502 posts tagged “thoughts”

Well, my birthday was yesterday on the 19th of October. I'm 26. In other words, I am old and I have the gray hairs to prove it.

Or that could be the results of writing about politics.

So....what should I write here?

Let's start with this..

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That's right, I got a ring. In fact, it's the first ring I've ever worn, given to me by the guy I love.

That was what the weekend was about. Getting to know a guy I've been head over heels for the past 2 months, who I've known for at least 4 months.

An interesting development, I'd think.

It was also the first time he offered me the papers to keep up with national politics and I turned it down. It wasn't a time for me to get all pensive and consider what to write, when I only have a weekend with him since he's working out of town.

Ugh...I hate it when I miss out.

Firstly, I apologize profusely for being absent since early August. It's been a hectic and troubling few months for me, with some anxiety and perhaps even some cheer in the forms of finding myself a guy.

And a few friends.

And then there was Eid Mubarak, a few parties, a few nights out at the clubs, and perhaps even some intense forums on Human Rights in which I played the Devil's advocate for the first time in years and almost got myself involved in a physical altercation because I stated one simple fact.

If people insist on adhering to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, then I should be able to make out with a guy in public.

Instead of the typical response of 'go get a room', I got branded an abomination (typical) and had a glass thrown at me. Apparently religious conservatives don't exactly have the same patience to discuss things rationally as they would in the United States.

I was really surprised that people can take offense with me hugging a friend.

And of all the places this girl decided to highlight her displeasure, she chose to do it via Private Message on Facebook. The only reason her message got through the filter is due to the fact that I allow the friends of friends to drop me a line.

I call it controlled transparency.

While I'm not sure what the English word for "meluat" is, it's probably in line with disgusted. And considering that I've frenched guys in public, she was apparently disgusted with me "hugging" people?

Furthermore, she states that I'm an embarrassment to the Muslim community. Really? For hugging?

You know, I don't find it disgusting to hug people, or even trees for that matter. Whichever's your preference really.

But to be disgusted by a person hugging in public? I find that highly offensive, especially coming from a person who's only mutual friend happens to be a local politician that stands for the need for "national unity".

So to Ms. Adrian Hsu, who's only mutual link to me on Facebook is Tian Chua, the PKR Member of Parliament from Batu, Kuala Lumpur, I honestly think you should consider how disgusted you are, because I'm pretty sure just about right now, more people are disgusted with you.

I was asked yesterday if I knew of teenagers who were having sex out of wedlock and my reaction was, of course, one of shock.

There are teens having sex while IN wedlock?

Regardless of how one might think that they are religious and that they are raising their kids to be remarkable moral citizens, parents should actually know that teens, particularly the ones I hang out with, are having sex.

If you're wondering what I mean by sex, I'm talking about oral, anal and perhaps for some teens, well gay sex.

Let's be very frank.

Teenagers are hormonal to the point of imbalance, and personally I believe no amount of piety will stop them from having sex or masturbating.

You may not want to hear this, parents, but yes. Your teens are having sex, or thinking about sex, or watching porn and masturbating.

You could grill them like the MACC, and you probably would still get stonewalled. And by stonewall, I'm not talking about the gay rights movement.

In this day and age, where porn can be downloaded and shared via the Internet, or even bought from a pirated DVD seller at a pasar malam, you can't actually control the flow.

However, you can control the outcome of whatever it is that teens do.

First off, if you really, really must, go ahead and preach religion.

Then comes the better part. Preach contraception and protection.

When I say this, I'm talking about condoms, birth control pills, STDs, and perhaps even a few talks on what to do in case of pregnancy.

But most of all, please remember to do it with the love of a parent for a child. Teenage years are a confusing time for most of them.

AUG 5 — Let me first point out for those who may not have noticed just yet that I’m neither anti-ISA nor pro-ISA entirely.

I’m pro-amendment of the ISA to become strictly an anti-terrorist law with oversight from the opposition, the judiciary and human rights groups.

I don’t support any political entity in this nation that insists on using the ISA as a battle cry.

Similarly, I don’t support the need for illegal gatherings that cause such a ruckus with the involvement of minors and the loss of income for certain quarters.

Though I seriously doubt that the businesses lost a total of RM100 million to RM200 million on that day, I do believe that there was some loss, particularly by stores in two of the malls in Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur — Pertama Complex and Sogo.

I do agree with the need to allow expression of public opinion. However, I fully disagree with the notion that such freedoms should be allowed on the streets of Kuala Lumpur.

If anything, the best place to hold such gatherings would be similar to holding the rally for the late DAP political secretary in a stadium in Petaling Jaya.

Subsequently, I would think that whosoever that took part in the protest knowingly did so and therefore they knew what to expect when the police and the Home Ministry announced that strong measures would be taken to deter such a rally.

For anyone to cry foul over the police taking a strong stance against an illegal gathering is therefore irrelevant and ludicrous.

The ISA and real security threats

Let us face facts then.

The Internal Security Act, while draconian, is not without justification in the handling of cases involving terrorism.

However, the Act itself is being abused by the Executive and the police in quelling the voices of those who oppose the government in power, not the nation itself.

This can be seen by the use of the Act in the silencing of political voices which I do not agree with, particularly in the detention of reporters apparently “for their safety”, politicians for “funding a mosque” or even a well-known three-initialled royal-cum-blogger who listens to “little birds” and can prove their innocence if they only turned up in a court of law instead of turning tail.

These are not considered “internal security threats”.

People throwing Molotov cocktails at buildings, the family homes of politicians and even ATMs, however, are security threats.

People who somehow influenced forex trading of the ringgit without the knowledge of the Executive, thus putting the nation at economic risk, are security threats.

People who abuse both physically and emotionally those under detainment, without proof of guilt, are security threats.

People who keep information from the public simply because it shows their negligence in serving the public are a security threat. This includes the amount of taxpayer dollars spent on wasted white elephant projects that have yet to be released to the taxpayers themselves.

People who generate political sensationalism and incite the masses with racial or religious hatred are a security threat.

All these people, I honestly think, include both sides of the political spectrum.

The ISA, UDHR and hypocrisy

To claim that the ISA is against the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is in fact very true.

Similarly, laws that justify the arrests of those who take part in anal sex otherwise known as carnal intercourse, i.e. Penal Code 377 and the institution of Sharia law, are also against the UDHR.

Laws that discriminate against the showing of public affection are also against the UDHR.

Laws that stop transsexuals from getting their identity cards changed are also against the UDHR.

Also, the UDHR allows the freedom of conversion of religion.

The UDHR also protects the right to inter-religious marriages.

The UDHR also allows the right for employment, regardless of an individual’s sexuality or belief.

Do PAS and other members of the GMI support this as well?

So I would think that if we seriously want to adhere to the UDHR, then religious authorities would have to undo that law as well, correct?

Or are we going to be hypocritical about what we wish to take from the UDHR as well?

For anyone to point out that the ISA is inhumane yet still allow other laws to be in place to discriminate others of differing stances on sexual orientation, gender policy or even religious conversion reeks of hypocrisy.

So please.

Don’t even think of using the UDHR to justify your actions, because you’re being equally hypocritical in not accepting it in its entirety. And I think a lot of Malaysians have been misled by those who insist on this; among them religious-based political parties and their supporters.

It is amazing, is it not?

With the rising crime rates all around the nation, the police finally managed to curb an illegal gathering by taking personnel from four separate states to bring down an anti-ISA rally.

If only they showed such enthusiasm in weeding out rapists, rempits and robberies. And of course, white collar criminals as well.

My principal belief on the ISA are well known, even if some would brand me uncivilised, apparently. But people can believe whatever they want.

Here are the few things that I found wrongful about the protest in KL last weekend from both sides of the divide.

Firstly, although it was meant to supposedly represent the people of the "entire" nation, let me just say this. Leave my name out of it. I don't justify an illegal gathering simply by stating that I'm against a draconian law.

Instead, I'd rather arrange an open session with MPs from both side of the divide to get together and find a common ground on what can and cannot be undone in the ISA.

For one thing, the total repeal is not viable. However, the issue of detention time within the law and the lacking in legal representation is inhumane and can be undone. Therefore, a push for amendments is viable.

Secondly, I disagree with the involvement of kids and minors in protests, even if they are the children of those being detained under the ISA.

Why drag your 10-year-old and 13-year-old kid to protests?

What is the justification for this? Why get your kids involved with water cannons and tear gas canisters?

If anything, all it shows are that parents from certain quarters take no heed in the safety of their kids. If it is found that parents do bring their kids to such rallies, then I think they should be put behind bars for 10 years, as highlighted today.

Thirdly, the police did not take down the protest with "unnecessary force" since they have mentioned and warned beforehand that it would be taken down with all the force it could muster. That was a warning.

For 20,000 people not to heed it and then come out criticising it is merely an act of denying that the police were doing their duty with the authority granted to them within the boundaries of the law.

And then for a senior Opposition MP to think that the protest was put down hard because apparently he criticised the IGP makes no sense. Because if people criticising the IGP were doused with water cannons and tear gas, I would have probably been dragged to a forest reserve, had C4 stuffed up my rear end and blown to bits.

The police did what they had to do. Similarly if the protesters were arrested and remanded, they did what they thought they had to do and now have to bear the consequences.

If anything, I now hope that Malaysians know one thing for sure.

The problem here is not the law enforcement.

It's the law itself.

And why is the law a problem?

Because it allows for abuse.

Who made it this way?

We all did, one way or another.

Primarily by being apathetic towards the continuous amendments to our Federal Constitution since the 80's and 90's, which, taking my age, would have been obviously impossible for me to rant about.

So how do we change the law?

Not through protests, but through the application of pressure via other avenues available without the sensationalism seeked out by the Opposition as the did last week.

Tun Dr. Ismail highlighted the importance of the press in ensuring that laws are not abused.

Similarly, I would take the same approach.

The media is an unstoppable and uncontrollable force that this nation cannot control, especially with the evolution of technology.

Similarly, open discussions on the rationale from both sides are required to find a middle ground. What is the ISA needed for? What can be fixed with the ISA? What components within the ISA and the laws of other nations that are similar?

What about the adherence to the UDHR? Is there a middle ground with that?

We live in supposedly a society which above all else pushes for intellectual discussions. It is sad to note that most of our leaders from both sides lack the intellect and statesmanship to push for this instead of going to the streets.

As per my article in The Malaysian Insider:

Let me just be very open about my opinion of you, so we can get that out of the way.

I would think a nation’s leader has to have an image of a statesman, and not have enough excess baggage to give AirAsia a profitable smile.

That aside, I would like to lay down some challenges that I’m sure you could address, especially since you have at least 40 years of experience in Malaysian politics.

First Challenge: Amend the ISA

In your appointment speech, you undid the ban on two news publications, released 13 ISA detainees and, most importantly, started a comprehensive review of the Internal Security Act. I would like to address the third item.

I challenge you to actually amend the ISA in line with the standards of the West, which adhere to the principles of human rights. This would include shorter detention time, supervision of the detainees against abuse as well as the need to address the abuses of this law.

This is not an easy challenge because it would include reaching out to the Opposition to fulfil the need for unbiased supervision, as well as checks and balances.

Second Challenge: Reform the police force

Similarly, it is time to change the Inspector General of Police, for his failure to address the continued increase in crime rates.

Crimes that need addressing, of course, do not include illegal gatherings and your political oppositions’ events, particularly vigils with ‘highly flammable candles’, party dinners with ‘dangerous audio equipment’ and hunger strikes with ‘deadly balloons’.

Focus instead on crimes that threaten the livelihood of the people and put them in mortal danger.

Third Challenge: Media liberalisation

Dearest Prime Minister, the media can be for you or against you, and as Lord Jeffrey Archer mentions, the power of the Fourth Estate is absolute and important.

The media now consists of not only the newspapers, but also the online communities and portals that bring to light issues the traditional media does not.

Try as you may, you cannot control the Internet. The Internet controls you. As such, it is time to liberalise not only the news media, but the entirety of media.

This includes the Internet, television, movies and publications. For too long, Malaysians have been sheltered by the government from issues that exist; issues that have been denied and misunderstood by the rakyat due to the lack of information available, besides what’s obtainable on the Internet.

That needs to change.

Open, formal discussions of such issues in the media will encourage the growth of Malaysian intellect and cater to a more open Malaysian society, regardless of race, religion, politics and even sexual orientation.

Fourth Challenge: Protection of minorities

While I may not be labelled nor label myself as a representative of a certain group, as how Karpal Singh brands himself the representative of the “orang kurang upaya”, I challenge you to work towards the protection of the social minority.

This minority consists of gays, bisexuals, lesbians, transvestites and transsexuals in this nation, who face constant harassment by the authorities via the existence of Penal Code 377 and the Syariah law.

You, dearest Prime Minister, have the power to undo the former, and suggest a need to address the latter.

It is with this knowledge that I put forth the call to repeal Penal Code 377, which is a breach of human rights as well as the right to privacy, in its entirety.

With India now officially repealing laws against consensual same-sex intercourse, the West now allowing gay marriage and even Korea acknowledging the success of its transvestite community, it is about time that Malaysia steps up to the plate.

Conclusion

What you have done in 100 days is to basically undo your political opposition’s memorandum piecemeal, by removing the 30 per cent Bumiputera equity requirement, liberalising the multitude of industries and, even now, looking at lowering the toll rates.

These are all economic issues to ensure the nation’s growth on an economic scale. These, however, do not encourage the growth of human intellect and the evolution of a Malaysian society towards unity.

I believe all of these challenges are in line with your 1Malaysia, a concept which should be defined by a people governed by those who strive towards an inclusive nation, one that does not discriminate against a person’s gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, politics and class.

First and foremost, I would think RPK won't lose sleep over this once since it's not his abbreviation being mentioned in the title.

The World Health Organisation has declared the spread Swine Flu/ Selsema Babi/ A H1N1 influenza as a pandemic flu alert. In other words, people should start panicking as if the world's about to end and billions will perish throughout the world.

Next thing you know, we'll be a soon to be extinct race fighting off robots.

The WHO is being rather hypocritical in declaring just what exactly makes a phase 6 pandemic, aren't they?

Let's look at the statistics.

Patient Zero of the Swine flu/ Selsema babi/A H1N1 influenza virus is still alive.

The reasoning given to raise it to a "Phase 6" pandemic as highlighted by Ban Ki Moon was that it was widespread geographically, but not how virulent it was. - Bernama

Well, I happen to know a virus that has been geographically widespread since the 80's and has killed 25 million people worldwide regardless of race, religion, location, sexual orientation and even age.

The Human Immunodefficiency Virus, or HIV.

So while the world is going around panicking about how people are getting the flu with not all of them dying, and even having a supposed vaccine in the form of Tamiflu, I'm just wondering why they can't or won't do the same for HIV.

If that's too descriminately gay for those descriminatory people out there, think again. It's not just a gay person's problem. Statistics in Malaysia are showing that heterosexuals are the majority of those infected by this virus.

Particularly standing out is the fact that straight women are the one's being infected.

We know very well that HIV spreads particularly, not through the sharing of needles by drug abusers, but through sex.

And yet, we have a government and every single religious body preaching abstinence instead of safe sex with condoms, which, I might add, will also stop newborn babies being found in dumped into toilets, garbage cans and even landfills.

During an open discussion with some friends, it was highlighted by a doctor that he had gone on Al-Jazeera . Also in that interview was a representative from the religious right wing in Malaysia.

According to the doctor, when he highlighted the use of condoms in sex to stop the spread of HIV, he got this reaction from the right winger:

"No feeling."

Okay......

Now while I have yet to ascertain who that moron was and who to write to, it is without a doubt the stupidest excuse to stop the spread of a virus that has killed 25 million people, is it not?

Politics is hypocrisy, which makes politicians the greatest hypocrites on Earth. Any doubt of such was erased just reading the papers right after the PAS Muktamar when you had their leaders at first chastise each other for wanting to form a 'unity government' with UMNO and then mention that they won't be 'joining UMNO'.

Okay. Just what the heck does that mean?

Imagine this.

Let's just say PAS joins the government side. Now we all know that when it comes to voting a resolution in our Parliament, the whip is enforced unless otherwise mentioned.

So then pray tell, just how is PAS going to influence any motion by the government?

Even if they don't vote it won't make much of a difference.

Do you see the irrationality right here?

Well sure, their quest for Malay unity and perhaps more power in handling religious affairs of state would be increased, but in the end it's nothing more than just a smokescreen.

There's only one reason PAS would switch sides and that is to further their goal for a more increasingly religiously conservative government.

And it's obvious that such an objective cannot be met with DAP and PKR, particularly since it has already been stated that such policies will not come to pass without all three parties within the PR's agreement.

With that in mind, what is PAS but basically a courtesan whoring around to see who can give her more power to achieve her ambitions?

Mata Hari had more credibility.

In a recent interview, the PM's wife Datin Seri Rosmah mentioned that women should strive to get at least degrees, particularly highlighting mothers.

Well, just wishing to point out one fact. Most women are, particularly in the urban areas. The fact of the matter is, we are now seeing more women with degrees instead of those with kids.

In fact, I would think that we even have more women striving to obtain a post graduate degree in comparison to men.

I don't think it's a problem for women to excel in the education field since in my college days most of them outnumbered me and were kicking my educational rear end every other quiz or test or finals.

However, I do think that women are receiving a bad rep in terms of employment though the reasons may vary according to profession and job scope.

But the sad part is, we're not even seeing women receiving equal treatment in the government, particularly in this nation. Just look at Parliament and tell me how many women MPs we have.

How many women MPs were candidates? How many women MPs in the government were selected to become Ministers?

How many women were voted onto the PAS Central Committee during the recent Muktamar?

The inequality of treatment amongst our upper echelons of governance and political parties itself speaks loads to the people down below, especially when we now have countries in the Middle East allowing women more favorable places in their parliaments.

Let's face it.

This is a nation that would probably give way to a closeted gay guy in comparison to an all out full fledged feminist who can care for the community just as well.