???• • • Although initial salaries for some jobs may not have in­ creased as fast as prices, the escalation in salaries with a few years of experience could well more than compensate. The typical household, where the breadwinner(s) have been working for about five years would probably have enjoyed sufficient wage increases to be able to afford the higher prices of goods. On average, living standards have improved in Malaysia. That must indicate that salaries have, on average, increased faster than the higher cost of goods.

SUPPLY AND DEMAND

What is true on average is, of course, not necessarily true throughout. Some people may well find that their salaries are not increasing in line with in­ flation. Those with fixed wages and are not in a good position ver the last 20 years, inflation in Malaysia has aver­ to increase their salaries may aged 4.5 per cent annually, which on a compounded well find that their take-home basis means that on average, prices have increased packets buy them less because almost two and a half times during this period. On the sur­ of higher prices. Whether sala- face, this seems startling. But wages have also increased. Sala­ CONTINUED ries of people employed in various areas have in general also ON PAGE •.. doubled over the last 20 years.

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 2 Is Zero Inflation Possible ? 2 Malaysia's Economic Progress 10

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A/iran Monthly /995: 15(8) Page 3 ries for a particular line of government, political leaders achieve. work keep up with inflation are naturally inclined to keep depends ultimately on supply overall inflation down to zero STRONG ECONOMY LEADS and demand. If the demand or thereabouts. TO INFLATION for the relevant skill is greater When the economy is doing than the supply, then salaries DEFLATION well, unemployment will be for that line of work rise. Even low. Difficulties in getting if the work is not particularly When rising prices have been workers will naturally result in skilful-e.g. putting together part of the economic experi­ firms raising the salaries or components on a factory line ence for so long, it might seem benefits they offer. Malaysians - forces of supply and de­ quite impossible to eradicate who get paid more will natu­ mand dictate wages. inflation. However, a priori, there is no reason why infla­ rally seek to increase their tion has to be above zero. One spending. Even those who be­ In some areas, however, the of the major economic pow­ lieve in saving will usually forces of supply and demand ers, Japan, is in fact facing spend some of their higher are prevented from working. deflation, a term economists salaries. If your salary has gone Most of those in the govern­ use to denote negative infla­ up RM500 a month, it is only ment service may not see their tion, i.e. declining prices. Be­ natural to think of spending salaries rise in line with sup­ cause the yen has risen by maybe RM200 to RM400 of ply and demand. Salaries are about 20 per cent in the last that, maybe for a better televi­ only increased at rare intervals one year, prices of imported sion, car, furniture or a house. at the discretion of the gov­ goods in Japan have fallen. ernment. Although supply and And with an economic slow­ Because of full employment demand could have some im­ down affecting general de­ and rising wages, spending pact on wages, it may well be mand, even domestic produc­ goes up. The increasing de­ minimal in such jobs. If teach­ ers are being forced to cut mand encourages companies to ers in government schools are their costs and thus their expand their operations. This not paid as much as those in prices in order to sustain de­ exacerbates the problem of a private schools, then some mand. shortage of workers and pushes may leave to join private in­ up salaries even more. Because stitutions. But not that many Japan's present economic con­ of higher wages and other ris­ teachers can get jobs in the ditions are certainly quite dif­ ing costs, manufacturers push private sector and so their ferent from Malaysia's today. up their own prices to protect salaries are not very much Our economic growth is ro­ their margins. The cycle rein­ determined by the laws of bust- at nine per cent, prob­ forces itself leading to an in­ economics. ably one of the strongest in the flationary spiral. world. And although the For those whose salaries do Ringgit has appreciated SAVINGS REDUCES not keep up with inflation, ris­ against some currencies, the INFLATION ing prices is a serious concern. scale of appreciation has been Because many of them are nowhere near that of the Yen. This simple explanation of how government servants and also In such circumstances, zero the inflationary cycle turns grassroots supporters of the inflation is quite difficult to need not always hold for rap-

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 4 idly expanding economies. Ja­ keep their prices down will provements in quality are dif­ pan in the seventies and eight­ seek ways to cut costs to main­ ficult to quantify, many econo­ ies has been an example of a tain their profit margins. One mists will allow that price in­ country with fast economic way of cutting costs is provid­ creases of about one or two per growth but very low inflation. ing goods of lower quality. cent a year are in line with what The key factor is the compul­ The more the shops that are is necessary to compensate for sory savings required to pay cutting costs and reducing the improvements in the quality of for expensive housing. An­ quality of goods, the greater goods over time. This would other country that is similar is the incentive for a few shops mean that zero inflation is in Singapore, where the savings to emphasise that their goods effect paying less over time for rate is also very high as the are of superior quality thus goods on a quality-adjusted people have to put money justifying higher prices. Offi­ basis. The question then is aside for exorbitantly priced cial inflation figures may then whether a policy of zero infla­ apartments and cars. be kept low through the stat­ tion is necessary and worth the isticians compiling figures us­ effort. It is quite simply a psychologi­ ing the prices of "the average cal law that unless humans shop" without taking into ac­ INFLATION NOT have compelling reasons to count the quality of the goods ALWAYS BAD save, they will spend their measured and the prices in higher income. When wages other "premier" outlets. Zero inflation is not necessary if all wage earners get an an­ are generally rising because of nual increment in their salaries a shortage of labour, this leads ADJUSTING FOR of at least the inflation rate. If to inflation. One way of forc­ QUALITY IMPROVEMENT inflation is three per cent and ing savings is constraining the everyone's income rises three supply of housing and letting A major problem in keeping per cent a year, then no one is these prices skyrocket. One track of inflation is, indeed, worse off. Inflation may then would then have low inflation determining the price of be endemic, but it would not in terms of the prices of goods equivalent goods over time. A matter. It is, of course, impor­ but this is offset by higher ''as­ Proton today is a much im­ tant that those whose incomes set-inflation" viz escalating proved car compared to the are normally fixed, e.g. pen­ property prices. first Proton ten years ago. It would be a distortion to look sioners, should be getting in­ PRICE CHECKS just at the cost of the unit with­ creases in their income in line out taking into account the with inflation-and this is not Can the efforts of the govern­ improvement in quality. But impossible to arrange. ment to control inflation - quite often the quality im­ through spot checks on shops provement is difficult to quan­ Many people would think it and campaigns to encourage tify. How would one adjust for must surely be better if infla­ careful spending- work? To better air-conditioning sys­ tion is lower, no matter how some extent, they might. tems, a more silent engine or low it already is. This view, Some shops may feel duty­ enhanced road-holding? however, is mistaken because bound to keep prices down. it ignores the cost of bringing But shops which are forced to Even though many of the im- inflation down. The costs of the

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 5 promotional campaign to en­ deems necessary. But this courage Malaysians to spend goes completely against the wisely is only a small part of philosophy of privatisation, the cost. The larger part of the viz. to let market forces push cost is the distortions to the former government agencies economic system. Shops will to operate more efficiently. If be forced to cut costs and will funds are received from the then naturally look for lower government for projects that quality goods that they can cannot be funded internally, pass off to customers. This then a company like Tenaga could lead producers to differ­ will have little incentive to entiate the goods they sell lo­ improve efficiency. cally and those they sell Power cuts: A Way Of Life??? abroad. PROTON, for in­ HIGH INFLATION posed to increase electricity stance, would then be natu­ IS A CONCERN tariffs by three per cent in rally inclined to sell lower April because of higher costs. quality cars in Malaysia where Does this mean that compa­ In May, the government with­ prices are pressured down, nies should be allowed to in­ drew the increase in tariffs be­ while selling better quality crease their prices without cause of concern about infla­ cars abroad where they may be control? To some extent, the tionary consequences. This able to enjoy higher prices. concern about rising prices will mean lower profits for may be misplaced. Shops cart­ SHORTAGES Tenaga. Lower profits will in not increase prices beyond tum lead to reduced financial what people can afford be­ Not only might quality be af­ capacity to expand future gen­ cause then they will not be fected, but also the quantity of eration and transmission capa­ able to make their sales. The supply could be reduced. If bility. If Tenaga does not re­ real concern is that no group PROTON finds that present ceive a sufficient return on its is left out in terms of increases car prices do not justify an in­ assets, then it will not be in a in their incomes to compen­ crease in capacity because the financial position to invest the sate for higher prices, and that higher expenses involved can­ massive amounts necessary to inflation does not rise to such not be recovered in their sell­ meet the nation's electricity a high level that would lead ing price, then it will not in­ demands. Cuts in power sup­ to distortions in the economy. crease its production even ply like those in Penang re­ though there is a six-month cently, or throughout the na­ backlog for its cars. Price con­ tion about two years back, Both these concerns can be trols naturally lead to lower would then become a way of addressed by the government. supply and hence longer life like it has been in the Phil­ It is really up to the govern­ queues. ippines. ment to allow unions to be strong enough across all sec­ Supply shortages resulting The government could of tors so that they are able to from artificial price caps could course come in and provide ensure that salaries keep up have a nationwide impact. subsidies etc. to ensure an ad­ with inflation. It is not a coin­ Tenaga N asional was sup- equate supply of goods it cidence that strong unions are

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 6 an integral feature of advanced the labour force increasing by economies. about three per cent a year, and average productivity increas- ' The government also has to ing by four to five per cent, the ensure that inflation does not economy can comfortably get so high that it results in grow by seven to eight per economic inefficiencies. The cent. Economic expansion at higher inflation is, the more rates higher than this would expensive it is to keep up with lead to greater inflationary inflation; price tags will have pressure. to be changed more often, salaries would have to be re­ This year, economists are pro­ vised more frequently etc. jecting an economic growth Also, the signals from the mar­ rate of 8.5 - 9.0 per cent for ket may no longer be so clear Malaysia. This would appear Punting in the stockmarket : A way of life 1 to manufacturers. If it is not to be above the sustainable clear whether price increases rate. In such a situation, the traordinarily allows senior of­ are due to higher demand or government should restrain its ficials to make statements de­ simply general inflation, then own spending, particularly on signed to give support to the a manufacturer will not be sure infrastructure. Although this stockmarket. With punting in whether he should increase the could lead to bottlenecks, a the stockmarket becoming a capacity of his plant. This cooling down in expansion way of life with Malaysians, it could then lead to inefficien­ across the economy might be is only natural that the authori­ cies in the use of economic necessary. By holding back ties will do all they can to keep resources, especially if other infrastructure spending, one of the market up. A good propor­ manufacturers increase their the major sources of demand tion of its support may be com­ production through mistaking in the economy would be held ing from those heavily exposed generally rising prices for in check. Controlling domes­ to stocks and shares. higher demand specifically for tic demand when the economy their goods. is expanding too fast must be a key element in a long-term However, too great a concern SUSTAINABLE GROWTH anti-inflationary strategy. for the stockmarket can be un­ healthy for long-term eco­ To keep inflation under con­ IMPACT ON STOCKMARKET nomic prospects. If the trol, the only really effective economy is expanding too fast, way (apart from changing hu­ Measures to cool the economy then a slowdown is better man nature or resorting to ar­ will undeniably have a nega- sooner rather than later. The tificially inflated property ti ve impact on the longer the expansion is allowed prices), is to ensure that eco­ stockmarket. A government to go on beyond the means of nomic growth is not beyond which is seeking to prop up the the country, the harder the im­ sustainable levels. If the market will be loathe to intro- pact of the slowdown. This is economy is growing beyond a duce anti-inflationary mea- precisely the lesson of (once sustainable rate, naturally in­ sures. Indeed in Malaysia we again) Japan, where a bubble flation will rise faster. With have a central bank which ex- economy was allowed to de-

Aliran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 7 velop partly due to the Japa­ cause. When inflation picks mains that inflation in Malay­ nese government's concern to up, it is a sign that the sia is much lower than many keep the market up through economy is expanding too countries where economic keeping interest rates artifi­ fast. When bottlenecks occur growth is much slower. There cially low. But when the -whether in the labour mar­ are two main reason for this: a bubble was pricked, the defla­ ket or in the market for goods high savings rate and prudent tion was crushing. Retail in­ and services- prices gener­ monetary policy. vestors in the Japanese stock ally go up. If this is due to eco­ exchanges saw their shares fall nomic expansion which is too HIGH SAVINGS, to half their value between fast, then television campaigns LOW MONEY SUPPLY GROWTH 1990 and 1992; to date J apa­ will be largely ineffective in nese share prices have yet to controlling inflation. Malaysians, on average, save recover from their lows. 35 per cent of their income PROBLEM OF (through EPF etc.) which is a BUBBLE ECONOMY AVERAGES saving rate much higher than Our government is rightly con­ In Malaysia, inflation appears practically all other countries cerned about a bubble to be under control, at least by barring Singapore. A high sav­ economy characterising the official figures. The rate of ings rate dampens the increase Malaysian situation. To pre­ price increase (about 3.5 per in demand which comes vent such a phenomenon, it is cent officially) is less than half through higher incomes. It also vital that asset inflation, and that of economic expansion allows economic resources to not just consumer inflation be (projected at about nine per go toward investments which increase productivity for the monitored closely. This re­ cent this year). Some may future - allowing for sus­ quires ensuring not only prop­ wonder whether the official tained economic growth with­ erty prices do not go beyond inflation figures truly reflect out undue inflationary pres­ the roof, but also that share the underlying situation. The sure. prices remain realistic. The measurement problem arises government should not be because the official inflation overly concerned about push­ figure is necessarily the aver­ Strict control of monetary ing the share market up despite age for the whole country. Any policy is the other factor that the short-term political mile­ average figure will not repre­ has kept inflation at fairly mod­ age that could be enjoyed from sent the situation for all. Many erate levels. The government a booming market. will find that the prices of does not print money to fmance goods they purchase are rising its spending. This is the root faster than the average infla­ cause of hyperinflation in Over the longer-term, moder­ tion figure for the country. The many other developing na­ ate inflation requires eco­ accuracy of the average infla­ tions. In Malaysia, because a nomic growth to be not above tion figure for the nation be­ large part of the former gov­ levels sustainable by the laws comes hard to determine. ernment services has now been of economics. Anti-inflation­ pri vatised, the spending re­ ary campaigns through the Even if actual inflation is quirement of the government media only tackle the symp­ somewhat higher than the of­ has reduced substantially_. toms of inflation, not the ficial figures, the fact still re- Thus, it can comfortably fi-

A/iran Momhly 1995: 15(8) Page 8 nance the spending require­ growth and productivity im­ appear to be targeting the ments of what remains under provements. symptom rather than the the government. The question causes. If the government of inflationary printing of Controlling inflation is a nec­ wants to ensure that inflation money by the government essary part of a sound eco­ remains under control, it will simply does not arise. nomic policy. But just as dis­ have to ensure economic tortions occur because prices growth is not too rapid. Zero EXTERNAL SHOCKS AND are rising too fast, similar dis­ inflation is certainly possible, SOUND POLICIES tortions will prevail if prices but not if economic growth is are kept down artificially. A pushed above eight per cent for Whether inflation rises de­ campaign to control inflation any sustained period. Therein pends, in our context, on the by reducing spending when lie the true horns our economic rate of economic expansion Malaysians already have a policymakers will have to and on possible external very high savings rate would grapple with. 0 shocks to the economy. The two periods when inflation in Malaysia rose above 10 per ~- ~- ~ ~- -~- - - ~- - -- - ~- cent was when OPEC coun­ tries increased oil prices. Such external shocks leading to higher costs for key products Song of a Detainee of any economy will lead to (in commemoration of the October 27, 1987 Detention) higher inflation. This is largely unforseeable and difficult to We are the detainees of 1987, We're brothers and sisters all, anticipate. We were unafraid to fight against hate, So they put us behind all these walls. The rate of economic expan- I sion, however, is determined We are detainees under the ISA, to a greater extent by the Detained for giving of our best, For being brave to speak out on issues grave, I government's fiscal as op­ l But there're people who want us to be less. posed to monetary policy. The ! key element of fiscal policy in I You on the outside who cherish this land, ! Malaysia is the level of spend­ Please remember our plight on thi~ day, Will you try to reach heights by doing what's right? t ing by the government for in- '1 And never give up on the way? frastructure. Inflation will be kept low in the longer-term You on the outside who cherish this land, only if the government ensures Build a better Malaysia someday, that total demand in the eco­ A country that's great, where there's no hate, nomic system (including its Let's all strive for tomorrow, TODAY. own demand for infrastructure spending) does not rise beyond - lntan Shukri the maximum potential of the .r economy. The economic po­ tential is a function of labour ---

Aliran Monthly /995: 15(8) Page 9 ECONOMY

MALAYSIA'S ECONOMIC PROGRESS : THE OTHER SIDE OF THE c IN

the middle- and upper-middle classes has been steadily in­ While Malaysia basks in the glow of economic creasing. A few have turned prosperity, K GEORGE looks at some of the into millionaires and billion­ social ills that have emerged alongside rapid aires, some of them overnight. development. This article will examine whether this economic devel­ opment is sustainable and dis- or the past eight Nevertheless, the government cuss possible adverse conse­ years, Malaysia has cannot claim exclusive credit quences. !1 been able to sustain - for the economies of other the growth of its economy at countries in the East Asian re­ According to Professor Sham an average of 8.5 per cent per gion too have been doing well. Sani, Vice Chancellor of annum. As a result, the rate of Universiti Kebangsaan Malay­ unemployment has dropped to Foreign capitalists have found sia, economic development three per cent, reflecting full the region sufficiently attrac­ planning must address such is­ employment. The rate of pov­ tive for obtaining higher re­ sues as the environment, "fu­ erty measured absolutely has turns from their investments, turity" and equity - through also declined. what with the facilities and which future generations concessions made available to should be compensated for any Compared with the economic them. So, they invest, make reduction in resources attribut­ performance of some money; in the process, the na­ able to the present generation. industrialised countries in the tion too benefits. Although the past few years, the achieve­ income gap between the rich ENVIRONMENT ment of a developing country and the poor has further wid­ like Malaysia is remarkable. ened, the number of those in Our government has partici-

Aliran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 10 stretch like dirty brown capil­ laries as far as the eye can see.

The 1990 report of the Depart­ ment of Environment discloses that out of 86 Malaysian rivers monitored, 41 were found to be seriously polluted and 14 slightly polluted. It is 1995 now, so we can only guess how Majority of our ri1•ers are polluted many m6re rivers have become pated in a number of environ­ ing of rubbish and so on. Wa~ polluted. mental conferences and has ter pollution is also becoming pledged to protect the envi­ an increasing concern in Ma­ The environment is deteriorat­ ronment. In fact, the govern­ laysia. Incompatible develop­ ing further with the dumping ment has adopted about 43 en­ ment in water catchment areas of sludge and spilling of oil actments and legislation, says and deforestation practices are polluting our seas. Although Sham Sani, adding: "Malay­ contributing to the silting of several laws and regulations sia, in principle, is already our rivers." protect the environment, pollu­ committed to the concept of tion continues to worsen. sustainable development." Ecologically sensitive high­ Where are the enforcers? lands are being used to de­ The need to protect and con­ velop resorts, construct roads The air we breathe is polluted, serve the environment has re­ and fell trees. The temperature the fishes are disappearing ceived emphasis in most of the is rising noticeably even at our from our rivers, and swimming Five-Year Plans of Malaysia. hill resorts, such as Cameron in our seas has become hazard­ We have a Ministry of Sci­ Highlands and Fraser's Hill, ous to our health. We do not ence, Technology and Envi­ because of unplanned and un­ even need a sweater to walk ronment and also a Depart­ restrained development. around our hill resorts any­ ment of Environment. But the more. fact remains that our environ­ The 23 January 1995 issue of ment is becoming more and The Nation, a Thai English When problems of pollution more unfriendly. daily, reported that the Inter­ are brought to the attention of national Tropical Timber the authorities, their standard The 1994 Annual Review of Organisation estimates response is that there are other the World Wildlife Fund, Ma­ Sarawak will have exhausted countries worse off than us. laysia records: "In recent all its primary forests in Jess But such comparisons ring hol­ years, Malaysia has witnessed than 15 years. It also says the low. various forms of increasing rainforests outside the Mulu pollution. Obvious signs of air National Park - in a huge wa­ EROSION OF MORALITY pollution are the haze, smog tershed called the Baram River and smoke from open fires, ve­ Basin - are scarred with hun­ Aggressive and rapid develop­ hicle exhausts, industry, burn- dreds of logging roads, which ment erodes morality. People

Aliran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page II generally become so con- have in Malaysia, illegitimate money politics involving other cerned with materialism that births are generally despised leaders of the party have been they pay little regard to ethics and the stigma associated with flying around. and values. Those who have such births affects mothers and the necessary facilities and children. Money politics does not merely right connections are rushing mean paying money to buy to enrich themselves. They That is not all. This country is votes to get elected to leader­ will resort to unethical prac- also saddled with the problem ship. Gifts, free holiday trips, tices to realise their goals and of "bohsia" and "bohjan". To offers of political patronage are ambitions. The fact that more counter it, the government has all part and parcel of this game millionaires and billionaires set up Rakan Muda. Will it - powerful weapons to in­ have been emerging over the succeed? PAS does not think duce elected representatives of past few years bears witness so, unless the structure of the the people to betray their party to the decline in ethical stan- organisation is changed. and cross-over. Money poli­ dards. tics has even overthrown an According to press reports, elected government, as was the Workers - male and female - drug addiction has been rising case in Sabah recently. leave their homes for urban ar- again. Many youths from ru­ eas in search of greener pas- ral areas have become victims Money politics is not a recent tures. Confronted by an unfa- of this very serious menace. phenomenon. It has been miliar and unfriendly environ- Along with this, an illegal around for many years. The ment, they are soon attracted group known as "Guests Re­ only difference is that it has to pubs, discos and shopping lation Officers" (GRO) has become more pronounced and arcades.Pimps lure some into mushroomed in various parts has started affecting UMNO the sex trade, many others take of our cities and towns. It is Baru itself at all levels. to drugs. The worst victims are running a thriving business. I female employees. Although am not fully aware of the ac­ Tajuddin is accused of spend­ nobody seems to have any sta- tivities the group engages in. ing RM6 million to buy votes. tistics, illegal abortion is ram- In spite of the mandatory death If this is true, one can only pant. More and more new- penalty, drug-trafficking has wonder how many more mil­ horns are abandoned. Some of not abated. lions were spent in party elec­ them starve and die, while the tions, involving even higher lucky ones are saved. But what MONEY POLITICS officers. Money politics about the mothers of these in- loomed supreme during the fants? The guilt and agony that On Sunday, 16 July, The Sun's three-day UMNO Baru assem­ lurk in their minds is perpetual front page headline carried the bly in November 1993, follow­ and they carry these emotions news that the RM6 million ing party elections earlier that for the rest of their lives. Why man, Tajuddin Rahman, was year. This ugly disease has af­ do they abandon their babies? sacked from membership of flicted the body politic of Ma­ Unlike their counterparts in UMNO Baru, by its supreme laysia and has been spreading Western countries, they are council for alleged involve­ like cancer. Malaysian women. Given the ment in money politics. In the cultures and traditions that we wake of this, accusations of Make no mistake. Money poli-

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 12 tics is a dirty game. It will boo­ appear to have any effect on activities. merang. Some of the elected them. Within two years we leaders in Kelantan and Sabah, were informed of the RM2.5 The scandals have not stopped. who had sold their souls and billion BMF scandal. Since We now know that one can buy betrayed their respective par­ then, a series of corruption and a "kopi lesen" for a price. Some ties were shown the door by fraud cases have surfaced. (For officers of the RTD are said to the electorate in the April 1995 a list of these, see Aliran be involved in this racket in general election. Monthly 1995: 15(3).) collaboration with driving schools. The Sun reported that Dr Mahathir says: "If UMNO Incidentally, Samy Vellu is re­ to overcome the problem, the becomes dirt, people will not ported to be still under inves­ ACA would be holding a support us any more" (The tigation by the ACA for alleg­ month-long programme soon Sun, 16 July 1995). He is the edly hijacking nine million "to educate RTD officers on Prime Minister and the leader. Telekom shares. In spite of ob­ the evils of corruption" I sup­ If he believes in what he says, taining more concrete evi­ pose that the RTD officers are he has to do more than amend­ dence, the ACA appears to not aware that corruption is ing the party constitution. Leg­ have not yet finalised its inves­ evil! islation must be introduced to tigation after almost three punish both the giver and the years. After realising that "fear of taker. God" has not worked, our Match-fixing has spread. Prime Minister now says: "In Money politics is one of the Many of our footballers have the Western countries corrup­ side-effects of our economic been on the take. Twenty-one tion is worse than here. Many growth. It is a kind of forward of them have been banished; of their ministers are corrupt, investment - indeed a risky more than 60 have been including their Prime gamble. But if you succeed, banned from playing for sev­ Minister"(The Star, July 25 the system of capitalism Ma­ eral months and years. Why 1995). laysia practises will offer you they have not been charged in enough opportunity to earn court in spite of their confes­ Indulgence in gambling has much more than what you had sions and other evidence is drastically increased over the spent. anybody's guess. Are we to past few years. Millions of our infer that some "dignitaries" CORRUPTION AND FRAUD people-from the youth to old are also involved? ladies and men, regardless of When Dr Mahathir took over ethnic origin and religion - the reins of this nation in July In the wake of this scandal, we gamble in the vain hope of 1981, a reporter asked him are told that some of the head­ making a quick buck. Seldom how he intended to tackle the masters are corrupt. In defend­ do the losers retreat; they lose problem of bribery and corrup­ ing them, the general secre­ more money. Disgusted, they tion. He was reported to have tary of the National resort to questionable methods replied he would do every­ Union of the Teaching to cover-up the losses. It is thing possible to curb the men­ Profession(NUTP) says our reaching dangerous levels. ace including instilling the politicians are also corrupt. He Come to think of it, is playing "fear of God" in the culprits. does not think headmasters are in the share market any differ­ But the fear of God did not indulging in any kind of shady ent?

A/iran Monthly /995: 15(8) Page 13 These are some of the adverse unorganised workers persists. forcement of the law is lax. As repercussions of our "eco­ The vast majority of illegal im­ a result, occupational hazards nomic success" and the capi­ migrants are not only paid low and occupational diseases are talist system. There are, of wages but also denied statu­ increasing. course, many more, like the tory benefits such as overtime recent disclosure in the Press payment, sick leave, medical According to official statistics, that for a queue number in the care, maternity leave, annual 122,688 industrial accidents Registration Office in Taiping, leave and public holidays. and 644 deaths occurred in one has to pay RM20, and that Their living conditions are 1994. If enforcement officers too through a travel agent. extremely unhealthy. had been carrying out the du­ ties entrusted to them effi­ Along with the country's pros­ Admittedly, some foreign ciently and honestly, many of perity therefore, greed and ma­ workers have been causing the accidents could have been terialism now prevails. People social and health problems, avoided. As for occupational are pursuing money at all and indulging in criminal ac­ diseases, no figures are avail­ costs. In this rat race, ethics tivities. Nevertheless, it must able. However, it is widely and values are discarded. The be recognised that these work­ known that pollution in certain Ends justify the Means. ers leave their country and factories has resulted in an in­ family for foreign countries creasing number of cases of PLIGHT OF WORKERS because they cannot get a job bronchitis, asthma, gradual in their own country. There are blindness/deafness and allergic The estimated number of several syndicates to which conditions among workers. workers in Malaysia in 1995 they pay handsome amounts to is around 7.8 million. At least enter Malaysia illegally. The a million of them are foreign­ authorities are fully aware of Another serious problem is the ers, including a few hundred the situation. So, for a change, harassment of women workers thousand illegal immigrants. the organisers of these syndi­ for sexual favours. Having Our workers, by and large, are cates must be caught and pun­ been deprived of trade union literate, intelligent and produc­ ished in accordance with the protection, these women are tive. laws. subjected to various forms of victimisation until they give in The industries and business Besides, it is an offence for an or quit. concerns have been raking in employer to engage a foreign huge profits. However, the worker without a work permit. The one and only organisation wage structure and treatment But hundreds, perhaps thou­ that is capable of tackling the of the workers leave much to sands, of employers commit problems mentioned above is be desired, especially when this offence with impunity. the trade union. Where there is there are no trade unions to Hardly anyone is ever charged no union, facilities must be ac­ cater for them. On the other in court. corded to establish it. Foreign hand, management personnel workers with work permits enjoy very high remuneration Coming back to the plight of should be allowed to join the and many fringe benefits. the workers, it is well known union, which in tum will en­ that safety precautions in most sure that no illegal immigrants Widespread exploitation of work-sites are inadequate. En- are employed.

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 14 What right have we to glorify and Pizza Hut! What more ions, eating out, etc lead to our economic success, if proof does one need to under­ debts. Budgeting goes haywire. wealth is not equitably shared stand the effect of aggressive Peace at home is disrupted. among the workers, who have advertisements. Mental strain develops. No equally contributed to wonder an estimated one mil­ progress along with capital It does not stop with all these lion Malaysians are mentally and management? It is time gimmicks. Hire purchase and unsound according to the Min­ the government recognises the credit facilities are readily of­ ister of Welfare and National fact that labour is an equal fered. Finance companies and Unity. partner in industry and that banks issue credit cards. without labour, capital can URBAN DEVELOPMENT produce nothing. Nowadays, eating out has be­ come a vogue. Cooking at Our cities and towns are be­ LIFE-STYLE home has become a rarity, coming congested with high even though all the necessary rise buildings, condominiums As the economy progresses, it gadgets are available for easy and flats. is inevitable that the life-style and fast cooking. Senior phy­ Kuala Lumpur, for example, is of the people also changes. But sician at the KL Hospital, Dr a concrete jungle. Recently there must be proper planning Ismail Marican, says obesity some Malaysian and foreign and control. is becoming a worrying trend, architects were frank enough to because of changes in people's call KL a "city of mediocrity". Over the past few years, the dietary habits, and this can An estimated 800,000 cars en­ number of middle- and upper­ lead to strokes, high blood ter the city daily,and this fig­ middle-class Malaysians has pressure, diabetes, etc. increased, leading to increased ure is growing by 11 per cent (Asiaweek, 14 July 1995). The purchasing power among The handphone is very useful population has increased to 1.3 Malaysians. Consumers are at­ for busy business people who million compared to 900,000 in tracted to luxury goods and ar­ are usually on the move. But 1980. Now, 20,000 taxis ply ticles through persistent and now it is becoming fashion­ the streets. In KL, 620 vehicles impressive advertisements, able for people who have little fill each kilometre of road com­ exhibitions and demonstra­ use of it to carry one around. tions. Shopping complexes pared to 214 in Singapore and 266 in Hong Kong. The only and malls, supermarkerts and The Television, radio, news­ consolation is that KL is better departmental stores are papers and magazines earn off than Bangkok(695) and brought closer to our homes. millions from advertisements, Jakarta(840). Cheap sales, free gifts and at­ while the manufacturers and tractive "prizes" worsen the their outlets charge problem. exhorbitant prices; and the More 80-90 storeyed buildings consumers pay for the product. are under construction. The price we have to pay for this If ever I invite my grandchil­ so-called development: traffic dren to eat out, they only know Indulging in hire-purchase, jams, sweat, stress, loss of three places - Kentucky carelessly using credit cards, man-hours and pollution. Ma­ Fried Chicken, McDonalds succumbing to the latest fash- laysia is fortunate to have over

A/iran Monthly 199): 15(8) Page 15 320,000 sq krn of land. Why After the 1991 amendment to sity hospitals are lacking in fa­ then do we need to congest our the Land Acquisition Act, cilities. But it is a question of cities? thousands of people have been "prestige"! dislocated and their land ac- Malaysia never had condo- quired against their will and Health-care is the social re­ miniums before and we do not handed over to well-connected sponsibility of the government. need them now. This is a new and influential investors. Even But our political elites are plan­ development, which Malay- some schools in KL, Ipoh, ning to corporatise the medical sian developers have copied Seremban etc are earmarked to services. If they do so, it will from the West and Japan, be relocated to make way for be most unjust and unkind. where land is scarce. Now it private sector projects. And According to the general sec­ has become part of the life- yet, we have not come across retary of the MMA, Dr P style of wealthy people. They a single instance of the gov­ Krishnan, the vast majority of seem to prefer condominiums, ernment acquiring a golf plantation workers still do not and pay anything from course! Why? have access to basic health-care 300,000 to a million ringgit for facilities in spite of the 1990 one rather than the same DETERIORATING Workers Minimum Standards amount for a bungalow with HEALTH CARE of Housing and Amenities Act. shady trees in the garden. Another urban development is This is because of the lack of the establishment of private enforcement and failure of the Another offshoot of our eco­ hospitals, usually known as Minister concerned to gazette nomic prosperity is the golf "medical centres." Kumpulan the regulations even after five course. Golf is a rich person's Perubatan Johor is the leader years. The plight of the rural game; it is very expensive. in this enterprise, with nine poor is much the same as far Golf has become very popu­ centres already operating and as medical care is concerned. lar because of media promo­ four more under construction. tion; it also presents opportu­ The fees some of these centres Is it due to pressure from the nities to rub shoulders with charge are, to say the least, planters that the Minister is still wealthy and well-placed frightening. A liver transplant delaying the introduction of the people such as ministers, top costs RM200,000 including regulations? ci vii servants and corporate after-care. May the Almighty bigwigs. spare us from the need for such A CARING SOCIETY a transplant. A hundred of these courses dot Growth in the economy can the country already; and many In the early days, these hospi­ only be described as a success more will soon be developed. tals catered to the very if it is associated with Environmentalists say golf wealthy. But the attitude of the sustainability, environmental courses cause pollution. A lot people has now changed. Even protection, social justice and of land is required for golf a middle-class patient prefers the rule of law. courses- land which could a medical centre for an ordi- be better used for constructing nary problem such as a virus Free enterprise should be tern­ low-cost houses and public attack. It is not that our gov- pered with social reforms and parks. ernment hospitals and univer- political liberalisation. Steps

A/iran Monthly /995: 15(8) Page 16 must be taken to ensure equi­ be reduced. Propagation of ity and capacity to safeguard table distribution of our en­ religion will only be effec­ the interests of the working larging economic cake. Some tive, provided the leaders people. If the government form of control over advertis­ set an example by adhering wants to promote a caring so­ ing is needed. It is hypocriti­ to the common tenets and ciety for our eight million cal to ask people not to smoke, teachings of our spiritual workers and their families, it when at the same time all the faiths. must openly encourage and fa­ brands of cigarettes are ex­ cilitate the strengthening of the posed to full view over TV. When workers are ex­ labour movement. Advice to save money will ploited, we must not forget have little effect, when people they are our people. When Finally, let us appeal to the are seduced to buy unneces­ female employees are ha­ Government to discard the sary luxury goods through ad­ rassed for sexual favours, Bakun Dam project in the in­ vertising. we must remember they are terest of the environment, of our sisters, our daughters, the people affected and of the The whole nation must be our mothers. consumers - because of the drawn to the concept of a car­ risk involved. Think too, of the ing society so that deprivation, The trade union is the only future. 0 · privatisation and poverty can institution that has the abil-

--- -·-~ - IF I LET THE CATTLE OUT I SHOULD NO LONGER BE ABLE TO MILK THEM

see mankind as a herd of cattle inside a fenced enclosure. Outside the fence are green pastures with plenty for the cattle to eat, while inside the fence there is not quite grass enough for the cattle. Consequently the • cattle are trampling underfoot what little grass there is and goring each other to death in their struggle for existence. I saw the owner of the herd come to them and when he saw their pitiable condition he was filled with compassion for i them, and thought of what he could do to improve their condition. So he called his friends together and asked them to assist him in cutting the grass from outside the ! . fence and throwing it over the fence to the cattle. And they called that charity. Then, because the calves were dying off and not growing into serviceable cattle, he arranged that they should each have a pint of milk every morning for breakfast. Because they were dying off in the cold night he put up beautiful well~drained and well~ventilated cow sheds for the cattle. Because they were goring each other in the struggle for existence he put corks on the horns of the cattle so that the wounds they gave each other might not be so serious. Then he reserved a part of the enclosure for the old bulls and the old cows over seventy years of age. In fact, he did everything he could do to improve the conditions of the cattle. And when they asked him why he did not do the one obvious thing ~ break down the fences and let the cattle out ~ he answered, 'If I let the cattle out, I should no longer be able to milk them.'

in a pamphlet to the Working Classes of all Nations Tolstoy

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A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 18 REFLECTIONS Acts of God: The religiosity of the East? Act of God or human folly? mance of the country, with a nod towards God. But when it comes to floods, or landslides, many in authority are happy to pass it off on God, and deny human responsibility.

ecently, Malaysians have noted that we are quite But there was a time, not so have been victims ready to deny human respon­ long ago, when disasters were to a series of disas­ sibility and claim divine inter­ seen as a sign from God that ters which have been put down vention when it comes to di­ humans were not up to the to acts of God. Is this attribu­ sasters. Contrarywise, when it mark, were falling short of their tion of the cause of these di­ comes to successes - then it responsibility to God. But sasters a manifestation of the is a case of human interven­ equally, it was held that when religiosity of the East which tion, with divine blessing. humans lived up to their re­ distinguishes it from the secu­ sponsibilities, it was matched larism of the West? Thus, the government is more by beneficent acts of God. than happy to claim responsi­ An attentive person would bility for the economic perfor- Acts of God, then, were not

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 19 displeasure, or they could be generalized. In which case, the persons bearing the suffer­ ing might not be the perpetra­ tors themselves. In the latter cases, these generalized visi­ tations served to remind all that they were indeed respon­ sible for the acts of their fel­ low humans in so far as they did nothing about them.

Highland Towers tragedy : Yet another "act of God"? The operative world view then was one in which all things deeds that had nothing to do God that were a warning, and were inter-connected and, ul­ with humans; rather the oppo- when warnings failed, an out­ timately, connected to God. site, acts of God were pre- right punishment. Curiously, it is environmen­ cisely because of the deeds of talists, or religious extremists humans. Good and proper Depending on the religious - both among our most deeds were returned with acts tradition, such acts of warning, favourite terms of opprobrium of God that were beneficent; or of outright punishment, today - who retain some­ bad and improper deeds were could be visited on the perpe­ thing of this notion of the in­ likewise returned with acts of tnitors of the deeds that caused ter-connectedness of the world. Genting Landslide Our current conception of acts This is no gethsemane. Trees hacked down yesterday of God, however, has more to were raised as vertical crosses. do with the insurance view of And twenty were crucified the world. In insurance par­ as mercenaries cast losts lance, acts of God are for mud-spattered garments. occurences for which one can­ Long before rigor mortis set in the high priest of gambling not claim insurance coverage callously declared that there were -things beyond the control alternate routes to his temple! of humans. Thus, no self-re­ specting insurance company God cried rivers of blood. would pay out if one's car Mountains cried landslides. And in the bowels of the hills were crushed by a tree in a echoed the fatuou s cry, thunderstorm, or wrecked in "It is an act of god." a flood. This is Eden lost. This is genting. Is this then the religiosity of

- Jaya, KL the East today- an insurance view of the world?

A/iran Monthlv / 995: 15(8) Page 20 intentions (or should we say ambitions?) employing the ex­ cuse that he was merely abid­ ing to the wishes of his sup­ porters.

The second reason is far more intriguing. Apparently, the Umno Baru supreme council meeting had not touched on the issue of contests for the top two posts at all. The discus­ sion had centred. mainly on the STORM ON THE paper stuck to the rather bland contentious elections now tak­ HORIZON? announcement there was no ing place at division and misunderstanding between the branch levels. Then, when the A newspaper called it the mil­ two top guys, which by the reporters came in to ask their lion dollar question. Consid­ way, is a line that goes back questions, Mahathir had quite ering the extent to which the some two years.) suddenly, and without warn­ Umno Baru rank and file is ing, announced that the party's prepared to go in securing But any relief that the country two top positions would not be party positions, we are in­ would not be racked by elec­ contested. Naturally, his clined to believe that more tion fever again (Umno Baru deputy could not do anything than one million dollars is in­ elections are also more intense else but agree. Anwar, as they volved. The question, of than national elections), was say, didn't know what hit him. course, pertains to the top short-lived. Within days there posts in next year's Umno was speculation that Anwar Since then, Tok Mat, the Min­ Baru election, which by all in­ had not really meant what he ister of Propaganda, oops, In­ dications, seems set to be an­ said. There are several reasons formation, has seen it fit to is­ other bruising political expe­ for such cruel doubt about the sue a statement to the effect rience. man once considered the shin- that the issue was indeed dis­ ing hope of all idealistic cussed by the supreme coun­ The day after the Umno Baru youths. cil. But it's doubtful that he, supreme council meeting of all people, will be able to (which, whether one likes it or First, there was the suspicion convince many. In the mean­ not, has come to overshadow that he would pull off a Ghafar time, Anwar chose to blame the more important Cabinet stunt, by which we mean the the "politically bankrupt" and meeting), almost every news­ way he had done Ghafar in "mentally-ill" for rumours that paper, with the exception of during the 1993 Umno Baru he harbours intentions to one closely affiliated to Anwar election. He had then stead- move into the top seat sooner Ibrahim, carried the headline fastly maintained that he than Mahathir is prepared to that there would be no contest would not go for the No 2 post surrender it. for the top two posts in Umno and then, days before the close Baru. (The Anwar-affiliated of nominations he declared his Perhaps he ought to look at

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15 (8) Page 21 history, particularly, his own repeat of what had happened friends and we work together." history, before accusing oth­ in the 1986 fight with Well, at least he did not go as ers. Shortly after he joined Razaleigh when he had come far as a hug. The last time he Umno in the early eighties, he close to losing despite receiv­ hugged someone as a sign of challenged the incumbent ing an overwhelming. number pal-ship, it turned out to be a Suhaimi for the Umno Youth of nominations. death hug (in a political sense). chairman's post despite pro­ In the meantime, we can expect fessing disinterest earlier on. Ghafar, who also played a part that politicking will consume But no other incident has been in pushing for the bonus votes, Umno Baru leaders more and more damning on the credibil­ was the first victim and it is more as November 1996 draws ity of this ambitious man than evident that Mahathir does not nearer. Less work will be done his tum-about against Ghafar relish being the second. His as Umno Baru ministers spend Baba two years ago. move this time around seems their time campaigning and aimed at the very real possibil­ there is every reason for us to But the biggest indictment ity that Anwar may replace expect them to draw on public that his political promises are him on the sheer strength of facilities for their bid to real not worth very much these nominations alone. After all, power, as positions in Umno days comes not from "the po­ Anwar's boys and supporters Baru really are. litically bankrupt or mentally­ are still campaigning for their ill" but from his own party boss to move up despite deni­ boss. While Anwar was away als and even orders for them HELL AND HIGH WATER in New York, Mahathir an­ to stop doing so. nounced, after the latest su­ preme council meeting, that Mahathir's latest political First, there was the mother of an ad-hoc committee would manoeuvre also seem to reaf­ blackouts, then the deluge. The be set up to review the party firm the perception that he is Gods, many Penangites have constitution (the man seems to preparing to fight for his po­ come to think, must be angry. treat his party constitution the litical survival. This global fig­ Since the general election in way he treats the country's ure may be losing his grip at April, Penang has suffered a se­ constitution). home although he has the ries of calamities that certain world at his feet. He is also evi­ politicians like to classify as The review would include a dently not confident that the acts of God. The more imagi­ relook of the bonus vote sys­ grassroots will obey his wish native think the state govern­ tem and therein lies the hint to stick to "tradition" nor of his ment is being punished for all that the man is not ready to go ability to rise to the challenge the dirty tricks- like dozens of and that if he has to go, then it should his deputy choose to families registered in one will be with his boots on, as "abide by the wishes" of his house - that were employed they say in the wild, wild west. supporters (again!). during the general election. The irony here, of course, is Thus, the blackout was to lend that Mahathir was behind the It was also with that old famil­ a taste of hell and the flood to introduction of I 0 bonus votes iar feeling that many of us read wash away the in . Mo t for every nomination for the Mahathir's way of describing people who suffered during the posts of president and deputy his relationship with Anwar: blackout would agree it wa president. He hadn't wanted a "We are pals. We are good hell, but they are not so sure

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 22 that the floods will wash away were genuinely solicitous of fact, a good many people think the sins which seem to be a by­ their constituents. Then again, he is a murderer although the product of the way the busi­ if they were indeed genuine in jury acquitted him of killing his ness of politics is done here. their concern, they could have wife and her lover. Perhaps its quietly visited the patients worth remembering that the LEECH PROFESSIONS with gifts of fruit and flowers middle class simply has better instead of arriving at, what is means of keeping their skel­ Lawyers and journalists be­ after all, a place of recupera­ etons in the cupboard than long to what has become tion with a noisy convoy of those with less means. known as leech professions. It journalists and cameramen. i not so much the fact that There is little doubt that some POWER MOVES l they feed on the woes and trag­ of these patients must have felt edie of people, but the way the same way as those who The tribal peoples living in the they go about it. In that sense, have had occasion to find a vicinity of the biggest hydro­ I they can now welcome an­ leech greedily sucking on their electric dam ever to be built in other members of another pro­ blood - disgust. this country have been de­ fe sion to their fold - the poli­ scribed as unreasonable for ticians whose modus operandi l __STEREOTYPING their reluctance to be relocated. have become brazen attempts The more vocal objectors were at publicity and self-promo­ "Face of a child abuser". That labelled anti-development. The tion. Take for instance, the was how a newspaper de­ NGOs, to whom the inhabit­ shooting incident in Ipoh re­ scribed a construction worker ants turned for help (since even cently. Two people died and convicted of physically abus­ their wakil rakyat have been several were injured and ing his 12-year-old daughter. sold on the idea of the dam), ho pitalised by a policeman The report was also accompa­ were condemned as trouble­ run amok. nied by a photograph of the makers. aggressor who to all intents For several days after that poli- and purposes seemed to fit the The Sarawak government i tician made the most of the conventional image of child treats the people living in the incident, flocking to visit the abusers -gaunt, bearded, bar­ Belaga area the way it has injured with cameramen in ing his teeth and shabbily treated the rainforests - to be tow and issuing statements dressed. In that sense, the sawn and shipped at its conve­ none of which were very help­ newspapers, may have done nience. The authorities, which ful as to how a similar incident the issue of child abuse a have bent over backwards to could be avoided in future. disfavour by reinforcing a ste­ accommodate the proponents New papers carried pictures reotype. of the Bakun Dam (even to the of politicians crowded around extent of backdating the the bed of the injured, poking Abusers, whether of children amendment of the law), seem their fingers into their wounds, or women, are not necessarily less willing to be as generous and their own faces into the low-income earners or shab­ to the residents. It is only natu­ cameras. bily dressed. O.J. Simpson, ral for people who have lived one of the most good-looking for generations in the forests to There is, of course, the possi- and well-heeled men in be apprehensive about moving bility that these politicians America, is a wife-beater. In to a completely new locality

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 23 where they have to lead a to­ claim with a sniff, is far supe­ poverty, alcoholism, and poor tally new way of life. rior to the Umno stud in terms education among Indians. The of endurance. Of late, their MIC Youth (although some For these tribal peoples, mov­ swagger has become even doubt that the wing actually ing out of the rainforests more pronounced. Their men, exists or does anything useful) would be equivalent to, say, they trumpet this time around, immediately announced the the residents of Penang island are far more civilised than setting up of a nationwide task being asked to relocate en those in Umno Baru. After all, force comprising professionals masse to the Klang Valley so they say, no member has ever and white and blue-collar that their island could be used tried to strangle another with workers to curb such social ills. for the benefit of the nation. a telephone cord. At most, it It was as though this was a new One would hardly expect the had been a few chairs and and shining revelation. How­ Penang islanders to take such punches thrown. ever, it is quite likely that we an order sitting down even shall not be hearing from this though opportunities in the But Umno Baru, they say with task force until the next earth­ Klang valley are much better a condescending shake of the shattering announcement about and it is a way of life they head, has gone down the drain, the Malaysian-Indian commu­ could easily adapt to. In fact, a statement accompanied with nity. the government of Koh Tsu a thumps-down sign. How Koon would collapse and it's quickly success goes to the Frankly, if the MIC had been a wonder that Taib Mahmud's head in more ways than one? sincere or determined to tackle is still standing given the way But the truth is, MIC is indeed its own community's prob­ he treats his people! looking good considering lems, it would have done so some of the gangsterish acts long ago. It does not need Bakun, said Taib Mahmud, going on in Umno Baru. In Megat Junid, arguably one of will turn Sarawak into a pow­ fact, an MIC leader was said the most ineffectual members erhouse. What he should have to have advised Mahathir to of the cabinet, to tell Indians added is that the dam may also avoid distributing anything that all is not well with them­ tum Sarawak's first family into mobile, not even briefcases, to selves. The party meets at ven­ one of the wealthiest and most their delegates at next year's ues that grow more luxurious powerful families in the coun­ party assembly. every year but the kind of prob­ try and perhaps even in this lems articulated about the com­ part of the world as those who However, before Samy munity sounds frighteningly have read about Taib's two Vellu's head grows too big, he familiar, as though played from sons would be aware. ought to be reminded that there a 20-year-old record. This more than 1,000 Indian gangs alone · would tell us that MIC CIVILISED, AT LAST! in the country. This was re­ leaders are mostly all talk and vealed by Megat Junid during no action and the party a self­ MIC leaders are walking with a narcotics seminar organised preserving mechanism that a certain swagger these days. by the MIC. Penang and leeches on the community. Initially, it was because they Kedah topped the list as the states witt} the most number of could lay claim to the most -by NNP infamous sex stud in the coun­ such gangs. The formation of try. Their man, they would such gangs was attributed to

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 24 AN APPEAL

ALIRANA·"~~Mti- needs a home Aliran 's Building Fund

n t"o more years ALIRAN "111 be "'ent) years old For the first SC'\en ca~ Ahran funct10ncd from members' homes Sm 1984 Ahran has been lcad1ng a nomad1 ex­ Istence mo,1ng from one rented prem1sc to another In fact. dunn the last four )car I Ala ran has moved three times' Bcs1d bcang vef) disruptive. 11 has also been expcns1vc a th rent kept an rc.asang from R.\.1400 an 1989 to RM580 an 1991 and RM8 0 prescntJ)

Ahran has dcc1ded that ~l: need a place of our o"n "here "e \\Ill be permanentl~ based Ahran has finall) dec1dcd to bu) and build our o"n place To do th1s Ahran nccd.s your generous support AJ1ran has suffic1ent funds to bll) a mall p1ecc of land but not enough to put up the bu1ldang We need approx1matel} RM 150.000 o'er the next two years to cover the bwldmg cost

Ahran would be very grateful 1f )OU could donate tO\\ards our bu1ldang fund We depend cntarcl on people hkc you. concerned c1tuen and "ell-" 1 hers "hO chen h and champ1on the same 1dcals and asp1ratJon as Ahran · Help us to serve you better Please make a contnbutJon A fneod of ALIRAN as a fnend of truth and JUSUce

./~ P. ~akrisba'an ) Pr? tdenr. AURA.\' r------, I ~1sh to donate RM ______to Ahran Bu1ldm~ l-und b\ cuh cheque dratl MC) PO No ------

Nam~ : Mr Mr M1s Mdm ______

Add~ : ______

Plea~ smd vour donatJon to The Trusuru AURAN BUILDING FUND P 0 BOX 1049 108J0 PENANG MALAYSIA L------~

Aliran Monthly /995: 15(8) Page 25 concerned that this has not been shown to be so in its handling of the case of Irene Fernandez from Tenaganita, who is now being in­ vestigated in relation to her report regarding the alleged death of over 40 Bangladeshi immigrant workers while in custody.

We welcome letters from readers. These may be edited for purposes of space The matter reported by Irene and clarity. The views may not be those of ALIRAN MONTHLY. Pseudonyms are accepted but all letters should include the writer's name and address. Letters Fernandez is very serious and should preferably be typewritten with double spacing; If handwritten they should merits attention; it is also of pub­ be legible. Letters should be addressed to the Editor, ALIRAN MONTHLY. lic concern here and overseas. The police should have immediately gravy train! investigated it. Instead, in the past LLA CK ~ REFLEXIVITY ~ there appeared to be attempts Look at the sanctimonious cries from the Home Ministry and the We refer to the advertisement for by the Barisan-owned newspa­ police to deny or downplay the al­ the "Reflexe Contour" gel by pers these days over the leged deaths. We cannot under­ Lancome which appeared in The bureaucrat's proven ineptitude on stand why attention should now Star (19 August 1995), pages 6 environmental desecration! The be turned to Irene Fernandez. As and 7. It is a blatant use of the newspapers have always sup­ already pointed out by the joint female anatomy and it also vio­ ported the government's plans to statement of the 30 odd NGOs, lates local cultural sensitivity. It develop anything in this country, the police is trying to assume the verges on the obscene. from polluting factories to envi­ roles of persecutor and judge. ronmental disasters like Bakun We do not feel that there is any Dam and branded as traitors There is a need for the authorities need for us tore-inscribe the im­ those who objected to these gar­ to be more human in their treat­ age by describing it. However, gantuan projects! ment of those imprisoned, de­ we strongly urge that the mass­ tained or held in custody for one media vet their advertising ma­ Today, these hypocrites are ask­ reason or another, irrespective of terials. ing the Malaysian public not to their backgrounds. Rather than forget easily such tragedies as the acting in the way they have done, Advertisements which anatomize Highland Towers collapse and the authorities concerned should and therefore dehumanize human the Genting landslide. have taken seriously the beings (whether male or female) Tenaganita report. Now that it should not be allowed. "A.B. " appears that the police cannot be lpoh truly fair, PRM calls for an inde­ Associate Professor Wong Soak Koon pendent Special Investigation Dr Hajah Fatimah Busu Committee to be formed by gov­ Dr Hajar Abdul Rahim Special Investigation Penang Committee Needed ernment to look into all aspects l --;;...J of the whole matter and report to Parliament. The police must always be and Hypocrisy seems to be an ac­ appear to be fair and just when This issue has brought to focus cepted norm for many who are handling members of the public. again the plights of migrant work­ part and parcel of the Barisan's Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) is ers in this country, and the status,

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 26 rights, protection and safety that Tenaganita is totally without jus­ deaths and abuse of migrants at should be accorded to them. We tification and smacks of intimi­ detention centres. The police appreciate that the government dation. seem to be swift in conducting has been trying to do its best and investigations on the basis of the has improved some conditions of The Bar Council is deeply per­ report of criminal defamation the migrant workers, especially turbed that as a result of the po­ made by Supt Abdul Malek Jano as regards the process of their lice report against Tenaganita, rather than on the findings of entry into this country. Neverthe­ the focus of public attention has Tenaganita as stated in our Memo­ less, a thorough study should be now been diverted from the ap­ randum on Abuse, Torture and undertaken. in order to help gov­ palling conditions and deaths at Deaths of Migrants at Detention ernment formulate an all-encom­ the Immigration Detention Cen­ Centres. pas ing policy regarding them. tres to the possible prosecution of Tenaganita for criminal defa­ Reports and statements in the Dr S1ed Husin Ali mation. media in the last few weeks, tend PR.\t President Kuala Lumpur to ind:cate that I, as Director of The expose of the conditions, Tenaganita, who released the abuses, maltreatment and deaths findings, have been evading the lnve5tigating Tenaganita in the said Detention Camps was police. These statements made for Criminal Defamation done in the lawful discharge of both by the Inspector General of Tenaganita's public and civic ob­ Police and the Deputy Minister of ligations. As such the Bar Coun­ Home Affairs give the impression ' The Malaysian Bar views with cil will provide full legal assis­ that I have been uncooperative in grave concern the turn of events tance to any officer ofTenaganita assisting the police in their inves­ which has resulted in Tenaganita in the event he/she is charged tigations. This is indeed untrue. now being the subject o~ a crimi­ with criminal defamation or any nal investigation because of their other 'offence' consequent upon After our release of our findings report on the conditions and their report. in the media and our memoran­ deaths at the Immigration Deten­ dum sent to the relevant authori­ tion Centres in Semenyih and The Malaysian Bar also calls ties, Tenaganita held a dialogue other places. upon the Government to imme­ with Supt Ahmad Shukor from diately conduct an independent the IGP's Secretariat on 15 Au­ The criminal investigation is the open inquiry into Tenaganita's gust at Tenaganita's office. At the outcome of a police report lodged allegations of abuse, maltreat­ dialogue, we clarified with Supt by Supt Abdul Malek Jano, com­ ment and deaths in the said de­ Shukor our findings and how we manding officer of the 4th Bat­ tention camps. had conducted the interviews with talion Police Field Force against the migrant workers. Tenaganita for criminal defama­ Hendon Mohamed tion. Presidenr Malaysian Bar However, the Police have curi­ ously remained silent about their In light of the Government's re­ meeting with Tenaganita and cent admission of some 50 deaths Set Up Independent thereby have given the impres­ in Semenyih and the other Immi­ Commission sions that Tenaganita is refusing gration Detention Camps and the to cooperate. This is blatantly Prime Minister's promise of an untrue. The defamation report independent inquiry (if neces­ Tenaganita is shocked and angry was made while I was in Beijing sary) into the said deaths, the cur­ over the turn of events related to for the Fourth World Conference rent criminal investigation of the release of our findings on the on Women. Furthermore I had al-

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 27 ready committed myself to speak line of action in the Hotel and participate at the Third In­ r--- Death Threats l Metropole scandal which seems ternational Conference on Aids l Against Journalist to ( 1) pacify the PHT and all other in Asia-Pacific in Chiengmai concerned persons by trying to get from 17 -21 September 1995. the maximum fine of RM50,000 I welcome the call by Datuk Seri imposed on Dolphin Square and On my return from Beijing I sent S Samy Vellu for an end to the (2) approve Dolphin's plan for a a letter to Supt Abu Bakar of debate on remarks made by multi-storey structure on the Bukit Aman, giving him the date Universiti Malaya Professor Dr grounds that it complies with the and time, that is, 26 September K Thilagavathy in my article en­ rules! 1995 at 10.00 am at Bukit Aman, titled "What price a man?" that for me to meet with him to fa­ was published in The Sun on 3 If I may borrow a minister's re­ cilitate the investigations. At no September 1995. cent words, this is mockery of the time did the police issue me a highest order. By this line of ac­ deadline, as stated in the press. Nevertheless, I believe that Samy tion the MPPP is plainly extend­ Therefore, the statements and the should apologise for turning this ing an open invitation to devel­ impressions given in the media into an issue which has drawn a opers to be bold and go ahead and that I am being evasive and un­ number of death threats against demolish any heritage buildings cooperative is not only untrue but me. that they have set their eyes on, mischievous and a patent attempt then submit plans that meet the to discredit me and the This included a vicious phone MPPP's rules. They can rest as­ organisation. call from a man who gave his sured that their plans will be ap­ name and identified himself as a proved. Tenaganita reiterates that it will MIC branch chairman. This man be more constructive for the po­ has threatened to throw acid on For destroying heritage buildings, lice to take positive steps to im­ me. His threat has been recorded they will at the most have to pay mediately stop the maltreatment on a tape. I have since made a a mere token sum of RM50,000 of migrant workers and the inhu­ police report and have given a which is kacang puteh or peanuts man conditions at the detention copy of the tape to the Petaling compared to the profits to be centres. Tenaganita will be more Jaya police. The police is now in­ made by destroying the nation's than ready to cooperate with an vestigating the case. heritage. independent board of inquiry or a Commission in its investiga­ I call on Samy to punish those in If the MPPP is genuinely angry tions. the MIC found responsible for with Dolphin Square, then there making these threats against me is only one thing that it needs to Since the police are implicated, and I shall hold him responsible do - make sure that Metropole we urge the Prime Minister to set should anything happen to me. is fully rebuilt to its original speci­ up an independent Commission fications. The MPPP can forget Seil·i Gopal to look into our findings. This Journalist about their appeal for the maxi­ will strengthen the government's Kuala Lumkpur mum fine as RM50,000 will not credibility and commitment to be able to rebuild Metropole. The the building of a fair, just and appeal is merely an eyewash. caring society. r-- M PPP's Action­ An Eyewash In fact with all the power in the Irene Fernandez MPPP's hands under the Town Director I am astonished at the Penang and Country Planning Act 1976, Tenaganita Municipal Council's (MPPP's) there was no need to charge Dol-

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 28 phin for the demolition of a heri­ try. Many people were tage building. Right from the made homeless, many start, their action should have lost valuable items, cars been to compel Dolphin to re­ were damaged and, build Metropole and not pay a worst of all, there was fine. Almost two years have no warning from any passed and the MPPP has only been playing games, the winner government department of which will be Dolphin with the about the impending di­ acquiescence of the MPPP. saster. Many were rudely awakened in the I believe there is no law requir­ middle of the night by ing as a matter of right that all rising water levels. plans ubrnitted, so long as they There was no warning comply with the rule, must be ap­ whatsoever over the TV proved. In the absence of such a or radio about the im­ law. when Dolphin's plans are pending disaster. approved (which I suspect may Hill development poses danger. have been approved 'in principle' and are only awaiting official an­ I propose that the respective prepare themselves. nouncement after the outcome of state governments look seri­ the appeal), the MPPP would be ously into the remedial mea­ • Get ready to evacuate people seen as having abetted the de­ sures to be taken to prevent in time before the worst hap­ struction of Metropole, and be worse damage: pens. Many families lost seen to be openly encouraging house-hold items, cars were further de truction of the nation's • Stop felling of trees on hill­ damaged and the old had to be heritage. slopes. Such clearing causes moved from flood-prone areas landslides of hill-slopes dur­ like the Home of The Little Sis­ Nothing. not even life sentences ters of the Poor in Batu on the directors of Dolphin, can ing a heavy downpour and Lanchang in Penang. ju tify the MPPP approving their causes rain water to flow into plan and the public outrage can riverlets in low-lying areas. only be mollified by demanding Repeated flooding over the for the full restoration of • Build dikes along rivers to years has caused damage, loss Metropole. prevent them from overflow­ of property and inconvenience ing and damaging houses to the poor ordinary folk. We Quo \'adis MPPP hope the authorities will look Kedah nearby. into the flood-prone areas and take remedial measures so that • Build drains large enough to Floods: Remedial poor people do not have to en­ divert the heavy rainfall so Measures Needed dure sleepless nights whenever they do not overflow onto roads in the city centres. it rains heavily. The floods that hit Penang and other major cities along the • Alert the public over radio Dr Margaret Fernandez Penang west coast were some of the and TV of impending floods worst on record in our coun- and danger so that families can

Aliran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 29 JUSTICE A FRIEND OF THE BATEK

ery becoming a CHRISTIAN VOGHT, an anthropologist conduct­ accused by ing field research in M8Iaysia, was forced to cut short being a "Bruno his PhD project and return to Germany when cer­ making" and tain quarters accused him of instigating the Batek Batek to claim thetr community to stand up for their rights. Because of these reports, the Here, he puts forward his side of the story, explain­ Prime Minister's Department, the Special Branch and the Immigra­ ing how he had been trying to help the Batek com­ tion Office thoroughly investi­ munity in the course of his work. gated my activities in Taman Negara, but could find nothing wrong with them. Officials even y name is Christian hunting and gathering people. told me that what I did was good, Vogt and I am an an­ My research project was sup­ but because the press had already mthropologist from Ger-. posed to bridge a lot of gaps in stirred up the matter, I was asked many. With the permission of the the sciences concerned and the to leave the research area. Prime Minister's Department, I results of my study could also came to Malaysia in April 1994 have assisted the Malaysian Ad­ I cannot complete my PhD project to carry out field research among ministration in its efforts to help now and I still feel "sakit hati" the Batek of Taman Negara. This the Batek. (deeply hurt) for having been study being the most important treated like a criminal by the Ma­ part of my PhD project, would Unfortunately, my research was laysian press. Because some re­ have applied theories of modern cut short abruptly last June - ports about me in the press were cognitive sciences (a combina­ some defamatory reports in the full of distortions and even pure tion of certain schools of linguis­ press, especially The Star, being lies- and I never had the oppor­ tics, philosophy, psychology, one of the main reasons for that tunity to defend myself publicly brain research and anthropology) sad event. For several weeks, my and clarify the accusations against to the world-view of an extant case was in the papers almost ev- me - I now feel compelled to

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 30 straighten out at least some is­ zens. The Batek instantly asked mountain. sues. me to lodge a report with the police, because they could not * A few months ago, a five year CLOSE FRIENDS read and write themselves. Fi­ old Batek girl in the deep forest nally, the investigations of the was hit on the head by a falling I never instigated the Batek to ask police proved that this character branch causing a severe skull for anything (as I told the press was also a drug addict and he fracture. Althollgh the little girl before: "the Batek are very intel­ was brought to a rehabilitation was in agony and bleeding from ligent and can think for them­ camp. the eyes, ears and mouth, the rel­ selves"). The Batek also never evant authorities, whom I called called me juragan putih as was * With the permission and co­ from Kuala Tahan, were reluc­ maintained by The Star - I am operation of the Jabatan Orang tant to organize a helicopter. Be­ ure the Batek don't even know Asli, I carried through a ruling cause fast transport to a hospital the uncommon Malay word I . B that tourists who want to visit with neuro-surgical facilities JUra~an. ut, because in the Batek camps and take photo­ was the only way to save the cour e of my research the Batek graphs have to ask the inhabit­ child's life, I myself, and a friend be arne my close friends, I natu­ ants for permission first and in KL, called a helicopter di­ rall~ tried to assist them in solv­ should contribute· RM3 to the rectly. I also accompanied the ing their problems whenever they people. After I had painted ap­ child and her parents to Kuantan ked me to. propriate signboards, the some­ for ten days (they had never been what strained relationship be­ to a big city before). The opera­ The following four points de- tween the rapidly growing num­ tion was successful and now the cribe briefly how I supported ber of tourists in the Park and its girl is laughing and running just m~ Batek friends: readers can original inhabitants improved like she dild before her accident. then decide for themselves considerably. \\ hether my activities were I hope, these examples will show again t the letter or the spirit of that I had considered the Batek the la\\. * Except for the (illegal) trad­ ing in forest products, the Batek not as mere research objects, but as partners in my study and as * In the beginning of my re­ of Taman Negara have had al­ friends whom I support . But I earch, there was a tourist guide most no source of income. For never instigated the Batek to ask at Kuala Tahan who brought many years before I came to for anything and I always tried huge numbers of tourists to the Taman Negara, the Batek have to co-operate with the relevant emi-permanent Batek settle­ asked for jobs as tourist guides Government Agencies. ment at Kuala Yong almost ev­ to Gunung Tahan, but with very eryday. Although he was the of­ little success - nearly all the ficial guide of the Wildlife De­ guide jobs were given to people Unfortunately, some people at partment only he was allowed to from outside the forest. Kuala Tahan did not l-ike my adverti e for his tours at the In­ staying with the Batek at all. I terpretive Room and made quite The Batek felt extremely un­ think those people were the cause significant profits with his busi­ happy with this situation, be­ of the problems which finally led ne -he charged RM15 per cause they, as the true special­ to the premature end of my re­ per on. He allegedly cheated the ists of the forest, could become search. Because of lack of time Batek in any way he could and the best guides available and and space, I cannot disentangle he still owes them almost they really needed the money. In for the reader all the intrigues RM2,000. the end, I fortunately managed going on at Kuala Tahan, but a to organize a big meeting in short description of some people Besides that, he told the tourists Kuala Tahan between the Wild­ and events might give at least a that the Batek were dirty, lazy life Department and the Batek, rough idea. and stupid, thereby spoiling the which secured for the Batek a image of Malaysia and its citi- fair share of the guide jobs to the * Most of the promotional rna-

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 31 terial (brochures, posters, an­ sen for all the other products for the FBI (sic); when I asked her nouncements, paper bags, etc) which the Batek boy had invol­ why she thought that way she an­ for the Hotel "Taman Negara Re­ untarily appeared as a model. I swered that all the foreigners she sort" at Kuala Tahan is based on want to stress again that the came to know in her life were the photo of a half-naked Batek Batek have been cheated this working for the FBI .... boy with a blowpipe. Besides way by the Resort long before I this, the boy's photo is used on came to Taman Negara and that * There is a strange individual at goods which are sold by the Re­ they had already been claiming Kuala Tahan for already 14 years sort at considerable prices, like their rights for several years, now, who-although he does not T-shirts, videos and postcards. At without success. have any academic degree at all the time this photo was taken -calls himself "Professor". This some years ago, the Batek were The Star's contention that I had person, who reportedly suffers apparently told that it was only instigated the Batek to ask for from major mental disorders, for remembrance and were given RM20,000 as royalties or that I hangs around the (Malay) village RM50. led a group ofBatek to gatecrash mo t of the time, but occasion­ a Resort party to claim the ally, it is rumoured, he goes into The Batek were shocked when money are absolute fabrications. the forest. in order to "empty" his they found out a little bit later that It is perhaps interesting to know head. Though he has only very this photo was all over the place. that the two Star journalists who superficial knowledge about the They not only felt cheated but wrote the worst reports about me forest and the culture of the Batek also treated like animals which allegedly stayed for several and does not even know a word you can photograph without nights with the Resort's manager of their language, he claims to be clothes on. This activity of the at his private house and then pub­ the only specialist for Taman Resort was against the law, be­ lished their articles .... Negara and the Orang Asli. He cause anyone who wants to com­ satisfies his narcissism by distrib­ mercialize Orang Asli has to ask * The Park's Superintendent at uting leaflets about the Jabatan Orang Asli first, Kuala Tahan simply does not himself(which, by the way, are which the Resort allegedly never like foreigners at all. Out of the more than ridiculous) and by giv­ did. blue, she accused me of work­ ing interviews to newspapers like ing for NGOs, trying to get the The Star. This issue was a conversation Batek out of the country for an topic almost everyday while I international campaign against A close friend of his told me that stayed with the Batek, and be­ Malaysia and having published he was terribly jealous of me, cause they did not see any chance bad reports about Malaysia in because I really lived with the to stop the Resort from using this America. She accused the inter­ Batek and spoke their language, photo, they at least wanted a nationally renowned anthropolo­ and that therefore he was spread­ small share of the business. They gist Kirk Endicott of being the ing vicious rumours about me in asked me to talk about this prob­ head of a worldwide conspiracy the village and to the Park Ad­ lem with Roslan, the Resort's against Malaysia and then ac­ ministration. For example, when manager at Kuala Tahan and fi­ cused me of being his agent in I went home to Germany for nally following a joint discussion Taman Negara. Christmas, he told the Batek that between Roslan, the Batek boy's the Resort gave RM20,000 to me family and me it was agreed that The investigations carried out by for the photo of the Batek boy and in the future the Resort was to various Malaysian Government I was supposed to deliver the give RM2 to the boy's family for Agencies proved that all these al­ money to the Batek, but I ran every T -shirt they sold. legations were completely base­ away with it. Fortunately, the less. Her favourite topic when Batek never believed this lie, be­ But, of course, the Batek cannot talking to me was how she could cause they knew me quite well control how many T -shirts the get me out of the country. Once and most of them think that he is Resort sells and they do not get a she accused me of working for actually a Hantu (devil).

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 32 manizing impetus to the rapid development of this country, but as long as scientists are treated the way I was, I am rather scep­ tical about its realization

On the one hand, I am im­ mensely sad being away from Malaysia, because I cannot com­ plete my research and I miss my Malay, Chinese, Indian and Batek friends in this wonderful country. But on the other hand, I am also glad to be in Germany, where scientists and researchers are held in higher esteem. know enough: Child mortality INDESCRIBABLY SAD among the Batek is as high as in Any comments are welcome. the poorest African countries; the At this stage, I want to stop re- Batek still suffer from terrible ounting the problems which I but easily curable diseases like had to face during my research leprosis and yaws; the Batek of \\ hich finally put an unfortunate Taman Negara have no school end to it. I feel indescribably sad education at all; the Batek out­ Christian Vogt about how things have devel­ side Taman Negara have lost 1m Fuldchen 24 oped. I finished my Master's de­ their ancestral forest home - 60489 Frankfurt/M gree with the highest marks pos- just to name a few points. Germany ible in our grading system; I was Tel: 00749/691788496 granted the most prestigious But I came to Malaysia for aca­ cholarship for my PhD you can demic purposes and I want to get in Germany; I invested so stick to that intention. I still be­ much energy, time and money to lieve that there are some people carry out this research; learned in the Administration who are the extremely difficult Batek lan­ really interested in solving the The above leHer was also sent to: guage; lived in the deep jungle various problems which the for months on end braving all Batek face, but I wonder. how The Prime Minister kind of diseases, dangerous they want to do it when they pre­ Economic Planning Unit trail , insects and countless vent serious researchers of the Menteri Besar Pahang leeches - and all this only to Batek from going to their re­ )abatan Hal Ehwal Orang Asli Department of Wildlife and National Parks learn that some people with sus­ search area, thereby capitulating Prof. Hood Salleh pect motives can bring to noth­ to the arrogance of a resort and Prof. Wazir Jahan Karim ing all your endeavours just by the irresponsibility of a newspa­ The Star inventing a few lies and by con­ per. New Straits Times juring the spectre of Bruno Anthony Ratos Manser. Before I left Malaysia in June, I Anthony Williams-Hunt read in the newspapers that Ma­ Colin Nicholas If I really wanted to campaign laysia wants to become an inter­ against Malaysia on the interna­ national centre of education. I tional stage, it would be possible think that this is a great idea, right now, because I already which can give an additional hu-

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 33 justice and nothing else. To play this role effectively one need not be anti-establishment or assl!.me the role of the opposition.

Generally, the concerns of the NGOs are issue-oriented and they should continue to play this role. Issues should be seen from the perspective of right and wrong without aligning oneself either with the establishment or the op­ position.

lousness? Western Inertia In taking a stand based on justice, Encouraging if our views coincide with either It is amazing that world opinion Serbian Atrocity the e tablishment or opposition can tolerate so much humiliation that i flne. Aliran denounces in unequivo­ inflicted with such impunity by cal terms the inertia of the ma­ the Serbs in utter defiance of the But in any case, the NGOs should jor western powers while the UN. not aspire to replace the opposi­ military expansion of the ruth­ tion under whatever circum­ less Serbs continue unabated. Given the political and military stance. In any democratic society inertia that has engulfed the worth its salt, an opposition has a western powers, Aliran once We have, unfortunately, reached legitimate place and a necessary again calls upon the international the ridiculous situation when the role to play in a parliamentary community to press for the lift­ so-called UN "safe areas" are not democracy. By merely becoming ing of the arms embargo to en­ even safe for people who have vociferous in stating a point of able battered Bosnia to defend so declared such areas. What view, an NGO cannot assume the itself against the naked aggres­ peace can the peacekeepers en­ mantle of the elected opposition. sion of the Serbs. force or ensure when their own safety itself is in jeopardy? NGOs can only be effective and In this critical hour of need, be seen to play their rightful role Bosnia does not need political How could the western powers responsibly when space and scope rhetoric but a positive and sin­ be contend to play musical chairs is provided by the media. An un­ cere response from both the UN while the blood of Bosnians, es­ biased and responsible media and Nato. pecially that of innocent civil­ should perceive this as a duty to society and report views truthfully ians, spills continuously in the P Ramakrishnan heart of the so-called western President without any distortion. civilisation? 20 July 1995 Unfortunately, taking a principled How could the western and uncompromising stand based NGOs Should Be civilisation witness and permit on justice seems to put off the Pro-Justice this shocking abomination when media. Very often, such views, the dignity of helpless women (Response to the Star Repon on p. 10: 20-7-95) especially when they are critical and children is ripped and raped of the establishment, go unre­ brutally with such barbaric cal- The NGOs' role should be pro- ported. This is most unfair. It is a

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 34 deliberate attempt not only to nuclear tests, together with suffering from brain cancer. All stifle a critical comment but also China's continued nuclear test­ were aged about 35 and when an attempt to keep the people ing, can only encourage others French atmospheric tests were uninformed. possessing nuclear weapons to being conducted their ages were resume further tests. This will between 15 and 20 years. He also A case in point is the coverage only lead to a new vicious round claims that records held by the of the seminar organised by the of nuclear armament at a time Secretary of State in Paris showed Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. when it is possible to achieve that 50 patients were sent there in Though Aliran participated in nuclear disarmament. 1976, about 70 in 1980 and 72 in this eminar our views were not 1981. Another 57 had been air­ carried. The fact that Aliran was Needless to say, a new round of lifted to Paris in 1982. According represented on the panel of nuclear armament will be the to the Paris records, more than invitees to articulate our views on death knell for the desired goal half of these patients had cancer. the recently concluded general of nulcear non-proliferation. (July 1981 issue of French maga­ election was not even mentioned. zine Actual). The French authorities have P Ramakrislman claimed, as they have always Between July 1976 and May Pr~Sidem 1984, France conducted about 60 :. J J .. : 1995 claimed since the first French test in Reggane in Algeria in Febru­ underground tests at Moruroa at ary 1960, that their tests will not depths of between 700 metres and endanger human beings and the 1200 metres of magnitudes up to Call to Cancel environment. However, the about 200 kilo tonnes. In other French Nuclear Tests words, in those eight years the in the South Pacific whole history of French nuclear tests has belied such a claim. atoll had been blasted by the equivalent of more than 100,000 H1 E'l.cellency Jacques Chirao For instance, the Government of tonnes of TNT. French scientists Pre Jdent of the Republic of France agree with colleagues of other na­ (thf(lugh the Embassy of the Republic of Peru alleged in 1971 that French France. 192-196 Jalan Am pang, 50450 Kuala tests had precipitated the tions that the atoll is showing Lumpur) country's disastrous earthquakes signs of beaking up and is close We would like to condemn, in the a year earlier. The Government to leaking radioactive waste into trongest terms possible, the de­ of the Philippines said that the ocean. cision of the Government of French tests were the cause of France to resume nuclear testing catastrophic floods in that coun­ Even in the first French test in in the South Pacific between Sep­ try. Algeria in 1960, 150 Algerian tember 1995 and May 1996. prisoners were exposed to the In 1982, John Doom, secretary­ blast. In the first French under­ Thi decision is most unfortu­ general of the Polynesian Prot­ ground test on 1 May 1962- again nate. particularly in view of the estant Church, said that "We can in Algeria- 12 soldiers were con­ fact that the Cold War has al­ see with our eyes that more taminated when radioactive ready ended and that now is the people are falling sick around us. vapour escaped through a fissure time for international reconcili­ There are more leukaemias, there in the rock, with 9 of them receiv­ ation and peace rather than the are more cancers." ing more than 100 rem of radia­ continuation of the criminally tion. wasteful arms race that bled the One independent French inves­ world for the past 40 years. . tigator has claimed that he knows The late Nobel Prize winner, the of 50 Polynesians who were sent widely respected Dr Albert The French decision to resume to Paris on a military plane, all Schweitzer, was never convinced

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 35 by assurances of safety from the spected medical journal, pub­ DrS Husin Al i French authorities. In a letter to lished a study which said that President, PRM (Malaysian Peoples' Part y) John Teariki, the Deputy of the since the 1960s, there had been a Tahitian Territorial Assembly on sharp increase in the number of Hj Mohd Amiar Tahir East Asia Representative 17 April 1964, he said: "Long Pacific islanders suffering from World Assembl y of Muslim Youth before I received your letter I was 'ciguatera', the commonest form (W AMY) International Islamic Federation of worried about the fate of the of food poisoning. Student Organisations (IIFSO)

Polynesian people. I have been Fan Yew Teng fighting against all atomic weap­ Thus, it is very clear that French Executi ve Di rector ons and the nuclear tests since Center fo r Peace Initiati ves (CENPEACE) and nuclear tests do harm the lives of Coordinator, Malaysian Action Front 1955. It is sad to learn that they the people and the ecology of one have been forced on the inhabit­ of the most beautiful island Ahmad Kamal Mohd Ali South East Asia Forum for ants of your islands. Yet I knew groups in the world. Such colo­ Develo pme nt Alternati ves, Malaysia that the French Parliament would nial aggression and such a crime (SEA FDA) not come to your assistance. The against humanity must stop Saifuddin Abdullah deputies do not have the courage forthwith. Secretar) -General to resist and they do not dare to MaJii Belia Malaysia Your Excellency has gone on oppose the military brass who are Khalek A wang determined to undertake nuclear record as saying that the French Pre idenL PKP~1 tests in your country. Those who decision to resume nuclear tests Mu. lim Student'. Union of (Malaysian Youth Coun il ~lalaysia claim that these tests are harm­ is "irrevocable". No human de­ less are liars. Who could have cisions need be irrevocable. Only Dr Alijah Gordon imagined that France would be those without courage and wis­ Chairperson dom will think that human deci­ Malay Ja n Sociological Research Institute willing to deliver its own citizens (~1SRl) to the military in this manner?" sions are irrevocable or that there are no alternatives. P Ramakrishnan Hence, Your Excellency should Pre idem A LIRA. not be a prisoner of the military If Your Excellency reverses the who see no end point in accept­ decision, you will go down in Sreela Kolandai for and on behalf of ing nuclear arsenals are large history as a courageous humani­ enough and that the technology tarian who dared to change his (I) Sahabat A lam Malaysia they possess needs no further im­ mind to give the ecology and (SAM) (Friends of the Earth provement. peace a chance. You will al so be Malaysia) remembered as one of those who The 30 March 1983 issue of the have helped to save the world (2) Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) New Zealand Herald reported from further wasteful spending (3) Third World Network that French atomic energy com­ on armaments and diverted the (TWN) mission officials had admitted course of history from the sui­ Dr Chandra Muzaffar that "Moruroa is beginning to cidal logic of a mad nuclear arms Director, Just World T(ust show signs of wear and tear from race which could sooner or later the tests of the past decade." A destroy the human race. 26 July 1995 map of the atoll, believed to be ___.;.,;- -;.,-;:::-::::w;-;-.;;;-~----~ the work of French trade union­ Ahmad Azam Abdul Rahman Good judgement ists, showed four major cracks Secretary-General comes from experience, around the 60-km coral rim of the ABIM (Muslim Youth Movement of M'si a) and experience atoll. comes from bad judgement David Anthony Coordinator ,l ) In 1989 the Lancet, a highly re- Society for Christian Reflection of M's ia ~------~--- ~~./

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 36 continued from page 40: BAGAN BACKLASH

Still, the stakes couldn't have Butterworth as Malaysians death of the charismatic man­ been higher for Razaleigh and wondered whether the Barisan of-the-people generated wide­ his party - a defeat on home would swallow yet another spread sympathy for the DAP. turf would have spelt almost opposition stronghold. Or As one opposition leader urged certain doom for both. Al­ would the opposition, with its during the campaign, if you though the Barisan camp back against the wall, use this love Patto, vote for the DAP. comforted themselves over backwater 'cowboy town' as Razaleigh's reduced majority, the perfect setting to stage a But Dr Mahathir's post-elec­ in terms of votes polled, stirring revival? tion analysis provides a more Razaleigh's support base re­ rational explanation of the as­ mained virtually intact despite When the results were an­ tounding majority: the opposi­ the all-out Barisan assault on nounced on the night of 9 Sep­ tion won because many hi tronghold and the lower tember, even the most opti­ thought the Barisan's majority ,·oter turnout. mistic ofDAP supporters were in Parliament was too large. stunned by the sheer magni­ Approaching the campaign tude of the opposition triumph; Indeed, throughout the cam­ with an almost casual air, at many of them had predicted a paign, DAP leaders pointed times bordering on indiffer­ majority of only 2,000 votes to the tiny Opposition presence ence, Razaleigh appeared su­ at best, expecting the badly­ in Parliament - 28 seats in the premely confident of his own mauled opposition to merely 192-seat legislature. An addi­ popularity amongst the voters hold its ground. tional seat for the governing in Kelantan. Barisan Nasional coalition, In fact, rarely has the opposi­ they argued, would not mean A STUNNING tion performed better at a by­ much, but an extra voice for MAJORITY election - where the ruling the motley crew on the Oppo­ coalition can concentrate its sition bench in Parliament In contrast, Bagan In well-oiled machinery and pour would boost its credibility and Butterworth was always going in money into a small area. So effectiveness. to present the opposition a what went wrong for the searching test. At the general Barisanjuggernaut barely five TUGGING AT election in April, the late P months after it had stearnrolled EMOTIONS Patto, a charismatic DAP MP, to victory at the general elec­ had squeezed through with a tion, flattening the opposition Clearly, the call to increase the 118-vote majority to retain the throughout the nation? Opposition presence struck a seat- a rare success for the op­ chord with the Bagan elector­ position as it found itself swept A few detected the hidden ate. On the positive side, some away by the Barisan's best na­ hand of the late Patto in the analysts believe the Bagan ver­ tional electoral performance in almost miraculous hundred­ dict showed Malaysian voters years. fold leap in the opposition's recognise the importance of a winning majority from 118 credible, if not strong, opposi­ All eyes were thus focussed on votes to 11,802. Certainly, the tion presence in a parliamen-

Aliran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 37 tary democracy. ing that they could plump for "Gerakan politicians probably the opposition without worry­ heaved a sigh of relief when the But more than that, powerful ing whether the ruling coali­ MCA candidate lost," says psychological forces were also tion would cut off develop­ Quah. tugging at emotions in Penang. ment grants to their areas. A sense of angst had gripped With the Barisan controlling Inflation cost the Barisan many Penangites ever since they dis­ all three state assembly seats votes. Looming hikes in ferry covered that they had des­ within the parliamentary con­ fares and highway tolls rankled patched the Opposition to stituency, Bagan residents many voters - who only re­ near oblivion by handing 32 knew they had nothing to fear: cently had seen how Tenaga seats in the 33-seat State As­ the Barisan State Assembly­ Nasional had tried to raise sembly to the Barisan at the men for these seats would still electricity tariffs immediately April general election. have to deliver the goods even after the April polls. Spiralling if voters sent an opposition "Many people were sad after food prices further agitated representative to Parliament. the opposition lost so badly at voter . the recent general election," RIVALRY? says Tan, an electrical appli­ Concerned Malaysians were ance dealer in Bagan. This Lackadaisical campaigning by also extremely unhappy over time around, voters were de­ Barisan component parties, what they saw as the erosion termined to cleanse them­ especially the Gerakan, also of the people's right to choose selves oftheir remorse by vot­ smothered the effectiveness of their own electoral representa­ ing the other way. In doing so, the Barisan campaign. Al­ tives. The startling court deci­ the ethnic Chinese votes though the Barisan controls sions involving Bukit Bintang swung away from the Malay­ the Penang state assembly and Petaling Jaya Utara- both sian Chinese Association with an iron grip, political ob­ traditional opposition seats- in (MCA)- whose representative servers. believe intense rivalry favour of Barisan candidates, Y eoh Khoon Chooi contested prevails among the component disquieted many voters. under the Barisan banner - parties of the coalition - espe­ back to the DAP. cially between the predomi­ Local issues too fuelled the nantly ethnic-Chinese based backlash in Bagan. The criti­ Does this mean that Chinese parties, the MCA and cal shortage of low cost houses Malaysians have once again Gerakan. returned to haunt the Barisan - returned to the DAP-fold? Not especially in squatter areas in necessarily, says Jeffrey With the Gerakan heading the Mak Mandin and Prai, where Quah, a political scientist in Penang government in this settlers live in squalid condi­ Penang. "Any other multi-eth­ majority ethnic Chinese state tions. Many of the people here nic party standing against the despite holding down only have lived in dilapidated Barisan in Bagan would prob­ nine seats against the MCA's houses for years without proper ably have won," as the elec­ 10, both sides realised that a sanitation and drainage; torate realised the opposition Barisan victory in Bagan - they've heard so many prom­ was too weak. even if it was only at the fed­ ises about low-cost houses but eral level - would strengthen have seen nothing within their Voters also felt secure know- the MCA's hand in Penang. reach.

Aliran Momhly 1995: 15(8) Page 38 in the Chinese language and achieved on the back of a very mostly in non-Malay areas, low voter turnout of below 50 that situation is not likely to per cent. The actual turnout change. Still, unlike the re­ was 61 per cent. cent general election cam­ paign, this time DAP strate­ gists sensed accurately the But, perhaps, the DAP really mood of the electorate - and needn't have botherecfwith a capitalised on it. Despite the strategy at all this time. Bagan MCA campaigning openly voters decided on their own through its top-selling English they still needed an Opposi­ language daily The Star, the tion after all. And with two

Patto's hidden hand? Barisan suffered a major set­ straight by-election wins, op­ back in Bagan. The Star found position parties can now see it difficult to accept the a faint glimmer of hope as PERSONAL people's verdict - its colum­ they struggle to recover from POPULARITY nist, V K Chin, chose to dis­ the devastating beating they tort the truth by commenting received at the last general Lim Hock Seng' s personal that the opposition win was election. q popularity in Butterworth also boosted the DAP' s chances. Simple gestures such as car­ rying a coffin whenever a fu­ neral takes place in Butterworth earned him many points. Some political analysts felt the DAP leadership erred at the recent election when they ignored Lim's effective con tituency work and shifted him out of Bagan to certain defeat at a constituency where he wa unknown.

DAP leaders should realise that the party's incredible ma­ jority in Bagan does not mean that the party is absolved from the need to reform and renew itself. Though theoretically multi-ethnic, it still appeals mainly to the non-Malays. If DAP leaders persist in con­ ducting their ceramahs mainly

A/iran Monthly 1995: 15(8) Page 39 ELECTION

Opposition rebounds as Butterworth voters deliver a stunning verdict

victory, in which the DAP col­ Muslim east coast state of lected 64 per cent of the valid Kelantan - home base of oppo­ votes cast. sition Parti Melayu Semangat 46 president Tengku Razaleigh Earlier, hundreds of support­ Hamzah. ers jubilantly anticipated the outcome outside the tallying That tussle turned out to be a centre in Butterworth. The non-event - as Razaleigh's steady drizzle and the heavy previous margin of victory was police and Federal Reserve large enough to contain even Unit (FRU) presence did noth­ the unexpected. He staved off ing to dampen their a determined challenge from hen the results exhuberance as reports trick­ the Barisan Nasional to cruise blared over the ling in from the various count­ home with ease albeit with a loudspeakers at the ing centres indicated the op­ smaller majority. tallying centre declaring the position was heading for a opposition Democratic Action stunning victory. Party (DAP) candidate, Lim Hock Seng, the winner of the GUAMUSANG Bagan parliamentary by-elec­ PRELUDE tion, the crowd gasped at the runaway majority of 11,802. The Bagan result arrived hot In nearby Jalan Raja Uda, on the heels of an earlier thousands of residents con- opposition win at the sprawl­ verged from surrounding ar- ing Gua Musang parliamen­ CONTINUED eas to celebrate the landslide tary seat in the predominantly ON PAGE ...