A most emotional homecoming. Laura Ling and Euna Lee
I watched the CNN breaking news tonight, on the return of 2 US journalists from North Korea, with many emotions and thoughts crossing my mind.
I was happy that finally after 140 days, the 2 jailed Asian American journalists accused of spying were released.
I was very moved to see the tears, the embraces and the joy of all those who were present.
I was proud that humananity has set a good example to show that colour can be irrelevant when a sitting president secretly acted behind the scene to get a former president to visit North Korea to free 2 of its citizens, even though the colours of the 3 principals involved were as different as white grapes from blackcurrants.
I was pleased that even a regime deemed ‘evil’ by western standard has acted magnanimously to grant an amnesty to the 2 journalists that were convicted by its court for spying and sentenced to 12 years of hard labour. It shows that even ‘evil’ regime can be reasonable if approached properly and given due respect.
I was impressed by the flexibility of the US to drop its demand that its 2 citizens were not guilty and should be released immediately but instead ask for an amnesty from North Korea. This flexibility has enabled the smooth release of its 2 citizens. If US has stuck to maintaining its ‘face’ and demanding release instead of appealing for an amnesty, i do not think North Korea would have shown such a goodwill gesture. (An amnesty means that US acknowledged tacitly that these 2 were wrong and that it respects the law of NOrth Korea. )
I can’t help but envy these 2 journalists. Where else but in the West would a former president take the trouble to travel to an ‘enemy’ state to negotiate the freedom of its citizens?
I wonder if these 2 are Malaysians, especially Malaysians of Non Malay lineage, will our government take such steps to get them released? I wonder if fellow Malaysians would uniformly rally to their support without thinking of their race and colour, like what US citizens were doing?
I have no answers to these hypothetical questions. The fact that I am not sure of the answers shows that we still have a long way to go to become one nation, nevermind the rhetorics of 1this and 1that.
Dr. Hsu's forum 
Aug 05, 2009 @ 23:38:55
Dr Hsu,
So long as the evil continue to manipulate the ignorance and the simpletons by using race and religion, there is no hope.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 00:13:11
Once people’s minds are “indoctrinated”, there’ll be no “wisdom”.
Malaysia is lacking in “wisdom”. But, shall we give up without putting a fight?
Definitely not.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 00:25:47
Dr. Hsu
I was in USA in 1990s was pelted stone by anti-Asians. They thought i was a Vietnamese.
Cannot compare Malaysia Govt to North Korea.
Our govt is a series of Pharoahs!.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 00:42:53
This is what we call world leaders…real leaders with high sense of responsibilities and willing to lower themselves to apologize to secure the release of their citizen. Who don’t love US???
Probably it would take the malaysian government another 100 years to come close to acquire these traits
Quality leaders are hard to find in BN.!!!
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 00:43:00
Atila,
You were stoned by anti-Asian. Were you wearing tudung then?
Stoned may due to wrong perception, not Vietnamese.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 01:16:20
A true Malaysia
1990s not wear tudung yet.
I m a malay muslims malaysian becoz of my rumpun Melayu features, if you parachute me into thailand, singapore, indonesia, philipphines, cambodia, myanmar, i will blend with the society, i was pelted stones by ex-USA military veterans, some of them hated that vietnamese came to reside in southern California.
The white man thought i was a Vietnamese
he shouted at me go back to Vietnam. Soon he found out he was barking at the wroing tree. hahaha!!!
Those never stepped foot in USA will see that USA is the best.
Those who has set foot in USA and later know the world politics of USA, will never like USA
one bit.
Like that lor…
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 01:34:45
Atila,
I had lived in the US for 4 years as a student and I can tell you that I was never discriminated against because I was Asian. Made fun of yes and I gave as good as I got, all in the name of good humor.
The same cannot be said of the country where I was born and lived for most of my life where I suffer institutional discrimination and without humor!
An example? I’m shopping for a new house right now and I’m reminded constantly that I am not entitled to a 5% discount because I’m not bumi!
They may not throw stones but isn’t it worse than minority narrow minded Americans throwing stones at foreigners?
Those who discriminate against me are those whom I call brother/sister Malaysians who claims they represent the majority!
I also do not think USA is paradise but at least I know this much. They have laws which prohibits discrimination and that says more than our country when it can’t even be a signatory to UN’s anti-discrimination charter!
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 03:32:33
romerz
Agree with you.
Some Malaysians students in USA do discriminate one another.
Example : I have experience with a group very religious ones using my apartment weekly for tahlil and must baby sit their kids, becoz my apartment-mate belong to this group. Until one day i had to move out becoz its not conducive when i started to miss bus for classes.
USA isnt land of paradise they do have laws & laws taken into their own hands of the white that
I saw at the border of Tijuana Mexico at age 20.
Shooting a helpless refugee is ok in UN Charter?
“An example? I’m shopping for a new house right now and I’m reminded constantly that I am not entitled to a 5% discount because I’m not bumi!”
Romerz, I am also viewing for an apartment now & constantly being reminded by Chinese agent “this is Chinese area, you want to stay?”.
Is he trying to tell me i cant stay Chinese area or he does not encourage i buy property in Chinese area? Confuse.
Me and a few Malay frends went for job interviews but turned down on the application form written by HRM a Chinese lady “no verbal/written Mandarin”. This is the form of silence discrimination in Penang past 3 decades which is difficult to proof to UMNO or PR.
Many Malays experienced this when we voiced out in a Forum proof was asked. How to get proof?
In Malaysia, every race “saling mendiskriminasi” each other until one day the bom will explode.
“One race with one attitude towards the other”.
Yes its showing very clear now. SAD!!!!
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 05:37:49
No, Dr Hsu, if you or I was incarcerated in a foreign country, I do not believe either the Malaysian government, the people or the press will care two hoots about us. Or Ahmad or Subramaniam for that matter. There is no obvious profit going to so much trouble for an ordinary citizen. The typical response would be that we deserve it. We must have done something illegal and wrong. We will have to pay for it. This is not a caring government. Perhaps only family and friends care, few strangers will take up a long struggle for others. Very few.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 08:10:46
One step at a time! Not easy to be color-blind.
At least we now have Malaysians irrespective of color/race are angered by Teoh’s unnecessary death.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 09:09:18
There is already an answer to your question, Dr. Hsu.
Some years ago, some Malaysian Chinese tour agents were illegally confined in China by their counterparts seeking payment of debts. The Malaysian govt did nothing to intervene. Wisma Putra did not even give a squeak to the Chinese govt.
We must distinguish between state institutionalized discrimination and people’s personal prejudice. The latter exist everywhere and will never be wiped out. However, some individuals’ prejudice should not be taken as typical of the whole country or ethnic group.
On the other hand, state institutionalized discrimination is more soul destroying and the reason why many non-Malays are migrating.
In Johor, a state investment fund lost money and the state decided to reimburse back the buyers. The bumi buyers were reimbursed their original investment while the non-bumi buyers were reimbursed 50%.
In Australia, it is illegal to hire and fire based on ethnicity. A retrenchment exercise must be done strictly according to merit. There is no such thing as firing the Asians first or the company will be in trouble.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 09:13:46
Atila,
I see some Malaysian Muslims as the cause of problems, not Islam.
Take for example, if a fellow Muslim buys and drinks wine or beer, which many say the holy Quran stated such, you can tell him or her that he or she not complying to the teaching of Islam. Next, if he or she still chooses to continue with it, let Allahswt deals with him or her later on, and you have done your duty of reminding, and stop there.
For that Muslim to continue his or her passion of consuming wine or beer, you cannot blame others for selling. In this case, PAS Selangor should not blame the retailer for selling wine and beer.
I am staying nearby a shop selling beer and wine, but I don’t buy them, I don’t consume them. So?
Again, much “Wisdom” is needed. For this case, Hassan of PAS Selangor needs that,
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 09:45:22
Dear Dr Hsu
Thanks for sharing this emotional story of victory to humanity. I’m all teary eyes.
We could be even better than USA as we, most people of this Ibu Pertiwi are compassionate and conscientious people. All we need now is the right people representing us in the August House and the Cabinet.
Let’s not lose hope, translate it into actions and we will be as great as USA – simply being human enough to feel for others.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 09:46:36
may ling,
that is exactly why I have no answers to my hypothetical questions.
A malaysian under the custody of a Malaysian institution died in mysteriously circumstances.
If this occurs in the States, the whole country would be in uproar , and heads would roll. But in malaysia, a minister said that ‘ he jumped himself’, and main stream newspapers trying to portray those who asked for truth behind the death as an attack on certain ethnic institution.
That is what made me asked my questions above.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 11:18:06
There is no shadow of doubt America is the greatest country on earth. Advancements in science and technology has allowed the country to maintain superior status over everyone else. Much has been said that China and Asia Pacific will dominate the next 50 years. Maybe so. I am not sure. But the human indomitable spirit is best witness in the American spirit. I came across an article about a week ago talking about this american surfer who have just written up a thesis about “Theory of Everything” linking all the missing jigsaws of the physical phenomenas. This guy lives in the Idaho (hope I got this right) mountains and surfs during his leisure. He doesn’t work in any formal settings like a Unversity. I can’t imagine any Asian doing this. Anyway, Bill Clinton is a genius, a flawed one. But who cares. I salute him and he has done his part to kow-tow to Tuan Kim. That’s smart negotiation to achieve the objectives. I think recently we sent an envoy to negotiate with Somali pirates for the release of our crew. We still have a long way to go as most non-malay citizens feel we are been treated shabbily and unfairly in our own country right now.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 11:21:49
Atila. A quick advise. If you are buying any property, don’t buy bumi lot. The 5% discount is not worth it. Many Malay friends regretted that. Because when they want to sell, they cannot get market price. They lose more than 5% in the long run.
This in one example of quota system that actually makes no sense and at the end disadavantage the people it is supposed to help.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 11:48:13
We are living in a polarised society today due to the politics that are dished out by the ruling regime and enforced by the civil servants as well as the educators.
We should try living in a remote village of various mix especially in Kelantan and gauge the differences ourself. I believe life in such a place will be more meaningful and peaceful without the politikus breathing down our neck.
We still have hope in Malaysia and the will to see changes in our generation should not be broken. We need to be less racial ourselves in order to link up with the right thinking Malays that they will not lose their special rights written in the constitution and at the same breath we must be accorded our rights as enshrined in the constitution.
As for the special discount of 5% – 7% for buying of houses for bumis, there must be a clearer directive in ensuring that the loop holes are plugged. Otherwise, it will create a market where the rich bumis are laughing to the bank but the poor are still as poor as a country mouse.
Once they have owned a first property, all subsequent properties will have no discount. I am not sure whether such a directive or guideline is in place. Maybe someone can revert on this issue. The first property with discount must not be sold for at least 10 years or so to avoid bumi speculators having a field day in property market. Just my thoughts on the housing discount issue.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 11:50:51
Do you know what is so great about US of America? Its constitution and its institutions. Yes, the founding fathers did a marvelous job framing its constitution and its Presidents of whatever political persuasion upheld it through the years. That is not to say the system does not have its faults and weaknesses but when it goes wrong, the system allows for dissent and ordinary people can mobilize public opinion to oppose wrong doing. And ordinary people do avail themselves of their rights. It is a form of check & balance, one that allows diversity and nurtures individual creativity. Even crass materialism cannot subvert this American trait.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 12:19:06
Nick, i agree with you.
But not only in US but in many of the Western democracies as well. They nurture talents and it is notjust qualification that counts.
ALbert Einstein was a patent office clerk in Switzerland when he wrote the special theory of relativity in 1905 and got it published in a scientific journal.
He remained as a clerk for the next few years until he was offered a position in a research facility.
He did not have a doctorage degree when he first wrote his theory.
If it is here, the moment they see you have no qualification, the editor of the science journal will throw your article and theory into waste paper basket.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 13:34:40
Nick,
Would it be posible to let me know the link to read about the person in Idaho writing about the “theory of Everything”?
Einstein tried but did not succeed. I like to read about quantum mechanics and subatomic particles, , and especially interested in the existence of parallel universes and the multiworld theory…
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 14:39:37
This theory of everything. Is this the String Theory that combines quantum mechanics and general relativity. Or it is more.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 14:43:56
Interesting comments so far.
I think a more appropriate similar question should be whether the Malaysian govt. will do the same for its non-bumi journalists – “journalists” being the key word.
Maybe the US govt. will equally do the same for all its citizens but we don’t really know that. Journalists to some extent represent the country and USA going in to other countries to bring home her own journalists is nothing new.
By that same token, would the Malaysian govt. bring home its own journalists, regardless of their ethnicity? Not big time journalist but just the typical down-the-street journalist. It’s Questionable.
Yes, individual prejudice and discrimination exists everywhere, but it is very much encouraged by institutional discrimination. And Malaysia has plenty of the latter.
Granted the initial principle was to close the racial economic gap but are they all relevant today? It’s a case of “old rules used in modern times”. A lot are outdated and the people in charge are perhaps just too lazy and comfortable to do anything about it.
After all, “it’s always been working, why should we change it?” Anyone who wants to change it is pronounced a “traitor”, destroyed and/or jailed. So, who else dares to make noise?
It’s a classic “crabs in buckets” scenario. Ever seen crabs in buckets? One brave crap will make the effort to climb to the top, only to be pulled down by the other crabs. Sooner or later, they all stop trying; they just conform and accept their faith.
Atila, having a language skill as a selection criteria is not discrimination. It will be racial discrimination is the HRM looks at you and say, “Oh, you’re a Malay. Sorry, the job has been filled.”
Similarly, I wouldn’t regard the housing agent’s question as discrimination. Discrimination is usually used to denote you’ve lost something you’re capable of having if given the equal opportunity. It may be a blunt and brainless question – he may just be assuming you’ll not be comfortable living in a chinese area, just as some people aren’t comfortable living in malay or indian areas for social reasons.
Personally, I wouldn’t think much about individual discrimination (although yes, it bothers me but everyone has their own preferences), but institutional discrimination is hard to swallow because it affects everyone eventually, including those who discriminate.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 17:10:15
Atila, i do agree with you certain portion of Malaysian chinese is racist. If you to see some of the comments posted on the site supporting Mr Teoh, especially the youth. As a Malaysian I am ashamed to read it. We must not carry the excuses of because other race do this, then we also can do this. All malaysian cannot lower them selves to that level as we are living in civilize country. We can pressure to change and should not give up and lower our own morality.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 17:11:33
By the way, Dr, another good article and foresight. Hope to see you tomorrow at Batu Muda.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 17:12:41
When I was young, not that I am very old now, one of the favourite phrase that can be heard is ” kalau tak suka balik Cina”. For those people who constructively criticized the government, this will be the reply of the “old horse’ era. So I always asked myself, “where can we go”? I am pretty sure China is not going to recognize us, cause we are Malaysian. I pitied all my fellow countrymen who have to listened to these tirades all the time. My heart goes out to all of you who doesn’t have the opportunity to emigrate. I am very sure if given a chance most people will go away without second thoughts if everyone in their family is allowed to do so. I told myself if I have a chance, I want to emigrate to another country once I am capable. I studied in Canada and after that, worked there for a few years. I was given permanent residence status in the early nineties and because of my parents who are not getting any younger, I went back to Malaysia. This is a big mistake. I stayed away from Canada for more than two years and my P.R. status was forfeited. When I was in Canada, never was I ever discriminated. I lived in a predominantly White area. In fact the people are extremely friendly and if they ever ask me out of curiosity as to where are I am from? I will always said, I am Malaysian and they will never said, how come you look so fair and like a Chinese. Sometimes on TV if there is a match of badminton between China and Malaysia, yeah you guessed it, I will always cheered for Malaysia. This, of course will cause a lot of confusion with my Canadian colleagues and friend. To say I am proud to be a Malaysian is an understatement. Those were the days but today as uneasy as it sounds, if people (American) ask me where am I from? I will tell them, Singapore. Knowing the rivalry between Singapore and Malaysia, I never ever thought I will be able to uttered that. Things changed, people changed and I am not saying Malaysia is not a good country, it is the people who run it. By the way, I am a Green Card holder now and in exactly one year time we can apply for our citizenship. Will we do it? Sure, without the shadow of a doubt. Do we care about giving up our Malaysian citizenship? No. Once bitten. twice shy. Not going to make the same mistake twice. Before we left, four years ago, a friend asked us why do we want to emigrate? She said we will be treated like second class citizen. My answer to her was, “I will never be second class but for you not only will you be second class citizen in Malaysia, even your future generations to come”. I told her my son or daughter can be the President as long as they are born in the US. I asked her, does she envision that to happen in her lifetime, to have a Malaysian of Chinese or Indian descent to the P.M though the Constitution didn’t say you can’t. So my question, who is second class, you or I? By the way, Atila, don’t b.s. Tell me which part of the country you were in. I have been to more than 20 States in the US. People don’t behave the way you described and I am even more surprised with the fact that you didn’t retaliate or raise the issue with the police. Bluff the “Kampung” folks, you might get away with it but today most young people who read blogs are savvy and intelligent. Do you really think they are still kataks. I welcome you to stay with us here in the US and see for yourself.
To cut a long story short, the greatest irony is the fact that I now work in a Government organization. When I first came I was given a grant by the US govt and the rest from a student loan to study. (I am not even a citizen yet, just a green card holder). Now that I have graduated, I work in one of the biggest University Medical Center in the Cancer Research Dept. This brings me back to my time when I scored 5 As’ for my MCE and couldn’t even make it to Form six due to some technicality (Flung my BM). Isn’t it ironic?
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 17:17:23
I put a poll in The MI,
written by annoyed, August 06, 2009
Hassan is Umno’s mole planted in PR. Vote + if agree.
+86
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/34343-selangor-pas-chief-under-fire-from-own-party
and it recorded the highest votes. There are many moles to disrupt PR. These moles should not be chosen to contest next GE.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 17:32:29
To Gabriel Tee,
Well said, but keep moral support to the rest of us who choose to stay, at least for the meantime.
To batu giant,
Don’t bs. Learn form Dr. Hsu lah, u lousy Gerakanian. Who created this racist environment in the first place? Don’t talk C-CK.
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 17:57:38
Dr. Hsu
Is there something wrong with me or is it the environment we are in. There is is FAQ by
Dr David KL Quek is president the Malaysian Medical Association in MI.
You know what. I dont quite believe in him. Is he one one of the politico doctor?
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 19:31:12
There were once so much talk by religious department about bringing back the Maths genius Malaysian Sufiah Yusof. They wanted to show they cared, just because she is a muslim… What happened.. still trying to get her back??
£130 an hour …
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 20:24:04
Although it hasn’t completely succeeded, the US has moved a long way from its racist, segregationist past. Civil rights laws now prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, religion or gender. If you think you have been discriminated against, you can sue the offender and collect substantial damages if the judge rules in your favour.
Minorities in the U.S. have made progress while minorities in M’sia have gone backwards.
In the US 45 years ago, it was unthinkable that a non-white could become President.
In Malaysia in the 60s, may people thought it quite possible that a non-Malay could lead the country (My father seriously speculated about Lee Kuan Yew becoming Malaysian PM, and the finance minister was chinese).
Today, it is unthinkable for a non-Malay to become PM, Finance Minister, Minister of Defence, Inspector General of Police, Vice Chancellor of UM, Chairman of Petronas, the list goes on and on…
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 20:34:44
the writings are on the walls..never had such a surge of religious , racial conflicts in this country..its my reading either there be a hell of reformations or more confusions….we talk for the purpose ..it trendy..it give publicity to politicians..even how stupid..is to be visible ..example rais yatim
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 21:19:55
klm,
I think my article ‘ revisiting the H1N1scene ” is easier to understand than the FAQ.
ANyway, Singapore has already said that if you are having flu, chances are they are H1N1 now… ALmost all flu cases are H1N1…
they however vary in severity; some very mild without fever, just running nose and cough; some more serious with fever; some have very high fever; some with fever and diarrhoes; but most of these will get well within afew days. Most of the fever i have seen subsided within 3 days… even though cough and cold symptoms may persist longer..
SO it is still that if you are an average person who have survived the past seasonal flus, you will survive this one unless you belong to the high risk groups with asthma, renal failure, hearl failure, diabetes , morbid obesity ( not just the normal fat person but very obese persons), pregnant ladies. and those on immune suppressive drugs..
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Aug 06, 2009 @ 21:58:22
Clearwater is correct. The US Constitution and institutions make them great. Look at our Constitution. It is only good when they want to make an argument about it or exploit it for narrow agendas otherwise the spirit is as good as dead.
I was there for one month to study the role of Congress in the mid-90s under the International Visitors’ Program when Clinton was president.
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 01:52:44
This is my first time here and after reading Atila’s comment about USA, I felt I have to say my side. It is truly unfortunate that she has such bad experience even just a few years studying in America.
I migrated from E Malaysia since 1979 and I have yet to hear anyone saying any racial slurs to my face. USA may not be a perfect country but at least it is a fair place where one has the opportunity to be who and what we want to be. We can live wherever we want to regardless of our race or being told that any race or religion is better than the other. She talked about 911 incident in other places and truly, unless you know the whole story, please don’t spread rumors of conspiracy. Thank God, the whole world knows who is really behind the tragedy, they are the extremists and fanatics.
I am proud to be an American.
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 01:58:53
annoy, i think you are unwise to post a comment like that. you have your point of view and i have mine. You are the one that should learn from Dr , as he never have personal attack unlike you, so growth up please.
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 02:04:33
A True Malaysian
The bottom line here is Islam in this country is run by chauvinist malays.
The law & punishment set is not whats in Quran and Hadith. Its all man made.
Take Brunei for example : the non-Muslims there can enjoy liquor beers in a closed environment, fair isnt it? You can reside in Brunei yet can still drink to what you want in closed environment.
The problem here is no standardization yet and do not follow Quran & Hadith.
Look what happened to the malays girl caught drinking beer in Pahang…six rotan whips? Its not in Quran and Hadith. Its man made again.
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 02:16:09
Connie,
There is no slander to 9-11. I m speaking the truth, the truth hurts Americans like you.
Why so many converted to Islam after 9-11?
Its beyond expectation, the USA govt is worry today.
The best selling book in USA is Quran now.
The last -survivor of 9-11 came upon an
invitation to Penang under an Ngo.
He opened up the story, everything, how even Bush offer him money to silence with video shots & i have the zoomed shots which western media do not release to the world to see.
This is an open space to share thoughts & knowledge by Dr. Hsu. I share the truth, and the truth is true.
I do need to slander like the western media
to make the world believe it was orignated from Muslims terrorist fopr 9-11.
I do not force anyone to believe here, and
you can write here i attempted slander.
We the Muslims can arrange the last-survivor here in Malaysia again to tell the whole truth.
It does not mean you are an American, you know everything of what your govt back door agenda, poke nose into everywhere in the world & blame Muslims as terrorists plus dumping
Du-238 into other people’s backyard, in Muslims country.
As a American you can love your country forever. If you an open minded American,
you would know what is DU238, how many tonnes dumped in Iraq, Mid-EAst, Kuwait, Bosnia, Gaza?
Please think before you say that i slander here.
Thank you.
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 02:19:07
batu giant,
malays also the same. sigghhh!!!!!!
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 02:31:16
Amendment to previous write up to Connie.
“I NOT do need to slander like the western media
to make the world believe it was orignated from Muslims terrorist fopr 9-11.”
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 03:07:35
Dear 2socks
I understand you.
Today, i just found out housing agent tried
his best not wanting me buy the apartment.
Initially found out frm a friend, theres another potential Chinese buyer offering less cheaper price for the unit so the agent must “aviod” me.
Well, not all Malays do not understand Hokkien.
I live to never “buruk sangka” but to understand Hokkien rite before my eyes & hear “shit” (sorry not proper language) is another thing.
I gave a piece of my mind to the housing agent today, translatied his conversation, the nego is over. Dont want to waste time over this unit.
I will note this incidence in a proper channel. TQ.
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 03:23:48
Dear Meng
“There were once so much talk by religious department about bringing back the Maths genius Malaysian Sufiah Yusof. They wanted to show they cared, just because she is a muslim… What happened.. still trying to get her back??
£130 an hour …”
As Muslims, we are to care for other global Muslims. This is dutifully our role.
In Sufiahs case, i have not heard anything so far
after last saw her in video in bikini for escort service.
Felt sad for her but it was her choice considering all events that had happened.
It was her choice to take up the profession &
it must be her choice from her heart to come back to Islam.
There are many Islam organizations in UK
that can care for her, they can “tarbiah/ taskirah”, but again its up to her heart
mind body & soul.
Meng, whats the latest on Sufiah? any?
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 04:22:59
A True Malaysian
Its Islam chauvinist Malays and Islam UMNO.
Someone tonite told me the Selangor Syariah Criminal Enactment Act 1995, consumption/sale of alcohol/liquor to Muslims is a crime.
(I dont know what is the punishment to it, still searching).
Since 1995?
1995 Muhammad Taib of Khir toyo’s time?
Since BN time no enforcement?
How many Muslims aware of this Act?
Now since PR rules Selangor, its up to them
to enforce it or amend the law. Do it.
Why bicker-bicker like no management skills?
I agree with you, if i had lived at a nearby liquor/alcohol shop, i m not wrong for not consuming those drinks. Cannot expect me to shift house just becoz of such shop nearby?
It boils down to planning, town planning, know what law exists & enforcement…sometimes u cannot change immediately, its takes time.
I still cannot accept such punishment man-made
to the young lady for drinking beer…6 rotan whips??
Sighhhhh!!!!
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 10:52:11
Atila,
I shall response to your rather long comments, or rather “beat around the bush” style of comments (haha, if you don’t mind I saying that 😀 ) in https://hsudarren.wordpress.com/2009/07/29/4289/ since I am the one who engaged you for discussion on matters related to Muslim & Islam.
Before that, I engaged with such discussion with another great Muslim named Lekir in “The Might of the Pen” site. If I can find the link again, I shall copy and paste over here to show how gentlemen can we in discussion involving Muslim and Islam, of which, is a phobia to many non-Muslims, for fear of offending, insulting, slandering and so on.
But, to me, if we treat that as phobia, then forever, we are unable to understand each other’s beliefs. I can understand why many treat this as a phobia because many have witnessed many fierce, wild and aggressive responses from Muslim groups. The latest being the alcohol issue in Selangor.
But, all in all, let’s face it. Malaysia is full of problems that Umno chooses to ignore. If not, why so many people migrated elsewhere. Why so serious brain drains like the testimonies of so many ex-Malaysians?
As to you, I praise you for the bravery here. Though you are a lady in this men infested forum, I see there is ‘man’ in you. Cheers.
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 11:00:19
Atila and all,
For the meantime, I found this comment by annoyed in MI very true indeed,
“written by annoyed, August 06, 2009
Tan Hock Chuan is like acting more like a “defendant lawyer”, instead of an officer of the coroner’s court assisting in determining the cause of Teoh’s death. Shouldn’t the inquest set-up to ensure no stone unturned so to find out how Teoh dies? Why should the scope of examination by forensic experts be limited by the police? How to ensure no stone unturned then? Experts have no expertise?
If agree, vote + ”
I have voted + , now stand at 19
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 11:01:02
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/34420?task=view#pc_142375
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 11:16:54
Atila
Is alcohol haram? http://harisi.wordpress.com/2008/04/16/is-alcohol-haram/
Surah 5 verse 93.
“On those who believe and do good there is no blame for what they eat, when they are careful, believe and do good deeds. God loves those who do good.”
Does this mean muslim can drink beer and eat pork??
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 11:31:27
Atila
The problems with our muslim..PAS and religious dept are so obsessed with drinking and catching khalwat in malaysia.
They should concentrate more on the bigger picture of uplifting the livelihood of the muslim,
fight drug abuse, rapes, corruption, crimes etc etc.
When you ban beer drinking..they go for drug esp ganja which is getting cheaper or around the price of a bottle of beer.
So far this year, have you heard any umno politicians says don’t drink beer..?????
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 11:35:50
Go to this site debate on beer drinking
http://shahrzaad.wordpress.com/2008/04/14/debates-on-alcohol-fatwa/
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 15:34:28
Here is the link. The guy is Garrett Lisi (39 yrs old) from Nevada (not Idaho). “An Exceptionally Simple Theory of Everything” by Lisi
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/large-hadron-collider/3314456/Surfer-dude-stuns-physicists-with-theory-of-everything.html
“An impoverished surfer has drawn up a new theory of the universe, seen by some as the Holy Grail of physics…
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 15:59:26
Nick,
Thank you for sharing the link.
😀
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Aug 07, 2009 @ 17:38:27
To Annoyed,
Keep up the good work, you must be really brave to endure all these in your own backyard. I think we need more people like you who is wiling to try to change the political scene. I rephrase my words, I don’t pitied you all. I empathized. I can feel your pain.
To Connie,
I can understand why you said. “proud to be American”. Give me another year and once I get my citizenship, I will also emphatically say the same. Cheers.
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Aug 08, 2009 @ 01:12:56
Meng,
Khalwat and drink this is only applicable to Muslims. If a non-Muslim get khalwat with a Muslim, he/she can let go.
PAS UMNO the same…when UMNO ruled also enforce khalwat here there. KJ kena khalwat with who?
Do you know now why i keep saying : Islam Melayu?
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Aug 08, 2009 @ 01:25:08
Dear Meng
When a surah in presented in Quran, its interpretation is followed by historical event that allows the Surah to come down from Allahswt and cross reference to Hadiths.
Muslims cannot drink alcohol it is haram and cannot eat pork which is also haram.
But provisions in Islam is when IF a Muslim in an area which has no other liquid to drink, no rain water, no wells, no river, no lake, no “mataair”
& when a Muslim at a place which has no source of food to eat except for one pig in that island than in order to survive the haram becomes halal. It does not mean we starve to death.
“Allah beri kelonggaran”.
When I was in USA, the nearest Arab Halal food store was 30km away. At times, we ran out of chicken and beef, we were being advised by our Ustaz to buy Jew Kosher meat from the nearest available just two blocks away.
Infact the Jew community also buys meat and chicken from the same Arab Halal food store.
Why we were told to buy Jew Kosher?
Becoz in short the method of “sembelih” is almost the same as Islam. Thus there are provisions for us Muslims for meat and poultry.
You understand.
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Aug 08, 2009 @ 01:28:27
A True Malaysian
All and everything the police wants to control.
From DSAI to Al….ya…now TBH…
Today, Najib talk of having ties with PR states on helping the poor rakyat.
When can a Pharoah be an angel?
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Aug 08, 2009 @ 01:31:22
A True Malaysia
Yes true, the problem is UMNO has moulded Islam into “Islam chauvinist Melayu”.
Sigh!!!!!
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Aug 08, 2009 @ 01:40:43
Meng
Islam is not rigid, it has provisions but UMNO has made it rigid and non-questionable, until the
non-Muslims Malaysian also fear of Islam.
Islam chauvinist Melayu, that what UMNO has
moulded past decades. Cut & paste Quran according to what they want.
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Aug 08, 2009 @ 02:02:16
Meng
“Islam chauvinist Melayu” by UMNO becoz
its the Malay men wanting to keep on doing the same thing freely, do not stop them.
The culture : majority Malay men w ego high above Islam.
Smoking is haram. Yet Malays top the chart.
Drug user is haram. Yet Malays top the chart.
Alcohol consumption is haram. Yet Malays still drink.
…the list goes…..
What went wrong here?
UMNO moulded “Islam chauvinist Melayu”.
UMNO themselves are not at the right path.
Look at them, corruption, zina, crimes…
Meng, you bet they dont drink?
HAHA HAHA HAHA!!
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Aug 08, 2009 @ 02:06:51
klm,
Thank you for the advise on the 5% bumi-lot.
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Aug 08, 2009 @ 03:08:35
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2009&dt=0808&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_01.htm
Title – “Arak: Selangor tidak larang”
A True Malaysian,
As per what we said before, we got 7-eleven here just two minit walk, we chosed not to buy alcohol. Also it caters for non-Muslims.
Dont expect me to shift house just becoz
7-eleven has alcohol?
It boils down to Islam education & enforcement.
Selangor Syariah Criminal Enactment Act 1995, consumption/sale of alcohol/liquor to Muslims is a crime. If this really in existgence, I wonder how PR Sgor State Govt going to handle this?
Will they behave like UMNO, quiet…
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Aug 08, 2009 @ 06:52:29
This if for Connie,
…………the dvd i have is more accurate..
all these are not aired on msia tv…
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Aug 08, 2009 @ 09:11:32
Atila
Thanks you are a good muslim and wish umno think like you.
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Aug 14, 2009 @ 19:01:33
To Gabriel:
Hope you get your citizenship soon and may you find contentment and success in US.
Even though I still long for Malaysia at times, I knew the country of my old days is no more.
We used to meet with a group of Malaysians of all races and religions for over 5 years but because of relocations, we disbanded.
If you should happen to be in VA, maybe we may meet some day.
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Aug 15, 2009 @ 17:33:31
To Connie,
Wow, that’s really awesome. Too bad, you guys disbanded. I used to live in New England but just relocated to the West Coast recently. It will be great to actually keep in touch. Maybe Dr. Hsu will be kind enough to facilitate this by passing our emails to each other. Hope to hear from you.
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Aug 18, 2009 @ 08:35:47
Dr. Hsu,
Thank you so much for your blogs – it is refreshing to read your impartial and well-researched viewpoints, and only wish most politicans would review or learn the facts before they speak.
I appreciate greatly if you would pass my email address to Gabriel Tee as he would like to have contact with an ex-Malaysian in US.
Gabriel Tee,
You may get from Dr. Hsu my email address.
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Aug 18, 2009 @ 20:11:55
connie,
sorry for the late reply. I was away to Singpaore for a few days..
Just return.
Have just sent Gabriel your email address and hope that you can get in touch with each other. Once a Malaysian, always a Malaysian at heart, I hope that is the case..
🙂
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