Malaysians Say The Darndest Things!

Submitting Memorandums to the PM. Will it work?

November 27, 2007

Anyone knows what is the government’s solution to the problems raised by HINDRAF? Here are some quotable quotes to give you an idea on what solutions were offered.

Minister Nazri Aziz on Malaysiakini:

Hindraf, which organised the rally, wanted to submit a petition to Queen Elizabeth II asking Her Majesty to appoint a Queen’s Counsel to represent the organisation in its class-action suit against the British government.

“If they want to submit a petition or a memorandum, they should just send it to the Prime Minister’s Department. There’s no need for a street rally,” said Nazri.

Would submitting a petition to the Prime Minister’s department really work? What guarantee is there that someone who can make decisions will look into it?
For example, instead of submitting the BERSIH memorandum to the Agong, and we submitted it to the PM’s department, do you think any action will be taken?
God, don’t make me laugh.

Gerakan President Koh Tsu Koon:

In Penang, acting Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the Indian community could use other avenues to air grouses, as they were well represented in the Barisan Nasional coalition.

Dr Koh said the Indian community could use signature campaigns to highlight their grievances.

Well, Dr Koh, if signature campaigns did work, and based on your popularity in Penang, I think there is a chance that you wouldn’t be leading Penang right this moment.

Deputy Information Minister Chia Kwang Chye (Zam’s deputy):

In Penang, Deputy Information Minister Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye said there was no need for Hindraf to stage a street demonstration merely to hand over a memorandum to the British High Commission.

Speaking to reporters after launching a health campaign at SK Padang Tembak, he said things could be solved more effectively through dialogues and other proper channels.

He said the Government and Barisan Nasional leaders were concerned and would listen to the views proposed by any quarter.

Mr Chia,
Remember the dialog organized by Article 11 some time ago? Remember what happened? Last I remembered, it was hijacked by religious groups that threatened violence against the participants. And I remember the police telling the organizers to cease the dialog, instead of handling the security situation by protecting the participants. And then our PM, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told Article 11 to stop holding these dialogs. I think Nazri Aziz also warned that people will amok if they continue.
So seriously, what use is a dialog this time around? Who even dares to hold a dialog?
Government and Barison Nasional leaders will listen to views proposed by any quarter? “Masuk satu telinga, keluar satu lagi” right?

Works Minister and MIC President Samy Vellu:

Samy Vellu said that although he had offered to meet Hindraf leaders after they forwarded a memorandum to the Prime Minister weeks before the rally, they had refused to meet him.

“I told them that I was prepared to see them but I was told that they wished to deal directly with Umno. So what can the MIC do?” he said adding that Hindraf leaders submitted a one-page memo to the Prime Minister about the community’s problems over the past 50 years.

Asked if there was merit in Hindraf’s demands, Samy Vellu said problems should be discussed within the system.

“When we discuss among ourselves, we can quarrel as much as we want. But why must we raise our displeasure outside the system?” he asked.

I think displeasure was raised outside the system because MIC has failed. Discussing within the system means you and your cabinet colleagues are discussing it without taking in feedback from other quarters. That’s how arrogant you guys are. Look at the VK Lingam scenario.

AND

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said people should use existing forums to voice their problems and not resort to street protests.
…
The Works Minister said the MIC had been working “within the system” and it had proven to be successful.

“We have resolved many problems and issues through consultation and dialogues with the Government without resorting to street demonstrations,” he said.

He said issues of education, the economy and social issues had been resolved through direct consultation with the Federal, state and local governments.

Hmm, remember the recent temple demolition? I remembered the newspaper reports saying you tried to consult Selangor MB Khir Toyo to delay the demolition right? I wonder what happened to that temple…

PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi:

To a question, Abdullah said those who have been organising street demonstrations seemed to be testing the Government’s patience.

“Don’t abuse the freedom that has been given to you,” he said, adding that those who took part in the illegal gathering would not go unpunished.

Abdullah questioned Hindraf’s intention in going ahead with the demonstration despite the police warning not to do so.

“If you want to submit a memorandum there are other ways of doing it,” he said.

How? Submit to your department? The act of submitting the memorandum is important, additionally, it’s also important to see who the memorandum is submitted to. Obviously a lot of people don’t trust you or your government anymore, that’s why the memorandums are going to the Agong, and also HRH Queen Elizabeth II.
Instead of blasting the demonstrators, you should be ashamed of your administration that there are people who actually think that going to someone outside the country is even more effective than going to you for help.

So yes. Stop asking people to submit memorandums and petitions to you. Instead, ask yourself why such massive numbers of people are submitting memorandums and willing to sacrifice their personal safety and demonstrate.
Ignore the people at your own peril.

And I started this post by asking:
“Anyone knows what is the government’s solution to the problems raised by HINDRAF?”
I don’t see any solutions being offered, just excuses to blast HINDRAF.

All those government fellas say the darndest things!

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