Makkal Osai - Indefinite Suspension asks UMNO Youth; Makkal Appeals against Suspension; MIC denies Involvement; Un offended Christians: Lift It

ABOVE: Malaysiakini latest story (details H E R E) on Tamil Daily Makkal Osai's Suspension and MIC involvement: MIC has categorically denied any involvement in its suspension. Meanwhile UMNO Youth is not satisfied and ask for longer suspension until an assurance is given. And not offended Christians have call for the lift in the suspension, it was an overreaction.
The owner has lodged an appeal



UMNO Youth in a late statement (ABOVE) calls for an indefinite suspension Makkal Osai until the Government is satisfied that the paper can give an assurance that it will not repeat its publication. He stressed that that “freedom of speech and writing“ do not mean any party can touch on issues that would lead to religious and racial sensitivities.
= == = ==


ABOVE: The GM SM Periasamy said he would make an appeal on Monday for a reduction in the suspension as it would cost the Paper a losses of RM500,000. He also accused MIC of instigating and flaming up the issue and blown it out of proportion.

“We did not get any explanation or show-cause. There is this sudden letter – the Times have reported “a slap in the face”. Of course, the first thing we are going to do is to appeal to Government on Monday - to immediately reduce the punishment – the decision the Government has taken"

He added that the 1 month suspension will cause the company to lose close to RM500,000.

The paper that claims to have a circulation of 25,000 has a staff of 97. He said the issue has been blow out proportion by certain quarters.

“I could say that MIC was the one who instigated the Public and MIC was the one who pressured the Government to take the stern action against us”

ABOVE: MIC CWC member S. Murugesan hotly denied the allegation and said it was on religious grounds.

“Look I don’t think so. Makkal Osai has always been critical of the MIC leadership and no action was taken against them. But this is something purely not related to Politics, with any party or individual but something to do with religion”

If not offended go H E R E for a glimpse of the Full pic

= == = == = == == = == = == = == =

August 25, 2007 22:09 PM

Tamil Nesan Too Carries Offensive Picture, Claims Makkal Osai

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- A day after it was suspended by the Internal Security Ministry, Makkal Osai has claimed that its rival, Tamil Nesan, also carried the offensive caricature of Jesus Christ. Makkal Osai general manager S.M. Periasamy claimed that Tamil Nesan, the oldest Tamil newspaper in the country, carried the same image of Christ holding a cigarette in one hand and what appeared to be a can of beer in
the other, on page 3 of its Aug 23 edition. He said following this, a report was lodged against Tamil Nesan at the Sentul district police headquarters here today. (see BELOW)

ABOVE: John a/l James was at the Sentul Police Station where he lodged a report (BELOW), after showing a copy of Tamil Nesan paper that also published the picture - so it should also be suspended

"That edition (Aug 23) carries a picture of Puchong MIC division head, Peter Sinnanppan, holding up the same offensive image of Christ which was enlarged to poster size. "Tamil Nesan repeated that image which is deemed sensitive and was a mistake to serve its political interest.

So, appropriate action must also be taken against that newspaper," said Periasamy. On Makkal Osai's suspension, he said the newspaper's management had also acted accordingly by suspending its staff who was responsible for inserting the offensive caricature. He said all its editorial staff had also been warned and told to be more careful with articles and pictures in future. Meanwhile, Sentul district police chief, ACP K. Kumaran when contacted confirmed the police report which was lodged at 2.04pm. Makkal Osai's publishing permit was suspended for a month from yesterday until Sept 24 after it carried the offensive caricature in its Aug 21 issue.

= == = == and many Christians are not offended and forgiving and are asking for a lift of this suspension. More details H E R E from Bobjots.org


More details coming
= == == = =

Malaysia closes Jesus row paper

Saturday, 25 August 2007, 07:22 GMT 08:22 UK, BBC

Malaysia has shut down a newspaper for a month after it published a picture of Jesus holding a cigarette and what appears to be a can of beer. Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi himself stepped in to admonish the editors of Makkal Osai, a Tamil-language paper. The country's publishing laws allow politicians to close any publication without judicial approval.

Christians who complained about the picture say they are bemused as they had accepted the paper's apology. Sensing perhaps that it has to be even-handed between all of Malaysia's many faiths, the government moved quickly to punish Makkal Osai, the BBC's Jonathan Kent reports from Kuala Lumpur. Makkal Osai had already said sorry, explaining that a graphics editor had inadvertently downloaded the picture from the internet.

It apparently shows Jesus smoking and drinking and appeared with the paper's daily spiritual message on its front page with the caption "if someone repents for his mistakes, then heaven awaits him". The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Murphy Pakiam, expressed surprise at the paper's closure, saying that Christians believe in reconciliation and that the paper had indeed appeared to have sincerely repented of its mistake. However, others, notably the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), a predominantly ethnic Tamil Hindu political party, were not appeased. Perhaps coincidentally, Makkal Osai has been critical of the MIC,

which owns a rival paper, our correspondent notes.

August 25, 2007 18:10 PM
Zainuddin: Action Against Makkal Osai Apt

SUNGAI PETANI, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- The Internal Security Ministry's action of suspending Tamil newspaper, Makkal Osai, for publishing an offensive picture of Jesus Christ is deemed apt by Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin in the interest of national unity. He said the action should be a reminder to all publications not to publish materials which offended the sensitivities of any race or religion."This also shows that the government does not only act against those who publish articles or pictures that offend the sensitivities of the Malays and Muslims."The government has proven that stern action is also taken against publications that insult other religions," he told reporters after attending a village feast at the Taman Seri Tanjung surau in Sungai Layar, here, today.

He was asked to comment on the Internal Security Ministry's action of suspending the publication permit of the Tamil daily for a month from yesterday for publishing in its Tuesday's edition, a caricature of Christ holding a cigarette in one hand and what appeared to be a can of beer in the other.The ministry's action was in line with provisions in the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 to prevent the publication of materials that threaten public security, peace and morality, contravene the law, or threaten public or national interest.

Makkal Osai had published the offensive picture in its "Quote of the Day" column.

After being lambasted for this by various quarters, the newspaper openly apologised for its oversight but a number of organisations went on to press for stern action by the government against the newspaper. Zainuddin, who is also Member of Parliament for Merbok, said the government had in the past acted against publications that insulted a race or religion. "Each publication must be careful about what it prints to maintain racial unity and harmony," he added.

= == =
August 24, 2007 19:52 PM
Makkal Osai Suspended For One Month

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- The publication permit of the Tamil daily, Makkal Osai, has been suspended for one month from today until Sept 24 for publishing a front-page caricature of Jesus Christ holding a cigarette in one hand and a can of beer in the other. The Internal Security Ministry made the decision following the publication of the offending picture in the newspaper's Tuesday edition under its "Quote of the Day" column, with a caption quoting Christ as saying that those who repent for their mistakes would go to heaven. "Makkal Osai has contravened a permit condition under sub-section 6(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984," the ministry said in a statement issued here today. It said the ministry's action against Makkal Osai was in line with provisions in the Act to ensure that newspapers did not publish articles or pictures which could threaten public security, harmony and morality, or seriously disturb the thinking of the people, or that contravened the law and threatened public or national interest.

A day after the publication of the offending picture, Makkal Osai openly apologised for the oversight, with its general manager S.M. Periasamy quoted as saying that the picture was mistakenly inserted by a graphic artist. However, a number of non-governmental organisations and political bodies still pressed for stern action by the authorities against the newspaper. The MIC even lodged a police report against Makkal Osai over the caricature.The country has two other Tamil dailies, Tamil Nesan and Malaysia Nanban.

Makkal Osai or "The People's Voice" was published as a weekly newspaper for 15 years before it became a daily from December 2005. It is an offshoot of Tamil Osai which ceased operations in 1990 following a management dispute.

= = =

Go H E R E On

Easier Look South for Some tips & See who are the Filthy Rich; Malays must change system of beliefs to comprehend its existence in this physical reality.

The Malays have been misled into this NEP false dream and until they are fully awaken and enlightened, the dream will last a while and takes its full course. When will they ever comprehend its existence in this physical reality of the individual man and its great dependence upon other races and species to co-exist and survive?

= == = = =and the latest post H E R E ON

MORE PICS – Varsities Freedom Protest; Have the Winds of Change Started Blowing across the Campuses? Memo Submitted to Suhakam – listen only NO action; It was courage on the part of these students who would now face the music as they are closely watched

Easier Look South for Some tips & See who are the Filthy Rich; Malays must change system of beliefs to comprehend its existence in physical reality

Easier Look South for Some tips & See who are the Filthy Rich; Malays must change system of beliefs to comprehend its existence in this physical reality.

ABOVE: Malaysiakini features & opinions covers

The great Malay Malaysian – Singaporean Malay debate by Feroz Qureshi . Details H E R E by subscription; following are some extracts.

"I have read numerous letters here of late that seem to radiate a certain tension every time the issue of Malay Malaysians and their brethren across the causeway surface. Let me paint a few broad strokes to frame this contentious issue. The former believe that Malay identity is centered on a socio-politic defined by its leaders - a permutation of Umno elites, religious heads and royalty. This is an empirical definition post-1945. On the

other hand, Singaporean Malays see themselves as a subset they don't necessarily feel displaced from the Malay motherland. Essentially, Malay Malaysians feel that all Malays are `one' people, much in the way how the mainland Chinese leaders consider the 15
million diaspora of the `Nanyang'to be citizens of a greater Chinese civilisation. This explains why they are `sensitive' to the perceived fate of the Singaporean Malay; a sensitivity that goes beyond the opportunistic rhetoric of Umno miinisters.
[...]
Adversely, Singaporean Malays, while proud of their Malay culture and heritage, are not of like mind. Through the decades, they have accepted the characteristics of Singapore's multi-ethnic make up and go about their lives in a fashion that resembles the aspirations of a minority group in any given society. In effect, they see more in common with other ethnic groups, minority or otherwise, by virtue of a shared immigrant past. Hence, there is a greater assimilation of the Bugis and Rau peoples into the Singaporean Malay fold".

= = == = =

No race is an island and they must learn the value of the individual man and its great dependence upon other races and species to comprehend its existence in this physical reality. For once, they must learn to swallow their pride and put the Nation ahead of race and UMNO in the national quest.

For change to be effective, we need “shared” or “mass” dreams. In these, we dream individually and collectively of ways in which change could occur. But alas, all of us do not share the same dreams. Each has his or her own dream are contented in their present needs and dreams and so are the majority of leaders (elected by hook or by crook) and having the power with all the attending benefits, comforts and privileges would not awake from their dreams for a change.

And so all our problems recur and will remain unsolved until and UNLESS the majority is fully awaken and enlightened to see through this current state of affairs. There have been misled into this NEP false dream and it will have to last a while and take its full course and cycle.
All this talk and exposure of corruption and grabbing in the current Malaysia situation when dealing with seemingly insurmountable problems of racial, political, financial and social nature while legitimate and true as these may be do not matter much to people if they can get a bit of the share of its spoils and politicians are fully aware of this to keep them in power. The price they dish back to the people for the support is indeed small compared to the gains they get with political power and Vision 2020 will only be a piped dream.

And yet we still have this former premier TDM (ABOVE) (without the wisdom of old age?) stating hout sounding cynical in his closing remarks when accepting the red/black cover book from Prowaris. Watch the Malaysiakini Video (12,36min) H E R E (in Bahasa Malaysia mainly)

“But I hope those people who still love this country, those people who really care for this country, wake up and do something. Don’t just have small seminars”
ABOVE: Accepting the Red Book (with Black Cover)

How can they comprehend that “no race is an island” when we have such leaders still holding onto the hatred and suspicions to the neighbor (majority Chinese) down south? Why this single minded focus, personal vendetta against Harry Lee? They would rather look to the Japs than to South.

= =

= = = == and another warning from an UMNO old salt

August 25, 2007 01:01 AM

Don't Question Social Contract, Says Tengku Razaleigh

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysians, especially those born after Merdeka (Independence) should refrain from questioning matters enshrined in the social contract entered into by the various races in the country, which also forms the pillar of the Federal Constitution, said Umno veteran Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah. He said the contract was agreed to by the nation's earlier leaders and any attempt to try and change it would only have adverse repercussions to national unity. "If it (social contract) is to be revamped, I predict the nation will descend into chaos," he said at a special Merdeka Forum organised by the Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry and National Writers Association (Gapena) at Rumah Gapena here tonight. The non-stop 50-hour forum began at 8.35pm and is specially being held in conjunction with the nation's 50th independence anniversary celebrations. Some 100 experts in various fields will share their experiences and exchange views on Malaysia reaching 50 years as an independent nation at it.

Tengku Razaleigh said lately a few people were trying raise issues regarding the contract like the position of Islam as the official religion of the federation and special privileges for Malays, as if these were not agreed upon when it was made when the nation gained independence in 1957. "If the guarantees laid out in it cannot be protected, a situation worse than May 13, 1969 (racial riots) may arise," he said, adding that the polarisation happening now must be wisely tackled by the nation's leadership. He added that the problems of middle income earners in the capital must also be addressed due the increase in the cost of living in the city now. However, Tengku Razaleigh was optimistic the country had a bright future so long as citizens worked hard to build on the success attained thus, showed mutual respect for each other and nobody questioned the

fundamental issues outlined in the social contract. Among the other personalities who graced the forum tonight were Umno veteran Tan Sri Aishah Ghani, Gapena Chief 1 Tan Sri Prof Emeritus Ismail Hussein, BERNAMA Chairman Datuk Mohd Annuar Zaini, former Melaka chief minister Tan Sri Rahim Tamby Chik, former Tourism Minister Tan Sri abbaruddin Chik and Malaysian Arts Institute, Melaka chairman Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Abu Bakar. Meanwhile, Aishah said national development since independence had witnessed women being given ample opportunities to be as good if not better then the men. She, however, disagreed with the concept of a "house husband" saying it was not compatible with Eastern traditions and culture.

= == = == =

= = == = == = = == = = and from STS, Fauziah has some advices

Learning a thing or two from Singapore
By Fauziah Ismail Aug 24, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR - THE Malays have a saying: Kuman di seberang laut nampak, gajah di depan mata tidak nampak - 'you can see a germ across the sea but not an elephant in front of you'. This is how we treat our neighbour, Singapore. Politics and our troubled relations in the past continue to cloud our feelings towards the Republic and its people. Because of that, we'd rather venture further abroad looking for best practices when we can find them easily down south.
We look at Japan's high culture of maintenance, when Singapore practices such high standards, too. Its public toilets are as immaculate as those in Japan. Its pre-Independence buildings are restored and maintained as if they were new. We eye Singapore with suspicion. We detest any form of comparison between the two countries and their people. We sneer at Singaporeans' 'kiasu-ness' but do not realise that this fear of losing in a highly competitive society is what made Singapore what it is today.
The nation of 3.6 million, which turned 42 recently, has become the most successful economy in Asean. Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said 'kiasu-ism' was not about being superior but about survival.
'Ask any ordinary Singaporean if they feel superior,' the eye surgeon turned politician and minister said. 'No oil, gas, palm oil, rubber, beautiful tourist spots or gems in the earth. What we have today is (the result of) hard work. 'If anything, we are probably insecure in that if we don't work hard, we will starve. Our focus on making money is actually survival. 'We are working to put food on our table for ourselves and our children. Any excess is put in reserves. This is security for the future,' said Dr Balakrishnan, who is also the Second Minister for Information, Communications and Arts.

Asked if it was asking too much of one minister to handle several portfolios, he said: 'It's the Singapore way of doing things. If it is proven effective, why not?' (In Malaysia, his equivalent portfolios are handled by three ministries). Singapore is a small country in hectarage - even with its land reclamation - but through Temasek, the Government of Singapore Investment Corp (GIC) and private companies, it has spread its tentacles far and wide.
While we get foreign manual workers in droves, Singapore gets the best brains from within the region through scholarships offered to students of the other nine Asean countries. While there are no bonds on the scholarships, nothing stops these students from staying on in the Republic and working there. When Singapore gained its independence in 1965, it had to be self-sufficient. Its leaders had to tackle widespread unemployment, raise the standard of living and implement large-scale public housing.

Minister of Foreign Affairs George Yeo said the three main things the leaders prioritised in forming the structure for the country were education, health care and housing.
'We started by creating the foreign service and the defence force,' he said. 'Being small, we didn't have the numbers. We had to start national service. Then we had to give our people some sense of ownership of the country.' The Housing and Development Board (HDB) was formed a year after Singapore achieved self-rule. The agency has been in the red ever since but continues to build high-rise apartments - space constraints resulted in Singapore having to build upwards instead of sideways - to accommodate its growing population. It receives grants from the Singaporean government for its operational expenditure.

Married couples with a maximum combined income of S$8,000 a month are eligible for HDB flats. Singles aged 35 and above are also eligible, while those in the upper-income range can buy in the open market. HDB also offers financing to home buyers, making it easy for Singaporeans to buy the flats. Now, nine of 10 Singaporeans own houses. 'We have created a structure for the country that over the years saw the government ceding its control and balancing the public and private sectors' roles in nation-building,' Mr Yeo said. The country has now developed its economic infrastructure, curbing the threat of racial tension through HDB's ethnic integration policy and independent national defence system, centring on national service.
Singapore's leaders and people have made something out of nothing. Take tourism. Last year, the Republic received 9.7 million tourists and registered S$13 billion in receipts.
This year, it wants to see 10.2 million tourists and 17 million in 2015. By then, it should be looking at S$30 billion in receipts. Singapore creates new tourism products every year - the Night Safari (on good nights, and there are many, visitors get to see more nocturnal animals than they would in Taman Negara) and the DUCKTours, which take visitors on an hour-long tour of the city on an amphibious vehicle that can also take to the river, among many other attractions.
Next year, the world's tallest Ferris wheel, with gondolas that can accommodate up to 35 people each, will open on Feb 14. Forget about being among the first to ride it: The attraction is booked solid for the first six months.

Two casinos will also be opening. Construction of a Las Vegas Sands-operated casino near Marina Bay and Resorts World on Sentosa, with a Universal Studio theme park, is under way. Singapore has been doing all this without a ministry in charge of tourism, just the Singapore Tourism Promotion Board. And up to 90 per cent of the workforce in the island's hospitality industry are Malaysians. So, when Singaporeans recite their pledge - 'We the citizens of Singapore pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, to build a democratic society, based on justice and equality, so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation' - I believe they mean it. We don't have to open our hearts to them; just our eyes and ears. We may learn a thing or two.

= == = == = = =and who are the filthy rich in Singapore?

Aug 23, 2007

ABOVE: Ng Teng Fong , 79, via Singaporean: Forbes

Mr Ng, who controls both Far East Organisation and food and beverage maker Yeo Hiap Seng, owns assets worth US$6.7 billion (S$10.3 billion), up from US$4.9 billion previously, boosted by his hotel and mall holdings in Singapore and Hong Kong.

SINGAPORE - Property magnate Ng Teng Fong, 79, is the richest man in Singapore, according to Forbes magazine.

The rise propelled him ahead of last year's number one, the Khoo family, now in second place. The Khoos' wealth rose 14 per cent from US$5 billion to US$5.7 billion this year. Third on the list are United Overseas Bank's Wee Cho Yaw and family, valued at US$3.3 billion, down from US$3.4 billion last year.

The 40 richest people in Singapore saw their collective net worth grow 14 per cent to US$32 billion in a banner year for the Singapore economy and stock market. Forbes, which unveiled Singapore's rich list on Thursday, said that tycoons in real estate, shipping and palm oil industries did particularly well this year. Those in banking, however, suffered a dent in their wealth from the global downturn in mortgages, it said.

Of the top 40, the wealth of 19 increased, the net worth of eight slipped, one was unchanged, and there were 12 newcomers.
New faces
This year's rankings saw a bumper crop of 12 new faces.

Leading the newcomers is Chinese property developer Zhong Sheng Jian, now a Singapore citizen, who has 71.4 per cent interest in Yanlord Land Group, which builds luxury residences in the mainland. He is at number four with a net worth US$2.5 billion.
Other newcomers include a Kuok Khoon Hong, sixth with $960 million. A nephew of Malaysian billionaire Robert Kuok, he has benefited from the rapid growth of Indonesian palm oil producer Wilmar, which he co-founded, said Forbes.

The top 10 wealthiest Singaporeans are:

1) Ng Teng Fong, US$6.7 billion
2) Khoo family, $5.7 billion
3) Wee Cho Yaw & family, $3.3 billion
4) Zhong Sheng Jian, $2.5 billion
5) Kwek Leng Beng & family, $1.1 billion
6) Kuok Khoon Hong, $960 million
7) Peter Lim, $830 million
8) Lee Seng Wee, $650 million
9) Denis Jen, $600 million
10) Chew Hua Seng, $595 million – BERNAMA

= = == = == further read from Lee Kuan Yew (6th Aug 07) HERE ON

MORE PICS – Lee Kuan Yew –“I am What I am” (turning 84); 1-1/2 Hrs Q & A from 300 Audience- Aug 06 2007; 'My generation was forged... in the crucible of struggle

or the latest post H E RE ON

Makkal Osai - Indefinite Suspension asks UMNO Youth; Makkal Appeals against Suspension; MIC denies Involvement; Un offended Christians: Lift in Suspension

MORE PICS & Video – Karaoke Singers Bloggers – Zainuddin new term for some Political Bloggers

ABOVE: The No 1 Karaoke Singer; not singing but spinning tales of bloggers and the No 1 Bloggers Labeler - calling bloggers different names. What's in a Name?

ABOVE: Malaysiakini has reported on this new label today H E R E and BELOW on Jul 29 07 - the attacks on Bloggers H E R E

Bernama has reported (see below) Information Minister labelling Bloggers as "goblok" (political bloggers). Now he likens them to "karaoke Singers" - singing out of tune.


Now Zam are names and handles important? Why called, likened and labeled bloggers to different names?

'What is your name, each of you?' My name is also nameless. I have no name.
You give yourselves names, because you believe they are important.
Understand, your existence is nameless. It is NOT voiceless though, but it is nameless. The names you take are structures upon which you hang your images . . . What you are cannot be uttered, and NO letter or alphabet can contain it.

Yet, now you need words and letters, and names and objects. You want magic that will tell you what bloggers are.
I have had TOO many identities to cling to ONE name.
Also understand the entity is the basic self, immortal, nonphysical and the individual is the portion of the whole self that you manage to express physically. There is one self, but within that self are many.
You exist in other realities and other dimensions, and the self that you call yourself is but a small portion of your entire IDENTITY.
Within the self that you know is the prime identity, the WHOLE SELF. This whole self has lived many lives and adopted many personalities.
Personality may be somewhat molded by the circumstances that are created for it by the whole self but the prime identity uses the resulting experience.

= = =

Aug 24 2007: Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin today likened Bloggers as Karaoke singers who take pleasure in their singing but who has no influence but claimed to have received millions of hits. Now who has received a million hits recently?

Some people might enjoy their singing especially those who share their views. Many rejected them because they sing out of tune. And their views are unacceptable to the majority of the people.

He said some of the bloggers who have once received the attention of the main stream media but were now rejected so have to find a new avenue to vent their frustration but not many people read their pieces.

So who in particular is he referring to? No need to guess from the Minister of Bloggers Labeller?

= = =background

MELAKA, July 29 (Bernama) -- The people must wise up to "goblok" (political bloggers) because some of them were willing to become tools of others to destroy the nation, said Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin.
He said these bloggers belonged to groups with limited knowledge and had evil intentions.Zainuddin said they (bloggers) were not Asian in thinking but were trying to ape the West because that was where they got the education and thought anything western was the best for everyone.

= = == = = ==
Watch the Video Clip (1 min) - Zam making fun of Bloggers as Karaoke Singers

= == = == = =

preview to next post ON

Easier Look South for Some tips & See who are the Filthy Rich; Malays must change system of beliefs to comprehend its existence in this physical reality.

ABOVE: Malaysiakini features & opinions covers

The great Malay Malaysian – Singaporean Malay debate by Feroz Qureshi . Details H E R E by subscription; following are some extracts.

"I have read numerous letters here of late that seem to radiate a certain tension every time the issue of Malay Malaysians and their brethren across the causeway surface. Let me paint a few broad strokes to frame this contentious issue. The former believe that Malay identity is centered on a socio-politic defined by its leaders - a permutation of Umno elites, religious heads and royalty. This is an empirical definition post-1945. On the

other hand, Singaporean Malays see themselves as a subset they don't necessarily feel displaced from the Malay motherland. Essentially, Malay Malaysians feel that all Malays are `one' people, much in the way how the mainland Chinese leaders consider the 15
million diaspora of the `Nanyang'to be citizens of a greater Chinese civilisation. This explains why they are `sensitive' to the perceived fate of the Singaporean Malay; a sensitivity that goes beyond the opportunistic rhetoric of Umno miinisters.
[...]
Adversely, Singaporean Malays, while proud of their Malay culture and heritage, are not of like mind. Through the decades, they have accepted the characteristics of Singapore's multi-ethnic make up and go about their lives in a fashion that resembles the aspirations of a minority group in any given society. In effect, they see more in common with other ethnic groups, minority or otherwise, by virtue of a shared immigrant past. Hence, there is a greater assimilation of the Bugis and Rau peoples into the Singaporean Malay fold".

= = == = =

No race is an island and they must learn the value of the individual man and its great dependence upon other races and species to comprehend its existence in this physical reality. For once, they must learn to swallow their pride and put the Nation ahead of race and UMNO in the national quest.

For change to be effective, we need “shared” or “mass” dreams. In these, we dream individually and collectively of ways in which change could occur. But alas, all of us do not share the same dreams. Each has his or her own dream are contented in their present needs and dreams and so are the majority of leaders (elected by hook or by crook) and having the power with all the attending benefits, comforts and privileges would not awake from their dreams for a change.

And so all our problems recur and will remain unsolved until and UNLESS the majority is fully awaken and enlightened to see through this current state of affairs. There have been misled into this NEP false dream and it will have to last a while and take its full course and cycle.
All this talk and exposure of corruption and grabbing in the current Malaysia situation when dealing with seemingly insurmountable problems of racial, political, financial and social nature while legitimate and true as these may be do not matter much to people if they can get a bit of the share of its spoils and politicians are fully aware of this to keep them in power. The price they dish back to the people for the support is indeed small compared to the gains they get with political power and Vision 2020 will only be a piped dream

= = == = == = = == = = and from STS, Fauziah has some advices

Learning a thing or two from Singapore
By Fauziah Ismail Aug 24, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR - THE Malays have a saying: Kuman di seberang laut nampak, gajah di depan mata tidak nampak - 'you can see a germ across the sea but not an elephant in front of you'. This is how we treat our neighbour, Singapore. Politics and our troubled relations in the past continue to cloud our feelings towards the Republic and its people. Because of that, we'd rather venture further abroad looking for best practices when we can find them easily down south.
We look at Japan's high culture of maintenance, when Singapore practices such high standards, too. Its public toilets are as immaculate as those in Japan. Its pre-Independence buildings are restored and maintained as if they were new. We eye Singapore with suspicion. We detest any form of comparison between the two countries and their people. We sneer at Singaporeans' 'kiasu-ness' but do not realise that this fear of losing in a highly competitive society is what made Singapore what it is today.
The nation of 3.6 million, which turned 42 recently, has become the most successful economy in Asean. Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said 'kiasu-ism' was not about being superior but about survival.
'Ask any ordinary Singaporean if they feel superior,' the eye surgeon turned politician and minister said. 'No oil, gas, palm oil, rubber, beautiful tourist spots or gems in the earth. What we have today is (the result of) hard work. 'If anything, we are probably insecure in that if we don't work hard, we will starve. Our focus on making money is actually survival. 'We are working to put food on our table for ourselves and our children. Any excess is put in reserves. This is security for the future,' said Dr Balakrishnan, who is also the Second Minister for Information, Communications and Arts.
Asked if it was asking too much of one minister to handle several portfolios, he said: 'It's the Singapore way of doing things. If it is proven effective, why not?' (In Malaysia, his equivalent portfolios are handled by three ministries). Singapore is a small country in hectarage - even with its land reclamation - but through Temasek, the Government of Singapore Investment Corp (GIC) and private companies, it has spread its tentacles far and wide.
While we get foreign manual workers in droves, Singapore gets the best brains from within the region through scholarships offered to students of the other nine Asean countries. While there are no bonds on the scholarships, nothing stops these students from staying on in the Republic and working there. When Singapore gained its independence in 1965, it had to be self-sufficient. Its leaders had to tackle widespread unemployment, raise the standard of living and implement large-scale public housing.
Minister of Foreign Affairs George Yeo said the three main things the leaders prioritised in forming the structure for the country were education, health care and housing.
'We started by creating the foreign service and the defence force,' he said. 'Being small, we didn't have the numbers. We had to start national service. Then we had to give our people some sense of ownership of the country.' The Housing and Development Board (HDB) was formed a year after Singapore achieved self-rule. The agency has been in the red ever since but continues to build high-rise apartments - space constraints resulted in Singapore having to build upwards instead of sideways - to accommodate its growing population. It receives grants from the Singaporean government for its operational expenditure.
Married couples with a maximum combined income of S$8,000 a month are eligible for HDB flats. Singles aged 35 and above are also eligible, while those in the upper-income range can buy in the open market. HDB also offers financing to home buyers, making it easy for Singaporeans to buy the flats. Now, nine of 10 Singaporeans own houses. 'We have created a structure for the country that over the years saw the government ceding its control and balancing the public and private sectors' roles in nation-building,' Mr Yeo said. The country has now developed its economic infrastructure, curbing the threat of racial tension through HDB's ethnic integration policy and independent national defence system, centring on national service.
Singapore's leaders and people have made something out of nothing. Take tourism. Last year, the Republic received 9.7 million tourists and registered S$13 billion in receipts.
This year, it wants to see 10.2 million tourists and 17 million in 2015. By then, it should be looking at S$30 billion in receipts. Singapore creates new tourism products every year - the Night Safari (on good nights, and there are many, visitors get to see more nocturnal animals than they would in Taman Negara) and the DUCKTours, which take visitors on an hour-long tour of the city on an amphibious vehicle that can also take to the river, among many other attractions.
Next year, the world's tallest Ferris wheel, with gondolas that can accommodate up to 35 people each, will open on Feb 14. Forget about being among the first to ride it: The attraction is booked solid for the first six months. Two casinos will also be opening. Construction of a Las Vegas Sands-operated casino near Marina Bay and Resorts World on Sentosa, with a Universal Studio theme park, is under way. Singapore has been doing all this without a ministry in charge of tourism, just the Singapore Tourism Promotion Board. And up to 90 per cent of the workforce in the island's hospitality industry are Malaysians. So, when Singaporeans recite their pledge - 'We the citizens of Singapore pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, to build a democratic society, based on justice and equality, so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation' - I believe they mean it. We don't have to open our hearts to them; just our eyes and ears. We may learn a thing or two.

= == = == = = =and who are the filthy rich in Singapore?

Aug 23, 2007

ABOVE: Ng Teng Fong , 79, via Singaporean: Forbes

Mr Ng, who controls both Far East Organisation and food and beverage maker Yeo Hiap Seng, owns assets worth US$6.7 billion (S$10.3 billion), up from US$4.9 billion previously, boosted by his hotel and mall holdings in Singapore and Hong Kong.

SINGAPORE - Property magnate Ng Teng Fong, 79, is the richest man in Singapore, according to Forbes magazine.

The rise propelled him ahead of last year's number one, the Khoo family, now in second place. The Khoos' wealth rose 14 per cent from US$5 billion to US$5.7 billion this year. Third on the list are United Overseas Bank's Wee Cho Yaw and family, valued at US$3.3 billion, down from US$3.4 billion last year.

The 40 richest people in Singapore saw their collective net worth grow 14 per cent to US$32 billion in a banner year for the Singapore economy and stock market. Forbes, which unveiled Singapore's rich list on Thursday, said that tycoons in real estate, shipping and palm oil industries did particularly well this year. Those in banking, however, suffered a dent in their wealth from the global downturn in mortgages, it said.

Of the top 40, the wealth of 19 increased, the net worth of eight slipped, one was unchanged, and there were 12 newcomers.
New faces
This year's rankings saw a bumper crop of 12 new faces.

Leading the newcomers is Chinese property developer Zhong Sheng Jian, now a Singapore citizen, who has 71.4 per cent interest in Yanlord Land Group, which builds luxury residences in the mainland. He is at number four with a net worth US$2.5 billion.
Other newcomers include a Kuok Khoon Hong, sixth with $960 million. A nephew of Malaysian billionaire Robert Kuok, he has benefited from the rapid growth of Indonesian palm oil producer Wilmar, which he co-founded, said Forbes.

The top 10 wealthiest Singaporeans are:

1) Ng Teng Fong, US$6.7 billion
2) Khoo family, $5.7 billion
3) Wee Cho Yaw & family, $3.3 billion
4) Zhong Sheng Jian, $2.5 billion
5) Kwek Leng Beng & family, $1.1 billion
6) Kuok Khoon Hong, $960 million
7) Peter Lim, $830 million
8) Lee Seng Wee, $650 million
9) Denis Jen, $600 million
10) Chew Hua Seng, $595 million – BERNAMA