to reward Bumiputras.
I would appreciate if these politicians or any one of you can point out to me which Article of the Federal Constitution or any case law which supports this proposition.
I agree wholeheartedly that all Bumiputras, especially the Sabahans and the Sarawakians, and the orang asli in the Peninsular should be given all the opportunity to uplift the social economic status. However, I am unclear as to how these so-called initiatives will be implemented to benefit these neglected groups.
My gut feeling is that the implementation of these initiatives may end up only benefiting certain sectors of the Bumiputras. Past records seem to support this.
I also disagree that only the Bumiputras are loyal to the government. It seems to me that our beloved Prime Minister has forgotten his pledges to the people prior to GE13. Has 1 Malaysia been flushed down the drain?
I was glad that PAS has taken the stand that it is not within their ideology to reward 1 particular race. PAS has taken the stand that all deserving groups should be given a helping hand by the government. Please see the PAS' president's statement on this. Perhaps it is time for MCA, MIC, Gerakan, PPP and all other Barisan component parties to relook their allegiances.
I was very disturbed to read that part of Chin Woo school in Pudu may be making way for a Sri Melayu restaurant. It seems to me that there is a subtle movement in place to irritate the Chinese community. Similarly, the Hindu temple in Jalan P. Ramlee that was almost destroyed by a government agency ignoring the promises made by our PM not to do so. I was told that this promise is in writing.
Glory glory Man Utd.
I would appreciate if these politicians or any one of you can point out to me which Article of the Federal Constitution or any case law which supports this proposition.
I agree wholeheartedly that all Bumiputras, especially the Sabahans and the Sarawakians, and the orang asli in the Peninsular should be given all the opportunity to uplift the social economic status. However, I am unclear as to how these so-called initiatives will be implemented to benefit these neglected groups.
My gut feeling is that the implementation of these initiatives may end up only benefiting certain sectors of the Bumiputras. Past records seem to support this.
I also disagree that only the Bumiputras are loyal to the government. It seems to me that our beloved Prime Minister has forgotten his pledges to the people prior to GE13. Has 1 Malaysia been flushed down the drain?
I was glad that PAS has taken the stand that it is not within their ideology to reward 1 particular race. PAS has taken the stand that all deserving groups should be given a helping hand by the government. Please see the PAS' president's statement on this. Perhaps it is time for MCA, MIC, Gerakan, PPP and all other Barisan component parties to relook their allegiances.
I was very disturbed to read that part of Chin Woo school in Pudu may be making way for a Sri Melayu restaurant. It seems to me that there is a subtle movement in place to irritate the Chinese community. Similarly, the Hindu temple in Jalan P. Ramlee that was almost destroyed by a government agency ignoring the promises made by our PM not to do so. I was told that this promise is in writing.
Glory glory Man Utd.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
September round up
In the last 8 months our country has seen religious controversies, political manipulation, corruption issues, a disputed General Election, washable indelible ink, police brutality, senseless shootings, increase in crime, increase in cost of living, increase in petrol price, a weaker ringgit, escalating property prices, a Deputy Minister (in the PM's dept) in charge of Indian Affairs (who has very successfully done nothing thus far), a missing First Lady (since the elections), a low key PM and the Cowgirl making a Comeback.
Among the above issues, what caught my attention the most was the implementation of the Minimum Wage Order (w.e.f. 01.01.2013) and the Minimum Retirement Age Act 2012 (w.e.f. 01.07.2013). These 2 enactments have created a lot of controversies in the labour industry. The previous Minister of Human Resources was pushed to the corner to the extent that he made many contradictory statements - I believe that both these enactments were hurried to counter the opposition parties' promises to the Rakyat.
This is sad as these enactments which were rushed are flawed and bear the promise of being thorns in the side of both employers and employees, for some time to come.
On a personal note, Sri and I had a great 8 months discussing and discovering various artists not only from Malaysia but from all around Asia.Talking to the many artists we met this year, opened our eyes to many perspectives, and views that we had blind to before.
I'd like to end by welcoming Yvonne to the firm (and hopefully to this blog) and to bid a sad adieu to Sofian, who had to leave at the end of last month to relocate to JB.
Glory glory ManUtd (x20)
Among the above issues, what caught my attention the most was the implementation of the Minimum Wage Order (w.e.f. 01.01.2013) and the Minimum Retirement Age Act 2012 (w.e.f. 01.07.2013). These 2 enactments have created a lot of controversies in the labour industry. The previous Minister of Human Resources was pushed to the corner to the extent that he made many contradictory statements - I believe that both these enactments were hurried to counter the opposition parties' promises to the Rakyat.
This is sad as these enactments which were rushed are flawed and bear the promise of being thorns in the side of both employers and employees, for some time to come.
On a personal note, Sri and I had a great 8 months discussing and discovering various artists not only from Malaysia but from all around Asia.Talking to the many artists we met this year, opened our eyes to many perspectives, and views that we had blind to before.
I'd like to end by welcoming Yvonne to the firm (and hopefully to this blog) and to bid a sad adieu to Sofian, who had to leave at the end of last month to relocate to JB.
Glory glory ManUtd (x20)
Monday, January 28, 2013
Nobody's listening to me
The 1st Session of the Royal Commission of Inquiry of immigrants in Sabah (RCI) proceedings has been interesting reading for me. The only conclusion I can come up with is that it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, so long as you are willing to vote for the ruling party.
I would suggest that everyone reads Malaysiakini and the online media to get an unbiased report of the RCI. A good summary can be found at the Singapore Straits Times on 24th January at page 13, titled "Anwar denies involvement in Ics-for-votes scheme" (sorry but I couldn't find an online link from pressroom).
The good news for stateless Indians in this country (whether numbering 40,000 (govt. figures) or 400,000 (opposition figures)), is that they can become citizens if they can listen, listen, listen (as instructed by Sharifah), and promise to vote for the ruling government. Our NRD will give them instant blue identity cards and the election commission will immediately register them as voters.
It was very disturbing to read online that a 39 year old security guard (Sugumaran) died (who I understand (from media reports) was mentally unstable), and the post mortem from Selayang Hospital concluded that his death was due to heart failure. Even assuming that we can accept Selayang Hospital post mortem reports as gospel truth (folks, if you can remember, T. Kugan's initial post mortem report was given by the same hospital) the question is what led to the heart attack? The family of the deceased and the public made numerous claims that he was beaten to death by a mob in the presence of police officers, while he was handcuffed. Further, people who identified the deceased's body at the hospital, claimed that the deceased was still handcuffed, and his face was smeared with tumeric. I'm wondering why our Indian champions are not doing anything about this, when they can make so much of noise about the Batu Caves Development and the demolition of an altar in a private dwelling house. The government and the police must take the death of Sugumaran as a serious matter - I can smell foul play and a cover up - which is usual for PDRM. A 2nd independant post mortem should be done immediately to ascertain what led to the heart attack and the actual cause of death.
The government should take full responsibility because the fact that the deceased was handcuffed before his death clearly shows that he was arrested before his death. Therefore Sugumaran died while in custody of the police. The deputy CPO of Selangor should know this, since he is a law graduate.
My family and I were extremely saddened to hear that William Yau was found dead. The manner in which this innocent young boy went missing has been bothering me. I don't intent to speculate or cast aspersions against any party except to say that a detailed and thorough investigation needs to be conducted. Maybe it is time to review the laws relating to children and young persons protection - if we can remember, sometime ago last year, a teacher left her son in her car, and he died. This death was due to human negligence, and relevant laws should be enacted to give ensure that caregivers understand their responsibilities.
Suara Wanita 1 Malaysia (SW1M) chief, Sharifah Zohra Jabeen must be a fan of LinkinPark, specifically the song, Nobody's Listening. The question that arises is, why was no stern action taken against her, when every quarter including BN component party leaders have expressed their utter disappointment to the manner in which she conducted herself, and in the way in which she told a Malaysian to leave the country. oops. I'd better stop here. She may be a Dato tomorrow.
Glory Glory Man United!
I would suggest that everyone reads Malaysiakini and the online media to get an unbiased report of the RCI. A good summary can be found at the Singapore Straits Times on 24th January at page 13, titled "Anwar denies involvement in Ics-for-votes scheme" (sorry but I couldn't find an online link from pressroom).
The good news for stateless Indians in this country (whether numbering 40,000 (govt. figures) or 400,000 (opposition figures)), is that they can become citizens if they can listen, listen, listen (as instructed by Sharifah), and promise to vote for the ruling government. Our NRD will give them instant blue identity cards and the election commission will immediately register them as voters.
It was very disturbing to read online that a 39 year old security guard (Sugumaran) died (who I understand (from media reports) was mentally unstable), and the post mortem from Selayang Hospital concluded that his death was due to heart failure. Even assuming that we can accept Selayang Hospital post mortem reports as gospel truth (folks, if you can remember, T. Kugan's initial post mortem report was given by the same hospital) the question is what led to the heart attack? The family of the deceased and the public made numerous claims that he was beaten to death by a mob in the presence of police officers, while he was handcuffed. Further, people who identified the deceased's body at the hospital, claimed that the deceased was still handcuffed, and his face was smeared with tumeric. I'm wondering why our Indian champions are not doing anything about this, when they can make so much of noise about the Batu Caves Development and the demolition of an altar in a private dwelling house. The government and the police must take the death of Sugumaran as a serious matter - I can smell foul play and a cover up - which is usual for PDRM. A 2nd independant post mortem should be done immediately to ascertain what led to the heart attack and the actual cause of death.
The government should take full responsibility because the fact that the deceased was handcuffed before his death clearly shows that he was arrested before his death. Therefore Sugumaran died while in custody of the police. The deputy CPO of Selangor should know this, since he is a law graduate.
My family and I were extremely saddened to hear that William Yau was found dead. The manner in which this innocent young boy went missing has been bothering me. I don't intent to speculate or cast aspersions against any party except to say that a detailed and thorough investigation needs to be conducted. Maybe it is time to review the laws relating to children and young persons protection - if we can remember, sometime ago last year, a teacher left her son in her car, and he died. This death was due to human negligence, and relevant laws should be enacted to give ensure that caregivers understand their responsibilities.
Suara Wanita 1 Malaysia (SW1M) chief, Sharifah Zohra Jabeen must be a fan of LinkinPark, specifically the song, Nobody's Listening. The question that arises is, why was no stern action taken against her, when every quarter including BN component party leaders have expressed their utter disappointment to the manner in which she conducted herself, and in the way in which she told a Malaysian to leave the country. oops. I'd better stop here. She may be a Dato tomorrow.
Glory Glory Man United!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to all Malaysian Citizens.
My apologies for not writing for so long. This was due to many factors, the most telling and contributory factor being laziness. Sometimes, my wife also refused to help me type out blogposts :)
We had a lot of parties, travelled a bit, put on a lot of weight. My daughter has grown (she'll be 10 soon). The firm did well, and we've got a new team now. Jayashree is still with us and has been joined by Murali.
Work for me personally was satisfying, although I found myself doing a lot of counsel work,
On the IR front however, I am saddened that a lot of workmen who lost their jobs between 2010 and 2012, found that their avenues to seek redress at the Industrial Court were closed - because the Minister exercised his discretion not to refer them to the Industrial Court. Due to economic reasons, many of these workmen are not in a position to challenge these decisions at the High Court.
Unlike Civil proceedings, access to the Industrial Court by a dismissed workman, is solely by way of a reference by the Human Resources Minister (pursuant to section 20 of the Industrial Relations Act).
Our Federal Constitution makes provision that all Malaysians should be given access to justice. It is therefore my view that a Minister should not be given the absolute discretion whether to refer or not to refer a workman's complaint to the Industrial Court, as that would mean that the minister solely determines whether that Malaysian is given access to justice. I am of the opinion that for this reason, this particular law should be revoked as it is clearly contradictory to the Federal Constitution.
The Federal Constitution also recognises the right to livelihood. Whether a workman has been terminated rightly or wrongly, is for the Industrial Court to determine. The Hon. Minister should therefore not be given the absolute discretion to filter complaints of dismissal.
To refer or not to refer should not be the question...
Glory Glory Man Utd!
My apologies for not writing for so long. This was due to many factors, the most telling and contributory factor being laziness. Sometimes, my wife also refused to help me type out blogposts :)
We had a lot of parties, travelled a bit, put on a lot of weight. My daughter has grown (she'll be 10 soon). The firm did well, and we've got a new team now. Jayashree is still with us and has been joined by Murali.
Work for me personally was satisfying, although I found myself doing a lot of counsel work,
On the IR front however, I am saddened that a lot of workmen who lost their jobs between 2010 and 2012, found that their avenues to seek redress at the Industrial Court were closed - because the Minister exercised his discretion not to refer them to the Industrial Court. Due to economic reasons, many of these workmen are not in a position to challenge these decisions at the High Court.
Unlike Civil proceedings, access to the Industrial Court by a dismissed workman, is solely by way of a reference by the Human Resources Minister (pursuant to section 20 of the Industrial Relations Act).
Our Federal Constitution makes provision that all Malaysians should be given access to justice. It is therefore my view that a Minister should not be given the absolute discretion whether to refer or not to refer a workman's complaint to the Industrial Court, as that would mean that the minister solely determines whether that Malaysian is given access to justice. I am of the opinion that for this reason, this particular law should be revoked as it is clearly contradictory to the Federal Constitution.
The Federal Constitution also recognises the right to livelihood. Whether a workman has been terminated rightly or wrongly, is for the Industrial Court to determine. The Hon. Minister should therefore not be given the absolute discretion to filter complaints of dismissal.
To refer or not to refer should not be the question...
Glory Glory Man Utd!
Saturday, November 24, 2012
An e-mail forward: The Singapore CJ
The Ipoh boy who spoke no English... and rose to be Chief Justice
This is an excerpt of a tribute delivered by Law Minister K. Shanmugam in Parliament on Monday to Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong, who retired on Nov 6.
SINGAPORE'S constitutional framework enshrines the rule of law, the independence of the courts and the separation of powers.
The Constitution establishes the Judiciary as a separate and independent institution, and charges it with the responsibility to interpret the law and apply it to cases which come before the courts.
At the head of the Judiciary is the Chief Justice. Through his judgments and extra-judicial writings, his presidency over appellate hearings and even his personal conduct, the Chief Justice sets the tone for the administration of justice in Singapore.
It is a heavy responsibility, and Singapore has been singularly fortunate that, for the past six years, that responsibility has been discharged by Chief Justice Chan.
Humble background
THE Chief Justice came from a humble background. He lived in a communal house in Ipoh, started his education late because of the war, and could not speak English when he first went to school.
But adversity did not slow him down. He was one of the top students in the Senior Cambridge School Certificate in 1955, with eight distinctions......
Chief Justice Chan joined the inaugural LL.B. class of 1961 in the then University of Malaya, and was one of the top students in a class
Private practice
CHIEF Justice Chan practised briefly in Kuala Lumpur then in Singapore because he wanted to continue to be with then his girlfriend, Elisabeth Eber, whom he later married.
He was the counsel of choice for many banks and financial institutions, and drafted many of the standard banking and corporate documents used throughout Singapore in the late 1970s and in the 1980s.
Judicial commissioner and judge
CHIEF Justice Chan was appointed a Judicial Commissioner (JC) in 1986 - the first person to be so appointed. He was later elevated to be a Judge in 1988. He heard a fair number of public law cases, and, in his own words, "the decisions are fairly divided between those decided for and against the Government".
He had an excellent judicial temperament - no flourish, no hyperbole, no drama. He always cut to the chase, succinct. He was usually well ahead of counsel and on top of all the issues - a first-rate, world-class judicial mind.
Attorney-General
IN 1992, Chief Justice Chan was appointed the third Attorney-General of Singapore.
As Public Prosecutor, he had the constitutional responsibility for instituting and conducting prosecutions. He acted firmly and in the public interest.
As Attorney-General, and later as Chief Justice, Chief Justice Chan played a leading role in the Pedra Branca litigation.
He presented our case before the International Court of Justice in a very clear manner, together with Professor S. Jayakumar, Professor Tommy Koh and others. The ICJ decisively upheld Singapore's sovereignty over Pedra Branca. Chief Justice's personal interests - he is a keen student of history - helped substantially in presenting Singapore's case. His collection of South-east Asian history books, one of the largest in Singapore, was extensively used for the ICJ hearing.
Chief Justice
Mr Chan was appointed as Chief Justice in 2006.
He started the Young Amicus Curiae scheme where young lawyers could assist Judges hearing Magistrate's Appeals, and expose themselves to criminal work.
He stressed the need for top- tier advocacy in commercial cases. He observed that top Senior Counsel were often retained by large institutions, rendering them unable or unavailable to act against such institutions. The result was that small law firms and individual clients who wanted representation against large institutions could not instruct Senior Counsel. He thus advocated that Queen's Counsel be allowed to appear more freely in our courts.
He believed that the function of judges was to interpret and to apply the law, and not to legislate or make policy in the guise of adjudication. In that sense, he was a legal positivist.
In the course of his judicial career, he wrote almost 380 judgments, or more than 30 a year.
When the boy from Ipoh came to Singapore to study, settle down and start a career in the law, it was Singapore which ultimately benefited.
- The Straits Times Singapore
Note (source unknown):
All 3 former Chief Justices in S'pore were former Malaysians.
The first, Wee Chong Jin was from Penang Free School. The second, Yong Pung How (nicknamed the "Hanging judge"?) was an ex-VI boy in KL.
And the third, Ipoh-born Chan Sek Keong, hailed from King Edward VII School in Taiping, and later the Anderson School in Ipoh.
Had they remained in Malaysia, they might have made it to the level of a Sessions Court judge, if they are lucky.
Our nation's loss is the little RED DOT's gain.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
musings
It has been more than 7 weeks since I last blogged. This is due to various reasons, but can be summarised to one word 'lazy'.
Since 9th April 2012, a lot of events have taken place such as moodaliar's son being kidnapped. Our govt and police force put in a lot of effort to solve this kidnapping. Due thanks should also be given to our mainstream media for highlighting this kidnapping. Perhaps similar attention would also be given if a poor man's child is kidnapped.
I don't intend to say anything about Bersih 3.0, except to highlight the manner in which some Malaysians behaved after the event. for example the infamous bum exercise, the burger stall, the thosai stall, and the small traders' intention to set up stalls.
It is my view that whether or not the rakyat did break the law on 28 April 2012, excessive force or violence towards the rakyat, by the police, cannot be condoned. I was there on that day, and I know what I witnessed.
The most shocking news that I heard recently is the Evidence (Amendment) (No2) Act 2012, which was passed in Parliament, whereby the burden of proof is now on the blogger, to prove his innocence.
On a personal note, five months of 2012 are over - nothing much has been done, things seem to be rather slow on all fronts, speculation is high as to the next general election. I've been given to understand that the 2012 budget may be tabled on 28th July 2012, this year - so people, when is the election? after raya or the end of the year?
I need to make a note that the roads in PJ have not been maintained, especially the roads at the Jalan Gasing roundabout and in Section 14. Someone tell me who to call , and I'll get on it right away.
Since 9th April 2012, a lot of events have taken place such as moodaliar's son being kidnapped. Our govt and police force put in a lot of effort to solve this kidnapping. Due thanks should also be given to our mainstream media for highlighting this kidnapping. Perhaps similar attention would also be given if a poor man's child is kidnapped.
I don't intend to say anything about Bersih 3.0, except to highlight the manner in which some Malaysians behaved after the event. for example the infamous bum exercise, the burger stall, the thosai stall, and the small traders' intention to set up stalls.
It is my view that whether or not the rakyat did break the law on 28 April 2012, excessive force or violence towards the rakyat, by the police, cannot be condoned. I was there on that day, and I know what I witnessed.
The most shocking news that I heard recently is the Evidence (Amendment) (No2) Act 2012, which was passed in Parliament, whereby the burden of proof is now on the blogger, to prove his innocence.
On a personal note, five months of 2012 are over - nothing much has been done, things seem to be rather slow on all fronts, speculation is high as to the next general election. I've been given to understand that the 2012 budget may be tabled on 28th July 2012, this year - so people, when is the election? after raya or the end of the year?
I need to make a note that the roads in PJ have not been maintained, especially the roads at the Jalan Gasing roundabout and in Section 14. Someone tell me who to call , and I'll get on it right away.
Monday, April 09, 2012
what tomorrow brings (coming soon to theatres near you)
On a personal note, I'm very happy to tell all of you Glory glory Man United!
Secondly, I spent 6 hours moaning and groaning and sweating at my daughter's recent sports day, just to watch my nephew, niece and daughter struggling to run.
It reminded me of my sports' days when I was their age. Despite the sweat, moans and groans, I must say, I enjoyed watching the children participating in sports.
Thridly, I would also like to welcome Muralindran and Sheila to the firm - I believe that they complete our new team.
We had a small party in my house last week to welcome them to the firm. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves.
My message to the new team, is the same message I always tell all our lawyers and staff - Let's work hard and play hard!
Lastly, I end with a quote:
"I have learned that in life, one does not know what tomorrow brings" (Datuk Seri Sharizat Abd. Jalil)
Secondly, I spent 6 hours moaning and groaning and sweating at my daughter's recent sports day, just to watch my nephew, niece and daughter struggling to run.
It reminded me of my sports' days when I was their age. Despite the sweat, moans and groans, I must say, I enjoyed watching the children participating in sports.
Thridly, I would also like to welcome Muralindran and Sheila to the firm - I believe that they complete our new team.
We had a small party in my house last week to welcome them to the firm. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves.
My message to the new team, is the same message I always tell all our lawyers and staff - Let's work hard and play hard!
Lastly, I end with a quote:
"I have learned that in life, one does not know what tomorrow brings" (Datuk Seri Sharizat Abd. Jalil)
Jelajah janji ditepati
Our PM since delivering his self assessed performance appraisal last week, decided to go around the country to impress upon people that Barisan delivers (jelajah janji ditepati).
Let's see what he has delivered in the last 3 years.
1. money has been given to various communities
2. RM500 has been given to senior citizens or households with a monthly income of less than RM3000.00
3. RM1 Kedai Makan.
4. community clinics
5. 1Malaysia sundry shops
6. another Anwar trial
7. Tun Ling Liong Sik's trial
8. TeohBengHock
9. Lynas
10. an education that is being screwed on a daily basis
11. justice that is measured by KPI (key performance indicators)
12. the covering up of electoral manipulations
13. increase in inflation
14. increase in violent crimes
15. increase in racial and religious tensions
16. corruption scandals (e.g. Cowgate)
17. decline in our University standards
the above are just some of BN's achievements that I can remember off the top of my head. You may know many more.
Najib is going round stating that we are 8 years away from becoming a developed nation with a high income society. No evidence has been tendered to us to show us how this is possible.
However, it is my opinion that if nothing concrete is done within the next 8 years, the poverty rates are going to increase if inflation is not checked. Lawlessness will prevail, as people struggle to make ends meet.
Since the elections are predicted to be around the corner, my wish list for our government (whoever they may be, is as follows:
(a) efforts put in place to reduce the escalating inflation rate;
(b) the creation of more job opportunities for Malaysians, through a better education system.
(c) Attention should be paid as to why more Malaysians are resorting to crime;
(d) efforts should be made to check these criminal activities;
(e) more stringent measures should be put into place to prevent foreigners coming into the country on the pretext of further education;
(f) the influx of migrant workers in sectors where Malaysians can be employed;
(g) the Separation of Powers of the judiciary, the legislative and the executive.
(h) a reduction in taxes, especially hidden taxes, such as govt. service tax and tax on compensation for loss of employment;
(i) a review of labour laws to reflect fair protection to the labour force;
(j) judges who can stand on their own ground rather than worry about KPI and show cause letters;
(k) abolish special rights and privileges;
(l) fair treatment for the Orang Asli; and
(m) eliminate corruption
I welcome any and all ideas from readers to improve or add to my wish list above :)
Unfortunately, I don't have the funds to jelajah (tour) the nation to express my wish list.
Perhaps someone could bring it to the PM's attention.
Let's see what he has delivered in the last 3 years.
1. money has been given to various communities
2. RM500 has been given to senior citizens or households with a monthly income of less than RM3000.00
3. RM1 Kedai Makan.
4. community clinics
5. 1Malaysia sundry shops
6. another Anwar trial
7. Tun Ling Liong Sik's trial
8. TeohBengHock
9. Lynas
10. an education that is being screwed on a daily basis
11. justice that is measured by KPI (key performance indicators)
12. the covering up of electoral manipulations
13. increase in inflation
14. increase in violent crimes
15. increase in racial and religious tensions
16. corruption scandals (e.g. Cowgate)
17. decline in our University standards
the above are just some of BN's achievements that I can remember off the top of my head. You may know many more.
Najib is going round stating that we are 8 years away from becoming a developed nation with a high income society. No evidence has been tendered to us to show us how this is possible.
However, it is my opinion that if nothing concrete is done within the next 8 years, the poverty rates are going to increase if inflation is not checked. Lawlessness will prevail, as people struggle to make ends meet.
Since the elections are predicted to be around the corner, my wish list for our government (whoever they may be, is as follows:
(a) efforts put in place to reduce the escalating inflation rate;
(b) the creation of more job opportunities for Malaysians, through a better education system.
(c) Attention should be paid as to why more Malaysians are resorting to crime;
(d) efforts should be made to check these criminal activities;
(e) more stringent measures should be put into place to prevent foreigners coming into the country on the pretext of further education;
(f) the influx of migrant workers in sectors where Malaysians can be employed;
(g) the Separation of Powers of the judiciary, the legislative and the executive.
(h) a reduction in taxes, especially hidden taxes, such as govt. service tax and tax on compensation for loss of employment;
(i) a review of labour laws to reflect fair protection to the labour force;
(j) judges who can stand on their own ground rather than worry about KPI and show cause letters;
(k) abolish special rights and privileges;
(l) fair treatment for the Orang Asli; and
(m) eliminate corruption
I welcome any and all ideas from readers to improve or add to my wish list above :)
Unfortunately, I don't have the funds to jelajah (tour) the nation to express my wish list.
Perhaps someone could bring it to the PM's attention.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
F1
Over the weekend I took the troop for the F1 GP in Sepang. It was a memorable outing for my daughter, my wife and my housekeeper - but the affair cost me a bomb.
The race was very exciting, particularly for my housekeeper, who is a major F1 fan. The highlight for my daughter was buying the Red Bull t-shirt. My daughter decided to support Team Red Bull for the race, whilst my wife decided to support Team Maclaren Mercedes because they have nice tee-shirts.
A piece of advice to the Sepang circuit management - they should look into the leakages in the Grandstands, and also the rusting. Overall the F1 event in Sepang was a very well organised event. The only setback for me was that I was unable to take any solo photos with the models, as my daughter kept sneaking into the photos.
I'd like to thank Sir Datuk Ramanujam for sponsoring our tickets.
Great job Alonso, but glory glory Man Utd.
The race was very exciting, particularly for my housekeeper, who is a major F1 fan. The highlight for my daughter was buying the Red Bull t-shirt. My daughter decided to support Team Red Bull for the race, whilst my wife decided to support Team Maclaren Mercedes because they have nice tee-shirts.
A piece of advice to the Sepang circuit management - they should look into the leakages in the Grandstands, and also the rusting. Overall the F1 event in Sepang was a very well organised event. The only setback for me was that I was unable to take any solo photos with the models, as my daughter kept sneaking into the photos.
I'd like to thank Sir Datuk Ramanujam for sponsoring our tickets.
Great job Alonso, but glory glory Man Utd.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Gotong Royong #23
It's Friday everybody! and its gotong royong time at the office. Yes, a return to the madness of throwing things away, and the strange gotong royong quiz. Since we have newcomers in the office, that old question was asked, what is the name of Port Dickson in Malay?
You don't know right? I'll tell you later, hang in there. The next question was successfully answered by Nisha, so she is leading the quiz at the moment. And the question she was asked (by me) is this.
Mary's father had 5 daughters. Their names are
(a) Nana (b) Nene (c) Nini (d) Nono and (e) ?
Got the answer?
Sadly my friend, the answer is not Nunu. It is Mary.
And Port Dickson is of course Pelabuhan Anak Dick.
Good no? you should come join our gotong royongs. Very informative, and strangely cathartic (because of all the throwing away of useless stuff, not because of the quiz!).
Today has been brought to you by the number 23 and by the letter U.
And our Spike Milligan quote for the day (forgot to tell you - this is a new feature of the blog) is:
" I thought I'd begin by reading a poem by Shakespeare, but then I thought, why should I? He never reads any of mine."
You don't know right? I'll tell you later, hang in there. The next question was successfully answered by Nisha, so she is leading the quiz at the moment. And the question she was asked (by me) is this.
Mary's father had 5 daughters. Their names are
(a) Nana (b) Nene (c) Nini (d) Nono and (e) ?
Got the answer?
Sadly my friend, the answer is not Nunu. It is Mary.
And Port Dickson is of course Pelabuhan Anak Dick.
Good no? you should come join our gotong royongs. Very informative, and strangely cathartic (because of all the throwing away of useless stuff, not because of the quiz!).
Today has been brought to you by the number 23 and by the letter U.
And our Spike Milligan quote for the day (forgot to tell you - this is a new feature of the blog) is:
" I thought I'd begin by reading a poem by Shakespeare, but then I thought, why should I? He never reads any of mine."
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Recap
My apologies for not writing for the last one month. This has been due to the demise of my grandmother on the 24th of last month, and the subsequent prayers, which my wife was spearheading. I was busy being her chauffeur, so let me do a recap for you of the highlights of the past month.
You'll be glad to hear that i have been re-elected to the KLBar Committee, in charge of Sports. This year I hope to revive a few tournaments such as the Football-7-a side, Hockey 6 a side and the Mini Marathon. I am also working together with another committee member to get our KL Bar members to experience the MonsoonCup. We are also hoping to get a prominent national badminton player to do a clinic for us.
Shanmugam, who has been with us for almost 6 years, left at the begining of this month, to venture into business. Valli and Dalveen, have also left on an extended study break - they will hopefully pass the CLP exams this year. On behalf of the firm, I wish them all the best. And a message to Valli and Dalveen - if you fail, please run away from the country.
The firm had a big farewell to Shan (and a "we'll miss you" to Valli and Dalveen) had an outing to Pulau Ketam on 4th March. Nisha and Izziaty our new associate joined us for the trip, which started at my house at 10a.m. It was a road trip to Port Klang, followed by a boat ride to Pulau Ketam on an air-conditioned boat shaped like a prawn, with Cantonese entertainment on the TV. I believe that Sri will update the blog on this trip soon.
On 17th March, on behalf of the Professional Development Committee of the KLBar, I gave a 3 hour talk titled Judicial Review of Industrial Court Awards. I hope the participants benefitted from this talk.
On 21st March, I represented the M'sian Bar in a forum organised by an NGO, and titled "The erosion of worker's rights. On a personal capacity, I thoroughly enjoyed myself delivering these 2 talks, as I was able to express my personal opinions on the current state of Malaysian Labour Laws.
I'm also very sure my managing partner and the staff are enjoying the many lunch sessions this month, which predominantly have been at Devi'sCorner, ItalianTomato or Lake Club.
I'm pleased to report that the office environment is still the same, despite the number of new people, and the exit of key personalities.
On a political note, many politicians are applauding our Cowgate gal for tendering her resignation. My question is, what sacrifice has she done for the country, that warrants such applause. Our beloved PM is still going around the country giving out goodies and handouts to the public, believing that during the next election, the public will vote for the ruling party. Now I wonder whether we are all that foolish?
It seems that the government desperately wants to go ahead with the LynasPlant because it is good for the people and they want the opposition to support it.
Our BankNegaraGovernor has apparently told the public to stop issuing cheques, as it is expensive to the financial system (today's NST). My view is that, the only sector that will be happy with this announcement, is our criminal brothers, who will have a field day...
Ok folks, if my English is not good enough, please understand, I got no school :)
P.S.: Lastly, I'd like to add, "GlorygloryManUtd".
You'll be glad to hear that i have been re-elected to the KLBar Committee, in charge of Sports. This year I hope to revive a few tournaments such as the Football-7-a side, Hockey 6 a side and the Mini Marathon. I am also working together with another committee member to get our KL Bar members to experience the MonsoonCup. We are also hoping to get a prominent national badminton player to do a clinic for us.
Shanmugam, who has been with us for almost 6 years, left at the begining of this month, to venture into business. Valli and Dalveen, have also left on an extended study break - they will hopefully pass the CLP exams this year. On behalf of the firm, I wish them all the best. And a message to Valli and Dalveen - if you fail, please run away from the country.
The firm had a big farewell to Shan (and a "we'll miss you" to Valli and Dalveen) had an outing to Pulau Ketam on 4th March. Nisha and Izziaty our new associate joined us for the trip, which started at my house at 10a.m. It was a road trip to Port Klang, followed by a boat ride to Pulau Ketam on an air-conditioned boat shaped like a prawn, with Cantonese entertainment on the TV. I believe that Sri will update the blog on this trip soon.
On 17th March, on behalf of the Professional Development Committee of the KLBar, I gave a 3 hour talk titled Judicial Review of Industrial Court Awards. I hope the participants benefitted from this talk.
On 21st March, I represented the M'sian Bar in a forum organised by an NGO, and titled "The erosion of worker's rights. On a personal capacity, I thoroughly enjoyed myself delivering these 2 talks, as I was able to express my personal opinions on the current state of Malaysian Labour Laws.
I'm also very sure my managing partner and the staff are enjoying the many lunch sessions this month, which predominantly have been at Devi'sCorner, ItalianTomato or Lake Club.
I'm pleased to report that the office environment is still the same, despite the number of new people, and the exit of key personalities.
On a political note, many politicians are applauding our Cowgate gal for tendering her resignation. My question is, what sacrifice has she done for the country, that warrants such applause. Our beloved PM is still going around the country giving out goodies and handouts to the public, believing that during the next election, the public will vote for the ruling party. Now I wonder whether we are all that foolish?
It seems that the government desperately wants to go ahead with the LynasPlant because it is good for the people and they want the opposition to support it.
Our BankNegaraGovernor has apparently told the public to stop issuing cheques, as it is expensive to the financial system (today's NST). My view is that, the only sector that will be happy with this announcement, is our criminal brothers, who will have a field day...
Ok folks, if my English is not good enough, please understand, I got no school :)
P.S.: Lastly, I'd like to add, "GlorygloryManUtd".
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Election this Thursday
Please come to the KL Bar AGM this Thursday at Wisma MCA (if you are a practising lawyer in KL) and vote for me.
I have been serving the KL Bar since the year 2009 as the Sports Chairman and I have been asked to serve one more term.
My wife is refusing to help me write a short speech if there is an election this Thursday (unless I agree to be her slave until Thursday).
Last year, my election speech was written and delivered by my friend Anand, in my absence (I was unable to be present due to a family bereavement), and I was still elected.
Any takers for a short election speech?
I have been serving the KL Bar since the year 2009 as the Sports Chairman and I have been asked to serve one more term.
My wife is refusing to help me write a short speech if there is an election this Thursday (unless I agree to be her slave until Thursday).
Last year, my election speech was written and delivered by my friend Anand, in my absence (I was unable to be present due to a family bereavement), and I was still elected.
Any takers for a short election speech?
Monday, February 20, 2012
4 things you don't know yet
1. there's Biryani in the fridge, courtesy of Dalveen's mom (yay!);
2. Our bathrooms are now bright magenta and purple (really - and no, its got nothing to do with the Biryani in the fridge);
3. we have a new attachment student, Nisha (yay), to cover for Dalveen and Vals when they take off at the end of this month to mug for the CLP (sad... we're going to miss them);
4. our new clerk, Man has asked whether he can rearrange the filing room according to the race (aisey!) of our clients (shock! horror!) - and here I've been ranting about being Malaysian!
Today has been brought to you by the number 6, and the letter B (for biryani obviously)
2. Our bathrooms are now bright magenta and purple (really - and no, its got nothing to do with the Biryani in the fridge);
3. we have a new attachment student, Nisha (yay), to cover for Dalveen and Vals when they take off at the end of this month to mug for the CLP (sad... we're going to miss them);
4. our new clerk, Man has asked whether he can rearrange the filing room according to the race (aisey!) of our clients (shock! horror!) - and here I've been ranting about being Malaysian!
Today has been brought to you by the number 6, and the letter B (for biryani obviously)
Monday, February 13, 2012
I am Malaysian
yes I am. Now how many of you can say that? and really how many of you do say that? It rolls easily off our tongues when we're abroad doesn't it - but somehow when we come home, we revert to being Malays, Chinese, Indian. I understand sub-categories exist and some people are Ceylonese and Punjabi. Go to Thailand however, or India or America, and ask the youngest child, and he will tell you that he is Thai, or Indian or American. No doubts. No worries. Why do we not have this assurance in Malaysia? Ask 5 Malaysian who they are and be glad if you can find one who tells you he is a Malaysian.
And really what does it mean these days to be a Malaysian? The Rukun Negara, which exhorts us, among other things to be polite and believe in God?
The twin towers, orangutans, Mount Kinabalu, the rafflesia flower, nasi lemak and char koay teow? It's sad that 3 of the things in that list are from Sabah, but we don't particularly make Sabah or Sabahans feel that Sabah is a part of Malaysia.
If we believe our own pr, it seems that we're all these things and beautiful rainforests (mainly in Sabah and Sarawak), beaches and people who go about smiling inanely with our hand over our hearts.
Is it seditious to say that Malaysians are more likely to be traffic offenders with bad dietary habits (apparently, nasi lemak for breakfast, banana leaf for lunch, currypuffs and goreng pisang for tea, followed by a 10 course dinner or hokkien mee is not so good for us la), with a pinch of bribery and corruption, and a megalomaniac tendency to have the biggest thing possible. We like the EPL though it's got nothing to do with us except for savvy marketing, and we consume an endless diet of tv serials from Korea, Hongkong, India and the USA. We're generally grumpy at the supermarket counter, and above all, we are told incessantly, again and again, that we are racially tolerant. And also told that we must be racially tolerant.
And I wonder, are we really. When you help that blind man cross the street, do you stop and check first his race? When you stop at the roadside and help someone push his stalled car to the side of the road, do you drive past him first and check his skin colour? when you find a lost child and take him home, do you ask him his religion first? when someone helps you pick up your spilled groceries, do they check first your race? when you see someone bleeding and stop to help, do you check if he's and Indian, malay or chinese first?
I have been rescued countless times in countless ways. By numerous faceless Malaysians. Being a true Malaysian (and trusting the Rukun Negara), I believe that God sent these Malaysians to rescue me, and have never been left stranded somewhere despite my skin colour. Similarly I have done my share of rescuing, and its never been motivated by anything other than a desire to help a fellow human being in need.
I think our politicians do us Malaysians a huge disfavour every single time they tell us to be racially tolerant. I think the people who bring up the racial card in the first place are politicians or people with political agendas, or saddest of all people who have started to believe that the politicians racial card is true... I think as Malaysians, we should not be asked to fill in every form with details of our race - if that race cannot be Malaysian.
Sadly, we are further away from a Malaysian race today than we were in 1963, when this country was first formed. 49 years on, our politicians have bullied, hoodwinked and dragged us backwards and split us more effectively than the British ever did with their Empire. Sigh.
I think that the only way we can save ourselves is to be Malaysians first and foremost, and copy (which is another thing we do particularly well), the Thais and the Indians and the Americans, and be sure of who we are.
I'm starting by saying I'm a Malaysian. Are you?
And really what does it mean these days to be a Malaysian? The Rukun Negara, which exhorts us, among other things to be polite and believe in God?
The twin towers, orangutans, Mount Kinabalu, the rafflesia flower, nasi lemak and char koay teow? It's sad that 3 of the things in that list are from Sabah, but we don't particularly make Sabah or Sabahans feel that Sabah is a part of Malaysia.
If we believe our own pr, it seems that we're all these things and beautiful rainforests (mainly in Sabah and Sarawak), beaches and people who go about smiling inanely with our hand over our hearts.
Is it seditious to say that Malaysians are more likely to be traffic offenders with bad dietary habits (apparently, nasi lemak for breakfast, banana leaf for lunch, currypuffs and goreng pisang for tea, followed by a 10 course dinner or hokkien mee is not so good for us la), with a pinch of bribery and corruption, and a megalomaniac tendency to have the biggest thing possible. We like the EPL though it's got nothing to do with us except for savvy marketing, and we consume an endless diet of tv serials from Korea, Hongkong, India and the USA. We're generally grumpy at the supermarket counter, and above all, we are told incessantly, again and again, that we are racially tolerant. And also told that we must be racially tolerant.
And I wonder, are we really. When you help that blind man cross the street, do you stop and check first his race? When you stop at the roadside and help someone push his stalled car to the side of the road, do you drive past him first and check his skin colour? when you find a lost child and take him home, do you ask him his religion first? when someone helps you pick up your spilled groceries, do they check first your race? when you see someone bleeding and stop to help, do you check if he's and Indian, malay or chinese first?
I have been rescued countless times in countless ways. By numerous faceless Malaysians. Being a true Malaysian (and trusting the Rukun Negara), I believe that God sent these Malaysians to rescue me, and have never been left stranded somewhere despite my skin colour. Similarly I have done my share of rescuing, and its never been motivated by anything other than a desire to help a fellow human being in need.
I think our politicians do us Malaysians a huge disfavour every single time they tell us to be racially tolerant. I think the people who bring up the racial card in the first place are politicians or people with political agendas, or saddest of all people who have started to believe that the politicians racial card is true... I think as Malaysians, we should not be asked to fill in every form with details of our race - if that race cannot be Malaysian.
Sadly, we are further away from a Malaysian race today than we were in 1963, when this country was first formed. 49 years on, our politicians have bullied, hoodwinked and dragged us backwards and split us more effectively than the British ever did with their Empire. Sigh.
I think that the only way we can save ourselves is to be Malaysians first and foremost, and copy (which is another thing we do particularly well), the Thais and the Indians and the Americans, and be sure of who we are.
I'm starting by saying I'm a Malaysian. Are you?
chicken fight
Our country is being dominated with the news of cattle, crocodiles, phythons and not to be left out - chicken (fights). Apparently on 6th February this year there was a quarrel at the Shah Alam I-city KFC, whereby racial remarks were uttered in the heat of the moment. Videos of the incident were posted on youtube, and have since gone viral. Some quarters were said to be taking the advantage of turning the chicken fight into a racial issue. Our Deputy IGP has had to caution these quarters and the public not to turn a personal incident into a racial issue. I applaud our Deputy IGP for his timely advice. Similarly the English Premier League is saddled with racism issues amongst the top clubs. To the extent that Sir Alex Ferguson made a public statement that racism in professional football should be nipped in the bud.
Racism in our country is closely related to the political system whereby our ruling political parties are segregated by race. Many a time, race and religion is used in our country to manipulate political issues and the social order. I'm of the view that to create a Malaysian race, we need to step out of our current social order, and be willing to stand up and be counted as Malaysians. We have to stop identifying ourselves as Malays, Chinese and Indians, and instead say that we are Malaysians. Maybe it is time for us to revisit what Onn bin Jaafar propagated wayback in the 1940s, to start a political party where all races come under one umbrella. Maybe this will to a certain extent, (but perhaps not a 100 percent) curb racial issues in our country. If you want to avoid another chicken fight, we have to stop identifying ourselves by race
Racism in our country is closely related to the political system whereby our ruling political parties are segregated by race. Many a time, race and religion is used in our country to manipulate political issues and the social order. I'm of the view that to create a Malaysian race, we need to step out of our current social order, and be willing to stand up and be counted as Malaysians. We have to stop identifying ourselves as Malays, Chinese and Indians, and instead say that we are Malaysians. Maybe it is time for us to revisit what Onn bin Jaafar propagated wayback in the 1940s, to start a political party where all races come under one umbrella. Maybe this will to a certain extent, (but perhaps not a 100 percent) curb racial issues in our country. If you want to avoid another chicken fight, we have to stop identifying ourselves by race
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Tembak!!!
My family and I have been away overseas, hence my absence from blogging.
Upon our return, I find that our mainstream media is still bogged down with Cowgate issues and the PM's freebies to Malaysians. Amongst this news, what attracted me was the amount of murders and killings that have been taking place in the last 2 to 3 weeks. For example, there was a gangland murder in Shah Alam, in which the victim's wife has since committed suicide, a grandmother killed her granddaughter, a young mother killed her new born baby, and the list went on.
The story that attracted me the most was the the story of the 3 robbers who were shot dead. Why this attracted me was because our police has been shooting people dead for a long long time. This list includes a schoolboy, a doctor, a pregnant lady and God knows how many other innocent people. If you have the time to compile all police shootings from the 1980s onwards, I believe that you would come to the following conclusion:
(1) in these shootings, no policeman will die (save and except for that incident in Sg. Buloh some years ago - and in that case, we still have not been told why the police officers, none of whom were in the narcotics squad, took part in a narcotics raid);
(2) the police always only open fire in self-defence;
(3) upon inspection, the dead are always found to have been armed or arms are found in their vehicles (even the schoolboy);
(4) according to the mass media, the dead are always criminals;
(5) we are always told by the mass media that these criminals are either robbers, burglars, drug dealers or murderers (of course this list sometimes includes school children and pregnant ladies) - despite the fact that they have not been convicted in a court of law for the alleged offences; and
(6) in killing the dead, the mass media tells us that the police has solved umpteen cases of crime. As an example,the story above, the media reported that "Police believe they have put an end to the gang's crime spree, which includes at least 56 robberies". My question is, where is the evidence that these so-called robbers committed at least 56 robberies? The dead do not talk.
I could go on, to arrive at more conclusions, but I believe that you can make up your own mind.
The question that lingers is, how many people have been shot dead by the police in the last 30 years, and what evidence is there to show that these people deserved to die?
P.S.: As I type this, I note that the police have successfully shot dead another 3 robbers yesterday. Read more here
Upon our return, I find that our mainstream media is still bogged down with Cowgate issues and the PM's freebies to Malaysians. Amongst this news, what attracted me was the amount of murders and killings that have been taking place in the last 2 to 3 weeks. For example, there was a gangland murder in Shah Alam, in which the victim's wife has since committed suicide, a grandmother killed her granddaughter, a young mother killed her new born baby, and the list went on.
The story that attracted me the most was the the story of the 3 robbers who were shot dead. Why this attracted me was because our police has been shooting people dead for a long long time. This list includes a schoolboy, a doctor, a pregnant lady and God knows how many other innocent people. If you have the time to compile all police shootings from the 1980s onwards, I believe that you would come to the following conclusion:
(1) in these shootings, no policeman will die (save and except for that incident in Sg. Buloh some years ago - and in that case, we still have not been told why the police officers, none of whom were in the narcotics squad, took part in a narcotics raid);
(2) the police always only open fire in self-defence;
(3) upon inspection, the dead are always found to have been armed or arms are found in their vehicles (even the schoolboy);
(4) according to the mass media, the dead are always criminals;
(5) we are always told by the mass media that these criminals are either robbers, burglars, drug dealers or murderers (of course this list sometimes includes school children and pregnant ladies) - despite the fact that they have not been convicted in a court of law for the alleged offences; and
(6) in killing the dead, the mass media tells us that the police has solved umpteen cases of crime. As an example,the story above, the media reported that "Police believe they have put an end to the gang's crime spree, which includes at least 56 robberies". My question is, where is the evidence that these so-called robbers committed at least 56 robberies? The dead do not talk.
I could go on, to arrive at more conclusions, but I believe that you can make up your own mind.
The question that lingers is, how many people have been shot dead by the police in the last 30 years, and what evidence is there to show that these people deserved to die?
P.S.: As I type this, I note that the police have successfully shot dead another 3 robbers yesterday. Read more here
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)