Melayu Boleh

high speed car chase

2009-06-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

A high speed car chase has come to an end in north Dallas after a truck t-boned the car being chased. Police had been following the car back and forth on 635 in Dallas. Apparently, the driver refused to pull over when he officers tried to pull him over for a traffic infraction.

There is speculation as to the condition of the driver now, who reportedly was in contact with the Dallas constables who were chasing him. He was threatening to kill himself.

Reportedly, there were at least 11 units tailing him. After exiting the freeway, the car pulled out into an intersection and was struck by a truck. It continued to roll for a bit. After it stopped, police swarmed the car. They walked away rather than trying to get the driver from the car leading to speculation that he was either seriously injured or dead. After being removed from the car, the driver was taken to a hospital. His condition is unknown.

The driver of the truck was apparently okay as he was walking around after the accident. However, there has been no official report on his condition either.

The truck struck the car in the driver's side door and smashed it in. The truck seemed to be traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the collision and it suffered considerable damage. As this is a breaking story, details are sparse.

protect the welfare and well being of foreign domestic maids.

2009-06-27T03:24:00.000-07:00

Najib: Act fast to check maid abuse

By SIRA HABIBU and LESTER KONG

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has called for swift action to protect the welfare and well being of foreign domestic maids.

Malaysia must give a clear signal that it is serious about tackling issues related to the interest and welfare of maids, he said.

“We must be quick to take action in cases where maids are abused. Legal action taken should be fast and effective.

“We must step up effort to show more caring attitude towards the welfare of the maids,’’ he said.

Najib said this when asked to comment on Indonesia’s move to stop sending maids to Malaysia until measures are in place to protect them.

Najib believes that the measure taken by Indonesia was only temporary.

Asked if Malaysia-bashing was part of election campaign strategy to fish for vote in the run up to the presidential election in Indonesia next month, Najib said matters sensationalised in the media should not be taken as the leaders’ stand.

“Sometimes the media make Malaysia the target (of attack).

“But on the Indonesian leadership perspective, we do not have any problem.

“President SBY (Susilo bambang Yudhoyono) always calls whenever there is a problem.

“So what is important is not that matters have been sensationalised in the media, but the attitude of the Indonesia leadership who wants to forge close ties,’’ he told a press conference after opening the Conference of Christian Mission Schools in Malaysia at St John’s Institution Saturday.

On Manek Urai by-election, Najib said it would be a tough battle as PAS had won the seat by a landslide majority in the last general election.

“We (Barisan Nasional) will be facing a tough battle, but we still have hope of winning,’’ he said.

He also said that Barisan would not dance to the PAS’ campaign strategy.

“What is important to us is to deliver the message to the voters, and show our sincerity in securing a better future for them,’’ he said.

Bersatu dalam kepelbagaian budaya

2009-06-22T23:37:00.000-07:00

Bersatu dalam kepelbagaian budaya

Oleh MUHAMMAD HISYAM MOHAMAD
Satu Malaysia Bersatu

NEGARA kita yang dihuni oleh pelbagai bangsa yang berlainan agama, adat resam dan budaya, usaha untuk melaksana pembangunan bukanlah satu tugas yang mudah. Jadi satu pendekatan khas perlu dikenal pasti. Pada masa yang sama pendekatan tersebut perlulah bersifat berkecuali dan tidak dilihat sebagai menyebelahi mana-mana kumpulan kaum yang terdapat di negara terbabit.

Apa yang jelas, usaha pembangunan akan menjadi mudah jika sesebuah masyarakat itu diikat dengan unsur kesatuan dan perpaduan. Kesatuan ini akan bertambah kukuh jika mereka bergabung di atas dasar saling percaya mempercayai dengan kumpulan masyarakat yang lain.

Di dalam sejarah awal tamadun Islam, unsur kesatuan adalah asas kekuatan kepada sebuah negara yang didiami oleh masyarakat majmuk. Unsur kesatuan ini dititikberatkan oleh pemerintah kerajaan Islam pada masa silam dapat diperhatikan melalui fasal-fasal yang terdapat di dalam Sahifah al-Madinah atau Piagam Madinah.

Madinah pada peringkat awal ketibaan Nabi Muhammad SAW adalah sebuah penempatan yang dihuni oleh masyarakat beragama Islam dan bukan beragama Islam (terutamanya suku-suku Yahudi). Jadi sebagai langkah awal untuk mentadbir sebuah negara yang mempunyai kepelbagaian kaum, Nabi SAW telah mewujudkan satu perlembagaan yang dikenali sebagai Sahifah al-Madinah atau Piagam Madinah

Sahifah al-Madinah yang didraf oleh Rasulullah SAW selaku pengasas dan ketua kerajaan Islami Madinah pada waktu itu mengandungi 47 fasal. Apa yang menarik sekali ialah baginda SAW meletakkan unsur kesatuan dan keperluan merujuk kepada satu perlembagaan yang sama yakni Sahifah al-Madinah itu oleh semua penduduk sebagai dua fasal awal kandungan piagam tersebut.

Berikut adalah Fasal 1 dan Fasal 2 yang dimaksudkan:

Fasal 1 : Dengan nama Allah yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Penyayang: Inilah kitab (Piagam Bertulis) daripada Nabi Muhammad, pesuruh Allah bagi orang yang beriman dan orang yang memeluk agama Islam daripada Quraish dengan penduduk Yathrib dan orang yang bersama mereka lalu masuk ke dalam golongan mereka dan berjuang bersama-sama mereka.

Fasal 2 : Bahawa mereka adalah satu umat (bangsa) berbeza dari manusia lain.

Apa yang terkandung di dalam dua fasal awal piagam ini dapat diterjemahkan sebagai satu penekanan oleh Nabi SAW terhadap unsur kesatuan dan kesepaduan bagi memastikan masyarakat majmuk dapat menikmati satu kehidupan yang harmoni dan bermutu di dalam sesebuah negara.

Selain itu bagi mengelak sebarang prasangka yang boleh menghakis keutuhan perpaduan kaum, Sahifah al-Madinah turut menyenaraikan jaminan perlindungan keselamatan yang sama rata kepada setiap penduduk Madinah termasuklah kaum Yahudi selama mana mereka mematuhi isi kandungan piagam. Ini dapat dilihat di dalam Fasal ke-15 dan Fasal ke-16. Manakala di dalam Fasal 47 pula, mana-mana pihak yang berlaku zalim atau melakukan kesalahan tidak diberi sebarang keistimewaan atau perlindungan di bawah piagam itu.

Apa yang lebih menarik, walaupun penduduk Madinah ini merupakan satu ummah atau satu bangsa, namun di dalam Fasal ke-25 mereka diberi kebebasan untuk mengamalkan anutan masing-masing.

Ini merupakan satu bentuk penghormatan yang diberikan oleh agama Islam kepada penganut agama lain untuk bebas mengamalkan ajaran agama masing-masing tanpa sebarang gangguan atau sekatan daripada pihak pemerintah Muslim.

Bagaimanapun, sebagai imbalan kepada jaminan pelbagai hak yang diberikan oleh pemerintah, para penduduk dikehendaki bertanggungjawab untuk sama-sama berganding bahu menyumbang kepada pembangunan dan kemakmuran bidang-bidang kewangan, ekonomi dan kemasyarakatan.

Pernyataan ini disebut di dalam Fasal ke-37 seperti berikut: Bahawa orang Yahudi hendaklah membiayai negara seperti mana orang mukmin juga hendaklah membiayai negara; dan hendaklah mereka sama-sama tolong-menolong menentang sesiapa jua yang memerangi orang yang menganggotai Piagam ini; dan hendaklah mereka saling nasihat-menasihati, sama-sama membuat kebajikan.

Ini menggambarkan bahawa satu bangsa yang bersatu bukan sahaja berkongsi negara malah mereka juga perlu berkongsi usaha untuk memajukan negara dalam pelbagai bidang kehidupan.

Dalam perkembangan terkini di negara kita, pengenalan pendekatan Satu Malaysia, Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan dilihat sebagai tidak bercanggah dengan semangat kesatuan yang menjadi unsur utama kandungan sahifah yang dibangunkan pada tahun pertama penghijrahan baginda SAW ke kota Madinah.

Selain itu, pendekatan ini turut memperlihatkan unsur-unsur keadilan dan tidak berat sebelah kepada mana-mana pihak menerusi satu jaminan yang diberikan oleh Perdana Menteri kepada rakyat di mana di bawah Satu Malaysia tiada ahli masyarakat akan berasa terpinggir kerana semua pihak tanpa mengira latar belakang agama, sosioekonomi dan budaya dijanjikan satu pembelaan yang sewajarnya oleh pentadbiran Malaysia.

Tidak nampak kewarasan untuk kita menolak pendekatan ini. Ia adalah satu dasar yang amat baik dan patut diberi sokongan padu oleh kita semua bagi memastikan segala matlamat akhir yang disasarkannya iaitu menjelmakan sebuah kerajaan yang mengutamakan pencapaian berpaksikan keutamaan rakyat dapat dijelmakan.

Cuma apa yang perlu kita fikirkan bersama ialah apakah alat-alat yang sesuai yang boleh dijadikan sebagai landasan untuk kita bersatu. Cukupkah dengan janji-janji pemerintah bahawa tiada ahli masyarakat yang akan dipinggirkan dalam arus pembangunan negara dapat menjadikan rakyat Malaysia ini bersatu?

Apakah bentuk-bentuk pelaksanaan yang boleh dilakukan bagi merapatkan hubungan 27 juta penduduk Malaysia yang berbilang bangsa, agama dan adat resam ini?

Penulis ialah Felo Pusat Ekonomi dan Kajian Sosial, Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia

Ngah Ibrahim pejuang pemikir Melayu Boleh

2009-06-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

Ngah Ibrahim

Ngah Ibrahim pejuang pemikir Melayu Boleh ,PENJAJAH Inggeris cuba mengaitkan Ngah Ibrahim Long Jaafar (1836-1895) dengan kematian JWW Birch tetapi tiada bukti kukuh menyebabkan mereka menggunakan muslihat dan menahan pejuang kemerdekaan terawal, intelektual, pemikir dan berwawasan jauh dalam membangunkan ekonomi bangsa Melayu Boleh itu di Singapura.

Ngah Ibrahim akhirnya dijatuhkan hukuman dibuang ke Pulau Seychelles dan dipindahkan ke Sarawak sebelum kembali ke Singapura dan meninggal dunia pada 4 Februari 1895. Jenazahnya dikebumikan di tanah perkuburan Al Junid, Singapura sebelum dibawa pulang ke halamannya pada 2006.

Perbincangan mengenai Ngah Ibrahim sebagai seorang daripada pahlawan serta jutawan Melayu Boleh terkenal pada abad ke-19 di Tanah Melayu tidak perlu dipertikaikan.

Dia orang yang bertanggungjawab membina Kota Ngah Ibrahim, yang kini berusia 150 tahun yang dijadikan pusat pentadbiran bersilih ganti diletakkan di bawah pemerintahan British, Jepun hinggalah akhirnya diserahkan kepada Jabatan Muzium dan Antikuiti pada 1985 untuk dijadikan Kompleks Sejarah Matang.

Kawasan kota itu dibina menggunakan batu bata yang dicampur simen lama dikenali Lime Motar dan mempunyai menara kawalan utara dan selatan, pelabuhan Melawati, kubur, tugu peringatan kemasukan tentera Jepun.

Bahkan, tembok yang runtuh akibat rempuhan pesawat Jepun yang terhempas di situ ketika Perang Dunia Kedua dikekalkan sebagai bahan sejarah. Pada tembok itu terdapat satu lubang kecil pada jarak setiap lima kaki dipercayai bagi tujuan pertahanan Melayu Boleh.

Kota Ngah Ibrahim yang dijadikan Kompleks Sejarah Matang.

Ini kerana, Ngah Ibrahim pernah melantik Kapten Speedy mengetuai pasukan polis mengawal kubu berkenaan terdiri daripada orang Melayu Boleh dan tentera Gurkha.

Di satu sudut berhampiran menara selatan, terdapat satu perigi lama yang digali semula oleh arkeologi dan hasilnya membuktikan seni bina yang menarik. Susunan bata diletak dengan tiga corak iaitu melintang, menegak dan bentuk V atau tulang belut.

Airnya masih banyak dan jernih, tetapi pengunjung tidak dibenarkan memijak batu bata di situ bagi mengelakkan runtuhan.

Ahmad Sazali berkata, kubu itu pada asalnya terletak berhampiran sungai tetapi kini sungai itu menjadi sempit dan langsung tidak digunakan.

Lakaran Kota Ngah Ibrahim di era kegemilangan pemerintahan yang turut menempatkan pelabuhan.

“Ngah Ibrahim mempunyai empat kapal iaitu dua kapal layar dinamakan Bahtera Bayu dan Indera Bayu yang prestasinya lebih hebat daripada Kapal Pluto yang menjadi lokasi Perjanjian Pangkor pada 1874 serta serta dua kapal stim,” katanya.

Di dalam kompleks dua tingkat itu juga mengandungi pelbagai artifak sejarah termasuk tinggalan aktiviti perlombongan, sistem pemerintahan, mahkamah, senjata dan agak menarik ialah replika Si Larut, iaitu gajah milik Long Jaafar yang dikatakan menemui bijih timah ketika berkubang di Larut.

Kota Ngah Ibrahim jadi kompleks sejarah

KOMPLEKS sejarah Matang, Perak yang terletak di Matang (dulu dikenali sebagai Permatang) di Mukim Bukit Gantang, Perak dibina oleh Ngah Ibrahim yang bergelar Orang Kaya Menteri Paduka Tuan.

Beliau adalah anak kepada Che Long Jaafar, iaitu orang Melayu Boleh pertama yang membuka perusahaan lombong bijih timah di Larut, Matang dan Selama pada 1840.

Kompleks ini adalah sebuah bangunan yang dijadikan rumah, kota dan pusat pentadbiran Larut dan ditempatkan di kawasan seluas 0.8094 hektar. Bangunan ini dibina hanya menggunakan bahan daripada batu bata saja.

Selepas Ngah Ibrahim meninggal dunia di Singapura pada 4 Februari 1895, kota ini diletakkan di bawah pengawasan Inggeris sehinggalah ia dijadikan Maktab Perguruan Melayu Boleh Matang pada 1913 hingga 1922.

Selepas itu, ia dijadikan sebagai Sekolah Melayu pada 1923 hingga 1941. Semasa pendudukan Jepun di Tanah Melayu (1942 hingga 1945), ia berperanan sebagai markas tentera Jepun. Apabila Jepun menyerah kalah dan berakhirnya Perang Dunia Kedua pada 1946, rumah itu dijadikan semula sebagai Sekolah Melayu (1946 hingga 1983).

Kota ini dijadikan Kompleks Sejarah Matang hingga sekarang mulai 1985 selepas ia diserahkan kepada Jabatan Muzium dan Antikuiti.

Koleksi dan galeri:

Terdiri daripada semua jenis artifak berkaitan kronologi penubuhan kompleks.

Pameran tetap:

Kronologi penubuhan bangunan

Penggunaan bangunan bermula keluarga Che Long Jaafar, Ngah Ibrahim, pemerintahan Inggeris, Pendudukan Jepun, Maktab Latihan Perguruan Melayu Matang dan Sekolah Melayu

Hari dan masa lawatan:

Setiap hari bermula jam 9 pagi hingga 5 petang (kecuali Hari Raya Aidilfitri dan Aidiladha)

Bayaran:

Percuma

Tempat menarik berhampiran:

Hutan Paya Bakau Matang

Mahkamah Pertama Perak

Makam Dato; Sagor

Masjid Tengku Menteri

Lokasi:

Terletak di Matang, Mukim Bukit Gantang, daerah Taiping, Perak

Kira-kira 30 minit perjalanan dari Bandar Taiping

Kira-kira 8 kilometer dari Bandar Taiping.

Biodata Ngah Ibrahim:

Dilahirkan pada 1836 di Bukit Gantang, Perak dan kawasan kelahirannya adalah daerah pemerintahan bapanya, Long Jaafar pada zaman kegemilangannya sehingga pembinaan Kota Long Jaafar.

Ngah Ibrahim adalah anak hasil perkahwinan Long Jaafar Datuk Paduka Setia Long Abdul Latif dengan Cik Ngah Pura Datuk Panglima Bukit Gantang Seri Amar Diraja Alang Alaiddin.

Long Jaafar adalah pengusaha bijih timah terkenal bermula pada 1840. Beliau juga pengusaha ladang tebu di Kerian dan Bagan Tiang serta pengusaha ladang kopi di Assam Kumbang, Taiping.

Melayu Boleh Hebat

A rare and unique elective monarchy Melayu Boleh

2009-06-13T01:21:00.000-07:00

Malaysia’s monarchy Melayu Boleh system is one of the few true elective monarchies compared to the hereditary system practised by many other countries in the world.

In a hereditary monarchy, the office of sovereign, who is of royal lineage, is passed from family member to another upon the death or abdication of the incumbent.

However, in Malaysia, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong can come from any one of the nine hereditary rulers from the Malay States Melayu Boleh.

The next King is determined by the Conference of Rulers through a rotation system originally based on seniority, and varied by the Conference, whose decision is made via a secret ballot among its members.

Each King will hold office for a five-year term before the next ballot is conducted.

Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong, borrowed the idea from Negri Sembilan history, where the chiefs from all nine regions took turns to be the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, and suggested the rotation system.

The Conference of Rulers was formally instituted in 1948, as a result of the British design to replace the Council of Rulers of the Federated Malay States, which was first convened in Kuala Kangsar in 1897, according to www.malaysianmonarchy.org.my.

The Council, chaired by the British High Commissioner, only comprised the Malay Rulers from Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Pahang.

With the establishment of the Conference of Rulers, all nine Malay Rulers met for the first time on Aug 31, 1948.

The Conference of Rulers elect the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from one of the nine rulers in accordance with the procedure spelt out in the Third Schedule of the Federal Constitution; and the rules of the Conference.

Only the Rulers are allowed to vote, and by custom, the most senior Ruler is elected.

However, the procedure is no longer adhered to since the Rulers of all states had their turns to be elected.

The Constitution provides that a Ruler is not eligible to be elected as Yang di-Pertuan Agong if he is a minor, or has notified the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal that he did not wish to be elected.

The Conference of Rulers can also, by secret ballot, resolve that a Ruler is unsuitable by reason of infirmity of mind or body or for any other cause, to exercise the functions of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The resolution can only be carried if at least five members of the Conference have voted in favour of it.

During the election process, the nominee must obtain a majority of five votes before the Ruler presiding over the Election Meeting offers the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to him.

The Conference will then declare the Ruler as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who will hold office for a term of five years Melayu Boleh.

Sukan platform terbaik capai gagasan satu Malaysia

2009-06-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

Sukan platform terbaik capai gagasan satu Malaysia

Penganjuran sukan di peringkat jabatan khususnya di kalangan warga Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) dapat membentuk perpaduan yang lebih erat bagi menjayakan gagasan satu Malaysia seperti yang disarankan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Ketua Polis Negara Tan Sri Musa Hassan berkata oleh itu warga PDRM perlu berusaha memelihara hubungan baik yang sedia terjalin itu agar ia dapat menjadi teladan kepada anggota masyarakat pelbagai kaum di negara ini.

Hubungan antara kaum dalam pasukan adalah baik dan mereka mampu bekerjasama sebagai satu pasukan bagi menjaga keselamatan dan ketenteraman awam negara,” katanya.

Teks ucapannya disampaikan oleh Ketua Penolong Pengarah Pengurusan Perjawatan Bukit Aman, SAC 11 Datuk Muhammad Nadzri Ismail semasa menutup kejohanan boling padang dan bola jaring Piala Ketua Polis Negara di sini, petang semalam.

Musa berkata, selain mengeratkan perpaduan, melalui kejohanan sukan itu ia merupakan tempat bagi mencungkil bakat baru di kalangan warga pasukan untuk diketengahkan di peringkat kebangsaan dan seterusnya antarabangsa. - Melayu Boleh Berjaya

Show appreciation for Satu Malaysia concept

2009-06-11T10:38:00.000-07:00

Show appreciation for Satu Malaysia concept

The Yang diPertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, Saturday called on the people to show appreciation for the Satu Malaysia concept introduced as an extension of government efforts to grow national unity sown at the time of the nation’s independence more than 50 years ago.

He said every citizen had a huge responsibility in this undertaking because it was the people themselves who determined the rise and fall of a nation.

Tuanku Mizan said he hoped that Malaysians would continue to maintain unity and share their blessings and responsibilities as this was something unique and a source of their strength.

“I am very happy because the people have demonstrated that they are able to live in an atmosphere of harmony and mutual respect given the diversity of race, ethnicity, religion, culture and lifestyle,” he said at the investiture at Istana Negara in conjunction with his birthday.

Tuanku Mizan also said that he was happy that the Satu Malaysia concept introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was based on the principle of “People First, Performance Now“. Tuanku Mizan also said that the government should continue to improve the national administrative and implementation machinery, which served as the pulse of national development, to provide the best service for the well-being of the people.

He said he hoped that the benefits of the two economic stimulus packages launched by the government would reach the target groups.

He said he also believed that the government would be able to use prudence in stepping up efforts to balance economic development with social needs to bring about peace and prosperity for the people so that no race or group, including women, youths, the elderly and the handicapped, was neglected.

“In fact, existing government policies have provided for social balance among the people of various races with a prudent economic development strategy. I am happy that the number of people yet to enjoy the benefits of national development is shrinking,” he said.

Tuanku Mizan also wanted the young generation in the country to equip themselves with all kinds of knowledge and skills to inherit the invaluable asset of a nation of pride and respect that had been shaped by the government.

The king said he was happy that the national leadership transition in April had proceeded smoothly and congratulated Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on his appointment as the prime minister.

He said Najib had demonstrated dynamic leadership and commitment since his appointment as the prime minister.

Tuanku Mizan also thanked former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for his leadership and services to the nation.

Earlier, at the Dataran Merdeka, Tuanku Mizan and the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Nur Zahirah, witnessed the trooping of the colours by the armed forces.

The ceremony was to pay homage to the Yang diPertuan Agong as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces Melayu Boleh.

Their Majesties were accorded the honour of a 21-gun salute and a fly-past by five armed forces’ helicopters carrying the flags of Malaysia, the armed forces and its three branches.

Tuanku Mizan inspected a guard-of-honour mounted by 22 officers and 546 men of the army, navy and air force, accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal and head of the guardofhonour Lt Col Nazim Mohd Alim.

Their Majesties then witnessed the trooping of the colours in full military tradition as the military bank played patriotic music.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and their wives were also present at the ceremony Melayu Boleh.

Public apathy worrying Melayu Boleh

2009-06-10T01:11:00.000-07:00

Public apathy worrying Melayu Boleh

Most switch off when the topic switches to politics. They find it more prudent to make money than risk careers opposing the government.

DR GEH Min has never voted in a general election since Singa-pore became a self-governing state 50 years ago.

The former president of The Nature Society, who mentioned this in a seminar, said that non-participation in the voting process was depriving Singaporeans of diversity and choice.

The story of Dr Geh, a nominated MP, is not unique. It is shared by more than half the electorate.

These non-voters were not disenfranchised, but merely the casualties of a regular feature in Singapore politics – the election walkovers.

During the last four general elections, an average of 54% of Parliament seats were uncontested.

In 2006, voters in 37 wards out of 84 constituencies were mere spectators.

Earlier, in 1991, 1997 and 2001, the percentages of walkovers against total contested seats were 50.4%, 56.4% and 65.4%, respectively.

Why is this economically advanced city so backward in political development?

Public apathy is one reason. People prefer making money than going into politics, let alone risk their careers by opposing the government.

Realising this, the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) offers large financial inducements to attract top candidates, something no opposition party can match.

There is, however, a bigger reason. It is the government’s history of crackdowns on political opponents and laws that make it tough for the opposition to fight – let alone win – an election.

Some political tinkering may be in the offing.

It comes as Singapore marks its 50th year of existence as a modern state since Britain granted it self-government in 1959 under Lee Kuan Yew.

It is a historical landmark. Last week, national TV began running parts of a documentary called A State of Mind that depicted its journey to the present.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the changes that could result in a bigger election turnout and a greater opposition role in Parliament.

Compared to past practices of building obstacles, the new measures are a refreshing and encouraging development.

The most significant is the reduction of the Group Representation Constituency (GRC), which is a major cause for the poor election participation.

The number of single wards will be increased from nine to 12 (the demand is for all of them), while multiple-MPs constituencies will be capped at five instead of the present six.

Another is an increase in the number of non-elected MPs (NCMPs) from three to nine in the event of a poor opposition showing.

This means that, for example, if the opposition were to win only three seats, six of its best losers could go in as NCMPs – but without being able to vote on major issues.

The GRC system was started in 1988 with the first three-candidate GRC aimed at ensuring minority representation in Parliament. It groups three stipulated wards into one by adding up their votes.

The fear 20 years ago – not without justification – was over the possibility of Chinese voting along racial lines and keeping out Malay and Indian candidates.

Since then, it has moved some distance away from this aim as GRCs began to expand from three to six MPs.

Each expansion spelled more gloom to opposition politics and more PAP candidates were declared winners on Nomination Day.

In 2006, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong admitted that the system would help new PAP candidates to win.

The changes are unlikely to alter the political landscape. The ruling party continues to outgun the fractious opposition.

Although the recession-hit electorate has of late displayed unhappiness over a series of mistakes and unpopular decisions made by the PAP, there is no sign of mass disaffection.

The cloud of apathy and lack of public interest in cooperating with it, however, can be very damaging to the nation after Minister Mentor Lee is no longer around.

Despite its history of past achievements, surprisingly not many of the ruling scholar-class elites are particularly liked by the public.

After a generation of top-down government, many Singaporeans are apathetic and have little interest in the government or what it does.

A survey conducted by a body affiliated to the government found that:

■ Some 63.4% of Singaporeans knew little or nothing about the Constitution and the organs of state.

■ Two-thirds, or more than 66%, of Singaporeans believed that they had little or no influence at all on national issues.

■ A whopping 92.7% had never given feedback to the Government, and 94.9% had never written letters to a newspaper.

■ And 94.5% don’t know what it’s like to sign a petition.

Institute of South-East Asian Studies fellow Terence Chong said most Singaporeans tend to automatically “switch off” when it comes to matters related to politics.

Letter writer David Cai suggested that the government had an image problem and should take stronger measures to shed its totalitarian image.

Unless this was done, people would continue to feel marginalised, disenchanted and estranged from decision-making, he added.

Singaporean Faye Tan, a 37-year-old mother of two, admitted to a reporter that she did not know who her MP was.

“I’ve never met him before. Unless you have issues, you probably won’t bother to find out,” she said.

Political scientists view the disinterest as a worrying development for this young nation.

“For a strong nation, government and people must work together to compete with the world and stay on top of world problems, especially in security.”

His second thought Melayu Boleh: “Will this public apathy make Singapore easy meat for a foreign predator?”

Our Common Vision Obama Melayu Boleh

2009-06-09T01:01:00.000-07:00

OBAMA’S Melayu Boleh speech in Cairo has many lessons for 1Malaysia. One must admit that no nation can be more plural than the US.

It is unique in its racio-ethnic diversity and everything that comes with people and their groups – stock/genes/colour, language, culture, religion, customs, traditions, dress, food in all their permutations.

But out of all these diversities has emerged one nation — America — and one nationality — American. Because of their magnitude and numbers, America and the Americans represent the best and the worst of humanity.

The best in its ideals of democracy, freedom and equality and the worst in these same ideals when distorted and manipulated by self-serving interests. But then, where is there a nation and a people that is not self-serving?

One can argue that as a nation, China has magnitude and numbers, too.

However, one can quickly add that China’s population is more homogenous and its people more genetically similar.

1Malaysia shares with America the dream of unity out of diversity. The vision of one nationality out of peoples whose forefathers settled in the Malay Melayu Boleh Archipelago and the Malay Peninsula from the outlying regions and from as far away as Europe, Saudi Arabia, India and China throughout history.

There were waves of migration bringing in waves of migrants at different periods of history from as early as the third century.

The most significantly recent wave that brought big numbers of migrants from China, India and the Indonesian islands arrived with the opening of Penang and Singapore in the late 18th and early 19th century.

One can say that the forefathers of most present day Malaysians are traceable to these arrivals.

So Malaysia is younger than America, its people not as racially diverse as America’s huge European, African, Asian, Arab and Jewish communities.

But efforts to unite diverse communities with diverse needs remain a crucial part of the American dream as they are with the Malaysian one. America does this wisely and systematically through a common language, a common education system, a common constitution and law.

Lately common national pursuits like the fight against terrorism and the pledge to uphold democracy at home and abroad have united the American people and given them a relevant impetus and a modern identity as a nation.

No doubt Malaysia is puny compared to gigantic America. But as a people, no matter how small our numbers are, how trivial our needs and interests we can have common dreams, aspirations and goals. What we all want after all is a place in the sun – the Malaysian sun Melayu Boleh!

Indeed, Malaysians can gather hope from Obama’s speech, from the firm promises, strong warnings and veiled threats.

What I take as my guiding light is Obama’s urgings to move forward and not let history and the past stop us in our tracks.

We can’t erase history but we can definitely remove the baggage of hate, vindictiveness and prejudice that has taken over our puny minds, hearts and souls.

Malaysians of all ethnicities can be generous and magnanimous and share the cake that we all have painstakingly baked. E Pluribus Unum! One Malaysia Melayu Boleh!

Melayu Boleh:Seeking contenders for Malaysian Film Festival

2009-06-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

Melayu Boleh:Seeking contenders for Malaysian Film Festival

The 22nd Malaysian Film Festival is calling for entries for its animation, documentaries, short films and digital films categories.

MANY are surprised the Malaysian Film Festival has been running for 22 long years and expanding its scope to keep up with modern times. Still, its high-tech categories are still sorely lacking in entries.Melayu Boleh

“We have enough entries for the main category feature films which are full-length movies shown in cinemas. But for whatever reason, Malaysian Film Festival is still lacking entries in animation, documentaries, short films and digital films,” says actress-producer Nancie Foo, who won the Most Promising Actress in the 2nd Merak Kayangan Malaysian Film Festival in 1981. She has been appointed Chairman of Entries and Jury for the past three years.Melayu Boleh

“Full-length movies always attract the highest number of entries and so far we have 24 films competing for the coveted Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor/Actress awards. There are 13 awards for Feature Films under Anugerah Perdana, and 12 awards under Anugerah Cipta.”

There are five special Jury Awards including Veteran Artiste, Behind the Scene and Highest Grossing Ticket Sales in the box office last year.Melayu Boleh

New category: ‘This year there will be a new award for Best Comedy as many of the entries are slanted towards comedy or light-hearted drama,’ says Nancie Foo.

“Feature films are seen as the more important and glamorous since they form the bulwark of any country’s film industry. But this year there will be a new award for ‘Best Comedy’ as many of the entries are slanted towards comedy or light-hearted drama.Melayu Boleh

“The more niche categories attract less attention and fewer entries. We have been contacting college students, young producers from advertising agencies, government universities, private institutes as well as production houses and even TV stations. Strangely, most seem unaware of the Film Festival despite our advertisements and posters. Our TV promotions will be out soon.”

Some have lamented this is a “Malay movie fest” as the current line-up of 24 films are all Malay movies.Melayu Boleh

“The Malaysian movie industry is still very small and tends to cater to Malay movies simply because it is impossible to compete with American blockbusters that may cost RM200mil for each film! Which Malaysian company can come up with such financing to produce non-Bahasa Malaysia or BM movies to be on par in terms of script, direction and star appeal?” sighs Foo.

“Of course we do have a handful of non-Bahasa Malaysia movies but the Film Festival requires a minimum of five entries for the Chinese, Indian or English movies. If we have enough, then there will be a special category for vernacular movies Melayu Boleh.

“Almost all Indian movies come from Bollywood while Hong Kong churns out the best Cantonese or Mandarin movies. Malaysian film producers usually don’t even bother trying to compete with such established leaders. Luckily we still have some brave and intrepid producers willing to risk producing such films with Malaysian identity even though it is a non-BM movie.”

For the first time, the Malaysian Film Festival will be held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah this year, from Aug 5 to 8.

For the past three years, Astro was the broadcaster but now RTM has taken over and the entire event will be beamed live which will reach a much bigger audience. Organised by Gafim (Federation of Screen Guilds of Malaysia) and PFM (Malaysian Film Producers Association) and supported by Information, Communications and Culture Ministry, the Sabah State Government and Kota Kinabalu City Hall, this year’s extravaganza is estimated to cost under RM3mil Melayu Boleh.

Last year’s jury for feature films consisted of five judges but this year the festival will revert to the usual seven.

“It may seem glamorous and exciting to be a judge but let me tell you it is practically a full-time job and not a piece of cake as most think. The judges are ‘quarantined’ in a hotel’s screening hall for 10 to 12 days. They begin viewing movies from 9am till evening and have to watch three to four movies a day. It is not easy after the first few days as you tend to suffer from sensory overload. After each movie, notes are taken and the judges usually discuss its merits and flaws. If necessary the movie can be replayed for the final judging. So it is very taxing and judges must be dedicated industry players.”Melayu Boleh.

Not any movie addict qualifies.

“We need judges well-versed in the local movie industry who are respected so their decisions carry weight. Of course these are people who have busy careers and their time is money so we do give them allowances to compensate for their time, effort and expertise,” says Foo.

Last year’s judges were Pansha (producer/director), Suraya Al-Atas (journalist), Dr Fuziah Kartini (lecturer), Adman Salleh (director/lecturer) and Ahmad Yatim (actor/lecturer). Of course this year’s list of judges is top secret.Melayu Boleh.

Each category has its own panel of judges. “Judges for animation and digital must have knowledge of computer technology to know how easy or difficult it was to create them.”

For those who think their feature movie, animation, documentary, short film or digital film stands a shot at the 22nd Malaysian Film Festival, contact Rafidah Shariff at the Malaysia Film Festival Secretariat (tel: 03-4104 1404) or get more information at www.sinemamalaysia.com.my.Melayu Boleh

Melayu Boleh:Datukship from ‘Sultan Kudarat of Mindanao’ on offer for the right price

2009-05-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

Melayu Boleh:Datukship from ‘Sultan Kudarat of Mindanao’ on offer for the right price

Not many may know that a nondescript office lot in Pandan Mewah, Kuala Lumpur, is the place to head to for those seeking “fame and fortune”.Melayu Boleh

Enter the office on the first floor of the building and the walls are adorned with framed photographs of a man with distinguished people, numerous newspaper cuttings and his doctorate.

'Formal application': The forms and accompanying information for the 'purchase' of a datukship.Melayu Boleh

Upon closer look, one cannot help but notice that in some photographs, the image of the person seems to have been superimposed on a picture of VIPs.

The doctorate is in social anthropology from Wisconsin International University.

The university has campuses in several countries but, despite its name, none in the United States.

The man in the pictures is a “Datuk Seri” who deems himself as the go-between for those seeking Datukship from Sultan Kudarat, said to be a Mindanao sultanate but may in fact not exist.

Posing as “assistants” seeking information for a rich Sabah towkay who was interested in getting a Datukship, we managed to get a meeting with the Datuk Seri after several attempts.

The door of the office bears the name of a foundation which the Datuk Seri heads.Melayu Boleh

However, there was no sign indicating that the office had anything to do with Sultan Kudarat or any other royalty for that matter.

Modest address: The office where a datukship can be obtained is located in this building in Pandan Mewah, Kuala Lumpur.

Just inside, there was a female clerk seated at a simple desk. She was the one who attended to us when we entered the office.Melayu Boleh

There were two rooms, one occupied by the Datuk Seri and another by a person claiming to be a graphic artist with the name Encik Zul. It was Encik Zul whom we spoke to to make an appointment with the Datuk Seri.

We were then led into his office. He was seated behind a desk with a laptop and greeted us when we entered the room.

He gave us his business card but did not ask for ours. In fact, he did not even ask for our names.

He then proceeded to give us details of the various awards which he could arrange for our towkay, together with the respective prices.Melayu Boleh.

“It depends on how much contribution you can make to the Mindanao province,” he said.

He added that he was the events consultant for the Royal Mindanao Malaysian Friendship Society which he said was responsible for the conferment of titles. The society, which he said was registered in the Philippines, was 10 years old.

He then told us that the society has 2,000 members, all recipients of awards from the Mindanao sultanate.

The awards were all conferred by a Sultan Pax S. Mangudadatu, Al Haj. A huge portrait of the sultan hung from the wall in the room.Melayu Boleh

“The sultan is a genuine member of royalty. You only need to type his name in the Internet and you would be able to read up on his background.

“Our Malaysian Government has close ties with Sultan Pax,” he said.

The Datuk Seri stressed that the society was selective when conferring titles.

“The sultanate does not simply award Datukship to just anyone. We need to be sure you are who you are and that you do not have any criminal record. We are very selective.Melayu Boleh

“We do not want people to think that we are selling (Datukship) like at a pasar malam,” he said.

Interestingly, he cautioned us to be careful of syndicates selling fake Datukship.

“There are syndicates out there that claim they are bestowing titles on behalf of the Sultan of Sulu. We are not a syndicate. We just want to make a contribution to the people of Mindanao. The difference between them and us is that our sultan exists,” he said.

He said there were many descendants of the Sultan of Sulu who claimed to be the real sultan and that these descendants, unlike Sultan Pax, did not have their own palaces.

Interestingly, the Datuk Seri was quoted in a Malay daily last year warning that the syndicates would prepare documents to gain the trust of their intended victims1. Melayu Boleh

When asked if the Datukship was recognised in Malaysia, he said it was not possible for Malaysia to recognise every country’s awards.

“Malaysia only recognises its own awards that is conferred by its Rulers. But our titles are genuine,” he said.

He also said Mindanao was on the verge of declaring independence from the Philippines.

The forms for the “purchase” were printed out by the clerk and passed to us during the meeting. We were told to fill out the forms as soon as possible.

The Datuk Seri said Sultan Pax would be conferring the awards during a ceremony at a five-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur which would also be attended by the Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Melayu Boleh.

Melayu Boleh :Cultivate mutual respect and racial harmony now

2009-05-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

Melayu Boleh :Cultivate mutual respect and racial harmony now

REFERRING to the letter “Teach Young Children To Respect All Races” (The Star, May 22), I agree with what JBAK from Batu Caves has to say.

I am a Muslim but not from a Malay Melayu Boleh origin but my husband is. My children are all grown up now and in their late 20s but they faced a lot of racial slurs during their school years and used to come home crying. They faced the same problem from primary one, right up to their university days.

In 1991, I had a dispute with a school because a teacher hurled racial slurs at my daughter just because her mother is not a pure Malay Melayu Boleh. That mentality has not changed even to this day.

Most teachers who teach Pendidikan Islam in schools are Malays themselves and they should play a role in educating students that a true Muslim can be anyone. Also racial tolerance should be taught at a very young age and should start at home, not leave it all to the teachers.

We have been independent for 52 years. We keep hearing of Bangsa Malaysia and 1Malaysia Melayu Boleh .

But if the mentality everywhere is as what me and my family experience, I do not think that Malaysia will attain its vision.

There is no use in showing all races singing and dancing together on TV everytime Merdeka celebrations are around the corner when racial slurs, harassments, and teasings are a way of life in schools.Melayu Boleh

In fact, advertisements in TV portraying Chinese or Indians speaking Bahasa Malaysia in an Indian or Chinese accent is degrading because there are generations of Chinese and Indians who speak fluent Bahasa Malaysia.

Similar insensitivities have been going on for long and something needs to be done, especially to the younger generations, to cultivate mutual respect and racial harmony now!Melayu Boleh !

Melayu Boleh:Exciting start to college life

2009-05-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

Melayu Boleh:Exciting start to college life

EVANA Ahmad Tarmizi was among the 1,200 freshmen who enrolled at the Tunku Abdul Rahman college (TARC) Penang campus in George Town recently. The bubby 18-year-old from Convent Pulau Tikus instantly made friends.

She had an advantage over the handful of non-Chinese students as she can speak both Hokkien and Cantonese.

Evana’s father is Malay Melayu Boleh while her mother is Chinese.

“I have no problems making friends as a few of them are also taking the Diploma in Accounting course.

Evana Melayu Boleh (third left) introducing herself to the other new students at the TARC Penang campus.

“I actually made a few friends while walking out from the college’s auditorium,’’ she said, adding that she chose the course because she enjoyed calculations.Melayu Boleh

Among her new friends are Lee Mei Zhen, 18, from Balik Pulau, and Lim Jia Hong, also 18, from Perlis.

Another student M. Sasintharan, 21, from SMK Raja Muda Musa, Perak, is pursuing a Certificate in Quantity Survey at the college.

“I chose TARC because it’s a recognised academic institution and the courses are affordable,’’ he said.

D. Ghayatthreena, 19, from Kulim, Kedah, who is pursuing a Diploma in Information System Engineering, said she was both nervous and excited to meet new friends in a college environment.

“My brother studied Computer Science at TARC, and I too decided to study here,’’ she added.

Freshmen at TAR College gathering at the oath taking ceremony.

Earlier, TARC Penang campus head Amos Teoh said there were still places available for courses in the School of Business Studies, School of Technology, School of Arts and Science and the School of Social Science and Humanities.

Teoh said the campus was also offering the Advanced Diploma in Business Studies Accounting.

“We have produced high calibre accountants who are working in many established firms,’’ he added.Melayu Boleh

Melayu Boleh:MACC seizes papers on Bukit Botak land scam

2009-05-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

Melayu Boleh:MACC seizes papers on Bukit Botak land scam

PETALING JAYA: The state Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has conducted a raid on the Selayang Land Office in connection with a land scam dating back to the 1980s.

It is learnt that officers from the commission conducted checks and seized about 1,600 files from the office at the district office building on Friday.Melayu Boleh

State MACC director Moh Samsudin Yusuf confirmed that the documents were retrieved from the office but refused to reveal details.

“I do not want to disclose information as it may jeopardise the investigation process,’’ he said.

According to a state government source, various documents related to the allocation of land to a total of 1,634 individuals in the Bukit Botak squatter settlement were obtained.Melayu Boleh

The list of people who allegedly obtained land via illegal means was also extracted from the land office.

The source said the commission would also investigate those instrumental in initiating the scheme.Melayu Boleh

Several government officials and politicians were being investigated, the source said.

The raid was conducted a day after Starprobe reported that at least two five-year-olds were among 81 youngsters allocated plots of land in the squatter settlement in Taman Selayang Mutiara, as far back as in the 1980s.

Selangor housing, building management and squatters committee chairman Iskandar Abdul Samad welcomed the commission’s action.

“We want this issue resolved as soon as possible,’’ he added.

The state government has also set up a special task force to investigate the matter.

Iskandar said the case was complicated as lots were given to ineligible individuals, children, outsiders and grassroots politicians who were not occupants of the land.Melayu Boleh

Cincai’ couples Melayu Boleh with illegitimate children

2009-05-25T05:21:00.000-07:00

‘Cincai’ couples with illegitimate children

SOME Malay Melayu Boleh couples are earning themselves the monicker cincai – Hokkien for not fussy – for their loose morals, reported Metro Ahad.

The daily claimed that these couples pretended to get married and had illegitimate children whose birth are not registered Melayu Boleh.

Most often they are forced into shotgun marriages when the women got pregnant with the weddings solemnised by unauthorised kadi.

A man, only known as Syawal, 38, confessed that his girlfriend’s father Melayu Boleh got them married without registering it with the authorities.

“My girlfriend had not even wanted to get married as long as she could safely give birth,” he said, adding that after their wedding, they lived separately and met once a month.

Syawal Melayu Boleh said that without a marriage certificate, their child’s birth could not be registered.

Melayu Boleh

2009-05-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

E 'un po' a little 'disappointed when a large number of sites is to take advantage groped for the word of Malay in combination with the word boleh. This term implies a good image viewer Melayu Boleh, unfortunately, there are some who are still Melayu betraying their race. It 'a kind of humiliation for the Melayu community. Those who take advantage of this terminology should look to itself, and why they need to give a bad image of the word most often to display an image of nudity.
The search engine, Google.com in particular is not clear on how to run a porn site, as it can not monitor all the sites available on the Internet. But we, as human beings we are able to remove the search, at least remove the humiliating website starting on page 10 of google, improving our website and let the losers with your site. You all try to make this dream. I'm writing this message because I saw a competition Melayu Boleh I saw some sites that try to reach the top of the Google homepage. I am impressed by their commitment and wish them good luck.
As for me, I'm trying to see if I can be at the top of that too google search term, knowing that I do not know what search engine is a question, maybe it's the right time for me to give it a try.
For those that website that has written on the nakedness of your site through the manipulation of research, I recommend that you review the content and not humiliate the race. Last but not least, a good Melayu boleh

Melayu Boleh

high speed car chase

protect the welfare and well being of foreign domestic maids.

Najib: Act fast to check maid abuse

By SIRA HABIBU and LESTER KONG

Bersatu dalam kepelbagaian budaya

Bersatu dalam kepelbagaian budaya

Ngah Ibrahim pejuang pemikir Melayu Boleh

A rare and unique elective monarchy Melayu Boleh

Sukan platform terbaik capai gagasan satu Malaysia

Sukan platform terbaik capai gagasan satu Malaysia

Show appreciation for Satu Malaysia concept

Show appreciation for Satu Malaysia concept

Public apathy worrying Melayu Boleh

Public apathy worrying Melayu Boleh

Our Common Vision Obama Melayu Boleh

Melayu Boleh:Seeking contenders for Malaysian Film Festival

Melayu Boleh:Seeking contenders for Malaysian Film Festival

Melayu Boleh:Datukship from ‘Sultan Kudarat of Mindanao’ on offer for the right price

Melayu Boleh :Cultivate mutual respect and racial harmony now

Melayu Boleh :Cultivate mutual respect and racial harmony now

Melayu Boleh:Exciting start to college life

Melayu Boleh:Exciting start to college life

EVANA Ahmad Tarmizi was among the 1,200 freshmen who enrolled at the Tunku Abdul Rahman college (TARC) Penang campus in George Town recently. The bubby 18-year-old from Convent Pulau Tikus instantly made friends.

Melayu Boleh:MACC seizes papers on Bukit Botak land scam

PETALING JAYA: The state Malay­sian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has conducted a raid on the Selayang Land Office in connection with a land scam dating back to the 1980s.

Cincai’ couples Melayu Boleh with illegitimate children

‘Cincai’ couples with illegitimate children

Melayu Boleh

PETALING JAYA: The state Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has conducted a raid on the Selayang Land Office in connection with a land scam dating back to the 1980s.