Is Denial Of Human Rights Consensual?

I wonder if Pak Lah knows what he has unwittingly revealed. The Star Online today reported,

Pak Lah: Component parties decide based on consensus

He must be very proud when he explained the process of getting consensus amongst the component members.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the coalition has no qualms discussing a problem among the component parties.

“I would make sure that I get everybody’s opinion. If we do not get a decision at the first meeting, we have another meeting.

“There will be no decision until everyone agrees. There is no such thing as one party bullying another party.

“It doesn’t matter if it is harder or later. I do not want to make a hasty decision and make the people very unhappy about it,” he explained.

At this rate of consensus building, this should soon be common

Source: http://blog.lib.umn.edu/perry032/impossible/2006_11.html

Actually thanks to this article, it explains a lot on the actual political positions held by MCA, MIC, Gerakan and SUPP in championing the rights of non-Muslims and women as enshrined in the Constitution.

i) Noticed almost all the elected representatives from these parties are conspicuously silent on matters relating to Article 11 (remember the memorandum submitted by later withdrawn fiasco? It must be agreed as a consensus that the act of delivering the memorandum is wrong)?

ii) How about the sexist remarks made by the BN MPs? (They must have, on a consensus basis, decided it is only a harmless joke hence women should not take offense at sexist jokes even if it denigrates them. Otherwise, where are the reprimands? where are the dropping of such MPs from contesting in this general election?)

iii) Also, remember the whole ambiguity relating to Article 121A where the judges can't decide which court is more supreme and the shoving of civil cases with muslims involved to Syariah courts? This has resulted in Lina Joy fleeing Malaysia because she is worried of persecutions and backlashes for embracing Christianity while Subashini deprived of legal recourse to prevent her child being forcefully taken away from her? (Does it mean then, by consensus, BN knowingly agreed to keep this nation-dividing-issue hanging by refusing, when they had 2/3 majority in Parliament, to amend the Constitution to right this ambiguity?)

iv) And how about the indiscriminate destruction of Hindu temples in Malaysia? (They must have, by consensus, agreed with perhaps Semi Vellu shaking his head in agreement the whole way through while MCA, Gerakan and SUPP nodding in acknowledgement?)

v) Planned imposition of annual permit fees on churches operating out of shoplots and factory outlets (with perhaps, blessings and consensual agreement from Bernard Dompok?)

And all these for what? Clean drains, emptied garbage bins and working lamp posts? Is your rights and lives worth only that?

Monopoly & Politics - Why PKFZ & Gerbang Perdana Scandals Make Sense

I have been writing about this in comment pages in other blogs but I thought, hey, why not I expound this concept here?

We, too, are players in this game...

Source: http://www.weblo.com/celebrity/Legend/Rich_Uncle_Pennybags/453993/

Anyway, what is monopoly? It is not just a game but underlying it, it is a hope of every player to have the ultimate control. From Wikipedia, Monopoly is understood as:

A persistent situation where there is only one provider of a product or service in a particular market. Monopolies are characterized by a lack of economic competition for the good or service that they provide and a lack of viable substitute goods.

In a way, many of us will agree with the need for monopoly, implicitly or explicitly, when it comes to public service and goods. It is costly to have a lot of suppliers offering alternative laws and implementation policies at different pricing scales. Take for instance if you want water supply, can you imagine 10 water suppliers willing to offer you water at different packages but the legality of each supply documents can be contested at 10 different courts because each court offers a different set of interpretations? Also, at the same time, 10 different legislative bodies, equally valid in its own right, enacting their own laws. Hence, to ensure you get the best the market can offer, you will need to do a lot of negotiations just to get a good, consistent quality with minimal disruption in services. Hence it makes sense to have 1 government to govern the needs of 1 nation.

So what will happen when we have a monopoly?

Basically, we as buyers surrender our rights to seek for best price, quality and quantity of goods and services to a single entity since we don't really have any other alternative suppliers.

So if the monopolising entity says, "Pay me at RM1,000 for that bread or else go fly kite...", it literally means pay RM1,000 or starve (Ok, some of you may want to do a Marie Antoinette by saying something along the line,"No bread, eat cake lo" but alas, in this example, consumers only eat bread...:p )

But must a piece of bread cost RM1,000? If we have alternative producers, say an additional 1 supplier, say supplier B who decides to offer for RM500 (he done his math that this will help him to recover the cost of installing and running a bread making factory while make a comfortable profit). To prevent everyone from flocking to supplier B, the original monopolising entity, now demoted to the title "the other supplier" which goes by the name, Supplier A, would now have to match that price. Hence, a piece of bread now costs RM500. And logically, the more the suppliers we have, it becomes increasingly difficult for any one of the suppliers to tarik harga and jual mahal.

But without alternatives, Supplier A may decide to sell stale and mouldy breads for RM1,000. This in effect will cause consumers to take the risk of surviving from food poisoning as the other alternative is death by starvation. Some may survive for today, others perhaps tomorrow but many would not hesitate to raise their hands when you ask if they know of anyone who died from food poisoning and are worried they may get poisoned too.

So what does it mean to us politically?

Similarly, when we unwittingly believe in the lie that only BN can govern effectively and give all our votes to them, we practically create a monopoly of power for BN. We may have the constitution to fall back on but that is just an illusion when BN has 2/3 majority to amend it. Our lives, by our votes, are literally at BN's mercy. Who then will check their pricing, quality and quantity provisioning of public goods and services? The opposition? Yeah imagine 20 puny oppositions trying to shout at 202 others.

So why are we surprised by the RM4.6 billion PKFZ government bailout? It makes perfect sense for PKFZ scandal to arise because we, by our votes, have rendered the alternative voices i.e. oppositions zero intervention powers.

Or when it comes to Gerbang Perdana RM100 million "compensation" for doing nothing? Should we be shocked? We shouldn't really. Rationally, it is also part of the package my friends thanks to our gungho attitude to vote for BN (Sadly, I am guilty at that too during the 11th general election).

Now, if you read Malaysiakini today, our "great" monopoly i.e. BN caretaker government vis-a-vis Transport Ministry is about to create a new baby monopoly, e-Kesihatan.

The scheme was drawn up last year to regulate compulsory medical checks for commercial vehicle drivers - particularly to detect drug abuse - as a means of reducing road accidents. Medical data obtained under the scheme would be collated through a online centralised system.

And who is tasked to manage this online centralised system?

Little-known entity Supremme Systems was to be commissioned by the government to implement the scheme as a gateway provider beginning Oct 1 last year. The fee for each medical test is RM80 to be collected by Supreme Systems which will also have the authority to appoint panel doctors for the scheme.

But there is more to this...

...RM80 fee was exorbitant as at present it only costs RM10 to renew their public services vehicles (PSV), goods driving vehicles (GDL) and conductor (KON) licenses...

It is estimated that there are 700,000 individuals who need to renew these licences annually. Supremme Systems stands to make millions of ringgit through the scheme as the licences cannot be renewed unless accompanied by an all-clear medical certificate for one of the appointed panel doctors.

So what does it mean to you and me?

Have you been feeling the pinch where you can't afford to buy what you saved all this while to buy? Inflation is creeping too fast? Your increased salary somehow just isn't enough to pay for your bills? Well, why should it be surprising? It is only rational that whatever additional costs arising as a result of bailouts by the Government such as to save PKFZ, utter stupidity by Government officials in signing the bridge building contract with Gerbang Perdana and of course, creation of mini monopolies must be factored into the pricing of all goods and services in this country.

How so? Why are their follies and fancies at my sake?

Economics is defined as:

The science which studies human behaviour as a relationship between ends and scarce means which have alternative uses."

The scarce means underly the problem we all have regardless if you are an individual, a community or a nation.

Scarcity means that available resources are insufficient to satisfy all wants and needs.

Hence, in plain English, it simply means that as our BN led government happily use our limited resources to pay for their follies and fancies, we have lesser resources available for our own needs and wants. This naturally and logically force prices of those remaining resources to go up.

So please don't listen to the half truths BN loves to peddle i.e. "It is market forces, we cannot control". The truth of the matter is, they contribute to the uncontrollable factors by wasting scarce and limited resources to compensate for their follies and fancies.

Are we screwed? What can we do?

Yes we are screwed. Many times over. But is it not too late...

We can still do something.

We need to create a viable market for emergence of alternative / shadow government or government in waiting.


We don't need any unique theological, philosophical or ideological basis other than pure simple but real need to ensure more effective and efficient use of limited resources left for our disposal. Seriously, those who wants to promote communal, religious and/or gender favouritism are really a hindrance. Our common goal is just that: alternative players to make laws and govern the nation.


For those who disagree with DAP, PAS, PKR, PSM, PASOH and MDP ideologies, don't fret and get sleepless nights if you vote for them. You, as a voter, should understand, you don't want to pay for more follies and inefficiencies. Hence supporting them at this juncture is merely a political convenience. When they have strong representation in the Parliament, BN will have no choice but sit up and take note. Their survival is at stake. Look at MCA, Gerakan, MIC and SUPP. They are so afraid of the mere prospect of being badly weaken. Why? Because they understand that their negotiation powers will diminish. But that is the price THEY have to pay, isn't it?

If they can realise their bosses i.e. you and me have had enough with inefficiencies, failure to meet our standards of work and blatant insubordination, isn't it time we make sure the rest of the coalition members realise to?

Voting For PAS: Why Is It A Necessity

Unlike Najib’s irrational name calling as a basis to dismiss PAS, I have reasons not to vote for PAS. Being a non-Muslim, rightly or wrongly, I fear that my way of life will be forcefully taken away. I love to worship my Lord, build relationship with Him and read His words. His words, as contained in the Bible, speak to me and it is my source of morality anchor and assurance of hope in living in this fallen world. I fear someday I might have to go underground like the house churches in China and face continuous persecutions all because I wish to fellowship with like-minded Christians. Would my bibles be taken away?

I fear the overzealous of the lot, out of popularity, would call for unreasonable measures like the Nazis, where they forced the Jews to wear the Star of David on their coats to segregate, discriminate and punish the Jews. Would I then be forced to wear a cross to ease the forces of segregation, discrimination and punishment?

But is this well founded fear? Is this fear rational?

Source: http://enarip.blogspot.com/

Back in late 2003 and early 2004, I have an opportunity to go to Terengganu for a job assignment. I managed to speak to the client over lunch and hear out the experience of a native Chinese under the rule of PAS. Deep down inside, I pity these people, afterall, our MSM do paint PAS as an extremist religious party and 911 is still quite fresh in my mind then. Remember the destruction of Buddhas of Bamiyan?

Yet, I was shocked. He actually wants PAS to continue to rule. He said the state government under PAS is fairer than BN. Their ways of life remain unchanged. In fact, a stark distinction he noted is, unlike previous elections, no one came asking for financial support for their election campaign since PAS took to power. How true is his statement I will never know but I am astounded. Open admission of supporting an extremist party? He must be insane. No, no, no. I dismissed it, not realizing I am the one being close minded when I point my finger at PAS for being close minded.

In the 11^th general election, I was very happy with what I perceived as wind of change (Mahathir finally gave up his premiership!). I have not heard of Pak Lah being on the take and he seemed honest. In fact, most of the time, one don't hear much about him. His coalition’s election manifesto meanwhile echoed my deepest desire for a fairer, equitable and accountable government for all Malaysians.

But how do I know he is genuine? That was when I heard from my church administrator that Pak Lah has been sending Christmas greeting cards to church pastors. His olive leaf branch, extended in hope of building a greater understanding with the Christian leaders touched me. This gimmick, was never done before. I asked a few Malay friends, what do they think of Pak Lah? They gave glowing remarks. Then I read about ACA investigating 18 high profile corruption cases and Eric Chia of Perwaja fame being charged for CBT! I spoke to my dad but he warned, this is merely sandiwara. He has seen too many elections and he warned me to not waste my vote. But I said to my dad, "Surely you don't want me to vote for PAS?" He then said,"We need opposition in Parliament to check the powers of BN. Absolute power corrupts absolutely." (Oh how I feel sad this day for not listening to his words then).

Anyhow, that was it. I voted for BN despite warnings from my dad and sharing by others. I even rooted strongly for it. I was so glad then when Pak Lah and BN won. The winds of change did come. Sadly, that were not the winds I hoped for.

On the tackling of corruption front, Eric Chia was acquainted of CBT charges. I never heard of the outcome of the 18 high-profile corruption cases. And what else do we hear? The AP issue which “incidentally” creates an entirely monopolistic industry to benefit of a few, the RM100 million paid to Gerbang Perdana for doing nothing (I truly wonder who would drew up this kind of contract not realizing the implication of this clause), leaking roofs in government buildings and the PKFZ bailout!

To make matters worse, my fears of erosion of non-Muslim rights are being affirmed in courts. Remember the Article 11 movement? What did our so-called non-Muslim leaders do? They gave a memorandum to Pak Lah only to be shot down. They then quietly retreat to their holes, never to be heard of again. They just quietly comply to the wishes of their masters. I don’t quite want to repeat the cases but you can read about body snatchers and 2^nd class citizenship.

And what about the use of the name of God, where in Arabic and Bahasa Malaysia it is called Allah, there are those who are calling for non-Muslims to be barred from using it. As a Christian, I don’t mind not calling my god Allah, but to confiscate our books meant solely for our own use? Can’t they learn to accept that in allowing others to freely worship and practice their own religions, we should freely read our own religious materials without seeking intervention by a Government who exercise little care and understanding of our religion? And what about the indiscriminate demolition of Hindu temples? This just speaks loudly of arrogance and trampling of minority rights!

To top all these, we have VK Lingam tape to bare to us something we have always suspected. The judiciary is what it is today as a result of judges bending their backs for the sake of BN version of nationhood.

I truly regret ever giving them my vote in the 11th general election.

Source: http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2006/10/

Hence this election is all about atonement of my previous wrong and seeking restoration. Do I not fear PAS and perhaps their own extremist elements? I have my fears but what this “moderate” BN is capable of and what they will continue doing is sufficient to ally my fears of PAS. Also, PAS reassures us by firstly, dropping the open demand for Islamic state.Secondly, they openly endorse The People’s Declaration. Thirdly, the experience and desire of non-Muslims in Kelantan to keep PAS in power speaks very loudly on PAS stronger tolerance and understanding of multiculturalism. Besides that, even if the opposition forms a Government, what can PAS do since they are only contesting in 60 or so parliamentary seats? I believe the rewards far outweigh the risks.

When it comes down to voting either for BN or PAS or not vote at all, only by voting for PAS will show my displeasure and disapproval of BN.

I know PAS lacks resources to put up a nice row of flags and posters in my area. It's ok. I will still vote for your candidate. I am getting my mom to do so too...:)