The Stage Is Set

The stage is set. Late yesterday, the Barisan Nasional named Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah as its candidate for the Permatang Pauh by-election to face Anwar Ibrahim. The election is expected to be fiery one with both sides launching the best in their arsenal to win the seat, which had been in the hands of the opposition for the last ten years. Arif himself is not new to the constituency as he is the Seberang Jaya state assemblyman. The state seat is one of the three seats in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency. The 52-year old is expected to put up a fair fight against Anwar, who is favourite to win the seat. The nomination is on Saturday while polling has been fixed for Aug 26. The BN on its part will try its best to wrest the seat away from the opposition.

On another note, let me clearly state here that many of those who responded to my earlier post should have checked the date it was posted before commenting and using vulgarities. Judging from the number of anonymous posting, I feel that some people log in everyday just to use profanities against me in the blog. When I posted the last blog, news was that the teacher apologised and was transferred. At that time, I was not informed that she was transferred to a school near her house and it was a better school than Sek Men Panglima Garang. I did not update my blog for a week now due to busy scheduled. But this does not give any reason for anyone to use crude language, to the extent of using derogatory words against me. I have time and time again said that I welcome constructive criticisms. Even if comments are not constructive, I publish all comments. But of late I realise that some commentator or commentators have taken this to be the green light to write just about anything, especially using vulgar words. To these people all I can say is if you don't have anything constructive or proper, don't waste your time writting. Now about the teacher, I would handle things my way! For those who have been ardent visitors to this blog, they would know what I mean. Thank you and God Bless.

Forgive and Forget

I have received various comments on the teacher, who uttered a racial slur against Indians in her class. Some were written in anger, some had good suggestions while others wanted me to say something that could be used against me in the future. Now since the teacher had apologised and been transferred to another school, I think it is better that we put this matter to rest. I too was angry after reading the news report the other day and now after thinking about it I think whatever that has been achieved so far is sufficient. She has been made an example to all other teachers who have the tendency to use racial lines in their classes and teaching. Its time we moved on. I also feel that there is no point in beating a dead snake. We don't even know the condition of the teacher. If she is the sole bread winner of her family etc. One comment, was exceptionally rational, questioning the facts that was reported. But whatever said and done, we have made our point and lets move on. I am not back tracking, it is just that I feel jumping on issues like this for a longer period does more harm than good.
I would also like to remind those who comment on the blog to always use proper language in your comments. Using language like "sucking-up etc" is impolite. This might be the Internet and blogsphere but that does not guarantee the right for one to use improper language. If you want others to read your constructive comments, proper language usage is necessary. I see a trend in the comments. Some people just comment to vent out their anger and frustration. The reason I started blogging is to obtain feedback and so far it has been good. It is just that some rotten apples are spoiling the barrel.

DO NOT SACK HER, TRANSFER HER TO A TAMIL SCHOOL

BELOW IS A NEWS STORY FROM MALAYSIAKINI TODAY WHICH SHOCKED AND DISAPPOINTED ME

Two police reports have been lodged against a secondary school History teacher for allegedly uttering racial slurs against Indian students.
The reports, lodged by two students from SMK Telok Panglima Garang last Friday, stated that a female history teacher had allegedly called Indian students ‘keling pariah', ‘Negro' and ‘black monkeys', amongst other derogatory names.
In the report, the Form Four and Form Five student said the teacher purportedly told students during class that ‘Indians came from dogs', Indians are ‘children of prostitutes' and the community is stupid.
They also allege that teacher had said the community youth ‘did not have testicles', ‘always menstruates' and indulged in thuggery and theft.
The full story could be accessed at http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/87278.

While the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, wants to strengthen unity among the various ethnic races in the country, we have some people, like the teacher above who fail to understand that Malaysia is not run by a single race. When the PM himself wants the nation to provide equal opportunities for all Malaysians in all areas, there are some who think that this is not wise and that only the majority should enjoy the wealth of this country. Its sad. It angers me. I am also disappointed that the teacher had passed through the country's education system and teachers training without anyone detecting her racial sentiments.
Any Malaysian regardless of race, religion, creed, colour or ethnicity does not deserve this kind of treatment and most alarming is the fact that it was uttered by a school teacher who had indirectly made all her students racists in one way or another. The physiological scar left by her on these students, will remain despite the harshest punishment meted out against her.
Now students of other races in the class, when this incident occurred, would not think twice to utter what she had said in class, outside of school. While the Indian students would be angry not only at the teacher but her race generally. In this case one rotten or bad apple spoils the barrel.
As far as I am concerned, action should be taken against the teacher. She should not be sacked as this would destroy her career and let her go on thinking that she was right in saying all those things against Indians. She should be transferred. She should be demoted and placed at a Tamil primary school. Let her go to school everyday with hundreds of Indian children and other Indian teachers.
Though deep inside I want her sacked and remain out of the country's education system, that would be an easy way out for her. She has to realise her follies and sacking her will not bring her this realisation. But transferring her to a Tamil medium primary school would certainly do the trick!
I on my part as a Deputy Minister and MIC Information chief would certainly do whatever is necessary to ensure, teachers like this do not "corrupt" our education system. First would be a chat with the Education Minister. I have my way of doing things and let me assure you that this issue will not be swept under the carpet, although the actions may not be publicised.

And The Truth Is Permatang Pauh

In my last blog entitled "And The Truth Is?" I pointed out the political gamemanship of Anwar Ibrahim. He spoke to the rakyat in two places, in this case Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur and Kulim Bandar Baharu, Kedah, and on both occassion said that he would be the candidate to contest the parliamentary seats. Now the de facto opposition leader says he would contest in Permatang Pauh, his old seat which he vacated in 1998. The caretaker of the seat for the last ten years, his wife Wan Azizah is now going back to being a housewife. Very odd timing for him to announce this! Is he playing a political game with the pending sodomy allegation against him? Expectations are that he would be charged anytime now. So if he announces that he would contest a seat and the police subsequently arrest him then, the opposition leader would say:" They are charging me because, they are scared of my return to Parliament." Mark my words, this would happen if the police find a strong case against Anwar and decide to charge him in court. Lets have your say on this...

And The Truth Is?

I have been reading some news reports, which had been put up on the internet and came across this puzzle. Read, what has been said by the opposition leaders.The first one is Anwar Ibrahim and the second two PAS leaders. The statements were public statements and were carried in news reports. Just in case some of you are wondering if I am making this up. Check Malaysiakini and Bernama. Solve the puzzle!

EPISODE ONE

July 26

Anwar Ibrahim warmed up to the Bandar Tun Razak (Kuala Lumpur) electorate tonight as part of his by-election 'campaign' in a constituency which he claims to be eyeing as a ticket to Parliament. In a hastily arranged ceramah, the charismatic leader spoke to the nearly 2,000 strong multiracial crowd which braved the drizzle throughout the 75-minute speech at a surau compound in Taman Len Sen. Despite the wide range of topics, his main agenda of the night was to signal his intention to contest in the area and test the waters. Needless to say, the crowd gave Anwar the verbal approval when he asked if he could contest the seat which is currently held by Selangor Menteri Besar and PKR comrade Khalid Ibrahim.
"I want to say that maybe, I might contest here," said Anwar to loud roars of approval.

July 27

Opposition icon Anwar Ibrahim said today that he aims to return to parliament for the first time in a decade later this year if a court orders a by-election near his home town.
The high court in Kedah will hear a challenge on Aug 19 asking it to invalidate the result in a seat that was won by his PKR in March 8 general elections.
Anwar told AFP (it was picked up by Malaysiakini) that if the court declares the result null and void he will contest the ensuing by-election.
"My plan is to contest in the Kulim-Bandar Baharu seat. I am optimistic of victory," he said.
"The constituency neighbours my hometown of Permatang Pauh in Penang. I am familiar with the locals there."

Now my question is how can Anwar twist and turn at his whims and fancies play to the gallery without anyone asking question. Well PKR supporters, you tell me? Within not even 24-hours he first says he is thinking of Bandar Tun Razak, then after a night's sleep its Bandar Baru Kulim.

EPISODE 2

This is even better. All in one day!

Yesterday, PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat suggested that UMNO and PAS be dissolved and a new party formed to unite all Malays.
"Such a revelation is startling and has serious ramifications, implications and consequences. Nik Aziz's statement reduces to naught Datuk Seri Hadi Awang's statement in Ipoh, also yesterday, that PAS would not merge with Umno or join Barisan Nasional.
"Obviously, statements made by PAS leaders of late, give the perception that they are out to scuttle the Pakatan Rakyat."

The quotes are not mine, but none other than DAP national chairman Karpal Singh. Go figure!