The fear is here |
- The fear is here
- New Mexico plans US$9.15b airport (VIDEO)
- Michael Bloomberg back at Bloomberg
- Sinar Project among ISIF Asia Award Winners 2014
- Mayweather unfazed by rapper 50 cent’s ‘reading’ taunts
- Creating militants in our schools?
| Posted: 03 Sep 2014 05:50 PM PDT SEPTEMBER 4 — "Someone must have been telling lies about Josef K., he knew he had done nothing wrong but, one morning, he was arrested." The opening line from Kafka's The Trial speaks loudly about acts in our country — more accurately by the state apparatus — presently. It does not matter who is calling the shots, it is patently clear that those in power are now tightening the noose around the collective necks of naysayers. And damningly, the chain of command — proceeding from them — in a combination of glee, neglect and bias is executing unerringly the orders. I oppose vehemently the sedition charges against law professor Azmi Sharom, though the investigating of a 17-year-old under the same penal code for LIKING a Facebook page should have already sounded off the alarm bells. (Read here and here) Do not be mistaken, this is the time for suppression. With considerable time to the next general election, self-preservation — of the ruling elite — requires time to be killed systematically. For idle energy in the hands of those outside of power but with the intent to dislodge the establishment may lead to purpose. Purpose usually leads to change. However, at this juncture, the average avid reader of local political upheavals, might want to ease up a bit on predicting an insurrection. Most Malaysians who voted the other way are oblivious about these surgical manoeuvres, rendering any Pakatan Rakyat intention to stoke up dissent over these state indiscretions in new quarters benign. Why this Kolaveri (murderous rage)? While Abdullah Badawi's landslide win in 2004 legitimised his brand of reform despite forcing an overcrowded Cabinet, his passivity was seen as critical to the Bersih and Hindraf rallies in 2007 which ended his tenure shortly after GE12, less than a year later. Najib Razak's preoccupation with special units — say Pemandu one more time — and terms — ETP (Economic Transformation Programme) and GTP (Government Transformation Programme) anybody? — coupled with grand projects failed to raise his popularity among fence-sitters. In 2013, Peninsular, where all these grand schemes were laid out not the least the Kuala Lumpur reimagining exercise, abandoned Najib; and Borneo, largely ignored except for energy projects which are cash cows, retained the Pekan MP's grip of Putrajaya. It would have been apparent to the winners that talk of legal reform and democratic space was only emboldening critics and encouraging others to join them. It appears the stratagem now is to disjoint the disunited factions opposing the present regime with a concoction of police intimidation, ministerial denouncements and court hearings until another general election is firmly underway. This won't stop Two things I know will emerge from this situation, for the general Malaysian population strained by these developments. The first is often stated. Since government politicians are want to say "outcome based", let's examine what can be the end result from the incessant pressure being piled. That those who have questioned the government will cease to do so — that they grow weary and sense there is no winning the war, battle or fisticuffs in the schoolyard? I cannot answer for the veteran politicians but for the millions who represent Generation Y, the outcome is a stalemate. Why? It is nice to think when one child is caned the rest will fall in line. Nice, but naïve. A generation of Malaysian parents have picked up shotguns because their children have scratched a thumb in a playground misunderstanding. These children were brought up highly protected. The children may have been schooled to accept a permanent government, but they can only stomach any government if they are allowed to rant as and when. They respect history and culture inasmuch as they do not disturb their preoccupations and peccadilloes. They don't care for a change of government, they also don't care for too much government in their lives. There will be the same volume of online content (or discontent) — political, sexual, inappropriate, divisive, anti-establishment and violent — from their generation, in fact government intervention will accelerate the Internet rebellion. Once children, now raging locomotives needing no tracks or stations. The psyche of the minority I suspect that those behind often console their conscience by saying it is only a game. A stable government is necessary to bring positive development and nullifying the opposition is only an absolutely — even if abhorrent — necessary measure. Sedition charges which drag out for years till everyone protesting Azmi's case yesterday would have already made junior partner in a medium sized firm in Kuantan or Ipoh. Azmi won't see jail time. Neither will the kid with the itchy mouse finger. No harm, no foul? Politics is not for the frail? The human person who does not operate in a big picture think he or she is gripped by emotional feelings at what is happening to them or those close to them. Emotions don't factor the greater good. Self-preservation is not a trait present only in the ruling class. The intimidation is targeted at those who are acting or likely to act. That they quieten down. What the tormentors don't realise is that they sap the energy of the very people this country needs the most, those who despite a national campaign to force conformation have chosen to disagree. The best in Malaysia are going to be drained off Malaysia by the culture of imposition and intimidation. Why would anyone live in a country where those who threaten their spirit are doing so using their language and in the context of their own culture? Suddenly, everything not Malaysia becomes attractive. This is why fear is a double-edged knife. Every day this government relies on fear to perpetuate itself it scrapes bloody chunks off — pounds and pounds of the country's future heartbeats. "But I'm not guilty," said K. "there's been a mistake. How is it even possible for someone to be guilty? We're all human beings here, one like the other." "That is true" said the priest "but that is how the guilty speak" ― Franz Kafka, The Trial * This is the personal opinion of the columnist.  |
| New Mexico plans US$9.15b airport (VIDEO) Posted: 03 Sep 2014 05:47 PM PDT MEXICO CITY, Sept 4 — Mexico plans to build a new US$9.15 billion (RM29.11 billion) international airport that will eventually handle 120 million passengers a year, quadrupling the airport's capacity, President Enrique Pena Nieto said Tuesday. The new Mexico City would have six runways, up from the current two the airport currently has. The airport would be operational by 2018 or early 2019. It will be constructed on land that the government already owns. Once operational, it could surpass the world's busiest airport in Atlanta, Georgia, which handles over 94 million passengers a year. — Reuters |
| Michael Bloomberg back at Bloomberg Posted: 03 Sep 2014 05:39 PM PDT
The company, in which Bloomberg is the majority shareholder, said Doctoroff would step aside as president and chief executive at year-end. "Bloomberg LP will not name a replacement, but rather will again be led by Mr. Bloomberg with support from the existing leadership team," the company said in a statement. — Reuters |
| Sinar Project among ISIF Asia Award Winners 2014 Posted: 03 Sep 2014 05:39 PM PDT Duration: 14:09, Published 4 Sep 2014 ISIF Asia Awards seek to acknowledge the important contributions ICT innovators have made to their communities, by addressing social and development challenges using the Internet. — Digital News Asia |
| Mayweather unfazed by rapper 50 cent’s ‘reading’ taunts Posted: 03 Sep 2014 05:26 PM PDT
Mayweather, 46-0 with 26 knockouts, meets Maidana, 35-4 with 31 knockouts, on Sept 13 to defend his World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association welterweight titles, and his WBC light middleweight crown, after taking a majority decision over the Argentine in May. But the 37-year-old American took more verbal jabs at 50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, over an Instagram posting in which the rapper vows to donate US$750,000 (RM2.3 million) to charity if Mayweather can read one page of a Harry Potter novel without stumbling. "Making fun of a person because they can't read is not funny. It's tragic," Mayweather said. "If I couldn't read, it would make my accomplishments that much more impressive. "The circus is for clowns. My job is to focus on boxing. I could (not) care less." Mayweather posted a photo on Twitter of two huge recent paychecks with the message: "Read this $72,276,000.00. God bless." The reading issue erupted after a radio station released a tape of Mayweather struggling to read station promotions, known as drops. "I don't get paid to read radio drops. I would be perfect at reading if it was how I had to feed my family," Mayweather said. "I could have been up 24 hours. I could have just landed in New York City. People find ways to break people down. I'm going strong. I'm happy." Mayweather noted many instances where he has been forced to read copy off teleprompters, much the way television news show hosts do. "I'm not a news anchor. Never claimed to be. But I didn't get where I am not being able to read and write and do arithmetic," Mayweather said. "Reading do not define my place in boxing history. Will God not let me into heaven if I didn't read like a news anchor? Will it change my legacy in boxing if I can't read?" Mayweather said the reading taunt from someone he once counted as a friend has not been a distraction as he prepares to defend his unbeaten record once more, moving nearer the iconic 49-0 career mark of Rocky Marciano. "I don't focus on clown stuff. That's for the circus," Mayweather said. "I got where I am by being smart, making smart moves, doing what's best for Floyd Mayweather." Champ wary of dirty moves Mayweather also tossed in a few digs at Maidana for dirty tactics from their earlier fight, saying the Argentine inflicted head butts and low blows and attempted to knee and tackle him. But he also expressed confidence in fight referee Kenny Bayless, who did not officiate that bout. "I can't prepare for that. I'm going to let the referee do his job and take care of that," said Mayweather. "I'm pretty sure Kenny Bayless is going to be watching both sides extremely close. "My health is more important than money or anything else. I truly believe in having a career after the sport of boxing is over." Mayweather backed down from earlier vows of knocking out Maidana after being pushed unusually close four months ago. "I want to go out there and I guess get a knockout or win 12 rounds and look impressive, but also be exciting," Mayweather said. "I'm just going to let the fight play out like it plays out. If the knockout presents itself, I'll take it." — AFP |
| Creating militants in our schools? Posted: 03 Sep 2014 05:24 PM PDT SEPTEMBER 4 — A few weeks ago, a Facebook posting caught my attention; it showed school children not wearing school uniforms or ordinary clothing but rather wearing garments more suitable for radical elements, fighters and Islamic State militants. Normally I would look at this and move on but what captured my attention was that these photos were supposedly from an elite government boarding school in Malaysia. Take a look at these photos which were sourced from the Shehab News Agency, a Palestinian News Agency through this link. There is no indication as to when these photos were taken or when this function occurred. However, looking at the headbands, signs and placards being displayed (e.g. support Gaza), it is possible to consider that this event was carried out at the height of the Israeli incursion into and bombardment of the Palestinian Territories. Many awareness campaigns and solidarity events were conducted in Malaysia over the past months and it is possible that this event took place during that period. The event allegedly took place in the Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) school in Langkawi. This can be verified by looking at the logo which is placed above the stage area of the hall. Though the logo itself is not absolutely clear, it is evident that the logo is that of a MRSM school. A search for a photo of the dewan besar on the MRSM Lankawi's official website (http://www.mrsmlangkawi.edu.my/index.php/info-maktab/kemudahan-maktab) revealed a hall with the exact layout and look, down to the placement of clocks, logo, air vents and projector screens. It is therefore possible to place this event as being held at MRSM Langkawi. This is an alarming development. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with holding solidarity and awareness events to express our dismay, outrage and support for the Palestinian people in their time of need. We have all been horrified by the on-going armed conflict and the images of broken bodies, death, destruction and devastation. What I am alarmed about is that the teachers at this school, with the obvious consent of the pengetua, saw fit to educate their students through play acting and dressing up their kids in black, balaclavas and purdahs. Was this necessary? To the teachers who came up with the idea, it may look like they are getting into the spirit of Hamas fighters. However, it also brings to mind images of radical militants, Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi (remember him? In Iraq he started the trend of decapitating prisoners), members of Al Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiah, and most recently, of beheadings. It is a danger to romanticise armed struggle especially with young minds. Without proper education, awareness and most importantly, exposure to a lot more world events, these kids might not be able to tell the difference between rebel fighters, suicide bombers, armed extremists, jihadists and the many militants which now include those who have sworn allegiance to the Islamic State and have committed crimes in the name of Islam, a religion of peace. It is hard enough for those of us working on these issues to distinguish who is who and who is fighting for what. To answer questions such as what is right and what is wrong, who are the good guys and who are the bad. To young minds, they might all look, seem and sound the same. I doubt you can understand the Palestinian struggle just from a two-hour lecture and dressing up like fighters, jihadists and militants. By all means, have discussions and talks in classrooms to discuss these issues. Watch the news on television. Have students take the sides of the Palestinians and Israelis and let them debate and argue to understand and learn from the bitter lessons and difficulties of this decade long conflict. Have them try to work out possible solutions and propose ideas on how the struggle can be resolved. Teach them the fundamentals of peacebuilding and conflict management and resolution. That should be the way. Not this. The first experience of students in activism and world affairs should not be this way. The message conveyed here is not only possibly a violent and deadly one using weapons and armed conflict, it is also menacing and sinister in more ways than one. We cannot afford to be naïve, especially when we are educating our children. Due to the events in the Middle East, Malaysia currently faces a threat of radicalisation especially among young Muslims. There are some who have embraced militancy and consider that the only approach to change and jihad. The Royal Malaysian Police have estimated that more than 100 Malaysians are now fighting in Syria and Iraq as fighters for the group called the Islamic State (IS). This is the same group which has been responsible for numerous atrocities and Wisma Putra confirmed that 15 Malaysians have been killed in Syria while allegedly fighting for IS. The authorities have also long realised that the barrels of weapons that are turned outwardly can also be turned inwardly. The 19 individuals who have recently been arrested, planned to attack a brewery and bars in Kuala Lumpur, had also planned to travel to Syria to fight alongside IS. If the government is serious about addressing the rise of radicalisation and militancy in the country and condemning militant groups such as the Islamic State, it must not allow events such as the one in MRSM Langkawi to be held in schools. The Ministry of Education should also investigate this incident and prevent it from reoccurring. We need to avoid planting a seed, the results of which we will undoubtedly be forced to reap in the near future. * This is the personal opinion of the columnist. |
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