Why do we accept that when something goes wrong, no one is made accountable? Why is there a poor system of checks and balances? What happened to leadership by example?
The BTN (Biro Tatanegara or National Civics Bureau) is alleged to be divisive, racist and politically- motivated. The public is outraged; but politicians seem blind to these facts.
The deputy prime minister and the women, family and community development minister both deny the allegations. But what do ministers from the other component parties of BN say? Their silence speaks volumes.
Some ministers claim that the courses instil patriotism and are harmless. In their view, segregating participants into specific groups of race and ethnicity, followed by humiliation, is considered not divisive. They may need to reassess their values.
Others say that the BTN is being revamped. Or upgraded. Or changed. Whatever. The truth is, the BTN runs counter to the ideals of a united Malaysia. It is time we dispensed with our politicians' knee-jerk reactions in their pathetic efforts to ameliorate the breakdown in public confidence.
How can the Umno information chief assume the role of BTN programme head? This is a conflict of interest. How does he isolate his political affiliations? He cannot possibly assume neutrality.
I have not experienced the BTN programme and hope that I never will.
When questions with political and religious undertones are incorporated, that is reason enough for the BTN to cease to operate and function.
When non-Malay Malaysians are chastised for their 'immigrant' status and are condescendingly told to be grateful to the Malays, that is wrong.
When only the contributions of the Malays are recognised for bringing peace and prosperity to the nation, that is positively abhorrent.
When Malays are warned not to mingle with non-Malays, when only Muslims are to be respected, that is despicable.
It is a mockery that 1Malaysia has boiled down to mean 'belonging to only one race'. And the shocking thing is that many Western-educated middle class Malays believe it.
Like the vines of our jungles, the BTN is strangling the ideals, aspirations and uniqueness of all Malaysian peoples.
I have been accused of being a traitor to my race, and religion just because I state what is obviously unfair, undemocratic and lacking in morals and principles.
I suspect they disapprove of me, mostly because I am a woman and a Malay, and dare to speak up about prickly issues. But I admire these people. At least, they are willing to express their views, however vile they may be. Unlike, the silent majority.
For these are the ones I appeal to, and who I wish would make a stand and do more to champion change, if only for the good and love and future of our nation.
04/11/10
The BTN (Biro Tatanegara or National Civics Bureau) is alleged to be divisive, racist and politically- motivated. The public is outraged; but politicians seem blind to these facts.
The deputy prime minister and the women, family and community development minister both deny the allegations. But what do ministers from the other component parties of BN say? Their silence speaks volumes.
Some ministers claim that the courses instil patriotism and are harmless. In their view, segregating participants into specific groups of race and ethnicity, followed by humiliation, is considered not divisive. They may need to reassess their values.
Others say that the BTN is being revamped. Or upgraded. Or changed. Whatever. The truth is, the BTN runs counter to the ideals of a united Malaysia. It is time we dispensed with our politicians' knee-jerk reactions in their pathetic efforts to ameliorate the breakdown in public confidence.
How can the Umno information chief assume the role of BTN programme head? This is a conflict of interest. How does he isolate his political affiliations? He cannot possibly assume neutrality.
I have not experienced the BTN programme and hope that I never will.
When questions with political and religious undertones are incorporated, that is reason enough for the BTN to cease to operate and function.
When non-Malay Malaysians are chastised for their 'immigrant' status and are condescendingly told to be grateful to the Malays, that is wrong.
When only the contributions of the Malays are recognised for bringing peace and prosperity to the nation, that is positively abhorrent.
When Malays are warned not to mingle with non-Malays, when only Muslims are to be respected, that is despicable.
It is a mockery that 1Malaysia has boiled down to mean 'belonging to only one race'. And the shocking thing is that many Western-educated middle class Malays believe it.
Like the vines of our jungles, the BTN is strangling the ideals, aspirations and uniqueness of all Malaysian peoples.
I have been accused of being a traitor to my race, and religion just because I state what is obviously unfair, undemocratic and lacking in morals and principles.
I suspect they disapprove of me, mostly because I am a woman and a Malay, and dare to speak up about prickly issues. But I admire these people. At least, they are willing to express their views, however vile they may be. Unlike, the silent majority.
For these are the ones I appeal to, and who I wish would make a stand and do more to champion change, if only for the good and love and future of our nation.
04/11/10
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