NEP stays, says Pak Lah

NEP stays, says Pak Lah
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/11/nation/18266005&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is willing to review policies or regulations deemed to be hindering the distribution of equity in the most sustainable, competitive and meaningful way.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, however, said Malaysian maintained its position that the New Economic Policy (NEP) was not a cost to doing business.

“Perhaps the most difficult question we must address is to improve equity without sacrificing competitiveness. Many have come to regard Malaysia’s affirmative action policies, widely described as the NEP, as a cost to doing business.

“But many fail to appreciate the spirit behind the policy, and this is crucial in understanding Malaysia,” he said yesterday.

Bear in mind that this speech is a targeted response against the EU envoy's "comments" on the NEP and its hindrances to global trade and economic growth. The prime minister doesn't say much in specifics, preferring to hide behind generic words and phrases to justify this outdated practice of institutionalized racism.

Abdullah said the objective to dissociate race from occupation or social standing was crucial in ensuring long-term unity for the country – given its legacy and racial structure.

I really doubt that the NEP has successfully done this. Look at the situation today. Politicians and government servants are mainly ethnic Malays. Handphone sellers and fruit stall owners are mainly ethnic Chinese. Mamak style eateries are owned mainly by ethnic Indians. Where is the dissociation of race from occupation or social standing?

“Racial-based riots raged in neighbouring countries while Malaysia was spared the experience. The expansion of an educated and multi-ethnic middle class, thanks to affirmative action policies, has mitigated the risk of mass unrest.

I agree that there is now a larger pool of middle class. But at the same time, the NEP has also created a wider rift between the super rich (UMNOputras) and the super poor. On the surface, our country is leaps and bounds ahead of other third world countries, by virtue of our chase for material achievements (think KLIA, twin towers, Putrajaya).

“But great disparities in income and social mobility still exist between ethnic groups. Whereas this may just be another issue in other countries, ethnic-based disparity strikes at the heart of national unity for Malaysia,” said Abdullah in his keynote address at a high-level dialogue with foreign investors and international business leaders.

It all really begins with the political setup of our ruling party. Since the BN is also a loose coalition of race-based political parties, we would expect racial issues to be central to their ideology. So what's new?

BLA BLA BLA!

Pak Lah: Be a caring society

Pak Lah: Be a caring society
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/5/nation/18222934&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: Be a caring society. Do not think twice about doing charity for the poor, regardless of their race and creed.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi made this plea to all Malaysians to help the Government wipe out poverty in the country.

The Prime Minister wants everyone to progress together.

I think that this is a valid plea from our prime minister. For too long, we have been neglecting the hardcore poor, thus further widening the gap between the super rich and the super poor. This is not helped by the current implementation of the NEP.

“I am proud to see, throughout the nation, people of all races and religions, who show a caring attitude towards those who are less fortunate than them.

“When giving charity, they do not think of the poor in terms of race or religion.

I like this statement. It says that Malaysian citizens are impartial to race and religion when it comes to helping each other. Well, can the same be said of the government's policies? Why are some policies only helping the Malays (and not even the intended target audience of the hardcore poor, but the politically connected UMNO cronies) and neglecting all other communities? Why isn't the spirit of NEP (eradicating poverty regardless of race) being upheld and implemented?

BLA BLA BLA!

Hisham: Be proud of our diverse cultures

Hisham: Be proud of our diverse cultures
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/6/28/nation/18155823&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians should be proud to be blessed with a wide variety of performing arts which reflect the diverse cultures and heritages of this country, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said last night.

The Education Minister was speaking at the gala charity night of the Festival of Cantonese Opera, that featured the world-renowned Guangdong Cantonese Opera Academy First Troupe which performed “The Power of Passion”.

What use is such diversity if it's not treasured by the ruling party UMNO, as evident in their racist outcries of bathing the keris in Chinese blood?

Hishammuddin said Malaysians should share the diverse culture and heritage and look beyond material wealth.

“Acquiring artistic skills is not easy, it needs a lot of training and discipline,” the minister said, adding that Malaysians need to acknowledge that arts bind them all together, cutting across all borders.

Perhaps UMNO cronies should also look beyond material wealth then?

Hishammuddin added that appreciation of the diverse cultures must start in school.

“Excellent academic results are not enough. Parents must also look at the importance of instilling in their children the knowledge of various cultures and heritage, and artistic skills.”

This coming from the education minister, whose ministry is embarking on nation-wide islamisation of public schools, imposing arbitrary dress codes, disallowing non-muslim canteen operators, etc.

BLA BLA BLA!