inside Tunku - Review the Constitution.....•...... 4 The Challenge of Alternatives ...... 19 Reflections on the Malaysian Constitution: Siapa Dia Yang Sedang Menghancurkan 30 Years after Merdeka ...... •...... •• ...5 Demokrasi. '? ...... •...... •.•.21 Call for Constitutional Review Reactions ...... 9 Tekanan Dari AI iran'? ...... •...... •...21 Letters...... •.•...... •...... • ...... 11 Current Comment ...... 22 29 Going On 30.....•...... 15 Lessons from Snooker. . . • • • • ...... • . • • . • .25 What is There to Celebrate in 1988 ...•...... •.•17 Thinking Allowed ...... •.•.••...... •.28 e are 30 this year. Thirty years of Merdeka. Thirty years of nation· W hood. We have reached a certain point in our life as an independent nation. TUNKU For Aliran too, 1987 is a significant year. We are 10 this year. We have reached a certain level in our growth and A TRUE MALAYSIAN development as a social movement dedicated to freedom, justice and solidarity. Citation on YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra who was conferred the Jt is only • appropriate that in this Outstanding Malaysian award by Aliran, on 15 August 1987. auspicious year Aliran, like the rest of the nation, reflects on the past, assesses the present and braces for the future. As we contemplate the state of our society, we should, like all good human beings, first observe the blessings that this fair land of ours has known. And we will acknowledge in all humility that one of our greatest blessings is the Tunku. We have congregated in the nation's capital this day in our thirtieth year to pay trioute to that blessing. We have assembled to express our gratitude to the leader of the independence movement, the founder of the Malaysian nation, the first Prime Minister, our most venerated elder statesman, our most illustrious son. In one sense, we meet to honour a distinguished individual. In another sense, it is more than a mere individual that we salute today. For the Tunku is an institu­ tion. Rare are the individuals who become institutions in their own lifetimes. It is not difficult to understand why the Tunku is perceived in this way. Only an extraordinary leader could have brought together the Malays and other communities in the 50s in a common quest for a common goal - Merdeka. To understand the magnitude of this task, one has to be aware of the fears and apprehensions, the doubts and suspicions that existed between and among the various communities. For the Malays, granting citizenship on such liberal terms to recently-domiciled Chinese and Indians, was a traumatic experience. It had relegated them from a nation to a community among communities. Among the non-Malays, on the other hand, there was a pervasive fear that their economic, politicial and cultural interests and aspirations would be at the total mercy of a Malay political elite. As a result of these fears and anxieties there was quite a bit of communal hysteria in those days. It took the warm, assuring hand of the Tunku to assuage the doubts and appre­ hensions on both sides, to calm down Malays and non-Malays so that they would compromise and accommodate each other's position. It was the same hand which helped to cure yet another type of hysteria recently among yet another generation of Malaysians. It is to Tunku's credit that the ten­ tative ties which he established among

2 executive dominance then compared to what we have now. The Tunku, needless to say, was instrumental in giving Parliamentary Democracy some meaning in the first 10 years of Merdcka. For the Tunku has always believed that the democratic system, in spite of all its weaknesses, remains the one system that is most capable of protecting and enhancing human dignity. This explains why even in retirement, the Tunku has often come to the defence of civil rights and political liberties whenever they are threatened by some law or other. Advocate of democracy, champion of inter-ethnic harmony, devotee of moderation and accommodation in nation-building, and of course crusader for Independence and founder of the Malaysian nation, the Tunku would • have earned his rightful place in modern Asian history on the basis of these accomplishments alone. But the Tunku has done much more. Above left: ...... the warm, assuring hand of the Tunku ... The Tunku was one of the 'founding Above right: He has neither public office nor formal authority yet the peQple love him. fathers' of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which is one of the few viable regional groupings in the the communities before Merdeka have confronting one of the most complex world today. He helped to establish, and developed into workable inter-ethnic new states in post-colonial Asia and became the first Secretary-General of the links in politics. It was the Tunku's Africa. Within six years of Merdeka in Organisation of Islamic Conference. And, careful nurturing and nursing of ethnic 1963, the Federation itself expanded to it must not be forgotten, that the Tunku relations in the first decade of Indepen­ embrace new communities and new played a pivotal role in securing the dence through the Alliance Coalition territories. In spite of all the difficulties expulsion of the apartheid state of South which, in a sense, helped to check ethnic encountered, the Tunku managed to Africa from the Commonwealth. Indeed, animosities to some extent. As he gave strike a balance of sorts between the it is a mark of the Tunku's international encouragement to the development of interests of the Centre and those of the fame that even today, long after he had Malay as the national language, so he new States in the Federation. Likewise, it stepped down as Prime Minister, the preserved and perpetuated the use of has never been an easy task creating Tunku's name evokes a response among other languages, particularly English. The constitutional monarchies out of feudal people abroad. Tunku had a clear commitment to the monarchies especially if the new situation The unparallelled achievements of this position of Islam as the official religion. demands the recognition of the outstanding human being do not in any At the same time he realised the impor­ sovereignty of the people. The Tunku's way mean that there were no sorrows or tance of demonstrating to the adherents own political acumen had a lot to do with setbacks during his stewardship of the of the other faiths that their freedom to the evolution of Constitutional Sultanates land. Like all human beings, the Tunku practise their religions was assured. As deriving their authority from a has had his share of mistakes. It is one of Prime Minister, the Tunku was deter­ democratic citizenry. the endearing qualities of the Tunku mined to protect the special position of Even in his handling of the economy that he has always admitted his own the Malays and the other indigenous in those years when he was Prime shortcomings. This is what makes him a communities in Malaysia for he knew Minister, the Tunku attached a lot of truly great leader. He is humble enough that there could be massive political importance to values such as to say he is wrong. He has never upheaval if an economically · deprived 'moderation', 'balance' and 'accommoda­ pretended to be what he is not. There is people felt threatened in their own land. tion'. This is why while ensuring growth no hypocrisy about him. This is indeed The Tunku, however, was wise enough to and expansion he succeeded in building a rare attribute seen in the light of understand that if protection for the a fairly impressive infrastructure in present-day politics. indigenous communities jeopardised the education and health. It was an attempt If his lack of hypocrisy makes him legitimate interests of the nation's new to infuse an element of social justice somewhat unique, so does his devotion to citizens there could be a great deal of into the qu~st for economic a humane approach to major social issues. social dislocation. development. Even when he was active in politics, the . This, in a way, was the essence of the What is remarkable is that the Tunku's Tunku often tried to ensure that com­ Tunku 's wisdom manifested in his 13-year management of ethnic relations, politics passion and humanity were not reduced stewardship of the country. He had a and the economy took place within to insignificance when it came to knack for accommodating diverse, and the ·Framework of a Parliamentary resolving conflicts and controversies. sometimes divergent, interests. His deep Democracy. In the first 12 years of This is how he approached issues such as sense of tolerance was partly responsible Merdeka, there was undoubtedly a Singapore's separation, Indonesian Con­ for this. His sincere love for peace and functioning Parliament which played a frontation and May 13th and its after­ unity among all people was yet another central role in the nation-building math. In the last 12 years or so, since he motivating factor. p~oc_ess .. The. political Opposition was began writing his column in the STAR, 1l1ese outstanding human qualities more effective than it is today, just as the the Tunku has never failed to counsel served the Tunku well as he approached labour movement was more autonomous· Government and people alike about the some of the other formidable challenges than it is today. There was certainly less importance of compassion and humanity

3 - REVIEW THE CONSTITUIO to follow his own religion while Islam is e publish below the text of the the official religion. They will not get a speech delivered by Bapa Malay­ two-thirds majority required to make the W sia YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman amendment. THE FEAR SHOULD NOT at the Aliran conference on Reflections PRESENT ANY PROBLEM OR BE A on the Malaysian Constitution: 30 years SOURCE OF WORRY TO THE NON­ after Merdeka. MUSLIMS IN THIS COUNTRY, and it should not unduly worry those present at this conference. In a multi-ethnic and multi-racial he Malaysian Constitution is country like Malaysia, THE FUN­ under study after 30 years of DAMENTAL LIBERTIES SUCH· AS Independence. This much I will FREEDOM OF WORSHIP, FREEDOM say about it when independence OF SPEECH AND ASSOCIATION AND of Malaya was agreed upon,our ASSEMBLY must be followed. Only on Tnext step was to fmd or decide on a form that score can our people live in peace, of constitution that would meet with the harmony and with the best of goodwill wishes of our ~ultiracial society. We with one another. .., • decided on a parliamentary democracy, Changes which will be made to our with the King as the symbolic head of constitution must arise as a matter of state. Our next move was to appoint a INTERESTS AS WELL AS A SENSE absolute necessity and not for the sake royal comission to prepare the constitu­ OF JUSTICE AND FAIR PLAY. LIKE of making the changes. OUR DUTY tion. ALL CONSTITUTIONS IT ALLOWS MUST BE TO SAFEGUARD THE With the aid of the British Government FOR REASONABLE AMENDMENTS - MALAYSIAN CONSTITUTION WHICH we got experts from Britain, Australia, WHICH REFLECT THE CHANGING HAS PROVEN ITS WORTH IN India ar1d Pakistan. Lord Reid was ASPIRATIONS OF OUR SOCIETIES, DIFFICULT TIMES. IT HAS LED TO appointed Chairman, with Sir lvor REQUIRING A TWO·THIRDS THE PROMULGATION OF THE FIVE Jennings as constitutional expert, Sir MAJORITY OF THE VOTES OF PRINCIPLES OF RUKUNEGARA William Mackall from Australia, Mr MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT. WHICH DECLARE THE FIVE BELIEFS Justice Malik from India and Mr Justice MANY CHANGES HAD BEEN MADE OF FREEDOM AND LIBERTIES. It has Abdul Hamid from Pakistan. SINCE 1957, THE DAY OF INDEPEN­ given everybody confidence in it and it The comrruss10n set to work DENCE, BUT NONE WERE CON­ has given us peace of mind and a strong assiduously and conscientiously, earnestly SIDERED SERIOUS, EXCEPT FOR sense of security. We pray God that it interviewing and consulting all the THE EXPULSION OF SINGAPORE will continue to serve the needs of this political parties, religious bodies, the FROM MALAYSIA. THIS WAS PASSED nation for all time. business community, social groups, clubs ON AUGUST 9, 1965, when we had to What I am concerned about is the and in some cases, individuals, so the take REPRESSIVE MEASURES position of His Majesty the Yang Di· constitution was presented to the country AGAINST THE SINGAPORE GOVERN­ Pertuan Agong and the Rulers who are and accepted by all the people. MENT FOR CONTRAVENING THE above the law, which means that they IT CANNOT BE DENIED THAT OUR POLICY OF THE MALAYSIAN are free to commit crime without being CONSTITUTION IS A DOCUMENT OF GOVERNMENT BY CARRYING OUT A subject to prosecution under the law. INTRINSIC VALUE, A PRODUCT OF CAMPAIGN OF MALAYSIAN This in my mind should come under your MALAYSIA. Mr Lee Kuan Yew broke GOODWILL AND UNDERSTANDING attention when you are reviewing the the solemn promise he made to honour AND WISDOM. It safeguards the interests constitution. the constitution. of the various communities in Malaysia. Firstly I feel that no person should be THE FEAR NOW IS· THAT SOME exempted from the law but a special IT AGREES ON THE DEMOCRATIC RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS AND court might be provided to deal with the PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM AS FUNDAMENTALISTS ARE TALKING offences committed by those above the PRACTISED IN ENGLAND, with a con­ OF MAKING ISLAM THE STATE law. This court should be made up of stitutional monarch drawn from the nine RELIGION, but this does not appear their brother rulers whose decision rulers TO TAKE TURNS AS THE KING possible or carry much weight as it is shall hold good. This is done in order to FOR FIVE YEARS AND ISLAM AS very unlikely that the government will protect the fundamental rights of all THE OFFICIAL RELIGION. agree to it because of our declared citizens of this country. With this it is Everybody was satisfied that the con­ policy to make Malaysia a democratic my pleasure to declare the conference stitution represented a BALANCE OF parliamentary state with everybody free open e

continued from page 3 in the quest for solutions to the our society. How many other former long time to come. You have been with challenges facing the nation. Prime Ministers and Presidents are us for four score and four years. It is The Tunku's compassion and showered with such abundant love so our prayer that the good Lord who has humanity contain the secret of his success many years after they had quit their been so kind to us, will keep you in our with people. They explain his irresistible offices of state? Surely, it is love that is midst for many more years yet. May you charm, his overpowering charisma. lt is a not just emblazoned across marble - a great lover of sports - hit a century charisma that has nothing to do with role arches; it is love that is enshrined in the in this innings! That's a wish from every or status. For the Tunku has neither heart of the human being. lip in this land e public office nor formal authority. And It is because the people love you, yet he commands so much love and Tunku, that we want you to continue to The Executive Committee affection from such a huge segment of pour out your wisdom to us for a long, Ali ran

4 REPORT

Reflections On The Malaysian Constitution Thirty Years After erdeka

he presence of YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman lent honour to the inauguration as well as set the tone for Aliran's two-day conference on the Malaysian TConstitution. The Tunku's abiding love for the nation and deep concern for the future was felt by all who shared the moving words of the citation honouring him as "Outstanding Malaysian for 1987". In his typical frank and fearless way the Tunku called for a review of the Constitution. He cautioned that the changes should not be made just for making changes. The Constitution having served us well for 30 years has to change to meet the needs of changing times. Stressing on a specific area the Tunku called for the setting up of a tribunal so that any Ruler who commits an offence can be tried by his peers. The conference heard eminent per­ sonalities presenting papers on eleven major areas relating to the Malaysian Constitution. The following is a synopsis of the two-day conference:- THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Academician, Prof R.H. Hickling was the fust speaker. He traced the political and economic developments which led to Merdeka and the drafting of the 1957 Malayan Constitution. He highlighted the Proclamation of Independence and showed what a superb document it is with its commitment to liberty and justice. The Constitution, he concluded, has a "profoundly evolutionary character".

5 ROLE OF THE MONARCHY Former Lord President Tun Moham­ med Suffian said that the Yang Dipertuan Agong as Head of State is the object of every citizen's allegiance and loyalty. Rulers would continue to receive the love and respect of people as long as they are not involved in public scandals. Their position is assured as long as they are seen as model husbands and fathers and the country does not suffer a communist or religious revolution. He called on Rulers to consider ways of limiting the number of persons who could use 'Titles' associated with Monarchy. Aliran Exco member, Associate Prof. Azmi Khalid stressed that national solidarity is a crucial area where the Rulers function is significant. Historically AT THE CONFERENCE ON THE MALAYSIAN CONSTITUTION: In reflective mood ... Ru lers have formed the rallying point for patriotism from which nation building efforts have sprung. Despite current economic and ethnic challenges, Malaysia, he concluded, should be hopeful that their monarchs and political rulers are aware of the heavy responsibility involved in guiding the nation forward. ROLE OF THE JUDICIARY Lawyer Tommy Thomas spoke of the numerous ammendments since 1957 made to the Constitution. The present document is very different from the original document. He queried why four proclamations of Emergency since 1960 have yet to be annulled. In the nation's 30 years history he reminded everyone that there was only one spell between. 1st August, 1960, to 2nd September, 1964, when the nation was not subject to Emergency ru le. Furthermore, he cited strict adherence to the doctrine of Parliamentary Sovereign ty as one of the reasons why courts have not fulfilled their constitutional role. Lecturer Shad Saleem Faruqi from Universiti Islam emphasised that courts have a duty to review Legislative and Executive action on the grounds of "Constitutionality". The Judiciary also acts as the 'balance wheel' of fe deralism by adjudicating disputes between the Centre and the State. However, more important is the Judiciary's role in reconciling the conflicting demands of power and liberty, freedom and responsi­ bility, the right of the State and the rights of citizens. Finally the role is one Tun Mohamed Suffian: Rulers will continue to receive the love and respect of the people ... of 'multi phased activism and creative­ ness'. 'Judges are law finders as well as law makers', he remarked. He called reasonableness of laws. Legal positivism approach should be encouraged. for a shift from the British tradition of permits a literal and narrowly logical He concluded that there is a growing Parliamentary Supremacy. The principle interpretation of law. It discourages a appreciation within the Judiciary and is more notional than real here in Malay­ purpose orientated, moralistic or his­ the legal community that assertiveness sia. He also called for a move away from torical approach. In our society where is needed to restore the Constitutional 'English legal positivism' which forbids religion, ethics, custom, the family and balance which has tilted in favour of the judges .to examine morality, justice and other institutions interact a holistic Executive.

6 Active participation from the floor.

THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENT of these Emergencies is to be viewed as relations. He traced the historical Opposition leader Urn Kit Siang out­ an abuse of Executive power. They are developments following Merdeka lined the major functions of Parliament. advantages to the Executive as they can to the period leading to the formation of There are grave challenges facing Parlia­ avail laws and regulations made under Malaysia. Social, economic and ethnic ment preventing it from playing a more emergency power. He also criticised considerations led to the federal formula effective role. Its greatest threat comes legislation conferring discretionary power resulting in Singapore's inclusion together from within the Constitutional system with outster clauses as these often lead to with Sabah and Sarawak. The main aim particularly because of over concentra­ power being abused without citizens was to preserve the delicate ethnic tion of power in the Executive. Speaking having a right to redress. Ministerial balance as well as to counter communist from an opposition perspective he decried accountability in Malaysia is minimal. activities in Singapore. Through the greater control by Speakers, limiting oral Despite several national scandals we have establishment of Malaysia the essential and written questions, reduction of no example of Ministers resigning through form of the Federal Constitution was question time all of which have undercut accepting responsibility for blunders. retained. Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak the effectiveness of the Chamber in play­ These have led to an undermining of were, however, provided with more rights ing its deliberative role. If its legislative morality within the Government. Corrup­ and powers as compared to the States function is to be more meaningful, then tion has seeped into the system. Encik within the Peninsular. As a result the bills have to be presented with adequate Cumaraswamy stressed that unless this is principle of equality of State in relation time for reading, study and deliberation. arrested the balance between the three to one another and to the Centre was There are numerous instances of arms of Government will not be restored. violated. This coupled with regional and important bills being rushed through Academician Dr. Mavis Putucheary racially based parties provided for com­ Parliament. He cited the Constitutional highlighted the relationship between peting interests, which remain a constant Amendments Bill of 1983 as a valid party and Government. UMNO's overall challenge. I:Towever, as all States were example. Parliament would, if treated dominance within the Barisan National, part of the whole the overarching in this fashion, become a mere rubber the existence of racially based parties are influence of national policies and institu­ stamp. These days some Government realities which impinge and effect the tions continued to balance Federal/State Ministers don't even turn up in the relationship between party and Govern­ relations. He called on national and State Chamber during question time. Though ment. Malaysia should move towards a leaders never to forget that a price has the quorum is met when 24 MPs are non-racial party system. She also called to be paid for testing and pushing the present, this in itself poses difficulty. for a more open Government. Rumours limits of autonomy. Informal open talks It reflects the importance Government become widespread when open access and friendship he stressed should be the members attach to Parliament. to information is curtailed. Otherwise basis as we look ahead. Former opposition leader Tan Sri citizens begin to believe everything they Dr. Tan Chee Khoon stressed that the hear. This will reduce Parliament to the RULE OF LAW credibility of Parliament will rise if all role of a toothless watch dog. Misuse of Aliran member, Encik Sim Kwang MPs spoke up fearlessly on the issues of power and inefficiency can only be ~ang approached the subject from a lay the day. Dr. Tan said that the nation was adequately dealt with when greater man's perspective and outlined a some­ fortunate to have had the Tunku as the accountability is effected within the what philosophical approach tracing the first Prime Minister. He brought to his Executive. development of the concept of 'Rule of office a sense of fair play which taught Law'. It represents not merely a set of him to respect and treasure Parliament. STATE AND FEDERAL do's and don'ts nor a very legalistic RELATIONS approach but has an underlying funda­ THE ROLE OF THE EXECUTIVE This session concentrated on the paper mental moral and ethical basis. So often, Bar Council President Param presented by academician Dr. Shafruddin the concept 'Rule of Law' is used to Cumaraswamy chided the Executive for Hashim. The Federal design as provided justify stability, security and the main­ not annuling the States of Emergency in the Constitution, he said, is the starting tainence of public order. When qnly declared in the nation. The continuation point in understanding Centre-state these are stressed it conveys a dictato~ial

7 perspective. The concept 'Rule of Law' ing headings: religion, citizenship, special to life - matters spiritual, moral and goes beyond human and fundamental position of the Malays and Malay reserva­ material. Laws are only one small aspect liberties. tion,the national language and others. of Islam. He highlighted conflicts brought Lawyer Gurdial Singh Nijhar weaved Touching on the sensitiveness of in by the Shariah. He called for the set­ his personal experience and narrated religion, he stressed that once religion ting up of a Constitutional Commission countless occasions where the Rule of becomes a major principle of mobilisa­ to look into ways of giving Islam a more Law has been ''iolated in Malaysia. This tion in inter ethruc conilict and competi­ dynamic role within the Constitution. idea is enshrined in the Rukunegara, tion ethnic tensions are bound to increase. The Government should also encourage something about which very little is said Citizenship in ethnic terms is no more a intellectuals committed to Islam to these days. He commented that what is major issue of communal politics though conduct research to establish a new evident in Malaysia can be described more irritation has emerged over the alleged civilisation based on Koranic teachings. boldly as 'Rule by Law' rather than 'Rule granting of citizenship to illegal immi­ He also called on non Malays to study the of Law'. He cited several legislative grants. Calling on non Malays to accept Koran. Tslam does not represent just measures currently in force to underline Bahasa Malaysia more seriously he rituals and prayers but it serves as a guide this point. The draconian Internal cautioned the Malays not to forget to living and contains universal ideas of Security Act allows for 60 days detention existing non Malay rights to use and learn belief in God, freedom of religion and without trial. The Societies Act curtails their languages. The Orang Asli Depart­ thought. the freedom of association. ment needs to be phased out. It is an affront to the dignity of the Orang Asli OVERVIEW FUNDAMENTAL LIBERTIES that this Department is placed under After the last topic, Aliran President Environmentalist, Encik Gurmit Singh Home Affairs. The Orang Asli, he said, Dr. Chandra Muzaffar presented his outlined items under fundamental stand in need of assistance from all overview. He began by analysing the liberties stipulated in the Malaysian Malaysians and all Ministries. He reminded strengths and weaknesses of the Con­ Constitution. He went on to sketch in people also of the Rukunegara which stitution. Most of the changes to the detail how these liberties have been contains important elements for the Constitution have been made in the curbed by Parliament and the Executive nation building process. interest of the ruling class. Nonetheless, over the last 30 years. Furthermore, he Writer and former Parliamentarian, the ruling class has some notion of the stressed that Malaysia is yet to be a Datuk Mohamed Sopiee, agreed with the public good. This is one of the reasons signatory to the Universal Declaration of views of Assoc. Prof. Tan Chee Beng but why there is still 'Constitutional Rule' Human Rights. Curbs on freedom of cautioned everyone on the need to in the country. expression, the right to know, freedom of appreciate non-negotiable subjects. Inter These are however new challenges worship, citizenship, restrictions on travel racial understanding between people is facing the Constitution. New hopes and to Sabah and Sarawak were other areas a primary prerequisite. The status of aspirations have evolved and the challenge highlighted in his paper. Calling for a Islam, spedal Malay rights and the is whether our system can respond and review of the Constitution he hoped that national language are the important accommodate these. Dr. Chandra then its fundamental liberties section would cornerstones. Yet, at the same time there went on to outline some of these comply with the Universal Declaration of are areas where our Constitution needs to challenges which will test the very basis Human Rights. He also called for the be reviewed. Nothing should be open­ of our present Constitution. They call appointment of a Parliamentary Ombuds­ ended. He recommended specific time into question the very nature and cha­ man, the enactment of a Freedom of frames for all assistance programmes. racter of the Malaysian State. He pleaded Information Act and the incorporation of We must not encourage people to develop for a deeper understanding of the forces a constitutional provision providing for a dependency syndrome. Following 1990 behind the new hopes and new aspira­ national referendum as important con­ he suggested the enactment of a National tions of the people. Of these aspiration, siderations for the future. Economic Policy which considers the the desire for an Islamic state among a Encik Lee Min Choon in his paper interests of all Malaysians. segment of the Muslims and the demand spelt out specific articles in the Con­ for complete equality among the non­ stitution which give specific rights. These ISLAM IN THE CONSTITUTION Malays, seem to be the most difficult to related to (a) liberty of life and liberty, Political activist, Encik Redhuan Oon accommodate within the existing (b) freedom from slavery and forced said that Islam in the present Constitu­ ideological framework. labour, (c) protection against retrospec­ tion merely provides a face saving posit­ He pointed out, in conclusion, that tive clirn.inal laws and double jeopardy, ion. I~ content give~ no 1egard to Islam. the ideal Constitution is one that gives (d) equality before the law, (e) prohibi­ He commented that it was an eye-wash clearest expression to those spiritual tion against banishment and freedom of allowing exponents the right to say 'we values which define man's ideal nature. movement, (f) freedom of speech, have catered for islam and have given it The conference witnessed active assembly and association, (g) freedom of a special status'. He stressed that Islam audience participation with questions, religion, (h) rights in respect of education, should be above the Constitution. He comments and observations all of which and (i) rights to property. He then went said that the fundamentals of Islam far kept the occasion highly alive and on to state how some of these rights have exceed the democratic system. The interesting. One young man thanked been curbed over the last 30 years. tyranny of the majority is not allowed. Aliran and shared that the conference had Under Islam an individual can invalidate opened Ius eyes, he had learnt much THE ETHNIC DIMENSION OF THE the State. The end product of Islamic about the Constitution and how he found CONSTITUTION politics is not a bureaucracy but a God it a most valuable experience. To the over Aliran executive member, Assoc. Prof. fearing leader whose accountability and 300 participants it turned out to be Dr. Tan Chee Beng commented that the responsibility is clear. He said that the both an informative and educational Malaysian Constitution is very much a current Constitution calls for respect for weekend; one which stressed the need for product of ethnic bargaining and Islam but does not give it proper a greater sense of individual responsibility accomodation. This has guided the importance. The Constitution is riddled and participation towards the goals of process of nation building since indepen­ with clauses that are taboo to (slam. nation building e dence. He traced the ethnic dimensions Writer, Encik Kassim Ahmad stressed within the Constitution under the follow- that Islam is more than Jaws. It relates K. Haridas

8 CONSTITUION Call for Constitution Review REACTIONS

A resolution passed at the Aliran Conference on the Malaysian Constitution in August drew unexpected and at times, irrational reactions. CHANDRA MUZAFFAR responds to some of these reactions.

liran is flabbergasted by the There is nothing out of the ordinary its implementation. No one among the hostile, irrational reaction of about a review. As an exercise in reflec­ 400 participants criticised the concept. A certain individuals in power tion and analysis, a review ne~d not The resolution adopted by the Conf­ in power to our recent Conference on result in any changes. At the end of the fcrcnce made no mention at all of the Malaysian Constitution. day, the consensus may be to keep the 'Special Position'. And yet a couple of The impression that has been created in Constitution as it is. Or the changes Bahasa Malaysia dailies have hinted certain newspapers is that the Conference proposed may be minimal. On the other obliquely that Aliran had questioned was an attempt to destroy the Constitu­ hand, they could be comprehensive in 'Special Position' in its "memorandum" tion and create chaos in the country. scope. But a review is never intended to on the Constitution to the Prime Minis­ Nothing can be further from the truth. It destroy the ·institution that is being ter. This is pure fabrication since Aliran was a sober Conference which was reviewed. has not sent any memorandum to the generous in its acknowledgement of the To illustrate this argument, the Prime Minister. All that we did was to virtues of the present Constitution. Not a Government is supposed to be reviewing present him with a set of the papers, the single paper writer called for the replace­ the Education Act. Surely the purpose is Tunku's speech and a cop} of the ment of the documcnl. In my Overview, not to destroy the education system! rcsolu lion. for instance, J went to great lengths to There have been calls from Barisan This propensity to concoct lies has show how the Constitution balanced Nasional parties to review the New now reached new heights. It has even various divergent interests and why it has Economic Policy (NEP). These parties been suggested by some of our detractors worked for so long. At the same time - continue, at the same time, to affirm that those who want a review of the as one would expect in any rational their commitment to the goals of the Constitution are opposed to the concept evaluation - the emergence of new NEP. It was only recently that the of a Constitutional Monarchy. In the realities and new aspnations in the course Government undertook a review of Aliran Conference both the paper-writers of the last three decades was subjected to Malaysia's position in the Common­ on the Monarchy emphasised, in no some scrutiny. wealth. No one imputed any sinister uncertain terms, the advantages of a The point I tried to emphasise was motive to that review. Constitutional Monarchy that adheres to that the changing milieu should be under­ If the suggestion to review the Consti­ ethical standards. If certain mischievous stood by the ruling elites. It was more tution has become such a foolish con­ individuals arc interested in tracking important that they direct their energies troversy, it is largely because of the down 'republicans' they should look to the factors behind some of the new infantile reaction to it. The temper elsewhere. Who knows they may find demands that have arisen, than amend tantrums of certain people, and the angry them in the most unexpected places! the Constitution per se. Certain demands condemnations of other individuals has Any honest analyst who has read 1 opined, could be accommodated within transformed a straightforward intellectual through the papers presented at the the framework of the existing Constitu­ concern into a volatile issue. Conference and followed its proceedings tion. Other demands were perhaps This has been acnicved mainly through would have no difficulty in concluding untenable. This is why there was a need wilful, mahc1ous distortions of what that the Conference's main concerns were to reflect upon the Constitution in the happened at the Conference often by the increasing concentration of power context of new aspirations and new people who had not even attended the with the Executive, the erosion of funda­ demands. Conference. Tbe Conference, it is alleged, mental liberties, and the decline of the This was in fact the tone of the entire by some of these individuals sought to Rule of Law. These concerns were Conference. It was a 'thinking' approach get rid of the 'Special Position' of the embodied in the resolution that was to a complex issue. There was no hysteria, Bumiputras m the Constitution This adopted. It is a measure of the depth of no emotional outburst. At the end of the is an absurd lie. Only two out of a total dishonesty of certain individuals that in two-day meeting, a resolution was pro­ of twenty papers discussed Special spite of all this, they keep on insisting posed from the floor calling for a review Position. Both supported the 'Special that the call for a review is related to of the Constitution. It was accepted Position of the Bumiputras' in principle the so-called "sensitive issues". unanimously. though reservations were expressed about In addition to these three concerns,

9 every citizen to evaluate the Constitution in particular because the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and is there to give protection to everyone. This is why every Malaysian has both a right and a duty to express his or her views about the role and relevance of the Constitution. A liberal regime wilJ not interpret ideas arti· culated on the Constitution as attempts "to interfere in the administration of the country" or "to wrest power from the elected Government". It will under­ stand that criticisms of the status quo or pleas for change are part and parcel of the democratic process. They do not consti­ tute a challenge to authority. Most of all, a liberal leadership would have responded to the calls for a review of the Constitu­ tion by stating simply that it will ~tttdy the Conference papers, examine the The tone of the entire Conference was a 'thinking' approach to a complex issue. arguments made and then decide whether there is any need for a review or not. Aliran would have been quite happy with such a mature response. For we realise that while there are good reasons for a review of the Constitution, there is really no urgency. A review is a long-term endeavour. What we were looking for· ward to was an assurance from the Government that it would examine seriously certain crucial issues pertaining to the Constitution. It is a pity that even this minimum expectation of ours was not fulftlled e Chandra Muzaffar

.~ RESOLl.ltJON P ~f;D AT THE END OF THE ALIRAN CONFERENCE ON THE MALAYSIAN CONSTITUI'ION

this Conference having re­ Conference supported the 'special position ...... and emphasised the advantages of a flected on the Ma1aysilm of the Bumi putras' in principle ... Constitutional Monarchy. Constitution 30 years after Mer­ deb notes with co~ern the~ Aliran has also lent support to the concerned should give the aggrieved party • Erosion of fundamental riJhts Tunku's proposal for the establishment of the right to set the record straight. Whe~ and liberties a Special Tribunal of Rulers and the this basic risU1t is denied consistently, one • Deroption of the Rule of Law Sultan of Perak's advice to incorporate begins to wonder whether ethics has the spirit of the Rukunegara into the flown out of the window of some of our • Abuse or~xecutive vower Constitution. Both these ideas are certain· newspaper offices. It cannot be that they HEREBY RESOLVES TO ly in the national interest and will go a are afraid to publish corrections, or have CALL UPON the govermnent long way in securing the well-being of been prevented from doing so, for we are of Malaysia to estahlillh .a iJide. our society. There is no reason why any supposed to be living in 'a liberal era'. Pildent Rfyal C~ iuion to sane, rational person should feel threa· Indeed, the harsh responses of som.e o~ teriew the Malllysim Collliita­ tened by such proposals. the ruling elites to calls for a review of tion aDd to recommend flmda­ Confronted by all sorts of baseless the Constitution are totally incongruous IMDaal c+asgea to it which tab allegations and senseless criticisms, Aliran with our Government's claim that it is tried to clarify matters through the 'liberal'. A liberal Government will not tnto ctJ~tion new social Press. It is one of the accepted norms of only allow but also encourage groups and realitiee aaa 81lpiratio• of MaJay­ journalism that when a certain party feels individuals to comment on the affairs of Si:uis 'Of d COIIMtalllitiee for- a aggrieved by a distored report or an the nation and the performance of the Duly juat alld d~lfilaj­ inaccurate news item, the newspaper ruling elites. It will uphold the right of .p l\ltlo1L.. "" 10 Letters ~:e:ell::: ~~~r~efr:d":t::f~ers. letters can be either in English or Bahasa Malaysia. not be those of th . . r purposes of space and clarity. The views expressed may include the writer'se n~:a:n~o;;:ly. Psleudonyms are accepted but all letters should ress. etters should preferably be typew ·u "th d ouble-spacing; if hand-written, they should be legible. ,. en WI letters_ should be addressed to the Editor, Aliran Monthly p 0 8 Malays•a. • · · ox 1049, Penang,

YOU CAN QUESTION TILL life have asked for more information on THE COWS COME HOME! the BMF scandal involving $2.5 billion through the appointment of a Commis­ refer to Samson's letter to the Editor sion of Enquiry. We have called upon the of the Star entitled "PENSIONS: Attorney General to bring to justice I WHY THE ABOUT-FACE?" (The those who have committed fraud, breach Church worker or Communist infiltrator? ~ Star, May 12) in which he laments on of trust and corruption in the scandal. ~e Government's failure to given pension He has told us he is still waiting for nghts to all public employees. "proor• to come to his table. BEWARE! BIG BROTHER IS He asks: "Have the people no right to We have asked and are still asking how WATCHING YOU ask the Government why certain Encik Daim Zainuddin acquired over 50 decisions are taken?" Then he indulges in per cent share of the UMBC at $4.50 per t was with great consternation that a series of speculations: The 1987 Budget share in 1985 and sold it to Pernas at I read about the detention of 16 proposal to disallow pensions right was between $8.50 and $9.00 last year and I people in Singapore under the unconstitutional; it was inconsistent with why Petronas and P~rnas failed to buy Internal Security Act on May 21, 1987. the long term interest of the country; the shares offered to them in 1985. What was most disturbing was the fact because of the timing of the announce­ We are clamouring for a thorough that 10 of the 16 were church workers, ment, it was a vote-catching exercise for explanation on the secret tin-stock­ either full or part-time. It is totally the UMNO election. piling exercise carried out by our beyond my understanding how church­ In fact, Samson's speculations are Government since 1981. We want more work could be connected with a absolutely right. The Budget proposal information about the EPF Board's "clandestine communist network". Does was unconstitutional because the pen­ investment in share market and the educating workers about their rights sions right to the civil servants has been losses it suffered in the episode. (the main work of the Young Christian well safeguarded in the Supreme Law The people are still waiting for names Workers) constitute subscribing to Mar­ of Malaysia. It was also not in the of Tan Sris, Datuks and other prominent xist ideals? Or even getting students to interest of the civil service, as nothing people who swindled or misappro­ realise their role in campus and in society would stop men of ability and initiative priated $1.5 billion of the 24 Deposit­ (the objective of the Catholic Students' from looking for better offers elsewhere. taking Coo{)perative Societies. Society of Singapore Polytechnic) so The announcement was made two days So, you see nobody has interfered with that they will lead more meaningful lives? before the UMNO election purposely to the people's right to question the Govern­ One wonders indeed where the axe counter Tengku Razaleigh's repeated ment. The only difference is that unlike will fall next. It is no wonder that opposition to the Budget proposals. other democratic countries, we do not Singaporeans these days live in constant Coming back to Samson's question get truthful and appropriate answers. It fear lest their slightest action should be on people's right to ask the Government is because accountability is not an impor­ misconstrued. Perhaps indeed, the main for explanations for its decision and tant factor in the system of democracy objective of this most recent action of actions, surely we all know that our we are practising. the PAP Government .was to cast a pall Government has never stopped the Ours is a 'guided democracy' where of fear over the RepUblic and remind people from asking questions or dissemination of information is limited to the people who the boss is. 1984 may explanations. the concept of "only what you need to have come and gone but Big Brother Malaysian people from all walks of know'. That is why we do not have public is here to stay, so BEWARE! rallies during general elections; our cam­ I join ALIRAN and all the other paigning period is limited to 9 days; our organisations in urging the Singapore mass media is controlled and guided. Government to release immediately and Our leaders know, when the electorate unconditionally the 16 people detained reach the ballot box, most of them are under the ISA on May 21, 1987, or al­ influenced by the sentiments of race and ternatively to charge them in open religion. They tend to ignore issues such court. as corruption, hypocrisy, mismanagement If the Singapore Government does and scandals. ueiUter of the above, then it is guilty Until such time as the people of of serious violation of basic human Malaysia are able to exercise their rights as enshrined in the Universal franchise in an intelligent manner, not Declaration of Human Rights, proclaimed influenced by race and religion, our by the United Nations General Assembly leaders will continue to treat us shabbily. on December 10, 1948.

For Justice and Peace Ours is a "guided democracy". K. George Klang Raub

11 or suicide; poor judgment leading to A HUMAN ERROR BY accidents, etc.) and in the long run ARCHBISHOP GREGORY YONG? (dementia from destruction of brain cells). Both nicotine and alcohol also ress reports on the arrest of the damage the body severely. In short, these Singapore 16 have ?een interes­ two drugs are at least dangerous as can­ P ting, if not mid-bogglmg. nabis (Cannabis sativa: Indian hemp, I am particularly struck by the change ganja, bhang). Yet cannabis is called a of stand of Archbishop Gregory Yong drug, as it is; while nicotine and alcohol soon after meeting Prime Minister Lee are commonly excused from the class Kuan Yew. It has left me dumb founded. of drugs (by laypersons, but not by His decision to ban his four priests pharmacologists). from preaching is, in my humble opinion, Why? The linguistic difference is something uncalled for. basically political. The nicotine and The four are believed to be among his alcohol industries are part of the Esta­ most trusted aides in the administration Archbishop Gregory Yong: He owes blishment. Their products are lawful in of the Singapore Church. In their various Singapore's 105,000 Roman Catholics most countries. They can afford to gain capacities, they are directly responsible an explanation. respectability by sponsoring sports eve!!t~ for giving the Church the vibration so and by contributing generously to politi­ vital to enable the institution to move Here I am reminded of the Pope's cians. Indeed, they even thrive in some with the signs of the times and to be statemant during a visit to his native places inspite of legal prohibition: as in seen to be doing so. This is something Poland last week. He has stated that "it is Pakistan, where only non-Muslims may so lacking in the Church in Asia. the Church's task to teach the word of drink legally, yet somehow one brewery As a Catholic, even bearing in mind God but this also embraced truths about keeps busy. my obedience to my Archbishop, I am man and his rights; truths about social In contrast, cannabis is illegal, almost appalled that Archbishop Yong saw it life, about the rights of the nation". everywhere. Laws and police practices necessary to take such a drastic step I am fully aware that Singapore is not vary from one country to another; with against his own priests. Poland; but it is my very Christian belief Malaysia and Singapore being among the At this juncture, I like to pose one that no matter where we are, the most severe in the world. Consequently, important question: Is the action taken Universal Church is one. the cannabis industry has been forced by Archbishop Yong an open admission In this instance, I choose to follow the to become an underground/underworld that he was wrong to have trusted the Pope, not Archbishop Gregory Yong. institution - easily dominated by profes­ four priests before and that he believes sional criminals, because of their they were really using the Church to Francis Siah "expertise". Remember, the "prohibition establish a Marxist state in Singapore? Kota Kinabalu era" in the USA in the thirties? During I am sure deep inside him, the those few years when alcohol was forbid­ Archbishop does not think so. If not, den, the US liquour industry likewise fell then why? Archbishop Yong owes ••• into the hands of criminals. Unenforce­ Singapore's 105,000 Roman Catholics an able laws give power to law-evaders. answer. Today we see the cannabis barons of 1 find Archbishop Yong's contention MAP DE LIBERATEL Y BLURRED South America growing rich, exporting to that "the Church was doing its best to North America. But their money cannot avoid conflict with the Government" n semantics, the study of meaning, buy respectability which is reserved for unacceptable if that was the reason for a word can be measured by its nicotine and alcohol. his action against the four priests. I "extension": that is, if a word were Back to semantics proper: In ordinary Yes, I agree that "we have to be a map, how much territory would it English speech, we class cannabis among constantly vigilant to ensure that the cover? "drugs"; while alcohol is classed, silently Church is not used by individuals or For instance, in English, which vessels by default, as a non-drug. Thus we use groups for ends of their own'~ However, may properly be classed as "boats", and the word "drug" to mean ONLY an the "ends of their own" of the four which as "ships"? Or, more importantly "illegal drug". This "map of the priests in question (if any) is, sadly, not for most citizens, which substances may territory" makes no sense in terms of forthcoming from the Archbishop. properly be classed as "drugs", in the pharmacology, medicine, psychology, or I am not about to debate on whether sense of psycho-active drugs - that is, morals. It makes sense only in law - the clergy is permitted to take part in those which produce emotional and/or which in tum governs the political affairs of the State. I assume that the mental changes in the mind? and economic statuses of psycho-active Church in each country has its priorities. Pharmacologically, it's clear that substances. When Archbishop Gregory Yong said that alcohol and nicotine are psycho-active Yet science is more honest than law he could not be expected to be a Cardinal drugs. And alcohol can do severe psy­ -because alcohol truly is a drug, just as Jaime Sin (of the Philippines), I believe chological damage in the short run much as cannabis is. Thus, in our English this is what he meant. (aggressiveness tending towards homicide usage, the conceptual map has been deliberately blurred by the legal/political/ economic Establishment. Our very tongues have been twisted to protect the distillers. This analysis has been limited to one concept as used in the English language. It would be interesting to explore how the word dadah is used in Bahasa Malaysia? Language Student Pulau Pinang

12 , MAKE THE CORRUPT PAY the whims of the Prime Minister's pet FOR THEIR SINS protege. Coming back to the tadika -I hesitate he problems of the deposit­ to use the term kindergarten as the taking co-operatives can easily original concept of a children's garden T be solved if the Government has been long lost - the Nuri Institute with its majority in Parliament, amends can be used as a model as they have had the Company laws whereby the excellent results based on the latest Directors will be directly responsible theories and the practical application for their companies. The Government of proven methodology in the field of can backdate the laws to cover the brain development and child psychology. periods before the co-operatives were The other field the Kemcntcrian formed. Pendidikan can look into is the provision By doing so, they can seize the assets of Public Libraries. It is a sad fact and of all the thieving Directors and dispose sorry reflection of our intellectual tradi· of them to pay the depositors. The tion as a nation that the government has Government will be able to realise more lagged behind in this important aspect of than the 1.4 billion ringgit required to nation-building. It is even sadder to note Kindergarten: a children's garden? pay back the 600,000 odd depositors. that some of the best libraries in Kuala It is better to have 200-300 Directors Lumpur arc financed by foreign powers, by high-powered sales techniques in some bankrupt than 600,000 poor depositors. viz. the Goethe Institute library, the vernacular newspapers. They ill-advisedly These depositors will also help to revive British Council library, the Lincoln take out of their life savings (earned the economy by putting their money to Resource Centre etc. through the sweat of their brows) to good use. The proposed Petaling Jaya public· reserve what one may perhaps rightly But then, the MCA will not ask the library has yet to see the light of day. describe as "phantom" housing units - Government to take this step because But having provided public libraries, phantom in the sense that some of the a large number of their politicians and as the Selangor State Government has developers concerned are in financial power brokers will be affected. Further, done through the Perbadanan Pcrpustaka· doldrums even at the time the victims the Mahathir Government is also not an Negeri Selangor, it is imperative iha't make their bookings. keen to do so for fear of losing their the facilities are made available to the Worksite progress and development fmancial supporters. public. This is common sense and might should be very closely monitored to Legally there may be a hitch in amend· sound simplistic but you'll be surprised ensure there is no hanky-panky. Hood· ing the laws, but then Mahathir is an to Jearn, I'm sure, that there arc libraries winking of the public will be curbed if expert at bulldu:dng ami w1angling his in Kuala Lumpur that close at 4.15 p.m. NO ADVERTISEMENT IN THE PRESS way through tight corners in Parliament. The grand and brand-new Shah Alam OR MASS MEDIA is allowed unless the This may be his one chance of doing so library is closed on Sundays and on other authorities are satisfied that the particular for the good of the people without perks days closes at 5.30 p.m. This is not only building scheme can be successfully to his cronies. a waste of public resources but downright completed and on time! Developers stupid. ·· should also be made to submit quarterly Harry I recall my student days in England. progress reports which should be double- Kalang Even a borough library is open seven . checked for their veracity at the site. days a week and until 10.00 p.m. People Their up-to-date financial standing should ••• who use libraries can't be expected to also be cross checked with institutions browse those shelves during office hours. financing their projects from time to Libraries have to be open on Sundays time. and till late during weekdays. Unless prompt and concerted action A COSMETIC CHANGE is taken to stop opportunistic developers Mahaguru Extraordinaire in their tracks, we may soon have yet Banting ecent developments in brain another monstrous scandal in our midst development studies have shown on the heels of the 'co-operative' episode. R that by six years the brain • • • Only this time the really poor will suffer development of a child is virtually the worst. On this note alone we can complete. In terms of national manpower ill-afford to procrastinate. CRACKING DOWN ON SPURIOUS implications, it is a great pity that Ng Moon Leong children start schooling only at the age BUILDERS Penang of seven, when their brain development is completed. The Kementerian Pen­ ow that · Kedah has followed didikan doesn't run any pre-schools. Matacca's lead in cracking down • • • The Kcmenterian Kemajuan Masyarakat N on developers by withholding (KEMAS) does. Perhaps both these approval for housing projects, other ministries should look into providing States should follow suit in the interest FIVE-TONGUE WORLD UNITY "tadika" (Taman Didikan Kanak-Kanak) of the house-hungry poor who are more PLAN on a nation-wide basis in ways similar often than not the target for exploitation to the current provision of primary and by unscrupulous get-rich-quick develo­ umanity's education, trade and secondary schools. pers. sciences are crippled by language If the Kementerian Pendidikan docs With the country reeling under a H barriers. It is difficult to cir· not do so, then we have ample proof severe recession, it is incumbent upon the culate up-to-date information even in that the name-change from Kemcntcrian Government to protect the lower income just one major language. It becomes. Pel~jaran to Kementerian Pendidikan is group expecially peasants, estate workers impossible to do so in dozens or hundreds merely a cosmetic change, to delight and rubber tappers who are easily misled or thousands of minor language.

13 I This world cannot yet agree on one hypocrites' at all levels in the Govern· 'tinggal kenangan belaka'. Kalau dahulu language, but perhaps we could agree to ment machinery. mereka sering dipuji seolah-olah seorang concentrate on the five offlcial UNITED People like Ahmad Noordin and . malaikat yang tidak pernah melakukan NATIONS languages: English, French, Aliran's President can walk proudly sebarang kesilapan, kini mereka dikutuk Spanish, Russian, Chinese. Each country. on Malaysian soil. Wolves no doubt dan dimaki seolah-olah seorang syaitan should adopt one or two or three of will bark at you people now and then. yang tidak pernah membuat sebarang these Big Five tongues, at least as an Sarong Pimpernel kebaikan. Dan saya tidak pelik kalau auxiliary language for international Kuala Lumpur Dr Mahathir, Ghafar Baba dan Anwar contacts. Ibrahim akan dikutuk dan dikecam Countries should adopt the most (Thank you very much for your apabila mereka tidak lagi menjadi pemim· modern and simple form of each kind words. As long as we have good pin UMNO. Tunku Abdul Rahman dan language: such as the Pinyin (Romanized) people like you who are thinking, feeling, Tun Hussein Onn adalah buktinya! form of Mandarin Chinese; and Basic caring and willing to stand up [or truth RTM sendiri tidak memberi liputan English (except where Standard English and justice, our work will not only yang adil. Walaupun sebelum itu Menteri is already well-established). continue but will be made that much Penerangan, Tengku Ahmad Rithaudeen Canada already uses both French and easier. Perhaps you can help further by pernah berjanji yang RTM akan memberi introducing some subscribers! - Editor English. Here are illustrative suggestions liputan yang adil kepada semua calon for several areas and countries, offered yang terlibat, tapi menjelang pemilihan, merely to stimulate debate: tidak ada 'muka' lain yang muncul dikaca - Africa : English • • • TV melainkan tokoh-tokoh dari regu & French Mahathir. Adilkah begini? Kalau sekadar Latin America, USA :English& KESAN PEMILIHAN UMNO berjanji, semua orang boleh! Spanish Satu perkara lagi, sepanjang kempen France, Britain, Benelux pabila Tengku Razaleigh menyeru pcmilihan UMNO itu, kita dapati berbagai W. Germany : English & pcnyokong-penyokongnya memu­ rahsia yang sepatutnya dikategorikan French A laukan akhbar-akhbar tertentu sebagai 'rahsia' telah dibocorkan satu Scandinavia :English & kerana tidak memberi liputan yang adil demi satu. Soal penyelewengan kewangan Russian kepada kumpulan mereka (Team B) dalam adalah salah satu isu yang paling menari.k. Eastern Europe :French & pemilihan pucuk pimpinan UMNO tidak untuk diperbincangkan. Tapi kita Russian lama dulu, orang ramai mula tertanya­ tertanya-tanya kalaulah maklumat Spain, Portugal, Italy :French& tanya apakah peranan sebenar yang mengenai Jambatan Pulau Pinang, Daya­ Spanish dimainkan oleh akhbar-akhbar di negara bumi dan peristiwa Memali boleh di­ - Japan, Taiwan, S.Korea :English & ini? Apakah ianya benar-benar untuk keluarkan, atas alasan apakah maklumat· Chinese menyampaikan maklumat atau sekadar maklumat mengenai penjualan saham - N. Korea, Mongolia :Russian& untuk mengampu pemimpin-pemimpin UMBC, Maminco dan BMF tidak dapat C.hinc~e tertentu? dikeluarkan? Apakah kerana hemlal - China, Hong Kong :English & Kerana itulah, apabila PAS menganjur­ menjaga kepentingan tokoh-tokoh Chinese kan pemulauan terhadap akhbar-akhbar tertentu? -Macau :Spanish & tidak lama dulu, sedikit pun saya tidak Soal Memali yang dibangkitkan semula Chinese hairan. lni adalah kcrana PAS adalah misalnya perlu diberi perhatian. Kedua­ - Philippines, Guam :English & sebuah parti pembangkang yang diserang dua pihak yang bertentangan di dalam Spanish bertubi·tubi dari segenap penjuru oleh UMNO nampaknya sating tuduh menu­ - Singapore :English& semua akhbar di Malaysia tanpa diberi duh antara satu sama Jain dan cuba Chinese peluang untuk membela diri. Sudah melepas tangan. Rakyat tertanya-tanya, - Malaysia : ??? sewajarnyalah PAS menerima nasib rna­ siapakah yang benar-benar bersalah?(Tapi lang itu kerana semua akhbar gergasi yang pastinya itu adalah kerja-kerja Bridges di negara ini dimiliki oleh parti·parti pemimpin UMNO!). Oleh itu desakan Australia kerajaan, terutamanya UMNO, MCA supaya Suruhanjaya Bebas dibentuk un· dan MIC. tuk mcnyiasat kcjadian ini perlu dilaku· kan semoga kebenaran akan terserlah. • • • Apa yang menjadi tanda tanya K.ita tidak mahu pemimpin-pemimpin sekarang, kumpulan Team B pun UMNO berdolak-dalik dalam peristiwa ANNOUNCEMENT menerima nasib yang sama padahal seperti ini. mereka adalah dari parti UMNO sendiri. Telah jelas kini yang UMNO telah Jelaslah bahawa kebebasan akhbar yang berpecah dua. Kckuatan kedua-dua beJah ith regard to your 'announce­ dilaung-laungkan oleh sesetengah pihak yang bertelagah itu agak seimbang ment", inviting views from readers pemimpin kerajaan adalah cakap-cakap (51% dan 48%). Tapi dalam keadaan W of the Monthly, which appeared politik sahaja. Kebebasan itu sebenarnya suara-suara yang mendesak supaya on page 18 in the February/March 1987 tidak. wujud. Kalaulah liputan yang adil 'perpaduan' parti dikembalikan seperti Aliran Monthly, I would like to give dan saksama tidak dapat diberikan sediakala, Perdana Menteri telah meng· a little comment. kepada orang-orang yang mencabar pucuk gunakan kuasanya untuk memecat semua If you ask me which magazine or pimpinan dari parti yang sama, maka anggota kabinet yang menentang pucuk newspaper in Malaysia comes first with apakah akhbar-akhbar di Malaysia ini pimpinannya, sedangkan sebelum pemi· regard to courage, honesty, objective terlalu baik untuk menyiarkan berita­ lihan dia pernah berkata, "The winners reporting and concern for the nation, berita yang adil mengenai parti pem­ will not take all, the loosers will not then most Malaysians will agree with bangkang? lose all". me that it is the Aliran Monthly. Kalau dahulu, orang-orang yang So keep up your good work friends. 'menentang' ini diberikan liputan yang We need a magazine like the Aliran sepenuhnya semasa mereka menjadi men­ Anak Rantau Monthly to help flush out 'lowdown teri atau timbalan menteri, ki!li semuanya Kuala Trengganu

14 NATIONAL UNITY 29 Going On 30 Malaysian National Unity 'Choong Ah Keoh Our reader, CHOONG AH KEOH, shares with us his views and hopes for a truly united Malaysian people and nation.

n our nation's 30th year of in­ dependence, it is imperative that 0 we assess the degree of achieve­ ment of national unity. Let us search our minds and souls to find out what and how much we have achieved or failed to achieve and what the future holds for us. National unity in Malaysia can only be established on common citizenship, where every citizen is seen as equal and accepts each other as equal before the law and in citizenship rights in the country. Total national unity can never be built on racialist unity such as Malay unity, Chinese unity, Indian unity, Kadazan unity or Iban unity. However, it is undeniable that a certain degree of inter-communal consen­ sus does exist. The non-Malays have accepted Malay language as the national and official language, Islam as the official religion, loyalty to the Constitution and Rukunegara as symbolic of loyalty to country. Among the Malay community, it is now taken for granted that the non­ Malays are here to stay, that their langua­ ges and religions should be allowed to continue to exist and that they too, are entitled to political and economic rights and aspirations. The Government, first the Alliance and now the Barisan Nasio­ nal (BN) very rightly deserves half-a­ bouquet for this achievement. We cannot present it with a fuU bouquet yet. For a Government with overwhelming political strength, it has never ruled the nation by identifying the various races as a Malay­ All our national leaders emerged first as communal leaders of their very own race. sian race, having equal political, cultural, economic, religious and social rights. various races - between Chinese and duced and implemented. Malaysia being a National unity can only be achieved Malays, Malays and Indians, Burniputras mutt-racial, multi-lingual, multi-religious by instilling and inculcating Malaysian and non-Bumiputras, etc. This antagonistic and multi-cultural society must have a consciousness and identity into each and feeling is a product of the present system Government and an Opposition com­ every citizen. In a multi-racial society, of government which is based on the con­ mitted to the well-being of the whole there is bound to be some ethnic con­ cept of racial unity under UMNO, MCA, Malaysian race, sensitive to the people's ciousness, especially where the people MIC, etc. feelings and dedicated to each and every were ruled by a "divide and rule" regime. Over the years, a lot of lip-service had citizen who loves and cherishes the But even then there is no reason why been paid, both by the Government and nation. after 29 years of independence, the situa­ the Opposition, to attaining national A careful analysis will reveal that inter­ tion has not improved. unity. But sad to say, the people at large racial antagonisms in Malaysia are largely The main hindrance to national unity still have yet to see any sincere, tangible due to the presence of vested interests in Is. the antagonism that exists among the and well-planned policies being intro- the economic and political spheres. These

15 vested interests are held by the elites of munal group. Thus, there can only be whole Malaysian polity and administra­ both the Malay and non-Malay communi­ partial unity based on compromise at the tion and pinpoint policies which are ties who express themselves through the top and separation at the grass-roots level. undermining national unity. ruling and opposition political parties. Implicit in this political arrangement is The Government should make a The non-Malay elite is determined to ex­ that each party looks after its own thorough review of its policies and-strate­ pand its strength and interests in business community, restrains the more volatile gies in nation building in the socio­ and politics to the exclusion of the other and extremist elements and formulates economic, cultural, educational and reli­ groups in the name of protecting the well­ communal elements within the context of gious fields to determine whether they being of the community. On the other a multi-racial society prejudicial to the are food for national unity or otherwise. hand, the Malay elite advancesitsinterests racial goodwill and communal harmony Socio-economic policies like the NEP, in commerce, industry and administration of its people To the top BN leaders, classifying citizens into bumiputras and of the government in the name of protec­ especially those from UMNO, MCA, MIC, non-bumiputras, the setting up of statu­ ting the position of its race. there is no way out except coalition poli­ tory bo

16 ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS What Is There To Celebrate In 1988 Eve Fesl

Aust ralia celebrates its bicentenary next year. But its development has not tists concede an OCCL'Pational longevity been without social costs especially to its aboriginal people. In view of the of up to 200,000 years). current resi stence by our fellow Malaysians- the Penans of Sarawak ­ We've seen the Maccasins come and go, EVE FESL's sensitive account of the exploitation of Australian aborigines the French explorers, then the Dutch. strikes close to home. Finally the British arrived and gave birth to a nation on the basis of a legal fiction - terra nullius. HE passengers have paid the history of this country; to examine The social history of Australia began their $33,000 each; the tall the whole question of what is being cele­ long before the British arrived. Our ances­ ships have left Plymouth, brated; and to seriously consider the tors adapted to and survived the Ice Age, and, in tltis time of econo­ Koorie point of view. overcame conditions caused by the floods. mic restraint when we are Just what is being celebrated? - The In the south they saw the waters rise and allT urged to tighten out belts, we are discovery of Australia? The first landing? cut off Tasmania and flood the plains of asked to prepare ourselves for the celebra­ The birth of a nation? Port Phillip Bay where they once used to tion - the bicentenary stands before our Many Europeans were ignorant of the gather animal and vegetable foods. door. existence of Australia, but we've lived on Our land is a beautiful land, a spiritual It is important, however, for all Aus­ and owned this land since the beginning place, a place to be cared for. But the Bri­ tralians, before we enter 1988, to review of the time of our creation (white scien- tish, having lost the American War of Independence, saw it as only fit for the dumping of what they called the human scum of the hulks of the River Thames. Australia, a suitable place for a human garbage dump. Having no curriculum to teach them otherwise, many Anglo-Australians see Kuutie:; a:; bt:ing fo~silised at an indefmitc time in the past. They conveniently ignore the great adaptive changes we've made to survive. The validity of our religion is dismissed under a Disneyland title of "dreaming"; the great complexity and variety of the 260 languages spoken by our people has been hidden under derogatory terms, eg "primitive jargon". Much of the history of occupancy of Australia has been suppressed. Many people in total ignorance, others motivated by vested interests, "point" with pious indignation to injustices against people in other parts of the world, at the same time turning their backs on the history of the violation of human rights against our people. They disregard the fact that justice has not been done, nor recompense made. While the number of white persons killed in confrontations as they took Koorie land was 1,700, Koorie deaths against the guns of the invaders totalled approximately 20,000 (poison­ ings and death due to atrocities such as beatings and rape not included). "Pointing" is a very effective mecha­ nism for distracting attention from one's own backyard. VERY state in Australia has Not only was our land exploited but constant interference 10 massacre sites where our men, wo­ also our labour. And now attempts are community-affairs. This interfere! E men and children were gunned being m3de to exploit our culture causing frustration and anger. The 1 down, the bodies often mutilated then (although, with only a few exceptions, ation of the first Koorie director burned. Members of my own clan group the missionary movement tried to wipe Aboriginal Arts Board on I May were invited to a meal by a person who it out). Questions need to be asked about indication of a growing fury whi< wanted their land. They should have been the Koorie display at Expo 88 in Queens­ department is catalysing. more wary, but they decided to accept land. For thousands of years, we have From control by the barrel c the hand that appeared to be offered in been able to manage our own religion and gun, to control by economic weat friendship - the food was laced with arse­ ceremonies: why then are persons outside the wheel has turned full circle. Aft• nic and most of them died. I never knew our culture being engaged at great years, only the type of control ar most of my great aunts and uncles because expense, to stage a "spectacular Aborigi­ master has changed. of this. nal display" (words of Lew Edwards and No one bothered to ask why ~ The murderer took over the land, was John Brown). It is particularly distateful needed money for our people. I never arrested nor brought to trial, yet for this to be happening in the bicenten­ Year of Shelter for the Homeles: our people were forced away and, after nial year, and shows an insensitivity both might have been an appropriate qut the remnants of the family had reesta­ to the highly religious nature of our cul­ Very few of our people own thei blished themselves on the banks of a ture, as well as to our feelings. home, their own land and even river, where they had nourishing bush From "protection", a euphemism for money is being given to assist tn food, the Government decided to " pro­ "control"; successive government policies being "creamed off'' in wages for tect" them by forcing them at gunpoint of "assimilation", "self-determination" fat cats, before a decision is giv· on to a reserve where they were placed and now "self-management" have been what they may use the money fo under the control of a white manager. decided for us by the new managers, the under what conditions. If The food there consisted of flour and tea. Minister for, and Department of, Abori­ "naughty" you may not get any. On turning nine years old my mother, ginal Affairs. The top policy-makers are like the other children, was sent to do all male, nearly all non-Koorie. It is domestic labor for a white family of five; obvious that true self-management for us ROM once living free, in c• my father, also at the age of 9, was forced would not be in the policy-makers' vested of our own lives, religiOJ from the reserve to work cl~ecking fences interests. F country, the 200 years of for a large pastoral company. Like Koorie Particularly disconcerting is the fact pean occupancy has forced us into children across the breadth of Australia, that before the people of Framlingham poor refugees in our own land, a Ian they were paid no wages, had no time off will be given a 16,000 hectare forest which has become devastated b to meet or play with other children. (upon which they have lived for genera­ white culture's poisons. Koorie women were sexuaUy abused in tions), the department requires that, And when we note the numt the most apalling ways - shortly after the although they are already an incorporated black deaths in custody over th• "landing" which many non-Koories will body under the state act, they must months, we wonder just how mw be celebrating. Koorie women were kid­ become incorporated under an ACT changed. napped and tied to furniture in the huts which makes the department the registrar. No! We wont't celebrate the of settlers, so that they would be availa­ Further amendments, which it is rumored anniversary. What we will do is mot ble for sexual abuse when men returned the minister intends to make, will give to the women and children who were ~ at the end of the day. the department the power to hire and fire ly violated; mourn for our peopl• In Western Australia,. Koories were directors - thus the community involved were enslaved, beaten and driven forced to put a "mark" on a contract will be directed by the Department of their sacred places, as well as f• written in English, which they could not Aboriginal Affairs. thousands who died of introduced d. understand. These contracts bound them The total control which the depart­ and malnutrition. to be labourers or concubines without ment seeks was indicated by the minister's Given the choice, instead of spc wages, and had disciplinary measures if visit to a conference in Libya. On the money on trivialities, we would in they "escaped", such as having the soles basis of media reports, he threatened to in education programs for the non-1 of their feet burned, and whipping, even withdraw aU Federal Government support community in the hope, that knowi for children. In this same state, Koories, from any Koorie organisation which full history of their own country were chained with necklets that weighed accepted any funds from that overseas would tum their attention to the ne 2.5 kilograms. Although it was against the source. our community and proceed to law, the police were still practising this in Mansell is a descendant of the survi­ restitution, so that future generati 1945. Our people who do not understand vors of the "black line". The line was our and their chHdren would be 2 standard Australian English, still do not formed by soldiers of the Crown, as well face a bright future together. have the right to have an interpreter in· as criminals, whom they armed. "The The only thing I could celebx court. line" moved down over the island of 1988, is the fact that we have surv Tasmania, the sole purpose being the survived all the attempts at genoc most determined attempt at genocide of our being. And celebrate that I T GRAFTON, NSW, killing of our a whole race of people in recorded his­ culture and Koorie support for on people by guillotine was attempt­ tory. thcr has survived the attempts to b1 A ed. Mr Tom Ryan was to be the It is quite incredible that a minister down and divide and rule us. frrst victim. Fortunately, it did not work of that same Crown is so quick to criticise The land may be occupied bl properly and Mr Ryan escaped with his a person, most of whose kin were killed spirit and the spirit of our iand life, and an injured neck. by acts of terrorism in this country, when mother, will always be free e Without enslaved Koorie labour (after recompense has not been made. The Eve Fest is director of the Aboi trnasportation of criminals had ceased), minister, in fact, could have Initiated such Research Centre at MoMsh Univo the cattle industry, the pastoralists and recompense. Her clans are Gabi Gabi and Ganguh many of the people who took our land, The department's attempts to secure article is reproduced from The would not have survived. total control is also reflected in its 1987: May 12.

18 ALTERNATIVES The Challenge of Alternatives PETER HENRIOT

"Western and Eastern Europe, North America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand are also 'developing' in the sense of needing to move• toward the more holistic, integral development envisioned in the alternatives movement."

Peter Henriot explores ways to move toward• a more just and effective development process. deeper respect for the environment and ' ' D evelopment." What does it CRITIQUE OF MODEL for slowing down or halting the depletion mean? How do we achieve it? But this First World model of develop­ of scarce non-renewable resources. These questions have been asked with ment has been seriously critiqued in the Cultural pressures challenge the life-style increasing urgency over the past severa I past few decades. To begin with, the assumptions of elites and of a media decades. Satisfactory answers have not measurement of GNP/capita is recogni:t.ed subservient to consumption-oriented always been forthco1ning. We have tended as a very inadequate indication of economies. to bias the discussion from the start by whether or not a people are "developing." speaking of "developed" and "develop­ For one thing, this index gives no data TURN TO ALTERNATIVES ing" nations in ways which have already on distribution, on who shares in the As a result of these pressures, there is defined what it is we arc talking about. increase of wealth within a nation. It a growing turn toward alternatives in the But the debate rages on - primarily indicates nothing about whether the theory and practice of development. In because of the obvious fact that as a quality of life of most of the people is one sense, this is a "movement" made up human family we are far from achieving actually improving 1n the basics of food, of persons who critique the dominant any acceptable level of well-being. housing, medical care, education, etc. model and offer other perspectives. In A factor influencing the current Moreover, the accounting which goes another sense, it is a set of actual direction of the debate and of steps in to make up the GNP figure does not practices already in process both on taken in practical planning and policy is distinguish between activities which have large scale and on small scale in many the emergence of alternatives as a key added to the national income because different parts of the world. focus: alternatives to our understanding they arc constructive (e.g., more food Alternative development stresses self­ of what development should be and alter­ production) and activities which have reliance and self-sufficiency, local and natives to the means taken to achieve added to the national income because regional cooperation, and decentralizat­ what we want. they are remedial (e.g., cleaning up after ion whenever possible. Participation is Twenty years ago in Populorum pollution). Actions taken after the seen as a central vl}lue, aud organizations Progressio, Paul VI defined development disasters at Bhopal and at Chcrnobyl which stress participation -cooperatives, as the passage from "less human condit­ contribute to the growth of the GNP as worker management arrangements, ions to those which are more human" do increased industrial output and addi­ people's movement, etc.- are encouraged. (#20). In its simplicity, the defmition is tional housing construction. "Small is beautiful" is important, with both admirable and provocative. In A whole series of pressures are today appropriate technology emphasized. (E.F. moving to concrete specifics, however, forcing reconsideration of "development" Schumacher is viewed as a "founder" of several problems appear. Many economists as we have traditionally understood it this alternatives movement.) and politicians tend to identify develop­ and as it has been promoted throughout Alternative energy sources are utilized, ment simply with a process that involves the world. Political pressures push for the such as solar, instead of reliance on non­ the Third World-the so-called "develop­ breaking of the bonds of dependency, a renewable fossil fuel and dangerous ing countries," and measure it only in pattern much North/South development nuclear energy. The info rmal economy economic terms- in the level of gross action-aid, trade, investment-has in fact (e.g., collectives, cooperatives, voluntary national product (GNP) per capita. The built up over the years. Economic pres­ activity, barter and skills exchange, model of development then inevitably sures critique the "growth" syndrome mutual aid, household activity, etc.) is becomes what has occurred in the First that sees more as always better, without recognized as a significant factor in all World, the co-called "developed asking basic questions: growth of what? national economies. The nature of countries," with its heavy industrializat­ growth for whom? growth with what "work" is re-examined and the identifi­ ion and high rates of GNP/capita. side-effects? Ecological pressures call for cation of work with paid employment is

19 challenged. Land tenure and agricultural issues play major roles in alternative development plans, with land reform and agrarian reform keys to the future. The role of women is recognized as central­ e.g., in many areas, 70 to 80 percent of food production is in the hands of women. The values and direction of alternative development are certainly a challenge to the capitalist system, but they also challenge much of orthodox socialism. For instance, the ecological practices of socialist economies have had results as disastrous as those of capitalist economies. "Development" is seen not as a process confined simply to the Third World- the so-called "less developed nations" -or to poor sectors within the First Workt .­ Western and Eastern Europe, North America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand arc also "developing" in the sense of needing to move toward the more holistic, integral development envisioned in the alternatives movement •

..•the identification of work with paid employment is challenged. Reproduced from CENTRE FOCUS 1987: MAY (78). 5-6) DEMOKRASI

Dr. Mahathir harus memahami bahawa sumbangan idea serta cadangan-cadangan Siapa Dia Yang perubahan bagi kesejahteraan ramai meru­ pakan tanggungjawab luhur setiap rakyat. Setiap rakyat yang menghargai maruah Sedang diri bertanggungjawab menentang keti­ dakadilan serta menegak kebenaran dan kebebasan. Seseorang rakyat tidak perlu Menghancurkan menjadi ahli politik atau bertanding da­ lam pilihanraya bagi membuat sumban­ gan kepada orang ramai. Kesejahteraan Demokrasi? masyarakat patut mendapat keprihatin­ DEMOKRASI, TEKANAN DAN ALIRAN an semua pihak, dan keprihatinan ini bukanlah hak istimewa pihak berkuasa Persidangan Aliran mengenai Per/embagaan Malaysia yang diadakan pada 15 dan 16 atau wakil-wakil yang terpilih sahaja. Ogos telah menimbulkan reaksi daripada Y.A.B Perdana Menteri Malaysia, Dato Seri Dr. Rakyat yang berani menyuarakan Mahathir Mohamad. Reaksi beliau diberi keutamaan dalam semua akhbar-akhbar tem­ pendapat sesungguhnya memainkan pe­ patan. Beberapa pemimpin-pemimpin yang lain juga menyo kong pendapat beliau. ranan yang memang dipertanggungjawab­ kan dalam sistem Demokrasi Berparlimen. Di sini kami menyiarkan jawapan dari Presiden A/iran, Dr. Chandra Muzaffar kepada Mereka menghidupkan konsep hak-hak kritikan-kritikan mereka. asasi rakyat lalu memberi erti kepadanya. Pengarang Mereka memberi kuasa kepada rakyat. Tuduhan bahawa mereka ini cuba meram­ pas kuasa rakyat atau menghapus demo­ liran berharap supaya Perdana Men­ kakan pendapat mengen31 tsu-isu yang krasi adalah tidak menasabah sama sekali. teri Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mo­ penting. Tindakan melulu Perdana Men­ Ancaman sebenar terhadap demokrasi A hamad menamakan 'kumpulan inte­ teri terhadap sebarang perbezaan penda­ datangnya daripada golongan berkuasa lektual' yang ingin memusnahkan demo­ pat, mcnjadi salah satu faktor yang men­ yang memandang serong dan menentang krasi dan merampas kuasa daripadli cacatkan pertumbuhan demokrasi di apa sahaja pendapat yang dikemukakan rakyat. negara ini. Apa sahaja komen dikatakan oleh lain-lain golongan. Pernimpin-pe­ Adalah malang bahawa Perdana Men­ cabaran terhadap kerajaan. Setiap analisa mimpin autoritarianisma seperti ini sering teri bersikap bcgitu keras terhadap seba­ dianggap tentangan tcrhadap pihak mengekalkan kuasa secara membiarkan rang usaha yang diambil bagi mengemu- berkuasa. rakyat jahil dan dalam ketakutan e

liran merasa kesal bahawa Setia· Kedua, persidangan Aliran tentang usaha Parlimen di Jabatan Perdana perlembagaan Malaysia telah disalah­ AMenteri, Eocik Othmari Abdul, tafsirkan oleh ~longan-golongan terten· mernbuat beberapa tuduhin tonlang tu. Aliran cuma menyediakan forum un­ Aliran yang tfdak berasas. tuk perbincangan dan renungao. Semua Pei'tame, meoyuarakan pao!rti Ba:risan NasionaL Malin~ya, kerajaan. Kerajaan yana adll dan pemim­ anggota-anggota kerajaan yang diundang pin-pemimpin yang demokratik akai1 menolak jemputan kami. Aliran ber­ rnemberi pertirnbangap yang wajar kepa­ pendapat bahawa selepas 30 tahun Mer­ da cadangan-cadangan dlln idea-idea daii­ deka masanya sudah tiba untuk Qle"' pada orang ramai. M.enyampaikan idea renungkan kekuatan dan kelemahan per­ dan rnenegur pemerentah. jika perlu. ada­ lembagaan negara. Idea penyemakan lab bak setiap rakyat dalam masyaralait wujud dari~a proses renungan ini. demokfatik. Masyarakat yang mengharMi se~t U.S. Rockets Hit CURRENT COMMENT Malaysian Ship A record of Aliran's complete press statements liran is shocked to learn that the Malaysian freight Promet Saga was made in the preceding months · A hit by rockets apparently fired by U.S. Navy planes conducting bombing practice off Southern Japan Last night. The Malaysian Government should Unemployment And The Media because it creates the impression that demand that the U.S. conduct a industry, ability and excellence are no thorough investigation into the incident. t is more important that youths and longer attributes that count, that fairness If it is established that the U.S. Navy was students should be able to look up and merit are no longer the criteria. Such indeed responsible for the incident, there I to a government which is upright and a perception among the young would do should be an official apology to the seen to be so. A government which is far more damage than any gloomy future Malaysian people. There should also be seen as lackadaisical in dealing with economic prospect · that may be the full compensation to the crew member massive corporate crimes such as BMF, creation of the media. Besides, if there who was injured and to the owners of or condoning massive financial deals are indeed Jewish-controlled media out the ship. The U.S. Government should where there are strong elements of to create mischief in the country then give an assurance that it will do all it can conflict of interest such as UM BC and they should be openly exposed. to prevent the recurrence of such now the UEM highway contract simply incidents in future. cannot command the trust and confi­ 25 July 1987 Tong Veng Wye dence of the younger generation. This is Exco Member 29 July 1987 Ariffin Omar Exco Member *** The RfV".ICeless reril09Q. Special Schools For The Poor o Fr-eeMen nstead of establishing special residen­ • tial schools for the poor, the Govern­ \Ne. hdd t.rese lruths lo oo I ment should concentrate its energies upon the eradication of poverty in both selF e\Jidenl ; rural and urban areas. It is mainly because lra\:, a\ I Yl'"'en dr-e aeole:J equal ; of poverty that many children in rural schools in particular drop out of school. l:,he_y are e:xJ~w~ b..! l:J-~,v- Cr-Qo~or Apart from eradicating poverty the wiLh cerl:o1n 1rchend61e r-tghls; Government should also improve condit­ a~ ions in rural schools. Many rural primary Lhol l:.rese or-e . and secondary schools are in a deplorable life, liberly and lhe puv-su1c state. Some of them lack basic facilities. oF happiness ; The low quality of teaching and the lethargic social environment further Lhot t.o secure lhese rlghls., aggravate the drop-out problem in rural g:>'lernY"'Y"erls or-e ·,nst;,~uled schools, including plantation schools. OrYIOr-'q ,c:leri"·,nq _~heir jusl po'Ner-5 Improving rural schools is a far better ("((en interim measure than building special Fr-om t:ne consenl oF The .9?\Jerned schools for the poor. cJ"OG whene'\Jer OYI~ for-YYI of go\Jer--nmerl:, In any case, building special residen­ tial schools for the poor will not help bec.OY'Y'eS desLr-uCl\'le oF Lhese ends, the majority of poor pupils to complete i\:, is lhe r-·gh\:, of lhe people Lo oller or their secondary education. At best, it :}-=) il-, will only cater for a small minority. It w oboli is a solution that does not deal with the oro to ins\:,il:,ule Yle\N_gD'Iev-nrnenl:.' root causes of the drop-out problem in la~i~ ils fo:;0dolton orl such prirciples; our education system. Besides, given the prevailing social structure, special schools and ov-~nts1n9 ils p­ schools for the rich. ~ f! .2' 29 July 1987 Chandra Muzaffar ~ ...... President

22 I UMNO Quiet Over UEM allocation to the legal and judicial services establish an Inter-Religious Council. Controversy than it has hitherto received. Aliran hopes There is an even more urgent need today that in the next Budget due in October, to establish such a Council. liran once again urges the Govern­ this neglected service will receive all the ment to defer the signing of the fmancial support it deserves. 9 August 1987 Chandra Muzaffar A North-South Highway project con­ A society that believes in the rule of President tract with UEM. It is obvious that public law and the impartial administration of opinion is against the signing of the justic~ should accord respect and honour contract. Ten public interest societies, the to the legal and judicial services. Justice *** MTUC, the Bar Council and three oppo­ should not be delayed for justice delayed sition parties have expressed their deep is justice denied. Inquiry For Privatisation reservations about the UEM contract. Policy Even Wanita Gerakan has come out 6 August 1987 P Ramakrishnan against it. The Government should pay Exco Member liran calls upon the Government to heed to the views of all these groups A establish an independent Commis­ which taken collectively represent a sion of Inquiry to review its entire significant cross-section of public *** privatisation policy. The Government sentiment. should, at the same time, suspend its Aliran wonders why no high UMNO lllegals and Christian current privatisation agenda until such a official has made any comment about the Conversions Commission has completed its work and controversy when the major shareholder made its findings known to the public. of UEM is Hatibudi, purportedly the The establishment of an independent investment arm of UMNO. The public Commission of Inquiry into privatisation would like to know when and how he problem of illegal immigrants is vitally important for the following Hatibudi became the investment arm of and the allegations of attempts to reasons. UMNO. Was it the result of an UMNO T spread Christianity among Muslims One, some of the privatised projects Supreme Council decision? The public are two separate issues. They should be have failed miserably. The Lady Templer would also like to know what the sources dealt with in different ways. Hospital episode is an outstanding of funding are for Hatibudi and what sort There arc sound economic reasons for example. In the end, the Ministry of of credit facilities have been extended to deporting illegal immigrants. Since there Health and the public were forced to bear Hatibudi. These are questions which is massive unemployment at the moment, the brunt of that failure. UMNO members should be asking. the deportation of illegal immigrants will Two, a couple of privatised projects Finally the Government and UEM make it a little easier for Malaysians to may well turn out to be huge financial should explain why the former Director­ fmd jobs in certain sectors of the losses to the public. The public may be General of the Economic Planning Unit economy. Illegal immigrants are also burdened by both excessive tolls and who has just retired from service has responsible for depressing wage levels debt servicing charges in the case of the now been appointed the Chairman of especially in the plantation sector. If North-South Highway Project. There will UEM. After all it is the EPU that oversees employers have to replace them with also be considerable repatriation of privatisation projects and the EPU was locals, they would be forced to pay capital since there is significant foreign involved in the decision to privatise the higher wages and provide other fringe participation in that project. This is also North-South Highway Project benefits which would be a good true of the rural water supply project thing for jobless Malaysians. given to Antah-Biwater. 5 August 1987 Ariffin Omar As far as illegal immigrants spreading Three, serious questions of ethics and Exco Member Christianity among Muslims goes, UMNO integrity have come to the fore in at Youth Acting President, Dato Seri Najib least two privatiscd projects - namely Razak, should furnish us with concrete Sports Toto and the North-South High­ *** evidence. A number of UMNO leaders way. In the case of Sports Toto, there have made allegations of Christian wasn't even an open tender. The North· Delaying Justice proselytisation among Muslims but have South Highway project, on the other yet to produce evidence to back up their hand, is being awarded to a company liran agrees with the Director- claims. whose major shareholder is UMNO General of Prisons that remand It is of course quite possible that such itself! This has given rise to allegations A prisoners who are not charged in proselytisation is taking place. Aliran of conflict of interest. Some of the other Court within two years, should be set itself has received allegations of Christian privatiscd projects, it is alleged, have also free. However, this can only apply to proselytisation among Buddhists and been awarded to companies based upon certain categories of crimes. For other Hindus. By the same token, there have personal and political connections. types of crimes - especially serious ones been complaints of Muslims converting Four, in almost all instances of - the Director-General's idea of a non-Mulsim minors to Islam without the privatisation so far, the Government has separate prison for remand prisoners consent of their parents. not been as open and accountable as it should be considered. It is obvious that religious proselytisa­ should be. The public is $iven bits and Freeing prisoners after the remand tion is becoming yet another communally pieces of information after some political period and a separate prison for remand divisive issue. Since it has grave implica­ party or interest group makes some noise. prisoners are stop-gap measures. The real, tions for inter:religious harmony in a On the whole, however, privatisation is long-term solution is to establish more society like ours, the Government, in being carried out in cloak-and-dagger courts, employ more magistrates and consultation with all religious groups in style. expand the legal service. It is only by the country should tackle the problem Five, in many instances, there aren't strengthening the legal system that the before it is too late. It is for the purpose adequate discussions with workers huge backlog of cases involving remand of handling contentious issues such as affected by privatisation. Both the NEB prisoners will be cleared in good time. religious proselytisation that Aliran. had and Postal workers have complained This calls for a much bigger budgetary suggested in 1979, that the Government about the lack of consultations. , 23 On top of all this, Aliran feels that people. It is absurd to accuse such of Barisan Nasional parties to participate privatisation is being carried out without citizens of wresting power from the but they turned down our invitations. sufficient study and analysis of all the people or destroying democracy. The call for a review of the Constitu­ implications and consequences. This is The real threat to democracy comes tion came from participants at the Con­ particularly dangerous in the case of from those power-holders who are ference. The call was based upon various essential services and vital public utilities. intolerant of dissent and contemptuous analyses of the strengths and weaknesses This is why the Government should not of independent opinion. Such authori­ of the Constitution presented by a go ahead with its proposal to privatise tarian leaders often perpetuate their number of well-known speakers. UMNO electricity supply, postal services and power by keeping the masses in ignorance Youth leader, Dato Seri Najib Razak certain aspects of hospital services. If we and fear. should familiarise himself with the are not careful, the poor in particular arguments put forward at the Conference will suffer a greal deal. 18 August 1987 Chandra Muzaffar before rejecting the proposals made as For all these reasons then Aliran urges President 'vague'. Aliran is prepared to send him a the Government to call a halt to privatisa­ set of the papers. tion. If it fails to set up an independent Similarly, the Parliamentary Secretary Commission of Inquiry Aliran intends to in the Prime Minister's Department, appeal to His Majesty the Yang Di *** Encik Othman Abdul has no basis for Pertuan Agong to exercise his powers to suggesting that the majority of the people Rulers And The Constitution order the Government to establish such do not support the views expressed on a Commission. the Malaysian Constitution at the C~n­ liran gives its fullest support to ference. To fmd out how the majority Tunku Abdul Rahman's proposal to 12 August 1987 feels, the Government must be prepared Chandra Muzaffar make provisions in the Malaysian President A to encourage open discussions on the Constitution for any Ruler who had Constitution. This is not possible as long committed an offence to be tried by a (The above statement did not appear in as we have a controlled media which is any newspaper special tribunal comprising his brother completely subservient to the wishes of . editor) Rulers. a small clique at the helm of Government. As a firm believer in Constitutional It is ludicrous to claim that the majority Monarchy, the Tunku has put forward support the power-holders on every this proposal in the best interests of the issue when the majority of people have *** Monarchical System. It is to ensure that been denied access to information and Knee-jerk Reactions Rulers maintain the dignity of their ideas on the sort of social challenges office. It is to prevent the Monarchical facing the nation. People can judge only liran would like Prime Minister, System from being tainted and tarnished if they have information and knowledge. Dato Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad, through the misdemeanours of individual Encik Othman Abdul and others like to name 'the group of so-called Rulers. him should not use the concept of A Besides, only if there is such a tribunal intellectuals' who are out to destroy 'majority rnle' to browbeat citizens into would it be possible to protect the democracy and to wrest power from the submission. There are certain eternal, people. legitimate interests of the ordinary citizen universal values and principles which go and to uphold the canons of justice. If It is a pity that every time an attempt beyond 'majority rnle' and 'minority there is no justice, citizens will cease to is made to present an independent view rights: Even if the majority of citizens believe that the rule of law prevails in our on important issues, the Prime Minister in a certain situation accept the wrong­ country. A just society, as envisioned in reacts with hostile arrogance. This knee­ doings of a certain regime, it does not Islam and all the other spiritual philo­ jerk reaction of Dr. Mahathir to any mean that those wrongdoings have sophies, will always seek to defend the dissent, however mild, is one of the become acceptable by the moral stan­ weak against the capriciousness of the factors that retards the development of dars that we should all adhere to. The strong. democracy in our country. Every com­ struggle against wrongdoings, though it Aliran therefore calls upon the Prime ment becomes a challenge to the Govern­ may be supported by only a minority, Minister to advise His Majesty the Yang ment. Every analysis becomes an attack must go on whatever the consequences. Di Pertuan Agong to put forward the upon authority. In any case, Encik Othman Abdul is Tunku's proposal to the Conference of Dr. Mahathir should realise that it is wrong if he thinks that Aliran which has Rulers. the sacred duty of each and every Malay­ a small membership does not command sian citizen to suggest ideas and to support from a wide cross-section of 18 August 1987 Executive Committee propose changes for the larger good of Malaysian society. Thousands of morally the nation. It is the duty of every citizen decent, right-thinking Malaysians of all who values his or her dignity to oppose communities support Aliran's struggle for injustice and to uphold truth and *** a more just and humane society. Aliran freedom. A citizen does not have to is, besides, a multi-ethnic organisation become a politician or stand for elections Constitution Review Call with almost every ethnic community in in order to contribute to the people's the country represented in it. It must happiness. The well-being of society is liran is somewhat surprised by the also be emphasised that though Aliran everyone's concern. It is not the special reactions of a couple of political is prepared to work with any organisation prerogative of those in power or of A leaders to its Conference on the for the public good, it is an independent, elected representatives. Malaysian Constitution. The main autonomous body that is not linked to Citizens who have the courage to purpose of the Conference was to provide any political party or trade union. Let it speak up are in fact playing the role a forum for concerned Malaysians to be noted that Aliran has, on a number of expected of them in a Parliamentary evaluate and reflect upon the Constitu­ occasions, criticised the DAP publicly on Democracy. They are giving life and tion on the 30th anniversary of Merdeka. various issues. substance to the concept of the rights of Incidentally, Ali ran had also invited a citizen. They are empowering the Government leaders and representatives 19 August 1987 Executive Committee

24 en r­ :: r =e 1 I • I c ct. ! i G') :z: :::s -n CD ~ I l t ( I I f . f l f l g. I I a· ua f I i o .. I I I. I ..I I. !: 8 • l • i l ; ( f : f f ;'" i l I i s r t .. ... - J f f J J l :r cs ; 0 0 Cll - ( I 8 i • i I I 1 • r -; I J .s ~ i f ~~0 -I .. i s = I I . I ! s f CD;a:::S .. Cll ALI RAN Name and address, ~LOCK LETTERS please N Are you aware of the issues affecting our future? • Cll • Mr/ Ms ...... Do you want to know what is really happening? • Get a grasp of the issues and events that affect us as • Malaysians whatever our ethnic or religious background. • • Profession/Occupation Read Aliran Monthly. • • 0 1 year's subscription ($10.50)} We have tackled all sorts of national and global subjects. • beginning month of ...... • 0 2 years subscription ($20.50) Poverty, corruption, democracy and national unity in • Malaysia, apartheid, Third World development and • 0 Order of other Aliran publications (see reverse side) human rights. Our approach to these issues is non· • Include $0.50 for outstation cheques . communal, non-sectarian and truly multi-racial. • But don't take our word for it. Fill in this form and find • • ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• out for yourself. • Postage • Local orders: $0.20 per book. Overseas orders: 20% of total Our quest is for a just and humane society. • cost of books for surface mail; 100% of total cost of books for ., • airmail. Join us in the struggle for Justice, Freedom and • For overseas orders, prices quoted in US$ . Solidarity! • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • I enclose money order/postal order/cheque no. Aliran does. not get any foreign financial help. We depend 5For Justice, entirely on Malaysians for support. The Aliran Monthly dated ...... for the sum of$ whose editorial team works on a voluntary basis, is one 5 Freedom, of these means of income. That is why your support is Send this order and payment to Aliran, Distribution Bureau, so vital.lnvite your friends to subscribe to Aliran Monthly. 5 Solidarity! P.O. Box 1049, 10830 Penang, Malaysia. Misimpression of Aliran Conference

ay 1 draw your attention to the report "Constitution: Not all for M review" (NST Aug. 18, 1987) which conveyed a wrong impression of what transpired at the Aliran Conference on the Malaysian Constitution held on Aug 15 and 16, 1987. "A new generation of non-Malays born NO. OF TITLE OF BOOK PRICE COST after Merdeka who would settle for COPIES nothing less than a Constitution that 1. FREEDOM IN FETTERS spells out complete equality among the communities" was a reference to one of Is a comprehensive study of the state of demo- the five aspirations I had outlined in my cracy in Malaysia. It deals with all the major laws and institutions relevant to an under- paper which in my opinion would standing of democracy in Malaysia. It examines $10.20 challenge underlying assumptions of the all the major trends and developments which present Constitution. There was no­ have influenced the practice of democracy in attempt to judge the legitimacy of this Malaysia. non-Malay aspiration. Indeed, in both my paper and my presentation, I made a 2. DIALOGUE ON DEMOCRACY distinction between 'the just grievances' Is a collection of speeches made by leaders of of the non-Malays and 'their unjust various political parties & public interest demands: · societies in connection with the 3rd Dialogue $ 3.20 of Concern on Parliamentary Democracy held Sirnilary, I had argued that the quest in July 1985. for an Islamic State and an Islamic Constitution was yet another current 3. CABARAN-CABARAN SEMASA aspiration. like the demand for complete ethnic equality, the 'Islamic State' quest, A book in Bahasa Maaysia dealing with human I suggested, would be hard to accommo­ rights, democracy. the economy. labour. ethnic relations. education. moral values and inter- $ 7.20 date within the ideological framework of national affairs. the existing Constitution. It is obvious from this that my main 4. PANDANGAN ALIRAN: concern was to analyse the various social forces which would bring into Mengandungi pendapat. cadangan, analisa dan kornen yang jarang tersiar di akhbar-akhbar $10.20 question the relevance of the Constitut­ tempatan. . ion to the changing Malaysian ethos. Analysis and reflection of this sort is 5. LIMA PERSO,ALAN is the translation of $ 3.70 vital especially in a society which .5 Controversies' into Bahasa Malaysia purports to promote thinking. There was no need for lawyer R.B. Hashim to react 6. CORRUPTION contains papers on various the way he did - as if the Aliran Con­ aspects of this social scourge presented by ference was all set to destroy certain AIi ran officials and guest speakers at a seminar $ 4.20 held in November 1980. It is easily readable, 'Silcred cows' in our midst. informative and analytical. In this connection, Hashim is wrong about the ·constitution of the United 7. THEAN TEIK: THE OTHER SIDE OF States. The United States Constitution DEVELOPMENT discusses the Thean Teik is a brief document embodying, on the dispute objectively and raises the question, $ 3.20 whole, universal principles and ideals. "Development for Whom?" This is why it is much easier to elicit general support for it, compared to a 8. THE ARMS RACE: HUMANITY IN CRISIS . more detailed Constitution like the reflects a common humanitarian viewpoint on the awful realities of modern warfare. It $ 5.20 Indian or Malaysian ones. A detailed attempts to consider the transformation of Constitution often contains clauses and man and society as the means towards articles which have been influenced by achieving a worldwide peace. particular periods or specific cir­ cumstances. Hence the need fo r changes 9. WE SHALL OVERCOME - SONGS OF and reforms in keeping with the times. HUMANITY is a rich and varied collection R.B. Hashim also tells us with great of songs dealing with reality, hope, freedom, $ 4.20 justice, unity, peace, compassion, etc. authority that "the participants in the Conference were mostly pensioners". My 10. All RAN MONTHLY colleagues and I are simply baffled how Hashim could have arrived at such a 1 year's subscription - 12 issues• $10.50 2 year's subscription - 24 issues: $20.50 conclusion. He must have pensioned off everyone above thirty! Bank Commission for outstation cheque $ 0.50 Datuk Nik Abdul Rashid's comments on the Conference are also quite dis­ TOTAL appointing. He says that 'he foresees the •Prices inclusive of Postage. For overseas orders: prices are in US$. group wanting a review of Article 152 28 and Article 153'. Nik Abdul Rashid was communities. Suffice it to reiterate that not at the Conference. But if he had Aliran's concept of, and approach to, the taken the trouble to read carefully the crucial question of ethnic intergration newspaper reports calling for a review of does not warrant the sort of response the Constitution he would have realised attributed to Datuk Nik Abdul Rashid in that the Conference lamented the erosion your report. No community has anything of fundamental liberties, the derogation to fear from Aliran's quest for "a truly of the rule of law and the abuse of power just and democratic Malaysian nation". by the Executive. There was no mention at all of Bahasa Malaysia or the special 19 August 1987 Chandra Muzaffar ...... a judge is doing his duty ...... if he position of the indigenous communities. President offers ideas on how the Constitution can Only two out of the 20 papers presented a( the Conference dealt specifically with be improved. issues pertaining to language and special position. And both papers - the first by By offering ideas of this sort, Judges Dr. Tan Chee Beng (an Aliran Exco *** cannot be accused of usurping the roles member) and the second by Datuk Mohd. PM Is Wrong of either Members of Parliament or of Sopiee (an Aliran trustee) - supported Cabinet Ministers. For ideas on Govern­ in principle Articles 152 and 153. Datuk t is a pity that the Prime Minister ment and the Constitution in a Parlia­ Nik Abdul Rashid must be aware that regards views expressed by Judges on mentary Democracy can come from any these two men have often adopted I the Constitution as "interference with source. They are not the sole monoploy highly courageous stands on language and the powers of the Executive" and of members of Parliament or the Execu­ ethnic controversies much to the chagrin "involvement in politics". tive. But wehther these ideas are trans­ of chauvinists in both the Malay and non­ As citizens in a Parliamentary Demo­ formed into laws or not would depend Malay communities. Aliran itself, as Nik cracy, Judges have as much right as upon Parliament. Law-making is of course Rashid knows, has a genuinely multi­ anyone else to suggest ideas and propose the preserve of Parliament. Similarly, it ethnic attitude and has invariably changes related to the Constitution. For is only the Executive that can implement sacrificed popularity for certain principles the Constitution is the legitimate concern laws. No one has encroached upon this of ethnic intergration which we hold of each and every Malaysian citizen. It is right of the Executive. If any one has dear. Developing a deep understanding of not the private property of any particular encroached upon someone else's pro­ how Malaysia has evolved from a Malay individual or of any particular branch of vince, it is the Executive which has polity is one of them. Appreciation of the Government. The Constitution belongs to usurped some of the powers of both the role of Malay as the language of inter­ everyone in this country. Legislature and the Judiciary as reflected ethnic communication is another. Judges - like the Prime Minister and in various amendments to the Constitu­ Strengthening the economic position of other Ministers - derive their role and tion, particularly those pertaining to the majority within the indigenous authority from the Constitution. Indeed, Emergency rule. communities is a third principle. There a Judge is doing his duty as a citizen The attitude of the Prime Minister to are of course other principles too which well-versed in the laws of the land if he Judges commenting on the Constitution we cherish - some of these are of offers ideas on how the Constitution can is all the more distressing when one special significance to the non-indigenous be improved. realizes that in most other Parliamentary Democracies Judges who express their views with courage on national matters within their competence are held in high esteem. This is true of Commonwealth countries like Australia, India and New Zealand. P.N. Bhagwati, the former Chief Justice of India and one of the most distinguished jurists in the Com­ monwealth often advocated reforms to the Indian Constitution at public forums and seminars. In the process, he enhanced the integrity of the Judiciary and streng­ thened Parliamentary Democracy. Malaysian Judges who speak up on issues such as the Constitution, human rights and ethics and integrity have brought honour and respect to the Judi· ciary. As long as they do not comment publicly on party politics no one in his right mind can accuse them of getting involved in politics. This is why Judges should continue to play their public roles as concerned citizens. Malaysian society expects them to shine forth as beacons of justice, ever conscious of their independence, and ever ready to resist executive dominance.

7 September 1987 Chandra Muzaffar Ali ran's quest is for a 'truly just and democratic Malaysian nation President

27 Thinking Allowed A closer look at what people say and do the world over

THE LURE OF THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR

t was reported through the t.. ape­ vine that in a certain ASEAN capital, the 'press gang' running a particularly obnoxious news­ Ipaper found that the sales of that newspaper had been plumetting to a level where in a matter of time that paper might fold up. After hours ~f soul (or soulless) searchilig, the evil press barons discovered that the public would no longer pay for doctored news, distortions, lies and the utter rejection of fair and uri­ bailed reporting. In hitting the evil press barons via the pocket they From K. 0. : 500 QUOTES were really driving their point home and also driving this 'press these tou a form of highway Ministers who go around privatising gang' out of business. 'Ibus it was profitable companies on the grounds incredible that a board of evil press robbery? Tbe sad thing is that those who commit such acts do not con· "that this is mine and that is mine." barons decided to be somewhat sider themselves outlaws but ser­ Perhaps such Ministers should take more open, honest and fair in their a . walk in a minefield where they press reports so that sales would go vants of the state cauy.ing out their 'duties' for the 'benefit' of the will finally step on a mine and do up. Interestingly enough, we must rakyat. The rakyat of course don't a peat service for the country. note that tbis change of heart was want the 'benefit' of being relieved not due to the love of moral princi­ ples, justice, fairplay and other of their hud~ed money as they already paying positive values but because of the are road tax and other such taxa to maintain the lure of the almighty Pemaps dollar. highways. Unfortunately our capialism has some redeeming modem Dick Turpins do not see CONSTITUTIONAL featules after an. this and continue with the old PERIODICAL "Stand and Deliver•' policy. It must be noted that finally 'Dick Turpin At a certain seminar held in was caught and sent to the gallows. K.L. to commemo:tate 30 yean of the Malaysian ~ Constitution a former STAND AND DELIVER ~ learned judge made a cogent reDUil'k about the Indian Constitution and bose who ue famQjar with the frequency with which it has the history of social banditry A NEW MINISTRY IS been amended. It seems that one in the days of old England NEEDED FOR THE day a foreign .:holar went to a would definitely remember SMOOTH INPLEMENTING bookshop in New Delhi to pur­ Tthe famous exploita of the outlaw OF THE PRIV ATISATION chase a copy of the Indian Con.. Ditk Turpin who would roam the POLICY stitution. He- asked the shop assis­ highways to waylay coaches and tant, "Do you have a copy of the relieve travellers of their cash and lnctian Constitution in your shop? I valuables to the famous cry of here have been serious alle­ would like to purchase one for "Stand and Deliver." Nowadays the pQoDI that in the privati­ research." Evidently, the Indian daya of Dick Turpin ue gone but sation policy certain gO"vern­ Constitution has been amended so ment mn companies have highway robbery is still in VQ8Ue. T many times that there were coun~ Of couue when social baDditl stop been privatiaed by relatives and lesa reprints of the Constitution and can, buses and conec;,~ friends of certain Ministers despite it became quite a problem to get valuablea, such an act· · tenders bein8 called for. Evidently copies of the latest amended Con­ classified aa doWII!ight robbery and some fl(inisteD work on the premise stitution. Pressed for a reply the the perpetrator as an outlaw who 41~ thing of poAt in tiUI shop assistant answemd, "No, ~b. should be bunted down. But then eotlllfi'Y Ia mine." 'Ibue n do not stock periodicals." what about unjustifie4 tolll.being J(illisbrJ of Mines le9iid:' a over the ~1;: ~

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