By Wong Chun Wai, The Star
Even fugitive blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin has found out, and lamented, that when he exposes scandals involving the government, he is a hero but when he does the same with the opposition, he is turned into a political pariah instantly.
Partisanship is so strong on both sides of the political divide that we have become angry Malaysians. Can we stop being angry and try to make sense of the issues affecting the nation instead?
IF you watched the live proceedings of the British parliamentary hearings involving the Murdochs, you would agree that they were impressive.
Prime Minister David Cameron, in cutting short his trip to Africa to call for a special meeting of the Commons, was grilled incessantly by the Opposition. But he took it all in stride.
Although he could not bring himself to apologise for hiring a former staff of News of the World, Rupert Murdoch’s newspaper which has been accused of carrying out illegal hacking into mobile phones, he carried himself well, showing his willingness to take on his opponents.
The Speaker moderated the proceedings with finesse and we were shown what the Westminster parliamentary system, which our own Dewan Rakyat is modelled after, is all about.
A day earlier, also shown live, we watched the parliamentary select committees in action.
Never mind if there were disagreements, even accusations of perjury at times, but everyone spoke in measured tones. Everyone went out of their way to ensure there was dignity and decorum – except for the moment when a failed comic attacked Murdoch with a foam pie.
Now we all know about his young wife Wendi Deng. Her left hook and swift intervention by a constable were sufficient to wrest the loony away. Not much fuss there, and no need for an Emergency Order, for sure.
Compare that with our Malaysian politicians. With a general election looming, possibly by next March, the posturing seems to have become louder.
Don’t look far. Just read the blogs, the political websites and the comments posted. Many of us seem to contradict ourselves. We call for a better political culture with intellectual discourse and debate over policies and issues, but we often degenerate into name calling.
Instead of reading an entire commentary to consider the salient points raised, some enjoy picking up a single sentence or even a word to tear apart the writer’s opinion. There’s nothing wrong with this except that it often ends up in a distasteful round of name calling and personal attacks.
Regardless of our political affiliations, it is hardly the political road that we want for Malaysia.
If you support the opposition, you risk being labelled a traitor, communist, socialist, Jew or at least remotely Jewish-linked.
On the other hand, if you back the government, or are simply being neutral, you are called a running dog, coward, corrupt or a spineless person and your next three generations will be duly cursed. Of course, you would also be labelled a traitor.
In Parliament, MPs are suddenly transformed into verbal monsters with childish tantrums who, as they lunge at each other, call others by animal names.
If we read the postings on blogs and tweets, we can see many shouting about transparency and accountability but most opt to remain anonymous even as they run down others as cowards. So who is the coward in the end?
Perhaps it’s the fault of our education system, or our lack of proficiency to speak or debate in more than one language, or simply our political culture. Being articulate is surely not our strong point.
Maybe we have become so angry and fed up with what is happening that we no longer wish to be polite. Or have we really lost our marbles and are therefore unable to rationalise? Is it no longer politically correct to be moderate or neutral with the frightening emergence of the “us” or “them” syndrome?
The partisanship is so strong that both sides expect the media to be excessively pro-government or openly slanted to the opposition. An objective and unbiased media, to some, even means being openly hostile to the government. That has become the fastest way to be popular, fortunately or unfortunately.
Even fugitive blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin has found out, and lamented, that when he exposes scandals involving the government, he is a hero but when he does the same with the opposition, he is turned into a political pariah instantly.
If the government is regarded as being intolerant to dissent, the same attitude is also detected among the ranks of the opposition. In the fight for votes and power, the end seems to justify the means. Nothing is sacred.
So when we read about faked deaths in a recent demonstration, those who claimed to be righteous and demanded “truth and justice” can also become strangely silent. Malaysians do not know who and what to believe any more, what with new issues appearing one after the other.
There is too much contradiction and sacrificing of principles, all seemingly in the name of justice. Look at it carefully, however, and it is simply about the advancement of individual political careers and attempts to control Putrajaya.
The authorities have not been consistent. The police have stopped opposition ceramah, arrested those taking part in candlelight vigils and ridiculously nabbed politicians wearing yellow T-shirts with the word “Bersih”.
On the other hand, it is open knowledge that the opposition holds ceramah almost every other day. The demand for a 21-day campaigning period does not seem to gel. In fact, the ceramah is supposed to be a closed-door affair if its definition is strictly enforced, but many of them have turned into rallies.
In short, the rules are not consistent. Make it clear and easy for all parties to apply to hold such talks. Let there be fairness. The political and media landscapes have changed but many of our civil servants and leaders are still stuck in a time warp, and seemingly indifferent to it.
So we have officials who black out parts of an article in The Economist when one can easily access it online, or put hurdles out to ban the Bahasa Malaysia Bible when all it takes is a simple click to print the entire version from the Internet.
But emotions and scoring points seem to have become the obsession of many Malaysians. Is it any wonder that one of the popular pastimes among Malaysians is playing the “Angry Birds” game on their mobiles and tablets?
Can we stop being angry people and try to make sense of the issues affecting the nation instead? Or better still, just laugh at them? It’s just the run-up to the silly season, as cynical reporters call it.
written by Fart Fart Wah, July 25, 2011 14:00:25
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written by Taikohtai, July 25, 2011 09:08:37
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written by StevenO, July 25, 2011 06:55:46
Well, what the fcuk! The money MCA get through corruption and cronyism in business is many times more than what they loose in Star paper! They certainly can afford to keep their balls/arsehole licker around!
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written by marocman, July 25, 2011 06:30:45
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written by StevenO, July 25, 2011 01:58:57
I know WCY will never dare to stare straight into the eyes of those despicable politicians cause he owe them his rice bowl, let alone step on their toes!
Just want to force him to tare off his pretentious mask for all to see. Or maybe I should slept a pie into his face. Neh, a piece of newly bake pizza is much better.....with those sizzling cheese, hot tomato sauce. Yeah, pizza for WCY. Cheers!
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written by Nice n Simple, July 25, 2011 01:06:14
Dear Wong Chun Toi,
By now you should know that if Malaysians ever call you 'names', it's just a show of our 'affection'. Why you so sensitive knowing that the whole of Malaysia has long since called you a Chun Toi?
To put it in a more positive perspective, 'Chun Toi' literally means 'Testicles' in Chinese Cantonese. And testicles are every man's most cherished possession as it bears the fruits of tomorrow's nation. Therefore to be called a 'Chun Toi' is to say you are held very dearly to all Malaysians!
You of all persons should be proud that we Malaysians pamper you with so much 'affection' right?
'wink'
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written by BeGood, July 25, 2011 00:53:03
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written by joemss, July 25, 2011 00:06:48
The current papers are all polical newspapers as follows:-
Star - MCA
Tamil Nesan - MIC
Utusan, NST, Berita Harian - UMNO
Rocket - DAP
Harakah - PAS
Suara Keadilan - PKR
So if you buy the so called MSM, it is just another political daily except that some are printed daily
And can be sold in public whereas the rest are weekly and confined for members only.
No point in discussing this topic over and over again when we know the actual fact, otherwise we
may have to ask for another RCI to ascertain it. LOL.
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written by JustJobe, July 24, 2011 23:53:39
I read in some of the responses below nothing but angry replies by people who i can almost imagine are frothing at the mouth as they type their comments, mashing their keys with bloodshot eyes.
Is WCW a neutral? i HIGHLY bloody doubt it, but that is my own bias.
Does that mean i have to automatically disagree with him and go on ad hominem attacks?
I DO NOT agree with all his writings, but there are a few valid points mentioned here... particularly about there being very few people who can talk openly and honestly on partisan disagreements, without reducing themselves to angry name calling children.
Sheesh.
Many of you just made his point for him and are probably too bloodlusted to even know it.
-Ed
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written by ktchye, July 24, 2011 22:33:39
Look at the scurrilous editorials The Star has been running that throw dirt at the Opposition, especially the one that alleged the Penang State Govt was doing a bad job and the one about the Berish 2.0 rally. Look at its editorialising in its news reports on the Bersih 2.0 rally, every day calling it "Opposition-initiated" when it is in fact a civil society movement.
And of course look at his own columns. When has he criticised BN or any of its leaders? On the other hand, he has no qualms about rapping Opposition leaders left, right and centre. He talks about the "silly season". When that comes around, he'll be the first to be silly in kowtowing to his political bosses. Yes, sir, yes, sir, three bags full. Read his columns prior to the 2008 general election.
Why does he run Rosmah's picture in The Star every day?
Why does he let The Star spin against the Opposition come election time, come by-election time?
Remember how The Star went to town with Chandra Muzaffar's scurrilous comment on Anwar on the eve of the 2008 GE? The Star ferreted out people who would add to that negative comment with further negative comments of their own. Is this journalism?
Is WCW a man of journalistic principles? I say no.
Is he a running dog? In the work he does at The Star, yes!
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written by dinosaur, July 24, 2011 22:09:10
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written by Revolution, July 24, 2011 19:46:33
Malaysians are tired of "sour honey" ...Is it because it becomes more sour than sweet ?
Kao Liao !!!
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written by Kaneeneh, July 24, 2011 19:27:03
And you as and editor write this crap, my American degree did not prepare me to understand what the hell your St Xavier education is trying to say to the readers.
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written by SamYap, July 24, 2011 19:10:44
So that doesn't give you no freeking right. You are the worst sort of paid pariah writer, including the bitch Jocelyn and Pariah Kuppusamy.
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written by datuk tanah, July 24, 2011 17:44:53
I read your toilet paper to amuse myself at the shit that is being spatted to kow-tow your MCA masters. Mind you I don't buy them any more. I read them if they happen to be around or if I get it for free
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written by gungadin, July 24, 2011 17:16:53
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written by philip25, July 24, 2011 17:07:02
I have given up on reading the Star for its failure to report honestly. You are one writer who has no morals to report news as it should be. Look at all the comments on yrself here and we can gauge where you stand as a journalist. Do you blame all the writers of these comments. You brought all this on yrself. Serves u right. You talk about the British Parliament & ours. Did you ask yrself why ours is in this state and who is to blame. I will have to use the same word that you used. You are nothing more than a running dog waiting for bones to be thrown from the masters table. Its because of people like u and Jocelin that I treat the Star as gabage and not read it anymore
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written by jeagerlange, July 24, 2011 16:31:06
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written by arazak, July 24, 2011 16:16:54
Fat chance. . ., I don't think he is going to write about Najib's Scorpane corruption scandal and the Altantuya murder case. If Najib goes to jail, he will not be able to lick Najib's arse. . ., and that's one thing he feared to miss!
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written by StevenO, July 24, 2011 16:06:32
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written by StevenO, July 24, 2011 15:56:14
I am waiting for they day where you'll come licking at Pakatan Rakyat's boots. Won't even surprise me if you kneel down to lick their ass too!
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written by truthbespoken, July 24, 2011 15:32:14
In fact, Wong has been going from strength to strength as far as his journalistic fortune goes. How then will it be remotely possible for him to become an angry Malaysian? He has absolutely no cause for complain! But the unfortunate truth is he is not alone! And we good Malaysians can easily tell who these 'self-protecting' people are whenever they appear on the political scene! Don't try to cloud the real issues affecting the nation with your consistent but uncommitted journalistic approach towards the peoples' interest. Wong, we can read in between the lines that you are still continuing to lean towards the interest of a corrupt, arrogant and failing regime because of self-interest as against common interests! That's why your articles are often wishy-washy!
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written by doitanyway, July 24, 2011 14:46:23
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written by alacarte, July 24, 2011 13:22:40
So pity that the MSM can't keep neutral stand due to ownership by B.N. parties.
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written by Duke, July 24, 2011 12:15:11
Maybe you don't believe in retribution but I do.
And trust me, your family will pay a heavy price for your journalistic sins.
Shame on you, educated, savvy, good head, nice successful family, and all things nice............but you still have to lick the UMNO pariah's arse for a living.
Truly, shame on you
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written by panca, July 24, 2011 11:57:14
That also reminds me the name of a State(also a state of denial and hypocrisy) called Lanchow. Your twin city of Chun Toi.
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written by educationist, July 24, 2011 11:14:35
"Can we stop being angry and try to make sense of the issues affecting the nation instead? - we are, many of us reading the alternative media!!
Yes, some of us use uncivil names to call u folks in the MSM, and I don't deny the anger I have for people like you, who have no sense at all on what constitutes fairplay just because you yield the pen at The Star!!
"So when we read about faked deaths in a recent demonstration.." -are u alluding to Baharuddin's death?
This is very callous indeed!!
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written by NSTPravda, July 24, 2011 10:40:13
Don't you renegades dare be rude to this kafir pendatang (citizen 2nd class, division A), apa nama tu, Wong Ji Bai. He is, in the humble opionion of 1Moi, your $upreme Ailah appointed 1Leader, not too bad for a kafir and pendatang. He may at some stage qualify as the best-that-any-money-can buy if he follows this other favorite ex-pork eating wannabee real bumi Riduan Tee Abdullah fellow in sucking up to us the uMnoASTER Race. Keep trying harder, we may yet promote up the ladder to Citizen 2nd class division A+. Semua-nya OK!
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written by cillipepper, July 24, 2011 10:12:14
Hello Towkay,
How much would you pay for STAR "surat khabar lama?"
Kahkahkah!
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written by temenggong, July 24, 2011 10:02:34
So unrestrained is the greed for power, Malaysians on both sides demonise the other to the point they become reverse racist and bigots. And they don't realise it.
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written by HumbleVoice, July 24, 2011 09:29:38
Comparing the Malaysian Parliament with the British Parliament? That must be the joke of the century. A mere phone tapping scandal can bring down a media mogul in Britain, top cops has to resign for receiving favors from Murdoch. But the BN government was able to get away with murders literally!
Yes - the people are angry. And it is righteous anger that is not for running dogs like Chun Wai who sold his soul to the devils to make light of.
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written by flyer168, July 24, 2011 09:22:29
Just to share this...
Gandhian Inversion of Modern Political Perception
Ramin Jahanbegloo
The core of Gandhi's theory of politics is to show that the citizen is the true political subject and not the state.
In other words, in Gandhi's mind the citizen was always above the state.
As such, the political subject's decision on sovereignty becomes, for Gandhi, the true subject of political sovereignty.
As a result, the Gandhian moment of politics is an effort to de-theologise and de-secularise the concept of modern politics as presented by the omnipotent sovereign of Thomas Hobbes.
His ideas on ethics in politics lead Gandhi to criticise Hobbesian political authority and to disobey the state and its laws beyond the principle of fear.
Gandhi's political practice is based on the taming of this fear.
Rule of Law or Rule by law...
Former Lord President Tun Mohamed Suffian Hashim repeatedly insisted in his foundational written texts that in Malaysia,
“The constitution” and nothing but the constitution is “the supreme law of the land.”
“Malaysia cannot afford to see constitutional principles imperilled, and constitutional processes jeopardised”
— “not even out of an understandable impatience, or a conscientious determination, to see the urgent political and practical problems of the day speedily resolved.” unquote.
You be the judge.
Shalom.
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written by Windchime, July 24, 2011 09:17:32
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