Be calm and follow these steps

I would like to call upon all Malaysians to do these:

1. Remain calm

2. Do not do anything rash

3. Do not take to the street

4. Do not be instigated by people to demonstrate

5. Just voice it out in your blog, your comments to the blogs, and inform your friends and relatives about the situation

6. Call your Aduns or MPs and voice out your objection about these arrests and urge your representatives to voice out

7. Members of political parties, sms your leaders to pressure them to voice out

We shall object to these draconian acts by using civility and do not fall into the traps of giving the big brother a chance to declare emergency rule……

65 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. bolanliap
    Sep 12, 2008 @ 23:26:03

    Dr Hsu,

    you are right, no demonstration please. mass demo will give the BN goons excuse to declare emergency rule. Umno has already dished out the ISA, it means they are really desperate, it is their last trick. To Gerakan and MCA, this is the time for you to make your stand!!

    Like

  2. wahwah
    Sep 12, 2008 @ 23:32:49

    Gerakan and MCA, if you remain cowed to UMNO despite all these, you may as well shut down and go home now. No one in their right mind will vote for you anymore, ever!

    Like

  3. cilyhot
    Sep 12, 2008 @ 23:37:56

    To Gerakan and MCA,PLEASE HELP THE SIN CHEW REPORTER.She was just doing her job!!!How can they take action against her when she did no wrong??If you do not want people to report what you said,DONT’ SAY IT.I appeal to all conscience available in the hearts of bn mps.Please ask your conscience,DO IT,not for financial gains,but for your conscience for the future of our country.Please cross over for the sake of malaysians.

    Like

  4. Justin Choo
    Sep 12, 2008 @ 23:53:27

    Dr Hsu,

    I took liberty to paste your advice in my blog.

    Like

  5. A true Malaysian
    Sep 12, 2008 @ 23:57:23

    Gerakan, MCA, MIC and other BN parties grassroots,

    All resign from your parties, don’t put hope on your party top leaders.

    Let them do what they be leaders who lead themselves, not you.

    Like

  6. bolanliap
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 00:06:49

    teresa kok is the next victim. apparently rumors say there is a list of candidates circulating around, operasi lalang has begun

    Like

  7. Looking for Hockey players for TVC
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 00:13:39

    Dr

    Still trying to reform from within……….the walls of Kamunting?

    Like

  8. jeff
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 00:16:09

    Umnoputra last ditch effort to create fear among Malaysians to lure massive protest for emergency rule nation wide, don’t be fooled by their trick, massive protest will back track PR state government and recent election n by election victory,beware !!!!

    Like

  9. A true Malaysian
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 00:29:12

    Latest news

    Teresa Kok arrested.

    Like

  10. michelle
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 00:39:33

    badawi is so desperate, despite his fatigue weak look, he has got weapons behind him actually,

    what malaysia has turned into, and what election has spoken, for we have the wrong leader for mahathir also knows that he had given the baton to the wrong person.

    see what will happen, our leader is killing this country, he had the position and power, and he did nothing. he is better off doing nothing than doing something!

    Like

  11. romerz
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 00:42:31

    Dr Hsu,

    If you are still awake, may I have your HP no. through Justin.

    I’m on the way to IPK Penang to join your colleagues already there to lend support.

    I’m already in communication right now with KTK and he is as incensed as am I.

    I need you to be the conduit of information through your blog since I won’t have access to my blog when I’m at IPK.

    Like

  12. Anak Malaysia
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 00:43:05

    Yes, ALL of peace loving Malaysians should adhere to the advise given by doc…

    If you still have any DOUBTS, please go to the Malaysiakini website and read the section under THE REAL STORY OF MAY 13th.

    Be wise. Dont falls into the same trap twice…

    Like

  13. A true Malaysian
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 00:55:43

    Sure, Anak Malaysia, demonstration is not our way. Don’t fall into their trap.

    By the way, just wonder our police brothers & sisters have any conscience? Can you guys see what is happening? Are PM and his team doing the right thing? Just ask yourselves honestly.

    Like

  14. chauncey gardener
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 01:21:50

    It is now makes sense why the Chief of Armed Forces made his statement on civil order (later retracted). This must have been planned in advance.

    Teresa Kok being arrested is really scraping the bottom of the barrel when it was the ex-MB / dentist made a factually wrong statement about Teresa and Utusan reported it without checking facts. Hence the victim is arrested while the perpertuators are free.

    Like

  15. romerz
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 01:31:05

    Just came back from IPK Penang and since I was not allowed entry and there is no gathering of protest outside, I decided to come home instead.

    I think ops lalang 2 may have just begun but thankfully the rakyat are not giving the bastards a chance to use their ultimate weapon.

    We need those MPs in Taiwan to return home and do the right thing!

    The BN must be removed once and for all! No more if or buts!!!

    Like

  16. Wendy
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 01:31:20

    Dr Hsu,

    Thank u for timely advice during this very distressing time.

    The upset stems from the fact that people we love, men and women can just disappear overnight.

    It is worthwhile therefore to stop and take a deep breath before we completely burn our hearts and our conscience from the anger.

    Like

  17. jamesloh
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 01:48:01

    hello stop asking gerakan maca ppp to help..what help they are parties to it..dont be dude..they did it ! only we can help ourselves .tell yr wife husband..yr father mother..yr uncles aunties..call at least 5 people wera black band ard yr arm…! that is action..dont make mca gerakan so important…

    Like

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  19. Frank
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 02:36:38

    My heart is boiling, my pressure has gone up high, I am about to go crazy! What the heck Syed Hamid is trying to prove? Is he working for AAB or Najib?

    What is the rationale behind all these berserk actions?! Are they treating us like herds of rabbit and they want to try our endurance if we can bite? Do they not believe that there is such thing as nemesis and that one day maybe tomorrow, they will have to pay back triple to those whom they have victimized today?! Are they animal or humankind? If they are humankind, why don’t they show some sense of remorse and do things sensibly and fairly and not all to benefit their own political egos!

    You can scare away the tiger with your gun. You can never scare away our will for change with nothing!

    I condemn herewith in the highest order and curse all you ring leaders for contemplating such a brutal, drastic and uncivilized act !!

    Like

  20. petestop
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 02:51:27

    It is really weird actually…

    One day PM as BN Chairman reprimanded Ahmad,
    the next few days, the reporter concerned is arrested under ISA.

    Is PM doing the flip-flop, or is it factions in UMNO doing the flip-flop for him.

    Either way we look at it, Badawi has lost it.

    Like

  21. petestop
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 02:53:10

    I guess “Barisan Spirit” is just for show and govt really is run only by UMNO Ultras.

    Koh Tsu Koon and Ong Ka Ting sure have some answering to do to whoever the supporter left.

    Like

  22. monsterball
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 04:17:42

    Doc is right!
    Don’t fall into a trap to give the government a chance to declare Emergency Rule.
    Against them in spirits and minds.
    Against them with determinations and with no fear.
    Against them…NOT BY DEMONSTRATIONS in the streets..on this matters…but by Mahatma Gandhi’s non violence and prayers…by hope and charity…during this holy month……..by forgiving our enemies…love them…pray for them…..and pray for the innocents…falsely accused.
    Go to church..temples…mosques…pray for those arrested….be strong and well.
    The signs are there….they want streets demonstrations. We must not do it!!
    Keep in your hearts and minds…with determinations…..without fear….to focus on change of government…..right time….right place….right situations.
    Right now…play smart….act smart and be calm.
    Do the OPPOSITE!! Smile and continue your daily work/small businesses…….like any ordinary ……like nothing happen.
    This will frustrate them.
    Demonstrations are for whole of Malaysia’s interests…benefits….for our freedom.
    Treat these arrests as personal matters.
    I am sure RPK..Teresa Kok…and the reporter …will appreciate and understand.

    Like

  23. folo4
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 05:09:39

    hmmm…will this time’s operasi lalang will affect any newspapers?

    Like

  24. Disgusted
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 06:09:18

    Perhaps in order to send a strong message to the idiots at the helm, the rakyat need to do something en masse. But peacefully. A nationwide strike on Monday? How about not showing up for work?

    Like

  25. monsterball
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 06:13:26

    Disgusted..not showing for work..who suffers?

    Like

  26. Kenny Gan
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 07:46:41

    The arrest of Ms Tan and Teresa Kok has inflamed the Chinese community. Gerakan can stay on in BN and be wiped out as a party or it can pull out to keep the last dregs of its support.

    Weak statements of regret will not do. Gerakan, choose your fate!

    Like

  27. jughead
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 10:12:20

    Dr Hsu

    Time is time for Gerakan, MCA and other Eat Malaysian Parties to seriously consider their positions in BN. When UMNO does it w/o consulting other parties. So they should know what to do. The time is right to cross over.

    Like

  28. Low Keing Hooi
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 10:15:50

    I have my strongest feeling of unfairness towards the detention of the reporter under ISA and condemning the tactics BN is using now!

    But, let us monitor closely, what will the components parties of BN to make their stand this time? Still remain silent? Or giving a bundle of excuses that the BN is doing right thing because of national security? Or bravely to insist PM to release the detainees (especially the innocent reporter) or otherwise leave BN for once and for all!

    I see no reason why the wrongdoer (Idiot Ahmad) who incite the racisme do not threat the national security and precluded from detention under ISA, but the innocent and sincere reporter was detained under this harsh and immoral law for the suspicious of threatening the national security! From where can we see the reporter has the to motive to threat the national security? UMNO is indeed has gone crazy because of Anwar Ibrahim and runs out of ideas how to rule and prosperous a country!

    Like

  29. Rights for all
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 10:24:53

    Umno is hoping either of the following will happen;

    1) to get people on to the street and then declare an emergency to take control of the country

    2) Non-Umno beggar component parties will demand their release. Once the 3 are released, praises will be heap upon these parties and expect the voters’ support in the next election.

    Do not fall into their trap

    Like

  30. YL
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 10:32:40

    Dr Hsu,

    I am sure nobody will take to the street as we are NOT barbarians. Malaysians are not orang-orang ganas. By nature, Malaysians are peaceful. We are civilised!

    ISA is nothing but an obsolete tool meant only to certain, still in existence, endangered group of politicians. Only a barbarian will use a barbaric law!

    It is now up to the civilised people of Malaysia to put their votes wisely and make sure barbarians are completely extinct in this peaceful land of Malaysia!

    Like

  31. Dr Hsu
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 10:35:49

    Keing Hooi, the one who set fire may get appointed as adviser, but the one who reported the fire got ISA. What justice is this?

    I have urged Gerakan to gerak immediately out of BN, so association with these fellows only lower the party’s dignity, not that we have much dignity left.

    Spread the word to the grassroots and let us together turn shove to push…

    Like

  32. chaptokam
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 10:40:53

    to wahwah , A true Malaysian , jamesloh , jughead

    I hope we get our perception and priorities right . Lambasting MCA, MIC or Gerakan for this is way out . These political parties were caught in this unwanted mess and are also in a dilemma . They Do Not control the Military nor the Police . UMNO controls everything . Asking MCA or Gerakan will see the establishment of NOC immediately with UMNO in full control . What you are suggesting is exactly what they want . I am a politician and I read them very well . With MCA and Gerakan and other parties out of BN does not mean the end of UMNO , think carefully what I am saying . Thereis another party lying low key by the sides . MCA with the rest has only 18 or more seats . PAS has 26 seats . If they were to join UMNO , the Malays will have absolute control of the govt with more than two thirds majority . Five state governments under PR will be reduced to just one ie Penang . Kelantan , Kedah , Perak will all revert to UMNO/PAS govt. Selangor will still be with PKRwith one seat majority. You can consider that as gone also . You want this situation ot happen , than continue asking MCA and Gerakan to leave . The Malays will be the govt and the Chinese and Indian based parties will ALL be in the opposition .MCA and Gerakan has much to lose in this . Imagine a one man wrecking crew in Ahmad Ismail can deteriorate to this !! So what does that make him out to be ? Agent Provocator ?? Go figure out .

    Do not simply follow what people post in the blogs . They may be having Chinese or Indian usernames but these people are all faceless . They may be PAS or UMNO supporters instigating young people to keep on asking the MCA and Gerakan to leave . Young people as they are not matured enough to see the overall picture . They only see the trees but not the forest .

    Coming back to our issue on hand . The main culprit is UMNO . Direct all comments to UMNO .
    UMNO has resorted to doing this as it has too many issues going and spinning out of control . To remain in power this is what happens . This has been forced into their hands . I had expected this to happen when they were denied two thirds majority immediately after the GE12 . But LOL it did not happen even though they lost two thirds majority and five state governments . If Mahathir had been the PM , that would have been it , Ops Lallang 2 followed up by NOC (emergency rule) .But Badawi didn’t do that . He gracefully accepted the defeat .
    The catalyst or the person responsible for this is none other than Anwar Ibrahim . He doesn’t know when to tone down his rethorics or when to stop but instead continued day and night with his Sept 16 takeover thru katakcracy .
    While the BN govt has legal and democratic mandate from the GE that was only held 6 mths ago, who gave these political hyenas the approval or right to topple the elected govt ?I think if we are to progress to a First World in terms of democracy, we need to start to respect and strengthen the instituitions of law and democracy rather than destroy them to suit his personal wishes.
    Anwar and his cult failed to realise that the way of using undemocratic way to gain power is a double-edged sword. Even if he gains power by an act of political piracy, he will lose his moral ground (that is if he has one to begin with) and there is nothing that to stop BN from using similar tactics to undermine his rule. The end result will be a highly polarised nation with both sides willing to sacrifice democracy,law and ethics to achieve their goals. This will only mean that the country will be plunged to chaos and possibly a civil war that will destroy the nation.
    5 states are held by the PR with a chance to showcase their accountable and transparent governance. This is the time to built up his team but he didn’t do that except with his personal obsession to topple the govt . Why can’t he wait until the next PRU ?
    Ever since the last GE, the only thing that drives PR and Anwar is the quest for power. They have been continually engaged in a war of attrition with BN in undermining them using mostly undemocratic and unethical tactics. Their drama at the Parliament, the use of RPK, bloggers and various proxies in producing disgusting but baseless SDs had only succeeded in putting BN on the defensive and focus on protecting their positions rather than carrying the promised reforms. Much of the BN leadership’s energies are spent on countering political machinations of Anwar rather than ruling the nation.
    Even the sodomy2 issue , if Anwar had not hired Saiful when told he was an UMNO mole , not promoted him on a fast track from worker to aide within 3 mths, not taken with him on his overseas tours , would sodomy2 have happen ? If he had been careful , with all those info about Saiful , so who’s to blame ? Himself or giving UMNO an opportunity to nail him ? Anwser is in my opinion HIMSELF ANWAR .
    With UMNO now in this precarious position having internal disunity and calls for Badawi and Najip to set a sooner transition date and a possibility of being challenge by Tengku Razaleh and Muhyideen and 916 , this ISA arrest is to cushion all these problems within and from outside UMNO .

    There is more to come so keep your cool !

    Like

  33. Rights for all
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 10:42:15

    Umno is riding on the “generosity” of MCA/Gerakan/MIC/PPP/East Malaysian parties as a passport to do whatever it takes to remain in power. These components parties are as equally guilty as sin. As for MCA/Gerakan, all they can do is make some noises. If these 3 persons are released, do expect us to thanked you for your noises. They shouldn’t be detained in the first place.

    Like

  34. Justin Choo
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 10:43:02

    Dr Hsu,

    Your advice appeared in MT, also someone use exact quote to comment in harris Ibrahim

    Don’t fear a dying beast’s last strike, but don’t fall for its rouse either

    Like

  35. chaptokam
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 11:04:48

    Rights for all

    MCA/Gerakan/MIC/PPP/East Malaysian parties as a passport to do whatever it takes to remain in power. These components parties are as equally guilty as sin. As for MCA/Gerakan, all they can do is make some noises.

    If Gerakan and MCA fella are also arrested under ISA what do you think is the next scenerio ? All they can co is make some noises , what about Anwar ? other than also making some noises , whats he doing ? What about PAS ? so brave to protest against foreign artise performing here , where are they now ?? What about LKS and the rest ? Please lah talk with some fairness , never complain about PR component paties and always targeting MCA, MIC and Gerakan .
    Looks like your rights are only for one group of people . Fairness or all Bullshit !!

    Like

  36. Kenny Gan
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 11:04:52

    Dr. Hsu,

    The people are angry but taking to the streets will play into their hands. The only way to resolve this is to pressure Gerakan and MCA to collectively order their MPs to JUMP PR to change the govt.

    MCA has 14 MPs. Gerakan has 2. If they all jump, PR will have no problem taking over the govt and rolling back the mess.

    The problem is we need to pressure the leaders of these 2 parties. Dr. Hsu, can I suggest you publish the handphone nos. and e-mail of Gerakan leaders and MCA too if you have so that we can apply as much pressure on them as possible?

    It’s our last hope.

    As for chaptokam, I can’t see what good your long tirade will do now. Please lah, this is not the time to philosophize and analyze, you’re wasting bandwidth.

    Like

  37. Dr Hsu
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 11:12:18

    Justin, yes, i saw someone is using my mesaage and post it in Haris blog as his own.

    It is not important lah, as long as the message get to more people. But at least he could have acknowledged me.

    I will just let it rest.

    Like

  38. chaptokam
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 11:13:39

    Kenny Gan

    I am trying to talk sense to you and if you think I am wasting time and wasting bandwidth , then you are also having a mental blockage !

    This is not the end , 12 more on the list are you aware ? Won’t be surprise Tian Chua ,etc etc one of them yet to be picked up , funny people not involved in politics talk very funny , go and hope !

    They will if I am not mistaken will be for a very short time , not more than 60 days .Maybe two weeks !

    Like

  39. Kenny Gan
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 11:24:28

    chaptokam,

    with 12 more on the list and you waste your time philosophizing over the past and lost in your moralizing of a change of govt.

    Maybe you can analyze it to death when the dust has settled but it is banal to indulge in it now.

    I’m appealing to Dr. Hsu and others for appropriate response while you philosophize from your armchair about the morality of changing the govt by legitimate peaceful means.

    Like

  40. cilipadi
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 11:27:11

    chaptokam, lets debate over here for easy reference. I reposted my comment here :-

    What I can tell you that PAS will never join Umno. PAS leaders and members are true Muslims, have clear conscience and righteous.

    PAS won’t co-operate with Umno, I am very sure of that. If not, why they can rule Kelantan for so long?

    I guess you are a politician from MCA or Gerakan. With due respect, somehow members of MCA and Gerakan have been influenced or brainwashed by its leaders, who are puppets of Umno. Now is the time you should think ‘multiracial’ which all Malaysians aspire for. You should think as Malaysian first, Chinese second.

    The number games as you commented reflects exactly the ‘fear’ that was embedded in non-Umno BN parties.

    Like

  41. cilipadi
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 11:41:36

    chaptokam,

    I read your response. To me, MCA, Gerakan and for that matter, the rest of BN parties, are IMPOTENT. They just take want Umno give. They take orders from Umno and so on. In short, they are unable to do what Malaysians want. They don’t even what to hear what their grassroots say.

    So, the best things to do now is for those grassroots to resign en masse and let their masters to continue listen and take orders from their warlord Umno.

    PAS is definitely not like Umno. They can be young and old groups, but their aims still ‘one direction’.

    PAS WILL NEVER FALL INTO UMNO’S TRICK IN THE NAME OF MALAY UNITY.

    Just go and read Malaysiakini article here.

    http://malaysiakini.com/opinions/89389

    chaptokam, I understand your fear, but please throw away your fears and lead your comrades to resign en mase.

    Like

  42. eugene
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 11:42:55

    It was reported that people (non malay) in Raja Uda, Berapit & BM are very angry of the arrest of RPK, Terasa and Tan of Sin Chew. This is expected, I just hope that these people do not fall into Amno trap by taking to the street or do anything irrational . . . . . . Dr Hsu, do you think you can use your influence or contact to calm these people dowm, not just through the media but face to face and explain to them.

    Like

  43. Umno Member
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 12:03:12

    You guy are too free?? Don’t forget Malaysia is belonging to our Umno, not Malay, especially Chinese or Indian. Be careful of your words, otherwise we can use ISA to arrest you. Without Umno, you guy just like a shit, this country can success is because of Unmo. We are now taking actions to against those not supported Unmo and soon this country will become normal again. Najib will sure become the next Prime Minister of Malaysia, so remember do not do anything stupid.

    Like

  44. DSvT
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 12:37:05

    Good post~
    Interesting~

    1st time at here~
    Halo~

    Like

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  48. shankar
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 14:35:46

    Dr Hsu,

    capital flight of 1.1 Billion US dollars in August alone..

    Badawi must have been threatened by the General, and out of fear for him he pulled this shit. Could you imagine if Malaysia had a Government like… No Barisan.. Don’t show up for work on Monday and Tuesday. And to all those want a real Malaysia vote right.

    On my part I will call my congressman in my state to look into the state of affairs. Reduce investments in Malaysia.

    Careful of the ass General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar and this bum Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar. They will use ” protect the wishes of the majority “.

    Just a thought..
    How could the King of Malaysia watch this injustice?

    His function is ??????????

    Like

  49. PKR Member
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 14:39:56

    Umno Member

    Are you issuing a threat here ! Take your Under Mahathir No Opposition party and fark off .

    Like

  50. Dr Hsu
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 14:55:29

    shankar, welcome . And glad u managed to find my blog.

    Yes. Please lobby the leaders overseas since the ISA is against the Universal Declaration of HUman Rights, and Malaysia is one of the signatories.

    Like

  51. chaptokam
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 14:58:17

    cilipadi

    PAS won’t co-operate with Umno, I am very sure of that. If not, why they can rule Kelantan for so long?

    PAS was with BN once and thet left . Yes they have rule Kelantan for so long simply because Tok is fair to everyone . They allow the Buddhist to bild the biggest sleeping Buddha in Kelantan , They allowed a lot of things that the BN would not even dream off like giving the Indians a bigger piece of land to built their kuil or temples . However Tok is getting old and cannot last forever . There is now the emergence of young impatient turks within the party as can be seen lastly where a few issues like woman cannot wear high heels to work , cannot put lipstick when going to work , protesting all foreign singers from performing in Malaysia ( recent one in Selangor until the Sultan has to step in to interfere) .
    Yes they have tasted Power and now want more . In view of all these incidents can you guarantee they would still stick to ideologies of Tok Aziz . Ple see this article :

    PAS: Caught between Old and New

    by

    Dr. Farish Noor

    Excerpts: Read here for more

    Now the cat is out of the bag and the whole of Malaysia knows that there have been secret backroom dealings between UMNO and PAS; ostensibly to bring the two parties together in the name of Malay-Muslim communal solidarity.

    We need to pause a while and look at the political factors at work.

    Frankly, I see little of Islam or Islamic ethics at work in this latest round of UMNO-PAS dialogue.

    Some basic historical facts:
    • PAS has, in the past, already been part of the BN UMNO-led alliance in the mid-1970s. This was during the time when PAS was led by Asri Muda, perhaps the most ethno-nationalist among PAS’s leaders and a man who was seen by many as a Malay first and a Muslim second.
    • PAS’s entry into the BN was not without opposition: Many PAS leaders and members abandoned the party and gave up on the Islamist struggle for good.
    • When PAS was in the BN it had to toe the BN line and even contested on the BN ticket.
    • PAS was discredited in the eyes of an entire younger generation of Malaysians and this opened the way for the rise of new Islamist groups like ABIM and Darul Arqam instead.
    • PAS’s marriage of convenience led to it being effectively emasculated by UMNO and when it finally left the BN in late 1970s, its base-state Kelantan was in a shambles where a state of Emergency had been declared.
    • PAS lost Kelantan and it took the party more than a decade before it won it back in 1990.
    It is for this reason that PAS veterans like Tuan Guru Nik Aziz feel so strongly that this latest round of dialogues between UMNO and PAS should stop. He senses hidden hands that are out to instrumentalise PAS yet again.

    But who are the ones who are trying to bring PAS and UMNO together?

    The Young Superficial Islamic Conservatives

    Among the PAS leaders who are trying to engineer this deal, are the younger PAS leaders who were not even members of the party in the 1970s, and hence they do NOT have the same bitter memories of betrayal and defeat like Nik Aziz does.

    Looking at the profile of some of these PAS (younger) leaders, we see that they tend to come from the more outwardly conservative faction who seem more interested in superficial aspects of Islam and Islamisation such as dress codes, making people go to mosques, promoting dakwah (missionary) activities and the like.

    The Progressive PAS Leaders

    There are also new, progressive forces in the party that understand the need to bring PAS into the political mainstream and to make the party relevant to the Malaysian public as a whole, regardless of race and religion.

    These are the PAS leaders who were at the forefront of the BERSIH campaign for free and fair elections, the ones who have been calling for more transparency and accountability, the ones who have tried to re-construct PAS into a modern, relevant Islamist party with national aspirations.

    Between these two factions, who were the ones who helped to give PAS its victory at the recent March elections?

    It is obvious that PAS’s gains this time round were partly due to the efforts of the PAS progressives who had managed to re-invent the party’s image as a modern Islamic party that is more concerned with economic-structural issues like transparency, accountability, free elections, free press and democracy.

    These were the issues that captured the minds of the new electorate in Malaysia, and not questions like what length a Muslim’s beard ought to be.

    Furthermore, it was they who managed to secure the support of thousands of non-Malay and non-Muslims who voted for PAS as part of the Pakatan Rakyat on the basis of trust (amanah) and were willing to give PAS a chance to prove that it could reach beyond its Malay-Muslim electorate and speak for all Malaysians.

    Diminishing Trust for PAS

    As a result of this current round of UMNO-PAS negotiations, PAS’s image as a new, modern Islamic party is being diminished by the day.

    So is the trust and confidence of the Malaysian electorate, in particular the non-Malays and non-Muslims, who in the end may conclude that PAS’s appeals to the Malaysian nation as a whole was just cosmetic and that in the final analysis, despite calling itself an Islamist party, it is simply a Malay party concerned about Malay issues and promoting Malay interests.

    How can PAS ever hope to recover the goodwill of the non-Malay and non-Muslim voters who voted for them, should PAS lose their trust?

    It is also ironic that PAS is being courted by its arch-nemesis UMNO, when we consider the simple historical fact that it was UMNO that has been demonising PAS all along.

    Have we forgotten the clashes of the mid-1980s, like:
    • the Memali incident (leading to the killing of PAS leader Ibrahim Libya and his followers),
    • Operation Kenari (that led to arrests of PAS members and the accusation of PAS harbouring militants),
    • the KMM and al-Maunah incidents when PAS was again accused of having links with terrorist groups?
    So is this new Hadari version of UMNO now about to cut a deal with the very same PAS that they have been accusing of being militant and radical?

    If so, what will this do to the image of the Malaysian government if and when it has this very same ‘militant’ PAS in its company?

    Which brings us to the last point: For more than three decades now the Islamisation race between UMNO and PAS has witnessed UMNO’s sustained attack on PAS as a party that is cast as fundamentalist, reactionary, militant and dangerous.

    Now as a result of the poor showing of the BN at the March 2008 elections, UMNO is doing another volte-face and courting PAS in the name of Malay racial and communal solidarity.

    Like

  52. chaptokam
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 15:05:34

    shankar

    On my part I will call my congressman in my state to look into the state of affairs. Reduce investments in Malaysia.

    Reduce investments in Malaysia affect all Malaysians . You are not teaching those in Power a lesson , they couldn’t care two hoods what you do as long as they are in power . If you want to help get your congressman to write a complaint letter tp the Human Rights division of the UN . And get them to apply pressure from there , Not punishing Malaysians by reducing investments .

    Like

  53. cilipadi
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 15:17:20

    chaptokam,

    Thanks for your lengthy response.

    Political climate is in fact very ‘fluid’ and hard to say YES or NO.

    For the last 50 years or so, Malaysian placed a big YES to Umno and BN. But, this time around, I still feel that they wish to shift the big YES to Pakatan Rakyat eventhough some of the non-Malays are still skeptical on PAS as you described.

    But, never try, never know. Right? So, why not trying for new things to come?

    Like

  54. chaptokam
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 15:49:15

    cilipadi

    Political climate is in fact very ‘fluid’ and hard to say YES or NO.

    You are spot on !! thats why don’t make hasty decisions . Let the show play itself out . I hope the two ladies will be released ASAP, its really very irresponsible and unfair to arrest them under ISA .
    The one responsible doesn’t get arrested , the messenger gets arrested . This looks like the grand finale to Pak Lah being played . or Rome is burning .

    Like

  55. chaptokam
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 15:51:51

    First time I see someone posting very sensible comments ! That’s very promising .

    Like

  56. cilipadi
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 16:00:52

    chaptokam,

    Civilized discussions bring ‘sense’ in our thinking.

    Neither all in Umno and BN are ‘bad’ nor all in Pakatan Rakyat are ‘good’.

    We need time and patience to talk ‘sense’ to some people so to achieve equilibrium into a system.

    Winners will not take all and neither losers will lose all.

    Important thing is to bring back conscience in whatever decisions we make.

    Like

  57. PKR Member
    Sep 13, 2008 @ 18:14:17

    Hey Dr and Everyone

    Good News the Sin Chew reporter has been released today according to Botak the Home Minister . He mentioned Tan held for her own safety , What utter Rubbish , think we are all chidren ! under ISA for her own safety ? What an idiot making such statement .
    Overzealous (S)haw (B)rothers of Peace Hill simply groping anyone just to show their producers and directors they are doing their job . This is a very bad production and their movie has received very bad ratings from the public .

    Like

  58. Tan Joo Seng
    Sep 14, 2008 @ 15:55:10

    Why Dr Hsu is still with Gerakan???

    This I cannot understand.

    Why do you want to partner with racist party like UMNO?

    Why do you want to be a partaker in the persecution of Anwar Ibrahim (i.e. the so-called liwat case)?

    Where is your good conscience Dr Hsu?

    I urge you to either ask Gerakan to leave BN or leave Gerakan.

    Like

  59. A true Malaysian
    Sep 14, 2008 @ 16:35:46

    Just read Zaid Ibrahim objects the use of ISA and demand immediate release of RPK and Teresa Kok.

    Zaid said: “I am very sad that people like Teresa (right), who I know personally, can be seen as a threat. I can’t see how a journalist doing her duty or even Raja Petra can be seen as a national threat.

    Zaid is a live example that not all Umno members are ‘unreasonable’ or have no conscience. This is the type of culture we are looking at for both BN and Pakatan Rakyat so that we can see a matured 2-party political system.

    So, Umno members, please learn from Zaid, as you guys not change for the better, others in BN will just ‘diam diam’ and just obey what you command.

    WE WANT TO SEE POLITICAL MATURITY IN OUR POLITICIANS.

    Like

  60. Dr Hsu
    Sep 14, 2008 @ 18:14:57

    Tan Joo Seng,
    please go through the articles filed under category Gerakan. The many posts there woiuld have revelaed to you why I am still in Gerakan.

    The ideology is not wrong, We need to influence other memebrs to take Gerakan out of BN.

    Now the voices of getting out is getting stronger and stronger.

    It is better to have the party moved out of BN than just one or 2 memebrs like myself. With the whole party out, it would have bolstered the chance of change for Malaysia. That is why I am still with the party to try to argue why Gerakan should long be out of BN.

    I think my views on this is well known. Even SIngapore Straits times in ine of their article quoted me and my blog as one who is urging the component parties to leave BN.

    Read the ST article here:

    BN’s “Chinese” parties in a dilemma

    also this:

    A square peg in a round hole

    Like

  61. Dr Hsu
    Sep 14, 2008 @ 18:18:11

    Tan,

    It is also a credit to the Gerakan leaders that no action was taken against me, even when I wrote in my blog and my column in Malaysian Insider in a message on the eve of Permatang Pauh election, asking voters to vote for ‘hope’ for change, that is Pakatan. I openly asked for support for Anwar. Please go through the previous writings if u are new to the blog.

    If this is before MArch 8, i would have been suspended or expelled.

    Also, these 2 months would be crucial. Whether Gerakan will come out of not will be known in these 2 months time, as next month will be our National election and give the new leaders one month to consider the next move.

    Many members have warned me that there are many proUMNO people (including SBs) trying to urge me to leave now, because it would play into their hands to keep Gerakan inside BN. They really hope that by getting me out of Gerakan, there would be a voice les asking Gerakan to leave BN. So I have to be really careful these 2 months.. ANyway, we should know in a short time.

    Like

  62. Anak Malaysia
    Sep 15, 2008 @ 02:30:52

    Doc,

    In the current political climate, to leave GERAKAN is relatively easy. To stay and keep pushing for a change is hard. So keep pushing doc…

    Who knows, one day the leadership of GERAKAN will realize that they have been in the wrong ship all these while…?

    Like

  63. Anak Malaysia
    Sep 15, 2008 @ 02:34:41

    monsterball,

    where have you gone? i’m beginning to be worried if you have been the fourth person to be detained under ISA (ikut suka aku)?

    Hahahaaa…. luckily you are still around!

    Like

  64. Anak Malaysia
    Sep 15, 2008 @ 02:44:05

    chaptakom,

    i have doubts that PAS will ever merge with UMNO again! While there is no denying that there might be some “young turks” within PAS, however the numbers are relatively small…

    i dont think these “young turks” have the balls to incur the wrath of the PAS members, who most probably has been a victim to UMNO’s double standard, bullying tactics and injustices in one way or another…

    nope! i’m more than convinced that definitely PAS will NOT be joining UMNO. Not even in their dreams…

    hahaha…

    Like

  65. arnold
    Sep 11, 2009 @ 18:16:33

    thanks for sharing ….

    Like

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