| Of Malays becoming Machiavellis, and a society losing its sanity |  |  |  |
| Posted by admin | |
| Saturday, 14 February 2009 11:27 | |
| What a pathetic country we have plunged into; what a soul-less and spineless people we have become. What legacy we are to leave our children. They too will become corrupt -- God forbids. A REPUBLIC OF VIRTUE Azly Rahmanhttp://azlyrahman-illuminations.blogspot.com/Against my will, my fate, A throne unsettled, and an infant state, Bid me defend my realms with all my pow'rs, And guard with these severities my shores. - from Machiavelli's The Prince, Chapter XVII Another quote: 'But it is necessary to know well how to disguise this characteristic, and to be a great pretender and dissembler; and men are so simple, and so subject to present necessities, that he who seeks to deceive will always find someone who will allow himself to be deceived. One recent example I cannot pass over in silence. Alexander VI did nothing else but deceive men, nor ever thought of doing otherwise, and he always found victims; for there never was a man who had greater power in asserting, or who with greater oaths would affirm a thing, yet would observe it less; nevertheless his deceits always succeeded according to his wishes, because he well understood this side of mankind. 'Therefore it is unnecessary for a prince to have all the good qualities I have enumerated, but it is very necessary to appear to have them. And I shall dare to say this also, that to have them and always to observe them is injurious, and that to appear to have them is useful; to appear merciful, faithful, humane, religious, upright, and to be so, but with a mind so framed that should you require not to be so, you may be able and know how to change to the opposite. - from, Machiavelli's The Prince, Chapter XVIII One of the best strategies to keep a political party in power is to keep the voters 'educated' only to a certain level of intelligence, and to give them enough goodies for them to want more at every cycle of election. Give them money, 'kain pelika't, 'kain batik', rice, cigarettes, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald's, RM200 and instant 'development packages' – new roads, new playgrounds, new schools, new promises, millions of hop-on-hop-off Ringgits, etc, so that they will be happier voters. And elected representatives alike. Let them corrode their own moral character and let the children of these voters learn that this are what democracy, politics, and elections is all about. The game these days is human trading --- of politicians; a costly game of ethics and national security. The bigger the post, the higher the price -- even at a time when millions will be losing their jobs at a time when recession is engulfing us. But in Malaysia dealing with recession is not a priority; dangling millions of Ringgit in by-elections is. What a pathetic country we have plunged into; what a soul-less and spineless people we have become. What legacy we are to leave our children. They too will become corrupt -- God forbids. This is the structure of dependency. This is the systematic programme of the maintenance of the 'welfare' mentality – the ideology of the 'hand that feed'. This, too, is the current paradigm and ideology of technology transfer from global corporations wishing to develop the Iskandar Development Region or the Multimedia Super Corridor. The advanced, industrialised countries will give aid and some help with technology to the industrialising countries so that the former will continue to control and manipulate while the latter will be continue to be controlled and be manipulated. The structure of dependency constitutes 'structural violence'. The paternal relationship forged structures the relationship between the giver and the receiver, the oppressor and the oppressed. This curriculum of totalitarianism is hidden. Until voters are intelligent enough to understand this structure of dependency and are wise and ethical enough to reject the goodies from the 'hands that giveth', we will still see corrupt politicians installed to further transform the lives of others through development projects created so that it is not that the people that will benefit, but the few people that will make sure that they themselves will reap the benefits. Far too much we hear the word 'progress and development' these days. We hear of our economy doing well. We hear of the 'jihad' against corruption and poverty being intensified. We hear slogans, rhetoric and 'managed perception'. We do not know what is real and what is invention anymore. We see an intensifying effort to divide, subdivide, fragment, and dissipate progressive parties that are trying to bring about immediate and radical change. Machiavelli, our guru? Where do the powerful ones in our society learn how to control the mind and the body of the people governed? Perhaps through arrogant knowledge that advises rulers to be brutal, pretentious, hypocritical, and shrewd – as long as power is acquired, consolidated, maintained, and held on as long as possible. One can then rule for five, 10, 15, or even 22 or 35 years. One can even declare oneself dictator or emperor or 'maharajah'. One piece of arrogant knowledge that one must study, to understand how Malaysia as well as global politics work is The Prince by Nicollo Machiavelli, an essential treatise on the nature and manifestation of power. We take too much from the teachings of Machiavelli. We use force to hold on to power. We let our leader use whatever means necessary for them to cling on to power.  In Machiavelli we can see the ideology of Islam Hadhari, slogans of 'cemerlang, gemilang terbilang', the Internal Security Act, The University and University Colleges Act, the fascistic 'Surat Akujanji' for civil servants, the Biro Tata Negara, the National Service programme, Media Prima, the Election Commission, the constant play and 'sandiwara' of race-based politics – all these and more in the overall Machiavellian scheme of realpolitik borrowed from the colonial masters. The ideological state apparatuses, German critical theorist Althusser's term, is employed to structure the pattern of dependency.In fact, Malaysian politics these days, might be even worse than during colonial times – the oppressors have become invisible and have evolved into a system of thought control. In the current ideology, neo-liberalism mystified in the term Islam Hadhari, constitutes a life support system to legitimise foreign domination, unequal distribution of wealth, perfection of subsidy and rent-seeking ideology, cultivation of mediocrity and blind loyalty even amongst the most highly-educated in our public universities. Accounts of vote-buying illustrates a total mockery of democracy. Those giving money and make promises aplenty are charting their own destruction. 'By all means necessary,' said the American revolutioner Malcolm X – is the ideology of Machiavelli. In the world of Machiavelli we embrace, winning is everything. It is better to be feared than to be loved, as the author would say. In today's world in which bloggers are now feared, it is better to be loved by projecting an image/perception of being loved, of being benevolent, pious, caring, and selfless so that power will be gently but surely acquired. It is also necessary to maintain such a perception so that one can still be remembered as a benevolent ruler even though one has plundered billions of ringgit; it is necessary so that one will not be prosecuted for such plundering. What then must we do We must educate ourselves to be well-informed voters and to help each other understand how power works through institutions and ideology that permeate the psyche and the physical landscape of society.  We need to engage in the establishment of a republic of virtue – one runs on the philosophy of virtue - and terror. Let our children learn that it is terrifying to be corrupt; such as to build palaces while the homes of the poor demolished. Let us teach them to vote with their conscience. Let our children learn about political philosophies and principles a good politician should uphold.The current regime cannot solve the problems it creates. It must dismantle itself, die a natural death, destroy the symbols of power it has abused, and let a peaceful renewal take its natural course. The will to be corrupt will only intensify if we do not perform a frontal lobotomy of its source. The source is the locus of control – the center of power. Beware, the multiplying and morphing Machiavellis amongst us. Let us design a strategy of counter-hegemony so that we can play and wrestle with authority. Let the next General Election be a test of how educated we are on the art and science of identifying machiavellis. But why must we engineer our own destruction -- if we can become masters of our own destiny? [OUR USUAL REMINDER, FOLKS:
Comments (13)  ... written by AzizKadir2u, February 14, 2009 12:15:22 Malaysia Boleh, like drug adict, ganja, morphine, they are additive, same thing corruption, like honey and sweet, they are additive, you cant say no after a few try, usually the case. As such, the BN, Umno, dont knnow how to do it the honest way, they are so used to contract, contract, connection, AP, Toll, all the easy way, short cut, cronies is their name of the game. You need a scooter, find one and get a license from govermen, and then money as monopoly. that is Umno way, tak boleh tampa clutches. Kita pergi mount everest, kita in canoe around the world, kita macam macam boleh, tetapi, kita lebih pandai cronies, but the rakyat, the poor rakyat already seen too many Umno and cronies that is very rich, and too much corruption, even the Malay we can not tolerate it anymore, as such we malays also vote for opposition, and good guy. and then what, look at Kedah government, they Kedah Pakatan rakyat immediately reduce cukai tanah 50%, cukai pintu turun 50%, what happen, the government tak bankrupt, rakyat ada pilihan, ini goverment pakatan bukan mainmain, mereka tak rasuah, mereka ada hati untuk rakyat. bukan Umno dan cronies yang kayakaya, kereta besar, rumah besar, dan rakyat wang ehsan hilang, Bala hilang, wang helicopter hilang, wang submarine hilang, Altantu hilang, Adun hilang, semua macam hilang. Kita rakyat ada mata, sudah sedar, insaf, insyallah, kita rakyat ada pilihan, yang Pakatan , ya pakatan , kita rakyat pakat, kita mesti jaga maruah negara, kita mesti jaga duit kita, bukan duit umno dan cronies, kita rakyat mesti bersatu padu tak kira bangsa, kita rakyat semua miskin kerana Toll, kalau mereka jaga kita rakyat, kerajaan mesti hapuskan corruption, Toll, AP dan sebagainya, kita rakyat pakat tahu............malaysia boleh, yes we can. kita pakat lagi sekali, kita ada pilihan. tuhan Allah akan tolong kita rakyat kalau kita pakat tak kira bangsa, bersatupadu, hapuskan kroni dan korupsi, corruption, tamak, dan terangterang merompak duit rakyat. report abuse disagree 0 agree 63 ... written by densemy, February 14, 2009 12:22:30 ... and of course you will deny until Judgement Day that this Structure of Dependency has its roots in Islam report abuse disagree 4 agree 12 ... written by lamakawan, February 14, 2009 12:42:24 The govenment is wasting all its resources in the education field, especially in primary and secondary schools. Look at the protests by umno youth members against karpal. THeir demand is to protect malay rights, and more malay rights each time they protest. They do not seem to know the rights were all there since 1957, independence day. It was well documented in the constitution when the British agreed to give Malaya independence. And every time they protest is malay rights again and again and again. The only human being with the thickest skull must have been claimed by the malays in umno specifically. no amout of education can penetrate their heads. Malaysia is carrying a heavy burden with such a group of umno sick heads to lead them to eternity. report abuse disagree 0 agree 46 ... written by sara, February 14, 2009 12:59:53 A PROUD HINDU Today the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the world become a nice place to live. Surprise? Envy? Am I out of my mind? No. today, I am proud to be born a Hindu and remain a Hindu. Somebody make my day. The heart is so happy, so proud, so …. I am out of word to describe it. In today’s world and especially Malaysia, where: 1.The PM and the MB proudly announced that they are the PM and MB for all but when the time of desperatation come, He said “orang Melayu marah’ ( He didn’t say orang Malaysia marah but orang Melayu- Hindraf, Ump’s head lines. 2.The King and the son, talking until the PIG comes home about being partisan and liberal but when comes to appointing a non malay and a non muslim as the MB, it is beyond his power. When a government can be push the people and not chosen by the people, They can just smile , maybe thinking of all the money that is going to come . So the saying is so true “DUITLAH TUANKU, DUITLAH TUANKU’ 3.The learnt Mufti can pronounce derhaka kepada king sama dengan derhaka kepada tuhan..What a joke, this same people say, kita tidak boleh menyamakan manusia dengan Tuhan. Only the kafir will do that, so they say. 4.The learnt chief judge who claim himself is from the fairest religion in the world can present himself to the appointment of a new MB, while there is a doubt about the sacking of the old MB.While many learnt Prof and expert of Law from local and regional university, have different interpretation of the constitution regarding this matter. 5.An ex PM said he has the utmost respect for the king ( what a snake ,may be this is snake mentioned by one of the ADUN not long ago because of her love and sweet most memory she had with the ex PM.) Remember still all his speeches from back in 1980s during the constitution crisis. So, what a big U turn on his part. He also comes from such a fantastic religious background. 6.Where the chief of police can have in Millions but the ACA has no prove about it. 7.Where a person/s in jail can be murdered but the most efficient police force in the world PDRM , has no prove and no knowledge about THEM. 8.A street demonstatraions caring Mahatma Gandhi’s photo is considered illegal , robust and brutal that some were charged with attempt murder. But a demonstrations that caring insulting and threating banner, burning of flags , and shouting of obscenes are considered a peaceful demonstrations for the right of the people. report abuse disagree 2 agree 55 ... written by sara, February 14, 2009 13:00:54 9.A doctor whom certified, a person in jail died of fluid in the lung , while there are many marks on his body is considered a genius of his trade(what trade, is for the people to think and on the other hand what can we expect from those with 3B’,1C and 1D in their STPM become a doctor in medicine.) Until now no action had taken against this idiot either by police and Medical Community. And they say we have world class medical service , here , in Malaysia.Ha,HA,HA. 10.Where prostitutes , gigolos, impotent and PIMP are running freely in this country. I define, A prostitute is a woman who sell herself for money or post or the latest for a Camry. A gigolo is a man (if they can be called one) whom sells his body, soul and everything and anything for whoever and whatever. A PIMP is someone or a middle person between a prostitute or a gigolo with demand this donkey’s service.( By the way, what do you call someone who getting this asses service?) And the last but not the least, a Impotent is person/persons whom have voted for these people and sitting at home cursing themselves for voting these asses rather than go out to these idiots house asking them to resign, pressure the parents, pressure the siblings , pressure the children, pressure the wife/wives or concubines and keep up the pressure until they resign. We must Do WHATEVER we can to stop These people( I quote a PM’s SIL’s phrase).Otherwise we are impotent( bacul)with no dignity of ourselves. 11.A famous religion preach that, when you choose a future, SIL , DIL , husband or wife , one of the main criteria you must consider is KETURUNAN yang baik-baik.So do you think, these people are from a good background? Or a good background means a lot money in the bank all over the world (doesn’t matter how it was earned) a high post and a big palace build with people’s money 12.A famous person has doubt about his father or I rephrase who was his real father. In a particular religion, keturunan adalah mengikut sebelah bapa but this particular person he is a malay but the father is originated from India. ( So, I started thinking, did the mother told him any BIG secret about his real father?) 13. People in power in this country said its wealth being distributed FAIRLY to all the people regardless of race or religion. So, I consultated a Mathematics expert to ask this question. “When 60% of the people in this country allocated more than RM400 million to build their places of prayer and the other 40% were allocated about RM 11 million to build the same , is that consider fair? 14.A religious leader said, it is Okay to hop party as long as you hop into this particular party in the name of religion. 15.A HINDU HAD PROVEN HE HAD GUTS TO SAY NO TO MILLIONS OF RINGGITS. MR ARUMUGAM YOU PROVE WHAT A HINDU YOU ARE.YOU HAVE PROVEN HOW GOOD YOUR PARENTS UPBRING ARE.YOU HAVE MAKE ALL THE HINDUS IN THIS COUNTRY EXCEPT FOR THE RUNNING DOGS IN MIC PROUD ARE OF YOU. MY HAT OFF H TO YOUR MOTHER, FATHER , YOUR GURU AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST TO YOU.’TODAY BECAUSE OF YOU I CAN WALK WITH MY HEAD HELD HIGH AND BE PROUD OF BEING A HINDU. You have proven what your religion hah teach you .Where else, people preach but didn’t do, don’t care BUT you being a Hindu, walk the talk and Talk the walk. 16.PEOPLE must judge, whom should be considered YANG MULIA , the one whom walk the talk or just talk and talk and talk without any sense of fairness. 17.I can go on and on until the cow comes home but I have to stop here and remember this piece of article IS NOT copyrighted , so you can make as many copies as you want and distributed as many as you can. THANK YOU A PROUD HINDU AND THAT’S WHAT I AM. report abuse disagree 4 agree 70 ... written by AzizKadir2u, February 14, 2009 13:44:57 kita semua rakyat, kita tak kira bangsa, jangan fikir pasal orang ini orang itu, kita semua manusia, kita mesti fikir apaka yang kita boleh tambah nilai, (bukan tambah nilai bagi touch n go) kita tambah nilai seperti add value to the fellow human being. bukan dapat contract, jual contract, dapat lisen jual lisen, bukan cepat kaya, short cut, ini memang budaya Tun Dr M ? kalau manusia begitu, Allah ajar kita begitu kah ? kita mesti tambah nilai bagi orang lain, di globalize world ni, we must be competitive , so the racial is no place on earth. we rakyat mesti bersatupadu, kita bangsa malaysia, kita mesti undi pakat sama sama, pakai mata, naik roket pergi ke bulan. sudah cukap bayar Toll ? sudah 20 tahun bayar, lagi mahu bayar ? bayar sampai mati, merera umno dan kroni kayakaya dan kuat kuasa, mereka judges put coret coret coret, kita rakyat miskin menderita susah susah cari makan pun tak boleh, umno dan kroni maahu rakyat jelata bayar bayar bayar, Toll, AP, cukai,cukai, bayar sampai mati............cukup lah. rakyat jelata cukup bayar toll ? report abuse disagree 0 agree 21 ... written by Sinewy, February 14, 2009 14:17:18 We'll teach our children the virtue of being fair and equal to all in the globalised world and not to claim to be superior than others like the Nazis. We'll teach our children the virtue of being knowlegable, hardworking and competitive to be successful and not by enforcing discriminative policies to supress others to gain from others' misery. We'll teach our children the virtue of being compassionate and helpful to the poor and disadvantage groups and to help them to be able to sustain their livelihood in society and not to use them as a politcial propoganda tool to gather support for a biased government to practise nepotism and cronyism to enrich the selfish politicians and businesses. We'll teach our children the virtue of being colour blind towards mankind and that we are all born as peolple of this world and nobody owes us anything, especially our living. report abuse disagree 0 agree 12 ... written by Dragon888, February 14, 2009 15:14:10 Dear All, Can you say these things in Bolehland ??? Switch on sound & click below to view film clip, hear the voice of this courageous woman. Rgds The courage of this woman.. ........ .heavy duty... Subject: WATCH THIS....... It is extremely surprising that the Arab financed TV station in Dubai would allow this to air. Be sure and watch this, it is so powerful I have no doubt she now has very large price on her head. She is one impressive woman. Here is a powerful and amazing statement on Al Jazeera television. The woman is Wafa Sultan, an Arab-American psychologist from Los Angeles . I would suggest watching it. This film clip should be shown around the world repeatedly! CLICK: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1296126090432829344 report abuse disagree 3 agree 7 ... written by Nizzywizzy, February 14, 2009 19:37:19 Reply to Dragon88 WATCH THIS http://video.google.com/videop...0843&hl=en You get the answers. report abuse disagree 6 agree 1 ... written by Umno Slayer, February 18, 2009 03:19:49 we have becomes man without balls after 51 years under this regime!! come on Malaysian we must get rid of the no-balls attide and be man with good principle and values.there are no short cut ways or easy ways to get rid of these bunch of criminals whose manning our govt now.dont worry once the war is over we ll get on with our lifes again...dont be so chicken now ...your chikdrens and grand children will suffers...Its a definite NO NO to Najb the Najis and the rest of Umno.....im a malay alright! report abuse disagree 0 agree 3 ... written by EUGTAN, February 19, 2009 13:10:28 This article has many good points. But will the country reinvent and rejuveante itself? One has to look only at the next PM, the quality of the contestants for the deputy PM ship and the leadership of UMNO Youth to realize how hopeless the situation is. report abuse disagree 0 agree 1 ... written by Cash Money, February 19, 2009 13:58:11 The current regime if you wait for it to die a natural dead (raykat kena menderita for dinasour years) and on the otherside 95% melayu still very strong in thier ajaran sesat,melayu have not progress in thier reasoning to the speed Mahatir send the twin towers up. Until the new wave of melayu thinking sweeps thru the country' rejecting the umno brand and the shackles that denies them the freedom of choice, Machiavellian it will be. report abuse disagree 0 agree 3 ... written by Eskay Lim, February 21, 2009 21:06:03 Make the rakyat dependent on the political party for their daily needs; so that they become spineless, hopeless and brainless like zoombies for the leaders to control and to ask for "pay back time" in a form of getting their votes come election time. Their votes will enable the leaders to rob, rape and accumulate wealth for themselves and their descendants. This is the ideal democracy for Bolehland. report abuse disagree 0 agree 3 |
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