| Raja Petra: A Bohemian Rhapsody |  |  |  |
| Posted by admin | |
| Friday, 09 May 2008 11:39 | |
| A Tribute to a republican of virtue "Is this a real life.. is this just fantasy There is so much anger in our consciousness as we wonder what justice denied can do to us as we see the rot in our cultural values and political lives -- right in front of our eyes, feasted through the media. Raja Petra is seeking deep in his inner self and journeying deep into the archeology of his consciousness and into the history of his self and his ancestors, seeking solace and guidance in what next to be done in this world in which the self argues and revolts against systems of oppression. His psyche and the journey of his soul perhaps bring him to a hill in Melaka some several centuries ago -- a place where the legendary philosopher-king and the Bugis warrior stood on a hill riddled with bullets from the advancing Dutch colonials. Raja Haji died standing. Raja Petra is a gifted human being who is showing us what Henry David Thoreau, the American transcendentalist, spoke about "civil disobedience". He is what the philosopher Karl Jaspers reminded us of the urge to disobey and ideology that has become corrupt to the core and has employed the state apparatuses to silence those who speak truth to power. Raja Petra is what Che Guevara means to Malaysians, a gung-ho revolutioner whose interest in motorcycles helped him craft his own hugely successful "motorcycle diaries" and helped him symbolize and embody the free-wheeling spirit of Americanism of the "Easy Rider era". Raja Petra is the symbol of the yearning in us to break free and to let out these "screams of consciousness" so that we may learn to understand better what actually is the problem with this nation that needs therapy as a consequence of its obsession with law and order it creates and it destroys. It is the Brahma-Shiva-Vishnu of politics that we are seeing at play in the cosmic cycle, this karma of Malaysian politics that is meeting its end of the yuga as consequences to the production of many duryodanas (Durjanas) in the process of birth and rebirth. Raja Petra is a Bugis warrior who installs kings and umpires and players in this game of politics we all are asked to play for fifty years. He make us conscious of the complexities of power relations, the roles of individuals in installing ideologies, the power of institutions in designing "inscriptions that alienate people" and helps us understand the nature of Malaysia's interlocking directorates -- of who owns what and what are the consequences of these. Raja Petra is a commander-in-chief of a movement that exists in cyberspace and orchestrates the powerful dialogues that send shivers to the spines of those who cheats in this political game. Raja Petra has shown us what jihad means and how we must carry on this revolution to its final destiny -- a republic of virtue in which philosophy reigns supreme over ideology, whatever the ideology may be. Raja Petra will be out soon, to carry on the revolution in the consciousness of men and women -- a perpetual revolution that forces us to look at ourselves as historical beings and wonder "what have we done to make this country as it is in which justice is denied, delayed, and dictated by the few." But there will always be Divine Justice, if one believes in the power of the Divine -- in a Just God and God of Mercy and Compassionate who works in mysterious ways and one who works through the agency called human beings -- that will make things end well, even if all is not well in the beginning of things. "Man proposes God disposes", many have said. In us all, in the humiliation wrought upon this human being called Raja Petra and in the imprisonment of this voice of conscience, lies the mystery of revelation of justice. We shall see what lies ahead. We must, however continue to become makers of history -- to protest either silently of out loud either in solitude of with others in pomp and pageantry, protest we must as we are essentially human beings born free with natural rights endowed by the Creator. Borrowing Rousseau, we believe that "Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains..." Protest we must. Investigate we must too. Demands we will orchestrate in order to have corrupt men and women, powers abusers amongst us, and swindling robber-barons amidst us to be brought to justice in the court of law that shall be governed by the people, through the will of the rakyat. The rakyat awaits your homecoming, a candlelight vigil will adorn the street in front of the prison-industrial complex built by those who designed architecture of structural-violence, unseen by the naked eyes of the rakyat. Like the candles that await Sita Devi and like the candle-lights that bathes Jelaluddin Rumi, the light from the rakyat soothes and calms your bruised spirit in their patient wait for your freedom. A grandchild of that Bugis warrior prince, a philosopher-ruler, better that many a prince Machiavelli pays tribute to-- you are a voice of conscience and you shall be free. Free at last.. free at last... Welcome back to the bosom of society. This is your bohemian rhapsody. Welcome back, Saudara RPK. This is my humble gift to thee. May these words renew your spirit. Comments (37)  ... written by simply_say, May 09, 2008 11:56:09 "The white man knows how to make everything, but he does not know how to distribute it." - Sitting Bull 1834-1890, American Indian Warrior and chief of the Dakota Sioux RPK is a bugis, malay, chinese, indian, kadazan, iban etc warrior. To summarize a Malaysian warrior... Easily insert quotes and jokes into your writing at http://www.xlpert.com/quotes.htm report abuse disagree 0 agree 31 ... written by smpadayachi, May 09, 2008 11:56:38 Dr. Azly Rahman..thank you from the bottom of heart..could have not said any way better, and indeed the sweetness of the nectar we come to adorn and had inherited from Malaysia Today could not have been possible if it's none other than Raja Petra Kamaruddin. Thank you once again.. Dr. Azly Rahman. report abuse disagree 0 agree 68 ... written by megahyper, May 09, 2008 11:59:12 "There was another fler also arrested and charged with sedition, right? Or have we forgotten? Prominent lawyer, Syed Akhbar was charged for a comment he wrote in response to RPK's article in Malaysia Today, "Malaysia's organised crime syndicate: All roads lead to Putrajaya". from patrick teoh. Err...Ya lor. What about this guy? report abuse disagree 0 agree 48 ... written by leeum, May 09, 2008 12:09:13 Dr Azly always writes with such eloquence. I enjoy reading these articles, they engage the intellect and feed the fires of the revolution. YM RPK writes with wit, sarcasm and using simpler words.  But all of us know that the simpler words belie sophisticated and powerful arguments. Even when our intellects have been fed, they rouse the soul and the spirit.Hishamuddin Rais and the other regulars we are so fond of are the other loud voices that keep us all going. Yet, the powers that be are even now at work conspiring to keep these voices muted. They may try hard and, realistically speaking, they may even succeed. I think it is now our job, as humble readers, to be the echoes of these voices. I know many people who are still BN supporters who voted BN in the 12th General Election. I do not hate them, they are not bad people. When I ask them why they still fervently support BN, I get a few common answers. "The last time people swung towards the Opposition, we had riots. At least under BN, we are ensured security." "Look at our country, we are not doing too badly. BN can also deliver economic progress. What has the Opposition done?" and many others. As we have been touched by these voices, let us also do our part by teaching them and informing them. Fed with propaganda, it is easy for them to dismiss RPK or Hishamuddin Rais or Dr Azly, as "rabble rousers" or "disturbers of the peace". They might be more willing to listen to their families, friends, colleagues or teh tarik buddies. On my part, I will be having dinner with a friend who's family are staunch MCA supporters. I'll say my bit and chip away at the wall. It may take time, but time I have got in service of a worthy cause. Forward the Republic of Virtue! report abuse disagree 1 agree 44 ... written by malsia1206, May 09, 2008 12:10:55 When the music plays, the orchestra goes into harmony. All in auto mode naturally. That's what RPK and his write-ups are all about. And when you start to sing to the tunes of his lyrics, you get blockbusters which make it to the top charts all over. report abuse disagree 0 agree 10 ... written by Badaksumbu, May 09, 2008 12:18:15 In today's scene is not about who is Bugis who is Indian, Chinese, Kadazan,Iban,bla bla-everybody can be great given them equal footing-give them their rights, be fair , don't cheat them, don't rob them,bla bla. Let just focus where do want to go, start believing this is the kind of Malaysia we want; defy those who still believe status quo because they ruin human decency Badaksumbu report abuse disagree 0 agree 11 ... written by Mr Smith, May 09, 2008 12:41:28 Azli, There is also a saying that God has no hands and legs so he uses our hands and legs to do His work. He is using RPK's hands and legs to expose EVIL in this country. There is purity in this struggle because RPK makes no personal gains. It's all about sacrifice. That makes his struggle ( or is it his religion jihad) that makes this fight noble and even holy. His contributions - tangible and intangible - to this country and its people is immense. report abuse disagree 0 agree 11 ... written by Raja Gasper, May 09, 2008 13:01:56 RPK made up his mind and came out from jail to prove pen is mighty than the sword.RPK is a revoultionary hero of Malaysia who dares what he does and not coward and walk behind shadows like many others leaders. After RPK may be Pakatan DAP Karpal Singh may be charged under sedition act. report abuse disagree 1 agree 8 ... written by MsLim, May 09, 2008 13:03:55 Dear Dr. Azly, So beautifully written. The message pierces right through the heart. Raja Petra our true Prince, a humble Prince. We love you Raja Petra. report abuse disagree 0 agree 19 ... written by Puchongjoe, May 09, 2008 13:08:09 I felt very much a Malaysian now which I have never felt before in the last 40 over years. This blog unite all races more than any BN machineries available. It gives us an avenue to voice our heart's cry for our beloved country. Merdeka spirit is really in here. report abuse disagree 0 agree 25 ... written by Thesinner, May 09, 2008 13:09:22 We love you RPK. They may call u a bohemian,blogger or whatever but to me I think you're such a great man. A God-sent!  report abuse disagree 0 agree 9 ... written by wag the dog, May 09, 2008 13:18:10 Compilation of Quotes on RPK - Bapa Bangsa Malaysia Over the last three days most of us have gone through a rollercoaster ride over RPK's case and have posted comments on blogs. To honour This Towering Malaysian I have compiled some of the quotes in my blog so that these last three historic days are etched in our history. Visit wwww.wagthedog-malaysia.blogspot.com for details. report abuse disagree 0 agree 5 ... written by Naha, May 09, 2008 13:19:48 RPK, Syed Akbar, Karpal Singh... Who's next? Is Syed Akbar out on bail? When is his kangaroo court hearing? Why not charge all of us with sedition? There is a tale of two syeds in Malaysia: one chose to follow in the footsteps of his great grandfather and became a lover of justice, while another chose to follow his great grandfather's enemies and became a party to tyranny. Syed Akbar, just because so much outpouring has come out for our beloved Raja Bugis, does not mean we have forgotten about you. YM RPK's release on bail will not curb our nitrogen-cold anger and desire for divine retribution against evil. report abuse disagree 0 agree 12 ... written by merlin2001, May 09, 2008 13:37:51 There will be NO October in Year 2008. Let us make sure of that. The revolution begins Hell Le Lu Ya to the EVIL ONES. report abuse disagree 0 agree 5 ... written by sampalee, May 09, 2008 13:41:59 Very touching and most of all TRUE report abuse disagree 0 agree 9 ... written by Rainbowseahorse, May 09, 2008 14:27:06 I just very recently came to this blog even though I have been blog surfing for over ten years..Does this raised the question of insufficient information to ordinary Malaysian net surfers that such liberal and real Malaysians Boleh patriots exist in cyberworld who openly and actively highlights the many perils and gross injustice that we see & hear every day in our beloved motherland, even to the extent of going to jail for his believes??..Reminds me of the "Star Wars" movie lah!..but in real life story! I am with you all "Jeteye" for sure! Coming back to this blog, I have hurriedly (and impatiently) read through as many blogs as I can before jumping into the fray. I know and feel exactly how everyone in this blog is going through with the sorry state of Malaysian affairs..However, I very strongly believe that as long as the BN has a tight grip on the law enforcement agencies (be it the police, arm forces, judiciary, and yes, even the Royalties), changing our Malaysian government would be quite difficult..Not impossible, but quite difficult. Yes, there are talks of Sabah & Sarawak MPs frogging over to the PKR which would enable them to form the government. BUT, most Sabah MPs are not angels and I am very2 sure fat dossiers of their unholy activities, compiled by our 'beloved' special forces, are with the present top BN Empire. So, which of these Sabah MPs would dare to frog away without the Empire crushing them with those fat dossiers??? RPK I salute your brave action...if not a fool hardy one when you refused to post bail for your freedom...and YES, you managed to secure the world attention by that action, but you were taking a huge2 risk my friend..I am very sure you are aware of what could have happened to you while you were in there, and how easily any tragedy could be covered up by some stupid official excuses. I hope you 'found' what you 'seek' while you were in there and I look forward to reading about it tomorrow. Cheers & all the best! report abuse disagree 0 agree 12 ... written by wag the dog, May 09, 2008 14:27:51 Compilation of Quotes on RPK - Bapa Bangsa Malaysia Over the last three days most of us have gone through a rollercoaster ride over RPK’s case and have posted comments on blogs. To honour This Towering Malaysian I have compiled some of the quotes in my blog so that these last three historic days are etched in our history. Visit www.wagthedog-malaysia.blogspot.com for details. report abuse disagree 0 agree 6 ... written by alarcarte, May 09, 2008 15:13:27 I like the phrase "Raja Petra is what Che Guevara means to Malaysians". The difference is RPK is using his computer Keyboard as his weapon and Che Guevara is using Guns. report abuse disagree 0 agree 5 ... written by TURTLEMAN, May 09, 2008 15:56:29 BN LIKE TO PLAY CHEAT..ITS OK TM RPK..THEY SHOULD KNOW THAT "THEY CAN FOOL SOME PEOPLE SOMETIMES BUT NOT ALL THE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME" BRAVO RPK report abuse disagree 0 agree 2 ... written by Mustapha Kamal, May 09, 2008 21:39:15 Just a word to say that I couldn't make it to PJ today because of a domestic problem. I'll regret this for a long time to come. I'm SO glad that RPK is out. God is GREAT, and the tormentors of RPK, DSAI and all the other unknown victims of this bankrupt government, will very soon face the music. That's if they haven't buggered off to Australia like a few of them have done already. Viva El RPK ! report abuse disagree 0 agree 5 ... written by bexe, May 09, 2008 22:27:35 Rainbowseahorse You are the typical cautious citizen who weighs everything 1,000 times and keep on procrastinating. You are the type who's analysis becomes paralysis. You are the type who stands on the sidelines to cheer or boo but never wanting to get on the field. Sure it is tough (it was said that it was tough to wrestle the 2/3 majority from BN...look what happened?). We are at a threshold of some epic & revolutionary changes in our country and it needs more than your type to achieve it. We need people who will roll up their sleeves and take to the field and play their hearts out. We need people who will take risks, who will take the blows who will fall or fail but who will keep on rising up with the dust and the cuts and the bruises and yet keep on fighting. Thankfully we have the likes of RKP and many others. Together we will overcome. Don't be that cautious. The enormity of the cause needs your passionate & unreserved support. To Dr. Azly Thank you for a wonderfully written piece that expressed my heart-felt thoughts in a fashion that is superlative. report abuse disagree 0 agree 7 ... written by OrdinaryMan, May 09, 2008 22:46:16 "Man proposes God disposes". God is surely taking a mighty long time to dispose the many despots in this world when these very despots are disposing many innocent people in no time at all. report abuse disagree 0 agree 2 ... written by Kritz, May 10, 2008 05:50:53 Semua puji balik kepada Allah, baru tak berdosa. Kalau puji ambil kat kita, berdosa. Puji, ambil kat kita. Orang puji kita, balik pada Allah Ta’ala. Orang puji kita, balik pada Allah Ta’ala. http://www.menadahkitab.com/?p=16 report abuse disagree 1 agree 1 ... written by Kritz, May 10, 2008 06:00:52 Riyaa is a very dangerous sin because it is common for any human being to enjoy the praises of others, but we don’t always know when we have improperly succumbed to these praises. When one gets addicted to praise, it becomes a habit for the misguided one to do things to impress others rather than Allah. Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) has warned us about a severe “disease of the heart,” which praise causes in a human being. Over praising, he taught us, should be avoided as it destroys a believer and puts them at high risk of being infected with this “disease.” Once overtaken, we can become obsessed with pleasing other people also for the sake of appreciation. http://writerinislam.blogspot....think.html report abuse disagree 1 agree 3 ... written by Dr Azly Rahman, May 10, 2008 07:48:01 We must start recognizing and praising those who have done good work in raising consciousness. We have not been praising them enough for the courage they have shown, in the face of adversity. Of course, over-praising is not good. We let those in power praise themselves by controlling the media and projecting their bigger-than-life image. We see them everyday, on TV, in the news, without realising that this is part of the program of mind control through self-praise we are being subjected to. Start recognizing and acknowledging and thanking those who are fighting for the fundamental rights of the common person. We will know the value of "thanking people" who dare speak truth to power. We all know very well the difference between paying tribute to a good person versus turning an individual into a demagogue. We are rational and ethical/religious enough to not cross the line. report abuse disagree 0 agree 4 ... written by Kritz, May 10, 2008 08:20:39 Thanks Dr for the explaination. Don't get me wrong here, RPK is my Bugis hero too. I agree 100% with you that "We are rational and ethical/religious enough to not cross the line." Anyway Dr, how I wish I could have written such an article as eloquently as you do. report abuse disagree 0 agree 4 ... written by cheemengwong, May 10, 2008 09:50:58 Such refined and eloquent writings from Dr.It is a joy to read when the right words are used. Bravo. If only our leaders reads and understands the problems besetting us with the fear for our Maker, the Raayat of this land will have nothing to fear. They can live in peace, harmony and Malaysia will prosper. The likes of RPK, Dr., Guan Eng...etc are in our midst. What we lack are good politicians to form a Good Government. These leaders are out there in the making, I really believe this. God has bless Malaysia with plenty. The darkness of this land is now overcome by Light, Truth and Honesty. We all will prevail but there is a lot of hard work. We must be right ourself first. I see that in RPK. You are my role model despite the fact were are almost the same age. Cheers RPK and Dr. report abuse disagree 0 agree 6 ... written by Rainbowseahorse, May 10, 2008 11:49:45 Bexe, Yes I am cautious and weights most things before action. But NO, I am not your ‘typical’ Malaysian nor do I weighs everything 1000% and I certainly do not procrastinate. The way you put it implies that we should all go out and openly take drastic actions into our own hands. I, for one, would love that privilege, but I do not think it is wise nor would we achieve the desire effect. As you can read from RPK entry today, he made the wiser choice by accepting bail even though he would want to remain in jail until his trial date because, and very rightly so, he did no wrong. At times, no matter who we are or whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, we have to make choices which contravene our believes and likes or dislikes. As RPK did, he looked at the whole scenario surrounding his continued presence in prison and opted to accept bail even though it goes against his principal. As for those Sabah MPs I wrote about, I can honestly tell everyone here to forget them frogging over to PKR and forming the alternative government. If you live in Sabah, you’ll know that there is no such thing as loyalty, honesty, and most certainly no patriotism in the political arena. Everything is money (self enrichment) & power with no thoughts for the welfare of the rakyat. Since the 80s Sabahans have been and will always be foreigners in their own land and there is nothing anybody can do about it as the imported Bumiputras outnumbered the locals and are the government of the day. Why should the Federal government wants to upset that balance when the state of affairs are nicely balanced in their favour?? For the record Bexe, I OPENLY campaigned for and put my one single vote to the opposition party in my constituency even though we all knew we had not much chance of winning..wrong candidate and wrong party too..but because it was the only opposition party, we had no choice. report abuse disagree 1 agree 5 ... written by teo siew chin, May 10, 2008 18:50:34 Dear Dr Azly - as usual a great article lavishing due accolades. "In a place where there is no man, you must do everything in your power to be a man." report abuse disagree 0 agree 5 ... written by malaysian, May 12, 2008 14:40:10 One man with courage makes a majority. Andrew Jackson 7th President of the United States (1767 - 1845) report abuse disagree 0 agree 3 ... written by jamaludinjames, May 15, 2008 16:45:29 The fisrt time i saw u on TV, I say, my god, this guy really have guts(more than i have). but kind word of advise, being bold(sorry, i'm not talking about yr head) and brave doesn't always is the best approach. Getting your ideas and words across in a more well manner way is much suitable. I' not telling you to be soft, I love watching you on TV 1, for once in my life, even my wife agreed with me and she even cheers for you in front of the TV. But please, don't cross the border. If you get caught, charged and found guilty, it's hard to find another KING 'P'. report abuse disagree 0 agree 3 ... written by Angela Ooi, May 15, 2008 21:29:05 Dr Asly Rahman, a very big thank you for the fitting tribute to our one and only towering Malaysian, Raja Petra Kamarudin! report abuse disagree 0 agree 3 ... written by mamanur, May 16, 2008 12:22:49 Dr Azly you said it all. kudos! report abuse disagree 0 agree 3 ... written by Overseas Malaysian, August 07, 2008 22:05:11 "Do Nothing" for democracy Comes the democracy date for the first time in Malaysia, 26 Aug 2008, ie the historical day the world will see how a small town Pmtg Pauh save Malaysia from political tsunami. Malaysian has been traditionally for decades believing in "doing nothing" to uphold the spirit of Malaysian-style democracy. The "Don't care" attitude. The result...we are now overwhelmed by corruption practices that involve superstars from government at top hierarchy level. These are the servants that paid on Malaysians' hard-earned tax money for the pieces of shit they call as their jobs that do no good other than humiliating Malaysia. To battle all these parasites, each Malaysians should again...."Do nothing for democracy" on 19 August 2008. On 19 August 2008 (just a week before Pmtg Pauh day), everyone should "stay at home" and not attending to work. For the company you work at has a staff strength of >20 employee - take half day leave. Fore more than 100, take a full day. For company less than report abuse disagree 0 agree 1 Write comment This content has been locked. You can no longer post any comment. You must be logged in to a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet. |
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