The BMF Report: l Unanswered Questions! r

><~

:

1 l

E

>

.\.l L i inside ‘Ir

'P;“4 OfAWomanBound....._...... 12 in Malaysia ...... 13 pg 3 . Towards Cultural Integration BMF n'v.|a°n‘ --. . ldentiti Negara Dan Penguasaan Asing. .‘...... 15 1'» CurrentComment...... 17 ThinkingAllowed...... 24 ‘

wq

A< V‘ “ .34.. , , , Ar »/ -..—,v.-‘M-_-e ,.'$\>*/~ r“W7'4“ There is suggestion of massive, organised fraudulence and cheating. 1 The 'Concerted Plan' hatched by cer­ tain personalities at the end of 1979 to use Bank Bumiputra funds t() make money f·or themselves during the start of the property boom in Hong Kong epitomises this fraudulence. There is Mr • Lor rain c 0 s t:l an , no other way of describing a plan that sought to inflate Carrian shares and re­ c I o \J i ,; to a S t e ph c n B , sell Gammon House to the Malaysian c, In government for a quick profit. It was Ro 1 4 • 0 6 1 4 • 1 0 • through fraudulence of the highest order 88 Jnlan Raja Chulan. that BMF released US$292 million to a shell company with 2 dollars paid­ Kunla Lumpur 05-12, up capital owned by an undischarged bankrupt! Malaysia. There are hints of corruption in the scandal facilitated by the intimate ~ - 2 relationship between the BMF di­ rectors and George Tan of Carrian. Payments were made and benefits given to a number of well-known Malaysians and Malaysian companies. The denials by many of them in the Government White Paper are unconvincing. There is no denying that there has been rampant transgression of nor­ 3 mal banking procedures. The vast BMF: The vast majority of loans given out to the Carrian companies violated every majority of loans given out to the Carrian rule in the book. companies violated every rule in the had discovered at least a part of what nature of the involvement of the Prime book. It is significant that loans con­ was going wrong". (p. 937, BMF Final Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and tinued to be made to these companies Report Vol. II). Minister of Trade and Industry in the without official receipts and securities There is some indication of a concer­ scandal? even after it was known that Carrian ted attempt to cover up the scandal. These and other questions can only be had liquidity problems. 6 The way in which 7 writs served on answered through an independent Royal There is ample evidence too of the solicitors of George Tan were allowed Commission of Inquiry. This is why right total lack of proper supervision to lapse, the unwillingness to circulate tram the outset nearly every social 4 and regulation of BMF by both the internal audit.report on BMF !endings group had appealed to the government the parent bank in Kulau Lumpur and to Carrian to the board of Bank Bumi­ to establish an independent commission Bank Negara. Bank Negara's failure to putra and the refusal of Bank Bumi­ of inquiry. If such a commission had supervise the loan activities of BMF putra to submit Special Brief part I to been set up, there would have been a especially between 1979 and 1982, the police in Kuala Lumpur as recom­ much more conclusive report. This was a crucial contributory factor in mended by the Committee of Inquiry, is because the commission would have the mess that BMF got into. seem to suggest this. A cover-up may had the powers to probe the questions At the same time, the report shows also be the explanation for the Bank raised in the Committee of Inquiry's that various individuals in positions Bumiputra decision to release through report in such a manner that the truth 5 of great responsibility failed to act BMF "further sums (of money) to would have been known. ~ with earnest determination even when George Tan and the Carrian group to It is not too late. The 3 members of they knew that things were seriously keep Carrian afloat. They were in fact the former Committee of Inquiry and wrong with BMF. The former Executive protecting their own interests." (BMF perhaps a couple of other independent, Chairman of Bank Bumiputra, Dr. Final Report Vol. II p. 871 ). respected public personalities should Nawawi Amin, for instance, saw no Though all these strong suspicions now be appointed to a Royal Com­ reason to take action against a senior of cover-up, corruption and fraudu­ mission of Inquiry. Tan Sri Ahmad Noor· BMF official, allegedly involved in lence have been aroused by the report, din should be its Chairman. Using the malpractices even when action was sug­ there isn't enough concrete evidence valuable leads provided by the present gested by the Governor of Bank Negara, to establish the true nature of alleged report, the Commission would be able Aziz Taha. Similarly, the Prime Minister malpraetices. At the same time, a num­ to answer the questions that the public should have responded with greater ber of crucial questions remain unans­ is asking about BMF. vigour to the situation after his several wered in the report. For instance, how ALIRAN urges the government meetings with Aziz Taha and after the did BMF and Carrian develop such a to respond positively to this pro­ latter's detailed letter to him empha­ close relationship? Was there some other sising the gravity of the 3Candal. This person who may have been linked to posal. At stake is its very credibility is what had prompted the authors of the powerful political personalities, a person as a government that professes report to observe, "But in the cases on who used George Tan as a mere agent? honesty and integrity• which we have reported, the individuals Was the government's dilly-dallying in the involved including some at the very entire BMF scandal an attempt to protect top of the system, failed to take the the interests of these powerful political appropriate control measures when they personalities? What was the extent and

All.-.n Monthly March/Apri11986 2 ------~ BMF Revelations W. publish below highlights of the BMF Reports, which were debated in Parliament in March 1986, in the form of extracts from the Final Report and accompanying White Paper on some points of major interest so that the public may form their own judgement of the scandal.

Excerpt 1 GPI's solicitors, Messrs Deacons of Hong Excerpt 2 Kong dated 24.12.81 advising me that the O.SMILLION PAYMENT TO DATO remittance of the first $500,000 and the YUNUSSUDIN second $500,000 to my account are for THE ROLE OF BANK NEGARA (from pgs 436 - 437 Final Report capital investment for and on behalf of (from page 529 Final Report Vol. II) Vol. I) their client, GPI (Copy of Deacons' letter dated 24.12.81 is enclosed as "51.5 (3) Bank Negara had been alerted "42.6 (2) Application for Bank Draft Appendix A). to the serious defects in BMF Las a result On 24-12-81, Carrian Holdings Ltd. At the meeting with BMF Committee of its inspection. This was a month before applied for a Bank Draft of M$0.5 million on 9th October 1984, I was given the Carrian made its announcement of liqui­ to be paid to Dato Yunus Sudin. The following documents which were dity problems. According to the records name of the remitter was stated to be executed in Hong Kong, bearing Carrian mode available to the Committee, Bank Gain Point Investments Ltd. Holding Ltd's (CHL)Ietterhead Negara then called for meetings with the In the books of Carrian Holdings Ltd. i) Pay Order of $500,000 to me directors and officers of BBMB and this payment to Data Yunus Sudin was ii ) Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corpo­ BMFL and requested for documents and debited to the account of Plessey Invest­ ration ORA Form applying for reports. These meetings were held and the ments Ltd. $500,000 TT to me on behalf of documents and reports requested were (3) Interview with Dato Yunus Sudin GPI, given. On 9-10-84, at an interview with the I told the Committee I was surprised Committee Dato Yunus Sudin was given that my name was mentioned in the Pay Post-I nspection copies of the Bank Draft and the applica­ Order, as I know nothing about it. So tion for the Bank Draft. He admitted far as I was concernea, this should not Over this period of time BM F L that the name of the payee stated in these be in CHL's account as I was not account­ released further sums to Carrian. 88MB two documents was his name. He agreed able to CHL but to GPI, hence my also joined in and released a sum of to look into the matter and to revert to remarks on this matter as contained in US$76 million for the purchase of the the Committee. However, at the interview, the extracts. Further, there was no indi­ very same US Assets which BMFL had he made the following comment " ... cation that the money was transmitted failed to secure on its outstanding !end­ This should not have been in Carrian's by CH L nor did I have any reason to ings. The final outcome, when Carrian account .... " enquire where it originated from. I was collapsed, was further losses to BMFL On 23-1-85, Dato Yunus Sudin wrote therefore surprised during the meeting and BBMB. to the Chairman of the Committee and with the BMF Committee when I was {4) What steps could Bank Negara stated that "... regret to advise that at shown a copy of the Pay Order and bank have taken after it had completed its this point of time I am unable to grant remittance application form made in inspection on 30-9-82? It could have any, further assistance to your committee Hong Kong indicating that the money taken steps to cause the removal of the was remitted by CHL. So far as I was persons in control of BMF L and not Dato Yunus Sudin's explanation was concerned, the money was remitted merely rely on the assurances given later given by letter dated 17th February by CPI (See bank advise slip as per by Dr. Nawawi that everything was 1986 (Lampiran XV White Paper Appendix B) and not CHL and that the under control and the statement of 16/1986) as follows:- money was to be invested for and on Dato Hashim that BMF L would not Dear Tuan Syed, behalf of GP I, as per their lawyer's letter suffer any loss. There was no evidence The extracts which were enclosed mentioned above. Thus I avoided giving that such steps were taken at that time. in your letter refer to two matters which the Committee details ...... concern me, namely: I regret to note that my name has been P.M. Informed I) the receipt of $0.5(m) which was included in the Reports of the Committee part of a total investment of $1.0 suggesting my involvement in the BMF We note however that the then Gover­ (m) affair. which I hereby categorically deny. nor of Bank Negara, Tan Sri Aziz Taha The receipt of $0.5(m) I do not know nor did I have any con­ had had several meetings with the Prime The above money was received as part nection with either Carrian or BMF. nor Minister and briefed him on the situation. of a $1 (m) which I invested for and on do I personally benefit from the above He also wrote to the Prime Minister on behalf of Gain Point Investments Ltd two transactions. 2-4-83 (warning that BMF would incur (GPI). a company registered in Hong I hope the above rectifies the incorrect a large loss for the year ended 31 -12-82). Kong. impression and puts the matter in its true Tan Sri Aziz Taha in his interview with I enclose herewith the letter from perspective in so far as I am concerned. the Committee on 2-12-85 stated that

3 Aliran Monthly March/ April 1986 Criminal Acts

In view of all the matters aforesaid. we have expressed our opinion and made our recommendation in Special Brief Part II that the authorities in Malaysia and Hong Kong investigate further into this matter in order to ascertain whether the actions of tho:;t:l reSfJun:.ible for the releases of these sums amount to criminal acts under the laws of Malaysia and Hong Kong. We have also expressed our view in Special Brief Part II that BMF L is entitled to trace these sums and to recover them from those persons or companies res­ ponsible for this loss or those who have Tan Sri Ahmad Noordin, flanked by the other committee members, Mr. Chooi benefitted from these releases and who Mun Sou (left) and Encik Ramli Ibrahim. are unable to show a good title to the receipt of such funds ..... " in the circumstances then prevailing Bank Murder & Release Negara was not in a position to intervene Excerpt 5 any more than what had been done. It (4) After the acquisition of the US had done all that was possible in Assets, Jalil expressed his frustration in WORKING PARTY TO RECOVER reporting the matter to the Government, his unfinished letter to his wife and for the Government is the ultimate family. He then went on leave to Malay­ ASSETS (from pg 21 Final Report Vol. I) shareholder of 88MB and it had been sia during the Hari Raya holidays. On briefed on the serious situation. The the first day at work after his return to " 1.6(2) (b) The Committee then chairman of BBMB (Dr. Nawawi) was also Hong Kong, Jalil was presented with the suggested that, as one of the objectives in direct contact with the Government." request for the release of the US$4 of BMFL/BMBB/Petronas was to recover million to Fitarget. He was called away all losses of and prevent further losses Excerpt 3 to the Regent Hotel purportedly by to BMFL, a "Working Party" be formed a Tan Sri Ibrahim and later that after­ comprising BMFL and the liquidators of JALIL IBRAHIM noon he was murdered, while the sum of all the Carrian group of companies. The (from pgs 569/570 & Final Report Vol. US$4 million was being released on the main objective of the working Party was II) instructions of Lorrain Osman to Fitar­ stated to be the tracing and recovery of get." " 54.6(1) It is clear from the above all assets belonging to or wrongfully taken from BMF L and the Carr ian group report that Jalil was sent to Hong Kong Excerpt 4 of companies. It was also suggested that to be the personal representative of the Group Chairman, Dr. Nawawi He was the Working PartY should work closely KEEPING CARRIAN AFLOAT with the authorities currently involved told to and he reported directly to (from pg 871 Final Report Vol. II} in the investigations of the Carrian Dr. Nawawi. His main function was in Group. relation to the Carrian Loans. "75.36 In the Iight of all these cir­ (c) Action on Recommendation (2) Jalil soon found out after his cumstances we ask ourselves this ques­ On 20-9-85, Syed Hamid Albar on be­ arrival in Hong Kong that the US$40 tion. Why would BMF L with the know­ half of BBMB replied to the Committee million given to Bank of Communica­ ledge and consent of 88MB behave in an as follows:- tion Ltd was in fact a loan for the us·e of apparent contradictory manner: atttempt­ Carrian. He knew that the sum of US$3 ing to secure its own position as against ... The Bank has noted your proposal million requested by George Tan could the other creditors, while at the same of 27th May 1985 on the formation not be given directly to George Tan. It time, disbursing further sums without of a Working Party (WP) to recover the had to be given to a bank and for such security thereby further exposing itself. debts owing by the Carrian and its group bank to on-lend to George Tan. of Companies and other available assets. False Loans For your information the Bank has a Non-existent Party Unit to oversee the recovery actions To answer this question we looked (3) Jalil tried unsuccessfully to obtain at the several allegations made by George The Committee has so far held four additional securites for BMFL in relation Tan, namely, that a greater portion of (4) meetings to monitor the actions In to the outstanding Carrian Loans. He the substantial releases of "Loans" were Kuala Lumpur and related outcome in ended up in arranging for the acquisition in fact made to "the overseas investors" Hong Kong ... .. " of the US Assets at US$76 million from who were customers of the merchant Carrian for a non-existent 3rd Party banking arm of BBMB. If these allega­ No Working Party financed by 88MB. Carrian therefore tions are acceptable then the conclusion succeeded in obtaining a further sum of would be that these releases were not " To the best of the information US$76 million without having to provide genuine loans. This would explain why of the Committee, BBMB has not the securities to BMF L which George BBMB through BMF L was releasing made any attempt to contact the Tan promised that Carrian would do. further sums to George Tan and the liquidators of the Carrian grqup of George Tan succeeded in this with Carrian Group to keep Carrian afloat. companies to form the "Working the full co-operation of BMFL and They were in fact protecting their own Party" as recommended by the 88MB. interests. Committee "e

4 There will be groups and even some less known politicians who would be releasing press statements to publicise as to why they have resigned from the old party to align themselves with a new party . I hope the electorate would not be hood· winked by all the political chameleons. We Letters will have to weigh seriously the int egrity of We welcome leners from readers. Leners can be either in English or Bahasa Malaysia. these politicians as to their true motives. These letters may be edited for purposes of s pace and clarity. The views expressed may Sometimes I wonder whether th.;. people not be those of the Alira n Monthly. Pseudonyms are accepted but all leners should have been planted by some o utside forces include the writer's name and address. Let1ers should preferably be typewrinen with just to discredit some political party around double-spacing; if hand·wrinen, they should be legible. election time. Letters should be eddressed to the Editor, Aliran Monthly, P.O. Box 1049, Penang, Let us not be deceived by statements such Maleysia. as "We are disillusioned with the party leader· ship", "The party has strayed from its original Inaugural Environmental monitor continously the impact of objectives", "The party has betrayed the Awardees 1985 pesticides on the human environment people" and so forth. and to minimise occupational hazards I feel all these are just anempts to subtly associated with the use of these influence public opinion in favour of some EPSM takes pleasure in announcing the chemicals. other party. To make things worse cert~in inauguration of its annual environmental All concerned Malaysians are worried newspapers would magnify these unimportant - ' awards entitled Protector And Polluter Of The by the deaths and diseases caused by resignations to make.it appear that the betrayed Malaysian Environment on this occasion of pesticide application and occasiona.l party is doomed! One needs neither much thu 11th Anniversary of the founding of EPSM. misuse and wonder why safer methods, intelligence nor imagination to identify politi· 1. For 1985 there would only be 2 awards including Integrated Pest Management cians who a re prepared to sell their souls for out of the possible 6; are not more extensively used. EPSM money and political self-advancement. 2. The award of Protector Of Tile Malay ­ remains concerned with the haphazard I have an inkling that the DAP would sian Environment 1985 for the Category disposal of pesticide containers, which again be plagued by such resignations, par· of Organisa tions be conferred on The includes their use for storing drinking ticularly from amongst its Malay members, People Of Papan & Bt. Merah " for their water in some rural areas. We are dis­ as it happened just before the previous elec· efforts in mobilising and fighting the appointed that the industry has not tions. They would give all sorts of excuses environmental hazards of nuclear given adequate priority to environ­ to run down the party. This is obviously done radiation generated by Asian Rare Earth mental quality during the year." to discredit the party in the eyes of the Malay Sdn. Bhd. during the year. We salute community. DAP would be made to appear them for the example that they have Gurmit Singh K.S. as a chauvinistic and racialistic party while set in grassroot concern about environ· President parties wallowing in communalism, in accor· mental quality and the tenacity that Environmental Protection Society dance with party objectives, would suddenly they have shown in taking the dispute Malaysia appear to promote multi racialism and d isplay to the Courts from where they have won more tolerance and brotherhood. an inter-locutory injunction against the Petaling Jaya I hope the people would not be influenced polluter. by the activities of all these political grasshop· All concerned Malaysians appreciate the pers just around election time. It should not spirit shown by these ordinary Malay· be difficult for the Malaysian voter to identify sians in standing up for their rights of the "cutlery" candidates - those who are consultation and for a safe environment *** born with silver spoons in their mouths, speak for themselves as well as their des­ Elections & Cutlery Candidates with forked tongues and stab the opponents cendants. We value their spirit of co· in the back with knives! operation with EPSM and other con· With our elections drawing close we will earned organisations that were mobilised hear news of more and more people switching P Rasahugan within the Papan Support Group and parties under many flimsy excuses. lpoh their sacrifices in paying for foreign experts to counter those paid for by the Government". 3. The award for Pollwer Of The Malaysian Environment 1985 be given jointly for the category of firms to (a) ASIAN RARE EARTH SDN. BHD. "for its polluting activities which gave rise to the Papan Controversy and forced the Bt. Merah residents to seek an injunction from the High Court against the firm producing and storing radioactive waste. We deplore the firm's silence and un· willingness to engage in open discussion with the residents and environmentalists during the year. All concerned Malaysians regret the lack of public accountability and public in· sensitivity to the environmental hazards of the firm's operations. Even when con· fronted with the findings of Prof. Sadao Ichikawa, the firm continued its stony silence. Neither did its Japanese princi· pal answer queries raised in Tokyo by Japanese activists and EPSM." and (b) The Malaysian Pesticides Industry "for failing to respond positively to the International Dirty Dozen Campaign which was launched on 5 June 1985 and being unable to curb the proliferation of the very toxic paraquat. We regret that the industry has so far not produced pu· blicly a definite programme of action to The Papan Trenches: an expensive development project that is anti-people.

5 Aliran Monthly March/ April 1986 - bahawa kata Perdana Menteri, " Kegagalan Re~l ISA & Release All Debat UMNO.f'AS dahulu adelah disebabkan Political Prisoners oleh sikap pengecut para pemuka UMNO - mereka takut kalah - takut berhadapan dengan INSAN joins other freedom loving people (ISAI and all other obno!dous, undemocratic kebenaran dan bimbang dicaci·maki oleh in commemoretlnt International Human Rights and repressive levislation in Malaysia, as well pihak oposisi yang mempunyai banyak hujah Dey on Oecember 10. as for the immediate and unconditionel rei­ dan modal yang rasional dan dapat dipertehan· of However, INSAN notes wi1h considerable all remaining political prisoners. kan. Dan UMNO sering bertelagah sesama concern the continued violation of unive,.l According to incomplete information avail· mereka pula." lni suatu tamparan hebat kepada able to INSAN, the following people are human rights all over the world, and especially ahli UMNO dan barisan pemimpmnya, kerana currently still detained under the ISA at the In our own country, Malaysia. ucapan ini diluahkan oleh Presiden UMNO locations noted below: On this oc:cuion, INSAN renews its call sendiri. for the repeal of the lrrternal S.curity Act Dalam uoapon khas itu juga Dato Perdana Manteri mendedahkan bahawa pemimpin Taiping Detention Camp UMNO kini terlalu ghairah dengan kuasa dan No. Name Camp No. Year of detention kemewahan yang manurunkan imej kepimpinan 1. Wong Yong Huat 1516/83 1972 mereka dan keruwetan pimpinan. ini tanda· 2. Long Mlng Leong 1517/83 1972 tanda kemuraman dalam UMNO yang perlu 3. Teo Leong Hock 1518/83 1976 diberi perhatian segera. Sengketa sasama kita - 4. Hang Boon Lean 1545/83 1977 berebut sesame kita - hasad-dengki, prasangka, 5. Cheah Swee San 1538/83 1978 dan lobi melobi melulu adalah kerja rutin 6. Lim Bak 1559/84 1975 UMNO sekarang yang amat dikecam oieh Dato 7. WeeCheeSoon 1542183 1977 Presiden dalam pertemuan itu. Oieh itu meng-­ 8. Low Chwee Chang 1541/83 1975 ertilah sedikit wahai pemimpin rekyat. 9. Liew Han Vee 1478/81 1979 Dalam sebuah negara - pemimpinlah +10. Teo Hong 980/77 1977 yang menjadi tunggak keutuhan, kejayaan, 11. Ch-Hock Lee 1299/79 1979 kamajuan dan kesejahteraan. Kalau pemimpin 12. Chong Kon Fatt 1548/83 1978 tak betul maka rakyat akan kucar. ltu hakikat 13. Lim Kim Chew 1475/81 1977 yang mesti dimengerti. 14. YongSai Wen 1524/83 1976 15. NgHongChee 1525/83 1976 Dr. Ali Mahmod Ali Ei.Jufri 16. Ng Sang Loong 1493/82 1977 Pasir Mas, Kelantan 17. ChinSweeSan 308/75 1975 18. Bah Teck Ang 1535/83 1977 19. Lim Chin Kee 1083/78 1978 20. T-v See Chao 644/76 1976 *** 21. Lee Kueng Sang 1120/78 1978 Berani Berfikir 22. Lee Yun T1en 1201/78 1978 23. {Hajil Suhaiml Said 1564/85 1985 Satu daripada syarat bagi mencapai kemaju­ 24. Abu Bakar Chik 1984 an iaiah semangat berani berfikir, ~berikan 25. Allil Vee How 1532/83 1975 idaa/pendapat den sedia mendedah, berhujah 26. Lim Eng Kia atas prinsip yang rasional, munasabah dan tepat. Police Rehabilitation Centre Amat malang sekali sekiranya ada dikalangan cerdikpandai kita yang merasa takut dan gusar TiongAh Moi 610/76 1976 +1. untuk menampilkan dirinya ke arena pemikiran Chong Yong Siang 1546/83 1976 2. serta perbahasan intelektuai. Sedangkan dengan Yap Kong Fatt 1520/83 1977 3. berbuat demikianiah sesuatu iimu dan keputus· 4. Chai Fooi Sing 1521/83 1977 an objektif itu dapat diketengahkan. Chiam Hock Meng 1533/83 1976 5. Oleh kerana n119Bra kita agak tinggi juga Tan Eng Hoo 237/75 1975 6. prestasi pembelajarannya, maka boiehiah Liang Moo Pah 751J/77 1977 +7. dikira bahawa banyak kesulitan yang dihadapi •+8. Chin Kun Tl Secret Cell K.L. boieh segera diselesaikan. Tapi jadinya tidak +1. Loo Slew Lin 1279/79 1978 begitu. Pemikiran mereka saoleh-oieh dikong· Johore Baru Lock-up kong oleh pelbagai andaian dan was·was. Bimbang, khuatir dan sumbing nampaknya. 1. W.IChauWei 1452/81 1981 Terjadinya demikian adalah kerana golongan 2. Lim Fong Choon 1977 yang berpendidikan itu tidak mengetahui atau Notes: jahil dengan fungsi sebenar hakikat berdirinya • Spelling of n~ma unconfirmed mereka sebagai seorang iimiahwan. + Woman Kaiau goiongan berpelajaran dan berpendidi· INSAN calls on the Malaysian govwnment to ...._ all political detainees Immediately and kan ini tidak mahu atau sengaja disekat dari u~monally to -'t Humin Rights o.y on 10 December 1985, and on all freedom and justice mengeluarkan pandangan - pendapat - hujah loving people - lndividuall and pou.. - to work for their ,..._. and for the abolition of anti· - saranan dan resolusi, maka siapakah lagi yang demotnltic laws, policies and institutions which vlolete our basic human rights, freedom and justice. akan menjadi daya penggerak kemajuan dan pembangunan intelektual bangsa? Dan jadi Dr. Jomo K.S. dalam arena politik kita dengar bahawa para Director cerdikpandai iulusan Universiti atau institusi INSAN pengajian tinggi sudah tidak diberi peluang. Petaling Jaya Mereka selayaknya bekerja dalam opis sahaja. Jangan cakap banyak. ikut arahan dan buat kerja dangan jujur dan masing-masing. Mereka Kepimpinan Kegusaran den kekalutan dalam partei tak ubah macam tunggul kayu mati sahaja. kerajaan di negare ki1a kini adalah disebabkan Ada fikiran tapi digamkan. Dan kehendaknya, Deri segi se,ifrah - punca kejayaan sese· oleh sikap rekus kuasa oleh setengah pemimpin biarkan kaiangan yang bodoh main politik, buah kerajaan yang memerintah itu adalah pertei. Tanpe mengira akta dan undang-undeng memerintah negara, membuat dasar, memutus· kerana adanya pemimpin-pemimpin yang kental mereka terus berjuang untuk kekuasaan. ken undang·undeng dan mentadbir negerall serta semangat yang tinggi untuk memperjuang· Paspot kekuesaan adalah kesenangan buat Goiongan yang berkepercayaan begini mesti kan misinya. lni diakui oleh semua pihak, mereka meskipun kecapaian itu dari titik belajar serta sedar - bahawa bukankah sesuatu samada partei kerajaan mahupun partai oposisi. penindasan dan penyelewengan besarl kerja itu kaiau dibiarlakukan oleh kalangen Oan karuntuhen sesebuah kerajaan pula banyak Satu kenyataan yang dibuat oleh Dato yang bukan ahlinya, maka tunggulah saat disebebkan oleh kegilaan pemimpin kepada Perdana Menteri dalam satu perjumpun khas kehancurannyalll pangkat, kedudukan, status, kecetekan pem· deng1n ahli.,.hli parlimen di rumah UMNO Kita ada demokrasi, tapi kerapkali diper· ikiran, lemah semangat, rasuah, pantingkan Malaysia pada 13hb November yeng laiu adalah tikaikan keput1111n rnajoriti. Ada mahkamah diri dan tipu helah yang melampau. patut direnung oleh semua kalangan pemimpin seringkali diketepik

Aliran Monthly Narch/April1986 6 lajaran, tapi sengaja tak jujur; ada kastam - Terakhir ini berkembang pula satu tabiat Of Faith And Dogmas polis - BPR, tapi rasuah; penyeludupan, yang amat dangkal dalam masyarakat kita - skandal, sengketa, makin hebat berlaku!! Dan iaitu apabila mereka berhadapan dengan sesuatu Social service should become a n integral soallah diri sendiri (terutama bapa-bapa pe­ isu yang kontroversial, maka lantas ada golong­ part of our cultural and spiritual life. There mimpinlll. apakah moralnya disebalik kejadian a n yang t erus meletakkan akalnya dibelakang can be no devotion in isolation. The pious begini7? dan mempergunakan sentimen rasanya di­ devotion to God must ultimately result in Kalau mahu maju dan selamat jalankan hadapan. Maka makin kecohlah, bertambahlan an expanding consciousness that begins to keadilan dan kebebasan sebagaimana sebaik­ kusut dan gumpalnya sesuatu masalah itu feel a closer kinship with humanity. nya. lkut peraturan betul-betul. Biarkan suara sebelum ianya sempat diselesaikan. lnilah Whatever service we render to tile less rakyat dijadikan pedoman demi kemakmuran sikap lemah pemikiran dan ceteknya penge­ fortunate in our society must begin from a dan kesejahteraan semua. lngat!!! Negara yang tahuan dalam analis penyelesaiannya. Misalnya spontaneous love in our hearts to give a help­ aman dan sejahtera adalah negara yang wujud ada golongan yang cuba menolak kewibawaan ing hand to someone in dire need of help dalam dokongan semua rakyat dengan rela. universiti untuk terus berfungsi sebagai wadah and thereby bring solace. It is such good deeds Jangar\ jadikan ketaatan rakyat itu hanyalah perbincangan ilmu dan rnedan diskusi para and service that enable spiritual love to blossom kerana takut, diugut dan diupah dengan ke­ ahli fikir dan para intelektual. and expand. Out hearts get purified and our mewahan wang ringgit, janji pangkat, dan itu Golongan yang menolak usaha positif minds become ennobled. danini. seumpama ini tak ubah macam keldai yang But the sad fact is that we are davoted to Masyarakat yang merdeka mestilah diisi suaran ya n yaring tapi hanyalah menjadi barang our dogmas and rituals. We tend to think dengan jiwa yang merdeka, bebas. Pen y­ tunggangan barang sahaja. Maka dari perspektif that it is the beginning a nd end of religion. elewengan dan rasuah sukar berlaku kalau rasional - amat sesuai sekali universiti atau We are deluded by the misguided zeal that. peraturan didokong oleh rakyat. Para pegawai institusi pengajian tinggi itu d ijadikan gedung we must fiercely defend our dogmas and per· _ pula rela dengan tugasnya. Kemiskinan dapat penyelidikan, pengkajian dan perbahasen ilmu petuate, its cause to prove our faith and re· - diatasi kalau kejujuran pemerintah ada untuk bagi mencari resolusi positif. Dan apakah ligion. We become bigoted, if not rigid in word menolongnya. Kemajuan akan torus kekal fungsi para ahli fikir kalau tidak t und uk kepada and deed. Out Visions become narTow. We kalau semua rakyat bersatupadu dan meny­ asumsi positif - rasional d an saintifik ini! lose our ability to understand and lose our okongnya. Keselamatan negara terus terjamin Renunglah. sense of tolerance a nd sensitivity to appreciate kalau semua rakyat bersetu hati. Dan segalanya and accommodate virtues and truth from other akan beres kalau rakyat rela dengan sistem Kartini Muhd Dahfan sources. pemerintahan yang adil lagi saksama. Rantau Panjang, Kelantan Only devotion to God and righteousness will liberate our hearts of greed, egoism, and passion. Blind adherence to dogmas and rituals will only inhibit the spiritual. They are mere guideposts and symbols of assurance to help us worship God. But we have taken the symbols Of late we have come to realise that religion cannot simply concern and signposts as the ultimate in religion. We pay too much attention to rituals and remain itself with prayer and piety, with all the so-called formal religious convinced that we have practised our religion behaviour. It must have a direct impact on human behaviour and the in its totality. We keep quarrelling as to whose way we relate to one another. This was the cry of the prophets of old system and techniques are the best and the ultimate. We have not moved forward in spirit and it has taken us a long time to catch on. because religion has become the love of dogmas We need to promote behaviour that enhances life- to develop and the need for symbols. a consistent ethic of life, individually, societally. Some people keep insisting that man must belong to a religion based upon revelation and certitude to attain spirituality and salvation. Father Thomas Oddo, C.S.C., They simply categorise all others outside the President orbit of their faith as heathens and infidels. University of Portland By such arguments men like Mahatma Gandhi and Tagore will be classified as infidels because they did not embrace or come within the confines of a religion based upon revelation and certitude in the strictest sense of the

Evolution Of Material Man

7 Afiran Monthly March/ AJ)t'il 1986 word. What rationality and justice is there PM Should Sack MP Suhaimi Said Detention in the realm of spirituality if men of such nobility of mind and purity of heart be classifi­ MP Wan Mohamed Najib Wan Mohamed learned from a report of Amnesty Inter­ ed under such mean terms as a dogmatic should be sacked from Barisan National and as national that Haji Suhaimi Said, a citizen and neccessity7 a Member of Parliament. The MP is creating lawyer of your country, was arrested on March In the area of social service we must admit racial tension among Malaysians, particularly 4, 1985. It is reported that Suhaimi Said was that a lot of people and groups who serve the non-Malays, and is a threat to national held in prison for a period of 60 days without society and perform some admirable work integration. His frequent irresponsible state· any access to his family or lawyer. At present do so not out of much love and sympathy ments and comments are unwarranted. he is detained under the Internal Security Act but with other ulterior motives. Some people Last year in Parliament he made a very (ISAI for two years without having been render service with a political motive. Others dangerous racialistic and abusive remark about charged or sentenced. Besides, the ISA consider it some form of pre-requisite to the Indian community in his clash with MP empowers the authorities of your country to reach the heavenly kingdom. Then there is Karpal Singh. The Indian community really renew the two-year-detention period in· this service rendered just out of a sense of social felt insulted and ultimately they protested definitely. responsibility rather that out of love and against his outrageous comment. According to the mentioned report there is sympathy. Service is followed by too much Later, Wan Mohamed Najib touched on no reason for arresting Suhaimi Said. He just pomp and publicity. There is this craving for non-Malay rights in an argument with the published a report on clashes between sup­ recognition and reward. It ensues more out opposition leader Lim Kit Siang in Parliament. porters of PAS (Partai Islam SeMalaysia) and of a calculating intellect than from the genero· Recently, Wan Mohamed Najib again made UMNO (U nited Malays National Organization) sity of the heart. Though much good work a very diabolical statement without taking during a by-election campaign at Padang Terbau may be done it lacks the spiritual basis. into account the feelings of non-Malays when in January 1985. Neither did he call for vio­ May be all these are part of our materia· RTM cancelled the programme featuring lence nor did he approve of it. listie culture but it must be a cause of concern singers Sudirman and Noor Kumalasari in Being a lawyer myself, I have to expnl!s ~ to all of us. If service to fellow human beings Chinese opera costume. Malaysians, parti­ my concern at the arrest of Suhaimi Said under is accompanied by publicity stunts, it depicts cularly the Chinese community, saw this as these circumstances. Article 9 of the United the lack of love and compassion in our hearts. a violation of the station's unbiased policy Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights All our loud rhetoric and altruism is of little to promote national integration. says: "No one shall be subjected to arbitrary significance if it is just part of a scheme of People like Wan Mohamed Najib are a threat arrest, detention or exile". Therefore I am things to pamper our ego. We must not just to the country's peace and stability. The asking the Malaysian government to grant seek to become some "do gooders" but van· Prime Minister should look into his own house, Suhaimi Said full access to his family and ture to live by the deeper principles of our particularly UMNO, before barking at the lawyer. Furthermore it should release Suhaimi faith. We must discard this hypocrisy and opposition parties for threatening the country's Said immediately and unconditionally, if -as strive to become spiritually motivated human peace and security. it appears - he is being detained for the non­ beings. violent expression of his beliefs only. P Rasahugan N Mahendran La had Datu. Sabah Wolf-Dieter Albrecht lpoh West Germany

A~ f>V'rl- of m~ soc1~l responsibility, I W!Sh+o adopt

· ···c · No.~e · ·, · MP .for ...... · ( cons-1-itc.A -enc«:1 ) 1 want h;m to leG\1'1'1 : The r

EnG.!~ ;6 ,,o -oo G:luvSe. ~e f'or OI'E y~r ·

8 Malaysians Are Not Fools Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir has still not Pan-El Affair & Misplaced Loyalty answered the 12 fundamental questions which Datuk Abdullah the Education Minister we raised once again at our press conference I would like to comment on the letter appealed to what he regarded as a small number of 6.2.86 on the Bakun issue. Instead he has (The Star, 1/2/86) purportedly signed by 35 of businessmen and politicians to stop talking made sweeping accusations about our motives. Malaysian students at the National University bad about the PM (Star, 19 Jan. 1986). I regard Surely there should be no problem in makinlJ of Singapore. this as childish and unnecessary. The people public the feasibility reports if the Bakun pro· Reference was made to my statement on have the right to discuss the performance and ject is so positive and essential to national the detention of Tan Koon Swan by the Singa· character of the PM and other ministers inclu· development. That has been EPSM's basic pore authorities. According to 'Malaysian ding that of the Education Minister. The people stand all this while! Students', "His statement too is being played have the right to inform others whether the PM As regards all the other accusations uttered up by the Singapore Press, which tarnished and other ministers ought to be re-elected in in Kuantan, we invite the Prime Minister to the issue of Malaysian Chinese." Further on, the neiCt election or be thrown out. prove them and to define what 'crypto· they declared: "We do not believe io his policy Those who don't want the people to assess socialists' are. As far as EPSM is concerned, of 'betraying' our fellow countrymen merely their characters and performance ought not to we are our own masters, owe allegiance only to for his selfish means." (sic). Presumably, they remain in politics. Please resign because there Malaysia, and have a clear conscience on Bakun meant 'ends' rather than 'means'? Significantly, are others very eager to take your place. and other environmental issues. We take orders perhaps, this confusion between 'means' and Please also stop threatening the people or from no one! No EPSM member went around 'ends' is symptomatic of the pathetic state of tell them what is good for them. They know instigating anyone to ask for $1 million per mind of 'Malaysian Students'. what is good for them. acre compensation. The PM should ignore such Now, what is the statement of mine which, The eiCistence of some disgracefully unfit rumours since we too could repeat a rumour according to 'Malaysian Students' has •• and filthy politicians makes us sick. The neiCt that one of the Bakun youths was offered a "tarnished the image of Malaysian Chinese" · general election will witness the eiCit of these $85,000 bribe to stop opposing the Dam. and 'betrayed' our fellow countrymen? politicians. Malaysians are not fools. Why has the PM been harping on the foreign Throughout the Pan-Electric Industries saga, bogey? Is it part of the runup to the General I have only made two statements - one in the Sarong Pimpernel Elections? · form of a speech at a SOP ceramah in Gopeng, Kuala Lumpur We know that the PM is very powerful and Perak on 11.1.86, and the other in the form of has the full power of the State behind him. We a press statement on 22.1.86, a day after Tan hope that he will not misuse it to crush honest Koon Swan was detained by the Singapore critics like us for having the temerity to call authorities. The following is the full teiCt of for public accountability and open debate on my Gopeng speech: PM's Statement*** Unjustified national issues. Because we believe that "The financial troubles of Pan-Electric Malaysia is a democratic country, we shall Industries (Pan-El) which caused the three-day Naturally EPSM is shocked by the PM's continue to articulate our honest convictions closure of the Singapore and Malaysian Stock description of environmental groups as "crypto· and invite the PM and Government to parti­ E1Cchanges on December 2 to 4 had sent socialists trying to prevent development in the cipate in open debate, which will also help shockwaves through the financial ci rcles of country". This is certainly amuing when the enlighten the general public. both countries. More importal'ltly and sadly. Government itself has a Department of Envi· We remain unshaken in our convictions thousands of small investors in both countries ronrnent which is publicly committed to and reject the PM's charges. were badly hit with big losses. 'Development without Destruction' - t he very The Pan·El saga was the direct result of the basic theme which EPSM has advocated ever Gurmit Singh K.S. company's forward share-purchase contracts, since its inception in 1974. What are we to President amounting to $ 140 million, and its debts of make of the Government's various promises Environmental Protection about $400 million. in the Third Malaysia Plan and Subsequent Society Malaysia The Pan-El saga has raised questions about Plans? Petaling Jaya the nature of capital formation in capitalist Political Development

/IS A POLITICIAN, HOWEVER., IT IS IIELPH-lG THOSE WHO IMPOSSIBlE TO HELP INCWDI~ MY MOREoVER, A BESID~, THERE #?.E snu, WI-lEN THINGS VOTEP ME IWTO EVE:r

ANV W£ IX>N 'T AND WE DDN 'T HAVE TIJ YOU HAVE TD BE FIRM A~ AU., WE ARE UK£ IT! TAKE IT EITHER ! WITH PEOPLE UKE T/IAT. IN POsiTIONS CJr PDW£R .If.

~~~·~~'\ ~

AUTHORITARIAN DPPRES~fVE. VANGEROUS ARROGANT -rN-

9 Aliran Monthly Merch/ April1986 ------~---- countries through the Stock Exchange. The proclaimed purpose of a Stock Exchange is to play the role as a channel of long term capital into indunry and trade, where the Basic Principles real wealth Is created. The Stock Exchange in a capitalist system is therefore the agency by which capital is raised for productive use, with the aim of raising the level of output, employment and income. ALI RAN We continue with the 2nd installment on the above series. However, the Stock Markets of Singapore and Malaysia have become almost like casinos Politics, Administration & ment is the medium-sized. local-level dominated by big-time market operators and the Judiciary communtty which seeks to reduce the manipulators. These big business and financial power of the bureaucracy and operators, including some businessmen-cum­ 4 A political system enhances the scope for self-manage­ politicians, seem to be more and more money­ ment and self-regulation. makers rather than thing-makers. These people, that cherishes the freedom and dignity rather than putting industrial assets to better of the ordinary human being, expands use, have in reality been removing capital to his rights, enhances his responsibili­ 8 A leader-people make quick fortunes on the stock market, ties, encourages his active involvement relationship 1n administration. politics so that the stock market itself has stopped to in the formulation of public policies. and tn other spheres which ts harmo­ fulfil the function of channeling money into allows him to exercise effective nious because it is based upon ethical productive industry end trade. As a result, authority over government and thereby principles: leaders should be ind1v1duals share dealing - including forward share­ checks the power of the state. wtth integrity and abtlity. w1th wisdom purchase contracts - has become a growth and vision whose personal values industry by itself. would have a pos1tive impact upon the Thus, the stock market circus is dominated 5 A political pro­ by financial whizkids and marauders using cess that stresses accountability, pro­ rest of society financial gimmickry to manipulate share motes the free flow of information, prices. The stock market has become a protects the independence of the 9 An autonomous. mechanism for making money for a privileged media, defends the autonomy of creat1ve atlltude towards the evolulion group which uses industrial capital in share various social groups and safeguards of the na!lon's philosophy. policy­ dealing and other financial activities of ques­ the legitimacy of dissent. making and plann1ng influenced by tionable social and economic value. The Pan-El one's own experience and one s own saga reveals the "go-go" years of Malaysian 6 A political envi­ setting. II should not be the outcome business. The problems facing Pan-El and some ronment that ensures peaceful, honest of blind im1ta!lon of allen theones and other companies today are not the result conduct of politics; people should be models of development of some bad luck or bad business judgement, able to select and dismiss their leaders but are inherent in the activities of share value through free, fair elections and funda­ 10 A JUdtcial servtce manipulation. mental social change should be possi­ that is truly Independent and upnght The Singapore and Malaysian authorities ble through peaceful persuasion. and laws committed to soctal JUStice owe a duty to the industry and trade in both implemented by a legal system wtth a countries as -11 as thousands of small but people's orientat1on. genuine investors, to mount a joint compre­ 7 An administrative hensive investigation into the recent stock structure where the basts of govern- market debacle to find out:· 1) whether there was any fraud in Pan-El; 2) Who were all these individuals, com­ It is by now common public knowledge that Students' to support the MCA in general and panies and securities firms involved in have many differences with the Singapore the Tan Koon Swan faction in particular. No forward share-purchase contracts; government with regard to human rights one can deny them the basic human right of 31 The extent to which Malaysian business­ violations, detention without trial, control their political preference and choice. However, man-cum-politician Tan Koon Swan; of the press, students and the media. As a whether the MCA is the only party which can Singapore stockbroker Peter Tham Wing matter of fact, I was one of those instrumental represent the Chinese community in Malaysia Fai; Associated Asian Securities, a major for forcing the People's Action Party out of and whether Tan is in fact "a capable leader, brokerage company in Singapore; and J the Socialist International in 1976. And my a hope for Chinese unity, a hope for a better Ballas & Co., a Singapore stockbroking condemnation of the PAP's record of human future .... ." are arguable and essentially sub­ company of which Singapore Prime rights violations was the main reason I resigned jective interpretations and perceptions of issues, Minister Lee Kuan Yew's brother from the OAP in 1978. However, on this issue events and personalities. Freddie Lee is a senior partner; are of possible commercial fraud which has Moreover, and more importantly, we must involved with forward share-purchase adversely affected the interests of thousands of remember that Tan Koon Swan is being pro­ contracts; small investors. I am in agreement with them. secuted as an individual and a businessman, and 4) The banks which gave loans for forward In the final analysis, we must always judge an not as MCA leader or as a claimed leader of share-purchase contracts; issue not by who is involved but by the cri­ the Chinese community in Malaysia. To insist 5) To what extent the Monetary Authority terion of what is involved. That is the ultimata otherwise is to do the MCA and the Chinese of Singapore had failed in its duty to test of maturity, responsibility and political community in Malaysia a disservice. supervise and scrutinise the books of health. 'Malaysian Students' have peculiar notions bankers and stockbrokers, especially It is of course the prerogative of 'Malaysian of 'loyalty', 'betrayal' and on how to uphold with regard to forward share-purchase to Singapore for criminal prosecution. The the good name and image of Malaysia that contracts; Singapore government should be just as touljh could have been acceptable only during the 6) To what extent the Stock Exchange of with the culprits in the present Stock market Stone Age. Singapore Committee had failed to crisis, whoever or ho-ver highly placed they Were all the British people who did not monitor and supervise the securities may be. There should be no protection and speak up against the extradition of Richard industry; secret deals - whether political or business - Tarling to Singapore in the 1970s being disloyal 7) Whether criminal charges can be made behind the people's backs". to Britain, betraying a fellow countrymen, and against individuals, banks, securities In my press statement of 22.1.86, I guilty of not upholding the good name and firms and companies for activities which welcomed "the detention of Tan Koon Swan image of Britain? led directly or indirectly to the stock by the Singapore authorities in connection with Are all Malaysians who are in support of market crisis in both countries. the Pan-Electric Industries affair". I also the HongKong authorities' effort to extradit In 1975-76 the Singapore authorities made renewed my call on the Malaysian and Slnga· two former BMF officials from London to charges of 'serious wrong-doing' against the pore authorities to take action against all HongKong for trial in connection with the conduct of Haw.Par.Siater Walker. A series other individuals and other parties involved in $2.5 billion BMF loans scandal being disloyal to of investigations, including those under the commercial fraud. these two persons and guilty of not upholding Companies Act, folio-d. The Stock Exchange I stand by every word in my speech of the good name and image of Malaysia abroad? of Singapore subsequently released five volumes 11.1.86 and my statement of 22.1.86. Your Are the thousands of small investors whose of their findings. Later, Richard Tarling, chair­ readers can surely judge for themselves whether monies were virtually wiped out in the recent man of Haw Par, was extradited from England the arguments in them are valid or otherwise. stock exchange crisis in Malaysia and Singapore

Ali ran Monthly March/April 1986 10 being guilty of 'disloyalty' 'betrayal' and of not figure, Dr. Chandra Muzaffar, and an editorial be disastrous since the country is already having upholding the good name and image of Ma lay­ article on the current situation in Malaysia. doubts about the extent of public accounta· sia if and when they complain? Undoubtedly there was some criticism, direct bility practised in the nation. The University Which is more important - to ensure that or implied, in most of these pieces, but we administrators will have a heyday if they can the truth and justice are upheld, or to protect, strongly feel that what criticism there was was completely silence even the officials of the defend and save one's 'friend', 'fellow country­ fair and well-argued, and that the analysis in staff and student associations. What hope is man' or 'leader', right or wrong? each piece was put soberly and rationally and there for democracy when it is killed even in For all their incoherent hot air and misplaced in a considered manner our institutions of higher learning? sense of loyalty and patriotism, have 'Malaysian The London Guardian newspaper , on 3rd Article 19 of the Universal Decjaration of Students' started talking to the ordinary men January 1986, gave prominence to the Malay­ Human Rights asserts the right to freedom of and women in the streets to find out what they sian ban, and the London-based Index on opinion and expression and Article 10 of our think and say about the whole affair? Censorship magazine has informed us that own Constitution assures citizens the freedom If the upside down logic of 'Malaysian their forthcoming issue will also be carrying of speech. In the light of these, we deplore, Students' is any reliable indication of the level news of the ban. in the strongest possible terms, the deci~on of maturity and sense of responsibility of This is the first instance that Inside Asia of the USM and urge the Council to rescind it. future Malaysian and MCA leaders, then we has been banned from any country in the In the meantime, we urge the entire aca­ would indeed have good reason to be sorry for world, in more than a year of publication. demic community in Malaysia to shake off Malaysia in general and the MCA in particular. There are now sales in most Asian countries, its apathy and take a stand on academic Foreigners may well have cause to make fun of and in Thailand, for instance, the magazine freedom and the freedom of expression NOW. us for a long time to come. is being distributed nationally and is widely We assure them of our support and thas of available on the bookstalls. There has never like-minded Malaysians. They cannot isolate _ Fan YewTeng been any problem in that country, despite themselves from fundamental issues in their • Secretary -General articles on the situation in Thailand which have ivory towers or hide behind the skirts of the Socialist Democratic Party been at leas1 as critical as those that we have UUCA. After all, they are not the only ones Kuala Lump!Jr published on Malaysia. who have their livelihoods to worry about! We are worried by this ban, and by the THE UUCA SHOULD AlSO GO! arbitrary method of operating by the Malay­ sian Home Ministry. We will nonetheless Gurmit Singh K S *** continue to publish articles that we believe President National Economy reflect the true situation in all the Asian coun­ Selangor Graduates Society tries that we cover, and that are well-wrinen Petaling Java and well-argued. The Press and the Government say we are now in the throes of slow down or recession. It's more a slump than a mere recession. Huge Inside Asia London numbers of Malaysians are being and have been *** retrenched and remain jobless The Government should be t he first to reduce expenditure but, MCA Demonstrations & Tan Koon Swan no - ministers are still going overseas for *** seminars, forums, and what not, which are of As a Malaysian, I was very disappointed to no value to the country. We just cannot afford PM Told: Declare Your Assets hear of demonstrations and various retaliatory such expenditure in these hard times. actions being taken by the Malaysian Chinese The Prime Minister goes round the country Association (MCA) members against the arrest HSLim telling the gullible rural folk that people are of their leader, Tan Koon Swan, by the Singa· lpoh spreading malicious rumours about his wealth porean authorities. All these actions have only sought to demonstrate that it IS possible for and corrupt practices. I am sure if he declares publicly his assets both in the country and any powerful and charismatic politician to be overseas, the problem can be settled. Nepotism immune from prosecution. If so, this is is so rampant in the world today that I wonder inherently wrong and they certainly do not *** represent the reaction of the majority of if it is a crime anymore. Corruption, through Malaysian Chinese. Banning of 'Inside Asia' proxies. is also impossible to prove. Politics should not be allowed to interfere In December 1985, the Special Branch of with the due process of law and in an inde­ Non-Politician the Malaysian police (at Bukit Aman) refused pendent system of prosecution. Respect for Petaling Java to allow a consignment of Inside Asia maga:rines the enforcement of law and order should be (issue no. 6. November-December 1985). our business. Tan Koon Swan's arrest is solely bound for our distributors in Kuala Lumpur, a personal maner unless he has been arrested C.R. Dasaratha Raj Sdn Bhd. to enter Malaysia for championing the good causa of the Chinese and be distributed there. No reason was given *** community and the nation. by the Malaysian authorities, either to our USM & Academic Freedom I wish, therefore. to tell my fellow Malay­ distributors or to us, for this arbit rary decision. sia ns back home of what Lord Denning, a Inside Asia strongly protests against this The decision of the USM Disciplinary world-renowned English judge who has retired, decision, which it feels is an outrageous one, and Board to dismiss its Academic & Administrative said: " To every subject in this land, no matter one which only confirms our opinion that free­ Staff Association's President and to cut the how powerful, I would use Thomas Fuller's dom of information and of expression in Malay­ salary of its Vice-President has been rightly words over 300 years ago: "Be you never so sia is being severely and increasingly curtailed. condemned by many groups of concerned high, the law is above you" - GOURIET Other recent actions by the Malaysian authori­ Malaysians. SGS wishes to express its total v. UNION OF POST OFFICE WORKERS ties against press freedom which strengthen this support to this condemnation and the appeal (1977) 1 QB 729, 761- 762. So, Jet me view are the legal action taken against the by PKAPUSM at this hour of challenge. further add that the machinery of justice bureau chief of the Far Eastern Economic SGS has been one of the staunchest critics must be ellowed to take its own course as Review for an article he had wrinen on the of the Universities and University Colleges long as justice is seen to be done to both Malaysian government's relations with China, Act (UUCA) especially since its amendments parties, even though the heavens may fall I and the way in which the Malaysian publication in 1975. We maintain that university autonomy In this respect, I earnestly urge my fellow Mimbar Sosialis is currently being hounded and was effectively killed by these and academic Malaysians to desist from their actions against threatened with suspension. freedom has been seriously declining since then. Singapore which will only prove damaging to Since no reasons for the action against This decision of the USM Board tragically the longstanding friendship between our two Inside Asia were given, it is not clear which proves our point. But it will be a greater peoples end the spirit of amity in ASEAN. articles were considered to have 'offended'. calamity if the decision remains unaltered by I have no doubt that Tan Koon Swan would We do not want to venture any guesses, the University Council for it will eliminate be given a fair trial to vindicate himself and though we suspect it was a combination of all the last vestiges of the freedom of expression I wish him the very best. In the meantime, the pieces that referred to Malaysia. These on its Penang campus. maturity must be in command in this hour were two pieces on labour issues in Malaysia As its former Deputy Vice-chancellor Dr. of test between our two countries. by two well-known and respected Malaysian Kamal Salih put it in a press interview on academics, Dr. Jomo and Dr. Wa:zir-jahan 8 February, this action is a dangerous precedent Roger Tan Kor Mee Karim, a report of a talk in London given by an which all the other 5 Universities are likely to Queen Mary College equally well-respected Malaysian human rights follow. The consequences for the country can United Kingdom

11 Aliran Monthly March/April1986 Human File

certainties of her own family life. While in the process she learns to develop the resources within herself, husbands warn their wives not to be like her. - Chayong is bound by class interests. Chayong, unlike the other peasant women, i<;>ins the middle-class women in church, but the nature of relationships does not change. The landlord in the farm is the power in the church and Edna Orteza therefore Chayong maintains her tenant OF role even as they pray together. Class consciousness allows the church women relative influence and authority to ask Chayong to do the peripheral, seemingly unimportant but actually indispensable A WOMAN chores. Chayong is bound economically. In a society dependent on money as the medium of exchange, she needs access to income that will enable her and her BOUND family to subsist as well as to fulfill obligations. In an effort to improve the quality of their family life, her work­ load increases and the exploitation heigh­ tens. Because work opportunities are unpredictable and few, for a miserable wage and a few crumbs, women can make her work for them and do things they would be doing themselves if they hayong is 45. She is a Filipina She does laundry most of the time, did not have money. As a poor, married but she could come from any sometimes cleaning backyards, tending woman, she spends most other time in part of Asia. She looks at you orchid or rose gardens, running errands, productive activities and has no time for C with such intensity that you doing odd jobs. When there are parties herself. wonder how her laughter comes so easily. in the big houses, she helps in the kitchen, Chayong is bound politically. From the But, the calloused hands, cracked soles washing dishes and carrying big pots tedious monotony of work and com­ of her feet, the black hair now browned of steaming meals. She goes home in promise, a process of conscientization by the sun, the wrinkled sunburned the evening with M$1.50 or M$2.00, evolved and it is now time to decide. skin, all speak of the violence with depending on her work input, and bits From a critical consciousness of her class which she struggles for survival. of food. At home, she whips a dish out and the forces of oppression and exploi­ A migrant from the province, she of the bits and takes supper with her tation around her, emerges the decision moved to another province with her children. Later in the night, Lauro to struggle and be free from the chains family and a throng of relatives seeking comes home smelling of tuba (a local of power and domination, from the a better life. They settled in a long alcoholic drink). poverty that is so widespread, from the untended agricultural land and began Sunday morning she goes to church bondage of tradition. She participates the process of production. When the and joins her women's group, something in this whole process of transformation absentee landlords arrived a year later other women never did because of by helping develop a critical conscious­ and found the small settlement there, shame. During big meetings, she is much ness and organising her fellow peasant arrangements were made so that the too busy in the background to partici­ women. land was divided equally among the pate, fetching water, gathering fuel, Today, there is a glow in Chayong's settlers. Chayong and her family received doing dishes, washing pots, serving eyes. She speaks of people coming some two hectares. The tenancy sharing system meals, running errands. She is constantly days- people which whom she articulates was established at 70-30. on the run. her deepest aspirations. Most nights they Chayong has an all work routine. Chayong is a woman bound. spend sharing, analyzing, reflecting on She gets up at 4.00 in the morning, She is bound by cultural traditions the family's situation and the structures brews a pot of roasted corn to warm that expect women to be docile, nurture that make it virtually impossible for her stomach. She and her husband Lauro children, assume domest ic responsibilities, millions of people to survive. She speaks then leave for the ricefields - weeding, take on the additional burden of econo­ of courage, of power, of hope, of free­ cleaning, transplanting, spraymg, harvest­ mic activity and accept their husbands' dom. Maybe, tomorrow, soon, they will ing, gleaning - depending on the season. occasional promiscuity. come true for her, she says • At 10.00, sometimes 9.00 when the Cultural traditions do not change sun becomes unbearable, they go home. quickly without tensions. In Chayong's Chayong takes her breakfast, quickly community, tensions exist because of her (This paper w as shared by the author du ring t he Asian Women's Consultation on Theology tidies the kitchen, checks on the children ability to think and work differently, in In N o vember last year In Manila. The Consul­ and then leaves again for the adjoining her ability to cope with the great physical t ation w as sponsored by the Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians middle class village looking for work. demands of her work and with the un- (EATWOT).)

Allm1 Mon1hly Mllrch/April 1986 12 Culture Towards Cultural Integration In Malaysia Mohamed Ghouse Nasuruddln

n Malaysia, culture is a mercu­ Inter-cultural problems exist because irrespective of ethnic background. rial word. It elicits a variety of of the tendency to emphasise and exag­ Entertainment is another area responses and reactions, rang­ gerate the differences rather than the of commonality. Western-based music ing from utter disinterest to similarities. Differences. in fact, should is enjoyed by all as is evident by the highly emotional ones. To exist because they enrich the cultural popularity of Michael Jackson, Dire theI layman it merely refers to the tradi­ milieu. The fact that ~he major ethnic Straits, Sheena Easton, over, for exam­ tional dances and music which is not groups have co-existed and interacted ple, Makyong, Chinese opera, or classical material in his quest to eke out a living with one another suggests the existence Tamil songs. Even the so-called Malay for his family. The academics probe of norms and values which transcend songs by Sharifah Aini, Sudirman. D.J. and analyse the various facets of culture ethnic boundaries. Dave and others are based on the western trying to understand its structure and Let us, therefore, too~ at the positive tempered scale. Only the lyrics is Malay. workings. In the political arena, politi­ aspects of cultural integra tion and com­ li kewise, for popular Chinese and Indian cians twist, hack and mutilate culture munication that already exist and which songs. In short, western music has sup­ to champion their partisan interests. could be developed into a truly Malaysian planted tradi tiona I ones. Although this Except tor those involved in the identity. is an acquired cu ltural base, it has filtered teaching and research of culture, the Foremost among them is the close down to the masses. Thus as far as majority of people have a myopic family unit, which is a coalesing force: music is concerned, Malaysians from view of what it means: most focus a source of comfort. joy as well as sorrow. all walks of life and different ethnic on the arts. Thus, dance, music, and It is most visible during Hari Raya, backgrounds prefer western music to theatre have held the mainstage in most Chinese New Year, and Deepavali when their traditional ones. cultural polemics. In fact it is much members of the family, wherever they Popular western dances, too, have more than the arts. are, make every effort to return home been accepted as a common form of Simply put, culture is the way of to celebrate these occasions with the expression in Malaysia. Break-dance for life, it encompasses the whole gamut family. And in this respect family ties example is performed in towns and of one's life. It includes the way human­ are renewed and respect for elders are cities as well as out of the way rural kind eke out their livelihood through strengthened. In this regard all Malaysians areas such as Keningau in Sabah. Youths agriculture, fishing, industry, trading; share similar values. from all ethnic backgrounds writhe to their social organisations, leisure-time The clothes we wear is another com­ disco. rock and punk music in night activities, language, rei igion, norms and mon ground. National dresses which clubs and private parties. values; and the arts. identify the various ethnic groups are Food is another common denominator. Thus each ethnic group has its own only worn on special or religious occa­ The Chinese and Indians are very much definite cu ltural characteristics, is proud sions. Our daily garb is the common at home with Malay dishes. Certain of its heritage, and will resist attempts western mode. The majority wears Chinese dishes such as chicken rice to artificially manipulate or erode it. shirts and trousers while the elite and are heartily devoured by most Malaysians. However, acculturation and intra­ businessmen wear suits. Bush jacket is In fact there are Malay restaurants cu ltural exchanges have created a reper­ now popular among all Malaysians. serving that dish. The Indian Tosai is toire of common cultural norms among Jeans, T-Shirts and mode shirts are another popular food. In the towns the major ethnic groups in Malaysia. favoured by the younger generation and countryside, Malays and Chinese •

13 Aliran Monthly March/April1986 ~ races are usually brought up within ~ their own cultural environment. Whether they grow up to be enlightened indi­ viduals or ones with prejudices and misconceptions of other ethnic groups will depend on the family and communi­ ty environment. Those living in exclusive ethnic environments will have only minimal opportunities of learning about other cultures. So too if the children attend vernacular or relig1ous or residen· tial schools where they only come into contact With their own kind. Additional­ ly, because of the ethnic residential pattern that exists in Malaysia, many of the same race end up in the same school. Thus schools in Malay com­ munities will have predominantly Malay students. Only urban schools tend to have an equitable distribution of stu· dents from various races. It is only here that some k1nd of cultural integra­ tion occurs. The existence of vernacular, religious and mono-ethnic residential schools does not encourage cultural integration. In fact segregation is perpetuated Students can become parochial in the larger plural cultural context. This IS a sensitive issue; for any dis­ cussion will arouse emotional reactions Opportunities should be created to enable children of all races to mix and learn and usually the parties concerned will of each other's cultural traits. misconstrue the issue as attempts to subvert or even erode the respective jostle with their Indian counterparts Indian, and western dances. Most dancers culture. As long as such reactions and for their "Masala, Nei, or Rava" tosai. do not have prejudices against any type resistence exist, the path towards cultural Chapati too is enjoyed by most Malay­ of dance: in fact they regard each as integration will be a long and never­ sians. different expressions of movements with ending one. Of course. western food is enjoyed its own form and styles. It is the offit..idls There IS no easy solution to this by all. Just take a look at the burger who tend to view them as separate issue. But efforts should be made and culture: from the posh MacDonalds' entities. This does not augur well for opportunities created to enable children restaurants to the road·side stands. the art of dance and tends to segregate of all races to mix and learn of each Malaysians patiently queue up to buy the practitioners. Some people would other's cultural traits. If they are guided their burgers. The upper and middle like to gel them artificially into a single to learn, trust and respect ore another. class on the other hand slice away their entitY without understanding their for'"':ls the future augurs well for Malaysia. beef steaks, chicken and fish chops, etc. and characteristics: this would be an Towards this end the educational Leisure time actiVIties, especially exercise in futility. It is better to let system should teach the children: sports, is another activity that transcends time mould these dances into a new • A common language cultural boundaries. The major contact plane of movement of expressions which • Love for the country and non-contact sports such as soccer. is at the same time homogeneous as well • Peaceful co-existence hockey, and badminton are regarded as as heterogenous. • Respect for one's fellowmen national games. Malaysians of diverse Painting does not have this kind of • Appreciation of freedom and its ethnic backgrounds participate as players ethnic stigma as in dance. In fact there attendant responsibilities and spectators. Racial discrimination is no quarrel as to which is truly repre­ • Civic consciousness does not exist on the soccer fields or on sentative of Malaysian style of painting - • Truth and rustice the badminton courts. We only have be it water colour, batik, oil, or acrylic With these attributes the future partisan crowds cheering for their home medium to abstract, realistic, or impres­ citizens of Malaysia would evolve a teams. Even sepak takraw, traditionally sionistic images. These different mediums matrix of cultural integration. one a Malay game, is now played by Chinese and images transcend racial boundaries, that is based on universal values com­ and Indians. Similar intergration exists and all are accepted as the work of Malay­ bined with the common cultural values when it comes to athl;tics. Thus, a truly sians. There is liberalism in the expression of the major ethnic groups. This should Malaysian identity has emerged in games of the fine arts. The same attitude goes foster the development of a peaceful and and sports. for sculpture, photography, and graphics. prosperous Malaysia • In spite of the existence of many There is therefore a need to develop common denominators certain partisan further this inter-cultural understanding sectors because of their own vested and communication. Whether or not interests highlight the cultural differ:ences we achieve this cultural integration in rather than the similarities. Dance is a the future will depend on how the Guest writer, Associated Professor Or. Mohamed case in point. Thus it is stigmatised into present children are brought up. Ghouse Nasuruddln, is the Director of the rigid compartments viz Malay. Chinese, In Malaysia, children of different Centre of Fine Arts, Unlversltl Sains Malaysia.

Aliran Monthly Mardi/Apri11986 14 ldentltl Negara - ldentiti negara dan penguasaan • as1ng Ngugl Wa Thlong'o

RISIS budaya di duma membangun masalah budaya di negara-negara mem­ sahaja berkemungkinan untuk mendemo­ selalu juga dilihat mengikut tradisi bangun, dan krisis budaya masih tetap krasikan cara bagi memperolehi warisan dan kemodenan, kawasan desa dan dilihat mengikut konflik antara tradisi budaya ini - lebih ramai orang boleh K kawasan bandar. dan konflik budaya dengan kemodenan. diceritakan kisahnya pada masa yang membawa akibat yang ditimbulkan oleh Dua bentuk andaian yang mengeliru­ sama - tetapi apa yang lebih genting lagi dikotomi demikian. Mengikut skema im, kan menjadi asas skema ini. lndustri, sains ialah tentang keupayaanya bagi mem­ pihak bandar (industri, teknologi, elek­ dan teknologi moden dilihat sebagai ber­ persepadukan budaya nasional di dalam tronik) dikenali dengan kemodenan mana­ tentangan dengan tradisi dan budaya Negara geografi. kala pihak desa (pertanian saradiri, petani. Pemusnahan tradisi atau aspek Andaian yang lain pula ialah bahawa kemunduran ekonomi) dikenali pula tradisi dan budaya petani dilihat sebagai kawasan desa dan kawasan bandar me­ dengan tradisi. perbuatan 1ahat yahg dimestikan. Ke­ rupakan dua buah pulau yang boleh Tetapi, secara ironinya pula kemoden­ indahan budaya desa sudah semestilah menyokong dirinya sendiri, dan suatu an sedemikian d1andaikan sebagai menim­ terletak kepada asas kemiskinan dan watak yang berjalan daripada satu ka­ bulkan gambaran yang cepat berubah, kehendak yang menghinakan. Tetapi wasan ke kawasan lain adalah sebenarnya garnbaran tidak stabil dan gambaran sudah tentulah sains dan teknologi berjalan merentasi dua entiti yang tidak pemencilan rnanusia, rnanakala tradisi moden yang bergantung kepada organisasi, berhubungan. Tetapi kedua-duanya ada­ menimbulkan gambaran yang bertentang­ hakmilik dan kawalannya, kini mem­ lah hasil yang diwujudkan antara satu an mengenai keamanan, kestabilan dan bolehkan pemindahan seluruh ekonomi sama lain. Kawasan bandar terhasil pengwujudan komuniti. Perkembangan kawasan luar bandar. Jadi, ia meng­ daripada kawasan desa sama seperti urbanisasi dan perindustrian yang ber­ asaskan budaya seluruh rakyat mengikut kawasan desa yang terhasil daripada leluasa dilihat sebagai memusnahkan struktur kemakmuran dan bukan meng­ kawasan bandar. Golongan petani ter­ keharmonian nilai yang terkandung dalam ikut kemunduran. paksa dipindahkan dari segi hakikat tradisi, dan tradisi tersimpan dengan Lagipun, 1auh daripada niat hendak daripada ladang ke kawasan bandar, iaitu komuniti desa. Jadi, kemerlapan palsu memusnahkan tradisi, teknologi moden mereka terpaksa menjadi golongan pro­ budaya elektronik dilihat sebagai me­ (misalnya, video, pawagam, televisyen, letar sebelum sebuah kota boleh di­ mikat belia yang tidak berhati-hati radio) membolehkan pemulihan aspek­ wujudkan. Tetapi, di bawah sistem daripada kestabilan h1dup berkomuniti aspek positif tradisi dan budaya petani. feudal dan separa-feudal, bandar telah di perkampungan desa kepada keadaan Misalnya, Afrika kaya dengan tradisi dipengaruhi oleh kawasan desa. Kota kacau bilau dan kehidupan kesunyian di sastera lisan. Sebagai contoh, ambil moden yang muncul dengan kapitalisme kota besar. sahaja cerita dongeng. Naratif lisan dan bandaraya emas, berkuasa pula ke Kesemuanya ini terdapat dalam sastera selalu juga diiringi bersama dengan atas kawasan desa yang darinya ia telah bertulis. Petani yang mengikuti khayalan mimos dan lagu. Dengan adanya video, diwujudkan serta diperluaskan. kemakmuran dan keriangan di kota besar filem atau televisyen, kini adalah ber­ Marx menulis tentang benua Eropah hanya mendapati perkara yang ber­ kemungkinan untuk memulihkan tradisi pada zaman abad kesembilan belas: tentangan sebagai watak yang kerap ini melalui persepaduan aspek visual "Golongan borjuis telah menguasai negara terdapat dalam banyak novel dari dunia (misalnya gambar kartun hidup} dengan dengan memerintahnya daripada bandar. membangun. Apa yang selalunya tidak aspek kata (iaitu suara yang mencentakan Ia telah mewujudkan kota yang besar, ia disebut ialah bahawa watak sedemikian kisal:l dan diiringi dengan muzik). telah menambahkan dengan banyaknya adalah sebenarnya melarikan diri daripada Hakikat yang sama adalah juga benar penduduk bandar jika dibandingkan neraka kemiskinan akibat eksploitasi yang dengan teater. Teater petani Afrika dengan penduduk desa. Jadi, ia telah kejam. Tetapi, walaupun Jika ia disebut, amat bergantung kepada lagu, tarian dan menyelamatkan sebahagian besar pen­ masih tetap terdapat skema dikotomi m1mos, dan kesemuanya kini boleh di­ duduk daripada kebodohan kehidupan desa - bandar yang diJadikan asas analisis kekalkan di atas layar. Jadi, bukan desa. Sama seperti yang ia membuatkan kawasan desa bergantung kepada bandar,

15 ______ia Juga membuatkan negara-negara yang sifat yang membencikan pihak asing, Golongan petani yang sudah pun miskin tidak bertamadun dan separa-tamadun supaya mengalah. Ia memaksa semua dan dieksploitasikan pula tinggal di ka­ berganwng kepada negara-negara ber­ negara, dengan menggunakan ancaman wasan luar bandar. lnilah sebabnya tarnadun. iaitu negara petani bergantung hendak memusnahkannya. supaya rneng­ mengaPC,. perjuanga1 an tara budaya ke­ kepada negara borjuis T1mur bergantung gunakan cara pengeluaran borjuis, ia bangsaan dengan budaya asing kelihatan kepada Bar at." juga memaksa negara-negara itu supaya pacta permukaannya sebagai konflik Dengan meresapnya evolusi kapita­ memperkenalkan apa yang dipanggilnya antara kawasan desa dengan kawasan lisme ke dalam tahap imperialisme yang tamadun ke dalam kehidupannya dan bandar. atau an tara tradisi dengan ke ­ lebih tinggi. sektor desa dan sektor dengan sendirinya negara-negara itu akan modenan. bandar petani negara menjadi lebih menjadi bonuis. Dengan kata lain, ia Tetapi, apa yang sebenarnya moden lag1 tertakluk kepada pemerintahan mewujudkan sebuah dunia mengikut ialah budaya nasional yang baru. dan negara go Iongan borJU is. dan dengan· gambarannya yang tersendiri." ia muncul daripada perjuangan bagi nya ia membuahkan hasil rakyat negara Dunia mengikut gambarannya yang mendapatkan kebebasan yang meny­ - majoriti penduduk - kini diperkecilkan tersendiri. dicubakan usaha begini bagi eluruh, iaitu suatu budaya yang bcrakar· menjadi hakikat kebodohan keh1dupan mencapainya bukan saha1a melalui eks· umbikan tradisi rakyat yang beqiwa bandar dan desa yang baru. ploitasi ekonomi dan penaklukan pol" tik. patriotik dan keperwiraan . Ia lebih Negara petani yanJ tertak luk kepada tetapi apa yang lebih penting lagi ialah bolch dilihat lagi pada puisi. laau dan negara borjuis merupakan teras masalah melalui penguasaan budaya. teater penentang di kalangan pekerja apabila kita membincangkan masalah­ Tetapi proses ini menghasilkan sifat di kawasan bandar di negara membangun. masalah negara membangun - ekonomi. yang bertentangan: iaitu perjuangan eko­ Ia adalah budaya perjuangan, budaya politik a tau budaya. nomi, politik dan budaya bagi memper­ rencn tangan. dan walaupun ber bagai Tetapi, dengan mengemukakan masa­ olehi kemerdekaan dan kebebasan negara unsur menyerap rnasuk ke dalamnya, lah budaya di dunia membangun meng· yang menyeluruh. Di tanah JaJahan dan di ia adalah secara dasarnya berha1moni ikut konflik antara

Allran Monthly Mllrch/April1986 16 The truth about the allegations made by the authorities against the Memali detainees will never be known. CURRENT COMMENT This suppression of the truth through A record of Aliran's complete press statements the instrument of the fSA will only create greater hostility towards the made in the preceding months government. The anger that the deten­ tion has already generated in Kedah and other parts of the country is bound to have an adverse impact upon the The Small-time Shareholder ciation, and the reduction of her salary electoral fortunes of the Barisan. by two increments are equally despicable This is why ALl RAN feels that it w hile leaders and decisions which should be condemned is in the government's own interest groups continue to express sympathy by all those who value academic freedom to put the Memali detainees on trial and support for tycoon-pot itician Tan and social justice. in an open court of law. If it is not Koon Swan, arrested for criminal breach Though the University went through prepared to do this, the government of trust, cheating and fraud, in connec­ the formal motions of a Disciplinary should release all the 36 detainees un- tion with the Pan-El affair, All RAN Board inquiry, it is obvious that there conditionally. feels that the Malaysian public should was no honest attempt to ensure that give even more attention to the plight justice prevailed. Indeed, Aliran regards Chandra Muzaffar President of more than 4,500 small-time share­ Hashim's dismissal as a highhanded act holders of the Pan-El company. that smacks of arrogance and vindic­ With the winding up of the company, tiveness. 10 February 1986 these small-time shareholders will get It is a shame that a person acting nothing back. Many of them would in his capacity as President of his univer­ have lost a considerable sum of money. sity's Academic Staff Association should 0 Those ordinary shareholders were not be sacked for making the public aware of aware fo what was happening to Pan­ the decline of professionalism in the The Industrial Master Plan El. university. It is a well-known fact that This is why All RAN calls upon academic norms and values are no longer the government to introduce a new upheld in Universiti Sains as in most A I iran is pleased to law into existing stock-exchange rules other universities in the country. It is observe that the government's 10-year which would require listed companies widely recognised that university stan­ Industrial Master Plan ( 1986-1995) pro­ to provide as much information as dards have been declining rapidly in the vides the right emphasis to the develop­ possible to their shareholders about last few years. ment of r!lsource-based industries. It has their operations. After all. these share­ By dismissing Hashim and reducing identified a number of industries related holders are the true owners of the com­ Rohana's salary. the University aut­ to rubber, palm oil, food, timber and panies. They are the real risk-takers. horities are in fact; trying to deny the metals which will play strategic roles in The government should also modify truth about what is happening in the the manufacturing sector as a whole. At stock-exchange rules in such a way UniversitY. They are behaving like the the same time, the Plan recognises the that a portion of the investments of proverbial ostrich that buries its head in importance of research and development small-time shareholders are protected the sand. in almost every sphere of industrialisa­ in case a company goes into receivership. In the ultimate analysis, what is at tion. At the same time, certain share-market stake is not just the fate of Hashim The Plan is also quite candid about practices which are obviously unhealthy and Rohana. The public is disillusioned various weaknesses in the present indus­ should be prohibited. There should be that there is so little concern about trialisation policy. The over-dependence a tightening up of the rules. excellence in our institutions of higher on foreign investments and on the elec­ ALIRAN calls upon the government learning. tronics and textile industries has been to present a Bill at the next session of criticised. There is the prolonged pro­ Parliament incorporating various amend­ Dr. Mohamed Kadir tection of certain domestic industries Executive Committee Member ments to stock-exchange rules aimed at that results in less efficiency and a decline in motivation to upgrade product, protecting small-time shareholders. 6 February 1986 technology and management. Consequent­

Gan Kong Hwee ly, domestic manufacturing has, in real Executive Committee Member 0 terms, imposed a higher cost on con­ Memali Detainees sumers and the economy as a whole. 1 February 1986 The linkages between industries which The above statement did not appear in A liran regrets the help to reinforce the industrial base any major newspaper -editor. detention of 36 persons under the Internal of the economy are also exceedingly Security Act (ISA) in connection with weak. 0 the Memali incident. More important, the Plan criticises Action Against USM Academics The detention which took place on the lack of an overall perspective on 22 January 1986 contravenes the assu­ heavy industries. As the South Korean A nran is shocked to rances given earlier by the authorities expert who headed the Master Plan learn of the dismissal of Hashim Hussain themselves that those held by the pollee study team, Dr. Yu Seongjae. put it, Yaacob from his lecturer's position at for investigations would be charged in "The iron and steel industry is ctwracte­ Un iversiti Sains Malaysia by the University open court. ried by ad hoc rather than integrated authorities. The reprimand given to The detention is unfair and unjust planning. Havi'ng three iron and steel Rohana Aritfin, the Vice-President of since those involved will not able to plants - in Trengganu, Labuan ancf the University's Academ ic Staff Asso- defend themselves in a public trial. Prai - is not sensible, when one would

17 Aliran Monthly Marc:h/April1986 do for this country". This is why, the depends upon the viability of our scien­ he occupies. After all he is supposed to Plan has recommended a limited and tific base. Third, our school and univer­ be defendir:>g himself against a smear selective approach to heavy 1ndustry. sity syllabi should be re-designed in such campaign; he should not smear others in These are the very points which a way that the basic sciences become pre· the process. groups outside government have been eminent. Without effective reform of the Otherwise people may get the impres­ making for a number qf years now. educational curriculum, it will not be sion that he is raising the bogey of a And yet their criticisms and comments possible to harness science and tech­ foreign-local conspiracy to divert public have been contemptuously dismissed by nology for industrial growth. attention from serious shortcomings in the government. If these dissident views Finally. Ali ran hopes that the publica­ his own leadership. It may be seen as an had been given some attention, it is tion of the Industrial Master Plan will attempt to camouflage the real nature quite p_ossible that some wstly mistakes lead to extensive discussions between the of the issues confronting the nation. would have been avoided. government and the people on the type And indeed, an objective appraisal Even as 1t is. there are still some major of industria isation policy the country of these issues, whether it is BMF or shortcomings n the Industrial Master should pursue. The government should be Pan-El or Memali or Sabah. would reveal Plan. The Plan is based on the assump­ responsive to the views of groups outside that the underlying causes are related tion that there would be a 6.4 per cent the establishment for industrialisation to morality and JUStice. A lot of our growth over the next 10 years. This is will have an even more significant impact people now know that it is our own totally unrealistiC given the economic upon the lives of our people in the future leaders who have failed to adhere to situation. The present decline 10 com­ eth1cal standards. There is a growing modity price~. tncluding petroleum, is The Executive Committee gap between what they profess and what expected to continue into the 1990s. Ali ran they practise. It is this that has resulted A more serious flaw is the Plan's In a crisis of credibility with all its adverse obsession with exports. While the export 10 February 1986 consequences for the image of the Prime of manufactured products is important 1 from the point of vjew of national • '~rt. 117~KYAT BERSATU revenue, it is wrong to orientate our • BAWAH PIMPIHAH entire industrialisation programme to­ R. MAHATHIR wards the external market. For the world market is dictated by forces be­ yond our control Protectionism, tech­ nological competitiveness, production costs and world trading patterns are all against countries like ours making im­ portant inroads into the international market This dces not mean, it must be stressed. that there should not be a significant export component in our industrial drive In fact, we should select certain products for export and develop them in such a way that we become world masters in those field~ This can be dcne. Neither our present technological level nor the world eco­ nomic situation would be obstacles if P. Minister's Rally: If he cannot substantiate his allegations, he should refrain we odoptcd a selective approach to from repeating them at futurP. ralliP.s. It would only tarnish the dignity of the export industrialisation. high office he occupies. However, as an overall policy. Aliran The Prime Minister's Allegations Minister. If anything, the Situation has advocates industrialisation that empha­ been aggravated by gross violations sises the basic consumption needs of the I n all his public ral­ of the rights of the rakyat in a number of majority of our people. Manufacturing lies so far the Prime Minister has warned episodes in the last few years. activities would be directed towards against critics of the government who are There is no point blaming foreigners catering for these needs. Technologies acting as "stooges" and "slaves" of for­ or getting angry with local critics for the - appropriate for the production of these eign groups and foreign countries. Their way things have developed in the country. manufactured goods in the context of a aim, he alleges, is to "create chaos" and Our leaders must have the honesty to small market like ours, would have to to "sow discord among the people." examine themselves. They must have be developed on a systematic basis. Since these allegations have serious the integrity to admit their mistakes. There are at least three prerequisites implications it IS only proper that the Most of all, they must have the courage in such an industrial plan. First, there has Prime Minister specifies who these to rectify their errors. to be more equitable distribution of critics are, who the foreign groups and Whether foreigners have ulterior mo· wealth and incomes so that the majority countries are. how they are linked to one tives or not is another matter. Whatever of the population would be in a position another and how they are trying to create their designs, we have a sacred respon­ to afford goods and services. Second, chaos in the country. Datuk Seri Dr. sibility to remain steadfast in our com­ there must be a serious endeavour to Mahathir Muhamad should prov1de con­ mitment to the spiritual values that we strengthen the basic sciences through the crete evidence of how local groups and preach all the while. Jus~ because others establishment of a number of basic individuals serve the interests of foreign may have evil intentions, wrong does science institutes doing fundamental powers. not become right. An act of deceit does research. The tasic sciences constitute If he cannot substantiate his allega­ not become a deed fo valour. Venality the foundation for technological develop­ tions, he should refrain from repeating does not become virtue. The ability to ment. How successful we are in adapting them at future rallies. It would only distinguish right from wrong is funda­ and integrating technology from outside tarnish the dignity of the high office mental to human existence.

Allren Monthly March/April1986 18 It is this simple truth that the Prime Minister should uphold in his speeches during his rallies. Instead he is trying ., to make critiCS look like culprits. The .r:; real culprits. on the other hand, are ~.. allowed to parade as paragons of truth. ..,0 No one who loves this country should acquiesce with this sort of situation. For ~ the greatest danger to the well-being of :> ;;; any nation is when those entrusted with c !!: the responsibility of protecting its honour VI are in fact subverting its dignity through 0 .r:; their passion for wealth and power. They ...c 0 are the real enemies of the people. c E It is these anti-national hypocrites g '0 co ~ ~ that the Prime Minister should expose. 0. ~ ~ :>"' E u That would be an act of genuine u .o; - 0 £ patriotism. .... ~ c 1 "'c .. ~ c :E"' .,"' .. Chandra Muzaffar .., '0.. of ... .; ~ 0 ... '0 0 .c President ::E ~ ~ E &: ;.. ?: l ...c .r:; .0 u. 0 '0 "'E c 12 February 1986 z ~ 0 .. ... ~ ::> "0. "'u c 0' a- ~ 0 .r:;" c E .~ z 0 ii .. (( -::- .c ., 0 "' '0 "'c 5 Islam: No Compulsion 0 0 ~ ;; ~ ~ c t: .0 n the last 2 or 3 0 :> .2 I ~ 0.. 0. years, a few cases have come to light of I- -::- c >: - 0 u '0 :.! non-Muslim girls in largely Muslim en­ .0 0 (( "' vironments being persuaded to embrace A. ,.. ~ c .. 0 yo Islam in circumstances which raise many .; c ... ~ 0 ~ ., q questions. (( :E '0 "' ., _.; 0 ...." Without going into the details of each -~ ~ ., N" .. .. 0 Q ~ case. Aliran feels that the process of ~~.,tc; c () emote ., embracing Islam should be such that ·- 0 .. 0 ~ ~- c DO the dignity and honour of the religion o- xl,.; ... ot 0 ::> 0 ·- iii is not compromised in any way. There en ()~CliO~ ... 0 '0 .. !; • ~.!! E ! ~ .l:!qo" .. .. should not be any suggestion of the sligh­ oa.-~ 0 ~ 0 test compulsion. Compu lsion can take ID many forms. A teacher moking use of his or her position to influence a student :::» under his or her care to embrace a par­ ticular religion would be guilty of apply­ en ing subtle pressure. In the past, during the colonial per1od, there were instances of Christian teachers in mission schools -~ using their positions for the propagation Ill of their faith. Pressure upon a member of a minority religion to conform to the a dominant religion in a school or hostel or some such institution would also be ~ a form of compulsion. At the same time, when a person is still a minor. below 18 years of age, 0 the consent of the parents should be obtained if the person concerned is desirous of becoming a Muslim The clearest basis for embracing Islam then, would be consent given freely by a person who has attained majority status. Free consent given after one has been persua­ ded of the goodness of the religion through example was the manner in wh ich Islam spread in the past. Rather than emphasizing proselytization, Mus­ lims should be more concerned about setting a good example.

19 Aliran Monthly Mllrch/ April1986 Free consent and majority status should be emphasized so that the process ALIRAN of embracing Islam does not give rise to adverse consequences which have a nega­ PUBtiCATIONS tive impact upon the religion. It should not, for instance, destroy the family unit or estrange children from their parents. & Cassette Tapes For Islam values the family unit as the basis of society. It expects children to love and respect their parents even if they are of another religion. DASAR DASAR ASAS contaons an outhne of Aliran feels that some of the pro· Ahran 's pholosophy •n B M s 0.70 ·- -- blcms that have now emerged in regard 2 ALIRAN SPEAKS a compolation of press to conversion of minors. would not have statemnts, usays and speeches sincf' the organosauon's inceptoon in August 1977 on a developed this way if the relevant author· variety of socoaltheme• of great publoc interest. $10.00 ities had acted firmly and decisively right

3. CORRUPTION contaons papers on varoous aspects at the outset. of thos sociol scourgu prus~nted by Ahran oflicials Religious zealots should not be ... and guest speakers at a seminar held In November 1980. ltos easily rcadable,onformatove and allowed to take advantage of the young. ' analytical s 4.00 In this connection, the Prime Minister's recent reprimand to government servants 4. 5 CONTROVERSIES o compola11on of 5 booklets entitled !ills South·East Asia safe? foil Why are not to use force in the propagation of P~ople Poor? (ioi) Why urv thcrt! not enough Islamic values is most timely. houses? (iv) What •s National Culture? (vi Why os there Communal Polaritatoon] s 3.50 More important, Aliran calls upon the Prime Minister to revive the lnter-reli· 5. LIMA PE RSOALAN os the translatoon of '5 Controversies' onto Bahasa Maloysoo s 3.50 gious Committee under the Department of National Unity with the aim of work· 6 THEAN TEIK· THE OTHER SIDE OF ing out rules and principles which will DEVELOPMENT doscuss~s the Thean Teik dispute ObJecto,.,lv and rais ..s thr questoon, "Dt-velopment guide the interaction between religious for Whom'" s 3.00 communities In a multi-religious society 7 THE ARMS RACE ; HUMANITY IN CRISIS like ours there is a great need to establish reftecu a common humanitarian v.ewpotnt on the clear. unambiguous guidelines which will awful rl'ahtws of mode

8. WE SHALL OVERCOME -SONGS OF Dr. Hamlma Dona Mustafa Assistant Secretary HUMANITY 1S a roch and varied collectoon of songs dealing woth realoty, hope, freedom.Jusuce, un1tv. peace, compass•on, P.tC . s 4.00 13 February 1986 9. PANDANGAN ALIRAN; mengandungo pondapat, cadangan. onahsa dan komen yang jaoano tersiar do akhbar-akhbar wmnatan S10.00 0

10. Back i$Suesof ALIRAN QUARTERLY (1982 & 1983land ALIRAN MONTHLY (1984 & 19851 Allocation to Barisan MPs & available at 50.50 per copy Ministers

11. ALl RAN MONTHLY 1 yoar's subscroptoon 12 issues • $10.50 A liran notes with 2 yuars' subscropuon 24 ossues • S20.50 regret that the government continues to

12. Cassat tee Tepa al locate money exclusively to Barisan AT THE CROSSROADS; 25 YEARS OF Nasional Members of Parliament for MERDEKA attempt> to doagnosc some of the so-called development projects in their abusM and the problems facong the nation. (Price inclusove of postage .I s 5.50 constituencies. According to the Finance Minister, Casseuee Tapa JUSTICE BEFORE CO.OPERATION goves Daim Zainuddin, each MP receives numerous examples fo how Malaysia and other $200,000 while each Cabinet Minister devclopong countroe> are controlled in many spheres of activo toes by the poll\erful industrialized receives $500,000. The allocation for countroes of the North. this purpose has been increased by 240 (Price onclusove of postage .I s 5.50 million to 380 million at the beginning 14. Cassette Tepa of this year. WHAT IS NATIONAL CULTURE: THE ALl RAN APPROACH exam ones the basos on the development It is wrong to allocate money only to of a culture It evaluates current trends and Barisan legislators for the money involved suggests an alternauve approach comes from the people. It should not be (Proce onclusove of postage .I s 5.50 used in the pursuit of partisan aims. It 15. Cassetta Tape is significant that the al location has been DEVELOPMENT - FO R WH OM?: A studoed croticosm of the nuth011tocs for the wasteful increased this year which is an election spendong, for obsessoon with prenogc pro,ects year. It shows that the government has and lor excludong thij poor segments of socoetv from mainstream development s 5.50 no scruples about using public funds for party purposes. POSTAGE CHA RGES As a government that preaches the TOTAL concept of a clean and trustworthy

• Inclusive of Bank Commission administration, it should not abuse its

Aliran Monthly ~rc:h/April1 986 20 power in this manner. It will further Abrogate the UUCA Tun Hussein's Advice disillusion the people and could lead to greater erosion of confidence in the R ather than amend A.liran hopes that present leadership. some of the provisions of the Universities government leaders would give serious & University Colleges Act, the Govern­ attention to the sound adv·ce offered Malayandy ment should give serious consideration to by former Prime Minister, Tun Hussein Treasurer abrogating the Act altogether. Onn. For the Act as a whole is designed to Tun Hussein is right in asking the 18 February 1986 enable university authorities and govern­ government "to concentrate on finding The above statement did not appear in ment bureaucrats to exercise maximum solutions to the country's economic any newspaper - editor. control over students and academias. As problems which need immediate atten­ a result, the Act has been partly responsi­ tion". Launching vicious attacks upon 0 ble for retarding the intellectual develop­ political opponents and social critics will ment of our society. not help create jobs for the jobless or Deny Recognition to Marcos' This is why the real solution is to check the rapid decline of the economy. Regime replace the Act with a University Charter Similarly, by denouncing all those who laying out the rights and responsibilities hold differing viP.w~ on developmern-.~ F rom the reports of of students and academias as proposed by government leaders will not be able the various concerned groups- including various academic staff associations in to prevent the appalling moral degenera­ the Ph ilippine Catholic Bishops' Con­ 1978. The Charter incorporates the idea tion of our society. ference, the U.S. Congressional Observer of a Universities Commission which What is needed is a sober, rational Team and the Citizens' Watchdog Move­ would be the overall governing body. assessment of the present situation. ment, Namfrel - it is clear that the The Charter and the Commission This is the time for government leaders "re-election" of President Marcos for would go a long way towards restoring to undertake an honest evaluation of another six years has the legitimacy academic freedom and university auto­ their own policies and their own atti­ of only the suspect vote-count of the nomy. They would therefore help to tudes. As Tun Hussein has suggested they Phi lippine National Assembly. which check the erosion of academic values "should be more open and listen to the he controls. The wishes of the people and scholastic norms in the university opinions of others even though the opi­ have been blatantly ignored in a con­ community. The public would also nions may differ". Some of the ideas troversial elections flawed by violence renew its faith and confidence in our put forward by individuals and groups and fraud. universities. outside government may be useful in The Marcos regime in its obsession meeting the grave challenges facing for power. has shown that it has no Chandra Muzaffar the nation. qualms in resorting to tactics which President Aliran for its part will continue to smacks of criminality and wh ich makes propound solutions to our problems a farce of the principle of democracy. 19 February 1986 aimed at achieving a more just and The moral and ethical basis of his rule no longer exists. Perhaps, it is the absence of such basis that has led him to put his personal interests before those of the Filipino people in an election that is anything but clean and fair. In the light of such gross contraven­ tion of democratic values and practices, Aliran calls on the government, which has repeatedly stressed the importance of ethics and morality in the conduct of its leaders, to withhold recognition of the fraudently-elected and immorally­ CABARAN·CABARAN reinstated Marcos regime. Aliran also makes an appeal to countries in the non­ aligned bloc to summarily deny the SEMASA Marcos regime any off icial recognition of its undemocratic rule.

Colin Nicholas Executive Committee Member A book in Bahasa Malaysia dealing with human rights, democracy, the economy , labour, ethnic relations, educa­ 18 February 1986 t ion, moral values and interno=~tio nal affairs. The above statement did not appear in A book that every concerned any newspaper - editor. Malaysian should possess. A book t hat opens your eyes to the situation in our country. Price: $7.00 0 I

Aliran Monthly March/April1986 It is a matter of concern that Asean member countries are increasingly into arms acquisition and weapons produc­ tion. Singapore in particular seems well on the way to b~oming a Si7.eable centre for the sale and manufacture of small and medium range arms This unhealthy trend developing within Asean needs to be checked, if the world is going to be convinced that Asean is serious about Zone of Peace, Freedom & Neutrality (Zopfan). It would be tragic if through carelessness on our part, the whole Asia-Pacific region is plunged into a mini-arms race -a situation which could only mean hardship and suffering for the people. Acquiring arms on a huge scale can only serve to heighten tension among -: neighbouring states and destabilizes international politics. But, perhaps, the Discrepancy: Malaysia is against Arms Race but stages a massive arms exhibition. most insidious effect of the arms build- up, especially in third world countries, is the emergence of a new dependency on the supplier nations. While seeming to fortify national resilience, the purchasing nations become the victims of a new form of domination by the arms pro­ ducing countries of the West. Ang Boon Chong Executive Committee Member

20 February 1986

0

The Philippines, the United States & the People's Power

A lthough Corazon The Marcos' Monument: A massive reminder that corrupt leadership causes Aquino's installation as President of the pain, poverty and chaos. Republic of the Philippines is a great humane social order. It is our hope plier to the outside world. We fully moral victory for democracy. it is quite that government leaders will be less agree that the limited funds available obvious that some of the reactionary for­ aggressive, and more accommodative, would be better spent on social and ces responsible for robbing the Filipino in their attitude towards those who economic development. The stand is people of their freedom and dignity are do not share their perspectives on unequivocal and clear and worthy of still very much in control of the situation. society. support by all peace-loving people in This is clearly reflected in the mani­ the country. pulative role played by the United States Chandra Muzaffar However, what remains puzzling is on the one hand, and Defence Minister President the holding of the Asian Defence Exhibi­ Juan Ponce Enrile, on the other, in tion and Conference 1986 at Putra ensuring that mass feelings against 19 February 1986 World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Ferdinand Marcos would not develop How do we reconcile the fact that we into an effective challenge of American are against an arms race occuring in our military, political and economic domi­ part of the world, while at the same nance of the Philippines. This, the United 0 time allowing an arms exhibition on States succeeded in doing by getting a such a massive scale to be held in the faction in the military supportive of nation's capital? its interests, to intervene in the political Arms Exhibition In Federal The weapons on display are not process before the mass civil disobedience Capital just for show but are also for sale to strunggle launched by Corazon Aquino countries invited to the exhibition. rn could grow into a genuine people's A nran commends allowing the display to be staged, our movement for freedom and sovereignty. the Prime Minister for his words of government may inadvertently have en­ Blatant American interference of this assurance that Malaysia would not be­ couraged the proliferation of arms in sort aimed at thwarting the full ex­ come a military power or an arms sup- the Asian-Pacific region. pression of the democratic will of the

Alir•n Monthly M.rdi/April1986 22 Datuk Pairin Kittingan: subjected to all sorts of covert and Datuk Musa Hitam: " Respect the people's wishes" - resigns overt attempts to undermine his democratically-elected over fundamental differences. government. Filipino people, is an affront to the Dissolution of the Datuk Musa Hitam's position of the Philippines as an inde­ Sabah Assembly Resignation pendent, sovereign nation. Nonetheless, Aliran hope~ that Presi­ G iven the situation D atuk Musa Hitam's dent Aquino will endeavour to steer the that has developed in the Sabah State resignation as Deputy President of UMNO Philippine nation in the direction of Assembly. Datuk Pairin Kittingan had and Deputy Prime Minister. indicates genuine independence, autonomy and no choice but to ask the Yang Di Pertua that there is a serious leadership crisis in sovereignty. She should try to make the Negeri to dissolve the House. It is a shame UMNO and the government. Philippines a non-aligned nation which that events in Sabah have taken this For Datuk Musa to take such a drastic is not beholden to any super-power. turn. step, his conflict with the policies and She should be prepared to strain every There would haye been no need to style of leadership of UMNO President sinew. forge every fibre in the quest to dissolve the Assembly and call for fresh and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. evolve a more just and humane social elections, if all the important political Mahathir Mohamad, must be of a funda­ order which guarantees freedom, dignity actors in Kota Kinabalu and Kuala mental nature. and equality to every Filipino. If she Lumpur had, from the outset, respected The fundamental issues involved in the fails to strive for this goal, the Filipino the electoral verdict of April 1985 which conflict between Datuk Musa and 'Sr people would feel betrayed. The de­ brought the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) to Mahathir should be resolved in the mocratic struggle of the Filipino masses power. Instead, there were all sorts of interest of UMNO, the Barisan and the would have been in vain. There could covert and overt attempts to undermine government. Any attempt to gloss over well be chaos and instability if President the democratically-elected government of the differences and achieve consensus Aquino does not live up to the aspirations the day. Some powerful politicians in and compromise for the sake of some of the people. In this connection, Pre­ Kuala Lumpur were even reluctant to superficial party unity, will do more sident Aquino should remember that if acknowledge the legitimacy of the harm than good in the long run. she becomes a captive of the reactionary PBS government of Datuk Pairin Kitting­ This is why Aliran hopes that Datuk right it is quite likely that she will fall an. It is because of all these unscrupulous Musa's resignation will now JOlt victim to the dogmatic left. manipulations that the PBS is now and the government into serious Finally. for t he world at large, the forced to go to the polls again. and examination of the weaknesses Philippine drama of the last few weeks There has never been any State govern­ present leadership and its policies holds some valuable lessons. First, it ment in any Federal System in any part Based on this reflection. UMNO has demonstrated the power of the of the world that has been subjected to so the government should opt for a more people. Second, it has shown how that much harassment and persecution by open and democratic approach to the power can be manipulated by vested totally unethical elements who have utter challenges facing the nation. It is this interests inside and outside the country. contempt for the democratic will of t he approach that has characterised Datuk Third, the Philippine drama has proven people. Aliran hopes that these elements Musa's leadership. He is one of t he more once again that corrupt despots who would be exposed before long and their sober and rational leaders in power exploit and oppress their people will be perfidious activities condemned by the today. It would be a pitY if as a result destroyed in the end - however adept people. of this conflict, his services are lost tQdll they may be in deceiving the people and the nation. ~ holding on to power. Dr. Chandra Muzaffar President Dr. Chandra Muzaffar President Dr. Chandra Muzaffar President 27 February 1986 The above statement did not appear in 28 February 1986 26 February 1986 any major newspaper - editor.

L------~------~------~23~----~~------~~~~~~~~--~l~l~:n~Monddy~~/April1111 Thinkin·g Allowed

r11s freedom seems to be close ID the helrta of many people, including political leedan. So, recently, one such leader argued that (press) freedom is a Nlltive thing: One can go neked in one'• ._throom (if not bedroom) without hurting anyone or breaking the law. On the other hand, he added, one can court trouble if one dtcidea to walk in the altogether In • busy street. But the freedom to undrea isn't here is a rumovr toing on In ref.,... to .,. In the form of the multi­ really the same as the freedom to bare this 8fJI*emiY lnforiMtlon­ national corporations. social injustice and corruption. It Is .-ved &.iii that the authori­ Rumour al10 hu it that there ue not enough, for example, for a politi­ ties hiYe dtcJded to Itt up a certain WOUPI in the country (whole ci8n or high official to display his/her co...... m. of inquiry to ;.hwettigltt the main concern is fighting corruption) iU-gotten assets only in the confines of CIIUIH of rumour-mongortng amongst that can crtlllte disunity .nd un."M10111ery his/her bedroom (perhaps In the company 'the people. Howeve(, :.U..re is a likeli­ IUIPicion among the people. This II of his/her wife, husband, lover, or accom­ hood - 10 tbe rumour goes - th.t the baaule, so 11011 the rumour, rnembtn plice - whichever is applicable). The com..UU.'s findings, if _,, will not of these groups here nenr Indulged penon concerntd ought to be com­ bt IMdt nown to the general public. thtmlelvas in n11l corruption, and thus pall.. to expose publicly the amanad This 111mlng heshation Is based on the rendered themselvas lncapeble of Iden­ wealth, aspec:ially If public funds are t.r th.t the flndl• mWtt be too tifying and quaahing corrupt practiCII. lnvolvld• ...ti.. thet they ...... the This freedom to press for such dis­ Mnnony 8nd IICUrity of the country. closure is the one that many of us .. Btsldtl, 10 1011 the rumour, this pub­ talking about. lication Cln only trigger off more rumoun. • ut the story .a.out Mtl8ysia's So perhapl one WIY out of this di­ Tourist D•elopment Corpcn- lemma Is to lnltltuta a Rumour Act • tion's (TDC) plln to bring In oman ...... ,... can ch8nge 10 • to lftlble the IUthoritJM to ... ..______. American comtdlln-entertalner the phllo10phy which raltgl­ certain the 'tlllldity of Cll1lln rumours, Bob Hope for 1he April hc:ific Area tel women to a subservient to ..,. the true I'UIIIOUII from tile Trawl Alloclation (Pate) ...,..a is no position - "who must walk ...... tumour. Newlpepar rtpol1l had It thet In their hulblndl'lhadowl", 10 •id TMt n the ....mime, the rumour mHI Is the TDC .. wlllne to PlY 10me M$1.2 Sri Fatlmah Hashim, Prtlldtnt of 1he Wll •a with ectlwltitl. For lnatlnCI, mHIIon for Hopt's Jok11 IIIII 111tla - National Coundl of Women's 0,..... - ...... Mere~ from the ...... whether hi eventuUy ..... or nbt. tiona at the cloling of the I8COIId ...... thet thiN ...... lftMIPI In the And just in .. the ...... , feels thet -mllly ...... of the "'-' aountry which .. working towanh he or she is being taken for • ride, It Confldtration of Women's Orttnilltlons. Instilling a full dtmocrecy In MI'-YIIa. lllldl to be emphasilld h1r1 that thil is She lidded, "In our hinds, therefore, Thil. 10 It ...... would ..... thet ..... no ...... lllltt8r - ....-aiY In 1he Ill the future hopes and aapintionJ will be ...... flow of infomlldon, ...... of ,..,. punuing • COIIICIIUd of the IMftY millions of women in our more fNidoln of ...... opinion, the ...... of Buy .....,.... llld ex­ countries who, becautt of nu....aus ....a.tion and (physical) mowe­ periencing • domlltic econotnic hardship. limitations, depend on our efforts and soci It - lllo llld thet ._. like the Ntwll'tbelea. to look at thinll on • dtd~ commitment to find • better .. s.urity Act. Official ...... - If not ...... - ..... this all life'". Sedition Act, Printing ...... tD lhow that ..... at .... This Clll, ...... to hive IICitionl Act ... enn Unlwenltlts Clrtllln Mtlaysitnl who • have the fllltn on the dllf •n of the Philippines' liid Unlvtnlty Col.... Act wHI be CIPibility of opening this yeu's Patl Pr•ldent MarGo~, who, In the heat of NPIII.. - ...... tlwt. 101M ~• ...... __ wfth • 111nt. '"" without • prllldentlal Clmpaign ageinst rivll .. prominent ...... to llllrlct aurloul ...... shllp. CoruDn Aquino, 11111Ud that a women's tourlsU from abrald. ttow.er, there Signs .. thet 1flt TDC II dropping pl.. Is in the bedroom. Model WOIIIM, _ .... to ...... ,.... which .. this Hope ..- - after 101111 complaints he contirued, lhould confine their dilt'Jrbtd ...... they - this ~ from Cll'taln individuals and groups. preachlngs to "Inside the bedroom". ~ would erode Mlleylll's This TDC mon would alto awoid itlllf In the ..U of the Marcos remark, ·~". 1M 01htlwllt tmberr rrtni IIIII difficult WOIIIII\ lll*ially thosa In the Alun Tlltre Is lito • rumaur that Clt1aln lftuMion of trying to reconcile with the region, t.ve all the more n1110n now to fonign IIIIMntl are working hind in theme of this v-r•s Pltll CDIIhNnot, aaume a high profile In and oubldt hind whh their loclll ...... ,. In_.. uo.rtng for Profits'". For If the TDC their bedroom~ u to ensure .....,...... tm~IIOIIIic ...... thet oould- ...... IIIII lnliltl on lining llnportad ent· of • .,.._. PDIItlon in life. the iliiiGGaCh'Dic ...... lndlplndanoe ...... It would only ...,. fat of 1he ...JitrY •• foreign quarWI hopes lbout -.ulrJng ~

Printed by Ganesh Printing Works Sdn. Bhd., 10 Penang Street, 10200 Penang, Published by Aliran Kesedaran Negara, P.O. Box 1C49, 10830 Putau Pinang. Office Phone: 04-830549