Even UMNO’s Morons Are Teachable
(Malaysiakini.com, November 8, 2007)
.Editorial lead: If enough voters were to teach these Umno operatives a lesson, they might just learn to behave themselves for the better permanently.
Hishammuddin’s decidedly subdued speech to UMNO Youth at the party’s recent General Assembly was in mark contrast to his racist histrionics of last year. This showed one thing: even these morons in UMNO are teachable after all.
Last year we witnessed the revolting spectacle of Hishammuddin repeatedly stabbing the sterile chilled air of the PWTC Conference Hall. The only thing missing was the foam frothing from his wide, open mouth to make that silly scene really complete as a sandiwara (shadow play).
Hishammuddin of course received a rousing response in that hall for his piece of titillating theatrics. That prompted me to write then that we should expect his deputy Khairy Jamaluddin to outdo Hishammuddin at this year’s gathering. Meaning, Khairy would probably attempt a silat with his keris instead of merely jabbing an imagined enemy in the air. I also wrote that the only way to end such silly stunts would be to have the klutz Khairy accidentally stab himself. Only through such divine interventions would these latter day Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat pretenders be taught a memorable lesson.
Fortunately, thanks to the outrage expressed by ordinary Malaysians to last year’s crudities, we were thankfully spared similar stupid spectacles this year. The good lord need not have to intervene after all to stop these childish charades.
To be sure, such outrages were expressed only in cyberspace in the various web blogs and Internet portals like Malaysiakini.com and Malaysia-Today.net. Our intellectuals and pussy footing pundits remained curiously silent. I interpreted that to mean that they must have approved of the stunts and the accompanying venomous messages spewed by these characters.
In contrast to the furor in the Malaysian blogosphere, there were apologias galore in the mainstream media. One sycophantic columnist excused the whole ugly episode as nothing more than “party politics as usual.” She duly noted, with approval undoubtedly, that Najib Razak had many years earlier dripped his keris with tomato ketchup to emphasize a particularly racist point when he was UMNO Youth leader addressing a similar crowd.
Seeing that Najib is now UMNO’s Deputy President and thus the nation’s Deputy Prime Minister, a mark of success by any measure, Hishammuddin must have taken his cue from his beres (brother-in-law by marriage). Thus it was not far fetched of me to predict last year that Khairy would, in a “monkey see, monkey do” style, ape Hishammuddin.
The Greater Lesson
There is a greater lesson here. That is, despite the government’s (UMNO specifically) repeated attempts at ignoring and dismissing the role of bloggers and the Internet generally, we who use cyberspace to spread our message are making an impact, whether the establishment acknowledges it or not.
If the likes of Hishammuddin truly believe in their own message that cyberspace is irrelevant or that it is the limited only to the fringes of Malaysian society, they would have continued behaving like the mischievous monkeys that they were last year. Nor for that matter would UMNO establish its halfwit “cyber troopers” to try and shut down some of the highly influential websites like Malaysia-Today.
To commentators in the Barisan-controlled media, the current mellowness of UMNO leaders is not the consequence of the severe criticisms in cyberspace rather to their being pragmatic and wanting to appear “moderate” and “rational” ahead of a soon-to-be-expected general election. That is the mainstream media’s spin, their way of ingratiating themselves to the establishment, their paymaster.
Never mind that such a portrayal merely exposes the cynicism and scheming nature of these UMNO operatives. Such a characterization means that they have not really changed, merely put on a cosmetic cover over their ugly racist stripes, mascara as it were, to make themselves presentable to voters.
If that were so, it would be even more important for voters to disabuse these UMNO operatives of their collective delusion. Even if they were to be minimally successful in the elections, that would only embolden them to be even more cynical the next time. They would then think that they could hoodwink and manipulate voters at will, like just before an election. Their contempt for citizens would only be reinforced.
That being the case it is all the more crucial that we should teach them a more memorable lesson, one that would stick with them forever. We know that morons are slow learners, but then as we have seen even UMNO morons are teachable. We just have to repeat the lessons more often, and increasing the punishment more severe each time they regress or forget their earlier lessons.
If enough voters were to teach these UMNO operatives a lesson, they might just learn to behave themselves for the better permanently. That would be good for them and for us, as well as for the nation.
Power of the Blogosphere
Meanwhile until that election comes, we in blogosphere must continue teaching them their much-needed lessons. That is our obligation, especially now that those whose traditional job is to keep those in power in check and the public informed – the journalists, reporters, and others in the fourth estate – have betrayed themselves and their profession.
Ours is not a hopeless cause. We have seen Chief Justice Ahmad Feiruz unceremoniously rebuffed for extension of his tenure. Former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has done more to cleanse the rot that is the Malaysian judiciary with his release of that explosive tape (showing a senior lawyer attempting to fix a judicial appointment) than when he was in power!
The mainstream media may have ignored Anwar and that tape, but thanks to bloggers and citizen journalists of the ‘Net, Ahmad Feiruz is now out. He joins former director of the Anti Corruption Agency, Zulkipli Mat Noor, another deserved casualty of cyberspace journalism. Our job is to make sure that this gallery of rogues keeps expanding.
Earlier, Raja Petra exposed the profligate spending of our “humble” and “pious” Prime Minister Abdullah in acquiring a RM200 million corporate jet for his use, financed of course by taxpayers’ money. Thanks to Raja Petra’s diligent work and pungent expose, Abdullah had to backtrack his earlier denial by clarifying that the government did not acquire the aircraft, rather a government-owned “private” entity did. Such semantic gymnastics and nuances of language!
As for the mainstream commentators, editors and journalists, they are busy transcribing ministers’ press releases. Such flagrant abuses of power by the powerful do not interest these journalists.
Already through the power of the Internet, BERSIH, a coalition of NGOs, will be organizing this Saturday, November 10th a massive display of civic dissatisfaction with the government. Specifically their petition will address a longstanding problem: fair and honest conduct of elections, that basic prerequisite of democracy. While I will not be able to physically take part in this worthy rally, I will be there in spirit. Already the Istana has berkenan (consented) to receive the citizens’ petition!
Meanwhile UMNO Youth Deputy Leader Khairy has stated his opposition to the proposed rally. He has asked the government to “come down hard” on the citizens. Presumably his model is Pakistan’s Musharraf. Someone ought to remind Khairy that it is the basic freedom of citizens in a democracy to petition their government. We are also free to associate. One wonders what did he learn at Oxford?
My objective as a committed cyberspace commentator is to make that rouge gallery bigger. I will not be satisfied, nor will I stop, until that gallery has the country’s biggest rogue included in its rooster.
November 12th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
Yip! they toned down a bit, maybe they sense the wind is changing and they need to change the sail too. Usual rambling but i notice nobody want to bring out corruption issue this time during the assembly.
November 13th, 2007 at 1:17 am
The non-Malays especially the Chinese know fully well that even as Hishammuddin wield the keris and foam frothing from his mouth, he could not even keep their backbone straight without tongkat NEP.
November 13th, 2007 at 4:04 am
Jong,
They are trying to win back the Chinese voters who are now leaning towards KeADILan and DAP. It won’t work since the issues are more serious than just extreme Malay nationalism. You see the point I am making. But I wonder if all your friends in Ipoh share my view.
As a nation, we are lagging behind the region with all social, economic and political indicators showing steep declines. Until we come to grips with the reality, we will be snookered by corridors, space exploration and the new Vision 2057. The truth be told, we are a country led by the corrupt Ahmad Albab types.
The government controlled media is trying to spin good out of bad news. BERSIH is one example and I could tell you more. Read the blogs and the foreign news agencies. We can feel that we are losing control of ur economic future, among other things.
Unfortunately, our “Emperor” from Kepala Batas does not realise that he is now without clothes. We can’t expect Noh Mohamad, Second Finance Minister, his son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin and Kalimullah Hassan to tell him the truth. They are all addicted to the disease called “bodekism”.
Take care.
November 13th, 2007 at 6:14 am
Badawi said, “Saya pantang dicabar.”
SIL Khairy has asked the government to “come down hard” on the people who participated in the march for free and fair elections.
The police did not listen to them.
Are we seeing some light at the end of the tunnel for Malaysia? I hope so.
November 13th, 2007 at 9:49 am
My dear friends,
One simple deduction I can make from the Police’s inaction is them not wanting to be branded a government tool. The force has been called numerous names in the past. During the Emergency it was “Running Dog”. In the 70s and 80s Malays call them, “Anging Kerajaan” and the name seems to stick judging from the numerous text messages I received on my cell pre and post March to the Palace on 10/11.
I believe the IGP has seen enough on satellite TV to be more circumspect. In Trengganu they came hard on protesters and might have crossed the line when a few of them were injured with one opening fire at protesters in “self defence”. Handling of side arms is a huge responsibility few in the Force could subscribe.
The principle of minimum force is sarcosant when dealing with an illegal assembly. Illegal assembly in a public order situation is a gathering of 5 or more persons. However, when a public order situation is declared the military will be called to assist the Police. This happened in the aftermath of the May 13 fiasco when the military was tasked to do policing job. Such a situation will not happen and should not happen in Malysia, as I dread the consequences. Some of us have implored for military intervention. This is not a wise thing to do for no military governments have been successful as yet. Just look at Pakistan.
I believe the Police have learned a lesson during the Reformasi demos of 1998 when Anwar Ibrahim took to the streets to remonstrate his displeasure with Mahathir.
Clubbing protestors is one thing but manhandling non-violent marchers and innocent bystanders is another thing altogether. I participated in a street demo in Melbourne many years ago demanding freedom for Timorese in Timor Timor. The Aussie Police were there not to clobber us but to direct and control vehicular traffic especially the ubiquitous trams and buses that ply the city streets
The March to the Palace was covered by Al Jazeera which, ironically, is based in KL. The presenter spoke to Zainuddin Maidin, our Minister of (Mis)Information. He was babbling away incoherently. I could hardly understand what he was saying. The image was most poignant. The FRU was using water cannons and firing tear-gas grenades on the marchers and here was Zainuddin saying thing to the contrary.
This is the kind of leaders we have in ABB’s cabinet. Half-witted idiots who could not even speak properly be it in the National Language or English.
Zainuddin’s communicative ability belies his stature as a “Sastrawan Negara” a National Liiterary Laureate, so to speak. How on earth was he elevated to be a Minister of Information in the first place unless, of course, in the word of Pak Din, he is one monsterous “kaki bodek”.
Well, I blame Mahathir for having picked him in the first place. Zam is an embarassment. And so are the rest in the august cabinet. They are nothing but a bunch of thieves and fraudsters. The Opposition may be fractious and incohesive lacking even a singular objective but they are all that we have at the moment.
If there is not knight in shining armour riding our way let’s all pray for the salvation of Malaysia. And in the din of this protestation a Savour will appear in the horizon to lead us to our Promised Land. Amen/Amin.
Regards.
November 13th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Every General Assembly,they never fail to harp on defending race and religion,so to speak. I am not sure who is threatening them or where the perception come from, certainly not the minority. my opinion, it’s like creating own shadow and start doing shadow boxing .
November 13th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Outcold,
Zam alaKazam is a real washout. I would not be surprised if Al-Jazeera decides to pull out of here and relocate elsewhere in the region, say, Singapore. He does not respect the arrangements agreed between the Government and this outstanding cable tv network under the MSC Bill of Rights. This is not unusual as we are not known to respect the sanctity of contracts and the Rule of Law (see the Lingamgate video).
I am embarassed that alaKazam is from Kedah. He was my good friend and we used to have tea tarik at Devi Corner, Bangsar Baru. But not now after I stared to criticise Badawi and his cabinet members, we are friends no more.
Yes, he is a “kaki bodek”, or maybe we should elevate him to “Laksamana Ampu” in the light of recent developments. He is rather desperate to run for Parliament again in Merbok/Kuala Muda and must impress his boss with dramatics.
I was taken aback when I knew years ago that he was made a “Sastrawan Negara”. It was one of those oversights by the Government. As far as I am concerned, alaKazam deserved to be just a “budak jaga lembu” in somewhere in Kodiang or Changlun, Kedah and even then I doubt if he can do a proper job of it.
It seems almost to be a law of nature that bigger idiots emerge when a leader is an idiot. So, it is the case of Malaysia when our leader is a mentally challenged individual. To me, we are, in fact, the real idiots when we gave Badawi a resounding mandate in 2004.
Most of us knew that the elections were rigged and tainted with money politics, phantom voters (pray that my late parents were not on the electoral roll to vote in some constituency in Kedah), etc. We did nothing until BERSIH decided to act.
With regard to Barisan Alternatif, I can say that based on my observations as an insider, we are better organized and focused. KeADILan, PAS and DAP leaders share a common purpose of stopping the rot and fighting for change to uphold dignity. They are working well. Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim is the lighting rod and enjoys the support of Al-Fadhil Dato Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and Sdr. Lim Kit Siang. Their unity was for all to see at the march to the Palace on November 10, 2007.
Thanks.
November 14th, 2007 at 3:07 am
Appalled and ashamed after viewing our Info Minister’s command of english!!.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:09 am
Din Merican,
I noticed that there is a trend (can I say that ?) to use the title Al-Fadhil to politicians with Islamic credentials.
Out of curiosity, what does that mean ?
Thank You.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:31 am
Beg to differ. The UMNO Morons are teachable but are not capable of learning. They listen but don’t hear. Otherwise they would have made changes both in their manners and the way they do things. They will only learn if you put a two by four to their heads. Notice how arrogant AAB and Najib were in responding to the BERSIH rally. Zam alaKazam is the clown brought in to entertain the UMNO court. Court Jester will make fools of themselves to gain attention of his master.
By the way Najib and Kerishamuddin are first cousins and not biras. Their mothers are sisters.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:52 am
Outcold,
You said :-
I participated in a street demo in Melbourne many years ago demanding freedom for Timorese in Timor Timor”
I am pleasantly surprised. I never would have guessed. I can’t quite picture you as a protester. But I am glad to hear you did. I saw a picture on the internet of Din Merican at Masjid Negara with a headband during the recent protest. Interesting.
I have never participated in a demo. I was near one though, PAS was protesting at KLConvention Centre against some US politicians who were there over US support of Israel during the Lebanon incursion. Went down from my office to watch the demo from afar, electrifying. Amazing energy.
Ironically, crew from carriers of the US 7th Fleet did put up temporary base at a parking lot near KL Convention Centre. Several times in fact. No protest from PAS. I suppose Task Force 70 hardly gets deployed in Middle East which is why PAS was against protesting.
I was rubbing my hands in delight at the prospect of PAS protesters confronting US navy.. sigh, it didn’t happen. It held so much promise after the shouts I heard at KL Convention Centre of promise to “annihilate” US.
November 14th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Lekiu,
“Al Fadhil” means an enlightened and revered teacher, a term of endearment for an exemplary, caring and educated man. In English, it means “Honorable”.
I met Al-Fadhil Dato Seri Abdul Hadi Awang at a recent ceramah–in fact on the evening of November 10– in Markas PAS, Taman Melewar. I found him to be a very soft spoken, spiritual and kind person, not a political demon that the mainstream media and UMNO make him out to be. He was well versed in world affairs, fully briefed on our national problems and had ideas of his own on how to deal with them.
The lesson to learn here is that you have to get to know a person and interact with him before you can form a considered opinion. We should not rely on impressions created by propagandists. You will be surprised to know that your view of a person can change dramatically when you are willing to have an open mind.
Yes, I was at Masjid Negara and fully participated in the march to the Palace that followed after my Muslim brothers and I said our zohor prayers for calm and peace. At that time, we had expected that the FRU would follow de facto Prime Miniister Khairy Jamaluddin’s orders that they should be brutal towards us. Fortunately, the FRU had more sense and discipline than this young upstart, who claims to have his father-in-law as his “protector”.
Khairy Jamaluddin’s arrogance will get him nowhere. In Malaysia, as it is elsewhere, people power with God’s Help is decisive. BERSIH showed that this is very true indeed. A government that does not listen will fall from grace and be thrown into the dustbin of history.
November 14th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
I’d be surprised if the UMNO morons can actually be taught a lesson. Considering their level of education, we’re taking a huge risk of even hoping that they are.
As far as my young mind can understand, all racial-based political parties are irrelevant. Especially when religious rhetorics come into play. In a multi-racial country, having such political parties will do nothing but sow the seeds of racial conflict. After all, by being independent for the past 50 years, the prevailing identity should have been that of a Malaysian, not a Malay/Chinese/Indian.
November 15th, 2007 at 1:01 am
Radical Scope,
Syabas. I agree. You are young but very farsighted.
The ideal is to think and act Malaysian. Unfortunately, we are a long way off from this ideal. We need thorough educational reform and promote communal integration. There is a need to accept diversity as strength and avoid cultural exclusism. At this time, there is no serious attempt to deal with this challenge by the present ruling party.
Why? It is in the interest of the UMNO-BN coalition to play the race card and exploit communal fears and insecurities. UMNO in particular will keep on keris rattling or kissing depending on circumstances, and singing their theme song with its racist overtones. Their leaders are bent on exploiting Malayness and Islam (via a concocted Islam Hadhari). I agree with you that UMNO is party of morons. Worse still, they are a corrupt bunch of rent seekers (ahlul kutip sewa).
KeADILan is a multiracial party based on justice for all Malaysians. Our theme song entitled “Kami Arus Perjuangan” for the future of “anak Malaysia”. See the difference!!
For the immediate term, as realists we have to fight the next elections on issues which are relevant and specific to the needs of constituencies according to their demographics. This is the reality of Malaysian politics at this time. But KeADILan is a very Malaysian in its mission to transform Malaysia on the principles of justice, equality (in Law and opportunity) and fraternity.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:15 am
Din Merican,
To make a sweeping statement and call members of UMNO as rent seekers/morons is a bit unfair don’t you think ? My business partners are UMNO member, they have never asked for contracts/favours.
We go through proper channel all the time for work. We have our share of being turned down and never have they once ever resorted to using “cables” when our solicitations are turned down. One of my business partner once told me that she is in politics, just like you… believe it or not, because she believe in something. She can never bring herself to ask for favours/contracts.
I have clients who are members of Keadilan and PAS, I know that SOME of them are no better than SOME of the people in UMNO. There are honest people in UMNO,.
To stereotype UMNO members as morons and rent seekers in your quest to shore up support for your political party is very unbecoming.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:56 am
Radical Scope,
Race or religion based politic is inescapable. It is not something I personally endorse, but it is a painful reality that one must accept.
In some countries in Europe, they have dropped the prefix Christian, but make no mistake about it they are part of Christian Democrat International until 2001 before changing the name to Centrist Democrat International. The main aim is to promote Christian Democracy.
How wrong Nietzche was when his “madman” ran out from the market place chanting “God is Dead”. A hundred over years after the famous pronouncement, Milton’s “absentee landlord” is making a a comeback in a big way.
November 15th, 2007 at 7:00 am
I meant to say :-
“In some countries in Europe, they have dropped the prefix Christian, and merely name their party Democratic Party but make no mistake about it…….”.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Lekiu,
Yes, I have good UMNO friends who are doing well in business without much support from the present government, but they are a rare breed. I admire them for their independence. The exception does not become the rule. People of the Khir Toyo-Mat Tyson-Zakaria Ideros-Musa Aman types populate the party.
If all is fine and dandy, then there is no reason why there should be so much resentment and frustration among UMNO members and Malaysians today. It is strictly your choice between the status quo and change.
I am not fishing for votes. All I am saying that we should look at our present state of our country. Having looked at facts, you are free to decide what you want to do.
November 15th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
chinese votes might swayed DAP’s way as many say but where does this put the oppositions ..PAS, DAP and PKR ..will they be able work as a team? Will PAS and DAP be able to work together? Votes may come their way but can they governed if elected to form the govt. One thing is certain that is …DAP or PAS or PKR can never form the next Govt. relying on seats won on their own! Simply there is no alternative ..only BN…. The DAP/PAS/PKR can only be good and effective oppositions but NOT and NEVER the next government … DSAI can dream …anyway to dream is FREE..Dato Seri.
November 16th, 2007 at 1:51 am
Well, Sammy there is nothing wrong in dreaming. We all dream and our dreams are either good or bad.What matters is making these dreams come true. But since your dreams are always about BN’s greatness no wonder you don’t see beyond Badawi and KJ. We can’t do much to change your thinking. So be it. To each his own.
November 16th, 2007 at 2:37 am
Sammy,
Like they say, many people go through life looking for favourable “breaks”. Perhaps the biggest break anyone could ever receive is to decide exactly what he or she wants then become obssessed with obtaining it. Dare to dream big dreams?
November 16th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
true … but in the case of DSAI … if he were to play his cards right then … he wouldn’t have to dream would he!
November 17th, 2007 at 12:59 am
“true … but in the case of DSAI … if he were to play his cards right then … he wouldn’t have to dream would he!” - sammy
That’s a most silly comment! Don’t be a pain. Even the most successful men today have big dreams for tomorrow. What is life when you worry too much with events of yesterday and worries of tommorrow?
November 17th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Sammy et al
Notice how many leaders spent time in jail before they become truly great leaders? People do change and they should be given the opportunity to show that they have changed for the better. Everone deserves a second chance.
November 17th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
Yes..Gandhi, Mandela but unfortunately DSAI is no Gandhi or Mandela ! Sorry DSAI but you’re way out of their league !!!
November 17th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
sammy
How can you be so sure that DSAI is not in the same league as Nelson Mandela and Gandhi? Didn’t DSAI got jailed because he would not submit to the powers that be and because he is firm in his belief and conscience? He would not accept appointment as an Ambassador or resign and in return he would not face the trumped up charges of Sodomy and misuse of power. All BN Ministers are guilty of misuse of power yet they go scott free.
Pray tell me what you know of DSAI that is so horrible thatwould disqualify or deny him a second chance. Inquiring minds wants to know.
I know DSAI when he was the DPM and how he had to go against certain Ministers to ensure justice and fairness. Just before he fell from grace he had mentioned that he is tired of fighting the system.