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'Dr M out to divide the people'
Published:  May 21, 2008 8:57 AM
Updated: 5:46 AM

vox populi big thumbnail 'If you notice, he has nothing good to say about anybody and seems to get his pleasure by causing chaos and confusion. His modus operandi has not changed a bit.'

On Umno MPs remain united behind Abdullah

Marion Tharsis: Pak Lah should grab this opportunity to charge Mahathir for the numerous ill doings committed during his 'reign of terror'. Some are surfacing and he is diverting attention. Instead of using his twilight years to perhaps seek forgiveness for his wrongdoings and offering good and sound advice, this old man is just getting on everyone's nerves by his unproductive and damaging remarks, comments and action. We thought it was the end of a very long and bad episode in Malaysian history when he resigned. But it lingers unabated though he may no longer hold the reins.

He is again harping on racial matters that could incite and stir trouble and unrest. If you notice, he has nothing good to say about anybody (except about his very small circle of friends who are discarded by the world) and seems to get his pleasure by causing chaos and confusion. His modus operandi has not changed a bit i.e. drive in fear and keep the people divided.

I think the Umno leaders are wise enough not to jeoprdise their positions listening to a spent force who will only lead them to their ruin. He is history and should be kept in the past. Remember, united you stand, divided you fall. No one benefits at the end.

Hibiscus: When Tun Dr Mahathir took office as PM in 1981, his theme was ' Clean, Efficient and Trustworthy'. When he left office 22 years later in 2003, people by and large find so many things stinking. I believe the bad smell contributed much to the BN losing so much ground in the recent general elections, especially as the BN leadership was not seen to be quick enough to clean up the mess left by 22 years of misrule.

In 1981, the ringgit was equal in value to the Singapore dollar. By the time TDM left office, it has lost so much ground that the Singapore dollar has become more than double in value against the ringgit. With such dismal performance, TDM should realise he has lost all moral rights to criticise his successor. He should retire quietly and not stir up things that remind people of the unpleasant 22 years of his rule so that Malaysians can move forward as one nation and find its place in the ever challenging globalised environment.

Athiru: Dear Ex-PM Dr M, this is enough. Please go and don't destroy this beautiful nation of ours. The rakyat has had enough of your aristocratic iron-fist rule for the last 22 years. You hid yourself under the ISA and OSA and literally destroyed the nation in terms of integrity and self- respect. See for yourself what you did during your 22 years of arrogant and aggressive rule - the judiciary is in shambles; corruption is at its peak with civil servants, police, customs and immigration having a field time; university ratings have taken a beating with your race-based NEP; local graduates can hardly speak proper English and are unable to get employed in the private sector; citizenship is given to foreigners (Indonesians and Filipinos) in Sabah so much so that they exceed the locals; Petronas earnings are for you and your cronies to spend leaving the poor rakyat (eg in Kelantan) in extreme poverty.

Stop playing the race card and ‘ Ketuanan Melayu ’. We want to be known as Bangsa Malaysia - NOT Malay, Chinese or Indian. We were born here and we are rightly all Malaysians. That's it. So please let the younger generation decide on this nation's future.

Ron Liamsi: A message to all leaders who have outlived their times yet still think they are omnipotent and powerful. Remember what Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it - always’.

Kaisim: A leopard never changes its spots and so is Dr M`s character, He never fails to use undesirable racial tones to move his supporters when he is in desperate situations. He said: ‘The Malays have loosened their grip on political power to the point where the non-Malays no longer respect them and their institutions’. He also said: ‘Everything deemed as Malay privileges had been questioned and challenged by non-Malays. Malays were doing nothing to counter the situation and strengthen their position’.

Dr M, a distinguished political leader is seen playing a racial game to work up the feelings of his listeners. This is very dangerous and unbecoming of a former PM. Why must he stoop so low and talk like a bankrupt leader.? Yes, in the ’60s and the ’70`s politicians played this game to move up. Unless we want another May 13, leaders should be careful.

We all know Dr M very well in his 22 years in the government. The minority groups have never questioned or challenged the rights of the Malays in the constitution. Only the bankrupt Umno politicians have simply accused them. Sometimes, the media deliberately sensationalised the news in order the gain political mileage for certain leaders with wrong reporting.

We live in a democratic society and we should be allowed to voice our opinions. Leaders should speak on behalf of all Malaysians and not only for one race in particular only.

AN Ewe: Mahathir has quit from Umno? Absolutely delighted to hear the good news! Amazed it took the good doctor so long to figure out this strategic cum tactical move, actually. Any chance now do you think (hopefully?) that he’ll quit Malaysia altogether for distant/happier shores? Perhaps to somewhere like his dear fellow-dictator friend Mugabe’s Zimbabwe-land, and perhaps before those nets belonging to Malaysia’s rule of law closes in on him?

Hmm...can’t wait for the next serving of the next exciting episode in this rather thrilling Malaysian saga of intrepid political intrigue and dastardly skulduggery of super par excellence! Dynasty/Dallas - eat your heart out! Bet Pak Lah is rolling on that floor somewhere in Putrajaya laughing himself into hysterics….

On Mukhriz stays put but urges PM to go

Nurul Fahmi: Mukhriz should not leave Umno if the action is merely considered to be in support of his father, the Tun. I believe Mukhriz is brilliant enough not to do what the other boring speculators speculate. Leaving the party is just a pawn’s move. Why would Mukhriz move a pawn when he can attack with both bishops?

For the Tun, his resignation isn't just an action many people would take - their voice cannot now speak as loud as before. In fact, Tun's resignation from Umno proves something - he is fighting for something he believes is right. Just like old days (the Tunku era-fighting against Umno, only this time another way).

For Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, it's not the worse thing he thinks it is. What has happened can't even have happened if not for him. At least he has won a new name - Bapa Demokrasi Malaysia. The Sejarah Malaysia textbook author would be happy to add that, wouldn't he?

On 'BN poster' ex-businessman still waiting for justice

YSM: Juhari Baharum represents the many bumiputera Malaysians who have been exploited by the Umnoputeras. It’s sad but this is the reason why many Malays voted against Umno and BN. Simply talk to the airport taxi drivers - many of whom are Malays - and they will tell you how hard-pressed their lives are.

I believe if you look long and hard and think deeply enough without any bias, it appears that Umno has lost all credibility in championing Malay rights. In fact, it does just the opposite. It takes advantage of Malay rights so that only a few can gain. If they cannot even settle Juhari Baharum’s RM310,000 debt, how can they help other Malays and champion, as they say, Malay rights?

On MIC invited to join Pakatan? Samy keeps mum

Jeevan Supramaniam: Saya sebagai wakil kaum India yang melaungkan ‘Makkal Sakthi’ dan menggadaikan nyawa membuat ceramah di seluruh negara demi kemenangan Pakatan Rakyat berasa kecewa dengan desas-desus MIC ditawarkan menganggotai Pakatan Rakyat. Walaupun kesahihannya belum dibuktikan, tetapi lebih awal saya mengingatkan kepada pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat jangan sekali cuba mengheretkan pemimpin MIC menyertai PR. Pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat perlu menilai perasaan ‘Makkal Sakthi’ dengan teliti dan diminta jangan mengabaikan perjuangan mereka semasa pilihan raya ke 12 semata-mata untuk mendapatkan tiga kerusi parlimen daripada MIC. Kami akan menerima ahli biasa daripada MIC tetapi bukannya pemimpin kanan daripada mereka.

Segala rungutan dan tangisan kami perlu dijawab oleh mereka. Penganiayaan terhadap kaum India dilakukan oleh pemimpin MIC bersubahat dengan Umno. Masyarakat India belum melupakan peristiwa pahit Nov 25 dan luka kami belum sembuh lagi. Semasa kaum India dipukul dan di terajang, disembur dengan air asid dan gas pemedih mata, pemimpin MIC memeluk bantal di atas katil mereka. Mereka menuduh kami ekstrimis dan memfitnah pemimpin Hindraf berpakat dengan gerila Tamil Sri Lanka. Ini mengakibatkan lima pemimpin Hindraf ditahan di bawah ISA. Oleh yang demikian, saya rasa pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat harus berjaga- jaga dengan tindakan mereka dan jangan mengalpakan kaum ‘Makkal Sakthi’.

On NS: Our money used to endanger our children

A Sepet Guy: The DPM’s statement that ‘the government will not scrap the programme just because 16 trainees (read again, ‘just because’!) died since it was launched four years ago...’ should not have been uttered at all. These are not commodities to be traded or minor losses to be borne with and these are definitely not mere statistics and data.

These are human beings, and every human soul is precious. Furthermore, one should remember that every one of them are in their young, vibrant age and represent the future generation for the nation.

It is very shameful that the DPM can come up with words like ‘just because’, ‘0.004%’ etc. By right, the NS camps should ensure zero death. And whether they died in the camps or outside the camps due to illnesses or due to accidents, as long as they are part of the NS, they represent at least some degree (if not total) of negligence on the part of the NS authorities. And don't tell me all these deaths are coincidences because the trainees did not declare their pre-existing chronic illnesses prior to joining the camps. Who in their right mind would want to send their children for strenuous exercise without first declaring their children's illnesses, knowing full well that the training could exacerbate their health problems?

On EC chief: Cabinet rejected indelible ink

JD Lovrenciear: The EC chief's reported admission that the cabinet directed him to scrap the use of the indelible ink for the 12th general elections reeks of crimes against democracy. And his admission that he was also told to take the brunt of the consequences only further demolishes this nation's 50 years of building a democracy which once was even deemed as a beacon in the region.

Who are the crooks? And will the law catch up with them for all these acrimonious crimes against democratic rule? Or will this episode soon be swept beneath the carpet with another orchestrated public issue? In the first place, why is the EC chief only now spilling the beans? Is there yet another hidden agenda to further blind the rakyat ?

At the rate the rakyat is getting doused with shocking overloads of breaking news almost on a daily dosage, it is indeed most worrying. And while we are still constipating with the EC chief's revelation, the former prime minister is bellowing that he would spill more beans if taken to court.

Each passing day's unfolding dramas speaks volumes of the long-held suspicion amongst the rakyat that citizens are at the raw end of the pole. It is beyond any doubt then that there has been too much of currents seeping under the working rakyat 's feet all these years.

The EC chief, for one, should know that he is just as responsible as the one or many who directed him to withdraw the use of the indelible ink at the eleventh hour. Where was his independence and absolute loyalty to the democratic principles that he was entrusted to uphold?

Donplaypuks: If this is confirmed, then the next step is that the EC chief, the IGP, the AG and the cabinet members responsible should all resign or be sacked from their positions forthwith. If neither occurs, then the opposition should move a motion in Parliament to force fresh elections, given that the only conclusion we can arrive at is that the GE 2008 results are tainted.

In particular, the EC chief, the IGP and the AG have deliberately lied to the electorate about the ink smugglers, misled us and made us the laughing stock of the civilised world. They must not be allowed to get away with this 'misdemeanour' , for want of a better word.

Zi-zenn: Now the skeleton is finally let out of the cabinet. So it was the cabinet itself which decided to reject the indelible ink use on the day Parliament was dissolved. The EC is a special independent body not answerable to the cabinet. Why would the chairperson wait until this moment to reveal the truth when he could have boldly done so before March 8? Has he been forced by someone very powerful who wants to blemish further the credibility of the present government?

The EC chief’s bombshell speaks volume of his integrity. In short, he was not only unqualified for the extremely important post in the first place but also ought not be given the opportunity to hold it for so long. At least our people now know more about how rotten and horrid some of our past and present leaders had been.

On Anwar attacked in Parliament over US links

Donplaypuks: The honourable MP for Jerlun Mukhriz Mahathir argues that Anwar Ibrahim (DSAI) should be disqualified as a possible future Malaysian PM by us on the basis of his association with Paul Wolfowitz. He goes on to insinuate that DSAI is guilty by association with Wolfowitz, a former US deputy secretary of state which is accountable for the (tragic) loss of a million civilian lives in the war in Iraq. The infamous collateral damage issue.

By the same token, what then are we to make of that famous man during whose premiership the government engaged, at a cost of some RM1 million or so of taxpayers' money, the professional services of one, Jack Abramoff , a lobbyist, to set up a meeting between President George Bush, and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad?

If Wolfowitz, as a mere deputy secretary of state, is condemned and deemed culpable of some sort of war crime, what then shall we say of the extent of guilt of the US Commander-in-Chief, George Bush, in the loss of Iraqi civilian lives? And how then shall we interpret the behaviour of the likes of Dr. M who appropriated (legally, of course) their citizens' money to be associated with the US President? Or of Tun's long-held friendship with Gaddafi, Sukarno and Robert Mugabe? Should the honourable MP be requested to disown his own father first? Those who live in glass houses, should not thrown stones.

The honourable member for Jerlun has given a whole new meaning and created a whole new dimension to the term 'greenhorn first-term MP'.

On Frogs they are not, says Sabah veteran

Michael Ng: All the talk about some politicians - especially those from East Malaysia - crossing over to the opposition alliance has been making its rounds for sometime now. I always disliked politicians who defect from one party to another without taking into account the wishes of their constituents who had voted them into office in the first place.

Despite their claims that they are able to serve the people better after defecting, many still consider them to be unscrupulous and opportunistic. Hence, the opposition alliance should never welcome this sort of people into their fold irrespective of whether or not their crossing over could bring about a change in the federal government.

In the past, the BN government was also notorious in enticing some opposition members in crossing over, especially just after the 1994 Sabah state elections which caused the collapse of the then opposition PBS state government. Such shameless deeds should never be emulated by the opposition alliance if they are to market themselves as an alliance which fights for the people's rights and principles.

Those who are so intent on crossing over should have the decency to vacate their seats and seek a fresh mandate from their constituents.

On PKR: Put us in power, get 20% oil royalties

Pemantau Politik: The two states have been robbed. Not much left. Why offer only 20%? They should get 70%. Why try to divide and create ethnic tension? Leave it to the people to choose their own chief minister. They, too, can formed their own coalition and bargain for better packages.

On Big business first, rakyat second

John Johnson: Something is brewing in the Selangor state government. All the BN loyalists are trying their best to bring disrepute to the new Pakatan government. My simple observations in Klang - my garbage not being picked up on time, street and road repairs taking longer etc. Everyone knows Alam Flora, Puncak Niaga and all of other public service bodies are Umno- controlled.

It is high time the Selangor government take drastic steps to ensure that immaculate service is done for the rakyat . If it is necessary, cancel all the contracts and appoint new contractors to ensure the smooth running of these public service operations. Let it be open tender contracts and who knows, it might even be cheaper for the public. These people should know that deliberately trying to sabotage the new government will not get them anywhere. Get rid of the deadwood and lets get on with the show of Pakatan Rakyat.

On Ex-commando trainer defends 'robust' methods

Richard Teo: In reply to the criticisms that were levelled at the video footage showing a trainee undergoing 'brutal training', Malaysia Veteran Commandos Club adviser Abdul Rahim Dahalan reaction was that such ‘tough commando training was vital’. No one will question the rigorous training that commandos may have to endure in order to prepare them for real-life situations. As long as such training encompasses physical exertions against hostile terrains and mastery of weapons use for combat against enemies, such training can be acceptable. What is not acceptable as part of the training process is stomping on human bodies which may cause internal injuries to vital organs and resulting in permanent injuries or deaths. Such training methods as causing injury and pain to those would-be commandos is certainly not part of any training manual that is used by any modern day army.

How could Abdul Rahim Dahalan defend such an inhumane form of training as something that is incorporated in the three-month basic commando training course? For him to compare his experience of kayaking from Mersing to Tioman as tough training as compared to someone who is kicked and stomped on is totally illogical. With kayaking, at least you have a chance to overcome an unpredictable environment but when you remain prostrate on the ground to be kicked and stomped on there is no escape from pain and injury. PerhapsAbdul Rahim Dahalan should also undergo the same brutal training before recommending this to the other commandos.

Malasian: The rebuttal made by the ex-commando trainer is reflective of a typical Malaysian mentality. Maltreating a normal human being until he becomes mad is simply an idiotic approach of doing things. The real intent is to break up someone so you can enslave them once their brains become defunct. You end up with people that have no sense of responsibility and become utterly obedient like a dog. The case of the DPM’s bodyguards accused of murdering Altantuya is a good example of such training. This is the sort of BN ideology. Inhumane and humiliating training is okay with BN and Mindef.

Let’s not forget, the mujahidden of Afghanistan kicked out the mighty Russian army. They didn’t have such inhumane course to go through! Those Muslim commandos wereeffective; but what have our Malaysian commandos achieved so far?

On English right choice for science and maths

English Handicapped: I fully agree with the writer of this letter. In actual fact, the switch of English to Bahasa Malaysia as the language medium for our education was a grave mistake. I myself am a product of the Bahasa Malaysia language medium school and I faced problems when I was in an institution of higher learning because all study material were all in English. One of my friends even had to write in Chinese practically all the sentences in the books.

The writer was right to say that proficiency in English does not make us less Malaysian, or less Chinese, Malay, Indian or whatever.

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