Sivin Kit’s Garden

Komas doing a great job with good resources. click on the picture for more.

My more wordy supplement (with a Christian flavor opening, extras and closing) can be found in Who would Jesus Vote for in Elections 2008 Malaysia?

Government Committed To Implementing Islamic Law - PM

I wonder whether my friend Hasrizal thinks about this. Thoughts my friend?

Who Needs an Islamic State?

What I found helpful is to note the diversity of views within the Muslim community in this matter …

70,000 MORE VOTERS

This is why while many are encouraged by a possible wind of change, there are hard realities we face.

Surviving GE 2008: Or A Skeptics Guide to the Difficult Choices Before Us

We will survive right?

Have Christians learned the costly lesson?

Christians will remember

How will the Christians respond this elections?  And more importantly, what’s the long term steps we need to take?

101 East- Malaysian elections- 28 Feb 08- Part 1

101 East- Malaysian elections- 28 Feb 08- Part 2

Will Race-Based Politics Dominate the 2008 Elections?

Organised by:

Title: Election 08 - Change in the Air?

Date: Sunday, 2nd March 2008

Time: 3-5pm

Venue: Council of Churches Malaysia, 10, Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya

Sitting Capacity: 50 people

The 12^th General Elections is around the corner. There has been some debate on whether voting trends have changed in recent years – have voters become more sophisticated in voting according to principles and ideologies? Or will Malaysians continue the traditional route of choosing candidates based purely on race? How will the political framework change in coming years? What issues can Malaysians expect to see influencing results of 8^th March? What change, if any, can we expect?

Join us as Tricia Yeoh, Director of the CPPS, moderates an informal discussion with Dr. Farish Noor & Malik Imtiaz this Sunday afternoon.

Dr. Farish Ahmad-Noor is a Senior Fellow at the Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore where he is Director of Research for the Research Cluster on Transnational Religion in Southeast Asia.  He is also guest affiliated Professor at both Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) and Sunan Kalijaga Islamic University, Jogjakarta. He is the author of ‘Writings on the War on Terror’ (2006), ‘From Majapahit to Putrajaya’ (2005) and ‘Islam Embedded: The Historical Development of PAS’ (2004).

Malik Imtiaz Sarwar is a leading Malaysian human rights lawyer and activist and the current president of the National Human Rights Society (HAKAM). Through HAKAM and a coalition of NGOs called Article 11 (after the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion) of which HAKAM is a member, he has been actively involved in efforts to promote the rule of law and constitutionalism, particularly in the face of worrying trends of Islamization and race politics in government and wider society. He further actively promotes a civil rights discourse both in and outside court.

Tricia Yeoh is currently the Director of the Centre for Public Policy Studies, at the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI) in Kuala Lumpur, an independent and non-partisan think-tank in Malaysia. Her current work involves engaging in national socioeconomic issues through rigorous research, analysis and active fostering of policy dialogue through public consultations and open discussion. She is also involved in ROH (Revolution of Hope), an ecumenical group of theological thinkers and societal activists, and writes occasionally on Malaysian socio-political issues on her personal blog and other random sites.

Please contact Shu Yi at shuyi@cpps.org.my / 012-2113391 for more details.

Interview with Mahathir Muhammad

The Former Prime Minister speaks his mind …

What do you think of the possibility of Mr Hishamuddin Hussein or Mr Khairy Jamaluddin playing a bigger role in Umno after the elections?

.I think if you follow them, it will be disastrous for the party.

A little girl’s open letter to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi

How can one not be moved by this letter?

Pro-Opposition sentiment rising in Penang

I get the same feeling to here in KL …. I wonder how all this will turn out into votes?

A retired police personnel, for his part, informed me he heard some “influential” grapevine people in the Weld Quay area have been telling Chinese Malaysians that even if the Opposition were to put up a monkey as a candidate in their area, vote for the monkey! Such is the sentiment in some circles.

Many Indian Malaysians already appear to have swung to the Opposition, riding on the Makkal Sakthi fervour. Everyday, I receive SMSes from Indian Malaysians urging people to vote for the Opposition. These SMSes come from the most unlikely sources, from people you would not normally think as being politically concerned or awakened.

PJ Selatan : Of two Lims, a Lee and a Hee

Another effort by the Catholic church as a service to help church members understand the issues and in this case their candidates.  The Protestants are catching up this round  … I’m keeping an eye to see how the candidates perform.

Lee was Mr Cool, sure of himself and his facts, smiling when ADUN Lim made snide remarks about his party’s manifesto, relaxed on stage and refusing to bite the bait thrown at him.

He gave sound suggestions for the future of PJ, like “Why don’t you take development away from the city centre?” and asked, “Why are monsters like IJM allowed to happen?” Most of all, Lee recognized where he stood and would stand in the scheme of things if he got elected. He said, “I believe a responsible ADUN and responsible councillors should meet up with people before plans are put up and displayed. Meet up before and not after the decisions are made and pushed down people’s throats. We have irresponsible councillors appointed. We should have elected councillors in the country. It’s about time people are empowered.”

How Does One Endorse A Friend?

One of the challenges in our Malaysian Elections is that time is short during the campaign period to REALLY get to know the candidates. But in the dawn of the internet age, it’s nice to be able to read also the more personal side of some candidates which helps to know them as a person and their character. While competence is an important consideration like in all functions, character goes a longer way … 

When Nazmi returned to Malaysia upon completing his studies, he started work with a government linked corporation, Permodalan Nasional Berhad, as part of his contractual obligations attached with his scholarship. It was, perhaps, during this time that he saw how bad things really were at home, the underlying ethnic tensions, runaway corruption, et al. He then made a very difficult decision to terminate his contract, subjecting himself to repaying quite a large sum of money back to PNB, and join Anwar Ibrahim’s staff as his private secretary.

One can tell the measure of a man by the fruits shown and Nazmi has always shown himself to be sacrificial and committed in his task for what he perceives to be the common good.

So Who The Heck Is Loh Gwo Burne?

I think many people asked this question …. apart from being the one who recorded the Linggam video, and come forward to testify …

‘Islam Hadari’ Cannot Correct Itself

Someone asked me what I felt about "Islam Hadari" as propounded by the current caretaker Prime Minister (Note: Not asking about Islam specifically …).  I had to pause before I answered … and Farish says it better than I do.

It would seem rather odd, not least for Malaysia-watchers overseas, that despite the talk of the ‘moderate and progressive’ brand of normative Islam that has been bandied about in Malaysia under the general theme of ‘Islam Hadari’ (Civilisational Islam) that the practice of normative Islam in Malaysia seems anything but moderate and progressive. Among the latest instances normalised abnormality include the seizure of Bibles from a Malaysian Christian returning from the Philippines, on the grounds that the Bibles had to be checked by the Ministry of Home Affairs for security reasons; the demolition of Hindu temples that were said to have been built illegally; the furore over the conversion of Malaysians from one religion to another, etc.

Recently a loose coalition of Muslim NGOs have also put forward their demands to the Malaysian government and all the parties contesting the 12th General Elections of Malaysia, calling on them to defend the status of Islam and to explicitly reject the idea that Malaysia is a secular state. The Islamist NGOs also voiced their concern about the very notion of religious pluralism in the country, and called for the stricter implementation of Islamic rules and laws that already exist in Malaysia.

Yet while these exclusive demands are being voiced in the public domain, the Malaysian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi maintains that Malaysia is a progressive and moderate Muslim country. How does Malaysia qualify as a moderate country when books are routinely vetted and banned by the authorities, when the moral police are allowed to conduct raids into people’s homes, and when even the discussion of religious pluralism is seen as anathema for so many?

Religious Liberty Watch

The objectives of this blog are:

• Assess prospects for religious liberty and explore new social/legal initiatives to strengthen religious liberty in Malaysia
• Inform the public on trends and current controversies of religious rights and multicultural politics
• Explore Christian public theology for social engagement and develop resources that help in strengthening Religious Liberty and Pluralistic Democracy
• Facilitate networking among lawyers and Christian leaders who are addressing current issues and development pertaining to religious liberty and Islamization and dhimminization of non-Muslims.

A Promise Already Not Kept

I think many of us would be more of an independent in terms of issues and specific candidates like Marina who’s post here Elections, oh elections… is worth some time.  The challenge of course is how all this translates when the systems in place need a major revision for "us" independents to operate fully. I started with the Father and ended this series of links with the Daughter. And now, a quick excerpt from the original link.

1. Sexist MP, Datuk Mohamad Said Yusuf, Jasin has been dropped from the 2008 Election. This is a victory for the JAG’s campaign against sexism and discrimination at the Parliament. However, there are still thirteen (13) more sexist MPs who have been nominated for this General Election. They are:
i. YB Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan)
ii. YB Mohamed bin Aziz (BN-Sri Gading)
iii. YB Badaruddin bin Amiruldin (BN-Jerai)
iv. YB Idris Haron (BN-Tangga Batu)
v. YB S. Samy Vellu (BN-Sungai Siput)
vi. YB Raja Dato’ Ahmad Zainuddin bin Raja Haji Omar (BN-Larut)
vii. YB Dr Mohamad Hayati bin Othman (PAS-Pendang)
viii. YB Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian)
ix. YB Shabudin Yahaya (BN-Permatang Berangan)
x. YB Datuk Jasmin Mohamad (BN-Sungai Dua)
xi. Timbalan Yang di-Pertua Dato’ Haji Muhamad bin Abdullah
xii. Tuan Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar (BN-PBB-Santubong)
xiii. YB Abdul Fatah Harun (PAS-Rantau Panjang)

Malaysia needs a strong Opposition

For those of us who talk a lot, how about a walk …?

So what should Malaysians do? Firstly, in a country where voting is not compulsory, they should vote. There’s no point complaining on internet blogs but not bothering to vote.

Given the Opposition’s unpreparedness to govern, the Malaysian Government is best returned. But it does deserve a good, hard kick. Even more, it needs a significant and strong Opposition to help it govern better. It needs greater accountability and scrutiny, which a strong Opposition in Parliament will help provide. That is what good governments everywhere have and need.

Of course, tiny Singapore is an exception but Singapore is a country in name only. The reality is that the Singapore Government is a glorified city council.

Malaysia, on the other hand, is a diverse and complex country that wants to be modern. It needs to be governed
like one.

Coalition Politics: Beyond the Glue of Power

More longer term thinking …

Raising the Keris

It’s a lecture, but then more than a lecture …

Will your lecture take to task Umno politicians, namely Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein Onn who has, over the past two party general assemblies, publicly brandished the keris despite the disquiet from other ethnic communities and even other Barisan Nasional component parties?
I am not going to use the lecture to admonish particular individuals, but I also think that we need to remind our politicians – all politicians, and from all parties – that if they really want to become politicians, then one of the first things they lose is the right to a private life. Politicians are public figures, and they will be judged by their Malaysian electorate as well as by history.

So, if and when they behave badly and do irresponsible things, then we and the historians among us will be there to remind them of their mistakes. Remember, Hishammuddin was not the only Umno politician who brandished the keris in public. In fact, since the early 1970s, Umno has been engaged in this task of re-defining the keris as a weapon and a symbol of the Malays on an exclusive basis. The keris has lost its cultural and historical roots since then, and has been manipulated and instrumentalised ever since.

Let us not forget that other Umno politicians like the current (caretaker) Deputy Prime Minister (Datuk Seri) Najib Razak also took part in the Kampung Baru demonstration in 1987 when slogans like “This keris will drink blood” were shouted about by their supporters. Should they be allowed to forget these incidents? Do we let them get away with it?

Reminding politicians of their irresponsible behaviour is in fact the duty of citizens, especially academics like me who are political-historians. It is by constantly keeping the politicians in check that we make sure they remain accountable to us, and behave properly

An open letter to ALL Malaysians …

another kick to walk …

It is meaningless for us to complain about our Parliamentarians and the Government, if we do not first discharge a simple but sacrosanct duty of choice.

Let us all take the time to look into the beautiful but expectant eyes of our children, and of the children of many others for whom we care. The future of our nation is meant for them. But millions of them cannot vote. They put their fate in our hands. They rely on us not just for their present living and support. They rely on us, too, to vote for a better future for them.

And after discharging our duty to vote, we must continue to be vigilant, and ensure that our elected representatives account for their actions, and make good their promises.

I was asked to write a short about 500 words piece for a local Christian magazine. I managed to squeeze out the following words I used it as an opening for a compilation learning guide for my church and any one interested here … Who would Jesus Vote for in Elections 2008 Malaysia? Feel free to download it and share it with others.

8^th of March 2008 is an exciting day. It’s International Woman’s Day. It’s Datuk Sami Vellu’s birthday. It’s my daughter’s 3 year old birthday. And it’s Election Day for Malaysians. I was seriously humoured when I saw the Mak Bedah from the Women’s Candidacy Initiative (WCI) looking for a candidate to nominate as an educational effort to the public on women’s issues. Talking with my friend who services our photocopy machine has awakened me to the heart issues boiling in his community made public by HINDRAF. Like it or not, with all the promises made by the politicians, I constantly wonder what kind of environment will my little Elysia and her brothers grow into in the next 4 years or 40 years.

So, for those who are voting, who should we vote for? And what should be on our minds when we cast our vote? Some Christians might say, “how you vote isn’t going to change the world, but how you live.” Good point . I used to think that way and it does sound right. Surely putting our faith in politics to sort out our world’s problems is misguided. Jesus didn’t come to start a political party. Apostle Paul wrote about submitting to the government in Romans 13. So, perhaps we should just pray. Perhaps.

But then, in Mary’s song in opening chapters of the Gospel of Luke, the vision of the Kingdom of God moves with the heartbeat of the child in her womb:

“His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.”

The birth of Jesus sowed seeds of change which surely involves changed individual lives, but also the way people relate to one another in the world. The way apostle Paul handled the case of Onesimus in the letter to Philemon is socially and politically subversive. So, there is more than meets the eye when we try to find guidance on politics in the Bible.

Politics is one of the ways we relate to each other – it’s here to stay, at least until the final chapters of history wrap up. As long as I’m still living in this world, I realized that “how I vote” will send a message to those who are aspiring to fulfil their promises of good governance the kind of values they should be operating with. It also reminds me to keep my end of the bargain in living up to the expectations I have on them. A more informed, prayerful, discerning vote reflects the changes in me, and how I want to live – mercy, justice, and humility are good starting points to echo Prophet Micah 6:8. These are also the words resonating in my heart when I cast my vote, and the lens which I view the candidates (as well as the political parties they represent).

So, while I won’t put all my eggs in the basket of political promises of political parties. Change in Malaysia involves more than politics, but change in Malaysia cannot ignore the political processes and the environment where these changes need to happen.

So, I’m ready to drive to the polling station on that day. It’s one vote. At least to me, I want to make it count – for equality and the dignity of all, for the marginalized and the poor, and for the future of our children. That’s where I see then heart of Jesus. That’s what will guide my vote, as a Christ-follower, that’s where I stand I can do other.

I must say the kind of comedy coming out from our context with some globalized influenced is fascinating!

As our nation prepares for the coming elections, we call on all Christians to be conscious of your responsibility as good citizens and to exercise your right to vote. Do familiarize yourselves with biblical principles on issues central to you and our nation, information on candidates and programmes of the various political parties. Pray for discernment and foresight.

In order to cast votes responsibly, we invite you to prayerfully CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

1. What the bible says about our primary concerns

   Based on the opinion poll commissioned by The Star newspaper, the cost of living, social issues, crime rates and illegal immigrants are central to the concerns of the survey participants. As Christians, we are also concerned about issues which God is concerned about.

   In the Bible we learn that God is righteous and just, merciful and loving. Whilst he has given us freedom of choice, he wills a good life for all human beings in a society that is spiritually and morally grounded.

   God desires peace and goodwill among all people. In and through his love, we are called to cultivate neighborliness, and promote harmony built on mutual respect.

   The threat to God’s creation is apparent today. God has called humans to act as responsible stewards. The protection of the resources of the earth is for the benefit of all God’s creation.

2. Political Parties: Their Policies And Delivery of Promises

   Assess the political parties on the basis of their policies and promises, their stand on various issues related to justice and fair play, citizens’ rights, national unity, economic development, protection of the environment and welfare of those who are sick, disabled and poor. Is there integrity, honesty and efficiency? Have the parties delivered on their promises? Do their political views and policies reflect God’s standard and Christian values?

3. Candidates

   Examine carefully the ability of candidates, their standard of accountability, integrity, values and leadership skills. Pay attention to their past performance and for their stand on issues related to constitutional rights, civil liberties and the freedom of religion. Have they been consistently accessible and available?

MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO PRAY for candidates in your constituency, the issues herein highlighted and the outcome of the General Elections. Set aside time to pray daily. Organize and participate in local church prayer programmes. We owe to God, ourselves, our future generations and our country to exercise responsibly our privilege to pray and our democratic right to vote. We aspire with all Malaysians to live in a nation, where all citizens may enjoy freedom, love, justice, peace, stability and economic prosperity.

The Christian Federation of Malaysia joins all other Malaysians in expressing the wish that the coming ELECTIONS WILL BE FAIR and there will be no attempt by politicians to publicly misrepresent or miscast any particular issue, or subject any community to unfair and adverse publicity for the purpose of political gain.

MAY GOD’S SPIRIT GUIDE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU to make wise decisions in casting your votes. May the results of the elections be fair and representative of the will of the people of Malaysia, trusting that God’s purpose will always prevail above the affairs of human beings.

Grace and peace to all. Thank you.

Bishop Paul Tan Chee Ing, SJ
President
Bishop Datuk John Lee
Vice President

Rev. Dr. Thomas Philips
Vice President
Rev. Eu Hong Seng
Vice President

ELECTION 2008 - EXAMINE, PRAY AND VOTE

The letter can also be downloaded in the following languages as a PDF :

» Bahasa Malaysia
» English

» ??
» ????

28 February 2008

From : The Bishop’s Office

To : All Congregations of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore

Dear Pastors and Members of the LCMS,

RE: Prayer for the Nation and the 12^th General Elections.

Grace and peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you.

With our country’s 12^th General Elections just around the corner, the Bishop’s Office hereby calls upon all members of the LCMS to fervently uphold this crucial election with your prayers. Kindly encourage one another to pray personally and collectively as a church by using the prayer points as listed in the attached ‘2008 Elections Prayer Leaflet’ as a guide.

Furthermore, all pastors are to encourage their members to exercise their duty as responsible citizens by going to vote on 8 March 2008. Convince them to evaluate their candidates and the political parties they represent before the vote is cast. Consider whether the parties exercise fairness to all citizens and uphold the rights of all Malaysians to have the freedom of worship, and whether the candidates have a good standard of accountability, integrity, honesty and leadership skills.

We pray that God’s grace will be upon this General Election as we strive to build a more just, prosperous and secured nation for our children.

In His Grace,

Bishop Philip Lok

Elections 2008 Prayer Points (Chinese)

Elections 2008 Prayer Points (English)