Thursday 26 December 2013

Here's looking at you 'The Malaysian Insider': Of New Year's Conspiracy, Security, and Media Responsibility

Is the Government's efforts to crack down on planned protests on New Year's Eve a ploy to distract Malaysians from the "real issue(s)" of rising living costs?

We will explore 3 points:

1. The Malaysian Insider's (TMI's) Unusual Angle
2. Pot Calling the Kettle Black
3. Security, Complacency and Responsibility

Monday 23 December 2013

3 Points: Why the ‘New’ Proton Perdana is just plain Bad

Introduction
The new Proton Perdana was launched sometime early December 2013 by the Honourable Prime Minister[1]. The new Proton Perdana comes in a 2.4 and 2.0 variant, and will be used as the official government car immediately, with replacement of the current Perdanas being done gradually. The public will be able to get their hands on this new car within 18 to 24 months time.


The PM admiring his the new car. 
I am a patriot when it comes to supporting local industry. But this time (yes, despite the many other times), this time, I am truly disappointed (and upset) with Proton and their latest offering.

We will explore 3 points:

1. It's an old new car 
2. Parts, Safety, and Maintenance
3. Proton's Future


3 Questions: Of Toll Price Hikes and that Water Matter

The Government recently announced that there will be a price hike for 13-15 highways next year with prices going up between 30 cents and RM2 next year[1]. As per usual, this announcement was met with stern opposition from both sides of the political spectrum and from most Malaysians.

"The inevitability of price rises should be transparent, justifiable and reasonable. None of these exist, leaving the most important stakeholders, the Rakyat, in a lurch"


The toll price hike issue mirrors a very current issue facing Selangorians today – namely the dispute between Syabas and the Selangor State Government over water tariffs. The impending toll hike and the Syabas dispute are eerily similar in that they raise more questions than answers, of which should be quite easily resolved.  

Anyway, this article will explore 3 important questions surrounding the toll price hike: 

     1.      Why the secrecy?
     2.      How much do the toll concessionaires profit?
     3.      Who benefits?


Why I Think Shias Should Name Their Religion Something Else

Update: I wrote this a while back, and spent a lot of time looking into the issues from a strictly comparative basis. I've been told that this view is narrow and should not be adopted. And I agree. This piece may be divisive, and I struggled while writing it. But for me, it was my way of honing some thoughts and trying to look at it from the shoes of the Malaysian Government. 

Having given it more thought, I will be writing another opinion, a 'corrected position', soon. I think the position should be more inclusive. 


Update 2: Here's the corrected position: The Amman Message (Link here)


Introduction
While Malaysians get caught up in the politicisation of the ‘Mat Sabu is a Shia’ debacle, it might be a good time to take a step back and ask ‘Why the Shias?’ The sensible answer might indicate that (i) any religious issue is a hot button issue in Malaysia; and (ii) what better way to shake the credibility of PAS and the Pakatan Rakyat coalition?

Though the jury is still out as to the effectiveness of these attacks (probably not very), the bigger picture should not be missed: What is it about the Shias that gets some of us so riled up?

Politics aside, there are inherent and fundamental differences between Syiah and Sunni Islam which has prompted many observers, intellectuals and social commentators alike, to declare that Shias  are not Muslims. While Shias claim the contrary, it is this author’s opinion that the fundamental differences between the belief system and practice of Syiah ‘Islam’ and Sunni Islam would in fact render the former, non-Islamic.

Why didn’t Islam call itself ‘Christianity Part II’ or ‘Judaism’ or something of that sort? This is probably because the belief system and practice of Islam differed from the Christianity and Judaism. Would it be possible for the same to be applied on the Syiahs?

This author says yes.

In the paragraphs to follow, this author intends to look at 2 of the important pillars of the Islamic faith, namely the Shahadah and the 5 daily prayers and compare and contrast the belief and practice system of Sunni Muslims with that of the Shias. Why just the 2? Because they are able to show delineation in the belief system between the Sunnis and Shias that would be enough to constitute different religions.

The conclusions that will be reached are: (i) the Shia faith system does not fall in line with the Islamic pillars (and thus are not "Muslims" as understood by a majority of Muslims); and (ii) Shias should stop trying so hard to brand themselves as Muslims but instead declare that they are a different religion (but who worship the same God- like the Christians)[1].

On a related note, this author believes that Shias and Sunnis should learn to get along. There’s enough fighting, and this article is written in no way to ostracize the Shias. This author feels that a name change would do well towards a more peaceful coexistence. 


The Start of the Sensibly Sounding Malaysian

Greeting Dear Readers,

The purpose of this Blog is to share my thoughts and ideas of issues facings Malaysians on a daily basis. I hope to take a reasonable, or my preferred word, sensible stance on the issues while sharing my thoughts.

I feel that I can contribute, in a good way, to the online discussion world. There are many writings out there, and some really hurt my heard and I think the best way to counter it is to write sensibly.

I will be writing on issues ranging from religion, race, politics, economics, law, the environment and whatever it is that I may be passionate about.

I welcome your thoughts and comments, but ask that you be fair and constructive. I believe in free speech, but wont hesitate to remove discomforting comments.

Enjoy your time at my blog. Feel free to share the information.

Regards,
Sam