Posts Tagged ‘MIC’

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Malaysia is neither a secular nor theocratic state says PM

August 5th, 2007
|  Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email


So, the PM has clarified what majority of Malaysians are already clear about. Only those few "goblok" politicians who have nothing better to do other than creating controversies are still unclear. I think that MCA in their rebuttal mentioned that ours is not a Islamic country, but did not say that we are secular per se. Of course now all the politicians will hail the briliance of our PM and those who erred will say quote "misunderstood" or "misquoted".
 
Lets wait for the next round of controversy to happen again.
 

By DERRICK VINESH

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Malaysia is not a secular state and neither is it a theocratic state, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. 

Reiterating that Malaysia is a multiracial nation that observes freedom of religious practice, the Prime Minister said: 

Contributions remembered: Abdullah Ahmad Badawi presenting the Anugerah Wira Merdeka (Merdeka Hero Award) to Abdul Rahman Lazim, 73, during a function at the Tuanku Bainun Teachers Training College in Mengkuang, Bukit Mertajam, yesterday. With them are (from left) Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and Penanti Assemblyman Datuk Abdul Jalil Abdul Majid.

“We are a government that is based on parliamentary democracy; a government that is responsible to the parliament and the people. 

“It is a government that is made up of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Christians, who work together and discuss together development policies for the nation.” 

He said the Government gave due attention to all races, who enjoy religious freedom as provided for in the Constitution. 

“Be it a surau, masjid, temple or church, when there is a need for it, the Government gives the necessary aid,” he told a mass gathering at the Tuanku Bainun Teachers Training College in Mengkuang here yesterday.  

“Secular nations do not practise such freedom. To them, religious practice can only be done at home,” he said, responding to critics who claimed that the Government advocates secularism. 

Abdullah said the country’s multiethnic and multireligious compositions had never been a problem to Malaysians.  

“This diversity has enabled us to live in peace and harmony. Let us continue with our own unique Malaysian way,” he said. 

The Prime Minister said the country had progressed with its unique formula for 50 years and was now successful. 

“I do not see why such a government cannot progress in the years to come,” he said.  

In a tribute to the country’s founding fathers, Abdullah said they had fought for the nation’s independence but their struggles were not yet over and must be continued through the present generation. 

The current struggle was to eradicate poverty and prejudiced feelings that could derail the nation’s unity, he added.

The NST:source

The prime minister called for a stop to the polemic of whether Malaysia was an Islamic or secular country. He said Malaysia was not a secular or theocratic country but one which was based on parliamentary democracy. He said the government never marginalised any minority group or religion and that religious diversity in the country had never been a problem.

"This diversity is not a liability but is actually what makes us strong.

"We have always given attention to every group and our leadership is based on the consensus of all races."

The prime minister added this was what made Malaysia a unique country. Abdullah said the bigger ethnic group had never suppressed the smaller groups and this had contributed to the country’s continued peace and prosperity.

"We should all be thankful that our efforts to develop the country have never been derailed since we achieved independence.

"The government has always been able to carry through all development projects thanks to the people’s continued support for the Barisan Nasional since the time the coalition was known as the Alliance."

Comments Off on Malaysia is neither a secular nor theocratic state says PM »

Posted in BornInMalaysia

Tags:

discrimination by UM

August 5th, 2007
|  Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email


K Narayanasamy
Jul 31, 07 3:47pm

I refer to the letter Brain drain – government may not give a damn. I wish to highlight one of the discriminatory policies employed by the premier university in the country, Universiti Malaya, to discourage non-Malays from joining it as academic staff.

Those serving in the Ministry of Education as teachers or officials in the various departments, and who have attained a Master's degree are recruited as PhD candidates with employment at the university. As UM is under the Ministry of Higher Education, only those who have been given an offer of employment on a full-time basis will be allowed by the Ministry of Education to leave with their service records intact.

If the offer is just for a fellowship with an allowance, the officer must quit his/her position in the Ministry of Education to do his PhD, and after obtaining the PhD must apply to the university for fresh employment which will depend on the prevailing position then.

Recently, the Faculty of Education at Universiti Malaya recruited PhD candidates from the Ministry of Education, and except for one non-Malay candidate, all the others who were Malays who were given full-time employment with the university thereby ensuring that the length of their service in the Ministry of Education was intact while being recruited under the Ministry of Higher Education.

The lone non-Malay candidate was told that it was the policy of the university to give full-time positions only to bumiputeras, while non-bumiputreas must come in as interns, thereby forcing them to quit their Ministry of Education posts if they wish to pursue their PhDs full-time under their terms and conditions.

The lone non-Malay candidate, who was called for an induction meeting along with the others and told pointedly of this matter, just excused herself and left the meeting feeling dejected. Such a blatant discrimination at the premier university of the nation has given her food for thought – what does the future holds for persons like her? Her letter of appeal to the Minister of Higher Education was not responded to either.

Such discriminatory policies that are currently prevalent at many public-funded institutions, departments and ministries are blatantly done probably with the view to discourage non-Malays from even applying for these posts. Once in a while, we have our ministers – and even the prime minister – telling us that there are very few non-Malays applying for positions in the public sector. I suppose that is just for some window dressing and diplomatic politicking.

With such policies, the brain drain will continue even more briskly to the delight of those in power in these places. Yes, they can't give a damn about anything, as long as it is according to their agenda.

source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/70586

Comments Off on discrimination by UM »

Posted in BornInMalaysia

Tags:

Kavyeas hits back

July 31st, 2007
|  Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email


"I would never issue such threats. A threat is waving a keris and asking when you are going to draw blood," he said.
– Ouch!
 
He said Malacca can "award 200 Datukships to people without positions or even addresses in Malaysia, but he (Ali) could not recommend one to our state chairman of 15 years who is a senator". "He campaigned for Umno and Ali Rustam in the rain and sun. What did he get in return?"
 

Kayveas said the seat allocation to the PPP would be discussed in September among the four main BN component parties – Umno, MCA, MIC and Gerakan. "PPP is not part of this and there are two parties that will not be happy if seats are given to PPP."

– is he sure the other TWO parties will be happy if PPP gets seats?
 
In Kelantan, he said, 5,000 Malays, including Umno members, have joined the party.

– Sure or not?

 
 
Kayveas: No threats, PPP members will decide future
source
Terence Fernandez
PETALING JAYA (July 30, 2007): People's Progressive Party (PPP) president Datuk M. Kayveas today denied threatening to pull out of Barisan Nasional (BN) and issued veiled references against senior Umno leaders.

"I would never issue such threats. A threat is waving a keris and asking when you are going to draw blood," he said.

"I just said we would have to think about our future in the BN if we are not going anywhere. I don't think that is an ultimatum. Come on, we are in no position to give ultimatums to anyone."

He also took to task Umno vice-president and Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam for saying the PPP can join other political parties, which will just mean more seats for other BN member parties.

He said Malacca can "award 200 Datukships to people without positions or even addresses in Malaysia, but he (Ali) could not recommend one to our state chairman of 15 years who is a senator".

"He campaigned for Umno and Ali Rustam in the rain and sun. What did he get in return?"

Stressing that PPP's future presence in BN will be dictated by its members, Kayveas said: "While I would prefer the party to remain in the ruling coalition, I also cannot ignore the voices of our 500,000 party members.

"I'd rather work from within than from outside, but at the end of the day, if the majority of PPP members decide we have to rethink our strategy, and if we are strong enough to do so, then I will have to respect the voices of the majority."

Kayveas, who holds the PPP's sole seat as Taiping MP, said Sunday (yesterday)'s reports that he issued an ultimatum to the BN that PPP would leave the coalition if its demand for more seats and positions were not fulfilled, were untrue.

He said he did make the request for four parliamentary seats, 12 state seats, 79 local council seats and the position of Ipoh mayor at the party's 54th anniversary celebrations in Johor Baru on Friday (July 27).

"These are seats and positions that were already in PPP's hand before it joined the BN in 1972," he said.

"When you speak to party members, of course you need to tell them what they want to hear. They want to know where the party is headed and it is my responsibility to tell them but I never issued any ultimatum although I did voice my dissapointment at not being given due recognition."

Kayveas said the seat allocation to the PPP would be discussed in September among the four main BN component parties Ð Umno, MCA, MIC and Gerakan..

"PPP is not part of this and there are two parties that will not be happy if seats are given to PPP."

Kayveas, who is a deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said he did not request a full ministership because it was inappropriate for him to do so as the position would ultimately go to him as party president.

Yesterday, Kayveas was taken to task by senior BN component party leaders, including Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, Ali Rustam, Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Perak mentri besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali, and MCA vice-president and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.

Kayveas said: "Ali Rustam doesn't know history. It was our strength, not weakness that prompted (then prime minister) Tun Abdul Razak to invite us to join the coalition.

"PPP is worse off now after joining the BN. If we are outside, we could be a formidable opposition. This, again, is not a threat. I'm just stating facts."

Accusing Mohd Ali of not recognising the PPP's contributions, he said: "In 1996, he asked for the PPP's single senate allocation to be given to Umno. I acceded to his request, and when I asked for the seat to be returned, he refused. It was only through the prime minister's intervention that we got our senatorship back."

Kayveas also said the party is on an membership drive.

In Kelantan, he said, 5,000 Malays, including Umno members, have joined the party.

"Eventually, we want at least a 40% Malay membership in the PPP," he said.

Comments Off on Kavyeas hits back »

Posted in BornInMalaysia

Tags:

EPU aid for Indian youths

July 30th, 2007
|  Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email


KUALA LUMPUR: The Economic Planning Unit (EPU) has approved an allocation of RM4.3mil to assist Indian youths in education and business.  

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the allocation, which was the result of discussions between Yayasan Strategik Sosial and the EPU, would primarily be for vocational courses. 

He said that of the allocation, RM1.16mil would be for 200 youths who failed their SPM and were unable to secure places at Giat Mara, Industrial Training Institute (ILP) and the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN). 

“They will undergo six months of training from July to December at four other skills training institutes,” he said in his speech at the 14th Malaysian Indian Youth Council annual meeting yesterday. 

Delegates listening to Samy Vellu's speech at the Malaysian Indian Youth Council annual meeting at Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. – Azman Ghani / The Star

Samy Vellu said the RM4.3mil allocation also included a RM3mil micro-business loan fund for 500 youths, who had graduated from Giat Mara, ILP and IKBN. 

“Each youth is allowed to apply for loans between RM500 and RM10,000,” he said. 

Samy Vellu added that RM140,600 has also been allocated for the living expenses of between 60 and 80 youths studying in six Giat Mara centres. 

“Additionally, the Government through the National Entrepreneurs Institute has allocated RM150,000 for 600 youths involved in micro-businesses at Giat Mara centres and the ILP,” he said. 

Earlier in his speech, Samy Vellu called on all Indian associations in the country including non-governmental organisations and social clubs to hold a national convention to discuss the Youth Societies and Youth Development Act 2006.

 

Comments Off on EPU aid for Indian youths »

Posted in Indian

Tags:

St Anne feast

July 30th, 2007
|  Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email


Thousands pay tribute to St Anne

By DERRICK VINESH, with Photos by ASRI ABDUL GHANI

Seeking blessings: Pilgrims seeeking help from St Anne and the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Shrine of St Anne in Bukit Mertajam on Saturday night.
Ng: Recovered after being in coma for 10 days.

IN July 1998, Charles Ng Chin Teong from Bukit Mertajam was diagnosed with septicaemia that left him in a coma. 

His wife Irene Giam and children Nicholas, Jennifer and Christine sought the help of St Anne, the maternal grandmother of Jesus Christ, to intercede with God to save his life.  

Grand procession: Volunteers carrying the statues of St Anne and Blessed Virgin Mary in the candlelight procession.

Ng recovered after being in a coma for 10 days. Since then, the family has been attending masses regularly at the St Anne’s Church in Bukit Mertajam. 

On Saturday night, they joined tens of thousands of local and foreign pilgrims in a grand candlelight procession in the church grounds in conjunction with the annual St Anne’s Feast. 

About 100,000 pilgrims converged on the church grounds throughout the 10-day festival that began on July 20. 

The 45-minute long candlelight procession, which was the highlight of the festival, went on smoothly.  

The church bells tolled for about a minute after the statues of St Anne and her daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, were brought to the church foyer to be crowned. 

The statues were placed on a platform that was shouldered by 10 volunteers using two long poles. 

Heading the main procession group were a cross bearer, altar boys, who carried ornamental candles, flag bearers, bunga manggar bearers and flower girls who carried candlesticks and sprinkled flower petals on the ground. 

Penang Catholic church bishop Rev Antony Selvanayagam, who earlier celebrated mass at the church, and several other priests led the pilgrims behind the statue bearers. 

Thanksgiving: Pilgrims offering candles at the Shrine of St Anne.

At the old St Anne’s church, now known as Shrine of St Anne, thousands of pilgrims offered lit candles, flowers, flower garlands and prayers to St Anne. 

They also did the same at the different stations on St Anne’s Hill and collected Holy Water in containers from a water station nearby. 

M. Stella Mary, 31, from Shah Alam, Selangor, said she came with 30 family members in two vans for the festival. 

“About two weeks ago, my family ran into some financial problems. We prayed to St Anne and she interceded to help us overcome it. We plan to donate some food to the poor in thanksgiving,” she said. 

R. Michael Julian, 72, from Kuala Lumpur said his passion for religious articles drove him to sell rosaries, crosses and statues at the festival in the last 25 years. 

The church’s gift shop also sold Vietnam-made woodcarvings of the Holy Family to raise funds for its children’s library and resource centre.  

Comments Off on St Anne feast »

Posted in Religion

Tags: