| Malaysia deserves an Obama too but where can we find one? |  |  |  |
| Posted by admin | |
| Friday, 23 January 2009 10:45 | |
| If we are to have an Obamanised Malaysia, we will have longer campaigns that will make the prime-ministerial race more intelligent, creating more respect for our democratic institutions more respect for the rule of law, more informed citizenry whom will not tolerate civil rights violation and more articulated promise for radical educational reform. A REPUBLIC OF VIRTUE Azly Rahman http://azlyrahman-illuminations.blogspot.com/ Malaysia need a new Barack Obama as prime minister.We are entering into an era of hopelessness; a time when we need a powerful unifier of ideologies and one who can hit the ground running when elected. We need a leader who is free from corruption.We need someone not necessarily a Columbia and Harvard graduate like Obama but someone with a good education and a good heart and a good set of analytical skills. One with oratorical skills is not enough; we need a no nonsense problem-solver who can explain difficult concepts to the man and woman on the street and next harness the resilience and creativity of the nation to weather rough times and celebrate good harvest. We need a 'whole-brain' thinker and leader, neuroscientists would say. We need someone with virtue and a belief in a new republic as his/her guide. In the Malaysia of John McCain, we will have a system of control akin to militarism, in which secret patronage politics, authoritarianism, and regimentation of a synthesis of Oriental Despotism and modern corporate crony capitalism reigns. In McCain's Malaysia, we have the institutionalisation of the war system, in which the regime is at war with its people and institutions and ideologues have been taken as prisoners of war. Especially in this difficult times of "transition" of power that is giving Malaysians a cruel choice of a hegemonic flow. Watching the January 21st. inauguration gave me hope that one day Malaysian will vote wisely and that in each and every state the veil of ignorance is lifted so that we may see how an economic system based on greed and the enriching of the few through the pacifying of the many has brought Malaysia to the brink of economic, social, and moral collapse. If and when a new government comes into power, we cannot imagine how daunting a task is for the radical restructuring to be done-- to dismantle a system of raced-based politics that started 50 years ago and cemented with technological determinism and hegemony for 22 years. But Malaysia can learn something from Obama -- hope alone is not enough, a peaceful revolution of the masses is needed. As a nation, we cannot be shortchanged by leaders that will only give us loose change. I leave all of you with an excerpt from Obama's inauguration speech: "... For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace. To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist. To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it...." -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Below is a most recent newsreport on an Obama Executive Order: WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama began overhauling U.S. treatment of terror suspects Thursday, signing orders to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center, review military war crimes trials and ban the harshest interrogation methods. "We intend to win this fight. We're going to win it on our terms," Obama said as he signed three executive orders and a presidential directive in the Oval Office. Obama explained each order before he put his pen to them and occasionally solicited input from White House counsel Greg Craig to make sure he was describing them correctly. With his action, Obama started changing how the United States prosecutes and questions al-Qaida, Taliban or other foreign fighters who pose a threat to Americans — and overhauling America's image abroad, battered by accusations of the use of torture and the indefinite detention of suspects at the Guantanamo prison in Cuba. "The message that we are sending the world is that the United States intends to prosecute the ongoing struggle against violence and terrorism and we are going to do so vigilantly and we are going to do so effectively and we are going to do so in a manner that is consistent with our values and our ideals," the president said. The centerpiece order would close the much-maligned Guantanamo facility within a year, a complicated process with many unanswered questions that was nonetheless a key campaign promise of Obama's. The administration already has suspended trials for terrorist suspects at Guantanamo for 120 days pending a review of the military tribunals. In the other actions, Obama: _Created a task force that would have 30 days to recommend policies on handling terror suspects who are detained in the future. Specifically, the group would look at where those detainees should be housed since Guantanamo is closing. _Required all U.S. personnel to follow the U.S. Army Field Manual while interrogating detainees. The manual explicitly prohibits threats, coercion, physical abuse and waterboarding, a technique that creates the sensation of drowning and has been termed a form of torture by critics. However, a Capitol Hill aide says that the administration also is planning a study of more aggressive interrogation methods that could be added to the Army manual — which would create a significant loophole to Obama's action Thursday. "We believe that the Army Field Manual reflects the best judgment of our military, that we can abide by a rule that says we don't torture, but that we can still effectively obtain the intelligence that we need," Obama said. He said his action reflects an understanding that "we are willing to observe core standards of conduct, not just when it's easy, but also when it's hard." _Directed the Justice Department to review the case of Qatar native Ali al-Marri, who is the only enemy combatant currently being held on U.S. soil. The review will look at whether al-Marri has the right to sue the government for his freedom, a right the Supreme Court already has given to Guantanamo detainees. The directive will ask the high court for a stay in al-Marri's appeals case while the review is ongoing. The government says al-Marri is an al-Qaida sleeper agent. An estimated 245 men are being held at the U.S. naval base in Cuba, most of whom have been detained for years without being charged with a crime. Among the sticky issues the Obama administration has to resolve are where to put those detainees — whether back in their home countries or at other federal detention centers — and how to prosecute some of them for war crimes. In his first Oval Office signing ceremony, Obama was surrounded by retired senior military leaders. He described them as outstanding Americans who have defended the country — and its ideals. Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090122/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_suspected_terrorists [OUR USUAL REMINDER, FOLKS:
Comments (32)  ... written by savemalaysia, January 23, 2009 11:07:26 There is no Barack Obama in Malaysia but there are three who can dismantle race=based politics here. They are Nurul Izzah (PKR), Lim Guan Eng (DAP) and Khalid Abdul Samad (PAS). They are not the frontliners of their respective parties now but the trio have the commitment, far-sightedness, impartiality, magnanimity, ethics and compassion to lead Malaysia out of race-based politics and bring the races together for the realisation of a bangsa Malaysia. My wish is that one of them eventually becomes the PM of Malaysia while the other two assume the Deputy PMs I & II. With the trio helming the ocuntry, Malaysia will usher in an unprecedented era of unity, fairness, justice, tolerance, prosperity and advancement. report abuse disagree 3 agree 41 ... written by Joe, January 23, 2009 11:12:44 It has always been that way, we don't have the best, so we pick what we have and hope for the best. We may not have a Malaysian Obama, and as the good doctor states, we need to find one. However, after reading his article, I come away with a thought. Why look for one, when we can make one? How? I leave that to intelligensia, for I am not. report abuse disagree 0 agree 9 ... written by evaangel, January 23, 2009 11:15:43 We got one. His name is Zaid Ibrahim.  report abuse disagree 5 agree 31 ... written by Shiva, January 23, 2009 11:20:56 we have to have citizens with an open mind, we have to have citizens who are able to make their own choice, and only then the malaysian obama can really make am change, but what we have is a large group of fanatics and mentally retarded goons who procalim religion and race above HUMAN LIFE. They will carry out protest and carry placards for cancelation of Rihanns's concert, as something against the holy book, well on the other hand - its ok for them to drink sexually related drink to on sale publically like " KOPE JANTAN", KOPE BETINA, PUCUK FATIMAH, TONGKAT ALI etc. is there anything about this in the holy book. in my opinion - the malaysian obama - should be a person like RPK, KARPAL, or Zaid Ibrahim Who will walk the talk and stand. report abuse disagree 2 agree 19 ... written by Msian Idol3, January 23, 2009 11:35:19 We have many big & small Obamas but the present country leadership would rather keep them in the dumps. I have met many highly motivated Msian individuals who became leaders in so many professional fields overseas. Today they are still so many intellects leaving the country. I for one have to learn from my 8 yr old son that I was a racist when I talked about other races while earning a living in Australia. It was never too late to change. Everything in Msia is race based & this is 100% endorsed by the Msian govt. What a load of bull... when the cabinet can come up with reasons on why they zapped the race relations act. As it is, no Msian can get to be tall & clean if they accept the present standards set by UMNO/BN. report abuse disagree 0 agree 10 ... written by johntyc, January 23, 2009 11:38:45 I am optimistic we will be able to achieve more positiveness in one or two Pilihan Raya Umum. I just hope that Obama-mania will come to Malaysia sooner than expected. I think it is right to protest against unjust law through non-violent ways. Protesting against unjust law is not a departure from democracy. It is absolutely essential. It is disruptive and troublesome, but it is a necessary disruption, a healthy troublesomeness. Hapuskan ISA. report abuse disagree 0 agree 8 ... written by Evol, January 23, 2009 11:45:23 We already have a OBAMA in Malaysia, RPK is wasy better the Balack Obama, in my opinion! report abuse disagree 6 agree 13 ... written by cheekhiaw, January 23, 2009 12:02:54 Malaysia may need an Obama but not deserve one. To deserve one, the majority of Malaysians or at least those that are 'given' the power to send the majority of MPs to parliament must firstly get their values right. And we know who are given that 'special right' to outvote all others. Or do we want to pretend we deserve that? report abuse disagree 0 agree 9 ... written by ahmadneil, January 23, 2009 12:06:20 If umno/BN collapse now,the next second will see a Malaysian Obama. To be fair to the Orang Asli,we have to find one to be our PM becos this put Malaysia on the world map and all investors will return.Let Malaysia be the first country in Asia to elect the original land owner to be our PM.Ya,no doubt Malaya belongs to Orang Asli.Who dares to say NO! report abuse disagree 4 agree 12 ... written by asguard, January 23, 2009 12:11:22 Don't dream of getting one at the moment... PM and DPM from UMNO both also has faulty images so does rests of Barang Naik Ministers! It would a waste of time to praise them! Rather giving them -F minus for everything that they did! report abuse disagree 1 agree 10 ... written by Rainbowseahorse, January 23, 2009 14:07:45 "Malaysia deserves an Obama too but where can we find one?" I just checked under that rock down by a nearby river...but nope, no "Obama" there either! Now I'll have to check those migrant citizens as Obama's father would most definitely be a holder of an IMM13 document if he had come to Sabah instead of to the US. And oh yah, his name would have been Barak Hussein Bin Obama. So I should be looking for a black man in Malaysia; yah! Hmmmm, only ones I come across are those trying to sell me "genuine" elephant hide wallets & belts...plus "black money" too! Hey, wait a minute! Our Malaysian Chinese & Indians haven’t even got close to being Prime Minister of Malaysia. That Black African Malaysian will have to wait his turn…i.e. except if his mother is a Malay then he would have a better chance. But come to think of it, Malaysia already has our very own “Obama”...in fact, two of them! The first one is an Indian-Malay Malaysia named Mohd. Mahathir, and the second is Chinese-Arab-Malay Malaysian named Ahmed Badawi. Shish! See, we Malaysians were way ahead of the Americans and we didn’t even know it! That should make us real proud; yah!  report abuse disagree 2 agree 6 ... written by carribeanking7, January 23, 2009 14:08:34 "Malaysia deserves an Obama too but where can we find one? " I have been here since 1967 but nobody has found me yet and the UMNOputras find me annoying....lol report abuse disagree 0 agree 9 ... written by temenggong, January 23, 2009 14:27:19 Menteri Besar Nizar! report abuse disagree 1 agree 6 ... written by mucking fuddled, January 23, 2009 14:36:49 sorry azly but i am a tad tired of people looking up to him as though he is god sent. no one doubts he is impeccable in delivering great speeches, but he could just turn out to be like umno, all talk and no substance. he is barely into his 100 days and everyone is falling all over and hailing him as the savior. lets look closer to home for now, the US have caused enough global disasters for them to earn such admirations.. lets look to ourselves for any inspirations not the worlds biggest trouble maker, give him a chance to prove himself first.. report abuse disagree 0 agree 6 ... written by Fart Fart Wah, January 23, 2009 14:39:44 sorry ..here we operate on Mahathir for the Malays and UMNO Samy the varloo for the Indian Gangsters and the MIC Tee Keat for the 'scared to die Chinese" and the MCA.. we do not have an OBAMA..if he come here he will be dimelayukan first..no escape he has a Hussein.......must be buried in..in in..u know where!!! but he will have to worship our MALAYSIA'S NEW GOD....SYED BOTAK...who decides for Allah as to who is to use his name... report abuse disagree 1 agree 4 ... written by Rainbowseahorse, January 23, 2009 14:40:38 The United States of America President Barak Hussein Obama can so easily associated with “ Mubarak (Egypt President) Saddam Hussein (Ex-Iraq President) Osama Bin Laden (the infamous Saudi Terrorist). The full name would thus be: Mubarak Saddam Hussein Osama Bin Laden. Whoooh! What a name that would be for a USA President! And a version of that in Malaysia??...hehehe…I think it would be our very own beloved hero "Hung Tuah". report abuse disagree 5 agree 0 ... written by sydput, January 23, 2009 15:10:14 Malaysia already got someone like Obama. His name is RPK. report abuse disagree 3 agree 6 ... written by SocratesI, January 23, 2009 15:36:34 We may not have an Obama in Malaysia, but we do have a slew of good, able people who, when they work together, may even surpass Obama's achievements. However, we need to replace the Despotic Barisan Najis Govt. with these people and give them a chance to work their Magic for Malaysia ! Just as Obama needed to be voted in to perform his miracle, these good candidates must be voted in to perform theirs. They are none other than, DSAI, LKS, Nik Aziz, LGE, Hadi Awang, Nurul Izzah, Nizar, and the other good people in Pakatan Rakyat, and then for the Ombudsman, we can have RPK, Zaid Ibrahim, Tun Salleh Abbas, Haris Ibrahim, etc. as the pressure group to keep the Pakatan Rakyat Govt. on the straight and narrow, to be their constant conscience. Just as the Americans took destiny into their own hands and voted in Obama, so too must Malaysians take their destiny in their own hands and vote in Pakatan Rakyat !! There is no other way ! Allah helps them who helps themselves !! . report abuse disagree 1 agree 16 ... written by Rainbowseahorse, January 23, 2009 16:03:46 On the serious side: How can Malaysia have an Obama?? If the potential Malaysian Obama is a Malay Muslim, he will face great difficulties in getting radical Muslim Malays to abandon implementation of Hudud laws. He will be committing political suicide if he were to ask fellow Malays to forgo “Malay Supremacy” and to accept all races as Malaysians with equal rights & privileges of the Malays & other Bumiputras. And how would he address the status of the country’s Sultans, since in a true democracy, there shouldn’t be any? Most of all, how the hell can we get an “Obama” if our Prime Minister is decided by 1,200 people from the corrupted, absurdly inefficient, above-the-law, and racist UMNO political party members? Kick out the UMNO lead government first, get the Prime Minister to be elected by the people and not decided by a few in a single political party, and then, and only then, can we think of where & who is our local “Obama”. report abuse disagree 0 agree 10 ... written by cahaya, January 23, 2009 17:38:09 Dr Azly, you have described the characteristics of a person that Malaysia needs as its prime minister. Someone who can inspire hope during an era of hopelessness. More than 20 years ago, Malaysia came close to having a younger leader as PM (like a Barack Obama) on two occasions. That person was Tengku Razaleigh, a former finance minister and a former Umno vice-president. The first time was 1981. Umno was selecting a new President. Among the candidates were Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (then 44) and Dr Mahathir Mohamed (then 56). The second time was 1987. Tengku Razaleigh challenged Dr Mahathir for the party president's post but lost by 43 votes. Had Tengku Razaleigh become Umno president and Malaysia’s PM, then Malaysia could have developed differently. Today, Tengku Tan Sri Razaleigh is the Umno member of parliament for Gua Musang, and until recently a candidate for Umno party president. Sadly, he has been under-appreciated by Umno, the BN, and the Malaysian public. Perhaps because he is now 71 years. In my opinion, Tengku Razaleigh has many of the qualities you listed. Though Tengku Razaleigh may not be as dynamic as years ago, he could be better than the alternatives. Throughout his days as a minister (Finance from 1976-1984 and International Trade and Industry from 1984-1987) and for about 10 years as an opposition leader, Razaleigh upheld secular and multi-racial politics. He often speaks for democracy, meritocracy and liberalism. Tengku Razaleigh would be a fair and just PM for all Malaysians. The majority of Malaysians of all races could accept him as their PM (knowing the alternatives in BN), should BN continue as the federal government in the immediate future (that is, if takes a few more years until PR is ready to form the government). He is a veteran politician, a man of integrity with the financial skills to lead Malaysia through an economic downturn. He can possibly “hit the ground running when elected” (not going very fast, but at least he won’t be sleeping). In a recent speech last week, Tengku Razaleigh showed that he still has what it takes to be a good leader. "What Next For Malaysia after the Global Financial Crisis", ASLI (Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute) Lunch & Special Luncheon Address, 15 January 2009, Keynote Luncheon Speaker:- YBM Tengku Sri Razaleigh Hamzah http://tengkurazaleigh.wordpre.../01/16/22/ report abuse disagree 3 agree 8 ... written by Loh, January 23, 2009 18:11:24 African Americans were slaves in USA until slavery was outlawed in 1860s. Racial segregation was still there until 1960s, but there was no institutionalized racial discrimination. A non-white president in USA helps to prove the fact that Americans are equal, and seen to be equal. In Malaysia, the people of different races and religion lived in peace and harmony for centuries, even during the days when it was colonized. The subjects of foreign colony should have the same second-class status. The people of all races were treated equally when Tunku gained independence for the country, and during his term as Prime Minister. The leaders then were able to agree to accord concessions to people of various races according to needs. But May 13 which was organized by opportunists changed the basic character of the nation. That was aggravated by NEWMalays who seized the opportunity that the definition of Malays the Constitution provides to capitalize on the technique of divide and rule. The sorry state the country is in results. Malaysia has been destroyed by unwanted characters. With racial and religious discrimination institutionalized, nobody would be able to change it from within. We need to remove the people who are inclined to make this a mono religious and mono racial state, but there are deep rooted. No one person can change the mindset of the people to behave the way citizens of a just and civilized society do, but one TDM was able to single handedly change the mindset of his followers to bullies. The state is doomed. report abuse disagree 0 agree 5 ... written by hamid, January 23, 2009 18:41:26 Malaysia Had a Barak Obama Long time ago …in fact way before Merdeka. But because of this need for Malay Supremacy these UMNO Bigots needed a way to make Malaysia a malay dominant country in Army, Police and population. Coming out with racist unIslamic laws in the name of Poor!! Now Malaysia wonder of opportunity past when we could have 13 state of similar power as Singapore. Inspite of their spite and a desire to see Singapore Fail, they sack a state unconstitionally with the approval of an ILLIGITIMATE Sultan/Agong(from Negeri Sembilan). Not only is this act unconstitutional, it is also down right illegal. These UMNO Bigots thought by doing this, Sabah, Sarawak or any other states will fear the suffering of the people and not seek Autonomy. Low and behold we have a Lee Kuan Yew led Singapore whose GDP is similar to Malaysia and whose currency is 2.5 times stronger than the pathetic, corrupted and making a slave of Malaysian RINGGIT. Now Every state wants to separate from Malaysia for a Future like Singapore! Of course in the current state Malaysia cannot discuss so many matters of legitimacy, truth and honesty. All thanks to Bapa Kemerosotan Malaysia…Tun Dr. Munafik of UMNO Baru. People the time to tolerate Crap must end Now, UMNO-BN needs to be Obliterated, Nothing else really matter. Unless you want to see your children and grand children suffer, the time for CHANGE is TODAY.! report abuse disagree 0 agree 8 ... written by Davy McChester, January 24, 2009 02:14:40 You are a dreamer for the short term,but some dreams do become a reality as long as there is zero coercion in religion .Therefore ,Malaysia is not the USA. In non Islamic world everything is subject to scrutiny,open debate without the foot-soldier zombies threatening & shouting ,"Kill the infidels" for criticizing , instigated by immature religious zealots who are more afraid of losing their power than about God. The foundation was there for a Obama Prime Minister in Malaysia ,but over 51 years the UMNOputras have screwed it. They are confused about race and religion and want you to change what is unchallengeable "mentally" to qualify for the highest public office. You need to remove this insincere immature thinking.Also,do not expect any non Muslim becoming a PM of Malaysia when there is selective immigration policies to change the demography, even in Sabah & Sarawak. Anyway ,I do appreciate your progressive thinking and wish that UMNOputras had 10 % of your intelligence, which would go a long way to change Malaysia. report abuse disagree 0 agree 6 ... written by Rozlan, January 25, 2009 23:13:21 Dr Azly Why you praised Obama so much.He proved nothing yet..What I heard he want to lynched Hamas further with Israel help and he is going to send more troops to Afghanistan..Dont get carried away.His black skin wont change US oppressive policies.. report abuse disagree 2 agree 3 ... written by 1eyecls, January 27, 2009 10:10:18 he,must be afraid of GOD too! report abuse disagree 0 agree 1 ... written by 1eyecls, January 27, 2009 10:23:52 rozlan, dun talk about ppl so far away like bosnia or palestine,our good heighbours like southern parts of thailand and phillipines,wat on earth your muslim brothers and sisters had done?and keep-on doing? as in the southern thailand,children,women,teachers,buddhists were murdered everyday!thousands of innocent ppl died by your muslim terrorists! may i know,wat is your stand on this issue! i know,you will say bcos 88 of your muslim brothers were killed by the soldiers,ok,may i ask you again,why they were killed? Or,in another way,you ppl support jihhad? ok,let me assure you,if muslims support jihhad,middle-east crisis will never end,perhaps unless doomsday arrived! report abuse disagree 0 agree 2 ... written by LFLee, January 27, 2009 22:28:17 Dear Dr Azly, We need to first have Lincoln (Non-black to fight for what is right), then Martin Luther King Jr., and Obama (who is standing on the shoulder of the previous giants). I hope Mr. Anwar is our own 'Lincoln', if he proves to be 'the one'; then we can expect our own Martin Luther King Jr. and finally Obama to come by. I don't really care if a 'Chinese PM' ever happen in Malaysia, as long as the PM is capable and care for all Malaysian - even we never have a 'Chinese PM' is OK!! If we keep on looking for a 'Chinese PM', we are also in the pursuing of another form of 'race-based politics'. Obama is a long shot, lets us support our very own Lincoln first. report abuse disagree 0 agree 3 ... written by Rozlan, January 29, 2009 10:23:19 written by 1eyecls, January 27, 2009 10:23:52 Yes I support jihad.Mindanaou and Southrn Thailand is muslim lands ahf been conquered by Budhist and Christians.Sure naturally for avery self respect popela will fight back to free their land.The muslims over there had gone throufgh untol sufferings inthe hands of the Buddhist and Christians. Is is wrong for them to free their lands?? For sure they will fight till end time unless they want end up like the Red Indians.Being jailed in the reservation.. Any problem with you,1eyecls report abuse disagree 2 agree 0 ... written by Heaven8402, January 30, 2009 10:24:58 Dr Azly, Just my 2 cents worth! To have an Obamanised Malaysia also meant to have a non-muslim Prime Minister or Agung or etc....! And do you personnaly think we are ready for this especially to all our muslim peoples? Tell us honestly can you yourself accept the fact that we have "Ah Beng" or "Muthu" as the Prime Minister in the next GE? Yeah, I thought so! report abuse disagree 1 agree 0 ... written by Su Dhanoa, February 02, 2009 15:00:19 I feel that nothing is impossible in this world of today i.e. if each and everyone of us move on drive mode instead of harping on the reverse mode. Change overselves first and then change others. Think positively and believe in God!! It shall happen in the near future, probably not a black Obama, but an yellow/Brown Obama at the least!!! report abuse disagree 0 agree 0 |
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Can read some stories here http://1426.blogspot.com/2009/...dubai.html