Parti Sosialis Malaysia

Socialist Perspectives 10

Parsosma Enterprise Socialist Perspectives 10 Published in August 2017 by Parsosma Enterprise 2A, Jalan Sitiawan Lim Gardens 30100 Ipoh, Perak Malaysia.

Front and back cover photos: Choo Chon Kai

Indigenous people’s march on Earth Day 2017 in Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands.

Printed by Jutaprint 2 Solok Sungai Pinang 3, Sg. Pinang 11600 Penang, Malaysia. CONTENTS

Call off the Telom hydroelectric project – B. Suresh Kumar 1

The inalienable rights of forests – Afandi Ahmad 4

Rampant deforestation in Lojing, Camerons 7

End fossil-fuel dependence, a coal-free ASEAN now! 9

Fidel Castro’s green legacy – Stephen Zunes 11

Semenyih Estate: Settlement of a 13-year dispute – S. Arutchelvan 13

Implement the Employment Insurance Scheme now! – M. Sivaranjani 16

The plight of working class women remains unresolved after 100 years 19

Why do we keep punishing the victims? – Veronica Anne Retnam 21

Fighting homophobia and sexism under global capitalism – Rachel Evans 22

Another blueprint for Indians in Malaysia – K. Arumugam 28

Food insecurity in Malaysia – V. Banoo 31

Towards a Peoples’ Charter on Trade – D. Jeyakumar 35

Taking on religious fundamentalism – Nasir Hashim 40

Does enacting harsh laws make us more Islamic? – Ahmad Farouk Musa 43

This is not apostasy – D. Jeyakumar 45

Say “No” to forced disappearances 47

Our misplaced defence priorities – Kua Kia Soong 50

Who is to blame for road accidents involving lorries? – Mohanarani Rasiah 53

China in the 21st century – Koh Kay Yew 54

Does Venezuela’s crisis prove socialism doesn’t work? – Ryan Mallett-Outtrim 56 Is North Korea socialist? – Choo Chon Kai 62

Prospects of change in PRU 14 – D. Jeyakumar 66

The 2017 UK elections – lessons for the Left – D. Jeyakumar 71

Book review: Empowering the people – Mohd Zaidi b. Musa 74 Call off the Telom hydroelectric project

B. Suresh Kumar

TENAGA Nasional Berhad to be very docile and acquiesce the Department of Orang Asli (TNB) decided to develop a to whatever the government Development and the Orang hydroelectric project in Pos requests. The abovementioned Asli Senator Mohammad Olian Lanai, Pahang about six years briefing sessions did not open Abdullah to advise the local ago. Pos Lanai is in Kuala Lipis up space to discuss the negative community to accept the district but is included within impacts that this project might relocation proposal. the Cameron Highlands have on the local population parliamentary constituency. and the environment. Neither Formation of the Pos Although 300 or so Orang Asli did the Tok Batins of Pos Lanai Lanai Communal Land families would have to be call general meetings in the Action Committee relocated as the 50-metre-high various kampungs to inform the Telom dam would flood their local population of the Several individuals from ancestral lands, they were not proposed dam project or to the local community were consulted about this project foster a discussion about its unhappy with the manner in until after the decision to pros and cons. which the project was being proceed was finalised. It was against this pushed through without much The local Orang Asli background of lack of information. They formed an community first heard of this information on the govern- action committee in mid-2014 project in a briefing session in ment’s plans that Universiti to find out more, to inform their March 2013 when Ghazat Teknologi Mara was commis- people and to promote a two- Awang, the Head of the sioned by TNB to conduct a way discussion with the Planning and Feasibility survey on the views of the Pos authorities. On 10 November Division of TNB, briefed the Lanai Orang Asli community in 2014, they sent a letter to the Tok Batin and the JKKK mid-2014. They conducted state assemblyman Dato Sri (village committee) members interview sessions with some Wan Rosdy and the Member of of Kg Pantos. This was people in Kg Pantos asking Parliament for Cameron followed by meetings with the about land ownership and use, Highlands Dato Sri G. other Tok Batins and JKKKs in and came up with the finding Palanivel asking for a dis- Pos Lanai, some of which were that the local community were cussion but these requests were attended by the Umno state not particularly attached to the ignored. Apparently the author- assemblyman of Jelai Dato Sri land they were on and were ities prefer to deal with the Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, an prepared to move. It was a more compliant Tok Batins and exco member of the Pahang rather surprising finding, given the JKKKs who are quite state government. that communal land is central subservient to the Department Generally, in Malaysia, to the economy, culture and of Orang Asli Development. the Tok Batins, who are value system of indigenous The action committee appointed and paid a monthly communities the world over. found out through their own stipend by the Department of In August 2014, TNB researches that the proposed Orang Asli Development, tend brought the State Director of Telom dam would flood about 1 Mode of Electricity Generation CO2 emission in pound per kilowatt-hr of electricity generated

Mini hydro-electric dams 0.01 – 0.03 Large hydro-electric dams that submerge forests 0.5 Natural gas 0.6 – 2.0 Coal 1.4 – 3.6

7,600 hectares, including much series of visits and discussions specifically pertaining to work of the communal land of the with the affected community, a on the Telom dam. He accepted local Orang Asli population. decision was taken to go to the TNB argument that the They also found that this court to stop the project and work that TNB was now doing hydroelectric project was fairly force the authorities to discuss in Pos Lanai was in relation to inefficient – projected to the matter in a more thorough another dam about 50 km generate only 132 MW of manner. away! This other dam was electricity despite flooding KL-based lawyer never even mentioned in the KL such a large area of land. The Yudistra Darma Dorai agreed High Court hearings. Ulu Jelai dam located on a to represent the Pos Lanai In December 2016, the more hilly area just 50 km away Orang Asli community on a pro action committee took a is expected to generate 372 bono basis. We filed for an decision to withdraw the case MW despite flooding only 130 injunction in the KL High at the Temerloh High Court and hectares. In terms of the forest Court in May 2015 asking for attempt to re-file it at the KL area to be submerged to cessation of all preparatory High Court because of generate 1 MW of electricity, work pending further concerns over the judge’s the projections are 1 MW:0.35 discussion. This was granted in comments during the course of ha for Jelai compared with 1 September 2015 by Justice hearing the people’s challenge MW:57.6 ha for Tenom. Noraini Abdul Rahman. This to the second injunction. The action committee was a great victory for the local Among others, the judge had then mobilised the local population. They had stopped commented: population to block the project a huge, well-connected – That the Ulu Jelai by preventing access to the area government-linked company hydroelectric project was and by filing police reports. (GLC) and paved the way for a environmentally friendly. They also brought the issue to more thorough review of the Apparently the judge was the Malaysian Human Rights project. accepting TNB’s Commission (Suhakam) and However, in September assertions at face value. highlighted it in the papers. 2016 the TNB lawyers – The judge tended to refer managed to transfer the case to to the action committee Court injunction the Temerloh High Court and members as “kuncu- file an ex parte action to injunct kuncu” (agents/thugs) As they were not making the action committee (the while he referred to the much headway in their quest to second injunction) from TNB contractors as renegotiate the necessity of the obstructing the work of the “wakil” (representatives). hydroelectric project, the action TNB contractors. The – That Jeffry Hassan, the committee contacted the Temerloh High Court ruled that chairman of the action Cameron Highlands branch of the first injunction granted by committee and the named Parti Sosialis Malaysia. After a the KL High Court was plaintiff in the case, was 2 acting out of self-interest much more forest than the Ulu Pos Lanai, Maybank account and jeopardising national Jelai dam. There are some who number 556048056948. This is interest. speculate that there are a bank account created – That about 1,000 powerful interest groups who specifically for the Pos Lanai individuals in the local are keen on the opportunity to battle, and details should be community had agreed to log the 7,600 hectares of land emailed to me at be relocated to make way that would be submerged. [email protected] so that for the project. There are megabucks to be we can acknowledge your made by the companies that contribution with a receipt. Large hydroelectric dams win this logging contract. are not environmentally Or is gold the cause? The Suresh Kumar is the Secretary friendly Orang Asli have noted that a of PSM Cameron Highlands. company named Rosmal (M) Large dams contribute to Sdn Bhd has been surveying References global warming in two ways. the area around their current Firstly, they destroy the forests village. They have heard that it 1. Letter of reply from the that serve as “carbon sinks” to has won the licence to prospect Department of Environ- absorb heat-trapping atmos- for gold during the period it ment dated 29 May 2015. pheric carbon dioxide and will take for the dam to be built. 2. “List of power stations in convert it into oxygen. After all, the Selinsing gold Malaysia”. https:// Secondly, as the organic mine is located only 50 km en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ material submerged by the dam away. List_of_power_stations_in_ decays, it produces methane, Malaysia which is an even more potent An appeal for help 3. Tabling of proposal paper greenhouse gas than carbon on implementation of the dioxide. It is thus a gross error The Orang Asli commu- Telom hydroelectric to consider hydroelectricity as nity of Pos Lanai are fighting project by TNB’s Gener- a clean source of power as the to preserve their traditional way ation Division on 23 chart overleaf demonstrates. of life that is interwoven with September 2011. The Telom dam would the land and the forest. They are 4. “Elwha Dam”. https:// create the third largest up against the combined might en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ hydroelectric-related lake in of a rich GLC, the Pahang state Elwha_Dam Peninsular Malaysia. The area 5. “Environmental Impacts of government (which is desirous submerged would be the size of Hydroelectric Power”. of awarding logging and Labuan. The larger the area http://www.ucsusa.org/ mining contracts for the area submerged, the worse the clean_energy/our-energy- that will be flooded) and the impact on the environment. choices/renewable-energy/ federal government. In this Unfortunately we do not have environmental-impacts- struggle they are also standing an independent body that can hydroelectric- up against the wanton assess and evaluate whether power.html#.V951aCh97IV destruction of our forests which any hydroelectric project 6. https://www.tnb.com.my/ will lead to higher greenhouse about-tnb/corporate- proposed is worth the gas emissions. social-responsibility environmental costs. But it is a very unequal 7. Judgement by Temerloh High Court. Originating Are there hidden agendas? fight, and in real life David often loses to Goliath. That is summons 24NCVC-30- 04/2016 between TNB and It is difficult to explain why we appeal to you to contribute to the fighting fund JEFFRY BIN HASSAN why TNB is so keen on DAN PENDUDUK POS of the Pos Lanai community. continuing with the Telom dam, LANAI. which would submerge so Donations can be banked into 3 The inalienable rights of forests

Afandi Ahmad

FORESTS have inalienable rights. The forest engages us in many ways. It is the home of many indigenous communities. It is the love of our children. It is sacred. It is art. It is a stress- reliever. It is silence and meditation. It strengthens our sense of interconnectedness and interdependence. It makes life possible in urban areas. It is awe-inspiring. It protects. It provides. It sustains. It nurtures. Any natural forest is a valuable social, cultural, economic, religious and spiritual asset to local and Forests provide, nurture and sustain. global, urban, rural and indigenous communities. make Mother Earth ment of natural forest with Unfortunately, it is also uninhabitable to all the unique “monoculture, cash-crop just another commodity for a species that populate it. It is forests”, increase in water-soil resource-hungry, resource- important and urgent to instability, growing incidence heavy human economy, which recognise that more and more of flash floods, intensification has led to the current levels of people are beginning to view it of global climate change, deforestation and degradation as a global eco-emergency. disappearance of forest-based of natural forests in Malaysia Deforestation has led, sustainable livelihoods, and the world. This has reached and continues to lead, to a growing destruction of forest an alarming stage of number of critical conse- homes of indigenous peoples, unsustainability. The concern quences, both in and across loss of traditional knowledge for our forests is no more time and space, affecting us pertaining to herbs with national. Today it is certainly a both geographically and inter- preventive and curative trans-boundary, planetary generationally. pharmaceutical import, loss of concern. It is, in a sense, mother There is mounting loss of the ethnobotanical (medicinal of all concerns … for if we biodiversity and indigenous plants) knowledge, culture, destroy our forests, we will cultures, increasing replace- heritage, customs, rituals and

4 beliefs of the Orang Asal, and National Deforestation and our national future. It will be irreversible destruction of Forest Degradation Eco- good to witness all these national and global natural Emergency. The declaration of national groupings mutually heritage. We are on the way to an Emergency requires a work and support each other in creating a future without heightened and urgent sense of taking and implementing the natural forests. political and public purpose. pledge. The massive loss of The special legal and The Eco-Manifesto pro- natural forest areas in Malaysia institutional framework under poses five pledge areas: is largely attributed to the National Eco-Emergency a. Spirit of Sustainability. commercial logging and the will allow us to work We need a sustainable development of monoculture, immediately and effectively non-sectarian mindset, cash-crop plantations towards reversing the trend and framework and practice (specifically oil palm). These building our natural heritage as at all levels of our plantations mostly cover the a significant contribution to personal, professional environmentally fragile wet- ecological stability at local, and national lives. lands and include to an extent national and global levels. It b. Indigenous Peoples. The protected forests. Ecological will also provide critical right of indigenous destruction and injustice to support for the ecological peoples to their ancestral forest communities and future movement. land is a pre-existing generations may likely con- Declaration of the Eco- right that cannot be tinue in the future unless the Emergency by the Federal extinguished and that following unsustainable trends Government immediately must be recognised and are checked: requires: access to natural a. Widespread logging in a. Constitution of an all- resources guaranteed. our natural forest stakeholders committee They are peoples with a reserves and forested (led by an indigenous past, present and future, areas; leader). in which they are an b. Expansion of unsus- b. Emergency period with integral part of the forest tainable development definite time frame, they live in. They have activities (construction of performance indicators inalienable rights, which roads to deep forest areas, and termination. governments should mining, introduction of c. Innovative and transpa- recognise, protect and non-native species within rent national legal instru- nurture. forest reserves, aqua- ments and institutional c. People’s Participation. culture within mangrove structures. In all matters relating to forests, etc); d. Communication, educa- the natural forests, people c. Conversion of peat tional and people parti- should be actively forests to oil palm cipation strategies and involved in decision- plantations; exercises. making, thus opera- d. Large-scale clearing of e. Internal and external tionalising the practice of highland ridges for audit. democracy. The first vegetable farming; and To strengthen the group of people to be e. Invasion of settlements of National Eco-Emergency, the involved should be those all Malaysian indigenous complete dedicated involve- who will be affected, the communities to meet ment of our parliamentarians, ‘victims’ of a develop- economic development politicians and leaders of ment change, not a group needs. national civil society organisa- of external stake-holders. Therefore, there is an tions is needed. Living, vibrant All efforts to ‘modernise’ urgent need to declare a natural forests must be part of must be made in terms of

5 the people who will be restation and natural The way forward affected. forest degradation trends. d. Global Conventions. c. Media Alerts: Regular Our natural forests are Malaysia is a signatory to institutionally supported our national heritage. And our a number of global and mandated alerts and forests and all their inhabitants treaties and conventions publicity of the ‘worst have rights. We must recognise that protect our forests. It offenders’ (in relation to this and act accordingly. We is also a signatory to definite criteria) in need to conceive future those conventions that destroying our forests. scenarios where the forests are promote democracy. All The alerts should also essential components. It all these must be raised to cover those MPs/ means (i) first taking stock of popular consciousness politicians who have a the situation, (ii) arresting and implemented. We track record of not deforestation and forest need performance indi- attending to issues of degradation trends and (iii) cators for people to know destruction of our forests nurturing the forests. It also that we are pursuing this in their constituencies. means rethinking our economic global commitment in d. Ban on Poisons: Adopt development strategy, review- spirit and letter. an absolute ban on the ing our short-sighted “forest as e. Inter-Party Eco- use of pesticides and commodity” mentality and Platform. It will be an toxic substances in reassessing our lifestyles that important step for forestry. Hold media have made the forest a victim political parties, and publicity campaigns for of our wants and greed. supporting national civil non-compliance. As a nation, to make all society organisations, to e. Independent these happen, we need to have come together for our Environmental Impact an active, sustainable and national, natural forests Assessment (EIA): transparent governance frame- Involvement of inde- with a single non-sec- work. We must also recognise pendent EIA agencies to tarian voice. A platform the importance of our forests complement current will help build a national beyond our borders. This calls forest conservation mea- consensus for our forests not only for “planetary sures. consciousness” but also for and for democracy. f. Monitoring and Com- “ecological citizenship” (the Specifically what needs prehensive Assessment: basis of a sustainable society). to be done is: Carry out a results- At the root of these is political a. Political Will: Reassess oriented comprehensive will. It must be uncompro- our national political will, assessment of forest mising when it comes to and political institutions restoration needs and protecting and nurturing our supporting it, in relation nationally prioritise their natural forests, not only for to deforestation and localities. those of us here today but also natural forest degra- g. Forest Rehabilitation for our children who will shape dation. We need to work Service: Forest rehabi- our future, not only for those out a “Political Will litation activities by in Malaysia but also for the Index”. encouraging greater em- people of the world. b. Forest Governance ployment of local labour, Performance Index: organised community Excerpted from a paper Regular release of na- (especially citizens of a presented by Afandi Ahmad, tional governance perfor- constituency) partici- exco member of KUASA, at the mance in relation to our pation and student in- Socialism 2016 conference natural forests and in volvement as “forest re- held in Kuala Lumpur on 25- particular to the defo- habilitation service”. 27 November 2016.

6 Rampant deforestation in Lojing, Camerons

FRUSTRATION and dis- appointment with rampant deforestation was what brought a group of 40 Orang Asli all the way from 12 villages in Lojing, Gua Musang, Kelantan, to Kuala Lumpur on 25 January 2017. They are part of a network of Orang Asli villages in and around Cameron Highlands that Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has been working with for the past few years. Muya, a leader of the Lojing community. “Our village is getting narrower, day by day, because of the rampant logging,” and flowers that dominate the land around his village had charged Rada Jambu, the Tok landscape of Lojing. been licensed out by the Batin of Kampung Sigar in The map also marked the government to businessmen to Lojing. According to him, locations and names of the cultivate vegetables. Angah logging companies are cutting rivers in Kampung Sigar which said the houses of the Orang down trees that are as close as Rada said had been used by his Asli were destroyed when the 10 metres from the homes of ancestors from generations forest was cleared and that the Orang Asli in Kampung ago. Rada also said that the those from Kampung Kuala Sigar and Kampung Sendrod. villagers could no longer drink Tahu had to move north after Pointing to the green areas on water from those rivers as they they were chased out of their a map of Kampung Sigar, Rada were now contaminated. “The village. “Without the forest, said that the village is part of water has become murky, like how are we going to look for the Lojing permanent forest teh tarik, and we cannot drink food and medicine? We want reserve but only a small area is from the rivers because the government to return the now left untouched. “There is companies like Sigar 3,000 hectares of our land and no more forest reserve, and Highlands are damaging the they can have the rest of the plastic buildings are found forests,” he said. land,” said Angah. everywhere,” he said. He was Angah Pandak, another The coordinator of the referring to the large number of Tok Batin from Kampung Orang Asli network in Lojing, greenhouses for the commer- Kuala Tahu, said that 3,000 Muya Bahsaid, added that the cial cultivation of vegetables hectares of the Orang Asli’s Orang Asli were chased out of

7 of Orang Asli is ongoing. The Tok Batin of Kampung Sendrod, Anis Akai, said the 800 Orang Asli living in the village could now only live on the small area of land they had. “They have destroyed the graves of our ancestors and now all 800 of us are living on a narrow strip of land between vegetable farms,” said Anis. He added that there was no land to build more houses. PSM Secretary- General A. Sivarajan urged Presenting complaint to SUHAKAM. the Malaysian Human Rights Commission Kampung Kuala Tahu by Asli villagers to the authorities, (Suhakam) to respond urgently Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli including to the Menteri Besar to the complaints contained in (Jakoa) back in 2000. of Kelantan in 2014, but their their memo-randum to According to him, complaints fell on deaf ears! Suhakam, pointing out that this numerous memoranda had Meanwhile the destruc- was the situation for Orang Asli been submitted by the Orang tion of the forests and eviction all over the country and not a matter confined to Lojing. “No state govern- ment should adopt any enactment or policy or issue logging licences that violate the communal lands of the Orang Asli.” He urged Suhakam to start a public inquiry on the deforestation and violation of Orang Asli rights in Lojing and to have all logging activities stopped until investiga- tions are completed.

The above is adapted from an article by Yeong Hui Min published in Malaysiakini (26 January 2017). After stopping a bulldozer clearing their land.

8 End fossil-fuel dependence, a coal-free ASEAN now!

Statement released at ASEAN Summit, April 2017

WE, civil society organisations, ASEAN member governments double by 2040. This is peoples organisations and in signing the Paris Agreement disturbing considering a recent advocates for climate, the on the Climate, committing to study which found that environment, clean energy, and keep the world below the allowing proposed new coal human rights across Southeast aspirational target of 1.5 plants to continue would lead Asia, in solidarity with and degrees Celsius global average to 55,000 pollution-related echoing the call of the region’s temperature [increase] through deaths per year by 2040. vulnerable and impoverished decarbonisation. We see these develop- sectors, are alarmed by the We reject ASEAN’s ments as contrary to the energy policies by all ASEAN support for coal considering the promise of “lean and green member governments, conti- global trend of abandoning new ASEAN with fully established nuing fossil-fuel dependence in coal projects and retiring old mechanisms for sustainable the region, despite its various coal power plants. For the past development to ensure the environmental, economic, and year, there has been a global protection of the region’s social costs. drop in different stages of coal environment, the sustainability Aside from boosting construction, with a 48% drop of its natural resources, and the support and encouragement for in pre-construction activity, a high quality of life of its oil and gas, Southeast Asian 62% drop in construction starts, peoples,” mentioned in the governments are set to increase and a 19% drop in ongoing ASEAN Vision 2025. They the region’s coal dependence construction. Coal plant retire- also run in contrast with the for its energy requirements with ments are taking place at an pronouncement of ASEAN 125 GW of coal in the pipeline. unprecedented pace, with 64 nations in the 2016 Conference According to the International GW of retirements in the past of Parties to the UNFCCC in Energy Agency, coal is two years, mainly in the Marrakech, which recognised projected to have the highest European Union and the the extreme vulnerability of share in Southeast Asia’s United States. Southeast Asian nations and the energy mix by 2040, with the The decreasing support need to scale up commitments share of coal in power for coal by the rest of the world on mitigation and climate generation rising from 32% to is owed largely to the voice and action. 50%, contrary to the trend seen engagement of communities These developments and in most other parts of the world. and civil society who have been positions held by ASEAN We reject ASEAN’s sup- in the forefront in resisting coal nations regarding dirty energy port for coal considering the projects for its adverse health, are unacceptable given the vulnerability of the region’s environmental and social drastic reduction in the price of countries to the effects of impacts. Already, Southeast renewable energy, especially climate change, accentuated by Asia as a region has had the wind and solar energy the successive climate-related most growth in per capita approximating the costs of disasters in the past years. We emissions since 1990, with electricity generation coal find it contradictory to the over 140% growth in pollution. investments. Last year, solar commitment professed by all These emissions are only set to energy prices in China, India, 9 Brazil and 55 other emerging ASEAN, led by its Chair- (NDCs), reflective of the market economies have drop- person, President Rodrigo urgency and necessity of ped to about one third of its Duterte, to fulfill the following responsive climate price in 2010, largely due to demands: actions, and to follow China’s massive deployment of 1. To end the age of fossil- through with corres- solar, and the assistance it had fuel dependency in ponding adjustments to provided to other countries Southeast Asia through its economic and deve- financing their own solar example. We call on lopment policies. projects. ASEAN governments to 4. To reflect the call of We recognise that at immediately put a stop to vulnerable countries in present, there is a need for the expansion of coal in demanding rich countries sustaining the energy needs of the region by cancelling to recognise their the Southeast Asian peoples, future coal projects, as historical responsibility with over 120 million of the well as removing all in the climate crisis by region’s population having no public financing and scaling up ambition and access to electricity. We also subsidies to coal. delivering on climate recognise the need for 2. To begin the transition finance, technology development in Southeast from coal towards transfer and capacity building. Asian countries. However, people-centred, 5. To commit to their fair ASEAN member countries are community-based share of contributions to not exempted from their res- renewable energy sys- climate action and not ponsibility to mitigate tems. make these fair shares emissions, especially as the a. To refrain from funding conditional to finance. window for responsive climate and supporting false ASEAN countries must action is shrinking by the solutions to the peoples’ not make their fair share moment, and Southeast Asian climate and energy of climate action condi- peoples are among those on the concerns, such as large tional to support from frontline of climate disasters. hydrodams and nuclear developed countries. Responding to the prevalence power plants which only Finally, we invite of energy poverty and the exacerbate the vulnera- ASEAN governments to urgency of mitigation and bilities and reinforce consider the future generations climate action go hand-in-hand. preexisting environmen- of Southeast Asia as a basis for ASEAN governments tal and social ills at the their decisions with respect to cannot simply hide behind the expense of Southeast the climate, the environment, right to develop at the expense Asian peoples. energy and development. What is at stake is not just the world of the peoples’ survival, needs, b. To stop perpetuating the we live in, but the world we and rights, especially with the myth of “clean coal” leave behind. And we urge already proven people-centred, technology, which not ASEAN leaders to choose to community-based renewable only fails in addressing leave behind a world wherein energy in increasing clean and the need for mitigation, those who come after us can safe energy access, providing but also in removing the thrive, survive, and live in vast opportunities for employ- environmental, health, harmony with the Earth, as we ment, and as well as fuelling and climate hazards aspire to live in harmony across sustainable development, in posed by coal. nations. order to meet the demands of 3. To walk its talk with the people, without the fatal respect to the climate by Statement released by the Asia- costs to health, livelihood, and mitigating emissions by Europe People’s Forum the environment inherent in increasing the ambition (AEPF) on 29/4/2017 in coal. of their nationally conjunction with ASEAN We therefore call upon determined contributions Summit in Philippines. 10 Fidel Castro’s green legacy

Stephen Zunes

WHILE he no longer held any formal position of power since his resignation as President for health reasons eight years ago, Fidel Castro’s death in November 2016 marked the passing of an era. Few individuals have had such a profound influence on a country for good or ill. In his nearly 50 years in power Castro left plenty of both. Though certainly not to be taken literally, there is a Fidel Castro in 1995. certain truth to the saying “All the good things you’ve heard America which were supported perhaps his greatest legacy – about Cuba are true. And all the by the United States during was to launch an ambitious bad things you’ve heard about most of Castro’s time in power programme in organic Cuba are true.” Though Cubans and with many governments agriculture, environmental have a per capita income well elsewhere supported by planning, renewable energy under 10% of that of the United Washington to this day. Indeed, and other sustainable develop- States, they now have a longer other communist countries – ment practices. Unable to life expectancy and lower such as the far more repressive obtain fuel, chemical fertilisers, infant mortality rate. The China – have enjoyed normal pesticides, motor vehicles and population constantly has to relations with the United States other items on which they deal with shortages, inefficien- while Cuba has been singled depended, Cubans faced a cies and a maddening bureau- out for sanctions, travel bans potential catastrophe. Castro’s cracy, yet the government and other restrictions, only response, in the words of Peter provides free education at all some of which have been Rosset of the Institute for Food levels, free food allocations, partially relaxed under and Development Policy, was free healthcare, heavily President Barack Obama. “the largest conversion from subsidised utilities and Castro’s biggest test was conventional agriculture to inexpensive housing. in the 1990s, when the sudden organic or semi-organic Here in the United States, end of large-scale aid and farming that the world has ever there was a lot of attention to subsidised trade with the known.” Castro’s repression of Eastern Bloc, combined with Following an 80% drop dissidents and other authori- increased sanctions from the in the availability of chemical tarian practices, but those pale United States, led to a severe pesticides and a 50% drop in in comparison with many of the economic crisis. His response petroleum for agriculture, right-wing regimes in Latin – which history may judge as Cuban farmers actually

11 increased the quantity and cheap oil from Venezuela Helms-Burton Act, signed into quality of crop yields at lower became available and access to law by President Bill Clinton costs and with fewer health and chemical agents improved, in 1996, which requires that environmental side-effects. these green innovations strict sanctions stay in place not Fungi, nematodes, wasps and remained in place. just until Cuba allows for free ants have all been deployed for While many countries democratic elections, but until pest control. Much of this has have been destroying their the country “is substantially been developed in cottage rainforests at an alarming rate, moving toward a market- industries led by scientists in Cuba has made a conscious oriented economic system.” So, this poor but highly educated effort to reverse that trend even if Cuba eventually society. through large-scale reforest- becomes a fully functioning In addition, Cuba began ation programmes, which democracy but still opts for a moving away from the include the planting of a rich socialist economy, strict US monoculture model – based on variety of native species. sanctions would remain. exports of sugar and tobacco – Forested areas have more than It was ironic that pressure to growing more food crops, doubled since the 1959 against Cuba increased as Fidel particularly soybeans. Crop revolution. One of the Castro began to move away rotation, intercropping and soil byproducts of the reforestation from the old rigid communist conservation efforts are efforts is that Cuba is now a development strategies to widespread. Urban agriculture leading biotechnology centre embracing green development. provides for much of the food for medicines derived from Yet perhaps Washington sees a needs of city residents. After tropical plants. There has been green Cuba as a bigger threat several years of food shortages a dramatic increase in the use than a red Cuba. The and vitamin deficiencies in the of herbal medicines and a communist model was clearly 1990s, Cubans are now return to some proven folk unsustainable on many levels. healthier because of their remedies. Yet a green model actually increased consumption of As Cubans have grown serves as viable alternative to organic vegetables and less reliant on centralised the foreign-investment-driven, decreased consumption of red sources for energy and capital-intensive model meat. Farmworkers especially agricultural inputs and more promoted by the United States, report a dramatic improvement reliant on local sources, the International Monetary in health, due to their reduced political decision-making has Fund and the World Trade exposure to pesticides and become more decentralised. Organisation. Indeed, Cuba herbicides Most state farms have become may constitute the threat of a The shortage of fuel also cooperatives run by the farmers good example, which is led to a switch to renewable themselves, and an increasing perhaps the biggest threat of all. energy sources. There are now degree of political control now Castro’s ecological nearly 10,000 operating rests with democratically innovations were made more windmills and a growth in solar elected local administrations. out of necessity than by design. energy. Biomass generators Though the Cuban government However, sooner or later, if we now supply nearly 15% of the has remained authoritarian in are to survive as a planet, all country’s electricity. There are many respects, the trend countries will eventually have hundreds of small hydroelectric towards a more democratic to make the transition to a more facilities, mostly in isolated socialism on the local level has environmentally sustainable mountainous regions. Virtually brought new life to a country economy. – National Catholic all of the country’s sugar mills that for decades had stagnated Reporter (9 December 2016) are now powered by waste from under a rigid, hierarchical state the cane. Solar ovens and other bureaucracy. Stephen Zunes is a professor of appropriate technologies are Obama has been unable politics and international now commonplace in rural to restore normal trade relations studies at the University of San areas. Significantly, even when with Cuba as a result of the Francisco in the US.

12 Semenyih Estate: Settlement of a 13-year dispute

S. Arutchelvan

AFTER 13 long years, 21 former plantation workers representing 17 families from Semenyih Estate finally reached a settlement agreement with ex-employer Sime Darby. Following years of tough negotiations, both parties agreed to ink the agreement on 28 February 2017. Under the agreement, the ex-workers were given a decent one-and- a-half-storey low-cost terrace house with a lot size of 990 square feet. Signing of agreement with Sime Darby. The new permanent houses will be just 100 metres can buy at a subsidised rate. opposition’s 20 seats. Just days away from their current estate This matter will be resolved at after that, the Semenyih Estate houses, on a prime piece of a later period when the houses workers were handed termina- land. After a RM7,000 subsidy, are nearer completion. These tion of service notices. It the houses will be sold at a workers have cause to be appears that the plantation price of RM35,000. Other thankful to the remaining 17 owner was just waiting for the compensation earned under families who stood their ground election to be over – evicting this tough settlement will until the settlement was signed. them before the polls would not enable these estate workers to The settlement was a have been good for the ruling move into their new homes in well-earned reward for the 17 party. 32 months without paying a families, who had refused to So the company issued single sen. Meanwhile the leave the plantation when they the termination notice to more workers will be paid rental until were given the termination and than 40 workers on 1 April their new homes are ready. In eviction notice in 2004. 2004 and it was no April Fool’s addition, they will also be paid joke. But that was not the their long-pending termination Eviction notice after GE biggest shock of the day. The and layoff benefits which had most active member of the been withheld by the company I still remember. On 21 estate community, since 2004. March 2004, we had our 11th Mathuraveeran, who was the The workers who had left general election, which Barisan union secretary as well as the the estate earlier would also be Nasional won handsomely with temple chairman, passed away entitled to a house, which they 198 seats compared with the the same day. It was a double

13 blow. While recalling this event broke down. After the estate for almost three months. at the signing ceremony for the stopped operations, the In the face of this massive settlement agreement, national union slowly faded attack, the workers organised, Mathuraveeran’s widow away from the scene. created barricades and started Munichy shed tears. Perhaps This was when the to stop the lorries. They also put Mathuraveeran was looking workers approached PSM. We up signboards creating a 100- down with pride from above. used to give free tuition for the metre-deep buffer zone which After the termination plantation kids in the local the developers could not enter. notice was issued, the struggle Tamil school and circulate a As the companies needed to started. The workers remember monthly magazine called use the Semenyih estate road, that the estate manager as well Pattali (worker) which dis- they eventually had to meet as the clerk had on numerous cussed plantation workers’ some of the demands made by occasions told them that they issues. the workers’ committee. The would be given houses when workers were finally provided the estate was redeveloped. But New committee with drinking water, which was these verbal promises were not now pumped from an kept. Under intense pressure The Semenyih Estate Ex- underwater source. from the estate manager who Plantation Workers Committee Meanwhile the commit- pushed them to leave, the was formed, made up of the ex- tee took the matter to the people were divided. Gradually estate workers and their Selangor state government, some started to move out children. Some of these which had a policy in place because they were told that if younger people were already since 1993 that plantation they refused to do so, they active in our youth club Kelab companies must first build would not be paid retrenchment Peka Tegas Ikhlas. It took a few houses before proceeding with benefits. There were also years for the plantation owners eviction. But this policy was rumours that the water and to accept the committee not often enforced. electricity supply would soon because they had been used to Negotiations then started be disconnected. working with the union. when YB Xavier Jayakumar A meeting was arranged Around 2008, the sale of was the relevant state exco between the Malayan land close to the workers’ member and continued with the Agricultural Producers homes brought much hardship current exco YB V. Association (MAPA) and the as huge lorries came in to carry Ganabatirau. National Union of Plantation out massive earthworks for the Initially there were lots of Workers (NUPW) but a Tiara East and Diamond City setbacks. Credit should be solution could not be found. luxury projects by developers given to YB Ganabatirau who The union asked for ex gratia Kueen Lai, Mayland and did not give in to the estate payments (in addition to the 20 Country Garden. The owners’ wishes. He always told days’ wages per year of service plantation workers who had Sime Darby to resolve the as specified in the Employment toiled on this land for decades matter with the plantation Act) and housing as a could only look at the houses workers and said that the state settlement but MAPA dis- taking shape and dream.... government would not agree to agreed, saying that they were Worse was to come – eviction of the workers without not obliged under the law to their water catchment area their housing needs being met. build houses. Four local union became polluted. The workers This gave us room to negotiate. leaders attended but their status who used to get treated spring was as silent observers; their water now only got muddy Final agreement views were not taken into water. There were times when consideration. The meeting they hardly got any water at all Finally Sime Darby between the workers’ union for weeks. In 2013, they were agreed to the housing but it and the plantation owners without proper drinking water took almost another two years 14 failed because this trust had been forged over decades and was not something that was sought to be built only during election periods. All meetings are held in a democratic manner with full participation and knowledge of all the workers. Every decision was ultimately theirs. To fight or to surrender was their choice. We were always with them. The signing of the Establishing buffer zone. landmark agreement on Semenyih Estate means the to finally come to the current Sime Darby Property Bhd., and workers will soon have to leave agreement as there were a I shook hands finally because the estate which has been their couple of major sticking points. it was a tough one from both home for generations. But they We wanted the Sale and ends. Both parties got what will not leave empty-handed; Purchase agreement to be they wanted. they will soon move to their signed first and the houses built We also take this own new homes. to be given free. Numerous opportunity to thank our lawyer As for us, we kept the meetings were held in YB Ragu Kesavan, local council- promise we made 30 years ago. Ganabatirau’s office, PSM’s lors Thiaga and Rajen as well In 1987, we took a vow that we Semenyih office, the temple as Senator Chandramohan and would fight alongside the and at the estate. There were Datuk Nizam from the Kajang plantation workers. With this tense times when the other Municipal Council who all settlement, it means we have party said they would start helped us at various stages of concluded all the major issues doing work and asked the the struggle. we had been addressing in the workers to be prepared for plantations in Hulu Langat electricity and water cuts. The Grassroots empowerment District. Workers from two workers responded equally other estates, Bangi Estate and Looking back, this angrily by lodging police Denudin Estate, have similarly victory is due in large part to reports and writing hard-hitting signed agreements and are letters to Sime Darby. the organising work done by us waiting for their free houses to The stakes were high. For for more than 25 years. We be delivered to them. the plantation workers, we used to teach the students in Meanwhile the broader were demanding fair compen- Semenyih Estate in the early struggle between the workers sation – Sime Darby must repay 1990s. After that we mobilised and the capitalists, between the its workers, not only for the them under the Plantation poor and the rich, between the current generation but also the Workers Support Committee to 99% and the 1%, continues. previous generations. On its fight for monthly wages for Berani lawan, berani menang. part, Sime Darby was rushing estate workers. This not only Dare to fight, dare to win. The for time as it had sold the land empowered the people in this Semenyih Estate 21 can now to a third party and these 17 struggle for just compensation count themselves among the families were holding up the but also helped build trust with ranks of workers who fought development. In the end, them. There were occasions and won. goodwill and wisdom when the bosses tried to prevailed. En Hamili Abdul discourage the estate workers S. Arutchelvan is a member of Hamid, the vice President of from working with us. They the PSM Central Committee. 15 Implement the Employment Insurance Scheme now!

M. Sivaranjani

PSM has been lobbying for a Retrenchment Fund for workers for the past 10 years. Malaysia’s labour law does provide for retrenchment benefits but this does not cover the 35% of retrenched workers who lose their jobs because their employers go bankrupt or simply abscond. We have witnessed the harrowing times Handing signature cards to YB Richard Riot in Parliament. that these unfortunate workers go through. Some of them lose hand over more than 30,000 fourth months and 30% for the their houses and cars because signature cards to the Minister fifth and sixth months. they can’t keep up with of Human Resources, Dato The Malaysian mortgage payments. In quite a Richard Riot. The Minister Employers’ Federation (MEF) number of families the gave an assurance that the has been and is strenuously education of their children is majority of our demands had protesting the EIS. This isn’t affected. been included in the surprising as employers are This is why we launched Employment Insurance generally unhappy with any a campaign to push the demand Scheme (EIS) that the additional expenditure and they for a Retrenchment Fund in government is planning to would like to postpone if not 2015 after first holding a present in Parliament at the cancel the EIS. But what is roundtable discussion with the forthcoming July session. We surprising is the series of Malaysian Trades Union have been informed that both questions raised by several Congress (MTUC) and the employer and the employee Pakatan Harapan MPs headed interested NGOs to finetune will each be required to by YB Dr Ong Kian Ming on our demands. In the past two contribute 0.25% of the 28 April 2017. The PH, which years we have organised a worker’s basic pay to a has till now not shown much “roadshow” throughout dedicated fund monthly under interest in the Retrenchment Peninsular Malaysia from the management of the Social Fund and has done little to push Perlis to Johor, held meetings Security Organisation (Socso), for it over the past two years, with workers, pamphleteered which will then make monthly has suddenly discovered extensively and collected payments on a reducing scale numerous issues of public signatures in support of this for six months to every worker importance related to the EIS! demand. who is retrenched – paying Our response to the On 29 March 2017, a 80% of the last drawn salary for issues raised by the MEF and delegation of about 300 the first month, 50% for the Dr Ong et al. is as follows: workers went to Parliament to second, 40% for the third and 1. The EIS is meant to 16 supplement but not replace the existing retrenchment benefits that are mentioned in the Employment Act 1955, which specifies that workers with more than five years of service be given a retrenchment benefit equivalent to 20 days’ wages for each year of service. This retrenchment benefit is to be paid by their former employer. As mentioned earlier, about a third of retrenched workers do not get any retrenchment benefits as their employers High-5 workers left high and dry after their company went bankrupt. claim bankruptcy. The EIS will be of great help to this category the M40 (middle 40%) as well, “softer landing”. There is of workers as they will receive perhaps with a cap on nothing sinister about it. some income for the first six contributions and benefits at The proposed EIS is very months after being laid off, the RM4,000 wage level. much like the Socso system giving them a little breathing 3. We do share the PH’s itself. 6.8 million workers space to look for another job. concern regarding the costs of contribute to Socso every The remaining two-thirds of managing this scheme. The month. Only 60,000 of them retrenched workers would also decision to park this scheme apply annually under its benefit from the EIS, but their under Socso is a good one as employment injury scheme. retrenchment benefit paid by Socso is an established The majority – the luckier ones their former employers as institution with a presence in – do not get caught in specified under the every district of our country. workplace accidents. If the PH Employment Act will be Administrative costs will be and the MEF want to be reduced by a sum equal to the minimised if Socso handles this consistent, they should lobby EIS benefit they receive. scheme. for Socso to refund the workers 2. At present only 4. The criticism raised by who never made any claims! workers with an income below the PH and the MEF that the 5. The MEF proposal that RM2,000 per month are contributions made to the EIS instead of the EIS, a third covered by the Employment will not be refunded to workers account be opened under the Act. The EIS is expected to who were never retrenched is EPF to which each worker expand coverage to workers misleading and mischievous. would contribute 1% of his or with a monthly wage of below They seem to be implying that her income monthly, is a non- RM4,000. This we fully these workers are somehow starter. A worker would have to support. Given today’s prices, being “shortchanged”. Hello, contribute to this third account RM4,000 isn’t a huge income this is not a savings scheme like for more than six years in order and most workers earning the EPF but an insurance to accumulate a sum equivalent RM4,000 nowadays would not scheme. Insurance schemes are to one month’s wages. How have put aside enough savings based on the concept of social much protection will that give to handle an unexpected job solidarity whereby all members him or her against sudden job loss. Once the EIS is up and of the group contribute so that loss? That’s the beauty of funds running, we should consider the unlucky few who suffer an based on social solidarity – the extending it to cover workers adverse event (in this case, workers pool their resources so whose income places them in sudden loss of job) have a that everyone is covered.

17 6. The provision of contributions to the EIS to retrenchment occur and the courses to enhance the skills of cover the eventuality of EIS’ impact on boosting retrenched workers is an companies going bankrupt is aggregate demand when the excellent idea. And here we not fair to the majority of economy goes into recession. agree with the PH that companies that are prudently As for our YBs in sufficient care must be taken to run. PSM feels that this Pakatan Harapan, you certainly ensure that cronies do not take argument is shallow – even have a duty to make sure the well-known international firms advantage of their connections proposed EIS truly benefits like Seagate Industries, to offer bogus skills- workers and loopholes that enhancement programmes that Rubicon Technology, HGST allow the seepage of funds to only drain the resources of the Technologies, Samsung prop up crony companies are EIS fund but give little useful Electronic Display and training. Skills training must be Fairchild Semiconductor have closed. But we hope that you handled by Socso or another laid off workers. Retrenchment will bear in mind that there are government agency and not can affect any sector of the far-right groups that practically outsourced to for-profit entities. economy. Poor fiscal deify the “free market” and are 7. The MEF states that, management is only one cause antagonistic to any attempts by based on an average wage of of retrenchments. Technol- the government to enhance RM2,800 per month, 0.25% ogical innovation and econo- social protection for workers. from employers and another mic downturns are also There are strong forces in our 0.25% from 6.8 million important causes. society that would like to delay workers would add up to PSM would like to point if not stop the EIS. We hope RM1.142 billion in the EIS out that the proposed EIS is fair you will not wittingly or fund within a year. According to employers. The amount of unwittingly play into their to the MEF, this is too big a retrenchment benefits that they hands. Numerous pronounce- sum. Well, if we take the have to pay their laid-off ments by the United Nations’ average wage figure quoted by workers is reduced by the International Labour the MEF and calculate the amount that the EIS pays out. Organisation (ILO) over the budget required to pay six This represents savings for the past few decades, in particular months’ wages according to the company. ILO Conventions 102 and 168, reducing scale proposed in the The MEF should realise have supported the idea of a E.I.S. for the 50,000 workers that the EIS is also for their retrenchment fund. We would who lose their jobs annually, benefit. In times of economic like the PH to come out with we get a figure of RM0.38 downturn, the collapse of an unequivocal endorsement of billion. This does not cover the aggregate demand threatens the the EIS as what is now on the cost of retraining workers. And survival of many firms by table is a good first step and it let’s not forget – in our shrinking their market. Funds should not be delayed any economy, recessions occur like the EIS are one form of the further. once every 8-10 years. When a counter-cyclical spending that PSM calls on Malaysian recession hits us, the number of was advocated by noted workers to call for the laid-off workers will rise economist John Maynard immediate implementation of dramatically. The EIS must Keynes to keep the economy the EIS. This battle can only be build up its financial reserves afloat in recessionary times. considered won when the bill to meet these contingencies. So PSM would thus like the setting up this scheme is the argument that the EIS will MEF to take the longer view approved by Parliament! be collecting too much does not and explain to its members the hold water. low cost of the EIS to them and M. Sivaranjani heads the 8. The MEF has argued the benefits that they would Workers’ Bureau of PSM. that forcing all employers to enjoy, namely a lower make mandatory monthly retrenchment bill should 30 April 2017 18 The plight of working class women remains unresolved after 100 years

Joint statement in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2017

EVERY year, on this day, women are celebrated the world over for the unique role they play in society. However, it is disappointing to reflect that the issues women struggled with a hundred years ago in 1917, when working class women took to the streets demanding for “Bread & Peace” in feudal Russia, remain the same, even though their uprising had led to the downfall Malaysian women construction workers. of the oppressive Tsar regime and initiated this global annual commemoration for women. Budget which totals some were recorded in the country. The struggle for “bread RM260 billion. The drop from Even if only 40% of the latter and butter” is still an issue RM1.87 billion in 2016 to figure should fall under the because working class women RM1.75 billion this year is low-income bracket, it appears and single mothers are unable indicative of the government’s that the Welfare Department to meet their family needs due view that the RM120 million turned away at least 270,400 to low wages and rising cost of thus “saved” can be put to a low income single mother living. better use than assisting urban applicants in 2014! On this day, brave poor, working class women, An urgent revision of its women in our community who single mothers, their school priorities is urged of the have stepped up to uphold the going children and other government and this must be rights of women and the vulnerable groups who require reflected in a boost to the downtrodden are showcased as the protection of the Welfare meagre allocation that this exemplary figures while we Department. ministry has received. Only that take stock of progress made in According to statistics will indicate that the our struggle for equality in a provided by the ministry, Government is truly committed burgeoning global community. 61,600 single mothers were to the “well-being of the Thus, we are enraged that recipients of a total of RM151 Rakyat”. the Ministry of Women, Family million in 2014. However, in Low income single and Community Development response to a parliamentary mothers are hit the hardest has suffered a hefty cut in its question, the ministry reported because there is no change in allocation in the 2017 Federal that 830,000 single mothers the Welfare Department’s 19 operating procedure that budget cut. 5. Introduce a new low rate specifies that only those In 1975, March 8 was for low cost homes families with a monthly adopted as International especially for low income household income of RM750 Women’s Day, yet Malaysia single mothers with an or less are can be considered has made little progress in easy payment hire- for financial aid from the moving away from a purchase scheme. Welfare Department. This patriarchal system that does 6. Revisit single-mother welfare benefit cap is cruel and little to reduce gender applications that were results in the turning away of disparities, defend the rights of rejected by the Welfare many low-income single or alleviate women from Department and intro- mother families which are discrimination and violence. duce a new scheme that struggling to cope with a We, the undersigned, call will allow for the depart- monthly income of between upon the Malaysian govern- ment to analyse problems RM750 and RM1,500. The ment to: and issues faced by single RM750 eligibility ceiling 1. Increase the budget mothers, and implement should be increased to allocated to the Ministry new schemes to elevate RM1,500 to reflect the current of Women, Family and their standard of living. costs of basic necessities. Community Develop- The Jaringan Rakan Ibu We also call for a ment for 2017, by Tunggal has engaged with the proactive revision on the doubling the 2016 alloca- Ministry of Women, Family classification of the term tion as this ministry is and Community Development “single mothers” eligible for responsible for the from 2014 through memoranda welfare aid, to include women improvement of the lives and dialogues. However, none with children below the age of of people who are the of our recommendations have been implemented as of yet. We 18 years whose husbands are foundation of the nation reiterate the seriousness of inmates in prisons and – the working class. challenges being faced by low rehabilitation centres. Having 2. Raise the Poverty Line income single mothers, the lost their entire household Income Measurement to most vulnerable of working income through no fault of RM1,500 and set up a class women. theirs, many women and system that monitors the children are displaced with progress of families The above joint statement potential risk to their health, below this threshold. issued in conjunction with education and well-being. 3. Set up government International Women’s Day We can foresee that the funded crèches at all low government will celebrate cost residential areas to 2017 was endorsed by the International Women’s Day provide a safe and secure following organisations: with activities that highlight the environment for children Aliran; Community Develop- achievements of prominent of the working class. ment Centre, Kajang (CDC); women leaders in business and Children from low cost Inter-Research And Studies in society to prove that the homes should automa- (IRAS); Jaringan Rakyat government has been dis- tically be registered in Tertindas (JERIT); Monitoring charging its role in imple- quality crèches. Sustainability of Globali- menting initiatives that have 4. Revise the classification sation (MSN); National Union successfully upgraded women. of the term “single of Flight Attendants Malaysia These “showcasing” mothers” eligible for (Nufam); PACOS trust; Parti activities are grand farcical welfare aid, to include Sosialis Malaysia; Persatuan attempts that mask the real women with children Wanita Selangor; Projek sufferings of working class below the age of 18 years Dialog; Saya Anak Bangsa women whose lives will further whose husbands are Malaysia (SABM); Women’s deteriorate following the inmates in prisons. Centre for Change (Penang) 20 Why do we keep punishing the victims?

Veronica Anne Retnam

THE recent news about a households with monthly home-alone toddler in Air incomes below RM1,500 Kuning near Tampin should be given vouchers highlights a flaw in the for childcare services. This government welfare ser- has yet to be done, and in our vices. According to news- country that is pushing to paper reports, the single attain developed status, mother concerned had left thousands of single-mother her toddler at home with families are being left by the children of primary school wayside. age as she wanted to visit her Is arresting the mother mentally ill mother who had a long-term solution? Who been admitted to hospital. is responsible for ensuring However, when the author- safety when a single mother ities came by, the two older cannot afford childcare? children ran out of the house Honourable Ministers, as they were scared, leaving please go to the ground to the toddler alone. This has see not how many mothers resulted in the single mother can be arrested but how needs of the poorest families? being charged for neglect of the many mothers need help in Is it wrong for a daughter to child. terms of childcare. visit her mentally ill mother? There are many families We have brought this We need to ask why the mother where children are left to fend urgent need to your attention could not leave the child in a for themselves. There are but you have chosen to ignore safer place. Was there a simply insufficient childcare our proposal. Why does this childcare centre nearby? Was it centres for pre-school children government keep punishing the affordable for her? One cannot from B40 households – the poor over and over again? Act moralise and avoid confronting bottom 40% of Malaysian positively. Stop using the Child the fact that we are not very households. Are we going to considerate to the poorest Care Act to criminalise poor punish the thousands of single families in our midst. mothers. Release the toddler’s mothers who leave their Jaringan Rakan Ibu mother, return her child to her toddlers at home in the charge Tunggal has requested that the but please make subsidised of other children, often under government provide subsidised childcare services available 12 themselves, if they are not childcare services in lower- immediately. able to bring their children to income neighbourhoods. In our the workplace? meetings with the Ministry of Veronica Anne Retnam is The law cannot punish Women, Family and Coordinator of Jaringan these mothers. Isn’t it the moral Community Development in Rakan Ibu Tunggal. duty of the government in 2015 and again in 2016, we power to provide for the basic suggested that single-mother 10 January 2017 21 Fighting homophobia and sexism under global capitalism

Rachel Evans

WHAT is the LGBTQIA ruling class to pass on their community? Lesbians are wealth to their children. women who love women, gay Women and queer oppression men are men who love men, did not exist in pre-class bisexuals are men and women society. The development of who love both sexes, class society – around 15,000 transgender people are those years ago – resulted in what who need to transition to the Friedrich Engels describes as opposite sex from what they are the “historic defeat of the assigned at birth. Research has female sex”. The Marxist also found that between 0.05% analysis of how women’s and 1.7% of the global oppression developed lays out population – 1 in 2,000 people Tanay Mojumdar, LGBT activist. the road to women’s and queer – are born with intersex traits – liberation. biological sex characteristics and its institutions. Family A materialist analysis, that don’t conform to typical rejection, bullying in schools, laid out in books such as notions of male or female. The high suicide rates, Engels’s Family, Private upper estimation is around the discriminatory age-of-consent Property and the State, same as the number of red- laws, laws against gay male demonstrates that the roots of haired people, yet intersex sex, being beaten on the streets, women’s oppression lie in the people are far less visible. lack of housing, being sacked main institutions of class Queer is an umbrella term to in the workplace, not being able society – private property, the include a range of people to marry or adopt, inability to family and the state – rather questioning their sexuality and access reproductive technology than in the realm of the natural working out where they fit on – these are all issues queers or biological. Private property, the spectrum of sexual rights. face. In June 2016, in a brutal the family and the state were “A” stands for asexual – those homophobic hate crime, 49 institutionalised by the new in the community who don’t queers were murdered in the ruling class, and through these feel sexually attracted to others. Pulse nightclub in Orlando in institutions women’s oppres- It is estimated that around the US. In April the same year, sion and sex and gender 1 in 10 people identify with the two Bangladeshi gay rights oppression were consolidated queer community. The rate of activists Xulhaz Mannan and and enforced through laws and women identifying as same- Tanay Mojumdar were societal pressure. sex-attracted has risen in the murdered. It’s important to note that last six years, as the marriage Queer oppression is Homo sapiens emerged equality campaign has gained linked to women’s oppression. 200,000 years ago, and class strength across the world. Class societies need to society, women’s and queer Queers are oppressed by institutionalise rigid gender oppression have existed for the sexist, homophobic family binaries and regulate sexual only a small fraction of human unit and by the capitalist state and gender expression for the history. Pre-class societies were

22 women-led and matriarchal, capitalist class saw its role as and there is evidence of same- righting the wrongs of feudal sex loving couples and varied backwardness. Compared with genders – two-spirits etc. life in regional and rural areas, Women’s reproductive cities became a melting pot of role in a class society was vital sexual expression. Queer life for the male, patriarchal ruling flourished in Germany; in 1920 class to control. The need to in Berlin there were 60 places determine progeny – who your for lesbians to meet. child was – was key to passing The movement in on the wealth stolen by the new Germany in the late 1800s led elite class from the collective. the international sexual rights In the first class-divided modes movement and influenced the of production – slavery, Friedrich Engels. Russian revolutionaries, the feudalism, the Asiatic mode of Bolsheviks. In 1864 a gay man production – women were the in Germany, Karl Ulrich, began subordinate sex, slaving within were and are enforced by writing in defence of the home to perform domestic ideological and legal means. homosexuality. Ulrich was duties and child-rearing. Men Women’s ‘traditional’ and joined by sexologist Magnus led the public life, were ‘natural’ role is in the family Hirschfeld, who was an involved in monetary home raising children because, outspoken advocate for sexual exchange, and were the rulers, argues the sexist trope, they are minorities and founded the priests and lawmakers. Indeed more nurturing. Sexual and Scientific Humanitarian the origins of the word “family” loving relations outside this Committee. This committee are derived from famulus or framework – queer love – were carried out “the first advocacy slave. Land and goods, criminalised and continue to be for homosexual and trans- formerly collectively owned criminalised today in 72 gender rights”. The Bolsheviks under primitive communism or countries. met with the committee and pre-class society, were stolen Capitalism has neverthe- were influenced by its work. by ruling-class men who less created the conditions for The Russian Revolution needed to pass on property and the sexual and gender was the most significant wealth to their heirs. Enforced liberation movements. The advance for queers and women monogamy of women to ruling- peasant class was forced off in the 20th century, and its class men was key to this their commons and into cities, lessons still resonate today. The property exchange. and wars brought men together new, Marxist-led government Given that women and and women out of the private in the liberated Soviet Union queers are oppressed by class, sphere – the home – and into granted women complete the family unit and the state, social production at an equality under the law. our liberation is bound up in the unprecedented scale. Throwing Abortion was made free and eradication of capitalism. The the sexes together created the legal at any stage in pregnancy, socialist revolution aims to material conditions for a and laws giving the foetus socialise women’s role in the burgeoning of same-sex love human rights were abolished. family unit. Currently women and relations. The most Gender discrimination in hiring within the family unit are away decisive of the capitalist and firing workers was from public production or revolutions, the French forbidden, prostitution was subordinate within it because of Revolution of 1789, decriminalised and the criminal the role they play in raising the established the Napoleonic code of 1922 declared “the next generation of workers. Code which decriminalised absolute non-interference of Rigid gender binaries homosexuality. The new the state and society into sexual

23 matters, so long as nobody is injured, and no one’s interests are encroached upon”. The Bolsheviks legalised same-sex marriage and there is evidence transgender operations were conducted. However, like the idea that women can be liberated within the framework of capitalism, the idea that the socialist revolution will in itself liberate women is misguided. For gender inequality to be abolished, not only must women be brought fully into social production but private Kurdish women fighters. domestic labour must be replaced with socialised services, and there must be a all the men named by the 1959 invigorated revolutionary thoroughgoing, conscious women as possible fathers were forces internationally. Women struggle against the bourgeois ordered to pay support. were at the forefront of the culture and social psychology But the invasion of 14 revolution, but due to of sexism and homophobia. imperialist armies opposed to Catholicism’s reach and The Russian Revolution the Russian Revolution, Stalinism’s homophobic aimed to socialise the private leading to the Stalinist counter- influence, the Cuban leadership domestic sphere through public revolution, meant the women’s did not repeal anti-homophobia food halls, laundromats, free and queer liberation laws until 1979. The childcare and a groundbreaking programme was thwarted. The government also incarcerated Family Code on Marriage. It revolution betrayed, the homosexuals in Military Units recognised only civil marriage Stalinists exalted the nuclear to Aid Production (UMAPs) – and allowed divorce at the family and recriminalised forced labour camps. UMAPs simple request of either partner. abortion and homosexuality. were closed down after protests De facto relationships were Homosexuality was declared a led by the Cuban federation of given legal equality. It “Western decadence”, and in writers and artists. When Cuba separated property ownership January 1934 police conducted repealed the discriminatory and inheritance from marriage. mass arrests of gay men. The age-of-consent laws in 1993, The code abolished rise of fascism and Stalinism Fidel Castro apologised to the illegitimacy and endeavoured were a momentous setback for queer community, saying “I to make familial relations queer and women’s liberation don’t consider homosexuality independent of the marriage and the class struggle. They to be a phenomenon of contract. The code stipulated destroyed the queer movement degeneration … I am financial support for all for a whole generation. It absolutely opposed to any form children when their parents wasn’t until the anti-colonial of repression, contempt, scorn separated, and women with struggles of the 1960s and or discrimination with regard to children won significant 1970s that the working-class homosexuality.” payments through the courts. movements began to recover Women in the Cuban Where individual paternity momentum. Revolution however won near- could not be established, often The Cuban Revolution of full equality before the law –

24 pay equity, childcare, abortion and military service. The prostitution trade was broken. In the 1970s the Family Code debated and drafted by the Federation of Cuban Women was implemented and stipul- ated that men do half the housework. Today Cuba is leading the world in transrights, with free transgender operations; debating the possibility of marriage equality; and hosting rallies and film festivals and broadcasting community service announcements on state The Stonewall riot, 1969. TV about how homophobia, not homosexuality, is a “social disease”. movement – profoundly identity politics. The class- In the US, the queer changed working-class cons- struggle feminist segment of rights movement was ciousness and improved the movement was weakened, reinvigorated with the 1969 women’s lives in the Global and the feminist movements Stonewall riot. Queers, their North. Many parts of the declined. The rainbow rights love criminalised, rose up in a Bolsheviks’ original platform battles, focused in the 1980s New York pub against the became core demands of the against HIV/AIDS, also extortion and harassment of feminist movement in the declined in the 1990s but local police. Organisations like imperialist countries. The resurged in the 2000s around Stonewall, Gay Liberation second wave demanded the fight for marriage equality. Front, Street Transvestite abortion on demand, free 24- In Australia, women’s Action Revolutionaries and the hour childcare, equal pay and rights mobilisations in the Gay Activist Alliance were educational opportunities, recent period have been largest formed. Removing laws that affirmative action in the in responding to the rape and criminalised gays, lesbians and workplace and fully paid murder of journalist Jill transgenders, ending all maternity leave. The capitalist Meagher and the plight of discriminatory laws, rights to class however worked hard to domestic violence victims. work and housing, and safety co-opt the leadership of the Deep-seated sexism has at bars became the rallying movement with democratic resulted in one woman being cries. rights, legal reforms and murdered every week in In Australia, our funding and positions in the Australia by a partner or former Stonewall was in June 1978 bureaucracy. partner. when police brutally assaulted The neoliberal offensive Liberal feminism argues a pride parade of 1,500 people, enacted in the 1980s by the that women don’t need arresting 53, beating them in ruling class fragmented, liberation, they just need to police cells and outing them to pulverised and co-opted work in the system to get a family members and movements, unions and good deal for themselves. This workplaces. community groups. It led an tenet in the feminist The second wave of ideological attack on class consciousness assisted Julia feminism – following on from politics through postmoder- Gillard of the Australian Labor the first wave, the suffragettes’ nism, then liberal feminism and Party to become Prime Minister 25 in 2012. On the same day she Executions occur in Iran, Saudi porarily arrest perpetrators of correctly called out the Arabia, Iraq and in ISIS-held violence against women and misogyny of the opposition territory. The following prohibit them from leaving the leader Tony Abbott, she cut countries have prescribed the country. The first dates for the 12,000 single parents – mostly death penalty for LGBT trial should be set 10 to 20 days women – off a higher-paying activities but executions have after the act of violence, with welfare payment. Liberal not been carried out: Sudan, sentencing on the same day feminists, like Margaret Yemen, Nigeria, Somalia, with penalties and fines. Thatcher, Hillary Clinton and Afghanistan, Mauritania, Appeals processes exist. Condoleezza Rice, implement Pakistan and Qatar. This requires mobilising the needs of the capitalists Venezuela’s revolution, women to become “a real force, while using feminist conscious- led by Hugo Chavez and the a deterrent force, an army to ness to dull resistance to their Chavismo movement, combat violence against neoliberal attacks. challenged capitalism and women and to change the However, socialists need launched the “pink tide” notion of women as battered to work in a united front with movement in Latin America. victims and weak human more middle-class and liberal Venezuela’s constitution is the beings”. Some 25,000 “points elements in the queer and first in the Global South (and of encounter” for women are women’s rights movements. possibly the world) to being set up where women These elements will never be recognise women’s housework have easy access to information the motor force of the as a legitimate economic and services without cumber- movements, but socialists need activity producing wealth and some requirements and bureau- to build the broadest move- contributing to the social cratic regulations. These ments to win concessions from welfare of the population: “The “points of encounter” will the capitalist class. State will recognise household consist of at least 10 women, The marriage equality chores as an economic activity who will then organise more movement, supported and that creates added value, women to create “an army to assisted by socialists, is the produces wealth and social combat violence against important fight for formal legal welfare. Housewives have the women ... the point is not only equality for same-sex loving right to social security to decrease violence against couples. Strong rainbow rights according to the law” (Article women, but to eradicate it”. movements have won this in 20 88). Elsewhere in Latin countries, including three in the In March 2007, the right America, since 2005, the Global South – Brazil, of women to live a life free of Bolivian cultural, democratic, Uruguay and Mexico. Like in violence became an organic indigenous-led revolution has the case of equality of voting law enacted by the National introduced legislative changes rights and equal pay for Assembly. Now the law must and increased social and women, capitalist rule has not be effectively implemented. political participation among been shaken by marriage This includes setting up special the female population, equality. But the advance of courts or legal units to handle including the Law against these civil rights is crucial for cases of violence against Political Violence and Harass- socialists to support – the women across the country, with ment against Women. rainbow community will not some 19 courts already set up, This provides a two- to identify with socialists unless covering all regions. These five-year prison sentence for we stand up for this courts were described as “new anyone who persecutes, haras- marginalised sector. institutions of the Venezuelan ses or threatens an elected A total of 72 countries state to eradicate violence woman or women exercising have criminal laws against against women”. These courts public functions. Bolivia has sexual activity by LGBTIs. have the authority to tem- also implemented anti-

26 patriarchal land reform – the guaranteed on all the people’s the Rojavan revolution are number of Bolivian women councils. No gender is allowed being challenged but are with access to their own land more than 60% representation. holding and, in the case of increased to 46% between 1996 The Rojavan revolution, Rojava, winning ground from and 2016. surviving under incredible odds ISIS. We need to offer as much On queer rights, trans- with women at the forefront, is solidarity as we can with these gender operations are free in an inspiration to feminist anti- heroic anti-capitalist frontiers Bolivia, and trans people don’t capitalists across the world, and and continue to build socialist need operations to change their socialists need to provide as parties that empower women sex ID. The right to sexual much active solidarity as we and the LGBTQIA community freedom is written in the can. and lay systematic waste to constitution. However, homo- There can be no women’s backward traditional gender phobia is still prevalent, and liberation or queer liberation ideas. there is not much organising for without a revolution that I will finish off with a queer rights outside very small dismantles the institutions that quote from Bolivian Vice- groups. keep women and queers President Alvaro Garcia Linera In the Middle East, the oppressed – the family unit, the on the ebbing Latin American pink tide: “We are in for hard anti-capitalist Rojavan revo- capitalist state, private property. times, but hard times are lution, led by the Kurdish To reach a point where oxygen for revolutionaries. Are Worker’s Party, was aided by the political elite have no we not coming from down the weakness of the Assad credibility in the eyes of the below, are we not the ones who regime in Syria, and three mass of people and power can have been persecuted, tortured, autonomous cantons were be wrested from the oligarchs, marginalised in neoliberal declared in July 2012 on the socialist parties need to deepen times? The golden decade of principles of democratic our reach into workplaces, the continent has not come free. federalism. This is a social universities and communities It has been your struggle, from revolution that emphasises with a feminist, anti- below, from the unions, the social and economic equality, homophobia politics. Socialist universities, the neighbour- ecology, religious tolerance, parties will not be taken hoods, that has led to a ethnic inclusion and seriously by these communi- revolutionary cycle. The first collectivity combined with ties, by women suffering under wave did not fall from the sky. individual freedom and patriarchal traditions, if we do We bear in our bodies the feminism. not. marks and wounds of the The women-only Wom- Internationally there is a struggles of the 80s and 90s. en’s Protection Units (YPJ) and resurgence of the right wing. And if today, provisionally, the People’s Protection Units Trump’s election, the rise of the temporarily, we must go back (YPG) have successfully far-right Pauline Hanson in to the struggles of the 80s, 90s, fought off the barbaric ISIS Australia, the popularity of Le 2000s, let us welcome them. who enslave and rape women. Pen in France and the right- That is what a revolutionary is An estimated 35% of their wing parliamentary coup in for.” fighters – around 15,000 – are Brazil point to challenging women. Local communes and times for socialist, feminist, Rachel Evans is with the larger people’s councils make queer and anti-racist forces. Socialist Alliance in Australia. decisions, with men and However, the people’s power The above is excerpted from a women co-presidents. movements are rising in the paper presented at the Women’s councils operate in US, and Bernie Sanders’s Socialism 2016 conference parallel and have veto power democratic socialist message held in Kuala Lumpur on 25- over the people’s councils. still has a lot of support. The 27 November 2016. Female representation is Latin American pink tide and

27 Another blueprint for Indians in Malaysia

K. Arumugam

INDIAN Malaysians have been blessed with a surfeit of blueprints of various shades since Merdeka. The Malaysian Indian Blueprint (MIB), which was launched by our Prime Minister on 23 April 2017, is the latest of these. However well-intentioned it might be, the MIB is grossly inadequate as it fails to contend with several of the underlying realities besetting the Indian poor. Malaysia is the third Launch of Blueprint. richest in South-East Asia in terms of its per capita gross improve the income levels of According to the same domestic product (GDP). It has the bottom 40% of the documents, Indian Malaysians been recording impressive Bumiputra community. Instead, make up 8.5% of the B40 performances over the last few these policies have benefitted group, with an average monthly decades. Data from the the rich who have increased household income of Economic Planning Unit their wealth disproportionately. RM2,672. (EPU) shows that the gross Information made The divide between the national income per capita has available in the MIB rich and the poor is getting ever been increasing and it documents indicates that in wider, with wealth being amounted to RM37,930 in Malaysia’s bottom 40%, the increasingly concentrated 2016. This figure looks quite Bumiputras make up 73.6%, within the elite stratum good on paper but in reality with an average monthly comprising both Bumiputras things are not so rosy. The household income of and non-Bumiputras that is average monthly household RM2,367, though the inextricably fused to political income of the bottom 40% Bumiputra community makes power. This elite stratum has a (B40) of the Malaysian up only some 65% of the huge capacity to influence the population is only RM2,743. overall Malaysian population. decision-making processes of Even the massive The New Economic Policy government institutions so as to affirmative action policies (NEP) implemented with full create extractive policies that engineered by the government vigour over the past 45 years benefit the elite and the rent since 1971 to positively has clearly failed to improve seekers. discriminate in favour of the the household income levels of This is evident from the Bumiputra poor failed to the poorest Bumiputras. Crony Capitalism Index 28 contribution to the economy as immense and the cultural richness of the Indian community. In defining the context for the MIB, the narration is pretty accurate. The target is the Indian poor. The report confirms that they have been poor since 1966, noting that 66.7% of Indian labour was in plantations and another 2.6% in the mining sector. Factors like Thousands with Red ICs. crop conversion, change of ownership of the plantation constructed by The Economist does officially acknowledge the companies, cheap deployment magazine, which measures longstanding core issues faced of foreign labour and development and indus- billionaires’ wealth in relation by Indian Malaysians. The trialisation pushed this labour to the nation’s GDP. In 2016, Indians, numbering about 2 class out of the plantations and Malaysia ranked second, million, constitute about 7% of into urban slums to become the behind only Russia. Almost all the Malaysian population. In present-day Indian underclass the billionaires are/were terms of electoral votes, they in the bottom 40%, the IB40. cronies of the ruling political are still considered vital in a It is important to note that party. It is no accident that those number of mixed parliamentary the NEP, introduced in 1971 in control of political power and state constituencies. The with the two-pronged strategy have created a system that MIB, for all intents and of eradicating poverty among distributes the wealth of the purposes, is nothing more than all Malaysians as well as nation in a manner that is a condescending document to reducing and subsequently skewed and totally detrimental woo the Indian votes for the eliminating identification of to the poor. 14th general election. The race by economic function and The MIB bereft of remedies outlined to tackle the geographical location, ignored political will and government core issues of the Indian poor the Indian poor. policies specifically designed can be likened to receiving It is not to be denied that to implement it is certainly not treatment for serious chronic the Malaysian Indian Congress an NEP for the Indian bottom diseases at a government (MIC) had cried out in almost 40% (IB40). Even if it were, outpatient clinic, albeit now all its delegates’ meetings and without putting in place with the MIB there is a special conventions over the plight of structural reform for equitable queue for the Indians. the Indians. There were indeed distribution of wealth, there The MIB’s introductory many occasions of handouts, will be no light at the end of narrative is commendable as it concessions, scholarships, the tunnel for not only the IB40 concisely dissects the Indian admission to universities and but for any households in the Malaysian reality. The docu- the like that benefitted mainly bottom 40% irrespective of ment recognises the presence the middle- and upper-class their ethnicities. But to the of Indians in the Malay Indians. Contextually, the MIB deeply entrenched political Peninsula in the 2nd century brings the wheel back to the system, any form of structural BC, in the 4th century AD and starting point, signalling that reform or any change that rocks the Indian trade merchants in nothing has changed the boat is anathema. the 15th century AD. It also significantly for the Indian Nonetheless, the MIB acknowledges the Indians’ poor.

29 Who are the IB40?

The IB40 are the same since 1966. Devoid of any policy framework for structural reform, they have inherited poverty and have become the urban underclass. In terms of numbers, they comprise 227,600 households. Their average monthly household income is RM2,672 and 82% of the IB40 are deep in debt. The MIB also noted that 3,500 Only 3% of Indians in the B40 own a house. households are classified as poor with a monthly income Remedies IB40’s 227,600 households less than the Poverty Line with an improvement of its Income (PLI) of RM960 Remedies have to be disposable income level by (RM910 for rural), and another serious. The analysis of RM1,000 a month, a redistri- 22,700 households have a inequality by focusing on bution of RM2.73 billion is monthly household income less income is a grossly misleading required annually. Allocations than RM1,000. approach. Over and above such as RM500 million in the According to the MIB, income, the top 20% (T20) and MIB as a seed fund to improve middle 40% (M40) are also based on a 2010 survey, only savings among the IB40 make backed by assets in the form of 3% of the IB40 owned houses. very little sense in terms of This indicates that the property, investments and purpose and expected impact. remaining 97% are either living savings, which are not captured The MIB’s encompas- in slums, squatters or staying in in the income data. The IB40 sing structure, with a Cabinet rented homes. In terms of group is not backed by any Committee for the Indian distribution, 89% of the IB40 wealth and is trapped in poverty Community, a Special Indian live in an urban setting and the with low wages. The balance in rural areas. On government’s cheap-labour Task Force, the Pelan Tindakan policy has effectively closed access to education, 45% have Sekolah Tamil, SEDIC, SEED the doors for the B40 to better no access to preschool and Public-Private Partner- their wages. The present education, only 54% pass ships, is rather interesting. A minimum wage rates of UPSR and 44% pass SPM. whole spectrum of interested RM1,000 for Peninsular Among children who drop out Indian groups have been roped Malaysia and RM920 for East at primary level, 13% are in to oversee and implement the Malaysia are far too low. Indian. MIB. It is a brilliant move on Without structural reform The Indians are under- the part of Najib to shore up his of the economy, there will be employed and the unemploy- standing in the Indian no improvement in income ment rate is the highest, 4% for Malaysian community. For levels and the core issues of Indian males and 5.2% for what it’s worth, though, the poverty can never be solved. Indian females, whilst the MIB is merely a sweetener to Therefore, the MIB’s national average is 2.9% and entice the Indian community programme-based intervention 3.2% respectively. On crime, will only partially address the with yet another false hope. the MIB states that 70% of symptoms of poverty and not gang members are Indians and the underlying root causes. For K. Arumugam is Indians are over-represented in example, just to empower the Director of SUARAM. violent crimes at 31%. 30 Food insecurity in Malaysia

V. Banoo

“The measure of strength of a country is not how much weapons it has but how much food we have and our ability to produce our own food.” – Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, quoted in the Sunday Star, 24 July 2016

IS this empty rhetoric coming from one of the ministers in the Barisan Nasional government or an honest admission of the Padi cultivation in Malaysia. crucial role played by food production in ensuring the Even a cursory examination of on the next page that over a well-being of a nation? the data available clearly shows period of 25 years (1990-2015), Irrespective of the answer, it is that after 60 years of Malaysia has become undeniable that food, as the independence and 10 Five-Year frighteningly dependent on the most basic of our needs, Plans, we are still far from outside world to meet our requires the serious and achieving self-sufficiency. As a people’s most basic need, that wholehearted attention of both matter of fact, since 1990 we is, our need for food. Our daily the government and the people have become increasingly food import expenditure of to ensure the country produces dependent on other countries to RM12.72 million in 1990 shot enough food at affordable fulfil our food needs (see table). up to RM126 million in 2015, prices all the time. In other It is a fact that during the an almost tenfold increase. This words, the government must first three decades after is obviously an unreasonably ensure that we enjoy food independence we produced sharp increase for a country security in the true sense of the more food and imported less. that was basically an term. However, beginning from 1990 agricultural economy not so In this context, it is we have seen worrying very long ago. relevant and also timely that we increases in the amount of The food items imported examine the degree to which money spent on importing include vegetables, fruits, fish, Malaysia has achieved self- food. meat and processed food. Even sufficiency in food production. It is clear from the table rice, which is our staple, is

31 Malaysian food imports

Year Expenditure per year (RM) Expenditure per month (RM) Expenditure per day (RM)

1990 4,581.80 million 381.81 million 12.72 million 1996 9,056.20 million 754.68 million 25.15 million 2000 13 billion 1.08 billion 36 million 2005 22 billion 1.83 billion 61 million 2010 30.19 billion 2.51 billion 83 million 2015 45.39 billion 3.78 billion 126 million Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry imported. The country spent outside world to fulfil our food declined from 30% in the 1970s about RM24.4 billion needs is the decline in to 7% in 2013. importing vegetables over a 10- importance of the agricultural As a result of the year period (2005-15). A sector, particularly the food country’s failure to ensure food substantial amount of money is sector, in our country’s sufficiency, we have become also routinely spent on economy. During the first two very dependent on food importing fruits, sugar, honey, decades after independence, imports. The constant and processed sugar products as Malaysia enjoyed a reasonable somewhat consistent increase well as other processed food. degree of self-sufficiency and in our food import bill means It is significant to note that food security. However, that the people, especially those fruits, nuts, vegetables, meat, macroeconomic policies which in the lower-income category, fruit preparations and other favoured industrialisation and face uncertainty in trying to processed food were the urbanisation after 1975 have secure their food supplies. They fastest-growing imports in had very negative effects on have to bear the heavy burden 2015. Let us also not forget that agriculture, particularly food of being exposed to high food the import of corn and other production. For example, prices in the world market. In animal feed constitutes another Malaysia’s self-sufficiency in fact, Second Finance Minister major portion of our food rice dropped from 71% in 1970 Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani has import bill. Corn, for instance, to 62% in 2007. Land used for acknowledged that the is the most important raw food production declined from “escalating cost of food” ingredient in the preparation of 31.5% in 1960 to 16.3% in burdens those from the lower- animal feed. According to the 2005. The budget allocation for income groups, who will Minister of Agriculture, the agriculture, which was 23.1% continue to suffer hardship country is currently importing in the Second Malaysia Plan, (The Sun, 2 August 2016). four million tons of corn worth was reduced to 8.2% in the Apart from high food RM3.1 billion per year (Sunday Seventh Malaysia Plan. The prices, our people will also Star, 24 July 2016). The number of people employed in have to contend with the high Minister has said that feed the agricultural sector fell from degree of unpredictability as to grain is one of the biggest 35.7% of the workforce to only the quantity and quality of food contributors to Malaysia’s about 17% by the year 2000. imported. This is because of agro-food trade deficit. Poultry, The Seventh Malaysia Plan climatic, political and other eggs and pork are the only food also witnessed the slow growth external factors beyond our items that we do not import. of the food sector. At the same control. For example, we are all The most important time the contribution of well aware of the crop failures reason for Malaysia becoming agriculture to the country’s in Africa, parts of Asia and in very highly dependent on the gross domestic product (GDP) other parts of the world

32 plans to introduce a “Huge Impact Agricultural Policy” and the development of an “Integrated Agricultural Development Authority” to carry out big-time food production in Pekan, Rompin, Batang Lupar and Kota Belud to increase our food supplies. What we do know is that in the 2017 budget, RM1.2 billion has been allocated for paddy As the ringgit continues to slide, prices of vegetables and fruits are going up. cultivation and about RM1.48 billion for the increased cultivation and resulting from climatic which people spent on food in export of plantation crops such conditions such as climate 2014 – a rise of more than 50% as oil palm, rubber, cocoa and change. Besides that, the over a two-year period. pepper. However, not a sen of ongoing wars and political While many developing the RM260.8 billion budget has turmoil in the Middle East and countries are trying very hard been set aside for the in other regions can severely to ensure food self-sufficiency cultivation and development of affect our access to food from and food security for their food crops such as vegetables, the outside world. The increase citizens, we have not heard fruits, meat and so on. in transportation and other anything from the Umno-led To add insult to injury, costs will only add to the government in Malaysia about the Umno-led Perak state uncertainty surrounding the how they are going to alleviate government resorted last year people’s ability to obtain food. this important problem faced to evicting small farmers In addition, the acute by the people. What are the engaged in the cultivation of financial situation faced by the government’s long-term plans vegetables and fruits as well people, especially those from to realise its vociferously those engaged in the breeding the lower-income group, declared aim of achieving of fish, ducks and chickens. further undermines their ability “food sufficiency and food Market gardeners in Tronoh, to secure food. The declining security”? And what about the Malim Nawar, Kampar, Sungai value of the ringgit against Minister of Agriculture and Siput and Ipoh who had been other currencies and the Agro-based Industry’s talk of working on their lands for more consequent drop in the food sovereignty”? Will that be than 40 years were asked to purchasing power of the people realised as well? vacate the lands to make way places them in an unenviable At the moment, the for “development” by position. The fact that people are not aware of any developers working in league Malaysians spend about 31.2% concrete long-term plans of the with the state government’s of their disposable income on Barisan Nasional administra- investment holding arm MB food on average (Malaysiakini, tion to realise the objective of Incorporated. Is this how we 1 August 2016) is clear proof achieving food sufficiency and treat small farmers who have of how expensive food is in the food security. Neither is there been working hard to meet our country. This represents quite any mention of a time frame for basic need for food? So much a substantial increase over the attaining this goal. Little further for the oft-repeated slogan of 20.6% of disposable income has been said about their big “People First and Performance

33 food crops. It should imme-diately stop the practice of evicting food farmers from their land. It should instead recognise their rights to the land by either selling or leasing it for the purpose of producing food Vegetable farmers sitting in at SUK Office in Ipoh, 5 August 2015. crops and meat. It is also very important Now”! fulfil our food needs will that a reasonable minimum When are we going to threaten national security in the guaran-teed price be set for realise that empty sloganeering long term. The government has their crops or a subsidised cost will not solve the problems to embark on a serious and be calculated to encourage the faced by the people? It is intelligent plan towards farmers to continue producing therefore for the people to achieving self-sufficiency and food for the local market. evaluate the attitude and food security. We must have a There are substantial sincerity of the government in Food First policy. The rewards to be reaped when we resolving serious problems government must take the lead embark on the road to attain faced by the ordinary rakyat. It and be directly involved in the food self-sufficiency. We will is undeniable that the efforts to increase our food be able to stem the outflow of government’s policies and supply. There seems to be no money from our shores. The actions with regard to conceivable reason why money saved can be used to agriculture over the last few Malaysia, which has been further improve and expand our decades have been largely for producing its own food for food production besides the benefit of the large decades, cannot do so now. We enhancing our techniques of plantation owners and the big are blessed with a suitable farming, such as crop rotation, businessmen. climate and fertile soil, and our soil protection, pest control etc. For the marginalised and farmers have the know-how Food production will also have the poor, the short-sighted and the skills to produce food. the multiplier effect of further policies of the government, We must begin by together with the removal of encouraging more people to be encouraging research and food subsidies and the involved in the business of development to increase food introduction of GST, plus the producing food. Private entre- production as well as improve steep increase in food prices preneurs, people’s cooperatives agricultural practices such as over the last two years have and individuals should be given sustainable farming. This will only served to increase their the relevant incentives such as also be an opportunity to vulnerability in these trying land, credit, seeds, tax develop the real economy – an times. Their real income has exemption and training to be economy run and controlled by declined considerably and this meaningfully involved in this the people for the benefit of the has severely affected their noble enterprise. The govern- people. The chance to return to ability to purchase food and ment should set aside land for the soil will be a truly other necessities at reasonable this purpose, either free or at a meaningful one. prices. nominal rent. It should also The continuing depen- make available the use of idle V. Banoo is a member of PSM dence on foreign countries to agricul-tural land for growing and a retired college teacher. 34 Towards a Peoples’ Charter on Trade

D. Jeyakumar

PSM has been part of the network of groups that has objected to some of the trade agreements being negotiated by the Malaysian government. We mobilised against the free trade agreement (FTA) with the US in 2005-06, then against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in 2014-16. Now we are part of a group responding critically to the proposals being brought up in the Regional Michael Froman, former US Trade Representative. Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Is PSM against free trade? is an important source of The person on the street income for the nation, and this might wonder why PSM is so According to the engagement obviously has to much against these trade Treasury’s Economic Report continue. agreements. Is PSM against 2016/17, the value of What PSM is protesting trade? Or is PSM opposing just Malaysia’s exports of goods is the fact that trade agreements for the sake of opposing? and services in 2016 was are being used to promote Aren’t these trade agreements RM829 billion in current other, non-trade-related issues necessary for Malaysia’s prices. This is 69% of our gross which benefit the super-rich. 1 Barriers to free trade are continued growth? domestic product (GDP). If we factor in the value of regulations such as import This article attempts to intermediate goods imported in taxes and tariffs. But the answer these questions and order to manufacture electronic current trade agreements (e.g., explain why this sort of trade components and other exported TPP and RCEP) devote a lot agreement has become harmful goods, we would find that more attention to other issues to the global economy. It will approximately 33% of value- such as: also argue that different types added in Malaysia is for export. of trade agreements are And that’s a huge percentage. I. The rights of foreign possible, and will proceed to So obviously, no sane investors. The TPP, for sketch out the broad principles Malaysian would argue that example, enshrines the of people-centric trade Malaysia should cease trading. following as the inalienable agreements. Engaging in the world market rights of foreign investors: 35 a. To receive “national three-month course of economy through the agree- treatment”, which means sofosbuvir, an anti-viral drug, ments of the World Trade that Third World can cure 95% of hepatitis C Organisation (WTO) and the governments will now be patients? Unfortunately, most various free trade agreements restricted from taking of the 300,000 patients with that have been concluded, have special steps to develop hepatitis C in Malaysia cannot resulted in the following the capacity of local afford this drug, which processes: 2 businesses. currently costs RM150,000 for a. The offshoring of b. To be free of all a three-month course for one production by MNCs requirements to develop patient. This is because from the advanced local expertise or Malaysia is party to some of the economies of Europe and purchase from local IPR agreements that exist. A 3 the US to Third World suppliers. three-month course of countries where wages c. To invest in any sector of sofosbuvir can be obtained in are about a tenth of wages the economy that is open India for just RM4,000. But in the advanced coun- to private capital, Malaysian pharmacies are tries.7 whether it be water barred from procuring from b. Production in Third supply, power generation India because it would infringe 2 World countries is often or healthcare provision. patent laws. So IPR issues are outsourced to indepen- d. The right to bypass the not boring issues that belong dent Third World con- Malaysian legal system only in the realm of academia; tractors which the MNCs and take their disputes they impact on the lives of play off against each with our government ordinary Malaysians!) directly to a private other to keep production costs and wages down international tribunal III. The right to bring in (see Appendix 1 for the where the same group of capital and to take out profits example of the iPhone). lawyers change hats from in any amount and at any time.6 c. The MNCs sell these being litigants to being The government’s powers to 4 cheaply produced goods judges from case to case! regulate capital movement are in the advanced countries severely restricted. at 80-90% of the prices II. Intellectual property rights Precisely because that existed prior to the (IPRs) which will strengthen countries like Malaysia need outsourced production. the monopoly position that trade with the US and the They still make fabulous many large multinational European Union, the govern- profits since their pro- corporations (MNCs) already ments of the West are using duction costs are now enjoy in the pharmaceutical and trade agreements to “liberalise” only 10% of what they IT sectors: the global economy in ways were before. a. Patent periods are that benefit the billionaire class d. The MNCs shift their extended using newer – the richest 0.001% of the 5 headquarters to tax regulations. population of the world. b. The onus of initiating havens so that they can avoid paying taxes in action against patent Liberalisation of the global infringements is being economy is a major factor their home country shifted from the exacerbating the economic (whose military they still originator company to malaise afflicting the rely on to maintain the governments. world world (dis)order). c. Copyright laws on books e. The MNCs also use and Internet knowledge The collapse of the transfer pricing to declare are being strengthened. Warsaw Pact and the ensuing a large portion of their (Did you know that a liberalisation of the world profits in the tax havens 36 so as to avoid paying taxes (see Appendix 2 for Change of collar an explanation of this). Manufacturing as % of total employment f. Countries all over the world have been redu- 1970 Latest cing corporate taxes in an effort to keep their cor- 0102030 40 porations at home. In Malaysia corporate tax Germany has dropped from 40% of profits in the 1980s to Italy 25% currently. We are still “chasing” Singapore, Japan whose rate stands at 20% currently – it’s a “race to France the bottom”. These processes have in Britain turn resulted in: – A net loss of purchasing Canada power by the working United States class. The majority of displaced industrial workers in the advanced countries are either Source: OECD: BLS, National statistics chronically unemployed Source: The Economist, 2015 or re-employed in jobs that are less secure and 2010, 388 individuals property and the offer lower pay. Factory held as much wealth as explosion of land and jobs have increased in the the poorer 50% of the property prices, and the Third World, but wages world’s population, but resulting homelessness are 10 times lower than by 2015 the wealth of the among the millennial 8 in the West. poorer 50% was matched generation. – Drop in corporate tax by the richest 62 indi- income in many countries viduals. The stubborn recession because of tax dodging The net result of all this that the world is experi- encing is directly due to by the MNCs and the is that global aggregate demand the fact that too much of billionaire class. This has does not grow sufficiently to provide investment oppor- the income of the world is led to runaway sovereign being sequestered in the tunities for all the surplus debt in many countries of investment portfolios of the world and pressures profits of the billionaire class. the super-rich – the bil- to reduce the social safety Hence you have: lionaire class. nets in these countries. i. low investment rates – Fabulous profits for the ii. chronic unemployment The TPPs and the RCEPs richest 0.001%. Accor- especially among the strive to further liberalise the ding to a 2016 report by youth world economy in ways that the international charity iii. budgetary constraints for will enable the super-rich and Oxfam, the top 1% of the governments and an the MNCs to garner an even planet’s population own increasingly high debt larger share of the wealth being more wealth than the rest iv. diversion of some of the produced. Obviously that’s of the world combined. In surplus profits into real only going to aggravate 37 sluggishness of demand growth and recessionary tendencies in the global economy.

Features of a people- centric trade agreement

A people-centric trade agreement would attempt to correct the imbalances that have been created by a global economic order that gives far too many perks to the billionaire class. Just as the existing billionaire-centric trade agreements use the carrot- and-stick mechanism of market Aggregate demand growth stunted by sequestration of wealth in top access and punitive tariffs to 0.001%. create an environment more favourable for the huge MNCs, would need the coope- only upon exhaustion of the people should lobby for ration of all the countries remedies within the host agreements that use the same in the region as other- country’s own legal carrots and sticks (i.e., access wise, there would be system (or if there are to markets and tariffs) to capital flight out of the inordinate delays in the achieve economic benefits for country that is unila- host country’s legal the majority. Such agreements terally raising corporate process). The inter- would aim: taxes. national tribunal should – To redistribute a greater – To be more strict be comprised of three share of the nation’s regarding the awarding judges from three of the income to the poorest of patent or copyright countries participating in 80% of the population by rights especially for the trade agreement but increasing the minimum goods and services that which are not involved in wage in stages. This relate to healthcare and to the dispute being liti- would grow aggregate education. Much of the gated. In the TPP setting, demand and thus IPR standards in existing for example, this would stimulate investments trade agreements creates mean that in the case of a and job creation. Small monopoly conditions for US firm suing Malaysia, and medium-sized busi- the large MNCs – this the three judges sitting on nesses would have a reality has to be exposed! the tribunal would be larger market to sell to. It – The so-called investor- drawn from three of the would be a win-win state dispute settlement other 10 countries partici- situation for 90% of the (ISDS) system under pating in the TPP, i.e., not population! existing trade agreements from the US or from – To close tax loopholes has to be totally Malaysia. And the trial and ensure that the revamped. The foreign should take place in richest companies pay investor will have to file Malaysia so that local their fair share of taxes. its claims in the host groups and communities There should also be nation’s courts first and affected by the firm’s gradual elevation of can take the claim to an activities can attend the corporate tax rates. This international tribunal trial. It should be clearly 38 more inclusive and environ- mentally sustainable economy. An important component of that solution is the realisation that “free” trade agreements have been the battering rams used by the political elites of advanced countries to create this lopsided economy that favours the billionaires. We have to take over these battering rams and put them to use to fashion a more just and G77 Conference. stable world.

D. Jeyakumar is PSM Member stated that environmental they reach a tax level that is of Parliament for Sg. Siput and and health issues take 40% of profits. This would a member of the PSM Central precedence over com- augment government income Committee. pany profits in ISDS which can then be used to litigation. provide a better safety net for Notes the population and to fund the A practical example switch to non-polluting sources 1. The Economic Report of the of electricity generation. The Ministry of Finance. We need to work with the increase in government expen- 2. National treatment – Article peoples’ movements in other diture would also augment 9.4 of the TPP. ASEAN countries to lobby for aggregate demand in the 3. Articles 9.9 and 9.10 of the the ASEAN Free Trade Area ASEAN region and thus pro- TPP. treaty to incorporate an vide a deeper market for 4. ISDS – Article 9.18 of the additional agreement that all ASEAN businesses. ASEAN TPP. participating countries commit countries that fail to increase 5. Evergreening – Article 18.37 to increasing their minimum their corporate tax as stipulated of the TPP; data exclusivity – wage by 10% every year for the should face an additional tariff Article 18.52 of the TPP. next five years. This would on the goods and services they 6. Capital control – Article 9.8 of the TPP. increase the domestic market export to other ASEAN 7. Monthly minimum wage within ASEAN and present countries. (from Internet sources): more business opportunities for The creation of deeper – US: US$10.50 (per hour) entrepreneurs in ASEAN domestic markets in Asian and x 8 hours x 26 days x 4.4 countries. If a certain ASEAN African countries would play a (exchange rate) = RM9,609 country does not comply with big part in weaning the – Australia: A$17.70 (per the minimum wage increase, its developing countries off their hour) x 8 hours x 26 days x exports to the other ASEAN dependence on the US and EU 3.33 (exchange rate) = countries should be charged a markets. RM12,149 cumulative import tax of 5% Runaway greed on the – Malaysia: RM1,000 (for for each year that it fails to part of the billionaire class is a Peninsular Malaysia) comply. major cause of our economic – China: US$327 (per month) x 4.4 (exchange rate) In a similar manner, all problems today. The solution = RM1,438 (for Shanghai – ASEAN countries should agree lies in curbing the excessive the highest rate). to increase corporate tax by 1 power and privileges that the 8. Those born between 1982- percentage point each year until super-rich enjoy and creating a 2004. 39 Taking on religious fundamentalism

Nasir Hashim

ANY conflict or phenomenon has its push-pull factors, with the interplay of particular contradictions, in this case, the mutually reinforcing dialectical relationship between imperial- ist globalisation and the momentum of jihadist Islamic fundamentalism. We need to specify the key factors and seek the pattern and the circum- ISIS soldiers. stances leading to the turn to violent means: compradors). the creation of the state of Israel A. The impact of C. Racial and religious- in the heart of Muslim lands imperialism, neoliberalism and based mobilisation: Due to continues to be a major under-development on socio- overall sensitivity, race and destabilising factor in the economic disparity and the religion have always been Middle East. Religious and political malaise that ensues. effective tools to mobilise racial conflicts have been B. Alienation due to: people against each other. It is magnified as diversionary i. exploitation at the made worse when the tactics to shift the blame away workplace government of the day also from Western colonial ii. corrupt leaders who exploits the situation by flirting slaughter and to foster the age- supposedly symbolise the with this explosive combin- old myth that religion is the integrity of Islam but ation. The nurturing of the cause of all wars. instead betray the people culture of suspicion, fear and iii. ever-growing repression, hate eventually leads to Islam often associated with arbitrary killing, neglect violence and violation of violence iv. dearth of socio-economic human rights. and educational oppor- D. The role of imperialist Islam is placed in the tunities for upward countries in co-opting and forefront when terrorism, mobility juxtaposed with conflagrating the Muslim fundamentalism, jihadism and blatant corruption, Sunni-Shia religious divide, so violence are mentioned in the cronyism, nepotism and as to further big-power international media. As such, abuse of power ambitions in the region, cannot we need to analyse the v. plunder of national be understated. The faultlines scenarios that have led to the resources and virtual in the Middle East, drawn up spectre of Muslims killing control of the state by Britain and France, continue Muslims. We also have to study apparatus by the super- to be the source of many of the tenets of the Quran, the powers (assisted by local today’s conflicts. In particular, character of Prophet 40 Muhammad pbuh and the the doubt, with option to repent instruction was rescinded by existing Authentic Hadiths and be judged with mercy. Imam Shafi’i and the feudal (Hadis Sahih) so that we can Quranic verses often include Caliph Umar Aziz (not have a clear perspective of the frightening threats with referring to one of the position of Islam on violence. exhortations to repent, for those Companions of the Prophet, The Quran lays down the who commit violence and Umar Khattab) and the guidance for governance. It is crimes. Here are some recording of the Hadiths began. a divine statement against examples: Imam Bukhari, the dictatorship or authorita- • Killing stopped if they eventual author of the book rianism. “Thus it is by Allah’s desire to repent, Hadis Sahih Bukhari, filtered mercy that thou art gentle on withdraw, offer peace or 600,000 of the collected them. And hadst thou been restrain their hands Hadiths to finally accept more rough, hard-hearted, they (Quran 4:89-91). than 2,000 Hadiths as being the would certainly have dispersed • Stop fighting if there is Authentic Hadiths or Hadis from around thee. So pardon no more persecution Sahih. The debunking of such them and ask protection for (Quran 8:38-40). a high percentage of Hadiths as them, and consult them in • Attack and ambush them. false does not reflect well on important matters” (Quran But they are free to leave the integrity and calibre of the 3:159). The statement “Allah’s if they repent (Quran so-called religious transmitters Mercy precedes His wrath” 9:5). of the Hadiths of that time. embodies the universal and • Fighting and killing Despite such thorough dynamic concept of Islam; stopped when war vetting of the Hadiths, compromise (tolerance); terminates (Quran 47:4). discrepancies and contradic- forgiveness; love; consultation; • Fight those who fight you tions exist in the six books of and piety (Quran 6:12, 54; but do not transgress the present-day Authentic Hadith Qudsi). In fact, the (Quran 2:290-294). Hadiths, the most referred Quran does not permit The Quran places a high books being Hadis Sahih sectarianism and divisions premium on human life. Quran Bukhari and Hadis Sahih existing within Islam today 5:32 states that whoever kills a Muslim. Unfortunately some of (Quran 6:159). Yet some person unjustly, it is as though the Authentic Hadiths endorse religious leaders choose to he had killed all mankind. And violence. It has been argued ignore this and instead prefer whoever saves a life, it is as that some of the Authentic the Authentic Hadiths (see though he had saved all Hadiths reflect the cultures of below) to guide their everyday mankind. the pre-Islamic period and life. represent a return to the age of War is permitted in Islam, The Hadiths ignorance (jahiliyyah) – the but with caveats that it is only backward cultures of tribal permitted for self-defence or in It is generally accepted warlords and the crude feudal response to continuous and that the Hadiths are the system that promote violence, blatant violations of covenants collection of the words and intolerance, homosexual rela- or against those who cons- traditions of Muhammad tions with children, incest and ciously promote destruction of transmitted orally by those of crucifixion which were the properties and violence in the religious integrity. The Prophet norms of governance during communities. Retribution for (pbuh) did not allow Hadiths to the jahiliyyah period. violence and wars is nullified be written about him during his Today, there is a risk of through acts of forgiveness by lifetime for he held that the the Authentic Hadiths subtly aggrieved parties, repentance Quran is complete by itself. replacing the Quran through of individuals and compens- This instruction was respected the syariah laws. Due to the ations to aggrieved parties. The for more than 250 years after discrepancies in the Hadiths, accused is given the benefit of his passing. But such Muslim extremists have the 41 ‘privilege’ of choosing which of the centrality of justice (adl) What is to be done? contradictory Hadith best and benevolence (ihsan). He legitimises the killing of other strongly opposed oppression It is wise to remind Muslims. This is made worse (zulm) and injustice (‘udwan). ourselves that the Sunni and the by religious leaders with a He defined the principles of Shia lived together in harmony political agenda who cons- good governance. Muslims do for many centuries before their ciously misconstrue the Quran not need an Islamic state to societies were rent apart by and exploit the Hadiths for practise Islam because colonialism and later imperial- political gain. religious duties revolve around ism. Marriages between Shia and Sunni were common and the concept of ad-Deen (the The Islamic state were a non-issue in the past. pious way of life) which The current rising tensions in includes tawhid (invocation of Islamic scholars are in a the Middle East reflect a unity), prayer, fasting, dilemma on the concept of the growing friction rooted in donations to the poor (zakat) Islamic state. Asghar Ali competition over power, rights Engineer made a thorough and the performing of the haj. and resources, which has examination of the Quran, the There are several verses created and exacerbated Hadiths and other literature, in the Quran that support the conflict within the ummah. and concluded that there is no assertion that Islam envisages Muslims are now trapped such concept of Islamic state in an inclusive society, not a by rituals and technicalities, the Quran. Prophet tightly controlled, punitive and and have become paralysed by Muhammad’s Medina Charter authoritarian one. Plurality in fear that every move they make (Mithaq-i-Madina) was a pact society is what Allah willed: can be construed as between various tribal and • “For each among you We blasphemous and that punitive religious groups like the Jews, have appointed a law and action will be taken against Christians and other pagan a way. And had God them. They are bound not by tribes to form a cohesive willed, He would have love but by fear and punish- community. The Charter was made you one com- ment. Engaging people and based upon mutual consult- munity, but [He willed having open discussions is not ations and the participating otherwise], that He might practised. groups were free to follow their try you in that which He There is a dire need to own religions, laws and has given you. So vie review the Authentic Hadiths traditions. The community as a with one another in good so that they truly reflect the whole was required to consult deeds” (Quran 5:48). teachings of the Quran, do not each other and protect Medina • “O mankind! Indeed We denigrate Prophet Muhammad city if under attack from outside created you from a single and do not add to or abrogate forces. [pair] of a male and a verses from the Quran. Failing The Prophet’s aim was female, and made you to do so would mean that the not to build a political into nations and tribes, teachings of the Quran community but instead a that you may know each regarding an inclusive, har- religious community. Perhaps other [not hate each monious and just society will he foresaw that a state, without other]” (Quran 49:13). remain ignored. due balance, will eventually Unfortunately the become dictatorial, elitist and attempts being taken to create Nasir Hashim is Chairman of self-serving and exert control an Islamic State have led to PSM. The above is extracted through threats and violence. strife, bloodshed and from a paper presented at the The Prophet emphasised destruction despite the fact that Socialism 2016 conference values, ethics and morality, not killing another soul is held in Kuala Lumpur on 25- any political doctrine. He spoke forbidden in Islam. 27 November 2016.

42 Does enacting harsh laws make us more Islamic?

Ahmad Farouk Musa

MUCH has been debated about the amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965.1 A massive demonstration in support of the bill was held in February 2017 and tensions are running high. PAS has insisted that the main aim of the proposed amend- ment is not to introduce hudud but to strengthen the syariah laws and syariah courts. The PAS demo of February 2017. But if that is true, then PAS for sure must have law? This is a law that falls abandoned wives and neg- identified the weaknesses. To under the ambit of the syariah lected children? And does the the general observer, the courts. When one has failed to imposition of such harsh laws weaknesses are apparent and strengthen this aspect of the make us more Islamic in the appalling. Just look at the law, it looks rather foolish and eyes of God? We have to ask number of cases of women irresponsible to focus on ourselves, were we not imbued abandoned by their husbands criminal matters and to increase with the notion that the most and children denied their the severity of punishments. noble thing to be done is to maintenance. Or the prolonged Why this preoccupation dispense justice? In this regard, cases of fasakh (annulment of with severe punishments? Even a renowned student of Ibn marriage). These cases some- if one argued that the amended Taimiyyah, Ibn al-Qayyim al- times take years to resolve, if version proposed in November Jawziyyah,3 in his book I’lam they are ever settled. Most of 20162 is deemed constitutional al-Muwaqi’in said: “The the time, it is due to the failure since it did not have the same foundation of shariah is of the men to show up in court. overarching principle that wisdom and the safeguarding And most of the time this is intrudes into the Federal of people’s interest in this deliberate; they want to “teach Constitution as in the May world and in the next. In its a lesson” to the women. 2016 amendment, why the need entirety, it is justice, mercy, and This is a clear manifes- for harsh punishments? Will wisdom.” tation of injustice. It is injustice they really “strengthen” the Every rule which turns committed in the syariah courts syariah courts when we know justice into tyranny, mercy into and in the name of Islam, with for sure that the glaring cruelty, good into evil, and no foreseeable remedy. If weaknesses are not being wisdom into triviality, does not indeed one really wants to tackled? belong to the syariah, even strengthen the syariah system, Wouldn’t the religion of though it might have been wouldn’t it be more meaningful Islam look more just when the introduced therein by to strengthen the imple- so-called guardians of the faith implication. mentation of Islamic family fight for the rights of the “The shariah is God’s 43 justice and mercy. Life, prudence of priorities, in this commotion is none other nutrition, medicine, recupe- decision-making. Does lashing than the ruling government. ration and virtue are made someone a hundred times for possible by it. Every good that fornication make us warriors of Dr. Ahmad Farouk Musa is exists is derived from it, and Islam or defenders of the laws director of the Islamic every deficiency is the result of of God? Renaissance Front, a think- its loss and dissipation. For the The Prophet himself was tank promoting reform and shariah, which God entrusted very reluctant to impose a hadd renewal in Muslim thought. to His Prophet to transmit, is punishment on an adulterer the pillar of the world and the who made a confession. When 20 February 2017 key to success and happiness in Ma’iz al-Aslami confessed his this world and the next.” act of adultery to the Prophet, Notes It becomes obvious then the Prophet refused to engage him in conversation and turned 1. Dato Seri Hadi Awang, the that the ultimate aim of syariah, President of the Islamic like the aim and purpose of any his face away. While we party PAS, tabled a private law in the world, is to establish acknowledge there are varia- member’s bill in April 2015 justice and to preserve and tions in the report, what to raise the maximum promote human welfare. And transpired was that the Prophet punishments that can be since the syariah did not come finally asked, after avoiding prescribed by the syariah courts from the current three to us in a codified form, it Ma’iz the fourth time, whether years’ imprisonment, requires our human agency to Ma’iz was sane. Then he asked RM5,000 fine and six lashes approximate God’s justice. And whether Ma’iz really knew of the cane to “any sentence as humans, we might err. But what fornication meant or “you allowed by Islamic Law in to err in approximating God’s only kissed her, or winked at respect of the offence justice is better than to enforce her, or checked her out?” mentioned”. 2. Hadi Awang’s initial something because it is Lastly, the Prophet asked Ma’iz proposal was to permit believed to be the will of God. or his people if he had ever punishment as specified by We should not gravitate been married. the syariah. This would have towards becoming a Taliban These three elements included “rejam” or stoning state by imposing harsh syariah plus the Prophet’s act of turning for adultery. However, this criminal laws when we have his face away from Ma’iz can was amended in the March failed to solve mundane issues only be interpreted as an 2016 tabling as any syariah- compliant punishment such as divorce and alimony in extreme reluctance to apply the except for the death our syariah courts, or more hadd punishment. The sentence. Hadi’s latest pressing issues like economic Prophet’s intention was clearly amended Bill, tabled in equality and good governance. to allow Ma’iz to rethink and December 2016, specifies When some people are to be left alone so that he could the new maximums of 30 still living in makeshift tents repent. Now compare this years’ imprisonment, after the floods of two years noble attitude of the Prophet RM100,000 fine and 100 lashes. ago, when getting clean and with that of the Talibans in PAS 3. Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah colourless water is still a main today. Mercy and compassion was born in a small farming problem even after 20 years are alien to them, although village near Damascus, under our rule, and when many mercy is traditionally consi- Syria, in 1292 CE, and he of our youths are still dered to be the all-pervasive studied Islamic jurispru- unemployed with a high rate of objective of the syariah. dence, theology and the intravenous drug users among Looking at the political science of prophetic them, to prioritise pushing for traditions. At the age of 21 situation in this country and the he joined the study circle of harsher penalties for personal timing for such a divisive issue Imam Ibn Taimiyyah and offences only proves that we to be given centrestage, leads later on became his have failed to understand Fiqh us to one main conclusion – successor. (CE = Common Awlawiyyat, or the juris- that the main beneficiary from Era = AD) 44 This is not apostasy

D. Jeyakumar

DARSHINI, a 20-year-old mother, came to my service centre in Sg Siput in December 2015 asking for help. She was having difficulty in procuring a birth certificate for her 2- month-old baby. For Darshini herself did not have an identity card as she had refused to receive one that specified Islam as her religion. Darshini is one of the several hundred Malaysians who, despite being registered as “Muslim” at birth, were Mahkamah Syariah Ipoh. brought up in a non-Muslim environment. In Darshini’s case, her mother, a non- the civil courts do not have Ipoh. So far only two have practising Indian Muslim, left jurisdiction over matters that obtained the declaration that Darshini in the care of her are under the purview of the they are “no longer Muslims”. Hindu husband’s family when syariah system, and the The rest are stuck in the Darshini was 8 years old. Administration of the Religion process, and some of these Darshini’s mum never did of Islam (Perak) 2004 cases were filed more than five come back, and Darshini was Enactment defines Muslims as years ago. brought up in a Hindu including those with one or I have come to realise that environment, attending temple both parents who were Muslim the problem is in the ceremonies with the rest of the at the time of their birth formulation of Section family. She married a Hindu (Section 2). And Section 50(3)(b)(x). The phrase “no boy in a traditional ceremony 50(3)(b)(x) of the same longer a Muslim” carries the but has not been able to register Enactment specifies that connotation that the person her marriage – the authorities “declaring that a person is no concerned was a Muslim at require that her husband longer a Muslim” is one of the some point in time. That would convert to Islam before powers of the Syariah High imply that the lawyer allowing registration. Court. representing her is somehow There is a path out of However, though a path aiding and abetting apostasy – Islam for people like Darshini. out does exist, it is quite considered one of the bigger But it is through the syariah difficult to traverse. I have thus syariah offences! That is why courts. Article 121(1A) of the far referred 10 cases like many syariah lawyers are Federal Constitution states that Darshini’s to syariah lawyers in reluctant to push for the 45 resolution of their cases – they next sitting. I was pleasantly Federal Territory as this comes do not want to seem too eager surprised to find that the under the Federal Parliament. in helping a person “leave” syariah court judge was gentle I put up a private member’s bill Islam. with Darshini and her seeking to include an extra I decided to try a new witnesses. He himself con- clause in Section 46(2)(x) of tactic for Darshini – prepare for ducted the cross-examination the Administration of the her the necessary documents of her witnesses, speaking to Religion of Islam (Federal and teach her how to represent them in simple Malay. The Territory) 1993 Enactment that herself. First I wrote to the Jabatan Agama never turned read “to declare a person is not Perak Religious Department, up. At the next date, he gave a Muslim because he or she has the Jabatan Agama, asking for her the declaration that she had never practised Islam since an appointment so that I could petitioned for – that she was no young” as an additional power explain to them that I am not longer a Muslim. All in all, it of the Syariah High Court. I anti-Islam and that this is not took 10 months. feel that such a clause would apostasy – Darshini never There are some critics make the path out a little easier practised Islam, so how can she who argue that it was wrong on be deemed to be coming out of my part to acknowledge the for people in Darshini’s it? However, despite three jurisdiction of the syariah situation. letters and several calls, the courts over individuals like Quite predictably, the Jabatan Agama refused to give Darshini – that we should Speaker spiked my bill in a date for us to meet. attempt to change the definition chambers, as he has done to the We then filed the syariah of “Muslim” in the half a dozen or so other private court papers – with statutory Administration of the Religion member’s bills that I authored. declarations by her two of Islam (Perak) 2004 When I pressed him for his grandmothers, her husband, her Enactment to include the reason for disallowing this bill, neighbour and the temple phrase “and who is currently he said that Islam came under priest. I took care to state practising Islam”. They feel the Malay rulers and I had not clearly in her affidavit that “injustices” such as this consulted the Agong! (prepared with the help of a should be highlighted in the In the meantime, some- PSM member whose wife is a media and a thorough revamp thing interesting happened – a syariah lawyer) that Darshini be carried out. My response to lady with a problem like had never practised Islam and them has been – the resolution Darshini’s recently went to the as such could not be considered of Darshini’s problem was my Ipoh syariah court registration as leaving Islam. Her affidavit main goal. I did not want to counter to ask them how to also stated that she respects all make her a pawn in a proceed. One of the staff religions including Islam, but contentious political blame advised her to seek my that she wishes to continue in game. As Deng Xiaoping once assistance and even supplied the religion that she was said, it does not matter if a cat her my handphone number! I brought up in. is black or white as long as it was tickled, and also reassured The first four hearing catches mice! If the syariah that there are people in the dates saw our case being courts can dispense justice, syariah system who do not see postponed because the why not work through them? me as an adversary but as respondent, the Jabatan But if the syariah court had not almost an ally in helping Agama, did not attend. I then been so reasonable, at some resolve the inter-religious prepared a polite letter in point I would have had to take complications that must come Darshini’s name explaining a different approach. up from time to time in a multi- how her husband and the other I did try to take an extra religious society. witnesses had taken leave from step. I tried to amend the work to attend court four times. Administration of the Religion D. Jeyakumar is PSM Member The hearing proceeded at the of Islam Enactment for the of Parliament for Sg Siput. 46 Say “No” to forced disappearances

FORCED disappearances are a new phenomenon in Malaysia. Over the past seven months, four people have been disappeared. They are Pastor Joshua Hilmy and his wife, Ruth, who have not been heard of since November 2016; Amri Che Mat, who was abducted by a group of men from near his house in Perlis on 24 November 2016; and Pastor Raymond Koh, whose Amri Che Mat and Pastor Raymond Koh. abduction on 13 February 2017 was captured on a video which later went viral. efficiently executed “special bottom of the matter at hand. There are several features forces”-type operations that But in this series of abductions, that are common to these cases. involved several vehicles and they have been extremely The first is that all of these more than a dozen persons. sluggish and ineffectual. This victims of abduction are Another striking has raised questions regarding individuals that hardline similarity between these cases any relation between the police Islamic groups might consider is that the Malaysian police and what appears to be a well- as “enemies of Islam” –Joshua have not been able to throw any organised and well-funded is a Muslim who converted to light on these abductions. This vigilante squad behind these Christianity, there are is, by the way, the same police abductions. Is this vigilante allegations that Amri is Shia, force that was able, within days squad state-sanctioned? And and Koh has been previously of the assassination of Kim will the weakness of the suspected of converting Jong-nam at KLIA2 on 14 government’s response to the Muslims to Christianity. Amri February 2017, to name names, abductions embolden them to and Koh were involved in apprehend suspects, identify widen their scope of targets? charity programmes for the the chemicals used and trace Pakistan’s slide into sectarian poor. Amri ran an NGO called the escape route of the suspects violence began similarly with Perlis Hope while Koh’s NGO who had fled! state-sanctioned Islamic Harapan Komuniti reached out The police obviously do militias which were then to single mothers and drug have the capacity to investigate considered as a “third line of addicts of all races. Both Amri in a rapid and efficient manner defence” against arch-foe and Koh were abducted in when they choose to get to the India. Many Malaysians are 47 involved and the fact that till today no ransom demands have been made for all cases, we have to assume that they are victims of “enforced disappearance”. Article 2 of the United Nations International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disap- pearance defined “Enforced Koh’s car trapped between SUVs. Disappearance” as “…the arrest, detention, abduction worried! enforced disappearance in or any other form of In light of these Malaysia. In the last two deprivation of liberty by agents developments, some 48 civil months, civil society of the State or by persons or society organisations have organisations led by Suaram groups of persons acting with jointly established the Citizen have been monitoring with the authorization, support or Action Group on Enforced great concern the mysterious acquiescence of the State, Disappearance (CAGED) to abductions of Pastor Raymond followed by a refusal to monitor such cases. The press Koh and Amri Che Mat, and the acknowledge the deprivation of statement on the founding of disappearance of Pastor Joshua liberty or by concealment of the CAGED on 5 May 2017 is Hilmy and his wife, Ruth. fate or whereabouts of the reproduced in full below: After more than 5 months disappeared person, which since the disappearances of place such a person outside the The formation of the Amri Che Mat, Joshua Hilmy protection of the law.” Citizen Action Group on and Ruth, and coming to 3 The objectives of Enforced Disappearance months since Raymond Koh’s CAGED are: (CAGED) abduction, the police are no 1. To push the State to closer to solving these crimes. respect and to inform the Today we wish to Based on CCTV footage and public in general, of the announce the formation of the eye-witness accounts of the fundamental right to life, Citizen Action Group on abductions of Pastor Raymond personal liberty, the right Enforced Disappearance and Amri, where professionally to move freely and the (CAGED) to monitor cases of trained personnel seem to be right to a fair trial of all persons within our borders. 2. To help victims of enforced disappearances and their families to seek justice and redress. 3. To create awareness of the cases and issues of enforced disappearance to the public so that the horrors of enforced disappearance are exposed and rejected by Candlelight vigil. society. 48 4. To coordinate advocacy actions with citizen groups throughout the nation and globally.

With the formation of CAGED, we wish to announce the following initiatives, some of which are a continuation of what the working group had started even before formation.

1. On 7th April, 2017, we Launching of CAGED. came out with a statement that was endorsed by 46 non-governmental will be brought to bear on address they can contact organisations (NGOs), the State to resolve and to us on. The hotline urging the police to use respond to these enforced number is 011-2424 4877 all resources available to disappearances. We have and the e-mail address them to resolve these already submitted a is [email protected]. cases and to regularly memorandum to There is a possibility that update the families and Suhakam (Suruhanjaya there are other victims of the public. We will Hak Asasi Manusia enforced disappearance that we continue to get more Malaysia) and we plan to are unaware of. The families organisations to endorse make a report to the and friends of victims can the statement and the Enforcement Agency contact us and we will maintain work of CAGED. Integrity Commission confidentiality if requested. We 2. To coordinate nationwide (EAIC) on the conduct of are particularly interested in the solidarity vigils for the the investigation by the disappearances of people missing persons until police thus far. working on political, religious there is a closure to each 4. To lobby for support and or social issues and where no case. Vigils have been action from international organised in over 10 agencies like the ransom monies were cities and towns Committee on Enforced demanded. nationwide. It is our aim Disappearance (CED) The issue of enforced to coordinate them so that under the Office of the disappearance is a new issue in we could have at least High Commissioner of Malaysia. Whether committed TWO vigils every week the United Nations for by State-sanctioned agencies or with each location only Human Rights not, it is a crime committed needing to hold it ONCE (OHCHR) and other against a person and it has no a month. In this way, we international advocacy place in a civilised society. If would ensure that this groups. we are not a nation governed issue will remain alive in 5. To assist the families of by the rule of law, we will the public sphere and that victims who may need become a lawless nation. If as the missing are not help to highlight their citizens, we do not speak up our forgotten. plight and seek justice. rejection of enforced disap- 3. To lobby for support and We are launching a pearance, we become complicit action from local special hotline phone to it and this will only agencies so that pressure number and an e-mail encourage repetitions of it.

49 Our misplaced defence priorities

Kua Kia Soong

toys, considering the cost of fighter jets is spiralling way out of control and such ‘toys’ so quickly become obsolete. Malaysian taxpayers need to be wary of this latest and record- breaking arms deal. Let us not forget the scandal over alleged commissions in that Scorpene submarine deal which led to the grisly murder of the Mongolian lass Altantuya. And let us hope that Michelle Yeoh’s Legion d’Honneur is the only deserved Rafale fighter jet. sweetener in this deal…

RM500m per fighter jet? FRENCH President Francois newspapers, competing for the Hollande was here recently on attention of Malaysian According to Bank a charm offensive to persuade consumers alongside the Negara, Malaysia’s total Prime Minister Najib Razak to bargains offered by Giant and external debt has risen to buy his country’s multi-billion- Tesco. British Aerospace are RM909 billion in 2016, which ringgit defence equipment, also competing for a slice of is equal to 73.9% of the namely, Dassault Aviation SA’s Malaysia’s defence pie, trying country’s gross domestic Rafale fighter jets. The Rafale to flog their Typhoons in a product (GDP). This raises a is seen as a frontrunner as RM10 billion deal they hope to red flag about whether we can Malaysia looks to buy up to 18 clinch with a “buy one, get one afford such levels of defence jets in a deal potentially worth free” gambit. The French are spending at all; importantly, is more than RM9 billion. That’s desperate to sell their arms what we are spending allocated not bad going, considering the because 60% of their exports wisely on arms priorities French had already succeeded are made up of arms! They considering our debt situation? in selling their two Scorpene obviously have not heeded the Malaysian taxpayers submarines to Malaysia for wise words of their literateur deserve answers to these key more than RM7 billion, the Albert Camus who said, “Peace questions: Are multi-role biggest single defence is the only battle worth combat aircraft our priority at purchase by Malaysia to date. waging.” the moment considering the The French have even The key question is latest state-of-the-art (US) F35s started advertising the Rafale whether Malaysia actually cost at least half a billion ringgit fighter jets in our mainstream needs any of these fabulous a piece? And if the most 50 Malaysian Navy offshore patrol vessel. advanced US-made fighter jet, spending will continue to grow that motley crew? the F35 Raptor, costs more than as our armed forces have RM500 million, should these embarked on a long-term plan What are our priorities for French Rafales similarly cost to modernise and upgrade their naval defence? more than RM500 million? equipment and that a total of Can we see some competitive RM26 billion had been When the bombardment offers from the other arms allocated under the 11th began at Lahad Datu, it was merchants of the Gripen and Malaysia Plan for defence, mentioned that the navy had the Typhoons? public order and enforcement. formed a cordon to prevent the Our Defence Ministry intruders from getting away. It says it is planning to replace the Who are Malaysia’s was clear that there never was Royal Malaysian Air Force’s enemies and what appro- a cordon to prevent any (RMAF) squadron of Russian priate weaponry do we intruders from getting into MiG-29 combat planes, nearly need? Sabah all these years. Looking half of which are grounded. at the geography of the area, Can we have a report on the One would think that this our two submarines built by the relative performances of our is the first question the Ministry French DCNS sitting pretty at MiGs, Sukhois, Hawks and of Defence would ask in the Sepanggar Bay and our six F18s all these years so we can multi-billion-ringgit decisions New Generation Patrol Vessels understand why nearly half to procure armaments. Yet our (costing RM9 billion) were not these MiGs are grounded? Can National Defence Policy has the most suitable vessels in the we also have an audit report on never been properly debated in circumstances. It brings to the compatibility of our parliament. One of the rare mind the question of the bizarrely diverse Russian, moments we got to use our F18 appropriate vessels that should British, US (and now French?) fighter bombers and Hawk 208 be the priority for our navy. fighter jets and especially the fighter jets was against those As part of the RM5 compatibility of their avionic invaders described by the billion arms deal signed systems? What lessons do our Defence Minister as a “rag-tag between Dr Mahathir and past purchase choices hold for army” at Lahad Datu a few Margaret Thatcher in 1989, we our future fighter jet years ago. Wouldn’t armoured procured two corvettes built by procurements? cars and tanks and mortars have the Yarrow shipbuilders costing Prime Minister Najib has sufficed in that four-square- RM2.2 billion (New Straits said Malaysia’s defence kilometre area of land against Times, 11 November 1991). At 51 the time, the Royal Malaysian Navy said they required 16 offshore patrol vessels but due to financial constraints, the RMN could only afford four or five of these locally built OPVs. The Defence Ministry had budgeted RM85 million per OPV (New Straits Times, 25 November 1991). Now, in the light of the latest incident at Lahad Datu, Malaysians will be in a better position to see the appropriate vessels that would be more suitable to secure the Lahad Datu. Sabah coastline. Before the Lahad Datu incident, our main “enemies” tensions”, the Malaysian submarines was more than testing the capacity of our government is referring to RM7 billion, Malaysian armed forces were the pirates China’s claims to the disputed taxpayers should be prepared in the South China Sea and the islands in the South China Sea. for the worst. Straits of Malacca. There were So if China is seen as a possible So, exactly how are no bigger “enemies” than those “enemy”, should China have a decisions made in the Ministry seafaring marauders. Are state- hand in the building of these of Defence to purchase the of-the-art fighter jets and littoral mission ships? It seems submarines, the corvettes, the submarines the appropriate a very strange logic in frigates instead of more patrol weaponry against pirates? justifying the purchase of these boats to guard our coastlines? These would likewise be four warships. Or are the With our external debt inappropriate if “international ASEAN countries also seen as spiralling towards RM1 trillion, terrorists” and suicide bombers possible “enemies” since there Malaysian taxpayers would do choose to target Malaysia. has been an unspoken arms well to question the race among the ASEAN government’s defence priorities “Rising tensions in the countries through the years and to call on the government South China Sea” which merely exhausts the to justify the next multi-billion- hard-earned resources of our ringgit arms procurements with We are now told that peoples? Indonesia’s total full transparency. Malaysians Malaysia wants to revamp its defence spending has jumped need to be reminded that with aging naval fleet in the face of around 26%, and Thailand’s RM1 billion, we can build at threats from rising tensions in military government has just least 1,000 rural schools or 100 the South China Sea. approved a $389.05 million district hospitals. (Note: We Malaysia’s navy aims to replace submarine deal with China. only have just over 1,000 all 50 vessels in its aging fleet The Malaysian navy is Chinese primary schools and and this will be led by the reported to be in the final stages just over 500 Tamil schools procurement of four littoral of negotiations with French today!) mission ships (LMS) built in shipbuilder DCNS to build the collaboration with China. The larger littoral combat ships Kua Kia Soong is SUARAM deal is worth more than RM1 (LCS), three new multi-role (Suara Rakyat Malaysia) billion. support ships (MRSS) and two Adviser. One would imagine that more submarines. Knowing the by its reference to “rising bill for the two Scorpene 31 March 2017 52 Who is to blame for road accidents involving lorries?

Mohanarani Rasiah

LORRY drivers who drive recklessly, speed or drive under the influence of drugs have been identified in the media as the main cause of some of the horrific accidents on our roads which have resulted in tragedies affecting many innocent road users and their families. Transport companies overload lorries to compensate for the low rates they But in order to arrive at quote. effective measures to reduce the number of accidents caused Malaysia is “extremely high”. competitive and maintain profit by lorries, we need to look Under these circums- margins in a sector that is beyond just the drivers and tances, a substantial number of largely unregulated. Currently their share of the blame. No lorry operators deem it there are no fixed rental rates driver who obeys traffic rules necessary to pay for the for freight transport, thus needs to fear roadblocks by any services of tontos or tonto- forcing transport companies to agency, be it the JPJ or SPAD. operated smartphone apps to compete with and undercut But he would certainly try to evade law enforcers. Lorry each other to win contracts avoid these agencies if he is operators are said to pay tontos from goods suppliers who driving a lorry that is not fit to RM400 per lorry to alert drivers enjoy an oligopolistic market be on the road or is transporting to roadblocks by enforcement position. cargo that exceeds the legal agencies. To maintain their profit weight limit. Employers are also margin, lorry operators then The condition of the responsible for a number of find ways to cut costs as in the practices mentioned above. lorry, its tyres, brakes and other decisions that contribute Employers also cut costs by decisions regarding the cargo to an unsafe road environment, squeezing their drivers such as are the domain of transport such as not hiring a co-driver by under-contributing to the companies. Transport associa- for long-distance freight EPF, as recently highlighted by tions themselves have deliveries. Lengthy work the Lorry Drivers Coalition. acknowledged the use of schedules and round-the-clock The Transport Minister illegally retreaded tyres and its driving lead to excessive must urgently look into the dangers. Overloading, which is fatigue for lorry drivers. Add to need for standardised freight said to have hazardous effects this the monotony of the job, charges as an important and on braking and manoeuvres and it is hard to imagine a concrete step towards a safer such as sudden lane change or driver being alert throughout on road environment for the vehicle avoidance, is another the road. Malaysian public. major problem. It has been Many of these practices documented that the degree and stem from cost-cutting by lorry Mohanarani Rasiah is a frequency of overloading in operators at the expense of road member of the PSM Central heavy commercial vehicles in safety. This is in order to remain Committee.

53 China in the 21st century

Koh Kay Yew

THE emergence of China as an economic power necessitated her fortifying a string of islands in the South China Sea to safeguard her trade and to facilitate development of maritime resources. China possesses only one used aircraft carrier (versus nine in the US navy). As the world’s factory, the vulnerability of China’s maritime trade, which is surrounded by potentially hostile neighbours from Japan to Singapore, had to be China’s modernised “New Silk Road”. remedied. China’s launch of a regional framework for China Bank’s (and IMF’s) ‘financial modernised overland “New to cooperate with Russia and assistance’, which is condi- Silk Road” trade route, based Central Asian states on tioned on internal economic on extensive infrastructural economic and security matters, restructuring and austerity, the investment in ports and and India, Pakistan and Iran AIIB offers low-interest loans pipelines, highways and high- have joined this Council. The on flexible terms without any speed train networks through US was rejected as a member domestic dictates. Central Asia and Russia to as member states are not According to Forbes Pakistan and the Middle East/ permitted to have foreign magazine, China will overtake Europe, will provide a critical military bases. the US as the world’s largest alternative lifeline. Transit time The Asian Infrastructure economy by 2018. She is on the high-speed trains will be Investment Bank (AIIB) was unlikely to emerge as a serious half that of sea transport via the established in 2015 with economic rival to the US given Suez Canal and Malacca Chinese funding of $1 billion. that her per capita gross Straits. This is complemented Fifty-six countries have joined, domestic product (GDP) is still by a “Maritime Silk Road” that including Australia and the UK much lower, the renminbi takes advantage of China’s size (in spite of US objections). The currency is only semi- and connects Yunnan province US and Japan are the only two convertible, her lower tech- with the new port of Gwador economic powers that remain nology base, ageing popu- built by China in Pakistan outside. The AIIB is the only lation, and reliance on foreign which offers direct access to the international financial insti- energy and commodities, Indian Ocean. tution of which the US is not a among others. Moreover, The Shanghai Coope- member. In contrast to the China faces immense domestic ration Council provided a new onerous terms of the World problems ranging from acute

54 at North Korea, China believes she is the real target. In the final analysis, any assessment of the potential for China’s emergence to global leadership that rivals US hegemony will depend on her resolution of many domestic challenges, including the following:

1. Can the Chinese state maintain the “social harmony” so highly THAAD missile defence system. desired by the ruling elite, given the slower pollution to periodic mass some observers, namely that an economic growth and unrest. However, her huge established but declining power less cooperative US manufacturing base offers a will resort to war with an position? fertile seedbed for techno- emerging rival that challenges 2. Can the Chinese Com- logical innovations over time, her hegemony? The Rand munist Party remain as validated by the develop- Corporation sponsored a study outside the control of the ment of her solar panel industry in 2016 on “War with China: new billionaire class that which now leads the rest of the Thinking Through the has emerged under world. China’s focus on Unthinkable”, which projected capitalism? renewable energy offers the that a war with China after 3. Can the gaping and best hope for sustainable 2025 will inflict higher costs on growing inequality in economic growth and environ- the US given China’s continued income and wealth be mental improvement. growth, but added that Japan’s contained and the The abortion by Trump of participation will greatly contradictions within the the Trans-Pacific Partnership mitigate US losses. Chinese population (TPP), which focused more on Japan’s remilitarisation remain non-antagonistic? investor rights of multinational under Prime Minister Shinzo 4. Will China develop into corporations than on free trade Abe has revived the dormant a sub-imperialist state (with only five out of its 29 anti-war movement with and exploit the wealth chapters devoted to trade) and intense public opposition to US and resources of the subordinated national sove- military bases in Okinawa. countries of the South for reignty to foreign private Meanwhile North interests, has created the oppor- Korea’s testing of an inter- her own benefit based on tunity for the implementation of continental ballistic missile was unequal exchange? a free trade grouping inclusive used to justify the earlier 5. Can domestic pollution of China based on reciprocal installation of the THAAD be brought under control benefit, given that China is now missile defence system in and replaced by a the largest trading partner of South Korea – in spite of strong sustainable economy and most Asian states. This will public opposition – in order to renewable energy? help to offset any new tariff preempt potential opposition barriers imposed by the US on from the new South Korean Koh Kay Yew is a former Asian exports. president, who at the time had President of the Socialist Club What is the potential for yet to be elected. While of the University of Malaya in Thucydides’s trap forecast by THAAD is ostensibly targeted Singapore. 55 Does Venezuela’s crisis prove socialism doesn’t work?

Ryan Mallett-Outtrim

“THIS can’t go on much longer,” I thought to myself as I waited in line in the tropical heat. Perhaps 30 people were still in front of me, and the supermarket guards were letting people in at a sluggish pace that just made me want to groan in exasperation. To kill some time while I waited to buy groceries, I decided to try interviewing someone. I picked Nicolas Maduro. a middle-aged woman behind me, and asked her how she felt frustration. Unlike most hatched in the halls of power about the lines outside international journalists who in Washington. In general, the supermarkets, the shortages of cover Venezuela, I actually two narratives are either: the consumer goods and the lived in the country long-term. USSR in the late 1980s, or general economic downturn. At I lived in a barrio. My income Chile in the early 1970s. first she started slowly, was minimum wage. Inflation Reality is comparably muttering about the state of the had eaten away my savings, boring. To be sure, socialism country, Venezuela. As she making my weekly trip to the has gone a long way towards gained momentum, her voice grocery store not only time- shaping today’s Venezuela, and rose, and her sentences became consuming but also the US government would no disjointed. By the end of the increasingly expensive. It felt doubt delight in seeing one of impromptu interview, she was like the country was heading its few regional rivals collapse. shrieking hysterically about into crisis, and it couldn’t Yet in reality, Venezuela’s “Castro-comunismo” and some possibly go on much longer. current economic crisis can conspiracy theory about That was Venezuela two years mostly be chalked up to one of President Nicolas Maduro ago. life’s most dreary being a Colombian Cuban spy. People like that woman technicalities: bad currency After a moment of two, it was outside the supermarket blame management. just pure rage, directed at the government’s socialist everything: the country, the ideology for the downturn. The “inflation-deprecia- government, the people – Government sympathisers tion spiral” everything. often point the finger at an Don’t get me wrong, I international conspiracy Venezuela has a fixed- certainly understood her against Maduro, normally rate currency, meaning the 56 government sets exchange rates pegged to the US dollar. It’s worth noting there’s nothing socialist about a fixed exchange rate. Countries as diverse as Saudi Arabia and Aruba have fixed-rate currencies. However, Venezuela’s currency, the bolivar fuerte (BsF), also has one other interesting feature: its distribution is controlled by the government. In Venezuela, you can’t just go to an exchange Protests in Venezuela. house and buy currency. You either purchase currency from the government, or you resort 2012, I purchased currency on for why this deadly cycle to the black market. A decade the black market for around kicked off. Weisbrot himself ago, this arrangement worked BsF13 to the dollar. Six months has argued it was caused by the well, but today things are later, I got around BsF20 for a government reducing the different. dollar. amount of foreign currency it In the second half of This was the beginning of was selling through its official 2012, Venezuela began to what economist Mark Weisbrot exchange mechanism, thus experience unusually high has described as an “inflation- pushing up black market inflation. By unusual, I mean depreciation spiral”. The basic demand. Other economists unusual for the Chavez years. idea is that people in Venezuela have claimed the government Under Maduro’s predecessor, saw inflation go up, so they printed too much money in Hugo Chavez, Venezuela’s traded some of their BsF for US 2012, which is likewise a typically high inflation was dollars on the black market. recipe for inflation. There are kept under control. World Bank From an individual perspective, other long-term factors that data indicates that between this makes perfect sense to also made the currency more 2006 and 2011, annual inflation anyone hoping to protect their vulnerable to instability; the varied between 13% and just savings from inflation. The right wing will happily point to over 30%. This may sound problem was that a lot of low domestic productivity, high, but by Venezuelan Venezuelans did this, which while the left will undoubtedly standards it’s actually pretty meant the value of the BsF note speculation and low. The year before Chavez plummeted in the black market. intentional sabotage. There are was first elected, 1997, annual Since many businesses in elements of truth to both these inflation was 50%. In 1996, it Venezuela use the black market arguments. Whatever the was 99.9%. Compared with rate to price imported goods, cause, the government failed to those figures, Chavez did pretty the collapse in the BsF’s value nip the currency problem in the well. meant consumer goods became bud. At first, this was mostly Yet after over a decade of more expensive. This created due to politics. remaining in check, suddenly more inflation, which spurred In the second half of inflation began to head more Venezuelans to sell their 2012, the government was upwards in late 2012. This was BsF. And so Weisbrot’s “spiral” totally focused on the October accompanied by a collapse in became self-perpetuating. presidential elections. Yet just the black market value of the There are a few different two months after winning the BsF. For example, in October explanations floating around elections by a landslide,

57 Chavez was hospitalised for market rate was well over The government has dug cancer treatment. This put his BsF20=US$1, meaning the its own grave then vice-president, Maduro, in government was hugely charge of the government. As subsidising access to currency The problems caused by a caretaker, Maduro wasn’t for industry. For every dollar the currency mismanagement about to mess with the currency the government sold industry, are vast. Anyone who has read controls. When Chavez died in the government itself was about Venezuela in recent March 2013, the government losing a second dollar in its months has no doubt been was again thrust into election overly generous exchange rate. treated to images of empty mode. Although Maduro won This is a key piece of the supermarket shelves, where snap presidential elections in puzzle as to why the inflation- even basic products like corn 2013, it was by a narrow depreciation spiral has become flour can be hard to buy. Right- margin of just 1.5% of the vote. so damaging. For most wing pundits love jumping on At the time, observers across governments around the world, these images and drawing the political spectrum agreed depreciation of their currency parallels with the old USSR. Maduro only just survived can actually be a good thing. Yet unlike in the perestroika- because he represented the For one, it lowers costs, era USSR, this scarcity of continuation of Chavez’s especially for governments that consumer goods has little to do legacy. Undoubtedly, this rely on exports for revenue, with low productivity. contributed to the Maduro such as Venezuela. The Venezuelans have been administration’s reluctance to Venezuelan state makes money importing most of their food make serious changes to any by selling oil on international and other consumer products Chavez-era policies – including markets, meaning much of its since the 1970s. This reliance the currency exchange regime. income is in dollars. Yet much on imports wasn’t caused by In December 2013, of the state’s day-to-day socialist policies but by some Venezuela had municipal expenditures are denominated very basic rules of the capitalist elections scheduled – meaning in BsF (like wages). So, when market. For decades, Venezuela the government remained in the BsF drops, the has suffered from a severe case election mode until the end of government’s coffers should of Dutch Disease – an the year. If the government had suddenly start looking a lot economic phenomenon where imposed painful currency better. one extremely profitable sector reform in mid-2013, they may Unfortunately, the thrives at the expense of other not have seen any gains until sectors of the economy. In after the December elections. government has dug itself into So, reform was again put on the a hole by effectively Venezuela’s case, a booming backburner. subsidising the value of the BsF oil industry meant other sectors This isn’t to say there through official channels. By of the economy like agriculture were no changes to the keeping the official exchange have long been neglected. currency exchange regime. In rate stable even as the BsF Generations of Venezuelans March 2013, the government plunges on the black market, have avoided this problem by announced the creation of the government has to pay out simply importing everything Sicad, a mechanism through more to maintain the former they need from abroad. which the state would auction rate. For example, as However, if private off dollars to private industry. mentioned, back in 2013 the industry can’t obtain foreign By July, weekly Sicad auctions government was losing US$1 currency, then it can’t import were being held. At these for every US$1 it sold through goods. This is a huge problem auctions, BsF was being sold Sicad. A system like this isn’t in an import-dependent country at a rate of around 11 to the sustainable by any stretch of the like Venezuela. On top of this, dollar. By this point, the black imagination. the discrepancy between

58 official and unofficial the government has spent an either move towards a well- exchange rates creates its own astounding amount of money to regulated, well-oiled, simple unique phenomenon not so maintain a system that is and loophole-free controlled different from Dutch Disease. devastating the economy. It exchange regime, or a free Importers are given an makes about as much sense as float. Instead, the government incentive to not actually import responding to a burglar in your has chosen a third option: make anything. A great example of home by buying him bullets currency exchange as this was a once rampant scam and a baseball bat. convoluted, inefficient and known as the carousel. Popular messy as possible, with back in the late 2000s, the scam Kicking that can down the loopholes and blind spots left, involved an importer applying road right and centre. Nothing for foreign currency at one of makes sense, and everything is the government’s preferential When looked at in open to exploitation. This may rates, then importing a load of totality, a story emerges not of sound harsh, but the facts don’t the product (such as medical the USSR 2.0, or imperialist lie. supplies). However, the intervention crushing social- At first it may seem ism, but of a paralysed supplies were never unloaded. baffling as to why the government that kicked the can Instead, they remained inside government has gone down this down the road a little too far. the freight truck and were again path, but there is a crystal-clear Shortly after Maduro’s allies exported. Meanwhile, the answer. I briefly alluded to one won the 2013 municipal importer sold their foreign possibility earlier: the Maduro elections, there were some administration doesn’t want to currency allocation on the signs this may change. In look like it’s betraying the black market for a nice profit. January 2014, Sicad was The importer then applied for expanded. Then in February, legacy of Chavez. Part of the more foreign currency to the government created Sicad problem is also likely purchase more medical II, which was basically a corruption. With so many supplies, and drove their freight resurrected version of a shelved people both in and out of truck across the border yet Chavez-era bond swap government profiting off the again. Under this scheme, the programme. Since then, all dysfunctional exchange importer made far more money kinds of supposedly revol- system, there is probably than they ever could through utionary exchange systems significant pressure on the state legitimate business activities by have come and gone, leaving to maintain the status quo. simply buying foreign currency behind little more than a However, these explan- cheap from the government and collection of creative ations pale in comparison with selling it at a higher rate on the abbreviations. what I believe is the core black market. Each new mechanism problem. Since 2013, the What happens to an was touted by the government government’s economics team economy if every business as a silver bullet to the has been in a state of chaos. simply relies on playing with exchange problem. Then, when With the exception of a calm exchange rates, instead of six months down the track the period in 2015, there have been engaging in productive mechanism failed to produce major reshuffles every few activities like importing, results, it was replaced by months. I refer to this as selling, constructing, manu- something else. Nothing ever “musical ministries” not only facturing or providing any kind got simplified, while the overall because of the constant state of of service to the public? In the picture simply became more movement, but also because end, the only game in town is and more convoluted. there’s a lot of superficial making money off speculation For years, the govern- movement but no substantive and corruption. In other words, ment has only had two options: changes.

59 Contrasts with the Chavez comeback. In 2013, poverty alive. Personally though, I era surged to 31%, and indepen- suspect Chavez would have dent estimates suggest it’s now done a better job ensuring Since late 2012, even higher. Data from reform happened. Venezuela has had a Venezuela’s central bank government incapable of shows GDP contracted by Long-term factors making tough economic 5.7% in 2015, while inflation decisions. This contrasts was far above 100%. The data In either case, although sharply with the Chavez era, of Venezuela’s GDP at 2012 was the year the flawed when the government was purchasing power parity per monetary policy began willing to make dramatic capita is revealing. This is one seriously impacting the moves to reshape the economy. of the best measurements economy, it’s worth noting From the 2002-03 oil lockouts around for determining how other long-term problems had to the 2008 currency overhaul, well living standards are already become apparent years the Chavez administration improving. With the exception earlier. These other problems made a lot of tough calls – of a sharp dip after the 2008 played key roles in setting the many of which weren’t recession, it’s easy to see that scene for the current crisis and particularly popular in the short Venezuelans saw dramatic making the BsF so susceptible term. Meanwhile, the Maduro improvements to their living to collapse. At the heart of government has no unique or standards through much of the everything lies the failure of credible economic policies to Chavez era. Then, around consecutive governments to its name. 2012, things started to reverse. wean the economy off oil. Necessary reforms have In other words, this isn’t Chavez himself recognised the gone neglected, and the results a story of steady decline under potentially devastating impacts have been disastrous. When the socialist governments of of Dutch Disease, and made Chavez was elected in 1998, Chavez and Maduro. Rather, serious efforts between 2003 half of Venezuelans lived in the data depicts a country doing and 2008 to diversify the poverty. By 2012, World Bank well through to 2012. Then economy. The results of these data shows that figure had after 2012, everything took a efforts speak for themselves in dropped to 25%, meaning turn for the worse. By the data. poverty literally halved under highlighting this, I don’t mean Until 2008, agriculture Chavez. As previously men- to place all the blame on the and industry such as tioned, Venezuela’s notorious Maduro administration while manufacturing were becoming inflation rate was likewise kept depicting the Chavez years as increasingly important in the in check in the Chavez years. a paradise (an attitude some Venezuelan economy. This In 2012, inflation was 21.1%. disillusioned Chavistas have indicates the government was Gross domestic product (GDP) slipped into). As I’ll explain in actually making some progress wasn’t much different. In 1998, a moment, the seeds of the in its stated aim of annual GDP growth was at current crisis were sown under diversification. However, this 0.3%, indicating Venezuela’s Chavez. Nonetheless, there is ended around 2008, economy was pretty much dead a clear difference in presumably due to the impacts in the water. In 2012, governance style between of the global financial crisis. Venezuela’s annual GDP Chavez and Maduro that often Since 2008, Venezuela’s growth was 5.6%. Venezuela goes unremarked upon. Just economy has slipped back into did pretty well under Chavez. how much this difference its old ways. Data from However, after 2012, contributed to the crisis is Venezuela’s national statistics everything changed. Inflation debatable, and perhaps agency suggests the value of surged, economic growth Venezuela wouldn’t be faring food imports roughly tripled collapsed, and poverty made a much better if Chavez was between 2008 and 2014.

60 Looking more generally at all dismal, making consumer current crisis. This, in turn, was goods and services imports as products like milk harder than the result of a government a percentage of GDP, we ever to find. All the while, the locked in procrastination and likewise see a pretty dramatic economy is more dependent on disarray, unable to look beyond upwards trend just a few years petrodollars than ever. short-term political necessity. after the global financial crisis When the price of oil The right wing can blame (starting in 2010). slumped, it was therefore it on the vague spectre of Part of the explanation inevitable that Venezuelans socialism, but only if they for this is actually quite would see a downturn. Indeed, ignore the successes of the positive. The Chavez years in some ways, the current crisis Chavez years. They also need were characterised mostly by isn’t anything new: Venezuela to ignore the fact that rising consumption, including has experienced boom-and- throughout the Maduro of imported goods. For bust cycles coinciding with oil administration, many of the example, in the 1990s, a bottle prices since the 1970s. With government’s top economics of decent Chilean wine was historically high oil prices, decision makers have been beyond the grasp of anyone Chavez had luck on his side from the pro-business wing of during his golden years, while outside the business elite. Yet the ruling PSUV party. Maduro has drawn a short even until late 2013, I could Likewise, the left wing straw. However, it’s worth afford to splurge on a bottle a can continue simply blaming noting that no other petro-state few times a year, while still the imperialist conspiracy, but in the world is facing the same making ends meet on minimum they have to ignore the fact the kind of crisis that has hit wage. The looming problem Venezuela. government has made some was that domestic productivity Bad luck aside, the very obvious missteps. didn’t keep up with rising Maduro administration could Assuming there is a consumer demand, especially have avoided the current conspiracy involving the US to after 2008. In the short term, conditions by reforming crush the Bolivarian move- this was likely seen as a small monetary policy in 2013 or ment, the Maduro admi- price to pay for the massive nistration has made life pretty 2014. While low productivity poverty alleviation under easy for the conspirators. and anti-government sabotage Chavez. This was epitomised in Unfortunately, through are issues that can’t be resolved a now famous Chavista procrastination and inaction, overnight, monetary policy response to an opposition poor monetary policy has been could have been shored up in a activist complaining of milk permitted to rot the foundations scarcity. The Chavista said relatively short period of time. of the economy for years on there was no milk on the The Maduro administration end, and now a political crisis supermarket shelves because had meaningful agency here, rages on with no end in sight. “it’s in the bellies of the poor”. but failed to act. If serious The only question left is, can Where milk was once reserved reforms had been enacted, this go on much longer? for the rich, it had become Venezuela would still be facing something everyone could a nasty downturn, but probably Ryan Mallett-Outtrim is an afford; even if there wasn’t not a fully fledged economic Australian journalist and quite enough to go around. and political crisis. member of the Venezuela-based Today though, we again alternative media collective have an economy dependent on Some hard truths venezuelanalysis.com. The above imports, but where the is an abridged version of an devalued currency makes No matter how we cut it, article published on the imports like wine prohibitively it’s hard to avoid the conclusion CounterPunch website expensive. Domestic non-oil that poor currency management (www.counterpunch.org) on 25 productivity has remained was a pivotal factor in the May 2016. 61 Is North Korea socialist?

Choo Chon Kai

NORTH Korea has been in the news again recently with its high-profile nuclear and missile development programmes and the US’ decision to install the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) missile defence system in South Korea. Why is the Korean Peninsula perpetually in a state of tension? Is North Korea under Kim Jong-un “socialist”? To answer these questions, we have to first look to the past. Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un.

The struggle against The Joseon Dynasty Korean ports to Japanese foreign domination implemented a closed-door products in 1876. Japan’s policy and discouraged trade growing influence in the region The people of Korea have relations with the outside led to the first war with China a long and eventful history of world. However, in 1636, the in 1894-95, in which Japan standing up to foreign Manchu Qing administration in emerged as the victor. In 1904- domination. The Chinese, China forced Korea to 05, Japan took on Russia, Japanese, US and several acknowledge its vassal status which also had imperial European powers have vis-à-vis China and agree to the designs in Northeast Asia, and attempted to dominate Korean payment of regular tributes to convincingly defeated the society over the past 200 years, the Qing rulers. In 1866, the Russian navy at Port Arthur. to varying degrees of success. French tried but failed to The Eulsa Treaty between Many Koreans view the current subjugate Korea. In 1871, the Japan and Korea in 1905 North-South tensions as arising US used naval might to try and rendered Korea a from continued attempts by open Korea to US trade, but the “protectorate” of Japan. In powerful foreign nations to Koreans held firm. The British 1910, Japan annexed Korea subjugate Korea. occupied Geomun Island just and administered it like a Japan attempted to south of the Korean Peninsula colony to provide food and raw subjugate Korea as early as from 1885 till 1887. materials for Japan. 1592, but this was warded off Japan, which had begun The Japanese colonisa- by the Joseon Dynasty (1392- modernising rapidly under the tion sparked much opposition 1897) with the help of China. Meiji regime, managed to open in Korea, culminating in the 1

62 May 1919 mass proclaimed, also in demonstrations. But 1948, with Kim Il-sung this was harshly put as the supreme leader. down by the Japanese The only difference was authorities. that Soviet military forces withdrew from The Korean Com- North Korea soon after, munist Party whereas the US continued to maintain a Korean anti- strong military presence colonial activists, in South Korea. inspired by the The Kim Il-sung Bolshevik Revolution regime was, on paper, a of 1917 in Russia, multi-party formed the Korean government. But in Communist Party in reality, the Chongdois 1925. As the Japanese Chongu Party, the had banned the setting Democratic Socialist up of communist Party and others were parties, this had to be merely decorative done in a clandestine ornaments to the manner. The Korean Peninsula. regime. Real power was Fierce opposition concentrated in the on the part of the Japanese led Korean Communist Party to the Korean Communist Party went along with them as they (which later transformed itself taking up arms and, later, to the entered the Korean Peninsula. into the Korean Workers’ setting up of safe bases in Party), within which Kim Il- The formation of North Manchuria, China. However, sung consolidated his position, Korea the relief from Japanese removing everyone who might want to challenge his pre- oppression for the thousands of Fearing a communist eminence. The promotion of Korean refugees who fled to takeover of the whole Korean Kim Il-sung as the “Great Manchuria was shortlived as Peninsula, the US then decided Leader” began during this Japan set up a puppet state, to move to partition Korea period, and many statues were Manchukuo (1934-45), with along the 38th parallel. The made in his likeness. the help of descendants of the Soviets agreed to the partition Although the North Qing Dynasty to administer in the belief that, as in the case Korean regime was a repressive Manchuria. of Vietnam, this would be a dictatorship, the Korean The Korean struggle for temporary wartime measure. Communist Party still had national self-determination However, the US had other widespread support in the continued both in Korea and in ideas. After deploying its South. The US tried to Manchuria. Kim Il-sung was troops, the US soon took exterminate it by banning it and one of the prominent leaders of control of the South and arresting its cadres, but the the anti-Japanese struggle in installed an administration influence of the party continued Manchuria, and he received the headed by the Japanese to spread. Hundreds of open support of the USSR once collaborator Syngman Rhee. In thousands of South Koreans the latter entered World War II. 1948, this became the Republic were either members or In August 1945 the Soviet Red of Korea. supporters of the Korean Army moved into Manchuria; In the North, the People’s Communist Party. Kim Il-sung’s guerrilla army Democratic Republic was 63 The Korean War managed to secure the sanction despite the fact it was shunned of the world body through a by the Western powers and had The Korean Communist legally dubious process. to tread very carefully because Party in South Korea was The US-led attack of the tensions between the agitating for unification of the involved heavy bombing USSR and China. country. Many people in the including the widespread use of However, the economic South were unhappy with the napalm on the North. Towns in development of South Korea leaders in the Syngman Rhee the North were levelled and overtook that of the North in regime who had been civilian casualties numbered in the 1980s. South Korea was collaborators with the Japanese the tens of thousands. The US helped by the fact that the US before 1945. There were forces gained the upper hand wanted to showcase it as a numerous armed attacks and, after driving the invaders success story compared with against the US military and pro- back, pushed further on into the the communist North. South Japanese Korean landlords. North. Korea was able to use US aid, The situation was fast As US troops pushed Japanese direct investment, the deteriorating and developing deeper into North Korea and low wages of its workers and into a full-blown civil war with approached the Yalu River, the huge export markets of the thousands being killed. To add which marked the border with US and Europe to build its to the tension, Syngman Rhee China, the Chinese became industry – steelworks, began launching cross-border alarmed. Despite warnings, the shipbuilding, automobiles, attacks. US troops continued their consumer electrical goods It was in this context that drive. It was at this stage in (fans, refrigerators, air Kim Il-sung, who had been 1951 that China entered the conditioners etc). South building up the North Korean war. A Chinese “voluntary Korea’s industrial capacity and army with generous aid from military force” poured into gross domestic product (GDP) the USSR, decided in 1950 to North Korea to fight alongside expanded at an augmented rate launch a full-scale attack across the North Korean regime. The such that it is considered one the border to unify Korea. They tide of war changed again, but of the Asian “tiger” economies. were aided by a massive with tremendous loss of lives In North Korea, the uprising of South Koreans who especially among the Chinese incorporation of modern wanted to be rid of Syngman “volunteers”. The US forces technology was severely Rhee, his regime and US were pushed back to the former limited by the country’s occupation. Many South border between North and isolated status and the Korean soldiers deserted to the South. Finally, a ceasefire was economic problems that the invading army from the North. agreed to in 1953. USSR was facing in the 1980s. The US forces were driven out The collapse of the USSR in of Seoul and down to Bosun on The Koreas after the war 1991 and the resulting loss of the southern end of the Korean subsidised petroleum products Peninsula. North Korea was badly impacted badly on the North The US under President devastated in the war. Korean economy; electricity Harry Truman was not However, it still achieved a generation and thus industrial prepared to allow Korean higher rate of economic growth output were affected, as was reunification although it was from 1955 till the 1970s fertiliser production. Floods clear that the majority of the compared with South Korea, followed by drought in the people of Korea wished it. The which was beset by political period 1995-96 wrought havoc US organised a huge counter- instability and economic crises. on food supplies, resulting in attack with amphibious Interestingly, the per capita severe shortages. It is estimated landings at Inchon. All this was income of the population of that between 200,000 and 3 done under the flag of the North Korea was better than million people died of United Nations, after it that of the South in 1970 starvation between 1996 and 64 Korea and production is not driven by the profit maximisation principle. However, social-ism entails more than just that. The workers in North Korea are not in control of the factories or fields that they work in. They do not determine how the surplus that they produce is deployed. There is no local democracy. Power is concen-trated in the hands North Korean missile programme. of a small clique of bureaucrats around the 1999. an alternative ideology which paramount ruler, who can (and North Korea accelerated is superior to Marxism. does) eliminate some among its nuclear programme in the Kim Il-sung ruled North them from time to time. These mid-1990s. It also began selling Korea from its inception up to mandarins who are close to weapons abroad at about that his death in 1994. He was power have to watch their time. Although guided missiles replaced by his son, Kim Jong- backs and exercise great made in North Korea aren’t il, who took the leadership cult “state-of-the-art” weapons, to extreme levels. Kim Jong-il caution so as not to excite the their much lower costs make inherited a nation with severe suspicion or disfavour of the them popular with countries economic problems. His all-powerful leader. that are not in the good books response was to rely on the The best description of of the US and Israel. In fact, military. He tweaked the Juche North Korea is that it is a North Korea is now one of the concept to include the idea that deformed workers’ state with a major exporters of guided the armed forces, not the xenophobic national ideology, missiles. workers, were the revolu- ruled tightly by the authori- North Korea’s weapons tionary force in Korea; as such, tarian Kim dynasty. It cannot be development programme has the national surplus should be termed socialist because made the US and other Western channelled to the military for it empowerment – both economic powers uneasy. to manage. This ideology is and political – of ordinary termed “Songun”. workers and small farmers is an Juche, Songun and the After Kim Jong-il’s death integral part of the socialist leadership cult in 2011, the reins were passed vision. to his son Kim Jong-un, who Militarisation and the In 1955, Kim Il-sung and has continued relying on brutal continuing tension in Northeast his supporters presented tactics and the leadership cult Asia is a consequence of big- “Juche” as the founding apparatus to stay in power. power rivalry in the aftermath ideology of the country. The of World War II. Sadly, this has main principles of Juche are Is North Korea socialist? set back yet again the Korean self-reliance, national indepen- people’s centuries-long dence and caution with regard The North Korean struggle for self-determina- to international trade. Initially leadership insists that it is tion. Juche was presented as an socialist, and quite a few extension of Marxism modified Western commentators are Choo Chon Kai is a member of to meet the needs of the Korean happy to use that term to the PSM Central Committee. people. However, since the describe North Korea. It is true 1970s, it has been presented as there are no capitalists in North 17 April 2017 65 Prospects of change in PRU 14

D. Jeyakumar

THERE is widespread disaffection with Barisan Nasional. In the 13th general election (PRU 13) in 2013, the strong support for BN in the rural seats in the Peninsula and in East Malaysia helped it hold on to power. Today, rural Malay support for BN is dropping. The rural population is quite fed up with rising prices, the GST, the high level of corruption in the government, YB Darell Leiking. Dr Mahathir. the luxurious lifestyle of Umno leaders and the ongoing 1MDB scandal. However, because of Support for PAS among rural Many of the seats that the split in the opposition Malays was even lower in PAS won in the west coast coalition, BN will probably do Penang and Johor. PAS states could be won in a one- better in the coming elections victories in the west coast states to-one contest between Umno than it did in PRU 13. were dependent on a huge and either PKR, Amanah or swing of non-Malay support Bersatu as the latter three The PAS factor towards PAS as it was a parties would be able to appeal member of Pakatan Rakyat at to both Malays and non-Malays PAS stood in 67 that time. The figures indicate disgruntled with BN. But at this parliamentary seats in West that PAS only managed to get point in time it appears unlikely Malaysia in PRU 13 and won support from more than 50% of that PAS is going to step down in 24 of these. See the table on Malay voters in some from any of these seats to give the next page for a breakdown constituencies in Kelantan and other opposition parties the of PAS’ performance in Terengganu. It is unlikely that chance to take on Umno one on parliamentary constituencies PAS is going to get much one. with more than 50% Malay support from non-Malays in PKR voters. PRU 14. Without non-Malay The fact that PAS did not support, PAS is going to suffer In PRU 13, PKR stood in win any of the seats with more losses in 10-12 parliamentary 47 parliamentary constituen- than 80% Malay majority in seats that it won in PRU 13, cies in Peninsular Malaysia Kedah is clear evidence that even if there are no three- where more than 50% of the Malay support for PAS must be cornered fights in the seats it voters were Malay. The table below 50% in rural Kedah. contests. on p. 68 shows its performance. 66 UMNO vs PAS in Malay-majority parliamentary seats in Peninsular Malaysia, PRU 13

Percentage of > 90% 81-90% 71-80% 61-70% 51-60% Malay voters

Perlis 3:0 Kedah 3:0a 3:0 1:1 Kelantan 2:8b 0:1 Terengganu 2:4 0:1 Penang 2:0 Perak 1:0 2:0 3:2 Pahang 4:0 1:0 0:1 Selangor 1:0 2:1 0:2 Fed. Territory 1:0 1:0 N. Sembilan 1:0 1:0 1:0 Melaka 1:0 1:0 1:0 Johor 1:0 3:0 1:0 0:3 a. Umno defeated PAS in three of the parliamentary seats in Kedah that had more than 90% Malay majority. b. PAS defeated UMNO in 8 out of the 10 seats in Kelantan in which Malays made up more than 90% of the voters.

PKR did win 17 out of to keep PAS as a “friend”. In PSM’s assessment, the 47 Malay-majority seats However, the PKR faction PAS has the solid support of that it contested. But this fact around Rafizi Ramli have a 15-30% of the rural Malay masks the reality that PKR does different position – they believe vote. That fact, combined with not have an effective electoral that support for PAS is the fact that neither PKR nor machinery in the rural areas. It dropping, and that PKR and Amanah has developed an is quite dependent on PAS for Amanah can win in three- electoral machinery in the rural the rural Malay vote. If PAS cornered electoral contests in areas, means that it would be president Hadi Awang gives an many rural seats. (Several DAP suicidal for PKR and Amanah order that PAS should not work leaders also support this to attempt to take on PAS in with any other party unless position.) This faction, and three-cornered fights. approved by PAS central several Amanah leaders command (and this is quite notably Khalid Samad, Prospects for Sabah probable), then PKR will be therefore take a rather abrasive quite hamstrung and will have stance towards PAS, and they Here, there is good news to struggle to get the rural are open to putting up for the opposition. Shafie votes. But given the high level candidates against PAS in some Apdal is an intelligent and of rural Malay voter of the seats that PAS contested shrewd politician who is quite disaffection with BN, PKR in PRU 13. That is likely to popular in his home state. He might still manage to increase trigger a tit-for-tat situation speaks eloquently and has a its tally of parliamentary seats where PAS puts up candidates good grasp of major national if three-cornered battles with against PKR candidates in seats issues. He could even be a PAS can be avoided. that PKR contested in PRU 13. candidate for “Prime This fact is understood by That would bring smiles of Minister”! Having been a the PKR faction aligned to relief to Najib and other senior senior Umno leader, he Azmin Ali and they are trying BN leaders! probably has a sufficiently 67 PKR performance in Malay-majority parliamentary seats

% of Malay voters > 90% 81-90% 71-80% 61-70% 51-60% BN won 5 4 5 9 7 PKR won 0 0 3 4 10

large “war chest” to finance his So, my rough projection discussion sessions. However, political activities! It is quite is: 89 - A + B would be the PR did not respond to our offer possible that he can prise a number of seats that the to join, apart from asking if we significant portion of the rural opposition coalition will get in supported the PR manifesto (to Muslim vote in Sabah away PRU 14. “A” are the seats that which question we said we from Umno. Meanwhile Darell PAS will probably lose to did). Then came the debacle of Leiking is quite popular in the Umno while “B” are the seats PRU 13 where three out of our Kadazandusun community. that Warisan will win from four candidates faced three- Many Sabahans harbour an Umno in Sabah. My guess is: cornered contests with PR anti-Semenanjung resentment A = 12 and B = 9. But this is component parties, despite the relating to royalty payments, based on the best-case scenario fact that we had always said the immigration problem and where Pakatan Harapan plays that we would work with PR to the slow pace of promotions of smart, does not aggravate the bring down BN. The table Sabahans to senior positions in spat with PAS, and keeps three- below summarises our results the government machinery. On cornered contests to a in PRU 13. top of that, there are serious minimum. The situation has not misgivings over the Umno- improved. When PR broke up PAS moves to Islamicise the Pakatan Harapan and and Pakatan Harapan (PH) was country. PSM formed, PSM was not It is quite possible that consulted nor invited. At the there will be a swing of voters PSM formally applied to announcement of this new to the opposition in Sabah. At join Pakatan Rakyat (PR) in coalition, when asked by some present only three out of the 25 2012. That was a very NGO activists and the press parliamentary seats in Sabah controversial decision that led why PSM was not present, are in opposition hands. With to serious internal arguments. some senior PH leaders some smart deal-making, that But we managed to contain the mumbled something about number could be increased to disagreements by holding PSM rejecting Article 153 of 12. But this can be sabotaged several consensus-building the Federal Constitution. This by PH if it insists on holding on to the majority of the seats it contested in PRU 13. If PSM’s performance in PRU 13 Pakatan Harapan can conclude an electoral pact with Barisan BN PSM candidate 3rd party Wawasan, then the opposition Jelapang (PSM logo) 4,655 2,568 16,921 (DAP) can make significant gains in Sabah. Here the ball is in the Semenyih (PSM logo) 17,616 5,568 13,471 (PKR) PH’s court, but can the faction- Kota Damansara 16,387 14,860 7,312 (PAS) ridden PH rise to the occasion? Sarawak, on the other (PKR logo) hand, will probably remain a Sg Siput (PKR logo) 18,800 21,563 197 (Ind) BN vote bank in PRU 14. 68 is not true – we uphold affirmative action for disadvantaged groups. (My debate of the Royal Address in Parliament in March 2010 would give an idea of the stand PSM has taken on Article 153. It is carried as Chapter 22 in my book Visi Alternatif untuk Malaysia.) To be frank, joining PH as a formal member would be problematic for us at this stage. It would be difficult to sell the idea to our quite vocal rank and file after the experience we went through in 2012-13. Also, joining PH would imply an Mat Nor Ayat and Suresh Kumar for DUN Jelai and Parlimen Camerons. endorsement of several of the shortcomings of the PR and PH governments, including: ultra-right pro-market But despite all this, PSM • The failure of PR to group; is committed to bringing down make any progress on the issue – etc. BN, which we think is too of local council elections. • Money politics, corrupt and racist to be • The neoliberal policy especially within PKR. This reformed or rehabilitated. So position of PR and PH, for arises from the manner in we are prepared to work with example: which the PKR national PH to avoid three-cornered – The enthusiastic promo- leadership is selected. This also contests. tion of health tourism by encourages factionalism. Each PSM has identified 20 the Penang and Selangor faction needs several million credible candidates for PRU state governments; ringgit every three years for this 14. By “credible”, we mean – The tacit approval of the leadership tussle. candidates who have a track Trans-Pacific Partnership • High level of graft record in the constituencies that (TPP) among several within the local councils in they would contest in. DAP and PKR national Selangor. However, in the interest of leaders; • Lack of meaningful attaining one-to-one contests – Their use of statistics on consultation within PR. This is with BN, PSM would be foreign direct investment one of the factors that led to the prepared to compromise on a (FDI) to underline their breakaway of PAS. substantial number of seats if success in managing the • Failure to come up PH agrees to let PSM stand state; with an analysis of persistent one-on-one with the BN in the – Lim Guan Eng’s repeated rural poverty and a compre- remainder. But the current PH arguments that the hensive policy package to position that PSM can only minimum wage should overcome this. “pinjam” Sg Siput, and that too not apply to foreign • Overreliance on workers; political stunts like the only if I stand, is not something – The close association of September 2008 crossover, the that PSM can agree to. (Civil several national PR Kajang move, the vilification of society groups who want to see leaders with IDEAS, an Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim. one-to-one contests should

69 speak to the PH leaders and ask protective net should include: ions for three-year terms. them to accommodate PSM – subsidised good-quality The directors so selected and not push us into a position healthcare for all. This will be required to where we have to, if we wish would require a freeze on declare their assets to survive as an electoral party, the expansion of private annually, and to step fight back.) health facilities because down after a maximum of these undermine the two terms. Our conception: PSM – public system by enticing • Decarbonising society: the party of the future away staff and – stop new coal-fired specialists. plants for generating When we formed PSM – free education up to electricity. 20 years ago, our main aim was college level. – decommission the most to utilise the socialist vision to – subsidised housing polluting coal and gas project an alternative path of (one house per family). plants in stages. development for Malaysia. We – universal old age –use solar panels in all have chosen to do this not by pension after the age of the dams that now elevating the Marxist classics 70 years. generate hydroelectric to the status of scripture and – a retrenchment fund. power. spending a lot of time debating • Working within the – mandate installation of them, but by going to the ASEAN framework to stop the solar panels on all ground to listen to the problems “race to the bottom” where government and GLC faced by ordinary people and ASEAN countries compete buildings. developing both analyses and with each other to win FDI by – spend more money on policies from this contact with progressively reducing cor- non-polluting sources of the grassroots. porate tax and squeezing the power generation such as In the course of our solar, wind, tidal, etc. labour force. We call for the involvement with the people, • Public funding of reworking of the ASEAN Free we have developed a set of political parties in a manner Trade Agreement to use tariff policy positions that are that is equitable. Putting caps sanctions to enforce a 1- interconnected and based on on the amount of donations a percentage-point increase in the understanding that many of party can receive from our economic problems are due corporate taxes annually until corporate sponsors. to the subordinate position of all countries reach a tax bracket We want to enunciate a countries like Malaysia in the of 35%. ASEAN would have to vision of a future that can excite global supply chain. The lobby other trade blocs in the the imagination of young persistent poverty of some of Third World to implement people and build a political our sectors is due to similar agreements. movement that is genuinely imperialism! • Democratising society: democratic and that leads to a Some of the policy – local council elections. high level of political con- positions that we are – referendums to discuss sciousness among the ordinary advocating are: important national issues, citizens. Participating in • The distribution of e.g., nuclear power for elections and winning some national income to the poorer Malaysia. seats is one of the ways we can 60% of society should be both – policy that 30% of the use to enunciate this vision. by increasing the minimum directors in all wage in stages and by government-linked The above is the text of a paper strengthening the social companies (GLCs) be presented at a Kawan Karib protective net. chosen by the people Seminar in Ipoh on 14 May • Improving the social through national elect- 2017.

70 The 2017 UK elections – lessons for the Left

D. Jeyakumar

THE UK general election on 8 June 2017 has plunged Britain into a period of political uncertainty. Prime Minister Theresa May thought that her Conservative Party would win by a landslide and dispatch the Labour Party to political oblivion. To the amazement of many, Labour not only survived but gained 31 seats to 262, while the Conservatives lost 13 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour Party. seats, slumping to 317 and losing their majority in Conservatives. How far off the with 61.8% of the vote, a 2- parliament. mark they were! percentage-point increase on Interestingly, the majority his September 2015 victory. What lessons can the Left of Labour MPs also concurred Che Guevara is reported learn from the UK with the assessment of to have said, “Be realistic and elections? mainstream political commen- do the impossible!” Through tators in the UK that Corbyn believing in the relevance of The most obvious is that would lead Labour to disaster their message and in refusing sometimes the political and fare even worse than in the to accept the political establishment grossly mis- general elections of 2010 and establishment’s verdict that judges the mood of the 2015, when Labour won 258 their quest was an impossible populace. The Conservative and 232 seats respectively in one, the team around Corbyn Party leadership obviously the 650-seat House of has opened new possibilities believed the mainstream media Commons. In June 2016, for Britain! who were predicting that Labour MPs launched a The second lesson that Labour would be crushed if it rebellion and passed a vote of we should derive is that clear contested a general election no confidence in Corbyn by and consistent policy positions with Jeremy Corbyn as the 172 votes to 40. This triggered can be “sexy”! Many party leader. This was why May a contest for the leadership of politicians and their advisers, called the elections three years the Labour Party. However, in including those in Malaysia, before she had to – to smash the voting in September 2016, think that the general public Labour and cement the Corbyn again won the can be won over only by either dominance of the leadership campaign, this time playing on their apprehensions

71 or promising them some direct benefits – that the electorate are not too intelligent and can be won over by sweet talk and stunts. But what we witnessed in the British elections was a massive and enthusiastic buy-in by millions of voters who had grown weary of austerity and cutbacks on social services. The Labour manifesto, with its clear Indignado movement in Spain. commitment to increasing funding for healthcare and whether he/she be from the recession, and that his more housing, free tuition up to right or from the left of the conciliatory stance towards university level, social services political spectrum. So the Muslim immigrants will open for the elderly, renationalisation choice is between Trump and the UK to more immigration of the railways – policy Sanders! Incidentally, Uygur and to terrorist attacks. positions based on enhancing predicted about eight months These issues were solidarity and redistributing ago that Corbyn would win in brought up by the British media wealth in society – galvanised the next UK elections. The again and again in the a significant portion of the revolt against the status quo is interviews it had with Corbyn, British population. It reignited underway – the parties with a and these are the issues that hope and led to a huge increase clear alternative will stand to Corbyn’s Labour will have to in popular participation in the gain from this rejection of clarify to the British public, and electoral process. And the mainstream policies. That fairly quickly, if it wishes to momentum generated by this would be the third lesson that win a majority in the next electoral campaign will carry we should derive from the UK general elections. Similarly, the over to the next general elections. Left in Malaysia will be election, which cannot be too Another issue that the challenged to clarify our far off! Left needs to look at carefully position on multi-party parlia- Cenk Uygur of The is that some of the mud thrown mentary democracy, private Young Turks, an online news at it over the past 50 years still ownership of businesses, show based in the US, has been sticks in the minds of people. international trade, authorita- arguing that a majority of Many of those who did not vote rianism and religion. These are citizens in advanced countries for Labour in this election legitimate questions to ask of a are utterly fed up with the perceived Corbyn as an political movement that aspires political establishments in their apologist for “extremist” to take over the reins of own countries which have over groups such as the IRA and government! And we have to be the past 30 years rolled back the Hamas, and as being “soft” on prepared. welfare net and undermined security. They felt that the Thatcher’s war cry that social solidarity in the interest unilateral nuclear disarmament “there is no alternative” to of balancing the budget. that he has been advocating going along with policies that According to Uygur, a will make the world more favour investors and the large significant portion of the insecure, that the higher taxes corporations has shaped public people will now support an that he is proposing will lead policy all over the world for the anti-establishment populist, to capital flight and economic past three decades. Wages have

72 been kept down, social security slashed, essential services privatised and tax rates for the richest reduced drastically, all in the name of growing the national economy. The world economy has grown, but so too has income disparity. Labour’s success under Corbyn is another indicator that the pendulum is now swinging in the opposite direction. People all over the world are tired of the centre-Right and the centre- Bandung Conference 1955. Left, which both implement the same pro-corporate agenda EU and themselves imple- with minimal adjustments. winning, then what? mented austerity measures that People want a fairer new deal. We can learn a lot from they had campaigned so It is now possible for the experiences of Chile under strongly against. Several progressive parties to win Allende, Brazil, Venezuela, people on the Left accuse elections and form govern- Bolivia and Greece to Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras ments. understand the problems that of “selling out”. That’s an easy, But after that, what? Can the Left might have to deal with and lazy, position – attribute the we deliver the goods? The after securing electoral victory. blame to the personal weakness world economy has become We have to learn from their of a leader. Then you do not increasingly integrated. We are experiences so that we can have to deal with the more enmeshed in a system where avoid making costly mistakes. difficult issue of real-life international laws allow big Winning elections is just the constraints arising from the corporations and super-rich first step in the journey to a structure of the global individuals to outsource pro- society based on solidarity. It economy! duction to low-wage countries is an important and not-easy-to- We need strategies to and use multiple loopholes to achieve step, but it doesn’t steer our countries out of the transfer their profits/earnings to represent the end of the predicament that the neoliberal tax havens. There is some struggle. We need to start world order has trapped them “wriggle room” for national preparing our movements for in. We may have to challenge governments, but the cons- the road that lies beyond the certain global rules regarding traints created by the pro- successful completion of this international finance, intellec- corporate rules governing the first step even as we build our tual property rights, investor global economy are real. forces for carrying out step one. rights and trade. We may have Disengagement from the global to build alternative trading economy isn’t a practical 19 June 2017 blocs. We may need to rekindle option – it would cause too the aspirations of Bandung much economic disruption, Note 1955* but with a 21st-century unemployment and a sudden flavour. We need to think of * A historic conference of African drop in people’s well-being. pathways towards realising the and Asian states was held in There are many who mandate that we wish to win Bandung, Indonesia, in 1955 to were disappointed that the forge greater cooperation in the from our people. All this means ruling Syriza party in Greece developing world, oppose we on the Left have to seriously bowed to the demands of the colonialism and work towards a reflect on the question: After more equitable international order. 73 Book review: Empowering the people

Mohd Zaidi b. Musa

Publisher: PSM Centre 2016

Dr. Nasir Hashim.

DR Nasir Hashim ought to be the writer’s life experiences of and their shortcomings should congratulated for bringing this, trying to build a socialist act as a guide for us in deve- his seventh book, to print. movement in this country. As loping the struggle appro- Although Dr Nasir has just Dr Nasir says in the poem at priately in our day and time. As turned 70, he still hasn’t come the beginning of the book, the the writer points out, the class out with his memoirs. I was journey towards socialism is a structure of Malaysian society thus driven to acquire a copy long process. Definitely not has evolved over time, but the of this book to glean some one that can be condensed into oppression of the poor remains lessons from his rich a hundred pages. constant. What has changed is experience. There has to be the the form of oppression, but the Some might think that, appropriate balance between overriding goal of profit weighing in at 500 pages, this theory and practice in any maximisation is the same. To book might be too long for the struggle. This fusion of theory illustrate this point, the writer current generation who are and practice is praxis. In analyses the interplay between used to instant information addition, we have to learn from employers, general practi- from Google. But when one the efforts and experiences of tioners and pharmacies to show opens this book, one sees that the socialists who preceded us how the profit principle has its contents are distilled from in the struggle. Their victories subtly permeated and changed

74 there is a dialectical rela- tionship between man’s material needs and his spirituality, between human society and nature, and between one’s life as an individual and the struggle towards socialism. It is up to us to find the right balance of the yin and the yang in all these intersecting spheres of our lives. These analyses are interspersed with charts that help the reader understand the dialectical relationships that we are immersed in. The On the ground: Dr. Nasir with then PSM Secretary-General S. Arutchelvan. author also discusses how the national capitalists and the character of healthcare that the underlying problems the multi-national corporations delivery in Malaysia. are a given and cannot be conspire to create a culture of The writer’s analysis of addressed. dependency so that the people issues goes much deeper than The writer argues that will remain shackled by simply presenting them in just as slave societies trans- feelings of inferiority and terms of the conflict between formed into feudal societies despair. workers and capitalists. He which then underwent In his foreword, Dr traces the wider ramifications capitalist transformation and Abdul Halim Ali (retired of poverty – how an inadequate now to neoliberalism, the professor from UKM) recounts income puts stress on existing system is in no way the how many leftists gave up hope relationships within the family “normal state” for humankind. in a socialist alternative at the and in society, and how this Change is the only constant. end of the 1980s. It is clear that leads to several of the social ills Even though race and religion Dr Nasir was not among them. that Malaysians often lament. are being invoked to prevent While others were becoming The writer’s panoramic view the disenfranchised from disil-lusioned and defeatist, he links low wages and poverty to coming together to move soldiered on, went to the the creation of dysfunctional society forward, change cannot ground, learned from the families, which in turns leads be held back forever. In people and developed methods to delinquent behaviour among presenting these arguments, the of working in the difficult some of the youth. writer draws on events in terrain that multi-ethnic The writer is insistent that Malaysia presents. This book is we should be clear about the Malaysia’s recent past, such as the 1979 MAS crisis and the a distillation of the lessons underlying causes of the 1993 constitutional crisis, to learned through long years of problems that we face and not illustrate his points. walking with the under- merely focus on their mani- The writer also believes privileged, and it will be of festations, like many tend to do. that spirituality is an integral immense help to the younger There are also those who part of the socialist struggle as people who wish to walk in the believe that such problems are it complements the economic same direction. part of the human condition, analysis and fills a void that Mohd Zaidi Musa is a PSM while there are the religious would otherwise exist within member from Kelantan. clerics who reinforce the belief the movement. He argues that 75 PSM Publications

Memperkasakan Rakyat - Batu Arang 1937 - Speeches in Parliament 2016 Analisis & Perjuangan Kemuncak Kebangkitan Author: Jeyakumar Devaraj Author: Dr. Nasir Hashim Pekerja Language: Malay/Mandarin/ Language: Malay Author: Sivarajan Arumugam Tamil/ English Language: Malay No. of Pages: 562 No. of Pages: 75 No. of Pages: 71 Price: RM 50 Price: By donation Price: RM 5 Praksis; gabungan antara teori dan I have tried to use my position as 80 years ago in 1937, coal mine praktik tak dapat dipisahkan serta a Member of Parliament to workers took over the Batu perlu keseimbangan dalam present an alternative analysis of Arang mines from their British perjuangan. Membaca kisah the problems that we are facing owners and established the first perjuangan yang lalu adalah this 21st Century, as well as to ever Soviet, independent from membaca sejarah. Sejarah sketch out a vision of how our colonial rule. This brief book perjuangan yang dirintiskan oleh society could evolve in a more written in Malay by Sivarajan, legasi-legasi sebelumnya, humane and just manner. There the Secretary General of Parti diteruskan oleh penulis, penunjuk are multiple opportunities to do Sosialis Malaysia attempts to arah mengenai perkara lalu dan this, as Parliamentarians have the expose the younger generation to dijadikan pedoman untuk masa opportunity to respond to the the significance of Batu Arang in kini. Membaca dan memahami various legislations that the sejarah perjuangan yang terdahulu the workers’ struggles in Malaysia. government presents. itu penting supaya kesilapan perkara yang lalu tidak ulangi. It has been our practice to bring Segala macam praktis itu harus out a compilation of my parlia- dilihat kembali, digunakan pakai mentary speeches annually for sekiranya bersesuaian dengan distribution in the Sungai Siput keadaan setempat dan zaman. constituency.

– Zaidi Musa Let us together develop those paths that lead to a more inclusive, just and enlightened society.

How to place your order? – Jeyakumar Devaraj

Option 1 Log in to www.partisosialis.org/shop to place your order

Option 2 Bank in the total amounts of your orders to PSM Centre (Hong Leong Bank 29200012916), then email the banking details and your orders to [email protected]. For more information, please contact Sook Hwa 016-2290460

76