PAS’ Unit Amal: Key to Winning Hearts & Minds for GE14

INTRODUCTION

(1)    The recent anti-GST rally was memorable for many reasons. One of the main ones which come to mind is PAS’ Unit Amal. Recognisable by their red uniform and pretty cool berets, they are the peacekeeping or welfare ‘troops’ of PAS. Read on for my analysis of this hearts+minds winning move.

  

Unit Amal - all ages and sizes. Picture copyright The Star.

Perspectives Matter: On MH370, the South Korean Ferry Tragedy, and Perspectives.

(1) It's been a while since I wrote an article. Time isn't quite a luxury it used to be, and well, I'd rather not write if I cant do justice to the article - or give it enough thought.

(2) Since my last post, many things have happened. MH370 remains a mystery. I'm starting to think that the west-Australia search efforts were just a decoy. Maybe there was something more sinister to it. Oh the conspiracy theories.

(3) Another tragic incident was the sinking ferry in South Korea. The ship carried 476 people. Only 174 survived, leaving more than 302 dead or missing. So far, about 212 bodies have been recovered. Recently a recording was released. A deceased student was able to record the last moments of the ill-fated ferry, and the recording was found in his mobile phone when his body was retrieved. Very sad stuff.

(4) Assuming everyone missing from the ferry incident is dead, it means that it's a 'worse' tragedy than that of MH370. Just to be crystal clear, any death is a tragedy. But the feeling or perception in our national news is that it has been relegated to a lesser story than that of MH370. This could be due to many reasons, including that MH370 is our own national tragedy on an international scale, and the element of mystery means that there is no closure and too much unresolved heartache. Either way, both are still tragedies.

(5) This isn't to say that there's anything wrong with the way the news is told or covered. The point is that there is perspectives matter, and getting as complete a perspective is hugely important before forming opinions.

Perspectives: Understanding GST, Our Rights, And the Real Losers in the "Successful" Anti-GST Rally

Lauded as successful, I'll be looking at the hidden cost of the rally on our people, children, and our democracy. Read on.

Despite the "Success", it's this kind of politics that both sides are breeding.
FYI, I think that the girl in purple is Chinese.

INTRODUCTION. THE ANTI-GST RALLY: CONTEXT

Picture Copyright - The Star
(http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/05/01/Photo-Gallery-May-1-anti-GST-rally/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)

(6) So, the anti-GST rally took place on the 1st of May, labour day. Somehow it appears that Labour Day is a favourite when it comes to taking to the street - quite ironic considering this is a day when people are meant to rest, a day to recognise the hard work of all the good men and women of the workforce.

(7) It's nevertheless totally understandable why people protest - all the hardwork comes to naught if prices go up! We work to earn a living to live, we do not live to work.

(8) So, to many people, 50,000 according to most news website (or amazingly, 1.2 million according to a pemuda PAS tweet), this is an issue that they take to heart. It might, afterall, burn into the wallets of many.

MH370: Our Mortality

In recent weeks, whenever I find myself thinking of something to write, thinking of commenting on some socio-politico issue, I stop myself. I'd ask "Is this appropriate at this point in time?" "Is it worth commenting on this now?"

Perhaps I'm having an existential crisis of sorts. It happens.

Making sense of everything that has been happening isn't easy. But we try.

So here's what's making sense to me at the moment: We are all mortals. And one day we will leave this Earth. We will cease to exist. There is such fragility, uncertainty. Yet we are given the opportunity to be excited and make the most of it.

Deaths happen daily. But it is the magnitude, suddenness of loss, and the feeling of being out of control that has caught on to our conscience.

Perhaps, this was just that reminder we needed.

God Bless everyone.

MH370 . Words.

A national tragedy. An international tragedy.

Families, fathers, mother, grandfathers, grandmothers, brothers, sisters, in-laws, husbands, wives, children, sons, daughters, cousins, friends, teachers, employees, workers, partners, schoolmates, university mates, teachers...

Local media. International media. Conspiracy theories. Agendas.Verified information. Unverified information. Suspects. Sensationalism.

Social Media. Twitter. Facebook. Social media commentators. #pray

Armchair commentators. Teh Tarik shop gossip.

Malaysia. South China Sea. Indian Ocean. Northern Corridor. Southern Corridor. China. Vietnam.United States of America. Australia. United Kingdom. Russia.

Politics. Barisan Nasional. Pakatan Rakyat. PKR. MCA. Kajang. Selangor. Menteri Besar. Prime Minister. Defense Minister. Acting Transport Minister. Cousins. Civil Service.

Efficiency. Inefficiency. Transparency.

Unprecedented.

MH370.

MH370 ...

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families & friends of the crew & passengers of MH370..

We continue to sit here and hope,
For good news to come around,
But even if it is too far a slope,
Your story has kept us bound..

For we are united in our thoughts and prayers for you,
And we hope that our prayers will come true,
For your safety and your lives are important above all others,
And for this moment all of you are our spiritual brothers (and sisters)...

3 Reasons: Why Anwar's Freedom Is More Important to BN Now Than His Guilt

       Anwar's freedom would have been more politically advantageous to Barisan Nasional. Imprisoning him would do BN no favours, and instead put them into an unwanted minefield. Perhaps the Court of Appeal is independent. Perhaps BN actually wanted Anwar to remain a free man. Perhaps my reasons below are sensible. Read on.

My Country is NOT Deteriorating. My response to "Deteriorating Democracy in Malaysia" by Azeem Ibrahim.

Introduction

[1]    In my description of my blog above, I have stated that I care and believe in my country and her future. Thus, when I read Azeem Ibrahim’s piece which was published in Huffingtonpost.com (link here), I was a little taken aback by the certainty of the language and the resoluteness that Malaysia’s democracy is deteriorating.

[2]    Nevertheless, my surprise faded somewhat at the end when the author declared his formal and official support of Anwar Ibrahim specifically and Pakatan Rakyat generally. I understand. In the game of politics, it’s normal to raise the allegations of mala-administration against the Barisan Nasional, particularly when you are a PR supporter. But even if he wasn’t, he does raise genuine and legitimate concerns plaguing the country – though his article does fall a little short in the substantiation department as it plays mainly on sentiment.

[3]    Essentially, I disagree with article on 4 reasons. Perhaps he can come back with a response. That would be nice.

[4]    This article is a bit long – go straight to the part that interests you if you want.

a.       Eroding Racial Harmony: The Bipolarity of Pakatan Rakyat

b.      World Press Freedom Index: What is doesn’t consider

c.       The Allah Issue: BN Schizophrenia, PR Inaction

d.      The Popular Vote: Oh Enough Already

[5]    The focus of this article will be on addressing some of Azeem’s views.

Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M): 4 Reasons Why It Is Good and Necessary

Introduction

 [1]   BR1M 2014 was launched yesterday, 22 February 2014 to some fanfare. According to reports, RM4.5 billion has been allocated for BR1M 2014 which would benefit some 7 million people.

[2]   Personally, I am a fan of the initiative, as I believe targeted subsidies are the way to go – let those truly deserving get government assistance, and for people like me, we can take care of ourselves.

[3]   Personally, I stand to lose from BR1M. I am not entitled to it, and any reduction in subsidy will mean I pay more for certain goods (and being in the middle income bracket, I’m not rich enough to the point that it wont matter *Sad face*).

[4]   Nevertheless, I feel that the benefit to those who really need the targeted subsidy outweighs my personal (and financial) interest.

[5]   And yes yes, if the Government plugged leakages and wastages, strengthened the economy etc. etc. we’d be in a much better position, financially and purchase power-wise, but hey, that’s a grouse for another day (and don’t worry, I won’t let that go. Just waiting for the next Auditor-General report).

[6]   In this article, I want to look at BR1M and write about the 4 reasons why BR1M is good an necessary. I do not think it is political candy (and my staunch-opposition economist friends say that it’s in fact a good idea – but PR cant say that). So, here’s a preview of the 4 reasons:

            a.      A web of benefits;

            b.      Targeted subsidies are the future;

            c.       Right time;

            d.      Br1M is more sophisticated than it looks.

"Why Anwar?" 3 Missing Points from Rafizi's Explanation

[1]    Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, the self-declared mastermind behind the ongoing Kajang-Selangor-Menteri Besar-PKR fiasco, has decided to ‘come clean’ with the thinking and reasoning behind PKR’s moves. Read his blog post here.

[2]    By spelling out PKR’s objectives and the need to ‘address UMNO dynamics’, Rafizi hopes that the Rakyat would understand and accept PKR’s moves. He even says ‘Punish us if you must!’ (Dramatization mine). Boy oh boy.

[3]    The blog post has been artfully written but is ultimately fraught with unsubstantiated reasoning, contradictions and deflections.

[4]    There is also a glaring omission: He hasn’t justified “Why Anwar?”

[5]    I’ll be asking “Why Anwar?” over what I’d like to call the 3 missing points:

a.    Making Selangor “better” *Why Anwar*

b.    Selangor’s current ADUNs *Why Anwar*

c.    Fortification and UMNO *Why Anwar*

Kangkung-gate Part 2: Bitterness, The Sensibles and New News

In Part 2 of this series, I'll be taking a look at the aftermath of the Kangkung issue, which I think proves among others, the point on information fatigue, and what has made the news since.

I waited about 8 days to see how things panned out. And sure enough, we've got new play-things (issues) now. 

Kangkung-gate Part 1: Information Fatigue and A Discerning Electorate

On 12 January 2014, Malaysia PM Najib Razak commented that the price of kangkung or water spinach in the market had dropped. He said that when prices dropped, no one praised the Government but when prices rise, everyone condemned the Government. The usage of kangkung was as an example, but his emphasis of it has sparked much frenzy in Malaysia.

In Part1 of this 2-part special write-up on an issue close to heart (and plates) of most Malaysians, I’ll be looking at how the Kangkung phenomena is actually a sign of a society where information fatigue is setting in.

Introduction

[1]    There is more information in a week's worth of the New York Times than a person was likely to come across in their entire lifetime in the 18^th century. So says this YouTube video.  

[2]    Now, take this fact and relate it to your personal informational exposure. Add the fact that smartphones are ubiquitous and give us 24/7 access to the internet. What you now have is a complete, limitless and verifiable source of knowledge at your fingertips, ready to be accessed at any time.

[3]     Despite this, everyone has been so damn obsessed with the Kangkung.

[4]     While I don’t have anything against Kangkung, til' today I still don’t know what the PM’s speech was about. For many it does not matter. The Kangkung is symbolic, they say, of society’s grouses against leaders who are disconnected from reality. This is sensible. Possibly true. But so is the converse: The speech possibly had redeeming features. The problem is that despite complete and verifiable knowledge at our fingertips, many of us were happy to stop at Kangkung.

[5]    I think this indicative of a bigger symptom: Information fatigue.

Lim Kit Siang’s Conciliation Offer: A Lost Opportunity Due to Semantics and Politicking

Intro

[1]    I feel that Lim Kit Siang’s offer to hold reconciliatory talks between BN and PR leaders was insincere or badly managed. As someone who wants to see positive political growth, maturity on both sides and national unity, this proposal was a beacon of hope, only to be put out like Luke Skywalkers dreams to be reunited with his dad.

The Amman Message dan Penyelesaian Bagi Meredakan Ketegangan Agama di Malaysia

A blog picked up my article on the Amman Message and translated it to Bahasa Melayu. Thanks. Am happy to spread it to as many readers as possible.

http://www.isketambolapress.blogspot.com/2014/01/2-perkara-amman-message-dan.html

Artikel ini adalah terjemahan daripada artikel asal dari Sam Sensible di laman ini:- 

Sensible, Malaysian @sensiblysoundingmalaysian.blogspot.com

2 Points: The Amman Message & The Solution to Malaysia's Religious Tensions

Introduction

[1]    I recently came across something known as the Amman Message and the Three Points (here), and was pleasantly surprised by it.

[2]    The Amman Message was endorsed by Tun Abdullah Badawi when he was the PM. It was also signed by current Opposition Leader, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and other prominent leaders, including one Khayri Jamal Al-Din, Deputy Chairman, UMNO youth (yes, I believe that would be KJ, his name fancily spelt).

[3]    Upon reading the Amman Message, it made me wonder why isn’t its beautiful message, reminder, principles, and commands being utilised in Malaysia?

[4]    In this article, I’ll be looking at the Amman Message and the current crisis engulfing Malaysia and how the reminders of the Amman Message are vital. It’s also a ‘corrective position’ concerning a controversial article I wrote about Shias not too long ago (link here).

A Response to "Reject the Stadium Solution"

A.   Introduction

[1]    This is an article in response to Ong Kar Jin’s blog post in his duriandemocracy blog titled “Reject the Stadium Solution” (Link Here) which was cheekily (albeit slightly distastefully) labelled as the “SS”.

[2]    The article was well written and I enjoyed writing this response. Briefly put, I don’t fully agree with his position, and believe that this response will justify why.

B. Stadiums are limiting Factors.

“More Space = More People = Better” is flawed logic

[3]    The author says that stadiums limit the number of people who can attend the rallies, and that these people are the “lifeblood of protests”. He then says that people stuck outside cannot hear the speeches, participate in “collective action” and that not being able to enter the stadium is akin to attending a buffet but being able to only have one plate.

[4]    Firstly, the logic is flawed. If the protests took place in open areas, such as the streets, there would still be a problem of people who could listen to the speeches or the ability of people to participate in ‘collective actions’ especially so considering the spread out and sporadic nature of such protests – essentially, only those able to get to a focal point, such as Dataran Merdeka would reap any of the benefits – and this is similar to that of being able to enter the stadium. But within stadiums, sound systems can be put in place, and screens or sound systems can be placed in the immediate vicinity of the stadiums. The same cannot be done for open spaces, simple because logistically it’s impossible.

“The author has in no way justified why one  (duty not to inconvenience residents staying near stadiums) should supersede the rights of other (legitimate businesses and members of the public in the city).”

[5]    Secondly, the author himself highlights a concern but doesn’t provide an answer to it. He concedes that ‘you never know for sure how many people are going to turn up’. His suggestion is that open spaces enable more people power. However, within such concession beckons the question of ‘so how do organisers ensure the safety of the protesters?’ The reality is that in most liberal democracies, open protests are limited to a finite number of people. Authorities set limits of how many people can attend, and are empowered to turn people away if the numbers swell, because there is a potential and real danger to over-crowding. The author blindly suggests that people power is vital, to which I agree, but turns away from addressing security concerns.

[6]    Thirdly, I would like to ask the author, what if a field or open space is allocated as an alternative (like the area between the Lincoln memorial and World War II memorial in Washington DC)? Would he accept it?

Happy New Year 2014

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everybody a Happy New Year 2014!

This Sensibly Sounding Malaysian hopes that 2014 will see:

1. A happier Malaysia
2. A smarter Malaysia
3. A more hardworking Malaysia
4. A cheaper Malaysia (essential goods)
5. A more tolerant, understanding, and accepting Malaysia.

Here's to resolutions. May God bless us all. 

In the News: The Aftermath of the 31.12.2013 Protests

The much publicised New Year’s Eve protests at Dataran Merdeka has come and gone. Largely peaceful in nature, all sides of the equation should be lauded for ensuring that no untoward incident had happened.

Protesters largely behaved.

The protesters were generally well-behaved (save for a lack of tact from some of them when they booed and shouted ‘bodoh’ – stupid - when the KL mayor greeted them with ‘Salam 1Malaysia’)[1]. The police and City Hall came across looking good due to their restraint.

Booed the KL Mayor.

Reports in the news, as usual, differed on a number of points.

In this article, we shall take a look at how the event was reported in the various news reports today (1st January 2013).

Media Organisation	Title of Related Article(s)	Observation of rally	Quick Facts	Sensible Malaysian’s Observations
The Malaysian Insider	Rally a success, says Turun[2]	TMI’s report was from Turun’s perspective. Turun claims that it was a success, that participants had displayed patriotism, and that no one had plans to topple the government.	No of Protesters: 50,000 Police/ DBKL: Good Success or Failure? Success	Largely opinion based. Perhaps gave Turun organisations too much credit or credibility. Opposing views of rally missing.