vox populi big thumbnail 'The future of our country lies in the hands of those people who are competent and knowledgeable no matter what group they belong to.'

On PM: ACA to be fully independent

Ibrahim Musa K: The conventional wisdom suggests that Pak Lah’s sudden change of attitude in reforming the tarnished judicial system and dormant ACA comes years too late. Well, I would think it is better late than never.

The next action he should undertake without fear is to overhaul the law-enforcement institution, ensuring that the executioners of law must respect the rules and regulations themselves first – without discrimination or favor. This can be followed by gradually weeding out the non- performers (especially those leaders appointed via strings of connection) of all governmental statutory boards, civil service and tertiary institutions.

The future of our country lies in the hands of those people who are competent and knowledgeable no matter what group they belong to. Just do away with politics and nepotism. That said, I am still skeptical if there is already light at the end of the tunnel. Somehow, I have a strong feeling that the wind of political change is still blowing in full force. And that we may be forced to start from square one again.

Yumcious: Here's a lesson in English. What is the difference between a verb and a noun? My school-going kids understand this (bless the tuition teachers). In the papers, when asked whether the Malaysian Commission on Anti-Corruption (MCAC) would report to him or to Parliament, the PM was purportedly, allegedly, supposedly - because you can never really trust the mainstream media anymore - to have said: ‘The report would ultimately go to Parliament’.

He's again pussy-footing around, this time about the use of the words ‘report to’. Anyone who has ever worked a day in his life understands this to mean to be: ‘a subordinate to, or to take directions from, or to be accountable to’.

He never answered the question, but instead turned an action verb into a noun, about some pieces of paper going someplace august to be systematically filed and lost. He does like to play with words, doesn’t he?

JD Lovrenciear: The PM's announcement to revamp and re-position the ACA within this year is raising hope among the rakyat and that is a great feeling, or as the PM would have us say, a 'feel good' act. At the same time, every politician seems to jump onto the wagon with accolades of praise. Some even reassert that it must be done.

The irony of it all is, what were these same politicians doing when they were within the ruling government all this while these past twenty five years? If you believed that ACA needed to be revamped, then why did you not help the government and its citizens by putting enough pressure to see it through?

And when the 'opposition' kept raising the issue all these years, were you not the same quarters which sneered at them? Please Mr and Madam Politicians, stop operating from that same archaic moud of bygone eras. This post-modern era that is being sent on an ICT roller coaster will only expose your dark side even more.

So, if you do not have what it takes to serve the new and emerging political topography, just throw the towel in and go do something else but politics. Otherwise, save your comments. It is not going to get you any brownie points believe me.

On Hindraf seeks UN help to address Indian issues

Job Dhanaraj: As a strong admirer of Hindraf and who with grateful thanks appreciate all that they underwent, which without doubt, was a great factor in bringing about the fantastic victory for the three main united parties of the opposition, I humbly request that this plan of taking up their (vali ) grouses to the UN be withheld until the new Parliament commences its first sitting.

My heart goes out to those who are still being locked up in the ISA prison as though they had committed criminal acts, and more still, for their beloved wives and little children who have to live in unexplainable sorrow and anxiety, while persons like me, who have benefited from their sacrifice, sit comfortably in our cosy houses at the expense of their untold sufferings.

Having truthfully acknowledged that, it is my considered thought that when Parliament opens, our elected representatives will do battle for them. So, please, once again I urge the Hindraf reps to wait for just a little bit longer.

On Lee: No need to quit Gerakan

Yumcious: The pettiness of the BN leadership knows no bounds. Just what is morally wrong with Lee taking up the job, if he is indeed the best person for the job? Instead of raising questions of his eligibility or suitability, if any, we have these two Umno top-dogs drawing imaginary lines dividing between us and them, as if Penang is a pot to be gambled over.

This BN reaction is like a spoilt brat kicking up a fuss after losing all his marbles in a playground game. When everyone else is concerned about putting the best people forward, the government seems to be doing everything in its power to make Penang fail. BN's approach to this is disgusting beyond belief.

Farri-Henry Pang: For all I could remember, BN and especially the MCA, have been extremely fond of buying over DAP elected representative to join them. What is the big problem of Lee Kah Choon joining the Penang Government? Look at Yap Pian Hon of Serdang - he won under the DAP ticket before being sold to MCA. And just before the 12th election, there was one DAP elected representative near Seremban which crossed over to the MCA.

Let us talk about Lee Lam Thye. He is now a ‘Tan Sri’ since he left DAP. His departure from DAP was a clear move by BN and MCA to weaken the DAP and hopefully gain the Bukit Bintang seat. Anyway, God is fair and the MCA never succeeded.

I feel the BN needs to learn a gentleman lesson that in any competition, there is always a winner and a loser. Dare to lose, my friend.

On Sore loser BN needs to get on with it

ABC: It seems that BN/Umno has still not learnt its lesson. As stubborn and arrogant as their leaders can be, they have not heard what the people have voiced through the ballot box. Malaysians are no longer stupid and are a lot more matured than the people who run the country. Recent reports of closing down an entire newspaper just because it gave coverage to the opposition is also being watched by the rakyat . People are fed up of being treated like idiots who will just follow a leader just because he is popular or so because he is of a champion of a certain race.

It's also funny that the racist politics played up by BN/Umno is still prevalent today. In a multi- cultural country like Malaysia, where there are so many intermarriages between the races, the fact that BN/Umno plays racial politics is actually very shallow and it only shows that their leaders 'of Oxford and Cambridge educated' lot are really shallow.

In most developed, or developing countries for that matter, leaders talk about healthcare, jobs, childcare, interest rates, housing, retirement, environment etc but in Malaysia the BN/Umno leaders still talk about race. BN the clock is ticking - your days are numbered.

Alfred Ho: I wish to commend your news portal for giving Samy Vellu , Ong Ka Ting and Chua Soi Lek the chance to make absolute fools of themselves during their question and answer sessions which you published recently. These ex-ministers only seemed to have wised up after the heavy Barisan defeat and no matter what they say now, they cannot hoodwink right-thinking Malaysians anymore.

On Non-Malays merely asking for equality

Naseron Ismail: As citizens of Malaysia, we should work together to maintain the peace and stability of our beloved country. We should uphold the constitution and the rule of law and try to understand the vast variety of cultures and religions that we live with.

We are all born equal but the special privileges given to the Malays are legitimate because they are the sons of the soil of this country. Please do dot blame the Malays for not recognising others as the same.

On Malaysian hypocrisy over Tibet

Tanya: My response to Scott who commented on the Beijing Olympics would be to please imagine if Penang said it wants independence, then Perak also said the same. Would you as the government try all your best to stop that, or would you be so democratic and let them go independent?

Come On: What a comparison - Thailand sending tanks to Malaysia and destroying our country! The Olympic spirit must be free of over-emotive expressions and political innuendos. While sympathising with the Tibetans, the issue should be discussed at a different forum. Malaysia did the right thing.

Max: Look here, what have you to say if Texas wants to get out of United States of America and declares independence? What if Scotland in United Kingdom wants to be independent? To the Chinese, Tibet was, is and shall remains part of China just like Penang, Selangor, Sabah and Sarawak are parts of Malaysia.

Kenny: I totally do not agree with the example given of ‘Thailand occupying Malaysia’ to the Tibet case. I think this is a very poor example and there is no need for such comparison.

First of all, Tibet is always part of China and there is no question of occupation. Economically, Tibet is doing very well with China and there are plenty of Chinese there helping to develop this region. Moreover, now there is a very impressive rail-link from Beijing all the way to Tibet. Without China’s determination in economic planning, Tibet will not be as progressive as it is today.

Secondly Thailand and Malaysia have very close and cordial political and economic relationships so the question of war and occupation does not arise at all.

NG SK: Well, if the Thais invade, we'll fight them to defend Malaysia and we'll boycott the Olympics in Bangkok (and no TV coverage please) but we will not go to Singapore to protest and demonstrate when the torch arrives in Singapore.

On Set aside partisanship, castigate Pas

Justin Santiago: Voters have in their euphoria about seeking and getting change have unwittingly invited the one who came for lunch. Peters’ letter reminds me of the planning of lunches or dinners among multi-racial and religious colleagues. If there is even one Muslim in the group, it is he or she who will determine the restaurant, the menu and the timing. There will be beef on the table even if Hindus or Buddhists are invited. The party will proceed on Good Friday even if there are Christians coming along. I don't know if castigating will help.