Excerpt from the article:
The Najib administration rejects the proposal to hold local government elections as it will cause a racial imbalance, Deputy Minister Of Housing and Local Government Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin said today.
He reiterated that the government had considered all social and economic factors before rejecting appeals from the Pakatan Rakyat governments of Penang and Selangor to restore the third vote.
“Most non-Muslims live in the cities while the Bumiputras are in the outskirts. There will be an imbalance in racial representation in local governments, if elections are held,” Lajim told reporters in Parliament today, adding there was also financial and manpower considerations to reject such elections.
He added the current system was adequate and did not hinder democracy because the public could vote every five years for their MPs and state lawmakers.
Earlier last months the Penang, followed by the Selangor government had asked the Election Commission (EC) to restore local elections, which had been suspended in 1965.
Restoring the third vote, was a Pakatan Rakyat (PR) election promise prior to the last general elections but the idea had been shot down by the EC, which said laws to hold such elections had already been abolished.
Lajim added state governments had the authority to select councillors and could appoint those who they feel can represent the public in local governments.
“The Penang, Selangor and Kedah PR state governments can appoint who they wish.” Click HERE to read more.
The argument advocated in the report above does not seem to hold water because regardless of whether it is local elections or general elections, it is still the same people who are voting. If they can vote in a general election, why can't they vote in a local election? We have lived with differences in racial representation at federal and state levels so it is nothing new and my guess is that few ever raised this issue. There are regional differences in the racial distribution of our country and that is something we cannot change. Now what we can change is the way we look at one another.
We cannot put on race-tinted glasses but we have to recognize and acknowledge that we are all human and of one nation. That is more important. Our PM has advocated 1Malaysia. Judging by the way things are happening around the country, many do not seem to accept this 1Malaysia campaign. Conceptually, it is good BUT has it borne any results? It is amazing how our PM has been very patient to suffer all the nonsense from some who do not seem to be making statements that are supportive of his efforts. A very good example would be the statements made by PERKASA and other members of his party. At the same time, I laud Nazri's statement as reported HERE that PERKASA are "political opportunists after the right-wing group claimed that the proposed Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) is against the country’s constitution".
There are factors that are undermining unity in our country and I seriously pray that the government will address these problems. Leaders cannot be allowed to make statements that can aggravate the already delicate balance of relations. The need for mutual respect and the "Asian" characteristic of showing courtesy must be remembered and practised sincerely. If this problem is not nipped in the bud, the scale could tip and our unity and harmony could be affected. In fact, many recent events have already angered some.
A nation cannot have a program which blatantly emphasizes ethnocentrism and accents racist tendencies abetted by media on the existence of such a program merely worsens the situation.
Time and time again, many have raised a hue and cry as to how some media disseminate and process distorted/bias information on a continual basis orchestrated with the sole objective to turn the minds against groups perceived to be threats to the nation (even if these are against moral/religious beliefs) as instruments of social fragmentation! It almost seems as thought some are on a mission to promote racist slants in their reports to obscure political, social and spiritual process. With that, the puppet masters, who pull their strings via controls on the media, are utterly delighted that their schemes and ploys are given public endorsement by these puppets and other players in the game. To top it all, these media get away with it while others don't for acts which are more minor comparatively.
We cannot afford to be exposed to any public misinformation, waged through media that have been professionally designed to sway public opinion to favor elite accommodation. Any attempt to divide the members of one society into ethnic groups and then to deliberately emphasize those differences overtly and covertly, can be seen as efforts to protect the elite and to consolidate their power over the masses.
If such trends continue, the chasm between different factions will be deepened and other wedges could be driven to spread disharmony and disunity. Is this what we want to see? There are already far too many negative reports published in the various media. I have mentioned time and time again that the rakyat want to hear what the government has done and will do for them. Attacks on characters or organizations are beginning to bore us to the core. When was the last time any media did a cover story on a real social/economic problem faced by the rakyat, especially the elderly, the poor and the disadvantaged?
Throughout history, racism has been manipulated as a deceptive political policy, devised by political and economic scientists for many reasons including :
* to disrupt social order
* to conceal and justify the implementation of covert political agendas
* to stabilize or improve the economic advantages of the privileged elite, and thereby maintain the political position of the ruling party.
Right now, I worry for this nation, especially the next generation . The young are the nation's human resources and valuable assets which should be nurtured and then we can harvest the fruit of these resources. However, if we put weedkillers in their minds, we would be harvesting poisoned fruits of destruction in the future!!! As such, leaders must be more responsible in the way they make press statements.
Do not forget that the current deterioration in education standards has practically robbed the youth of the ability to think, to rationalize and to go through logical patterns of reasoning. If so, it may mean that those who read racist statements from irresponsible leaders may accept, believe and endorse all the propaganda and worse still, spread this message to others with whom they come into contact. There has to be objectivity and the real political will to build this nation.
The ruling government has a moral and political responsibility to forge good relations with one another and with the rakyat. If the politicians of one party make conflicting statements, how can their promises have any credibility? It would be tough for the rakyat to respect and to believe them.
Any mass manipulation of public opinion laced with prejudicial discrimination against groups of people/races, to acquire unfairly their resources without payment must be put to an end. Put an end to the use of the 'race card' that is deliberately depicted as innate to various ethnic traits, groups and social classes to confuse and misinform the public about social issues for social division. Sadly, some individuals who make a lot of money using their personal 'race" card may not want to give up their specially acquired but natural status. And the worst thing is, they have power and status to influence others to do the same. If the authorities are aware of this, then they have to take action. If the Opposition knows about this, they have to get documented evidence to support any allegation.
No one or organization or media should perpetuate labels which are for those who can't think independently. Labels are for lemmings! Everyone has the capacity to think and feel the correctness, truth and quality of a person and his/her message.
Ignorance and prejudice are not spontaneous or natural occurrences, they are choices. Racial prejudice is conduct-based, racial superiority, instilled through example and not behavior learned through previous experience, as it is said to be. Ignorance is not an inborn hatred nor is it an excuse for not knowing the truth. Ignorance is choosing not to recognize the truth. Today, we can see that on every level of social strata, government to citizen, landlord to tenant, employer to employee.
A climate of fear does not spell much hope for our nation and yet some spread such fears in institutions that brainwash others! Fear can take the form of racism, sexism, lying, cheating, name-calling, rumor and innuendo mongering. It's ugly and it does not become us, not if we want to be a developed nation in every sense of the word. Let's face it. Fear is irrational. It has no reason; it simply lurks within a heart and obliterates the light. Fear is the very reason why nations are at war. It causes sicknesses!
In a climate of fear, people may pass on information that is without verifiable truth, because it supports their fear that stems from a false notion that the benefits enjoyed by others will be at the expense of “their” personal good. This is categorically a lie. My good is not at the expense of yours. There is enough, plenty, for everyone, if only we learn to respect each other and learn to share!!!
Malaysians can figure out for themselves what is Truth and not; but the key to this is that we have assess each scenario with an open mind and an open heart without fear that can obscure us from ever hearing what others have to say, let alone giving ourselves the opportunity to FEEL the truth or experience their beauty. Fear and hatred that we harbor in our hearts would define our experiences!
Let us come to terms with the fact that some may be afraid of those of different colors, different creeds, and different ideas. Still, let us love them and listen with an open mind and open heart and not to do as what is taught by bigots.
This is no airy fairy exercise!!! Our country is only as good as the citizens who comprise it. If we proclaim 1Malaysia but clearly hate certain Malaysians, how can this Nation stand? It won't. Leaders must stop making statements that go against national unity. Just be more positive in the way they deal with situations. If not, our nation cannot stand tall in this global village and may disintegrate with siege mentality while enjoying a 'jaguh kampung' dance without realizing that we are but a small dot on this planet! Such acts of denial can cause us to crumble from within; and it won't take any foreign enemy to bury us. All it takes is ourselves!!!
Our country is going to be 53 years old. It takes clear hearts and clear minds to deal with serious problems that beset this nation and to show fellow citizens respect in a harmonious environment.
It's time to grow up, Malaysians. I believe we can conduct healthy, spirited debates and actually learn from each other. Only fear closes our ears to what someone has to say. It costs us nothing to listen with our minds and our hearts. It is time all, especially the leaders, learn to show respect to one another. Fault-finding missions are not as important as nation-building efforts. Times are changing, as they always do. Let us be good stewards of democracy. We have nothing to fear, except fear; because fear will undermine us and crumble us from the inside out.
The rakyat are crying for positive change.Let us act responsibly as instruments for change. Change is a Choice. Work together with the right perspective without clinging on to blind and foolish party loyalty. Stand up and identify ourselves simply as HUMAN BEINGS, members of the Earth, humans sharing this land, this Planet with others of our KIND without forgetting that We are born to One Race, the Human Race.
I know it sounds idealistic and it will not eliminate the Hatred that has been taught and promoted by many over the decades by the powers that be through various programs both overtly and covertly. Reject such overtures! Knowledge is Power. Read and think. Be wise. With that, we can see truth as the Light that changes perceptions. With love in our hearts, we can change the World but it has to begin with you and me. We must stop whining about change; instead, we have to go out and make that change. Spread the word that there is only ONE COLOUR - that of the human race, not of hatred! Are we ready?
Apa Nama "If these people say that they are second-class citizens, don't talk s**t! Don't talk s**t! I repeat three times, don't talk s**t!"
-- Ibrahim Ali