‘As a full-time housewife myself, I find Chui Kah Peng’s statement arrogant and belittling us housewives. Remember our mothers and grandmothers were housewives too’.

On Resolve Bunga Tanjung issue amicably

CH Ong: ‘Chui said the phrase was an insult. ‘We won't postpone the 48 hours. We are not housewives. We are professionals. We have jobs and duties. Our time is precious.’

Does Puan Sri Chui mean that women who are normally referred to as housewives and who do not work outside the home but stay at home to look after their children, do the cooking and clean and maintain their home are of a ‘lower class’ compared to her as a 'professional'? What 'housewives' do at home is not considered important work and cannot be classified as 'jobs and duties'? Their time working at home as housewives is not 'precious'? This Puan Sri sure knows how to insult housewives and denigrate their functions and achievements in their homes.

Ginger: Madam Chui was quoted as saying ‘We are not housewives. We are professionals. We have jobs and duties. Our time is precious’. Was she trying to say that housewives are unprofessional and they do not have jobs and duties and their time is not precious? As a full-time housewife myself, I find her statement arrogant and belittling us housewives. There are good housewives and there are bad professionals as well.

Many housewives nowadays are highly educated and many gave up their careers for the sake of their families. They choose to be housewives so that they can spend more quality time with the family especially their young children. This does not mean they are lesser than any professionals. Remember our mothers and grandmothers were housewives too and they brought us up well. I hope Mdm Chui will be more sensitive in her statements in future.

( Editor's note: We have been alerted to the fact that Chui did not say : 'We are not housewives'. The correct quote that should be attributed to her is: 'We are not JUST housewives.' We regret the error .)

KC Chia: Putting the legal points aside, the Bunga Tanjung members need to consider the moral issues and their responsibilities and commitments towards the rakyat in their states. If all such donations/funds were raised from the rakyat in their states, they are obliged to channel back such funds to charitable organisations for the benefit of the less fortunate groups in their states.

Instead they channeled such funds to their federal association just to please the their ‘Tuan’ at the federal level claiming that it is their professional norm. Please be mindful that your husbands have already lost their pants in the 12th GE with their such arrogant and selfish approach. If they further antagonise the rakyat in these states, they may even lose even more!

On Women face travel curbs over drug trafficking fears

Jane: Rais Yatim wanted women to get written permission from their families or employers to travel alone. This is coming from the Foreign Minister, a person who represents Malaysia on the international platform (AND he was nominated a couple of years ago to be Commonwealth Secretary-General!) Congratulations Mr. Foreign Minister, you've put Malaysia in the global spotlight, again for all the wrong reasons.

Women of Malaysia, remember this at the next election, regardless that this moronic proposal has been shot down. The fact that we have government ministers who would seriously come up with such a plan is cause for concern. And to the women of Jelebu, Rais's constituency, especially those who will be new voters at the next election: remember this outrage. Your MP wants to curb your right to travel alone. Remember, and use your vote wisely. Unless of course we have another none-too-bright spark who comes up with a proposal to restrict women's vote. In which case, it's time to buy a one-way ticket out.

Santan: None of us like to think that idiots are running our country. I believe we all want leaders we can be proud of. Every day we look forward to see intelligent acts, hear sensible speeches, feel positive change.

Unfortunately some of our leaders do nothing but disappoint. The most recent being our Foreign Minister’s half-baked idea purportedly to ‘protect Malaysian women’. Rais Yatim thinks he’s doing us a favour by proposing that we should only travel with our parents’ or employer’s written consent to prevent us from ‘being used as drug mules’. Oh, I see. Women in this country should have limited freedom to keep us ‘safe’.

How noble. How heroic. How insulting. It really made me wonder if he shared this thoughts with anyone first before blurting it out publicly, and proposing it to the cabinet. Or maybe he’s too arrogant to care what others think? Please. By insulting women like that, you’re making a bigger fool of yourself than you already are.

Our recent attempt to vote the unneeded out of the government should’ve woken them from their slumber. Obviously they didn’t heed our warning to buck up. I, for one, am eagerly looking forward to the next election, now more than ever, to make a bigger change.

Yih Feng Low: This is yet more example of our incredibly sexist society led by incredibly sexist ministers and leaders. A simple question ‘will the same laws be even considered if the subjects in question were men instead of women?’ strikes deep into the shamefulness of such a proposal being even considered.

CH Ong: I understand Dr Rais Yatim is a qualified lawyer with a PhD. After reading this idea of his, I think there should be an investigation into how he managed to pass his university exams and also whether he actually carried out his own research for his doctoral dissertation. Nobody with half-a-brain will hatch up such an idiotic idea and I won't even go into why his idea is so idiotic because that will be insulting your readers.

On Pakatan must form shadow cabinet

Peter Yew: I agree now that Pakatan is within a fighting chance to form the next federal government. For the first time in our nation's history we are witnessing a two-party system.

Previously it was pure ‘bully politics’. My main concern is an agreement to a common platform by the component parties and the choice of the shadow cabinet ministers.

On MyKad may be used to stop foreigners buying cheap fuel

Ahmad Ismadi Abdullah Thani: Kalau kerajaan ambil tindakan agar menggunakan MyKad sebagai salah satu alat untuk menghalang subsidi minyak dirasai oleh pemandu-pemandu dari Singapura dan Thailand, apakah jaminan yang boleh diberikan oleh pihak kerajaan tidak akan ada masalah penyeludupan dan penikmatan subsidi minyak ini? Bagaimana pula dengan mekanisme yang dikenakan ke atas pemandu-pemandu Malaysia yang mempunyai lebih dari empat kereta yang memandu Mercedes dan BMW dan sebagainya? Mereka ini yang sepatutnya membayar lebih untuk minyak kerana mereka sangat kaya berbanding orang biasa yang hanya memandu Kancil dan Proton Saga? Adakah patut seorang eksekutif muda membayar harga yang sama untuk minyak berbanding dengan mereka yang kaya raya?

Kedua, mohon agar kerajaan mengkaji dan dan mengawal harga NGV ‘kit’ dan sepatutnya meningkatkan sistem NGV ini sebagai bahan api alternatif. Kerajaan perlulah peka dan lebih ‘serious’ dalam hal ini. Kalau Petronas tak mampu perbanyakan lagi stesen yang mempunyai NGV, berilah peluang kepada syarikat lain. Saya mencadangkan semua stesen Petronas ada kemudahan ini dan penggunaan NGV ini diperluaskan ke seluruh Malaysia dan bukan hanya di Lembah kelang. Dengam demikian, bolehlah orang miskin seperti saya menggunakan NGV dan orang kaya seperti Tan Sri-Tan Sri dan Datuk-Datuk itu menggunakan minyak yang mahal.

On Sultan Perak acted unconstitutionally

CH Siew: I am quite concerned over the continual clashes between Karpal Singh and the royalty, first with Kelantan and now Perak. While I may not agree with recent actions of royalty in interfering with politics, I am also bothered with the action from Karpal who spearheads the rebuttal against the royalty. Is this really necessary?

While Karpal may have the right stance and the law may be on his side, he, however, has ignored the fact that there is much to be done in getting support from all sides to build a better base for growth and improvement. There is absolutely nothing to gain in going against the royalty and there is everything to lose.

Probably Karpal has been in the opposition for much too long and his traits as an opposition leader continue to show themselves. This may be very effective as an opposition member but it does not work when is a governing party (Pakatan Rakyat, after all, is the government in a few states) whose objective is to gain more support through cooperation and negotiation. To make matter worse, Karpal’s constituency is in Penang, not Kelantan nor Perak so he has no bearing on what's happening in Kelantan and Perak. His action is definitely not helpful to his colleagues in these neighbouring states.

Karpal’s strategy definitely has to change if he intends to see a change of the federal government. Bear in mind that both Perak and Kelantan are of Pakatan Rakyat's control and it will only work well if Pakatan Rakyat cooperates well with the royalty.

Teo Chuen Tick: Coming from Karpal Singh, I'm inclined to believe him. But, why, of all the sultans, the Perak Sultan? He, who ought to be most knowledgeable in the rule of law? Let's hope the answers will be forthcoming.

On Tee Keat calls for multiracial approach

New Wave: It is good to see someone senior in MCA realises that multiracial politics is the way to go. But, I still feel that even if MCA, MIC adopt a multiracial ideology, they are unable to be multiracial in the true sense under the framework of BN. Just see what is happening to Gerakan, which is a multiracial in ideology.

So long as Umno still remains as a Malay party, a true sense of multiracial politics cannot happen in BN. MCA, MIC and Gerakan should pull out from BN, merge to form one big multiracial party and be an alternative to Pakatan Rakyat.

ABC: To us Malaysian citizens in general, race-based political parties are no more relevant. Parties like the MCA, MIC, Gerakan and what have you will continue to be perpetually

dominated and hedged by the dictatorial big brother Umno. The so-called 'multiracial approach' that has already been adopted and tried out by the BN for the past 50 years has completely failed to the sole advantage of Big Brother and the detriment of the others.

The so-called 'BN spirit' has always been based on the principle ‘whatever Big Brother wants and desires, Big Brother always gets’ and ‘Little Brothers will be given only crumbs after much unashamed pleading, begging and kowtowing’. As the saying goes ‘Little boys should only be seen and not heard’.

The recent 'show' of belated outspokenness by the leaders of the MCA, MIC and Gerakan on certain racial issues will only fall on deaf ears. If not for the recent political tsunami suffered by BN, they would have long been arrogantly reprimanded, if not punished, by Big Brother Umno.

What kind of 'multiracial approach' is our honourable Tee Kiat talking about, I wonder?

On Minimum wage: 100 demos won't change 'No' decision

Chew Keng Sheng: The suggestion of minimum wage should be properly studied first because of the many repercussions should it be implemented. Firstly, the cost of production may go up because the cost of labour has increased; this will be translated into higher cost of living, and inflation rate may rise.

Secondly, by implementing minimum wage, one must make sure that employers do not exploit the situation. Retrenchment may follow; unemployment may rise because employers can't afford to employ too many labourers. Of course, employers will think of its return of investment (ROI). For example, instead of employing two labourers with a monthly salary of RM600 each, employers may employ just one labourer worth RM1,200 each and make him work doubly hard - doing the job of two laborers.

When the unemployment rate goes up, crime rate goes up further etc. Putting pressure on employers alone won't work. One should not just think of the amount of wages but also the quality of living. I believe, things don't appear as simple as it seems on the surface. Every party must sit down to come up with a mechanism to sort out the plight of the low income workers.

On Hear the cries of young Malays, leaders urged

Kaisim: Being a Malaysian. I feel disgusted as the way Rahim Baba said ‘Do you want one day in the future when people from other races become menteri besar, chief minister or even to become prime minister?’ Well, what is wrong with this if a fellow Malaysian is capable for the job? Does the constitution say that a non-Malay cannot lead Malaysia? Do you want our country run only by the mediocre? Rahim is being chauvinistic. Malaysia has too many people like him who talk on nothing progressive but only on racial issues.

Malaysia is multi-racial so we need leaders who are capable and responsible. The last GE has shown that the people want something that is quite different. On the contrary, I am pleased that Rahim is enlightened on the quota system which he also mentioned in the meeting. He said: ‘The quota system is detrimental to the Malays themselves because it prevents Malays from competing freely even among themselves.’

Retired Soldier: I am appalled by the statement of this person who is acting head of Umno Bandar Tun Razak. He is calling for all Malay leaders from even the opposition parties to come together and talk to ensure that the Malays are united. He goes on TV to ask whether the Malays want their MBs CMs and even PM to be a non-Malay. By saying this, he is saying that for over 50 years, Umno has failed to unite the Malays. Does he not understand that the ordinary Malays are fed up of the promises made by the ruling class who only made themselves and their cronies rich?

The cronies include a lot of non-Malays as well. Now after a defeating defeat they call opposition parties to sit down and talk for the well being of the Malays. The Malays who voted for the opposition had many reasons. The more important ones are that they have seen that Umno is not doing them any good except cause hatred between the various races in Malaysia by bringing up racial sentiments. If people like Rahim Baba and his like are worried about the future of their children, then Pakatan invites them to drop Umno and join us instead. We do not promise Malay supremacy or make some selected Malays and their cronies (who happened to be non-Malays) rich. Pakatan promises the poor and neglected in Malaysia a fair deal.

I am sure Anwar can see their ploy and deny them a chance to meet up with them. Bringing up racial issues seemed fine at one time but now the rakyat, in particular the ‘second class’ Malay citizens who have no attachment to the ruling elite, know better. Hidup Reformasi.

On Khir Toyo: What a performance!

Zac Chew: And the academy award goes to... Khir Toyo for Best Performing Male Actor in ‘Malaysian Politics’!

On Cabinet decides to keep it Live

Dr Tan Seng Giaw: On April 30, there was a direct telecast of the Parliament question time for only 30 minutes. Because a few of the members, both from the opposition members and the backbenchers did not follow the Standing Order, it was chaos. The Information Minister had no patience, and threatened to stop the direct telecast. The Cabinet has now agreed to continue with the telecasts for a short while. We do not know how short it will be. It is correct to continue. Let members of parliament get used to the new thing. Don't forget, a daily parliamentary session is from 10 am to 5.30 pm.

Ahmad Shabery Cheek should get the facts right. He should not be telling the world that there was only one queston asked in the one-and-half hours of the question time on April 30. Three questions were asked. We expected more. Perhaps, over ten. I repeat, that day a few members from both sides of the House did not adhere to the Standing Order. The Speaker must not be biased. The minister should be fair to both sides of the House. After all, he is a minister for all Malaysians ( the writer is DAP national deputy chairman and Kepong MP )

Nambee: The sessions should go on as planned to let the rakyat know their representative well. Let them know how good are they as that will only benefit the rakyat in deciding who to vote for the 13th general election. To the BN MPs, try hard to refrain from using your harsh words and to the BA MPs, all the best in showing the rakyat what are you all made of.

YSM: Opposition MPs in Parliament, please stop squabbling over petty issues as it really looks childish and wasting precious time in Parliament. We want the ministers to answer urgent and pertinent questions which are affecting the rakyat . We want questions on the economy, ISA, Hindraf 5, GLCs like Proton, the declining standard of Malaysian education etc - not squabbling over which hand to raise or whether one stands up or not.

I know there has to be respect for the institution and things ought to be done correctly however, the opposition MPs are falling into the BN trap when they waste precious time on ridiculous petty issues. Please be mature enough as the nation is watching. Don’t be drawn into stupid squabbles and name calling. Remain calm and mature. It’s like two kids squabbling - if one refuses to be drawn into name calling then there will be no childish arguments. We have to teach those BN MPs how to behave properly by not behaving like them. Please wise up as the rakyat expects Parliament to be different with more opposition MPs now.

On Hwa Beng ready for Port Klang challenges

Maniam Sankar: Lee Hwa Beng has now been tasked with ‘explaining’ the Port Klang fiasco after the horses have bolted and after the horse-masters have completed their term of ‘management’. And the good Lee apparently has said it was not a viable proposition to begin with! Wonder where he was in the corridors of power before to have so astutely held his breath. After all, this is and has always been an MCA child and he was part of the parent body.

So after one disaster, we have Lee, who now has just as many chances to repeat the fiasco given his obvious lack of background for the job. He has said that maybe it is best to develop it together with Westport. Then why not start by asking Westport (or Tg Pelepas)and its proven managers to come up with suggestions rather than depend on another MCA cohort?

Where o where does this end?

On Pakatan should win Parliament ethically

Nkoh: To the leaders of DAP, PKR and PAS. May I propose the name ‘Gabungan Rakyat’ instead of PR as a much better alternative. It suggests a large, unified grouping which is more positive. It would be less prone to attacks, ridicule and vilification. I feel that the name Pakatan Rakyat is a poor choice, for the following reason:

The word pakatan has negative connotations implying a sinister collaboration. To pakat is to conspire and presents a picture of cohorts in a secretive huddle. This is an appeal to the respective leaders to re-consider the name before it is forwarded for registration and/or formalised. Looking forward with hope to an exciting future for the grouping.