Practical Policies, Not Party Politics
[In a recent private e-mail to me, a reader chastised me for being “NATO” (No Action, Talk Only). He intimated that if I really loved Malaysia, I should come home and contest the elections. As many readers share his sentiment of me, I post my reply to him here. His original letter, in the usual rojak style of Malay liberally interspersed with English, follows.]
Dear Johan:
Thank you for taking your valuable time in sharing your thoughts with me.
My retort to your “NATO” (No Action, Talk Only) accusation is simply this: Been there, done that! However, such a tart response would not do justice to a diligent reader like you who has, by your own admission, bought all my books!
As for my returning home, I served Malaysia on my own accord (no scholarship or other contractual bonds) for nearly three years way back when. It was at a time when my presence (at least initially) doubled the number of Malay surgeons in the country! Although I was proud of my achievements during my brief tenure there, I soon discovered that I would have fewer headaches if I were to stop banging my head against the bureaucratic wall. So I left.
I have returned many times since. On each trip, instead of bringing trinkets for my nieces and nephews, I brought boxes of books to donate to my village school library. On one occasion, the principal proudly displayed to me the mound of books that I had donated over the years. She proudly drew my attention to the fact it was significantly bigger than a similar gift from the World Bank!
On another occasion, I discussed with the biology teacher of a residential school about donating a video microscope. He was ecstatic as his school had been requesting that for over four years and had been denied by the ministry. No funds! – the chronic lament, or more correctly, excuse from our civil servants! Out of interest I inquired about the cost and was flabbergasted to discover that it was ten times more expensive than what I could have bought it! I suggested that the school use me as a purchasing agent to buy directly in America and thus effect considerable savings. Not possible, as the ministry’s policy is that all procurements must be through a particular company. Needless to say, this company was owned by a member of the royal family active in UMNO. That confirmed what I had long suspected: the massive Ministry of Education exists not for the children’s education but as a source of lucrative contracts for UMNO cronies.
Since Abdullah Badawi came into power, I had been warned from the highest level of the police force not to return. The warning came not as a threat but simply a message conveyed by someone from within the force concerned about my personal safety. Just to add substance to that threat, my friends in Malaysia have told me that the Special Branch had interviewed them! Fortunately thus far, it has just been an interview.
I have told them that I would not forgive myself if their friendship or association with me were to bring grief to them. Consequently I advised them to say whatever they want of me if that would get the authorities to back off.
I have been called many names, but stupid is not one of them. Nor would I take stupid risks.
As you may have found out from my earlier books and essays, I was equally severe in my criticisms of Abdullah’s predecessor. Yet at no time was I concerned about my personal safety even during the height of the 1997 economic crisis when Mahathir faced his most daunting challenges. It is indeed ironic (and reflects the insecurity and the hoax of piety of an Imam of Islam Hadhari) that Abdullah feels threatened by my commentaries. He and his sycophants have nothing to worry from me if, to paraphrase you, I were only a village champion out for glory.
My writing is the only way I know for me to continue my effort or jihad, if you would like to put it that way. As long as Malaysians and others like you are reading what I write, I will continue doing so. If nothing else I would have done my part in increasing the Malay contributions to the published world. That would be a satisfying enough accomplishment for me, and certainly more than what many could claim.
As an aside, I do have a day (and on many occasions, night time too!) job here that is both personally and professionally very rewarding. As such I can afford to contribute my royalties to a Malaysian charity.
As for my joining UMNO or any political party and contesting the elections as you suggested, we Malays must disabuse ourselves of the silly notion that the only way to contribute is through politics. I do not blame you for suggesting that, for some of our brightest Malays feel the same way as you do. And they end up wasting their precious talent.
One of my classmates in secondary school once headed a thriving and (at the time) the biggest medical clinic in Malaysia. I was so excited at his prospects that I thought of giving up my practice here in America to join him. He had the potential of creating a Malaysian Mayo Clinic. Alas, my friend, anticipating your advice, caught the political bug. He ended up nowhere politically. He did however reach the state “Exco” level and get his Datukship. To some, those are achievements enough. As for his once promising clinic, it is now a shamble.
I now look askance at another young Malay, a brilliant entrepreneurial lawyer who successfully created the largest law firm in Malaysia, all before his 50th birthday! That is a solid accomplishment by any standard! However, he too got caught up politically. The last time I read about him, he was found guilty by UMNO on some trumped-up charges of “money politics!” At least he could be comforted that it was not some framed-up sordid sex scandal!
Nonetheless he fought hard to reclaim his good name, but to no avail. Knowing the caliber, character and reputation of its senior operators, to be ostracized by UMNO would be a singular badge of honor. When criminals become judges, virtuous deeds get criminalized. Remember, even former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir could not get voted in as a lowly UMNO delegate. That was a blemish not on him but on UMNO.
Creating the largest medical clinic or legal firm would have been a singular achievement. Imagine the reflected racial glory! Such an endeavor would take smart work, extraordinary diligence, and more than just good luck. I am therefore not surprised that many Malays opted for the easy path out, like wildly brandishing their krises or endlessly exhorting “Ketuanan Melayu!”
I am interested in policies that work, not in party politics for personal glory. Under the present circumstances, my returning to Malaysia would only risk my personal safety, and I have no desire to be a martyr. Perhaps you could pay a visit to Kamunting Camp some day to see what I mean. If you do, especially during this time of Ramadan, please bring something for those poor souls incarcerated without trial.
Please note that as many of my readers share your sentiments of me, I have taken the liberty of “Bcc’ing” my response to you as well as your e-mail among my Internet chat groups, as well as posting it on my blog.
<!–[if !supportEmptyParas]–> <!–[endif]–>
Sallam,
M. Bakri Musa
Johan’s original e-mail (with my translation):
NO ACTION TALK ONLY. Syabas Encik Bakri, saya mendapati banyak tulisan awak sangat bernas and menyegarkan [Congratulations, Mr. Bakri! I found your writings spirited and refreshing]. I even bought all your books.
Tetapi lama kelamaan, saya mendapati awak menulis hanya semata-mata untuk menunjukkan yang awak ni pandai atau mungkin semata-mata mencari glamour. Kalau betul-betul awak ni sangat cintakan Malaysia mengapa awak tidak balik saja dan bertanding dalam pilihanraya. Awak ni macam hero kampong, berkokok seluruh kampong tapi tidak ada hasil. [On further reflection, I believe that you write merely to show off how clever you are, or perhaps you are seeking glory. If you really love Malaysia, why not return and contest the elections? You are like a village hero, crowing loudly put producing nothing.]
Ya, awak mesti fikir saya ni orang suruhan UMNO kan. [Yes, you may think I am an UMNO hack.] But sorry to disappoint you, I’m not even a Malaysian.
Sekurang-kurangnya Pak Lah dengan segala kekurangan dia cuma untok melakukan sesuatu untok Malaysia. [At least Pak Lah with all his deficiencies is doing something for Malaysia.] But you, berkokoklah kuat-kuat [continue with your loud crowing]. But remember to clap your wings even harder.
October 14th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
mr musa,
abaikan saja komen negatif si johan tu. sifat ayam jantan memang berkokok. lagi kuat lagi bagus. itulah fitrah namanya. ayam betina saja yang tidak berkokok. sifat orang berakal memang berfikir dan hasilnya mungkin suatu coretan. itulah fitrah namanya. kata orang mata pena lebih tajam dari mata pedang.
kalaulah si johan tu memahami theory of justice oleh prof john rawls dari harvard tu mungkin dia akan menyokong tuan. mungkin dia tak melepasi veil of ignorance untuk berada di original position seperti tuan. oleh itu baginya perkara yang betul dan salah adalah samar2, dan yang dilihat semuanya betul semata2.
theory of happiness al ghazali lebih menarik. manusia yang berada di current position kena menghayati past and future position sehingga current position tidak penting atau tiada. tetapi perlu melepasi veil of evil desire. dalam tahap ini benar dan adil adalah sangat jelas dan nyata sepertimana perbezaan siang dan malam.
kalau tuan betul cintakan malaysia tak payahlah bertanding pilihanraya. banyak lagi cara lain yang lebih mulia. adakah bertanding pilihanraya kemuncak cinta pada negara seperti yang difahami oleh si johan tu. totaly nonsense. corrupted knowledge / opinion meminjam kata2 syed naquib al attas. seolah2 yang orang bertanding pilihanraya paling tinggi cintanya pada negara. kalau begitu tentulah nabi muhammad orang yang pertama merebut jawatan pemimpin darul nadwah atau parlimen kaumnya di mekah. tetapi tidak begitu. baginda ada caranya tersendiri yang selamat dan menyelamatkan… sehingga kita menikmatinya dan pada generasi akan datang.
syabas anak jantan… bakri musa… teruskan.
may god bless us all
October 14th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Doc,
The most interesting bit about “Johan” is that he is neither an “orang suruhan Umno” nor a Malaysian!
If that’s really the case, your reader who has bought all your books would be:
A) a Singaporean or a Bruneian who is an admirer of our PM.
(if so, I am delighted because I’ve never met anyone from Singapore or Brunei who pooja the Malaysian PM; in fact, I’ve not met anyone outside Umno who does!)
B) our friend was a Malaysian but has migrated, just like you Doc, and now wishes to come back to “serve”
(in which case, we should alert the Malaysian authorities and get them to give him back his citizenship! a datukship could follow …)
C) he is a foreigner
(if he is, he does sound like an Umno hack, which is remarkable. johan should just come out and say “what” he really is .. stop giving Malaysians a bad name).
As for you doc, Anak Jantan you are. not Kera Jantan.
October 14th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Dr. Bakri… really weird for ‘Johan’ to claim that he is not a Malaysian… if it is true that he is not a Malaysian, one wonders why he is so concerned with Msian affairs, and that why he bought all your books…
Personally, I think he is a Msian… and a pretty rude one at that too… as you said, nothing but the ‘usual rojak style of Malay liberally interspersed with English’…
October 14th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Dear Bakri,
I share your sentiments about the state of our country and the attitude of many Malaysians especially the Malays. Nothing can change if the Malay community which UMNO seeks to represent recognise that the UMNO of today no longer champions their interest and realise that communal politics is in its death throes. In this sense I feel that Keadilan is going to be the wave of the future where the most hardworking and talented can excel, thereby contributing to a more robust economic growth for the country.
I’m sometimes amazed that people no longer see what is happening under an inept administration which condones rampant corruption in business and public administration. Even our judiciary has revealed in the Lingam tapes that even it is tainted with influence peddling. All calls for a royal commission to examine the problems of our judicial system and its administration have been ignored by the Badawi government.
I agree with you that it is not necessary to run for office to participate in Keadilan’s movement for change. What is needed and very urgently too is political activism and to send a clear message to those in power that enough is enough. It is for this reason that I opted to be a political activist knowing my limitations.
October 15th, 2007 at 1:03 am
Quote:- ” Ya, awak mesti fikir saya ni orang suruhan UMNO kan. [Yes, you may think I am an UMNO hack.] But sorry to disappoint you, I’m not even a Malaysian.”
Actually, (maybe) there are quite a number of foreigners in Malaysia who are very pro establishment. It benefits them to support them or to be seen supporting them so that they can operate freely in Malaysia. You can find foreign lawyers, architects (without license) who happily singing praises for our PM. Donating politically linked club..etc, etc.
Look around you and you see one in no time.
October 15th, 2007 at 1:09 am
Yeah, yeah, yeah you are so right Littlebird! - like taking the PM on boatrides and free holidays overseas !
October 15th, 2007 at 1:34 am
You’ll be suprised how many mat sallehs too have learnt the art of “ampu bodeks” for the obvious reasons and of course our Mr PM Dunno is enjoying every bit of it, why not?
October 15th, 2007 at 3:31 am
I am impressed by sincerity in your writing and your thoughts. I hope more Malaysian, in particular the Malays have the chance to read your writings. For Malaysia to go forward proudly, we need Malays with right thinking like you and Haris Ibrahim.
The trend of our youngsters’ thinking is really worried me. I came across a forum titled ‘Malaysia is no future country’ http://perspectives.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=53303&forum_id=106 . You read through and you know why I worried.
October 15th, 2007 at 3:37 am
Well judging by your view on Islam. Your enemy is not just Pak Lah’s men or Umno. Serve you right.
October 15th, 2007 at 4:02 am
rs,
I’m sorry I don’t get you. I’m blur, what exactly do you mean, please elaborate. Thanks.
October 15th, 2007 at 4:59 am
Long long long time ago, when I was still behind that veil of ignorance, I thought that life’s good in Malaysia. Back then despite my parents ongoing complaints about Malaysia’s state of affairs, I held a contrary view. i looked forward to Malaysia 2020. I treasure the diversity of cultures that my country proudly shows off in its tourism campaign. I would declare to my foreigner friends that I’m a Malaysian. When I was studying in Brunei, I look forward to every moment of returning to my country for Chinese New Year. I long to see that miracle, the love and peace shared by Malaysians as illustrated in my cousins’ textbook.
My veil of ignorance slowly wears away. Things around me are beginning to look bad. My parents insist that I care only about my own plate. I put myself in self-denial, wishing not to be trapped in the whirlpool of anger. Wishing that no harm would come to me and my family. I aspire to have a good life, as long as I do not meddle with “other people’s business”. My parents advised that should I remain unhappy about this nation, I should consider migrating.
These recent few months change all that. I attended a Human Rights Seminar, and learnt a great deal. I started to wrestle endlessly with my conscience. I could not leave “them” alone. I started to go beyond the mainstream media, and only to find evidence to support my suspicion all along. I found the “true voice”. I “went around” and discovered. I escape the confines of ignorance and false security. I grew enlightened as to what is right and wrong. What justice is. As much as it added to my self-worth and makes my life transformed to a more meaningful one, alas, what can we do? It’s a battle between the us a feeble boy against the Goliath. I decided to follow my conscience. I shall not live a life not worthy of living. I cannot make a choice between ignorance and sacrifice.
Mr Bakri,
Your endeavour shall not be meaningless. For there are and will be a strong enough force in this country to bring about change. Most of us do not know it, the power that be do not know it. Only an ordinary citizen could see. We only need leaders, like you, to continue to inspire us. When the moment comes, all of us shall rise from that fog and brandish our “kerises” at them.
October 15th, 2007 at 7:05 am
Doc….like I posted in Rocky’s comment box, I will take the bullet for you. I have lived a full life. If I have to go, I want to go in a blaze of glory, defending somebody worthy. Carry on doing what you are best at. In the meantime, we bloggers will continue to fight our battle and yours too.
October 15th, 2007 at 7:33 am
Johan
If Dr Bakri were to return to Malaysia and stood for election and won the election, he would have won the battle but lost the war. Digest on this and perhaps you will understand that winning the election will not change Malaysia. There are many more battles to be won.
You must also appreciate the reasons why Bakri won’t be going home to Malaysia anytime soon. Perhaps when his safety and security is assured and opposing views are accepted by the government then maybe there is a chance for real democracy to flourish.
From your writing I suspect you are a very young person who have a very narrow and simplistic view of the world. Reading Dr Bakri’s books should have given you a better perspective but I guess you are still idealistic and naive.
October 15th, 2007 at 10:11 am
Doc,I enjoy your writings and I think we need more people like you.Thank you so much for inspiring me. No worries, just keep on spreading your words.InsyaAllah….like Daniel Bong said
Mr Bakri,
Your endeavour shall not be meaningless. For there are and will be a strong enough force in this country to bring about change. Most of us do not know it, the power that be do not know it. Only an ordinary citizen could see. We only need leaders, like you, to continue to inspire us. When the moment comes, all of us shall rise from that fog and brandish our “kerises” at them.
and yes I’l be more than happy to practice my kenjutsu lessons
October 15th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Jihad? Ya, memang jihad! Jangan takut dan jangan malu-malu nak sebut jihad. Orang Putih kata apa? Dont be hesitant to say that, kan? Saya difahamkan, bercakap benar kepada pemimpin yang jahat adalah jihad yang paling tinggi dan terpuji.
Jahat pula ada macam-macam jahat.
Saya ambil contoh diri saya sendiri la senang sikit. Saya ni kutu, tak cerdik (nak sebut bodo pun malu la pulak). Tiba-tiba saya nak jadi pembesar nombor satu di Malaysia. Itu jahat namanya tu!
Antara masalah nombor satu manusia ialah dia tak reti, jahil dan bingai tapi dia rasa dia professor serba tahu, ‘alim dan pintar. Dia jahil tapi dia rasa dia ‘alim. Arab panggil jahil murakkab atau jahil yang bersusun-lapis, berganda-ganda - si jahil yang tak sedar dirinya jahil dan perasan ‘alim.
Puak-puak tu bersepah-sepah di mana-mana. Kat market Kepala Batas pun banyak!
October 15th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
Johan. grow up. Don’t be a pain in the neck.
October 15th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Johan. grow up. Don’t make a fool of yourself.
October 15th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
Dear Dr Musa,
you make a very pertinent point. Politics is not the only way we can effect change. Your gift of books, your passionate discourse on the subjects you choose to consider in your postings/articles and the other things you do for your community, small and large, illustrate what it is that each of us as Malaysians should be doing: recognising that we all play a role, have our part, in the shaping of our future. And as much as some of us might not like it, that future is in many ways a collective future that cuts across racial and religious boundaries.
Thank you for having cared enough to have put pen to paper as a Malaysian.
Best regards,
Malik Imtiaz Sarwar
October 15th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Dr. Musa,
I think I owe you an apology. I too strongly felt the same way Johan felt.
Kinda ironic since I am also based in Chicago and frequently criticize the ruling party, though not even close to the level you are at.
Anyway, I now understand where you are coming from.
October 15th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Fighting can take many form, in some circumstances, even retreating or hiding is considered a form or strategy to fight your enemy, as long as the virtue is not lost!
We all have our own strategy in fighting for our holly cause, we stand by any fighting form as long as the cause stays.
As to Enc. Johan, what can i say?
Just like Zak’s mansion; we whited black and we blacked white! And, the funny thing is most Malaysian accept that and submit to the official stories!
We stand by our conscience.
October 15th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Aasalamualakum wbt En Musa
Saya really salute En Musa ! Boleh dikira orang macam En Musa diMalaysia yang dah kena ‘gadai’ ni ! Yang banyak ada hanya ‘pak angguk’ & ‘pak turut’ juga kaki2 bodek pemimpin2 politik yang perasuah & pelingkup agama & bangsa, sungguh susah nak cari jenis En Musa, saya sangat bersyukur pada Allah SWT kerana masih ada orang macam En Musa dan bukan macam anjing2 yang menyalak bukit tapi bukit tak akan runtuh ! Pada yang mengkritik En Musa anggaplah depa tu anjing yang tak akan mendatangkan apa2 kebaikan melainkan hanya kehaprakkan,kebejatan & kebusukkan hati & perut depa yang tak akan buka mata sampai bila2 ! Syabas En Musa dan seperti kata2 ‘persetankan mereka ‘ Pada mereka ‘janganlah jadi johan kritik busuk haprak saja ‘ buka mata hati & jangan jadi pengkritik ‘bodo’ ! Some critics !
October 15th, 2007 at 10:42 pm
Is Malaysia Independent?
Somtimes I have doubts. Incidents like this make me think.
M. Bakri Musa, keep on writing. Your articles are good.
October 16th, 2007 at 1:38 am
i am totally agreeing wit u mr bakri ,
at times i hate malays sooo blady much .. then come to my thoughts that i was brought up in a malay enviroment …. its not the malays to blame … just the UMNO malays tooo blame ….. and their undergound org … PEKIDA ……..
October 16th, 2007 at 3:40 am
Mr Musa,
I suggest you stick to what you do best. Being a political observer, and a good one at that doesn’t necessarily mean that you would be good at politics. Mr Johan hasn’t an inkling of his own suggestion when he threw you that challenge unless of course the voters comprised of bloggers international.
It is a fact that commentators are usually good at that; commenting, but when one is thrown into the field, he is useless.
Classic example. The glorified football commentator Shebby Singh. He is brilliant with his comments and appears to have done extensive research on every game and team. But I used to pay to watch his team play with him at fullback and midfield. He sucked at it big time and only those who watched him (and paid to do so) play during his career would know while he is commenting a football game that he is full of shit, because we know that during his peak, he was unable to do what he demands from an EPL player.
So, you’re doing the right thing. Stay out of politics while we read good material from you on it. Once you come in and we realize that you suck at it, your writings would be deemed worthless.
October 16th, 2007 at 3:41 am
Mr Musa,
I suggest you stick to what you do best. Being a political observer, and a good one at that doesn’t necessarily mean that you would be good at politics. Mr Johan hasn’t an inkling of his own suggestion when he threw you that challenge unless of course the voters comprised of bloggers international.
It is a fact that commentators are usually good at that; commenting, but when one is thrown into the field, he is useless.
Classic example. The glorified football commentator Shebby Singh. He is brilliant with his comments and appears to have done extensive research on every game and team. But I used to pay to watch his team play with him at fullback and midfield. He sucked at it big time and only those who watched him (and paid to do so) play during his career would know while he is commenting a football game that he is full of shit, because we know that during his peak, he was unable to do what he demands from an EPL player.
So, you’re doing the right thing. Stay out of politics while we read good material from you on it. Once you come in and we realize that you suck at it, your writings would be deemed worthless.
October 16th, 2007 at 5:19 am
Dr. Bakri,
Thanks for publishing Johan’s letter and your reply to him. Opened my mind it did. And hopefully for many more who are willing to open their heart to read your “alternative” POV, instead of the trumpeted “accepted” POV of the mainstream media.
And oh yeah, do you think there’s any chance at all the Min. of Education would at least try to read and understand your book, “An Education System Worthy of Malaysia”?
October 16th, 2007 at 10:29 am
Hi, 1st time reading yr article. love it.
MmU_KiKeRs Says:
October 16th, 2007 at 1:38 am
i am totally agreeing wit u mr bakri ,
at times i hate malays sooo blady much .. then come to my thoughts that i was brought up in a malay enviroment …. its not the malays to blame … just the UMNO malays tooo blame ….. and their undergound org … PEKIDA ……..
The Malays become what they are today not because they are like that. I remember back in the 60s & 70s despite the unpleasant interlude, they are very friendly to everyone. Now, I sighed……. how it has changed. I have to be very, very careful how I speak to a Malay unlike in the past, we can banter and joke about anything, be it vulgar or otherwise.
October 16th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
“When criminals become judges, virtuous deeds get criminalized.
Remember, even former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir could not get voted in as a lowly UMNO delegate. That was a blemish not on him but on UMNO.”
Mr.M Bakri Musa,
I readily agree with yout first sentence above. But Who is responsible for this sad state of affairs.Unlike The USA where judges are voted into office Malaysian “criminals” are appointed by the YDPA on the advice of the PM.
So Mr.Surgeon if the Bench is infested with unethical roaches the blame and blemish should be born by the PM of the day because he let it happen.
Universal Dharma : REAP WHAT YOU SOW stands true even in the days of GM Foods.
October 16th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
I regret
the typo error in line one- your not yout.
October 16th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
borne by not born by …sorry .It is 4am in Malaysia so I should be forgiven.
October 16th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
Dr Bakri
Congratulations for having done so well for yourself and being in a position to be doing what you are doing. I agree whole-heartedly that politics is not the only way to “fight for the cause” (Sorry, Din Merican). In fact I would go so far as to say that once you enter politics, you abandon the cause. However not many of us are in the same position, that we do not ‘cari makan’ in this country. Some contractor/professional friends and I were recently lamenting the extent of corruption that’s going on in the country, not just in government but corporate bodies. I asked if any of them would walk away from a job that required a bribe. Hell, that would mean closing shop altogether! The idea of the game nowadays is to establish a reputation that you deliver (the bribe, that is, not necessarily the job) and that you don’t appear judgmental (kita sama-sama cari makan, apa?). In this regard, we Malays are handicapped as buyers/decision makers tend to be more inhibited with us. It is for this reason that we see more and more Malay professionals joining you, Dr Bakri in working overseas. Is this a good trend? I don’t know.
October 17th, 2007 at 12:53 am
Doc..I think you are wrong not to join politics. All the examples you gave are of your friends who have joined UMNO. WHY not join PKR? Join UMNO for what? Unless you don’t plan to change the status quo??
October 17th, 2007 at 3:57 am
Mr Musa is not a fool.
He won’t waste his time playing for a losing team.
Can you imagine a super league player playing for a thrid division team against Manchester United and hoping to win?
That’s like PKR against UMNO.
Victor, you do no justice to your nickname.
October 17th, 2007 at 6:12 am
political activism doesn’t need to be ‘domiciled’, it could come from anywhere.
March on!!!..all roads lead to Rome
October 17th, 2007 at 7:37 am
Whether we like it or not, Malays, which form the majority race in Malaysia, are the ‘back bone’ of the country. The important thing here is to vote according to the ability and trustworthiness of candidates, and not blindly based on political parties.
It is unavoidable for any parties voted in to form a government, to help the poor and weak, which are mainly Malays. But to help them in proper manner and not giving ‘tongkat’. To help the poor is not to make them ‘rich’ but to ‘enrich’ them. Equal opportunity in good education is the first step to enrich Malaysia, not through racial policies.
October 17th, 2007 at 8:58 am
Doc,ur thoughts are brilliant.hope that more profesional malaysian abroad will have time to pen down fruitful suggestions as u did.hats up to you.no fear no favour.
October 17th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
Doc.
I enjoy reading every piece of ur writing. Like Johan, I have even bought many of your books albeit not all. I read and apply the speak of your mind into today’s scenario and found out that it was true, to highest and greatest extent. Time and again, reading ur books and article could some way or another, lift me up from the state of oblivion. I even encourage my colleagues, staff, families and friends to have some time reading ur writings so that they too could realise the deplorable state of affair we are in, both in administration and financial region.
That notwithstanding, I remain to check and balance myself and those under my care and concern that if we cant change the scenario, we should apply to ourself that is not to become like them, at least.
Keep going Doc. Ur are doing justice not only to urself but to all of us Malaysians reading ur write-ups to have a balance view on what is happening in our surrounding.
Sallam
P/s: I came across a car with a sticker at the bonnet - We love Pak Lah!
Wow..what an admiration to our PM. (I reckon Johan must have one).
October 18th, 2007 at 2:09 am
Dr.Bakri musa,
Let barking dogs bark, Keep your caravan moving.
There will come a time when they will see the light of day.
I have read your articles and find it very practical and
is of substance.
The only problem is, i dont think and cant imagine if those
powers that be will ever understand what you write or
suggestions are all about.
Please add a few tips on how they can make a “Killing”
on your ideas to improve education in malaysia, and WALLA, Plan accepted as best on earth.
Keep up your good work.
Sometimes fools dont see the light of day. So why worry, Big wheels keep on turning,
Thank you Dr Bakri for your inputs in and out of your blog.
October 18th, 2007 at 4:39 am
Dear Doc,
It is true that everyone is entitled to their own opinion (be it good or bad) but I hope you do not stop writing. Your views and opinions ‘DO’ make a difference. If before many like myself never bothered to register or choose to exercise our right to ‘vote’ will now do so..because of bloggers like you, rocky, marina & many many more…
Without all of you we the ‘Malaysian’ public will be ignorant of what is truly going on. Forget about the current media; newspapers in Malaysia are now nothing more than mere entertainment and tabloid. It makes me angry at how the govt. assumes that Malaysian’s are stupid. Even the ordinary ‘Mak Jah’ and ‘Pak Mat’ are aware of the blantant injustice that is happening here.
I do not believe that one has to be a politician to right the wrongs in this country. As they say, if you lie with the dogs you end up with fleas..and I think you are a much more classier Gentlemen than that.. But I do however believe like you, we do what we know how best to do and pray that it will make a difference.
Because of you I will vow to influence every unregistered voter I meet to make exercise their right this election…do keep on writing doc..
October 18th, 2007 at 4:42 am
Bakri. I have disagreed much with the views that you hold, but I certainly share your grief for the state of near dictatorial (a smart lawyer friend now close to the 4th floor once called ‘authoritarian’) control that Pak Lah and his Lah-ist cronies now have on government. To some extent, it is no surprise with Tun Musa Hitam being his key advisor, he with the blood of Memali in his hands as you may recall…
I would urge you though to take the effort to translate your words above to Malay. The result will be a stronger exposure of a real problem that is malignant in our community.
Ikhlas berjuang juga di perantauan…
October 18th, 2007 at 4:47 am
Btw, fret not too much about the private advise from the police as in truth…
1 - The authorities would kill others before you if they could, and they haven’t yet…
2 - It is normal for SB to harass your friends in this way as they have no direct access to you. Even in more normal climes, they would take this ‘precaution’ to understand if you are working for a specific interest, either internal or external when you write… and asking a simple question for refutal or affirmation is never straight-forward in these matters.
I have been under SB sights for years… even from my early 90’s anti-Anwar days (I started early in realising his hypocracy, thanks to my family). They are benign to marginally beneficial for the most part. Just doing their job…
October 19th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
One of the things which I thank my parents for is that they left M’sia for their children’ sake. I do not think I will ever visit M’sia again because of one reason … Disappointment.
Everything I receive a call from my mom about M’sia, it is always bad news … whether is it my uncle been bashed up, an aunt being a snatch-theft victim or a gang burnt down a cousin’s shop.
When my M’sian relatives visit, they always whine about the place, the latest being sending a space tourist to fund Russia.
When the country leaders’ do not dare to let a good doctor set foot, is there any hope for leaders who cares or wish to serve the people.
If the M’sian people follow their leaders into corruption, and corruption touches everyone, the country basically became a ‘gone’ case.
M’sian political leaders - shame on you all.
October 21st, 2007 at 11:08 pm
I do not think you are any threat to UMNO. UMNO fear more voices of dissent within than without UMNO. There is nothing to stop you from returning.
I really hope you are not trying use that as excuse. Lets not be apologetic of your good going medical practise and comfortable life ther. Its not a sin to have it.
One thing, I do not agree with Johan is his notion that one must be in involced with partisan politics to be effective and bring about social change. Pen … or keyboard could be mightier than the power of politics, if smartly applied.
Many tend to go beyond their scope of skillset, capability and capacity to attempt to bring change. Not anyone can be politicians, just like only handful of people/politicians can write or grasp the issue presented before them.
Politicians can communicate or articulate issues and influence people… particularly the intellectually challenged ones. THis is perhasp the limitation and weakness of many intellectual and professional entering
politics. Do not believe that you ability to grasp can translate into votes.
Can we stomch the hypocrasy attached with partisan politics, ruling or opposing?
To each his own ….
October 22nd, 2007 at 1:41 pm
Dear Dr Bakri,
I salute you. Thank you for all your writing. You are a true patriot of Malaysia and the world. Badawi is a shameless man and a hypocrite of the highest order!
Best regards,
Hock Aun
October 25th, 2007 at 10:05 am
I beg to differ. Sorry that I have to say this. Well, the bottom line is, Mr Bakri Musa’s writings are still not much more than the reflection and opinion of a Malaysian living abroad. Other than giving us an ‘outsider’s perspective’ on political issues in this country, he has nothing much to tell.
October 27th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Everybody please visit this site:
http://www.aiseh.com/story.php?title=Why_M-_Bakri_Musa_warned_not_go_home
And click on ‘Vote’ to push this story to the top of the page.
Mr. Jeff Ooi, please ask your readers to do the same.
December 31st, 2007 at 5:44 am
Dear Dr Bakri,
I agree with some of your comments. But when you speak of Islam, my hair stands one end. Your comments on Islam are shallow - and are no different from the voice of people in the West - the prejudiced ones. Do you not realise that most of those who support you wholeheartedly on Islamic issues are non-Muslims (judging from their truncated names).
Malaysian Muslim.