Who is Malaysiakini's MP of the Week?

Malaysiakini gave Rembau MP, YB Khairy its MP of the week award. For a first time MP who was previously a key target for Malaysiakini, that must be surprising news. I was in Parliament last week, and from my observation, the reception Khairy gets from heavy weights such as Lim Kit Siang, Karpal, Saifuddin, Azmin, Mahfuz, he deserves this award. 

Parliament round-up: Khairy steals limelight
May 16, 08 12:34pm

The Parliament session started and ended the week on a high with debutant member of parliament Khairy Jamaluddin (Umno-Rembau) playing a significant role.

On Monday, Khairy, fresh from being rebuked by opposition MPs last week, came out fighting in his maiden speech in the House by firing bullets at the Pakatan Rakyat parliamentarians.

Sparing none in the other camp, the prime minister's son-in-law let fly a litany of offending remarks against the Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

And then during the week, he was seen raising noise here and there but it was at the end of the week that he rose to prominence again.

Yesterday his supplementary question on the New Economic Policy (NEP) stirred up a row when the opposition accused him of planting the question to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Amirsham A Aziz.

Amirsham, a Maybank CEO turned politician, was seen reading out a prepared answer to Khairy's supplementary question, much to the chagrin of the opposition MPs

Khairy denied planting the question, adding that Amirsham was "an intelligent man who anticipated my question".

And he went on to say: "It's not important whether (it's planted), but what's important is the substance. It's clear the opposition is trying to create trouble again because they are afraid of the answers."

For that, he earns Malaysiakini's MP of the Week award.

MM2- When development means building character

My second entry in Malay Mail on May 15th 2008



OVER teh! tarik the other day, my friend Ridwan shared his grand plan of improving rural students’ standard of English. Although it was a back-of-an-envelope proposal, it was not without its merits.

His plan was actually well thought out – form a group of English-speaking young professionals (with wives and children in tow) to spend their Sundays with rural primary school students. The objective? To supplement what is taught in schools, by improving English via conversation, and by asking the students to participate in exciting group exercises like discussing news in the English language dailies.

A few days later, I received a facebook message from an old schoolfriend, Yap, inviting me to participate in a community project in Kelantan.

I have yet to contact him, but immediately it gets me thinking: “Wonderful, there are many young professionals still thinking of ways to contribute to society. “ Let me elaborate, Ridwan and Yap are not politically inclined. In fact, they distance themselves from politics whenever possible. Ridwan is an accounts manager in a multinational company and Yap runs his own business.

With their career paths defined, they are utilising their spare time to give back to society, without political baggage and agenda.

Heartfelt initiatives like these which are aimed at enhancing the quality of life of others, are the cornerstone of civil society. To me, more than skyscrapers and hypermarkets, these represent the values that de! ne progress and development. However, while such isolated initiatives are effective in pockets, just imagine the impact of a wider, collective effort.

Of course, too many proverbial cooks may spoil the broth, but managed well with effective leadership and communication, such programmes, I dare say, will de! nitely have a wider span of success. Galvanising the talent of young professionals who want to enrich the lives of others and in turn, their own, is important. But who will lead the way? There is an urgent and pressing need to fill the vacuum for a united and credible voice for young professionals.

When I was a fresh graduate, I was lucky to be in the midst of setting up a young professionals society called Promuda.

With corporate sponsors on board, the membership quickly swelled. Promuda became a household name in a relatively short time.

The mention of its name gave credibility to its programmes and members.

For fresh graduates, the unseen bene! t is its networking element. From our peers and those more established in the industry, we were able to gain new and essential perspectives of working life.

I am still able to call some of those who willingly showed me the ropes friends today.

Promuda’s activities also helped its members nurture the spirit of sharing and working together to achieve a common objective. More often than not, the objectives had a positive impact on nation building.

Now and then, I get questions from younger graduates on my experiences in Promuda and how they can start a society of their own.

With the bene! t of hindsight, I believe that in this day and age, for a young professional society to work, there must be minimal internal politicking (this is based on the reality that every society will have some degree of politics).

Some argue that there should be no of! ce bearers at all; rather a patron to oversee the whole society. However valid this argument, I believe responsibility generates enthusiasm and commitment.

The result? Successful and sustainable programmes.

Another important element frequently missing is a balance in the membership of both local and foreign graduates. My time in Akademi Pemuda has made me realise that discussions conducted by groups with a mix of local and foreign graduates very often resulted in a fusion of superior ideas.

Local graduates, I observed, were apt to provide more practical ideas as they were more familiar with the realities of Malaysian bureaucracy. The foreign graduates gave input on international best-of-breed practices and ideas.

Suggestions for improvements are non-exhaustive.

The onus is on the current crop of young graduates to get together, brainstorm, reflect current prevailing sentiments and build a platform that would ensure Malaysia is on the right path of development.

My immediate contribution? I am going to introduce Ridwan to Yap. How does improving the standard of English in Sekolah Rendah Jeli in Kelantan sound to you? 

MM1 - It’s OUR time now…

This is the first draft of my Malay Mail column on Thursday, 8th of May 2008

TO SAY we live in interesting times is a gross understatement, given today’s Malaysian political scenario. Belonging to the echo-boomer fraternity of those born in the late 1970’s, I have never witnessed the waves of change plummeting our shores with such tenacity and overwhelming force.

The election results have affected Malaysians in varying degrees. While it has had a direct impact on some of us who are trying to stay on the ball with a never-ending chain of events unfolding, there are others who nonchalantly glance through the news on the front pages before proceeding to devour the sports or lifestyle sections.

I am in the former category. That fateful March night; I was in Seremban, looking forward to a week-long break when the results trickled in from the mainstream press. Our phones literally went off the hook. When news came that the state of Selangor had fallen, I headed back to Kuala Lumpur.

Although I spent the entire duration of the campaign period in Seremban, I still managed to lose my way in the city for a good 45 minutes. I remember the feeling of utter numbness. It was surreal. I felt as if I had had the perfectly orchestrated nightmare. Everything we had thought impossible, was not just possible; it was reality. It happened. The worst-case scenario became the base case.

The 12th General Election is my third. Coming from a family with strong roots in the civil service, I have always been intrigued by the subject of politics and public service. However, adolescent priorities had pushed my political interest firmly to the backseat. In my halcyon days in university, holding strong to the spirit of liberalism guided by youthful exuberance, I shunned away from the Kelab UMNO set up, preferring to focus more energy and time on the Malaysian Students’ Society, and of course, the London scene.

I returned home in 1998, a time when the Malaysian political ambience was stormy, to say the least. (How ironic that the two dominant figures more than a decade ago are still making headlines today.) But the events that unfolded then strengthened my opinion that the reach of politics surpasses the boundary of any given substance. Those events reinvigorated general interest in politics, including mine. Political sentiments were riding high, partly because the events that unfolded forced us to choose between the perceived right and the perceived wrong. Most young professionals of that era wrestled with the Hang Tuah versus Hang Jebat dilemma. Although the Internet and World Wide Web was only a pale shadow of what it is now, the email exchanges among the young professionals group came thick and fast, carrying frank opinions and thoughts.

Yet, at the same time despite these revolution-like scenes, an equal number of friends remained detached from politics, more in tune with the goings-on in the then up-and-coming happening Bangsar, and the English Premier League.

Fast-forward to 2008. There are a number of like-minded individuals still interested in politics in general. Then and again, I am encouraged by the quality of views and ideas of people much younger than my 31 years; some still studying, and communicating concern and awareness of politics that belie their chronological young age.

But as before, there is a segment that remains indifferent towards politics. I firmly believe to each, his own. We live in a true democracy; you choose what you care about. But personally, I have a concern that the “indifferent” segment is growing exponentially. The statistics – approximately four million eligible voters who didn’t register is a cause for concern. This represents more than 30 per cent of eligible voters! There must be a line between active political participation and exercising your democratic right. I feel the latter is a civic duty that all Malaysians must honour.

Above all, I remain a strong proponent that democracy requires action to work as it was designed. When Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj stepped off the plane from the Merdeka mission, there must have been certain expectations of the contribution and sacrifices that we, his children have to make in nation building.

Now is a time where we can’t afford to think of life as a spectator sport. Isn’t it time to come off the bench?

The moment of truth..

Your votes will manifest itself into action commencing tomorrow. 222 MPs will be sworn in. 140 from Barisan. 79 from UMNO. The Malaysian Parliament has been uninterrupted since the formation of Malaysia but for the period of 1969 to 1971 when the nation was run by the National Operations Council. The halls of Parliament building have bear witness to some of our nation’s greatest heroes. Some of the most enduring speeches, some of the greatest policies.

But this year is not like any other year. In their strongest showing in history, the Opposition will have 82 Members sitting opposite the BN MPs. Names like Lim Kit Siang, Teresa Kok, Jeff Ooi, Karpal Singh, Nasharuddin, Kamaruddin Jaafar, Salahuddin, Wan Azizah, Saifuddin Nasution are not going to give BN MPs an easy time.

This year, 99 of the MPs are new faces. They must by now realise they carry the hopes and aspirations of each and everyone of their constituents. They also carry the hopes and aspirations of their party members. Some constituents have already felt disappointed with their elected representatives even before the swearing in process. The Star covered some of the questions that were submitted here.

More than ever before, the employers (read: voters) will be able to monitor the performance of their employees in real time. Radio Televisyen Malaysia will broadcast live a 30-minute segment of the proceedings during meetings beginning Wednesday. But the advent of Internet will make this live telecast nothing but an appetizer. With so many MPs having their own blogs and the increasing popularity of You Tube, not much will escape the attention of the voters.

Herein lies BN’s greatest challenge. Based on some of my conversations, BN’s ‘performance’ in Parliament have been attributed to some of the losses that was felt by the party. Voters need to be convinced that this time around, there will be no more shooting from the hip, no more brushing off questions, no more empty seats in Parliament.

The first meeting is scheduled for 16 days up to May 27. Hopefully we will have a clearer picture of the positive changes that BN will bring. For the young UMNO leaders in Parliament, all eyes are on you, all our hopes rest on your shoulders.

We trust you will make us proud. Our fight back to glory begins here.

This Party Needs You - The Clarion Call

Our second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein was a great leader. A visionary that had incredible work ethics and ability to execute his vision for one objective - the betterment of his country and its people. However, true to the maxim that no man is an island, he had able counsel and assistance from many great leaders like Tun Dr Ismail, Tun Ghazali and many others.

More importantly, Tun Razak had a nucleus of Malay Professionals that contributed ideas to nation building. Urban, well educated professionals who had their day jobs but were passionate about ensuring a promising future for the nation. 

These professionals although not at the forefront, gave their ideas and input to the politicians of the day. The executive arm of Government will legislate the ideas and the civil service will then execute the policies. 

One of the apparent success of the NEP is the creation of an influx of Malay Professionals from a diverse background. Logically, you would think that the Professional nucleus would grow because of this influx, but of late, many have grown further apart from UMNO. Not many can relate to the contemporary struggle and objectives of UMNO. Not many feel represented by the leaders within UMNO. 

Although a small percentage choose to go the way of the opposition, I feel the greater majority choose to isolate themselves from body politics in totality, focusing on family and career. They are indifferent to the struggle and limit political participation to an afternoon accompanied by like-minded friends cusping a Venti frappucino a day after the elections discussing the outcome. The absence of active participation has created a vacuum that has an adverse impact to strengthening UMNO and nation building.  

More than ever before, I dare say, even more than Tun Razak's era, UMNO long for the nucleus to return to the fold in whatever form, whether in active politics or as a hub for ideas. 

There is an urgent need for the Professionals to roll up their sleeves, fold their italian tie, hang their Italian suit and join the people that are rebuilding a proud vessel that has been teared down by an almighty storm. 

Are your sleeves rolled up?

Let Us Have Our Freedom of Choice

Received some SMS-es and phone calls from friends asking whether it is true that some BN Member of Parliament are on the brink of joining Pakatan Rakyat. The whispers through the grapevine indicate Merdeka Day whilst other sources identify September. The story is covered in great detail here. Bung Mokhtar's response can be found here. 

For a strong proponent of justice, appearing on the cover of many international publications and screen media, I personally feel that Anwar Ibrahim is making a mockery of democracy. True, we have lost 2/3 of the majority for the first time in the nation's history, but is this a really an anomaly in a democracy system?. If the results of the GE signifies a new face of Malaysian politics, then so be it. But listen to the voices of the voters - they want greater Opposition representation. Does this equate to a change of Government by your definition?. 140 seats remain the majority. 

What's worse?The cost of these mind games crosses the acceptable political boundaries into people's lives. It creates unwarranted uncertainty and panic - which in turn adversely affects the economy and the country's governance. 

What if the tables were turned and BN MPs and Ministers spend their day holding press conferences reiterating the fact that 8 PAS MPs want to join Barisan because they don't believe in your economic agenda? DAP's denial of an Islamic State? Selangor's decision regarding pig farming?

It is time for our MPs to do the job they were elected to do. Why don't you do yours by fulfilling your promise of appearing as a candidate for the by election you made at the 31 parliamentary constituency that PKR won?.

PS - I was looking forward to hear Anwar-led discussion on PKR's Economic Agenda this 30th April at the Malaysian Institute of Management. Now it has been postponed. Maybe he is too busy courting BN MPs. 

KJ Recount Continued..

Susan Loone covered the KJ story as well - here 

Vindicated..

Malaysiakini today published an apology on the Rembau 'recount' issue. I hope this will put to rest the perception that KJ had 'cheated' in the recent General Elections. The Editor noted that their source is Badrul Hisham Shaharin. Who happens to be the PKR candidate!. 

I feel there must be an ethical guideline that needs to be adhered to by the bloggers. Someone's reputation can be tarnished just by a click of a mouse. If they are serious about being the alternative media, they must never mislead the audience. 

The link for the apology is here. 

The Biggest Reform is that of UMNO

In the wake of BN's greatest defeat, Pak Lah could leave Malaysians with the greatest legacy of all. The legacy of freedom. The legacy of true democracy. A legacy comparable to independence. The reform of the judiciary, the reform of the ACA offers new hope for Malaysians. 

Civil society demand these changes. But how will UMNO cope?. These reforms require  change from each and everyone of UMNO's members. For the first time in our history, UMNO is thrown into the deep end. And as everyone knows, once you are there, it's either sink or swim. 

One interesting question that someone posed to me as I did my GE post mortem, is "What is the objective of UMNO's struggle now?". Well, it remains the struggle for the survival of Malays, but the landscape has changed considerably. UMNO's greatest struggle now is finding itself in this new landscape. 

We have to perform better than ever before. We have to meet the lofty expectations set by the rakyat. We have to make our forefathers proud. We have to continue the legacy of excellence that UMNO is accustomed to. 

The times, it is a - changing. Let's swim together. 

The Courage to Hear Voice of Change

I first voted in the 1999 Elections. I was 22. My designated polling station, Sekolah Menengah Bukit Bandaraya was a 3-minute drive from my parent's house in Bangsar. Although already an UMNO member, the events that unfolded in 1998 made me question the leadership of UMNO. Not the relevancy, but the leadership. I thought I had amassed enough courage to be the voice of change, through the ballot boxes. Somehow, that courage deserted me and I voted for Dato' Sharizat Jalil, the Barisan Nasional candidate. 

Fast forward to 2008. Married with a child, exposed to the mechanics of the real world, my youthful exuberance and lofty ideals are safely stored away (along with the party clothes pictures), I made my way to the same school to exercise my democratic duty. Much more involved in UMNO, this time there wasn't even a tinge of doubt. Barisan Nasional was the only choice for me. 

Before the tsunami officially came to Lembah Pantai, the signs were clear. The 10,000 Anwar rally in Pantai Dalam, the 5,000 Anwar rally in Brickfields, the fact that only a handful of Pemuda came to Dato' Sri Najib Tun Razak's address, the signs were clear. I consoled myself with the fact that the signs were clearer in 1999 - but we still won. However, as the moon slowly set on the 8th of March, it was evident that the voices of change rang loud in Lembah Pantai. To a tune of almost 3,000 votes. The youth of 2008 had the courage to make their voices heard. 

As a member of the Barisan Nasional, the defeat was excruciating.  Almost a month on, we are nowhere closer to finding the reasons for this defeat. The blame game has peaked and started a new cycle. The customary jostle for party position makes the headline of every newspaper, even with Anwar looming in the background. 

But UMNO must not forget that its first task is to remain relevant. The voices that demanded for change are that of our peers and children. Segments of Malays, especially the urban youth think that UMNO's struggle is no longer relevant. To me, that day can only come when we possess the ability to look in each other's eyes and say that we are on a level playing field. In areas of education, corporate equity, home ownership.  Until that day comes, I will still wear the red and white of UMNO. 

Despite what anybody say, I believe the first step is to stand behind the current leadership and make UMNO relevant again. Effect change that the voices of change can relate to. 

It's our time now.