I'm diverting into politics today. This may not be my usual scope for blogging, but then, certain political issues that arise, do have some prominent effect in our day to day life.
I have always been very fascinated with Mr Anwar's brand of politic since his days in power and have always have great interest insight for his fiery approach to matters concerning the world and particularly, Malaysia.
The political landscape maybe different if he was to be the Premier back then. But I salute the man for he has addressed genuine facts at the political stage to set people thinking on the accounts where the ruling party is denying it.
Below is a segment from the weekend morning paper extracted.
Problem isn't Singapore
It is Malaysia's governance, corruption, foreign policy: Anwar
Nazry Bahrawi
nazri@mediacorp.com.sg
Malaysia is celebrating its 50th independence anniversary at the end of the month, but not all is fine and dandy across the Causeway.
Racial and religious matters - alongside issues of good governance and a sluggish economy - are prominent areas of concern, the country's former Deputy Premier Anwar Ibrahim told Today on Tuesday.
Commenting on ethnic tensions arising from race and religion, he said, "This seems to be more serious than before."
When asked, at a seminar organised by the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies yesterday, to identify the most serious racial problem facing Malaysia, he said, "Malay police officers, judges and leaders are perceived to be quite incompetent and corrupt. As a Malay, it is sad and tragic but I want to prove a point that Malays and Chinese can work together to build up this country."
Mr Anwar also said that Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak's remarks late last month, declaring that Malaysia is an Islamic state, had strained inter-racial ties further.
A recent poll indicated that only 54% of Malaysian Chinese supported PM Abdullah Badawi's administration, while his approval rating was far higher among Malays - 86% and Indians - 71%.
Over the weekend, at the general assembly of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), members of the party expressed concerns that they were losing support on the ground. The MCA is part of the governing Barisan Nasional coalition, which dominated by the ruling party, United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).
Noting these concerns, Mr Anwar told Today, "If they feel gross injustice, then they must take up the issue. They must spell out why is there an injustice."
At the 54th MCA general assembly, party president Ong Ka Ting urged the government to open up grants for Malaysian Chinese to participate in government projects. But Mr Anwar described this is a 'ridiculouss and preposterous' suggestion, alleging that such contracts are meant to benefit "MCA nominees".
Mr Anwar also said he strongly believes that Malaysia should encourage closer ties with Singapore and that any sentiments against the Republic would not be to Malaysia's advantage.
"Sometimes, negotiating with Singapore is a very ardous task and I had some experience in that. But we deal with Singapore as friends. Why this phobia about past history and insisting on the half bridge to nowhere - you can find a solution to the problem, " he said.
"We can choose to be crtitical about Singapore, but the problem is not with Singapore. The problem is governance and corruption; it's our our foreign policy prescriptions. Playing to the gallery and inciting Malay sentiments against the Singapore Chinese leadership is, to my mind, just insane," he added.
"I said it to the Malaysians in Johor, that we better settle our problems and deal with Singapore as a very important friend and neighbour. We can choose to disagree with them or strongly protest... some issues, but don't ever make this blunder of inciting sentiments against Singapore, it will not to be to our advantage," said Mr Anwar.
Snippets:
Anwar says...
MALAYSIA LOSING ITS SHINE
"The Malaysian media has constantly potrayed the country to have emerged triumphantly since 1997 financial crisis, But...Malaysia is signaficantly falling behind its South-east Asian neghbours."
COMPARE THE COUNTRY'S SUCCESS OBJECTIVELY
"Yes, Malaysia is a great success story compared to Somalia and Zimbabwe. But how do we then assess, fairly and objectively, Malaysia and Singapore, Taiwan and Soth Korea?...Singapore Airlines has registered billions in profits, while Malaysian Airlines has registered billions of ringgit of losses."
HOW CONTRACTS ARE AWARDED IS OF GREAT CONCERN
"Recently, the Malaysian government unveiled a series of development projects so massive that the word 'mega' does not even come close to describing its magnitude. I am not against development per se, but when it incurs tens of billions of taxpaye's money, the awarding of contracts is a mattr of great concern."
CORRUPTION HAS BECOME WORSE
"Look at the corruption indices ~ it is worse now. The major corruption cases brought to court are just shadow play. I do not believe the situation has improved."
BUMIPUTRA POLICY MUST GO
"Malaysia has to dismantle its old, obselete economic policy, including the New Economic Policy (or NEP, which is an affirmative-action programme for Malaysian Malays.) We need a new economic agenda to propel the country forward, and to meet challenges brought about by globalisation."
