This topic has been in my mind since the 12th general election when BN lost the four state government of Selangor, Perak, Penang and Kedah while we couldn't retain Kelantan after more than 22 years of PAS rule. I am deeply concerned over the political power of the Malays in leading this country as agreed in the Federal Constitution.
Malaysia is one of the fastest developing nation in the region due to her political and economic stability under the BN rule since the nation's independence. The country was entrusted with the power ruled by UMNO/BN for more than 55 years without any major issues. In the earliest decades of the rule by Alliance (Perikatan) the politics of yesteryear was different due to the sincere and compromised political leadership and government based on the need and aspiration of the various communities, primarily the majority Malays and the Chinese together with the Indians as well as the other minorities within the minority.
However, as time progresses and Malaysia becomes more developed, the competition and demand became more significant with the younger generation of Malaysians, who are much more liberal thinking than their generation of forefather before them. They have better education and exposure overseas which had changed their thinking and perspective of things in Malaysia.This phenomenon was seen after the 12th general election in 2008 when the ruling party became weaker under the leadership of former premier Tun Abdullah Badawi who had taken over from Tun Mahathir. I believe that when Tun Mahathir became agitated and he had to hand over the reign of governance to Pak Lah after more than 22 years at the helm. However, I believe that Tun Mahathir had made a wrong political decision as he should have handed over the power to Najib Tun Razak in 2003, but fate has it all that the latter had be entrusted with the challenges to rule Malaysia from 2009 and not in 2003. In this context, the expulsion of Anwar Ibrahim, former UMNO Deputy President and Deputy Prime Minister in September 1998, had created a wave of street demonstrations in supporting Anwar Ibrahim who was accused of being involved in the sexual scandal and other corruption charges.
As the result of Anwar's return to politics after he was released from prison in 2004 after 6 years of arrest, due to the judgment of guilt against him for the first sodomy charge, the political situation became more crucial when Anwar's PKR party had merged with DAP and PAS under the lose collation of Pakatan Rakyat in 2004. Thus begin the political crusade of the Malays that had resulted in the political dilemma of the Malays, while the Chinese gathers more support from DAP. The situation today under the rule of Najib had further aggravated due to Anwar's greed for absolute power funded by his foreign agents in order to overthrow the UMNO/BN government by street revolts and demonstrations.
Following the leadership of Najib, Anwar became more agitated and aggressive to unseat Najib and his administration from 2009 until today. In the last 2 years Najib's administration had been under siege with all kind of accusations against Najib and the UMNO/BN government. Today, racial polarization became worst as DAP gathers momentum to win Chinese support at the expense of PAS and PKR. As a result of this sudden political development, the position of MCA, Gerakan continue to and MIC became weaker while the other minority parties in BN are also seen restless for a political awakening within the collation. Under this political circumstance, we could see that racial polarization will certainly divide the nation. Today, the majority of the Chinese will support DAP politics and thus will weaken the position of the Malays and placed them in a political dilemma.
In the final political analysis, I do not think that PAS is happy or comfortable with the new emergence of DAP's super power in gathering the confidence of the Chinese voters. The Chinese is moving fast towards supporting DAP politics and they will slowly abandon MCA and Gerakan. However, is the Malays themselves still supporting UMNO and forsaking PAS which had been using the Islamic slogan in their politics to the dislike of the majority Malays? Who is the Malay Godfather in politics? It is either UMNO or PAS but certainly not PKR. In the wake of the Malay political dilemma, it is sensible for the Malays to be more united via new political engagement with PAS, while the Chinese had already favoring DAP politics. In this context, UMNO and PAS should merge in order to strengthen the political position of the Malays within the next few years.
This new political dimension will not materialize after the 13th general election expected to be held within the 1st quarter of 2013 where BN is expected to be voted back in power. I believe within the next 5 to 10 years, Malaysia will be ready for a two party political system comprising the majority Chinese supporting DAP politics while the Malay UMNO will once again merge with the PAS Malays. In other words, the Chinese Malaysians will be on one side of the political pole and the Malays on the other, while the rest of the minorities will not be marginalized.On the other hand, I do not see any danger with a two party system of politics with the leadership of the new generation in the year 2020. However, Najib should now prepare for the ground in order to change the mind set of the people as he had gathered enough Chinese and Indians to support all his transformation programs that will benefit all Malaysian within the next 5 years.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
The Three Faces of Anwar Ibrahim
THE THREE FACES OF ANWAR IBRAHIM
Looking back on some of my files on Anwar Ibrahim, there have been many attempts to write about the sensational political life of Anwar Ibrahim the elected MP for Permatang Pauh and Opposition Leader in Malaysia's current Parliament. The current parliamentary sitting ends in April, 2013 under the leadership and governance of prime minister Najib Tun Razak when he took over the reign from Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the most crucial time of Malaysia's political future in April, 2009.
In this topic entitled "the three faces of Anwar Ibrahim" it is my intention to focus on Anwar's political future based on the readings of his changing faces over the last few years, from the time he was dismissed by Tun Dr. Mahathir who was also responsible to bring Anwar into the government in the late 70s. The first face of Anwar Ibrahim had been dealt with during his political formation years in heading the ABIM (Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement) which he had built up together with some of the notable leaders like Sanusi Junid and Prof. Nawawi Ghazali. Anwar is a "Fire Pig" in the Chinese zodiac and is highly ambitious though a risk taker in whatever he does as long as he gets to the final destination of his chosen career. Anwar had very high hope that he could used ABIM to neutralize his position within the UMNO leadership when he was brought into the fold of the party. However, as history dictates, Anwar had failed to garner sufficient support to wrest the powerful leadership of Tun Mahathir that had finally led to his political downfall in September 1998. The rest is history but Anwar's ambition to become the next prime minister is still glowing under the current Najib administration in the face of the coming 13th general election expected before the end of this year.
The second face of Anwar Ibrahim is the continuation of Anwar's political struggle to capture Putrajaya based on his success in helping Pakatan Rakyat in caputring Sealngor, Perak, Penang and Kedah in the 2008 general election. Perak however was short life for Pakatan due to the power struggle between DAP and PKR which was eventually recaptured by Barisan Nasional after hardly one year of Pakatan's reign.
Politically speaking Anwar had lost political ground when former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was forced to hand over the UMNO leadership and government to Najib Tun Razak in April 2009. Najib was also Anwar's contemporary in UMNO politics and I had always believe that Anwar had lost his bid for the UMNO Presidency and the coveted post of prime minister even though Najib has yet to secure his own political mandate in UMNO. In the last few years, Najib has been able to consolidate his power in UMNO and most of his friends and also political enemies within the party had rallied solidly behind Najib, including the current deputy President Muhyiddin Yassin. Politically speaking, it's really Najib's gain with the continued strong support of Tun Dr. Mahathir and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah that will end Anwars's ambition to take over the coveted position as the 7th Malaysian prime minister after PRU13.
The third face of Anwar Ibrahim will see the gradual decline of Anwar's political leadership within the Pakatan, as the anointed leader that will further suffer due to the ongoing power struggle between PKR, DAP and PAS. It is very clear that Pakatan was only a political marriage by convenience since 2008 and they have yet to prove that they had been successful in heading the state administration of Perak, Penang and Kedah. Politically, only Kelantan under the rule of PAS remains strong but it is also expected to fall into the reign of BN as UMNO is getting stronger in the Northern Eastern State. There is very little opportunity for PKR, DAP and PAS to work on a concerted political platform in their quest to capture Putrajaya or even trying to retain their rule in Selangor and Kedah, which BN is expected to recapture the two important states.
Finally, Anwar Ibrahim will remain in the lull of Malaysia's next political power under the leadership of Najib Tun Razak. However, Anwar will not see his political demise in the coming years although he is in his mid 60s and much older than Najib, his number one political opponent. On the contrary and based on Anwar's ongoing legal tussles, he may have to serve his jail terms if convicted on his Sodomy II case with Saiful Bahari and also some of the renewed corruption cases against him, that had involved the flow of large foreign political funds received from some of the notable NGOs from the Western power, US, Germany and Turkey.Anwar is the suspected prime mover of this espionage through his previous extensive networking with the foreign power when he was the former DPM and Finance Minister, especially through his CIA connection with the United States of America, which had been instrumental to overthrow the current BN government under the leadership of Najib Tun Razak, although our current bilateral relations with President Obama is expected to be stronger given the current US political situation to re-elect Obama for another term of office.
Looking back on some of my files on Anwar Ibrahim, there have been many attempts to write about the sensational political life of Anwar Ibrahim the elected MP for Permatang Pauh and Opposition Leader in Malaysia's current Parliament. The current parliamentary sitting ends in April, 2013 under the leadership and governance of prime minister Najib Tun Razak when he took over the reign from Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the most crucial time of Malaysia's political future in April, 2009.
In this topic entitled "the three faces of Anwar Ibrahim" it is my intention to focus on Anwar's political future based on the readings of his changing faces over the last few years, from the time he was dismissed by Tun Dr. Mahathir who was also responsible to bring Anwar into the government in the late 70s. The first face of Anwar Ibrahim had been dealt with during his political formation years in heading the ABIM (Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement) which he had built up together with some of the notable leaders like Sanusi Junid and Prof. Nawawi Ghazali. Anwar is a "Fire Pig" in the Chinese zodiac and is highly ambitious though a risk taker in whatever he does as long as he gets to the final destination of his chosen career. Anwar had very high hope that he could used ABIM to neutralize his position within the UMNO leadership when he was brought into the fold of the party. However, as history dictates, Anwar had failed to garner sufficient support to wrest the powerful leadership of Tun Mahathir that had finally led to his political downfall in September 1998. The rest is history but Anwar's ambition to become the next prime minister is still glowing under the current Najib administration in the face of the coming 13th general election expected before the end of this year.
The second face of Anwar Ibrahim is the continuation of Anwar's political struggle to capture Putrajaya based on his success in helping Pakatan Rakyat in caputring Sealngor, Perak, Penang and Kedah in the 2008 general election. Perak however was short life for Pakatan due to the power struggle between DAP and PKR which was eventually recaptured by Barisan Nasional after hardly one year of Pakatan's reign.
Politically speaking Anwar had lost political ground when former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was forced to hand over the UMNO leadership and government to Najib Tun Razak in April 2009. Najib was also Anwar's contemporary in UMNO politics and I had always believe that Anwar had lost his bid for the UMNO Presidency and the coveted post of prime minister even though Najib has yet to secure his own political mandate in UMNO. In the last few years, Najib has been able to consolidate his power in UMNO and most of his friends and also political enemies within the party had rallied solidly behind Najib, including the current deputy President Muhyiddin Yassin. Politically speaking, it's really Najib's gain with the continued strong support of Tun Dr. Mahathir and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah that will end Anwars's ambition to take over the coveted position as the 7th Malaysian prime minister after PRU13.
The third face of Anwar Ibrahim will see the gradual decline of Anwar's political leadership within the Pakatan, as the anointed leader that will further suffer due to the ongoing power struggle between PKR, DAP and PAS. It is very clear that Pakatan was only a political marriage by convenience since 2008 and they have yet to prove that they had been successful in heading the state administration of Perak, Penang and Kedah. Politically, only Kelantan under the rule of PAS remains strong but it is also expected to fall into the reign of BN as UMNO is getting stronger in the Northern Eastern State. There is very little opportunity for PKR, DAP and PAS to work on a concerted political platform in their quest to capture Putrajaya or even trying to retain their rule in Selangor and Kedah, which BN is expected to recapture the two important states.
Finally, Anwar Ibrahim will remain in the lull of Malaysia's next political power under the leadership of Najib Tun Razak. However, Anwar will not see his political demise in the coming years although he is in his mid 60s and much older than Najib, his number one political opponent. On the contrary and based on Anwar's ongoing legal tussles, he may have to serve his jail terms if convicted on his Sodomy II case with Saiful Bahari and also some of the renewed corruption cases against him, that had involved the flow of large foreign political funds received from some of the notable NGOs from the Western power, US, Germany and Turkey.Anwar is the suspected prime mover of this espionage through his previous extensive networking with the foreign power when he was the former DPM and Finance Minister, especially through his CIA connection with the United States of America, which had been instrumental to overthrow the current BN government under the leadership of Najib Tun Razak, although our current bilateral relations with President Obama is expected to be stronger given the current US political situation to re-elect Obama for another term of office.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
PM Najib should call for PRU13 within the next few months without further delay.
I have not been updating my own blog code-named MasAgungKL di Scribe for the last few months due to certain work commitments. However, since there had been a lot of media speculations on the date for PRU13 and Najib has been very cautious in his response to the press and gave all kinds of hints that PRU13 could be held anytime from now till April 2013. On the other hand Tun Dr Mahathir had also advised Najib and commented that Najib should complete the present 5 year term in office.I beg to disagree as PRU13 should be called as soon as possible.
However, I believe it's better for Najib to seek his own mandate and call for PRU13 within the next few months. I opined that further delay may not be to the advantage of BN but instead will give more time to the opposition to prepare for their strategy to ensure a good fight against BN.I believe the BN election machinery is already ready and SPR is also on standby, if parliament is dissolved at the end of this current session. Strategically Najib should not wait any longer and go for PRU13 in early July before the Ramadan the earliest or immediately after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration in mid August. Both windows are ideal to hold PRU13 with the good factors before Budget 2013. The budget should also seen as the government's commitment for a good and better governance, if BN is voted into power again in PRU13.PRU13 is Najib's baby and BN should ensure that we can win with a 2/3 majority in the next government in order to endorse Najib's next 5 years in office so that all the GTPs will be implemented in the next few years.
As a party supporter, I am also committed to help UMNO/BN to ensure a sterling victory for Najib and hopefully BN will recapture Selangor and Kedah. I urge all members and party workers in BN to go all out in order to defend BN rule in the national interest. Voting PR with an increased majority will be a suicide for BN which the country could ill-afford. Najib, leader of BN needs a strong mandate for him to sure that his next governance will bring the nation to the next development towards 2020.I believe Najib is a wise leader and will honour his promise to give an equitable recognition to all Malaysians under his 1Malaysia initiative.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Will 1Malaysia slogan create a new political paradigm in the 13th general election?
Many people including former premier Tun Mahathir and other senior politicians from both the political divide had voiced their scepticism against the 1Malaysia concept. Various variations were perceived according to their own interpretations, for or against the 1Malaysia initiative created by prime minister Najib Tun Razak not long after he took office in April 2009. However, there were no significant launch to spearhead the 1Malaysia concept, although there were many related programs and activities through government, private and NGO initiatives.
The real objective behind the 1Malaysia concept is to create an awareness for all Malaysians of various communities, to work and live in total harmony that will lead towards increased patriotism in the present and future generation of Malaysians irrespective of their ethnic origins. However, sadly so Malaysians are not ready to accept the reality of such patriotism even after more than 5o years of our nation's independence. Our political structure is still very much based on ethnic relationship, support and aspirations which the majority are not willing to sacrifice for sake of national interest. As such good government policies and initiatives were often taken for granted and being implemented unfairly in the eyes of patriotic Malaysians. No government legislature is capable enough to check and control these unfair and biased implementation of government projects, that only benefited those who are patronage to selected leaders of the ruling party.
In the words of J. B, Priestley, I quote: " We should behave toward our country as women behave toward the men they love. A loving wife will do anything for her husband except stop criticising and try to improve him. We should cast the same affectionate but sharp glance at our country. We should love it, but also insist upon telling it all its faults. The noisy, empty 'patriot' not the critic, is the dangerous citizen."
Prime minister Najib has his hands full as the 13th general election is to be held within the next 18 months as speculated. The component Barisan Nasional ruling party is not in good shape, as most of its major partners are in political squabble for power or tainted with corrupted leaders. BN in its present political structure is unable to attract the young professionals and educated Malaysians to join the party due to various reasons.
The Malaysian Chinese, in particular are still mistrusting the Malay leadership and their style of politics within the hierarchy of UMNO. The Malays are not ready to accept the Chinese as equal political partner or hold on to the economic supremacy of the nation. However, the Malays should not be in denial that the Chinese had never attempted to question the political power of the Malays, certain Malay and bumiputra privileges, Islam, and also the position of the YDP Agong as enshrined in the Constitution. The Chinese and the other minority of this country had never participated in large scale demonstrations or street revolution in protest against the Malay rights and certain unfair government policies.
Apart from the above mentioned political issues that had been exploited by both sides of the political divide, Najib is also confronted by many unsettled problems that may sabotage his 1Malaysia concept, government transformation plans, political, economic and social transformation that will reduce the level of polarisation of the people based on ethnic considerations rather than absolute meritocracy. Najib has also to appease some of his own political critics and those of his powerful UMNO warlords, that are advocating adverse extremism in their demands for the Malays, at the expense of the non Malays.
In the political arena, Najib has to transform the stereotyped mind set of the extremist Malays within UMNO and also check the recent upsurge of extremism, both in UMNO and also some of the major partners of Barisan Nasional, especially the mistrust of the Malays against MCA. The current leaders in MCA, GERAKAN, MIC, PPP, PBS and SUPP are no longer likened by the people, as most of these leaders are tainted with alleged corruptions, nepotism and had served beyond their time.
It is envisaged that 1Malaysia slogan will create a new political paradigm to induce a favourable political platform for BN in time for the 13th general election. Najib's administration and advisers should be courageous enough to investigate and prosecute high profile corruption cases, without fear or favour and most of all to show its seriousness and result orientated. MACC should be given unquestionable investigation authority and also to be given prosecution power at par with the Attorney General. Severe actions should be taken against the opposition leaders and members who are found blatantly abusing their political rights and freedom, in an outside parliament. The nation will survive if all Malaysians are willing to sacrifice and compromise on reasonable demands that will benefit the country on a long term basis, without any prejudice and suspect from any ethnic group.
Finally, I opined that the 13th general election will also determine the political career of Najib in restoring the fate of Barisan Nasional governance in ruling this country, which has been mauled by some many political, economic and social issues since Najib became the 6th prime minister. Najib will face the biggest challenges of his political career as he attempts to recapture the lost states from the opposition pact as well as to win back a 2/3 majority for the BN rule in the coming general election. Najib will ultimately take the blame and responsibility,should he failed to retain control of Putrajaya for the BN in the next democratically elected government.
The real objective behind the 1Malaysia concept is to create an awareness for all Malaysians of various communities, to work and live in total harmony that will lead towards increased patriotism in the present and future generation of Malaysians irrespective of their ethnic origins. However, sadly so Malaysians are not ready to accept the reality of such patriotism even after more than 5o years of our nation's independence. Our political structure is still very much based on ethnic relationship, support and aspirations which the majority are not willing to sacrifice for sake of national interest. As such good government policies and initiatives were often taken for granted and being implemented unfairly in the eyes of patriotic Malaysians. No government legislature is capable enough to check and control these unfair and biased implementation of government projects, that only benefited those who are patronage to selected leaders of the ruling party.
In the words of J. B, Priestley, I quote: " We should behave toward our country as women behave toward the men they love. A loving wife will do anything for her husband except stop criticising and try to improve him. We should cast the same affectionate but sharp glance at our country. We should love it, but also insist upon telling it all its faults. The noisy, empty 'patriot' not the critic, is the dangerous citizen."
Prime minister Najib has his hands full as the 13th general election is to be held within the next 18 months as speculated. The component Barisan Nasional ruling party is not in good shape, as most of its major partners are in political squabble for power or tainted with corrupted leaders. BN in its present political structure is unable to attract the young professionals and educated Malaysians to join the party due to various reasons.
The Malaysian Chinese, in particular are still mistrusting the Malay leadership and their style of politics within the hierarchy of UMNO. The Malays are not ready to accept the Chinese as equal political partner or hold on to the economic supremacy of the nation. However, the Malays should not be in denial that the Chinese had never attempted to question the political power of the Malays, certain Malay and bumiputra privileges, Islam, and also the position of the YDP Agong as enshrined in the Constitution. The Chinese and the other minority of this country had never participated in large scale demonstrations or street revolution in protest against the Malay rights and certain unfair government policies.
Apart from the above mentioned political issues that had been exploited by both sides of the political divide, Najib is also confronted by many unsettled problems that may sabotage his 1Malaysia concept, government transformation plans, political, economic and social transformation that will reduce the level of polarisation of the people based on ethnic considerations rather than absolute meritocracy. Najib has also to appease some of his own political critics and those of his powerful UMNO warlords, that are advocating adverse extremism in their demands for the Malays, at the expense of the non Malays.
In the political arena, Najib has to transform the stereotyped mind set of the extremist Malays within UMNO and also check the recent upsurge of extremism, both in UMNO and also some of the major partners of Barisan Nasional, especially the mistrust of the Malays against MCA. The current leaders in MCA, GERAKAN, MIC, PPP, PBS and SUPP are no longer likened by the people, as most of these leaders are tainted with alleged corruptions, nepotism and had served beyond their time.
It is envisaged that 1Malaysia slogan will create a new political paradigm to induce a favourable political platform for BN in time for the 13th general election. Najib's administration and advisers should be courageous enough to investigate and prosecute high profile corruption cases, without fear or favour and most of all to show its seriousness and result orientated. MACC should be given unquestionable investigation authority and also to be given prosecution power at par with the Attorney General. Severe actions should be taken against the opposition leaders and members who are found blatantly abusing their political rights and freedom, in an outside parliament. The nation will survive if all Malaysians are willing to sacrifice and compromise on reasonable demands that will benefit the country on a long term basis, without any prejudice and suspect from any ethnic group.
Finally, I opined that the 13th general election will also determine the political career of Najib in restoring the fate of Barisan Nasional governance in ruling this country, which has been mauled by some many political, economic and social issues since Najib became the 6th prime minister. Najib will face the biggest challenges of his political career as he attempts to recapture the lost states from the opposition pact as well as to win back a 2/3 majority for the BN rule in the coming general election. Najib will ultimately take the blame and responsibility,should he failed to retain control of Putrajaya for the BN in the next democratically elected government.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The controversial issue of the official address "First Lady".
It is rather unfortunate that some Malaysians are ignorant of the official title of "First Lady" in the current administration, which officially refers to the wife of the serving prime minister in office. As a retired Malaysian diplomat, I am surprised that the Protocol Division in the Prime Minister's Department as well as the Foreign Ministry had failed to clarify the issue in the interest of the public. Do we expect the wife of the incumbent prime minister to justify herself that "she should be officially or formally addressed as "Malaysia's First Lady"?
I wish to recall that the controversial issue of "First Lady" was officially used by the wife of former prime minister Tun Dr. Mahathir when Tun Siti Hasmah took office as the "First Lady". For the record, nobody had queried or made any negative statement against the official title of "First Lady" at the time of Tun Siti Hasmah. Subsequently, the late wife of former PM Tun Abdullah was also addressed as "First Lady" without any criticism. However, in July, 2007 some unsound spin doctors had openly criticised Tun Jean Abdullah for the controversial use of the formal title as "First Lady".
In recent months, some unsound spin doctors had openly condemned the use of the controversial title as "First Lady" by Datin Seri Rosmah, the incumbent wife of prime minister Najib. I am non partisan but only wish to share my protocol knowledge and social etiquette, so that this issue of "First Lady" should be clarified and resolved for public interest without malice and prejudice. I HAVE ALSO HEARD VERY UNKIND REMARKS AGAINST DATIN SERI ROSMAH FOR THE USE OF THE OFFICIAL ADDRESS AS 'FIRST LADY' IN PUBLIC FUNCTIONS.
The use of the official title 'First Lady' accorded to the wife of the prime minister had been misunderstood by many officials as well as the general public. Malaysia is not a republic like Singapore, Indonesia, USA and some other countries, where the "First Lady" is the wife of the incumbent President in office. In Malaysia, "The First Lady" is the official title of the prime minister's wife, in terms of protocol and etiquette to complement the official status of the Rt Honorable Prime Minister.
Protocol dictates that the wife of the His Majesty YDP Agong is officially addressed as "Her Majesty Permaisuri Agong" and not as"The First Lady" which may have been misunderstood by the public, including some spin doctors. Her Majesty Permaisuri Agong takes precedence over 'The First Lady' in all official and unofficial functions, both locally as well as internationally.
Needless to say, there is nothing wrong or suspicious about the role and the use of the official address of "The First Lady" wife of the prime minister. However, it would be the right protocol and etiquette to officially addressed the wife of the prime minister as "The First Lady or our First Lady" in the presence of foreign guests and dignitaries as a formal official respect to our PM's wife. However, it may not be appropriate to address PM's wife as "The First Lady" in local social functions or even at wedding receptions.
I believe all our former "First Lady" like Tun Siti Hasmah and Tun Jean Abdullah as well as currently Datin Seri Rosmah will not fuss over such a trivial protocol issue, that had never affected their official position as the wife of the Malaysian prime minister and Head of Government.
I wish to recall that the controversial issue of "First Lady" was officially used by the wife of former prime minister Tun Dr. Mahathir when Tun Siti Hasmah took office as the "First Lady". For the record, nobody had queried or made any negative statement against the official title of "First Lady" at the time of Tun Siti Hasmah. Subsequently, the late wife of former PM Tun Abdullah was also addressed as "First Lady" without any criticism. However, in July, 2007 some unsound spin doctors had openly criticised Tun Jean Abdullah for the controversial use of the formal title as "First Lady".
In recent months, some unsound spin doctors had openly condemned the use of the controversial title as "First Lady" by Datin Seri Rosmah, the incumbent wife of prime minister Najib. I am non partisan but only wish to share my protocol knowledge and social etiquette, so that this issue of "First Lady" should be clarified and resolved for public interest without malice and prejudice. I HAVE ALSO HEARD VERY UNKIND REMARKS AGAINST DATIN SERI ROSMAH FOR THE USE OF THE OFFICIAL ADDRESS AS 'FIRST LADY' IN PUBLIC FUNCTIONS.
The use of the official title 'First Lady' accorded to the wife of the prime minister had been misunderstood by many officials as well as the general public. Malaysia is not a republic like Singapore, Indonesia, USA and some other countries, where the "First Lady" is the wife of the incumbent President in office. In Malaysia, "The First Lady" is the official title of the prime minister's wife, in terms of protocol and etiquette to complement the official status of the Rt Honorable Prime Minister.
Protocol dictates that the wife of the His Majesty YDP Agong is officially addressed as "Her Majesty Permaisuri Agong" and not as"The First Lady" which may have been misunderstood by the public, including some spin doctors. Her Majesty Permaisuri Agong takes precedence over 'The First Lady' in all official and unofficial functions, both locally as well as internationally.
Needless to say, there is nothing wrong or suspicious about the role and the use of the official address of "The First Lady" wife of the prime minister. However, it would be the right protocol and etiquette to officially addressed the wife of the prime minister as "The First Lady or our First Lady" in the presence of foreign guests and dignitaries as a formal official respect to our PM's wife. However, it may not be appropriate to address PM's wife as "The First Lady" in local social functions or even at wedding receptions.
I believe all our former "First Lady" like Tun Siti Hasmah and Tun Jean Abdullah as well as currently Datin Seri Rosmah will not fuss over such a trivial protocol issue, that had never affected their official position as the wife of the Malaysian prime minister and Head of Government.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The battle of wits between Penang Chief Minister and State Development Officer
The recent media outburst between Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Nik Ali, the State Development Officer had been highlighted in the last few weeks. Unfortunately, the issue is getting juicy and certainly needs to be resolved properly in the public interest. I hope both parties involved the Federal and State authority should the issues professionally, without fear or favour. As I see it after having analysed the issues raised by Guan Eng and his sparring partner Nik Ali, the matter had been politicised by some concerned penang political warlords from both the political divide. I wonder who actually is telling the truth of the issues, DAP or UMNO?
The Sun reported today that KSN Sidek Hassan clears the air and ironically it is about "the chair issue" that had resulted in the recent flare-up. Lim Guan Eng said it was a non issue concocted by certain individuals to discredit him in order to divert public attention on the scandalous issues that had involved certain state projects that are funded by the Federal government through the office of the SDO.
As reported by Guan Eng, he would not have stood so low in his capacity as a Chief Minister to fuss over a protocol issue, when he was late for an official function in last October and having his chair removed in the first roll of VVIP before his arrival. I believe Guan Eng is the least protocol conscious politician around, and said that he did not make a big deal about it and could be seated somwhere at the back. KSN probably was in a dilemma as Guan Eng had no opportunity to brief him on th real issues that flared up between himself and Nik Ali. I believe the administrative issues should have been handled professionally between the Chief Minister and the SDO authority, even before the intervention of the prime minister himself as well as the KSN.
In conclusion, the following issues raised by the Chief Minister are of public interest, namely the sand theft in Balik Papan, the botanical gardens arches that had been declared unsafe and resulted in the losses of RM150,000 should not be ignored. Under any circumstances, the Chief Minister has the right be involved in the administrative process of the State government and the local authorities within the approved laws and regulations. It is no longer seen as a minor spat between two powerful individuals in their battle of the wits, in order to justify their respective authority but without the political will to resolve the more important issues. Senior civil servants should not be over zealous or challenge the state authority under the administration of the chief Minister, that may affect the political scenario of Penang in the coming PRU13. I believe the DAP will try everything possible to retain it's supreme political base in Penang and BN will continue to destablise the administration of Penang in order to recapture the state in the next election.
The Sun reported today that KSN Sidek Hassan clears the air and ironically it is about "the chair issue" that had resulted in the recent flare-up. Lim Guan Eng said it was a non issue concocted by certain individuals to discredit him in order to divert public attention on the scandalous issues that had involved certain state projects that are funded by the Federal government through the office of the SDO.
As reported by Guan Eng, he would not have stood so low in his capacity as a Chief Minister to fuss over a protocol issue, when he was late for an official function in last October and having his chair removed in the first roll of VVIP before his arrival. I believe Guan Eng is the least protocol conscious politician around, and said that he did not make a big deal about it and could be seated somwhere at the back. KSN probably was in a dilemma as Guan Eng had no opportunity to brief him on th real issues that flared up between himself and Nik Ali. I believe the administrative issues should have been handled professionally between the Chief Minister and the SDO authority, even before the intervention of the prime minister himself as well as the KSN.
In conclusion, the following issues raised by the Chief Minister are of public interest, namely the sand theft in Balik Papan, the botanical gardens arches that had been declared unsafe and resulted in the losses of RM150,000 should not be ignored. Under any circumstances, the Chief Minister has the right be involved in the administrative process of the State government and the local authorities within the approved laws and regulations. It is no longer seen as a minor spat between two powerful individuals in their battle of the wits, in order to justify their respective authority but without the political will to resolve the more important issues. Senior civil servants should not be over zealous or challenge the state authority under the administration of the chief Minister, that may affect the political scenario of Penang in the coming PRU13. I believe the DAP will try everything possible to retain it's supreme political base in Penang and BN will continue to destablise the administration of Penang in order to recapture the state in the next election.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The plight of foreign spouses in Malaysia
Malaysia is a wonderful country to earn a living and also to live comfortably in comparison to most other countries in the region. The nation's security and economic stability provide an ideal environment for many emigrants to enter the country, either legally or illegally through syndicated human trafficking activities that the authority has discovered recently. Although the government does not have an accurate statistics on the actual number of illegal immigrants, it is believe to be in the region of more than 2.5 million people. It is an indirect human capital asset to the government which also provide a reasonable economic impact to the nation's financial resources.
In post independent Malaysia, the issue of citizenship and domiciled permanent residence are being regulated by the provisions as stipulated in the Federal Constitution. However, in the post 1957 era after independence, various steps were taken by the government in approving any outstanding citizenship applications as guaranteed by the Constitution. According to the Constitution, all persons born in 1957 are automatically citizens of Malaysia.
Today, Malaysia like any other countries faces global challenges in the intervention of human rights and transmigration issues as we live beyond the borders of our neighbors. The world is becoming smaller through the rapid and efficiency in communications and ICT global networking. Malaysians travel worldwide to seek better business and professional opportunities as well as in furthering their quest for education excellence. Thousands of Malaysians of all ethnic origin, Chinese, Malays, Indians and others are living, working and studying overseas around the world. The United States of America, England, Canada, Australia and New Zealand top the list of preferred countries for Malaysians in seeking new opportunities. Over the last few decades, thousand of Malaysians decided to adopt foreign citizenship or stayed on as permanent resident.
As a result of the above global integration, intermarriages became a matrimonial trend and resulted in the increase of foreign spouses on their return to Malaysia. It is neither a choice nor preference that these patriotic Malaysians returned to their homeland in order to be with their loved ones and extended families. The majority of these new bred of Malaysians with international exposure are young professionals. Some are also married to foreign spouses who are professionals that may enhance our human capital development for the nation.
It is hope that the government will consider seriously the plight of foreign spouses who are required to apply and obtain their permanent residence. Over and above the security clearance requirements for the consideration of a permanent resident, the government should review the bureaucratic application procedures. In most developed countries, foreign spouses are allowed to seek employment on the basis of work permit while waiting for the outcome of their PR application.
Malaysians who are married to foreign spouses should be given an equal opportunity to enjoy the same social benefits like all other citizens. It is a positive move by the Home Ministry to consider children who are born overseas of mixed Malaysian and foreign parentage, are now considered as citizen upon their birth registration with the Malaysian Embassy or High Commission. Malaysia is now on the right track to resolve our transmigration issues in line with international practice and convention.
In post independent Malaysia, the issue of citizenship and domiciled permanent residence are being regulated by the provisions as stipulated in the Federal Constitution. However, in the post 1957 era after independence, various steps were taken by the government in approving any outstanding citizenship applications as guaranteed by the Constitution. According to the Constitution, all persons born in 1957 are automatically citizens of Malaysia.
Today, Malaysia like any other countries faces global challenges in the intervention of human rights and transmigration issues as we live beyond the borders of our neighbors. The world is becoming smaller through the rapid and efficiency in communications and ICT global networking. Malaysians travel worldwide to seek better business and professional opportunities as well as in furthering their quest for education excellence. Thousands of Malaysians of all ethnic origin, Chinese, Malays, Indians and others are living, working and studying overseas around the world. The United States of America, England, Canada, Australia and New Zealand top the list of preferred countries for Malaysians in seeking new opportunities. Over the last few decades, thousand of Malaysians decided to adopt foreign citizenship or stayed on as permanent resident.
As a result of the above global integration, intermarriages became a matrimonial trend and resulted in the increase of foreign spouses on their return to Malaysia. It is neither a choice nor preference that these patriotic Malaysians returned to their homeland in order to be with their loved ones and extended families. The majority of these new bred of Malaysians with international exposure are young professionals. Some are also married to foreign spouses who are professionals that may enhance our human capital development for the nation.
It is hope that the government will consider seriously the plight of foreign spouses who are required to apply and obtain their permanent residence. Over and above the security clearance requirements for the consideration of a permanent resident, the government should review the bureaucratic application procedures. In most developed countries, foreign spouses are allowed to seek employment on the basis of work permit while waiting for the outcome of their PR application.
Malaysians who are married to foreign spouses should be given an equal opportunity to enjoy the same social benefits like all other citizens. It is a positive move by the Home Ministry to consider children who are born overseas of mixed Malaysian and foreign parentage, are now considered as citizen upon their birth registration with the Malaysian Embassy or High Commission. Malaysia is now on the right track to resolve our transmigration issues in line with international practice and convention.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
