Hishammuddin needs a history lesson

Hishammuddin needs a history lesson

APRIL 2, 2009 — Umno's newly-minted vice-president and Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein was unhappy with the contents of history books and wanted “better” history lessons.

Hishammuddin kicked up the fuss during his winding-up speech at the Umno general assembly when he said the party and the Malay Rulers were the only parties who fought for Malaysia's independence.

Obviously it wasn’t a brilliant statement. It got Umno’s ally MCA and other groups riled up, naturally. This also doesn’t augur well for Hishammuddin who by now should be a wiser person upon his graduation from the adolescent Umno Youth wing.

Hishammuddin is the one who needs history lessons. Being the son of Tun Hussein Onn and grandson of Datuk Onn Jaafar, Hishammuddin should have known better than to make ridiculous and unsubstantiated remarks.

What more when his grandfather Onn was the among the first patriots to fight for a multiracial and democratic government in this country; or should that fact be hidden from our history books now?

Onn founded Umno in 1946 during the campaign against the formation of the Malayan Union. Among a rather conservative Malay population, Onn promoted a view which was already popular at the time — “Raja itu Rakyat, Rakyat itu Raja” (The king is a citizen, and the citizens are king). It was a social contract of sorts upon which Umno was formed.

Together with his son Hussein, who was then Umno's secretary-general, Onn quit Umno in August 1951 due to irreconcilable differences with others in the leadership. Onn’s idea was ahead of his time — he wanted Umno to open its membership to non-Malays in an attempt to turn Umno into a multiracial organisation.

Onn went on to establish the multiracial Independent Malayan Party (IMP), and subsequently Malay-majority Parti Negara. Both parties failed to win majority support. Communal politics was strong then, as it is still prevalent now.

Perhaps Hishammuddin has forgotten that his grandfather Onn was not a member of Umno at the time Malaya achieved independence in 1957. The true Malayan patriot died a sad man in 1962.

One of the staunchest supporters of Onn was the then mentri besar of Perak, the Datuk Panglima Bukit Gantang Abdul Wahab Toh Muda Abdul Aziz. Perhaps the spirit of Bukit Gantang will remind certain people that history should never be re-written.

Hussein re-entered politics in 1968 at the invitation of his brother-in-law Tun Abdul Razak Hussein. He contested the 1969 election and won, subsequently being appointed the minister of education.

In August 1973, Hussein filled the post of deputy prime minister upon the demise of Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman. He was minister of finance between 1974 and 1976, tearfully sworn in as prime minister when Razak died in office in January 1976.

The crux of the problem with the learning of history in this country is partisanship. Hishammuddin’s latest view is just another sad addition to the problem, at the expense of a genuine understanding of the contribution of his father and grandfather to the nation, outside of Umno.

A case in point is the Tun Hussein Onn Memorial. Opened in February 2006 after a RM30 million makeover of the old Prime Minister’s Department building in Kuala Lumpur, the memorial failed to deal with the period of Hussein’s life when he fought against Umno.

There was no mention of Hussein’s departure from Umno in 1951 or Hussein’s role in helping the opposition, especially Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah’s Semangat 46, against Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Umno Baru in the late 1980s in the aftermath of Umno’s deregistration.

When Hussein died in May 1990, he was not a member of Umno. Significantly, all Umno presidents — Tunku Abdul Rahman, Hussein and Dr Mahathir — quit the party in retirement; although the latter is expected to rejoin the party.

For Hishammuddin and his supporters, they should remember that a nation is only mature when history is studied in a less partisan way.

Malaysia's ruling party retires divisive "keris" dagger

Malaysia's ruling party retires divisive "keris" dagger
Mar 25, 2009
AFP

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25, 2009 (AFP) - Malaysia's ruling party on Wednesday retired a famous "keris", a traditional Malay dagger that has previously been brandished at party events in a gesture seen as ethnically divisive.

Hishamuddin Hussein, the leader of the party's influential and sometimes hot-headed youth wing, shot to fame for waving the keris above his head at annual meetings of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).

But the resulting outcry, and elections a year ago that saw the UMNO-led coalition deserted by ethnic Chinese and Indians, have made gestures of Malay nationalism less acceptable.

Hishamuddin, who is stepping down after 11 years in the role, was Wednesday presented with the keris which is now his for safe-keeping, after he delivered his last address to youth wing members at this year's talks.

He raised the golden weapon to face level, but did not wave or unsheath it, and placed it back on its pillow while UMNO members dressed in traditional costume and black "songkok" hats cheered "Allahuakbar" or "God is great".

Hishamuddin, the son of a former prime minister, is now vying to become one of three party vice-presidents. He was in tears by the end of the event.

"This is our culture. Now the keris has been handed over to me for my personal care. The keris is no longer in the youth wing. I hope this is a closure to what has been disputed and misunderstood before," he told reporters.

The dagger issue became particularly divisive at the party's 2006 assembly, when it was linked with ultra-nationalist rhetoric that emerged there.

Some delegates said that Malays, who dominate the population of the multi-racial country, must be willing to fight "to the last drop of blood" to defend their rights.

Another speaker warned minorities to stop questioning the rights of the Malays and not to test their patience.

The fiery tone sparked concerns about the economic and religious rights of Malaysia's sizeable ethnic Chinese and Indian communities, and further strained race relations which have deteriorated in recent years.

The following year, Hishamuddin defied calls for restraint by again unsheathing the dagger and holding it aloft to thunderous applause, in a gesture widely seen as aggressive and inflammatory.

He subsequently apologised for the move, saying he did not intend to hurt the feelings of non-Malays.

Malaysia's population of more than 26 million consists of about 60 percent Malays but the economy is largely controlled by ethnic Chinese, who make up some 26 percent of the population.

Hishammuddin calls Anwar a Malay traitor

Hishammuddin calls Anwar a Malay traitor

By Shannon Teoh

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has unsurprisingly attacked those who question the social contract and Bumiputera privileges as provocateurs of racial tension, singling out Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Making a clear reference to the former Youth chief and now Opposition Leader in his opening speech at the wing’s general assembly today, he used the term “Si Petualang,” meaning traitor, for selling out Malay rights in the quest for power.

He accused Anwar of being manipulative and doing things “differently in front, and differently behind,” a reference to the former deputy prime minister’s sodomy charge with drew cheers from the 793 delegates.

“Because they are power crazy, they are willing to do anything. Si Petualang is willing to sow the seeds of hate, cooperate with the enemy, deny the rights of his own race and insult his homeland in various forums across the world.

“He is ready to insult the institution of Malay rulers and whoever else to fulfil his greed,” he said, adding that no matter “how he escaped their trap, the trap would never forget him.”

The education minister also added that those who have questioned the social contract and the special position of Malays and Bumiputeras were being proud and arrogant.

“The social contract has purposely been misinterpreted to light the flames of racism. They purposely refuse to discuss the social contract from a historical perspective, that it was agreed to by all races,” he said.

Referring to the opposition in Parliament, he warned them not to take advantage of the immunity of the Dewan Rakyat to show off their courage.

He also said that the Feb 5 takeover of Perak was divine justice by the power of God after Anwar had made the false claim that Pakatan Rakyat would take over Federal Government on Sep 16 last year.

Hishammuddin also refuted claims that the 12th General Election, where Barisan Nasional suffered heavy losses just over a year ago, was a starting point for the “end of a party that has been great and strong all this time.”

“Umno should not be so pessimistic. What happened was a wake up call,” he said, explaining that mere physical development was no longer sufficient.

Instead, Umno should fight for “politics with value and meaning” that he claimed to have initiated within the Youth wing that has brought it closer to the grassroots.

The "Bangsawan" Candidate

The "Bangsawan" Candidate

28 Sept, 2008

As the turmoil of Malaysian politics continues unabated, it seems quite likely that the leadership of Umno (and possibly the Premiership) will fall to the hands of Najib Razak. What can we expect from a administration led by this son of our second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak?

One important thing to note in any discussion of the directions of a Najib premiership is the fact that he, like his cousin Hishamuddin Hussein 'bangsawan' (or aristocratic) politicians. To outsiders it would appear that their rise through Umno has been charmed and unobstructed. The reality, however, is that their rise to power is due as much to their own deft management of party politics as it is to their familial connections and wealth.

At their best, they can be the most racially inclusive of figures: cosmopolitan, urbane and well-educated. On the other hand, the 'bangsawan' candidates can be deeply conservative and resistant, if not openly hostile to change. This may have to change however, for Najib's reluctance to endorse and promote the civil liberties reform agenda is actually undermining his own career.

"Pursuing these will be the first step of Barisan/Umno's comeback trail, while seeking status quo will be yet another nail in its coffin."

Consider the potential power bases his refusals are costing him. As an educated and modern politician, Najib's natural supporters should be the very middle-class Malaysians that are his fiercest critics. Many of them have not forgotten the contributions of his father, and some even project onto him the best qualities of Razak, forgetting in turn that even the elder statesman had his flaws.

As it were, Umno's utilization of racialist politics have sent countless of votes that ought to have gone their way to the other side. Educated, talented young Malays are avoiding politics like the plague, robbing the party of a talented cadre that can discard the outmoded ways and bring the party forward.

A lot of the blame and disappointment of this has been laid, unfairly or not, on the doors of 'bangsawan' politicians like Najib. One does, after all, have the right to expect more from such people. The principle of noblesse oblige means that great privilege comes with great duty and even greater standards.

This is not to say that Najib does not have strengths of his own, however. There's no doubt that Najib is one of our smartest politicians. He's extremely well-read and possesses a rigorous mind. His unflappable disposition is well suited to the demands of governance.

He presides over meetings effortlessly, can summarize discussions succinctly and understands the importance of prioritizing issues. In technocratic terms, he far outstrips his rivals both in and outside the Government. Although of course, critics again see this as a reflection of Umno's own lack of human capital rather than any intrinsic brilliance on his part.

We should not underestimate Najib's ability to spring surprises, however. His apology to the Indian community over the demolition of Hindu temples in Selangor (which sparked the Hindraf movement), was a break from the arrogance of Umno's leadership on this issue- although of course this did nothing to prevent that community's swing against Barisan.

One gets a sense that it is his innate conservatism that is preventing him from pushing forward much-needed reforms, reforms that will swing public support back to Umno/Barisan and the lack of which is costing the coalition. For all of his family connections and much-vaunted capabilities, neither of these will turn back the clock nor negate the need for substantive change in Malaysia.

Also, the controversies surrounding the Altantuya murder case are not going to go away and will blot the legitimacy of his potential term in office dearly. What Najib must come to terms with is the fact that the people of Malaysia, with sole exception of Umno loyalists look upon him with a jaundiced eye because they don't trust the institutions of state.

Championing the reform agenda, as well as accountability and transparency- what more now that he is Finance Minister, will assuage the many reservations against him. The lists of initiatives are obvious: cleaning up the courts, enhancing the professionalization the police force and freeing up the media and so much more.

Pursuing these will be the first step of Barisan/Umno's comeback trail, while seeking status quo will be yet another nail in its coffin. Najib and his advisors need to realize that the weakened institutions of state in Malaysia as well as their continued enervation only plays into the hands of Anwar Ibrahim and the Pakatan Rakyat.

It is pointless, as I said earlier, to view Najib as anything but an aristocratic politician. But adopting a people-centred approach to governance, if he is granted that mantle, will ensure that he will be a successful one. (By KARIM RASLAN/ MySinchew)

( The opinions expressed by the writer do not necessarily reflect those of MySinchew )

Anwar claims BN using dirty tricks

Anwar claims BN using dirty tricks

PERMATANG PAUH, Aug 17 - In the first day of campaigning, opposition leader and home boy Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has already alleged that his former party Barisan Nasional (BN) will resort to dirty strategies to cut his majority in the Permatang Pauh by-election this Aug 26.

He claimed inside information and told the people to disregard the tricks.

"BN will campaign house-to-house to ask residents in Permatang Pauh not to go out to vote on Aug 26, saying that I have already won the by-election.

"BN will also give RM500 to each voter not to vote for Anwar Ibrahim, but my advice to you is to take the money, but vote for me," he said at a tea reception at Kampung Bagan Serai here yesterday.

The former deputy prime minister also reiterated Pakatan Rakyat promises when it formed the government, cutting pump prices by 70 sen and freeing the five Hindraf leaders currently detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Anwar is facing BN candidate Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah and Angkatan Keadilan Insan Malaysia (Akim) president Hanafi Mamat in a three-cornered fight for the seat that he had held between 1982 and 1999 when he was convicted of corruption.

Meanwhile, Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib said BN had a stronger chance of wresting the seat from PKR following the entry of Akim into the picture.

The Rural and Regional Development Minister's views, were shared by Penang MCA liaison chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai who said Hanafi would be able to attract a segment of PAS supporters as many of them were unhappy with Anwar, Bernama reported.

BN Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein also felt the same but reminded the BN election machinery to work hard to ensure a BN victory.

Penang BN chairman Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon reminded the BN election machinery to double its effort especially at the grassroots level and said he hoped the people of Permatang Pauh would not be taken in by the empty promises the opposition would be making.

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the party was making every effort to get at least 2,700 of the 3,390 Indian voters in the constituency to vote for the BN.

PAS vice president Datuk Husam Musa said the by-election would be a tough battle for the PR as it had to contend with the BN's formidable election machinery but was confident the opposition coalition would prevail.

He said that Anwar's former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan's action of swearing on the Quran at the Federal Territory Mosque in Kuala Lumpur Friday that Anwar had sodomised him, would not in anyway sway PAS members support for Anwar as it was "obviously timed to derail Anwar's plan of making a comeback".

PKR supreme council member Saifuddin Nasution Ismail described the by-election as mere formality to fill the vacancy as the constituency was a PKR fortress.

As for Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, he said that he viewed this by-election as historical one as involved a former political stalwart, referring to Anwar, who is a former deputy prime minister.

Meanwhile, former PKR Youth chief Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor said the BN could win the seat as the mood of the people there had changed since the time he was in PKR.

"I can feel it. It is not the same as in 1999 and 2004 (when the outpouring of support for PKR was very great)," said, Ezam, who rejoined Umno recently.

Malaysian Insider

Negative views of wife a problem for Najib

Negative views of wife a problem for Najib

Rosmah Mansor (left) seen here with Najib Razak at KLIA recently. — Bernama pic

From TODAY

JUNE 27 — Malaysia’s “First Lady-in-waiting” Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor has become a lightning rod for criticism of late.

Pointing to her overseas trips, the Opposition alleged that the 57-year-old wife of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had gone on luxury shopping sprees and shipped her purchases back home at the expense of the Malaysian embassy in London and national carrier Malaysia Airlines.

While Najib has stood up for his wife and dismissed the allegations that she had received special treatment from Malaysian embassies abroad, the negative perception of Rosmah has stuck in the public mind.

Najib had to come to her defence again on Wednesday, this time over her alleged involvement in the 2006 murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu, a 28-year-old Mongolian woman whose body was later blown up with explosives.

Raja Petra Kamaruddin, the editor of online news portal Malaysia Today, filed a statutory declaration last week at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, alleging that Rosmah was one of the three individuals at the murder scene.

This was after he was charged last month with sedition for implying that Najib was involved in the murder. Rosmah gave her statement to the police on Monday, the details of which have not been made public.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had repeatedly rejected charges that Najib and his wife were involved in Altantuya’s murder. Political analysts noted that as long as there are doubts over their involvement, Abdullah’s choice of successor is seen as potentially disastrous.

Political analyst Khoo Kay Peng said Najib’s succession — the timeframe of which has not been made official — would not be able to reverse the decline of the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) if he is plagued with Raja Petra’s new allegation against his wife.

“Najib’s credibility is already fragile among common folk, especially in his own Malay community. He needs to justify his innocence if he wants to provide a strong leadership to Umno,” he said.

Kuala Lumpur resident A.L. Tan said Malaysians liked to compare Rosmah to Jeanne Abdullah, the wife of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, the wife of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“They say Rosmah is not as humble as the present First Lady and the former ones,” she said.

Agnes Teh, a resident of Penang, said: “Rosmah is seen as ambitious and arrogant, so some people fear that she could be a tough ‘First Lady’ who will be able to influence decisions.”

But she added: “We shouldn’t judge her while claims of her involvement in the murder are being investigated.”

Rosmah, the current chancellor of the Industrial University of Selangor, returned to Malaysia in 1983 after finishing her postgraduate studies. She worked as a business development manager for five years before deciding in 1997 to devote more time to her husband.

She is the second wife of Najib, who divorced his first wife of 11 years, Tengku Puteri Zainah Tengku Eskandar, with whom he has three children, in 1987. The Umno deputy president then wed Rosmah, with whom he has five children.

On whether Najib, 54, will make a better prime minister than Abdullah, political analyst Yang Razali Kassim of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University, told TODAY: “That’s what many people expect, though it remains to be seen. To begin with, he has a pedigree, being the son of Malaysia’s popular second Prime Minister Abdul Razak.”

But Najib, who is also a nephew of Malaysia’s third Prime Minister Hussein Onn, has found it hard to steer clear of controversy.

In a widely documented speech in the late ’80s when he was the acting chief of Umno Youth, he defended special Malay privileges and vowed to bathe the keris (Malay dagger) with Chinese blood.

In 2005 and 2006, current Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein raised and kissed a keris at the Umno general assembly. Hishammuddin later acknowledged that the act had upset non-Malays and apologised in April this year. — TODAY

Hishammuddin vs Ezam

Youth chief wants to question Ezam
2008/05/30

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein wants to meet former Parti Keadilan Rakyat Youth (PKR) chief Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor to clarify questions he has on Mohamad Ezam's application to rejoin Umno.

Hishammuddin said he was concerned about Mohamad Ezam's role in Umno, his sincerity in joining the party and the benefits the party would get from admitting the former political secretary of PKR's de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"Despite Anwar's claims that many people from BN will jump ship, we see that it is his people who are joining us. This is a benefit to us but I want to see him (Mohamad Ezam) to discuss some issues," he said after chairing the wing's political bureau meeting.

He also wanted to leverage on Mohamad Ezam's experience in the anti-corruption non-governmental organisation Gerak, and see how Mohamad Ezam could help the party tackle corruption.

As to Mohamad Ezam's role in the wing, Hishammuddin said it would be decided by members.
Meanwhile, PKR Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohamad Akin congratulated Mohamad Ezam on his move to rejoin Umno.

"I have no problems with this. He was no longer a member even before the general election and is no longer relevant to PKR's struggle," he said at the lobby of parliament yesterday.

Umno Youth sets up special secretariat

30-05-2008
by Sharon Tan

(The Edge) KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth has set up a special secretariat in its effort to regain the support of the people after three months of soul-searching, listening to feedback from the people and a post-mortem.

The secretariat, which is divided into five sub-secretariats to cover issues such as race relations, the judiciary, Malay agenda, transparency, integrity and corruption, Internet and blogs, young professionals and relations between the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak, would serve as a bridge and outreach mechanism to engage the people, especially at the grassroots level.

Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the Youth wing wanted to move forward, change and reform based on the election results.

“Our agenda is to strengthen the party, to see the changed political landscape and willingness to listen to the people,” he said.

He said the result of the general election was a blessing that would strengthen the party. He said issues such as education and economy, religion and Malay rulers remained the basis of Umno’s struggle.

“However, we want to ensure that our component party members understand that the struggles were not to put fear or deny them. We also need to ensure the Malays who think there is no benefit from our struggles (understand),” he said.

Hishammuddin also said it was time for the wing to stop dancing to the tune of others.

“We have been responding to issues and sometimes our views clashed and caused unhappiness. So we have decided that we are going to look forward,” he said.

On Ezam Mohd Nor’s application to join the party, Hishammuddin said there were certain issues that remained unanswered such as the benefit to the party and Ezam’s role.

“I want to see how many from his network would come over and help us with our agenda,” he said, adding he would meet with Ezam at some point.

Asked on the Youth wing’s eagerness to accept Ezam, Hishammuddin said: “There is no eagerness on my part. My concern is his contribution to Umno, his sincerity to our cause and the benefit to Umno.”

He said Ezam’s joining the party had given an immediate benefit to the party in the climate of incessant talk of party-hopping.

Hishammuddin Has Three Questions For Party Leadership On Ezam's Entry Into Umno

KLUANG, May 24. 2008 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth chief, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, will pose three questions to the party's leadership if asked about his views on former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) youth chief Mohamad Ezam Mohd Noor's re-entry into Umno.

Hishammuddin said first he will ask what benefit could be achieved by Mohamad Ezam's re-entry into Umno, secondly what was Mohamad Ezam's sincerity in struggling alongside Umno and thirdly what would be Mohamad Ezam's role when he is accepted into Umno.

He said although Mohamad Ezam had not made any decision on his re-entry into Umno, he (Hishammuddin) had however readied the three questions for the party leadership's scrutiny. "In this matter, as Umno Youth chief, I will surely be involved in the talks about Ezam's entry and I am ready to pose the three questions. "I have not had the opportunity to hear for myself his stand as I understand he is out of the country," Hishammuddin said after a meet-the-people function at the Kluang Municipal Hall here.

He said he could not comment on the statement Friday by Pahang Menteri Besar Pahang, Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, who welcomed Mohamad Ezam's entry and said the former political secretary of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would be an asset to the party. "I cannot say yes or no to that statement as long as my three questions are not answered," said Hishammuddin who is also the Education Minister. -- BERNAMA

Hishammuddin: Mukhriz to be hauled up for issuing ultimatum

Hishammuddin: Mukhriz to be hauled up for issuing ultimatum
KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 — Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein says Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir will be referred to the party management committee for demanding that Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi step down as the prime minister, Umno president and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman soon or he will leave Umno.

Hishamuddin said he regretted the action by Mukhriz, who is also Member of Parliament for Jerlun and an executive council member of the Youth wing, for setting conditions to remain in the party.

"As Umno Youth does not have the powers to act (against him), we will leave it to Umno's management committee to pursue the matter," he told reporters at Parliament's lobby today.

He said Mukhriz's remarks were contrary to the feelings of the movement's members who were working very hard to strengthen Umno. Further more, Mukhriz had stated he wanted to lead the movement.

Yesterday, Mukhriz announced that he would not follow in the footsteps of his father, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who quit the party on Monday.

Hishammuddin said he would also be having a word with the three Umno Youth executive council (exco) members who were with Mukhriz when he announced at a press conference his stand on his father's quitting Umno. The trio were Azizul Nizam Bidin, Harisson Hassan Kamarulzaman Kamdias.

"I want to know what is their stand...whether they are in support of Mukhriz. But based on the feedback I obtained from the grassroots, they find it unacceptable that such a step was taken (issuing ultimatums).

"I do not know what is on Mukhriz's mind, because previously he had said that he would discuss with the other exco members first before making a stand. It is very clear that he is not a team player and people are getting fed up with an attitude like this," he said.

Hishammuddin urged the movement's leaders and members to close ranks. — Bernama

Monday April 21, 2008

Hisham has faith in Khairy

Youth chief refutes keris issue report

UMNO Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein has refuted an online news portal’s report that his deputy Khairy Jamaluddin had admitted the keris issue was one of the reasons for Barisan Nasional’s poor performance in the general election.

“It is unlikely that my deputy could have said that because he is always with me,” Hishammuddin was quoted as saying by Mingguan Malaysia.

The news portal reported Khairy agreed that Hishammuddin’s act of wielding the keris in the Umno general assembly had displeased other races.

Mingguan Malaysia also reported Hishammuddin, who is Education Minister, as saying that news and information from websites, blogs or SMS should be scrutinised first because they could affect racial unity.

Mother Malaysia - Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Mother Malaysia - Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku

“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” Napoleon, the dictator pig in George Orwell’s Animal Farm.

And now in Malaysia: “All states are equal, but some states are more equal than others.”

So Hishamuddin apologised unsheathing the keris, kissing it then waving it. He said that it frightened the non-Malays, Please do not insult the Malays' or the non-Malays' intelligence. It did not spook the non-Malays. They were insulted and hurt for being treated like third class citizens in their own country. When Hishamuddin did what he did then, the arrogance of UMNO went further when one of them asked when the keris was going to be used against the non-Malays.

Hishamuddin too apologised for not being able to defend the symbol of Malay culture. UMNO the so called the defenders of the Malays their culture and religion has never defended them. They let the race erode over 40 years. How many Malays speak proper Bahasa Malaysia. How many in the city use the word 'Saya' or 'Aku' in their daily conversation. The Malays have become Westernised and when I say that I mean Arabised. So many of them dress like the Arabs. Where did the serban come from? Why do the guys with serban use eye liner? Is that Malay culture? I did not see these in the sixties and the seventies. The Malays are supposed to look and dress like what we saw in P. Ramlee movies. UMNO has never defended the Malays or their culture. They only defended their members pockets.

Hishamuddin's apology is insincere and laced with arrogance that UMNO continues to have. They have not learned yet from the what happened to them recently. Money seem to be everything to them. Not their race, culture or religion. Only money motivates them. They want to control it all the way. Look at what Azlina did to Penang then she took over the Tourism ministry, what Khir Toyo's wife did with the 9.9 million ringgit of Balkis' money and the latest funds for the SEDC of the opposition ruled states to go through MARA. Obviously this will benefit some UMNO Putras or Puteris. These are the stuff that UMNO and BN does that we have to live with the last forty years and we voted for the change but they seem to continue with their culture. Not the Malay culture rather the Ketuanan UMNO.

The keris issue should have been nipped in the butt not let continue for over three years. The non-Malay BN leaders did not do their job to defend the people whom they represent after all they were lacing their pockets as well. The keris issue is not going to rest here. It is going to keep reminding the non-Malays that they are not treated as Malaysian but as migrants third class citizens. They have contributed to the development of this country as much as the Malays and many of them are forth and fifth generation citizens and know no other country or culture other than Mother Malaysia.

Many would think that after the reforms announced by Pak Lah over the last week, that the feelings of the rakyat would be better. On the contrary the feelings on the ground is still the same as it was before March 8th. UMNO and BN has to reinvent and re-engineed itself drastically moving forward or else become irrelevant. In fact it has become irrelevant to most Malaysians regardless of race, religion or creed. Race based political parties should cease to exist. We in Mother Malaysia want to be treated equally as we only know this country because disinilah, 'Tanah tumpahnya darah ku'.

Posted by wag_the_dog

Keris apology fans unrest in divided Umno

Keris apology fans unrest in divided Umno
KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 — His apology for the keris waving act may have gone down well with Chinese and Indians, but Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein may have increased his odds against winning support for one of the party’s vice-presidents slots.

In the eyes of the party grassroots, his apology was not a noble act or a sign of maturity but one of weakness. There are more than 10 SMSes circulating among party members slamming him for what they view as a capitulation to pressure from non-Malays.

In coffeehouses and stalls, where political careers are made or broken by Umno operatives, the view is that a Malay leader who cannot defend the Malay symbol cannot be entrusted with a leadership position in the party.

An Umno political operative told The Malaysian Insider today: "What is he going to do next? Tell us that we should change the Umno flag because it contains a keris. This is how some people in Umno are feeling right now. If he is serious about challenging for the vice-president’s position he has a lot of work to do."

Umno Youth chief Hishammuddin has said that he will not defend his position in the youth wing, prompting speculation that he is eyeing one of the three vice-president slots. He will have formidable opponents to contend with if he does decide to go for the number 3 position in the party.

They include Malacca Chief Minister Ali Rustam, Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob, Negri Sembilan MB Mohamed Hassan, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Zahid Hamidi, and possibly Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, unless he goes for broke as speculated.

Hishammuddin was criticised for introducing the keris gambit at the Umno assembly in 2005. He explained then that it was not provocative but a ceremonial act involving a symbol held in high esteem by the community. But his critics did not let up, arguing that the keris had negative connotations for Chinese and Indians.

Some Umno politicians also ticked him off privately, saying that it was an act which could have repercussions in the general elections. They were spot on. The Opposition said that keris episode was a perfect example of how arrogant and insensitive Umno had become after 50 years in power.

Hishammuddin’s friends say that he was stunned by the election results and has been thinking about the part he played in the defeat of some of his colleagues from the MCA, MIC and Gerakan. Without consulting any of his comrades in the youth wing, he apologised for the keris waving act at the Barisan Nasional Youth meeting last week.

By and large, his mea culpa has been welcomed BN component parties. They know that their task of winning support back from non-Malay communities will be tough unless they show that they are not submissive and that the senior partner in the alliance is prepared to come down a few notches.

But within Umno, the reaction to his apology was different – another indication of the disconnect between the party and the non-Malay constituency in Malaysia. A disconnect which could derail any move by Umno or its BN partners to "get closer" to Chinese and Indian communities and regain their trust.

Cheras division chief Datuk Syed Ali al-Habshee spoke for many in the party when he criticised Hishammuddin for wilting under pressure and apologising for the keris act. The sentiment among many in the party is that the Chinese and Indians betrayed the BN when they voted for Pakatan Rakyat. There is hurt. There is anger. So why should Hishammuddin be too concerned about what non-Malays think of the keris act?

Also, some party members – despite having 78 seats in Parliament and holding most of the levers of power here – are feeling under siege. They feel that Malay special rights, constitutional monarchy and Malay supremacy are under threat by a more demanding non-Malay constituency.

Viewed through those narrow lenses, Hishammuddin’s apology is seen as evidence of growing challenge to the supremacy of the race. Umno politicians say that the Education Minister should have only considered offering an apology after the party elections in December.

"This apology is not going to help BN now. The damage has been done and the next general election is five years away. What he should have done was concentrate on winning the Umno elections and then look at this keris issue," said a former division chief.

So why did Hishammuddin – a political animal - throw caution to the wind and say sorry now? Probably instinct. In 2005, his instinct told him that the keris act would endear him to the party faithful and cement his legacy as the Umno Youth leader who managed to unite the youth wing and championed his race.

Three years later, his instinct told him that he needed to acknowledge his mistake and move to regain the support of his friends in BN and the respect of Malaysians who have always expected the son of Tun Hussein Onn to be above chauvinism.

Kerismuddin to be rejected despite insincere apology

Do you trust this man (picture below) when he says that he regrets the keris incident and now apologies? I know, you will say that this apology is dictated by politics post March 8—and I agree. The Barisan Nasional, in particular UMNO Malay nationalists like Kerismuddin and Khairy Jamaluddin, was rejected by the Malaysian voters. If not for the postal votes, fancy tricks of the Elections Commission headed by Rashid Rahman and vote buying antics of the cash rich Barisan Nasional, Malaysia would be under the Pakatan Rakyat government today. And Kerismuddin would probably have retired or just be an ordinary Member of Parliament if he were elected.

Laughing when he should be crying

In my opinion, Kerismuddin is making a tactical retreat because it is politically expedient for him to express remorse or swallow the bitter pill, so to speak. Imagine what he would have done if the Barisan Nasional had won resoundingly in 2008, as it did in 2004. My guess is that he would be wearing the keris under his coat with arrogance as he heads to his Ministry every morning. UMNO arrogance will be on display again.

Unfortunately, like the rest in Barisan Nasional including our Prime Minister, Kerismuddin totally ignored the signals which our Special Branch and Military Intelligence had given to them of an impending political tsunami. In stead, he and Khairy Jamaluddin were talking “sifar pembangkang” (zero opposition). As if in defiance, Malaysian voters sent 82 Pakatan Rakyat candidates to the 13th Parliament, which opens on April 28, 2008.

If he is serious about his apology and wants to show remorse, then Kerismuddin should resign as Minister of Education whose portfolio is in mess, Member of Parliament and senior UMNO party member and retire quietly from politics. In addition, he should do at least a week’s community service, wearing a vest with the words “I am sorry” printed on its back. Otherwise, this apology is meaningless.–Din Merican

www.malaysiakini.com

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Monday April 28, 2008

Kadar Shah: Hisham should resign

(The Star) MUAR: The Muar division wants Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein to resign over the keris issue.

Datuk Kadar Shah Tun Sulaiman Ninam Shah, claiming to speak for several branch leaders, made the call yesterday after Hishammuddin admitted that the keris issue was among the causes of Barisan’s poor performance in the March general election.

To admit the mistake is not good enough if the Youth chief does not take the responsibility and resign from all party and government posts, he said.

Hishammuddin had agreed that the keris issue was one factor which had caused Barisan to lose the people’s support, Kadar Shah said here yesterday.

Kadar Shah said besides resigning, Hishammuddin should also seek forgiveness from all Umno and Barisan members as the DAP had manipulated the keris issue to woo supporters.

He said that as a Cabinet minister for several terms, the Youth chief should be mature enough to know what a leader could do, and brandishing the keris could hurt the feelings of other races.

Hishammuddin's apology was politically correct, but his reasons were not.

Hishammuddin's apology was politically correct, but his reasons were not.

Hishammuddin made an apology (see report below) with regards to his keris-kissing act because it caused the party much loss in votes.

However the reasons he gave undermined his sincerity. He said non-Malays were "fearful" (you cowards), and Malays are not able to uphold their symbol of heritage (cowards, not loyal, traitors). "Sad lesson" to you all Malaysians- "I would have done so much for you all you-know-who!" "Until the time when the benefits of such act is realised by those concerned, such symbolic kissing will temporary be shelved."

"Till we have more power again.....just wait and see."

I also apologise for reading too much between the lines of his apology. Malaysians are mostly very forgiving. We forgive for good reasons and we can forgive for wrong reasons. This is what made Malaysia different. And that is why certain politicians are still representing the people when they should have other better things to do.

Saturday April 26, 2008

Hisham regrets wielding keris, he apologises to all Malaysians

By TEH ENG HOCK

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein has admitted that his raising of the keris was among the causes of the Barisan Nasional’s poor performance in the general election.

Apologising to all Malaysians for his action, he said: “If it affected anyone, I cannot run away from the reality of it. I apologise to the non-Malays and the Malays.

“To the non-Malays because of the fear to a symbol which was not my intention. And to the Malays for not being able to uphold their symbol of heritage.”

Describing it as a “sad lesson”, he said as a leader, he must be gracious and accept the consequences because the party came first.

The wielding of the keris was introduced at the Umno Youth assembly in 2005 to symbolise Malay tradition. At the start of the assembly, a procession carrying the keris would proceed to the hall to hand it to the Youth chief, who would then unsheathe and kiss it.

In the 2006 assembly, there was uneasiness among non-Malays when some speakers made racially slanted remarks about using the keris. Things were made worse as the proceedings of the assembly were telecast live.

MCA and several other Barisan component party leaders criticised the use of the keris in such a manner.

However, Hishammuddin had then defended his action, saying the keris was a symbol of Malay culture.

Hishammuddin, who is the Education Minister, however did not want to say if the tradition of kissing the keris would be stopped at future Umno Youth assemblies.

“This is not the forum to discuss it,” he told reporters after chairing a BN Youth central committee meeting at Menara Dato Onn.

Among those present were MCA Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, MIC Youth chief Datuk S.A. Vigneswaran, and Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin.

Hishammuddin also said the BN Youth proposed that the coalition’s representatives from Sabah and Sarawak be given more recognition.

“We recognise the role and contribution of Sabah and Sarawak BN (in the general election), and they are now the anchor and backbone of BN,” he added.

He said Barisan leaders in the peninsula could share and learn from the experience of their Sabah and Sarawak counterparts on issues such as religion and racial relations.