We know what is happening and if the PM spends more time on the ground he, too, will be aware of the people’s plight with regards to rising crime.
On 13% spike in violent crimes: police
Ah Chong: The ‘emperor’ at Putrajaya seems unaware of the rising crime rate outside his ‘palace’ walls. The people have been shouting and screaming for help for the last two years and now he is alarmed. How many lives lost and how many ruined? In case he is unaware, we live in fear.
Yes, we Malaysians live in constant fear of being attacked, raped or burgled. Even our state representative in Subang says he is fearful. He doesn’t sleep at night until he knows his whole family is home.
We do not need statistics to tell us what is happening and if the PM spends more time on the ground in Malaysia he, too, will be aware of the people’s plight. Another cry is the rising cost of living. I presume the PM will have to wait for another statistic to suddenly be alarmed at the number of people struggling to make ends meet.
In ancient China, the emperor would sometimes disguise himself and mingle with the people to understand their plight and problems. It would do our dear PM good to do the same instead of surrounding himself with men who bear good tidings all the time. Come to the ‘rakyat’ and see for yourself the victims of the floods. The poor and rural folks. The urban poor and those affected by crime. This is reality.
On 'School fees abolished': No such thing
PT Tan: Some big-time clown now claims that the directive was misunderstood. Misunderstood no less by every single headmaster in Malaysia. The epitome of the Malaysian education system.
Then our entire system, values and beliefs are seriously in trouble if what the big clown said is true. He should resign then to take the blame for the failure of the entire education system. This is on top of him not doing his job on checking on the schools before the term opens.
Why don’t they just all come forward, say that they screwed up big time, apologise and resign?
On Gov't freezes intake of Indian workers
John Gomez: A new party should be formed for all Indians with immediate effect. The new party should be called United Indians Party.
The people who should lead this party must be those who speak fluent English, are Western-oriented, hold degrees in politics or governance from UK, Canada or American universities and so on, are ethically and morally sound, have the interest of all Indians at heart and will fight tooth and nail for all Indians regardless of the consequences. This list is non-exhaustive.
This means that people like Samy, Sothi, Nalla, Kayveas, Subra and their cronies do not qualify. The Indian community do not want leaders who tell us that Tamil schools are the best or that it is sufficient for Indians to have food, clothing, shelter and jobs. We want our leaders who are able to uplift our socio-economic standing, dignity, self-esteem, value, equity and so forth.
We want our leaders to fight for the Indians’ right for places in universities, both local and overseas, to study law, medicine, pharmacy and other things. We want a system based on meritocracy like that of Singapore’s and Hong Kong’s.
We want leaders who are representatives of the Malayalees, Sindhis, Tamils, Gujeratis, Punjabis, Telugus, Marathis, Bengalis and others. We want our party to be comprised of Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, Muslims and others. Can we have that?
On Polls 'around the corner': EC chief
YSM : If the BN government truly holds the next general elections within the 15 days of Chinese New Year - before Chap Goh Mei - then it only proves the arrogance of the prime minister and the BN government who could not care less if the Chinese community are in continued celebration of their New Year.
Many will be traveling and be away from home during this time. It will be deemed utterly insensitive and I would call upon all Chinese who celebrate the Chinese New Year to make it for the elections but to vote with one voice against the incumbent government. This is the last straw.
After all, there have been politicians in the BN government who said they do not need certain minority groups and have asked Chinese or Indian Malaysians to return to their own countries. It just shows utter contempt and just because its election time we cannot gloss over the hurts and insults hurled in the four years preceding this coming GE.
While it is true that Hindraf used some very unwarranted strong remarks; it is not wrong that many ethnic Chinese and Indians in this country have been hurt by racist remarks made by Umno politicians. We must show that even though we are the minority, nevertheless we can make the difference.
On 'Allah' ban and The Joshua Project
NK Khoo: People in Malay archipelago used to be Hindus, Buddhists and animists at one time. If these religions or the governments then disallowed their people to convert to Islam, Fathima Idris might be born a Buddhist against her will.
Muslims here assume that converting non-Muslims is okay while vice-versa is absolutely wrong.
True religious tolerance cannot be built on a unilateral proselytising concept or banning others from using the term ‘Allah’. Malaysia shall learn from Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world, which demonstrates true freedom of faith to all its people.
HL Too: The writer obviously finds the proselytising activities by Christian evangelists objectionable. I agree with the writer that Christians should not try to convert Muslims. However, would she agree that Muslims should also not try to convert Christians? I have no doubt that Fatima would tell me that it is the sacred duty of Muslims to try to bring non Muslims to the one true God. This is probably written in the Koran.
However, the Christians have the same sacred duty. Some Christians believe that they have been entrusted by Jesus Christ to preach to all nations. And that is also written in their holy book – the Bible. Okay, okay, I understand. In this country, the golden rule does not apply. What Muslims can do to others, others cannot do to Muslims. Incidentally, I know of no country where Muslims are forbidden to preach to non-Muslims.
On America's proud Obama moment
Chong Wu Ling: Thank you Dr. Bridget Welsh for a splendid article. It is delightful that finally an African American presidential candidate was elected by Iowa, the sixth ‘whitest’ state in the US. I am also glad that with the historic victory of Obama’s Democratic win in Iowa, many Americans have felt proud to be an American.
Nevertheless, there are still ten more months before the final contest. Although I am not an American citizen, I hope the next president of the US will take the initiative to push for the following efforts:
- Reducing the influence of religious conservatism and fundamentalism on US government policy.
- Withdrawing the troops from Iraq.
- Helping to promote peace in the Middle East and working to bring about the creation of an international protection force to protect both Israelis and Palestinians from further violence.
- Promoting ethnic harmony in the US and
- Playing an active role in the world environment protection.
I believe these efforts would benefit not only Americans but also the rest of the world.
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