Malaysian voters must punish and reject low quality Members of Parliament

We like below remark we found at anilnetto.com which commented on the silly speeches by Malaysian Member of Parliament.

In this Youtube instance, the antics of Mohamad Aziz (UMNO) is a perfect example of the sad standard of our MPs who consciously waste taxpayers’ money in Parliament.

May we advise all voters to seriously check and evaluate the quality of their MP candidates in the next General Election before crossing the ballot paper.

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Kam Cheng
October 31st, 2009 at 11.59am · Reply

I pity the Hansard, it has to record the rubbish that the Sri Gading clown spews each Parliament session.

Sri Gading and Kinabatangan are the UMNO appointed time wasters and court jesters in Parliament. Just look at what they bring up in Parliament. No policy matters, just kampung politics. To make matters worse, the venerable Lim Kit Siang also lost the opportunity to rein in the 2 jesters so that 1st world Parliament session can be have. Maybe because Uncle Lim couldn’t resist the dig at other political parties, even though Parliament session is not for that.

I suggest Sri Gading should learn some mandarin so that he can read for himself what the Chinese community said what it really wants.

All Chinese newspapers reported that the community wants Ong Tee Keat to continue as MCA President. They have only 1 hero left and apparently Ong is still needed.

This Sri Gading fella wasted 5 minutes of the rakyat’s money venting on his personal feelings but non on researched facts. Since when Parliamentarians are allowed to represent their personal likes and dislikes in Parliament? I thought they are supposed to amend and recommend policies in Parliament upon consultation with their constituents!

First world Parliament will take a very long time coming.

MCA: Hell breaks loose, happy hour time for warlords

This comment sums up nicely the feelings and repulse of rakyat Malaysia on the sheenigans by MCA ‘leaders’:

written by John Lee, October 14, 2009

Hell breaks loose, it is happy hour time for the war lords.

Most of them have nothing to lose after all they have been sidelined and this is the golden opportunity.

The GE voters out there know who they are and what they are up to.

Do not think that Malaysian have short memory.

MCA , you have just missed the opportunity to regain your glory when you made such emotional and immature decision to oust your president Ong Tee Keat who have the support of most Malaysians.

What do you feel towards these ‘leaders’?

Should voters feel safe with these vulture like behaviours waiting to feast even as their President has not officially resigned?

Valuing moral character is of great importance for MCA?

Is Ong Tee Keat trying to emulate the reform of Taiwan for MCA?

Will the MCA central delegates agree to Ong Tee Keat’s call to reform MCA or status quo with Chua Soi Lek?

Brickbats or praises will be reserved after the MCA EGM.

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Valuing moral character is of great importance

Speaking at the 63rd anniversary of the founding of Fuhsing Private School yesterday morning, President-Elect Ma Ying-jeou stated that attaching importance to moral character is very important to today’s Taiwan. The new government that is to be formed after his inauguration will put character above capability in appointing officials, he stressed.

Taiwan’s problems during this past period have stemmed from the lack of emphasis on moral character, education, breeding and the ability to do soul searching, Ma added.

Those are sensible words indeed. Over the past few years, neither the government nor our schools have put any emphasis on the importance of moral values. There has even been a tendency among policy makers to de-emphasize moral education.

One clear indication of this tendency is the fact that Confucius’ birthday — which used to be a national holiday — is no longer a holiday for the general public. There has been a deliberate attempt to banish Confucian values from school education.

Confucian values are the cornerstone of the moral system of the Chinese and that of many of China’s neighbors, such as Korea and Japan. These two countries owe their economic prosperity to the influence that Confucianism has had on their cultures.

Chinese dynasties that attached importance to Confucian values were almost all strong and prosperous, whereas those that ignored the sage’s teachings were inevitably weak and short-lived.

It is, therefore, little wonder that, over recent years, the government has been rife with corruption with many officials indicted or imprisoned for graft and other immoral deeds.

Taiwan cannot hope to have a vigorous economy unless it has an efficient government. And high government efficiency depends as much on policy makers having moral character as on their capability. Ma must live up to his promise with regard to the appointment of government officials.

The administration under Ma should make strenuous efforts to restore and promote traditional moral values. Out of this campaign will come a more stable and prosperous Taiwan society.

Source: The China Post

Ong Tee Keat and Lim Kit Siang: PKFZ Monday showdown in Dewan Rakyat

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What has Ong Tee Keat delivered so far:

We would like to applaud Ong Tee Keat for delivering on his promise to disclose Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) problems with the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report and organising a few task forces to heal the problem.

That’s definitely a first for BN and MCA. We also found that this action matches with Ong Tee Keat’s ‘courage’ slogan. And Najib’s 1Malaysia should not hesitate to encourage more of such resolute like this MCA President.

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What is Lim Kit Siang contributing so far:

We would also like to thank Lim Kit Siang and DAP for bringing to voter’s attention to the many questions raised through his blog, ranging from business dealings, accounting, accountability and many comments on feelings of betrayal.

As rational actors, we are concerned particularly with the questions on the PKFZ administrative and management problems. Lim Kit Siang is fully aware of Ong Tee Keat’s efforts and has mentioned his ministerial breakthrough in documenting and disclosing the PKFZ problems. We understand Lim Kit Siang’s unhappiness at the inaptness of the people in PKFZ which resulted in this fiasco.

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Suggestions for next step for MPs:

May we suggest perhaps for next step, Lim Kit Siang will consider to work on introducing a law at Parliament to ensure such GLC management problems will not arise again. He missed pushing for such a law following BMF scandal long ago. But now, with a stronger opposition bench, is a second chance for Lim Kit Siang to prove his ability to introduce such law in Parliament to upgrade Malaysian business environment.

May we the voters see a productive and progressive debate in Parliament coming Monday. Certainly, we will be closely following  the updated reports from Malaysiakini webportal.

Good luck to both Member of Parliaments.

P/S: Perhaps one of these days we may be able to bring our children to see this story as a blockbuster movie showing in GSC or TGV cineplexes. It would make a very good voter’s education and guide to voting for an effective lawmaker.

No more post mortem fetishes: BN should learn cyber outreach from Pakatan Rakyat

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We note with interest a report in The Star today: “Rebranding the MCA, plan to be unveiled on March 1″.

In the report, MCA President Dato’ Seri Ong Tee Keat said after chairing the MCA presidential council meeting yesterday:

“Insap, the think-thank of the party, had also presented an analysis of the Kuala Terengganu by-election results at the meeting.

“It is a very deep and thorough evaluation participated by all members of the presidential council. We can learn from the analysis,” he said.”

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Whilst we applaud political parties in their quest to understand the reason for results gotten in the recent by-election, we are not amused by this pre-occupation by parties in the Barisan Nasional with post-mortems.

It is exasperating for voters to read replays of such peculiar fetish by the ruling coalition on events already past. After losing an election, a post mortem is moot and re-active.

308 was not given by the voters for political players’ analysis to the death and performing after-death post mortems.

308 was a message from the Rakyat.

Voters have already send a signal that 308 is a starting point for political parties from Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat to shape up, train up, get their members motivated and perform their elected duties BEFORE the voters again go to tick that party symbol in the 13th General Election.

BN should pick up the signal and learn from PR to maximise alternative media outreach.

Establishing intelligence in cyber and with an ear on the ground should be enough ammunition for a political party to get its act together before going into any election in pro-active mode.

Mulling over and detailing a loss is not value adding if political parties do nothing to pro-actively pile on the persuasion groundwork to win the next elections.

Kuala Terengganu by-election: Raja Petra has gone overboard disrespecting Article 11 and Article 10

We are disturbed with the latest article “Does MCA support hudud?” by Raja Petra Kamarudin in Malaysia Today.

We have supported Raja Petra for his fearless opinions as freedom of expression is a right provided for under Article 10 and Article 11 of the Federal Constitution. (Article 10: Freedom of speech, assembly and association. Article 11: Freedom of religion)

However this time, we feel Raja Petra has gone overboard the provision of law as in his article he has trampled on rights of citizens on freedom of association and religion.

The below particular paragraph extract from Raja Petra’s article is particularly alarming,  highly intimidating, intruding and disrepecting the personal sphere of non-Muslim:

MCA, do you or don’t you support Hudud?
Speak up now or forever hold your tongue.
Are you pro-Islam or anti-Islam?
Please tell us now and make it very clear. Tomorrow we are going to Terengganu to campaign for PAS and we want to know what to tell the Kuala Terengganu voters.
And it will either be “MCA is anti-Islam” or “MCA is pro-Hudud”.

As law abiding citizens and voters, we are greatly disturbed and strongly object the method deployed in above article of Raja Petra which trampled on personal rights provided in the Federal Constitution.

Raja Petra’s shameful attempt of crass politicking by issuing above ultimatum to Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) to support hudud is a highly mischievous attempt to bully their non-Muslim community.

MCA on Ong Tee Keat’s watch: About your aides

Dear Dato’ Seri Ong Tee Keat,

I have this uneasy feeling about you and those leaders helming the MCA national bureaus.

Chua Soi Lek, Lee Wee Kiat, Wong Nai Chee, Gan Ping Sieu …

Competence is clearly trumping ideology in the Ong Tee Keat’s new administration, and God knows after two terms of Ong Ka Ting & Co., it’s time to get back to the idea of streetwise smart, capable people advising the MCA president and executing his policies.

What I wonder is whether the members of your administrative team and staff aides, in addition to their grasp of the issues and success at achieving power, have a real feel for the needs of the people they are supposed to be representing.

I don’t doubt that they have the best of intentions. But the people near the pinnacle of power in MCA are encased in a bubble that makes it extremely hard to hear the voices of those who aren’t already powerful themselves.

There is no underestimating the challenges facing MCA, and you will need a strong administrative team and staff aides in your Presidential office NOW to help back you up with intelligences (internet and grassroots) and execute necessary actions at the grassroot level to get MCA started on the long road to re-connect MCA with the voters, both Chinese 25% and non-Chinese 75%.

Will your staff aides / administrative officers follow a new course, reaffirming plans to remove deadwoods of the previous administration?

We wish MCA all the best on your watch.

~Femalevoter

** I took the liberty to paraphrase a little from that excellent piece Bob Herbert wrote for The New York Times

cc: Malaysiakini.com

MCA Talents Race To Raise The Bar And Issued Challenge To Debate

A media associate alerted us of this interesting incident at an MCA Division at yesterday’s nomination.

Apparently a challenge to debate ala ‘Anwar vs Shabery’ has been issued by challengers to the incumbents of the top positions of Division & Deputy Chairmen and Youth & Deputy Chairmen. The reason for debate challenge was to allow delegates to make informed decision based on the vision and leadership ability of candidates. Sadly, incumbents waved away the challenge as they felt that it is not important (!) However, the challengers will be waiting at the appointed venue for the debate.

The most interesting fact is that the challengers are not your typical Ah Pek MCA members. These are young men in their prime, articulated, keeps up with new politics and speaks better in Bahasa Malaysia rather than in Mandarin only (!).

If its members have no problem engaging thoughts and opinions in our national language, MCA’s place under the new Malaysia political sun is further uplifted. The new MCA President (Ong Tee Keat?) better get these chaps into his team to lead the way, to thwart the negative prediction of MCA’s demise next GE.

Here’s the press statement issued by the new wave politicians:

-Press Statement For Immediate Release-

22 July, 2008

Subject: Contest for top posts in MCA Lembah Pantai Division: The Talented Race To Raise The Bar And Issued Challenge To Debate

KUALA LUMPUR: Lembah Pantai MCA Division witnessed a challenge for the top positions today and the challengers issuing a call for debate between incumbent and contestants at the close of this evening’s nomination day.

The posts of Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Youth Chairman, Youth Deputy Chairman and Youth Secretary are being contested by members from Bangsar branch. Ho Soon Hee, a futures market specialist (age 35) who is the incumbent secretary in Youth Division will be attempting a giant leap to the main body to contest the post of Divisional Chairman. Wong Weng Foo, a well known public accountant will go for the Deputy Chairman position.

For the Youth wing, Loo Chan Bond, a vibrant sales manager will be gunning for Youth Chairman post. James Tan Kok Kiat, an engineer will contest the Youth Deputy Chairman and Chia Teck Wooi, a sales manager will challenge the Youth Secretary post.

Known for their initiatives to push for internal reforms through successful programmes on leadership training and people’s dialogues, the IT savvy and unconventional ‘think and do’ tank said, they are called to stand and issued the debate challenge because this is the time MCA will need brave, thinking voices that resonant with rakyat Malaysia’s aspirations.

“A debate is a healthy and practical way to help the delegates arrive at an informed decision on each candidates’ ability to deliver results to MCA’s objectives,” Ho Soon Hee said.

“As the incumbent Dato’ Dr. Lim Chee Shin has indicated clearly of his retirement during the previous term, we are now offering our best team to rejuvenate the Division,” added Weng Foo, who was a senior committee in the Division.

“I ask myself, ‘When I look back five years from now, what have I done to contribute for MCA to remain relevant? What are the things I’m going to look at and wish I had done?’ That forces us to offer our best people and most importantly, the necessary skillsets to positioning MCA towards that objective,” said Ho Soon Hee.

“As shown in the General Elections, Lembah Pantai as a modern city constituency is ready for leaders who possess affinity to engage intelligently with voters who are information hungry and internet savvy. We believe our track record to attract members and train future leaders can bring a new spirit to MCA Lembah Pantai,“ explained Loo Chan Bond.

“In tandem with the impending leadership change at national level, we believe the division is ready for transformation and be uplifted by suitably talented leaders possessing the necessary values as indicated by the Chinese community’s thoughts and wish for multi-racial engagement,” emphasized James Tan Kok Kiat.

“We believe that until and unless change is effected at divisional level, it will not be able to contribute solidly to MCA’s commitment to voicing and expressing the concerns and problems facing the rakyat,” Chia Teck Wooi added.

The contestants pledge to all branches that fairness, transparency and teamwork in the Lembah Pantai Division will be enhanced. The team further pledge to commence by this November, a plan of action on leadership programmes and people’s dialogues to ensure the MCA members remain in touch with people based politics.

The contestants are confident that MCA Lembah Pantai delegates will exercise their wisdom and vote on their commitment to transform and reform the Division to keep up with the new Malaysia political landscape.

-Ends-

Ong Tee Keat: One of our rare values based politician

We are very happy to report that Malaysia has produced one more values based politician.

Ong Tee Keat of MCA, now Transport Minister has demonstrated the importance of values in the hazardous job of a politician. OTK has been censured before by an UMNO leader for his frank comments. Even the MCA President was scolded as Ong Ka Ting stood up to defend the same values. At the end of the day however, party lines submitted to government Ministrial line of authority (this is another subject matter on government).

The Ongs:

Ong Ka Ting Ong Tee Keat

We are also proud that OTK is one of the very few to declare frankly his stand and moral values on climbing the political ladder. May we add, it reminds us of days of long ago where heroes have clear principles and values that made human history so uplifting and magnanimous.

Consider OTK’s response as a reporter asked him on whether he will be going for the post of deputy president in MCA:

“A television reporter has repeatedly asked me this hypothetical question – assuming there is a vacancy for the post. My answer is that if at all there is a vacancy, any eligible candidate, including me, has the right to contest. I must also say here that I will only consider contesting the post of deputy president on three conditions, meaning that:

1. I have enough support from the ground,

2. the aptitude to deliver in the post, and

3. the ability to bring positive impact to the party.

I contest not because I want the position at all cost.“

Well said.

If only all contestants for any party leadership posts will only adhere to 1, 2 and 3. So far, we have heard nothing on this from people who are now making lot of scolding noises in the aftermath of GE12.