K Haridas

From health to governance, the duty lies in caring for others.

Many now believe that our Federal Constitution has been violated by the actions of our politicians.

"Our world is not divided by race, colour, gender or religion. Our world is divided into wise people and fools." - Nelson Mandela.

The last nine years under Najib have been exceptionally destructive in more ways than one.

LETTER | Malaysians voted for a more inclusive country. 

LETTER | Mahathir is selecting the wrong people.

LETTER | We have an opportunity to regain our independence and reassert our faith in the constitution.

LETTER | The bill for silence and untruth will be presented and all will have to be held to account.

LETTER | Democracy requires vigilance and this is an opportunity for M’sians to reclaim our democratic traditions.

LETTER | Ahead of GE14, it is imperative that voters avoid making the same old choice at the ballot box.

When a party has no bigger cause to fight and indulges in racist and religious bigotry, then it is a sign that such a party has no substance and cause worth championing. It is important that we call their bluff as equal citizens of the federation. What evidence is there that DAP has belittled Islam and the issue of ‘bumiputra’?

Today Malaysia is a nation that seems to be led by mediocre individuals at all levels. Intelligent Malays and non-Malays are sidelined be it in the civil service, army, navy, and government-linked companies. Just consider the leadership of the police, the attorney-general (AG), the key spokespersons for Najib Abdul Razak, the utterances of some ex-judges and one is just amazed at where we have reached as a nation.

It is difficult to reconcile with the countless scandals rocking the nation with news of misappropriation of money and corruption. We have just read the amazing events around the Sabah Water Department issue. A total of RM114 million seized, of which RM53.7 million was in cash, RM60 million in bank accounts in addition to luxury cars, jewellery, 127 land titles, branded watches and handbags.

I am perplexed how former journalist Sidek Kamiso was arrested for allegedly insulting Islam over the death of PAS spiritual leader Haron Din. I can understand if it is stated that he insulted a Muslim leader and the course of action will be for the family to initiate. Yes, Haron was the spiritual leader of PAS which is an Islamic political party. He stood three times for elections and lost.

When one witnesses wrong being committed and remains silent, this tent amounts to condoning what is wrong. Both silence and continued association reveals an inability to stand up for what is right and so many well-educated and intentioned individuals continue tolerating the obvious wrong.

“Malaysia is serious about good governance” says the prime minister. This raises serious questions as to whether he even understands what ‘good governance’ is all about. The nature of his conduct and actions seems contrary and shows that there is mere lip service. Anyone who is committed to good governance would be open, honest, transparent and ready to be held accountable.

The default culture is so pervasive and powerful that many are sucked into this from the perspective of self- interest. Why is there a need to change a culture when those in power stand to gain? It is their self- interest that drives this culture. Such a culture then self-perpetuates itself.