'Namewee is a uniting factor'

The shame is that few Malays voiced their objections to the disgusting remarks of the Malay school-heads (both in Johore and Kedah). Where are the voices of condemnation for these racist rants? Are they afraid of pilloried by members of their own community? Or have they no principles? And lack a conscience?

Mariam Mokhtar, Malaysian Mirror

COMMENT If Namewee (Wee Meng Chee) is prosecuted for his music-video, then two mixed messages are being sent out by the government: The first is that the authorities practise double-standards. The second is that it was only because of Namewee's 'intervention' that the government sat up and took racism seriously.

On Wednesday, it was reported that the rapper was being investigated by the police for sedition. Various ministers and a menteri besar also want Namewee punished for his controversial video.

In the first place, Namewee made this clip because of the government's slow response to tackle effectively the latest racist incident. It appears that we are now united, against racism.

Far from being seditious or racist, Namewee has done the job of the government in exposing all that is 'ugly' about us.

Just over two weeks ago, the Johore school headmistress featured in Namewee's clip made serious, humiliating and crude remarks to non-Malay students in her school.

The prime minister, who coined the term 1Malaysia, took two weeks to make any comment regarding this issue. In the meantime, the damage became magnified.

Finally, Najib said that when it came to racism, he wanted 'zero-tolerance' and a 'swift response' to people who made racial slurs.

It appears that the prime minister has fallen at the first hurdle. There was not a quick, speedy response, as promised. It took him a very slow two weeks before issuing a statement.

For another, why has the police investigation been allowed to drag?

But let us imagine that for one moment, it was a non-Malay school head who had uttered derogatory remarks about her Malay pupils and told them to 'pergi balik bawah tempurung' (return to your place beneath your coconut shell) or that the tudung worn by the girls was only to cover-up their 'bad hair-do'.

Wisdom and tolerance

I need not mention how the Malay community, egged on by the Ketuanan Melayu clowns, would react by picketing, protesting and practically foaming at the mouth.

If anything, the Johore school incident proved that the non-Malay community has shown extreme restraint and should be commended for their wisdom and tolerance.

Namewee is reacting to the slow response of the government to tackle racism. Hence, it is the government who has failed the Malaysian public. It is Namewee who conveyed the important message to Malaysians, in an entertaining way via his Youtube clip, that 'racism sucks'.

To date, what is the progress into the school-head investigation? How long does it take to get eye-witness statements?

People forget that Namewee is a rapper. He produces videos and music videos. Rap music may glorify violence, misogyny, drug abuse and homophobia. Profanity and vulgar language are common.

Like it or not, rap or hip hop, is the language of the young these days. With rap, he has managed to engage with the young, to 'say 'no' to racism'. Any parent of a teenager will know what I am talking about. The songs teenagers listen to these days, often colour the air-waves blue.

One can only imagine Namewee's rage at the slow official response to tackle racism.

It is the same fury that overcomes us when we are lectured by our political masters to do, think and talk '1Malaysia' but then discover to our shock, that some ministers do not practise it.

Admittedly, Namewee is simply expressing his anger and frustration in creativity and music, just like Eminem or Jay-Z.

It is highly unlikely that our aging ministers will understand nor appreciate rap music.

Namewee is the perfect entertainer and has sound business acumen. Sometimes, to shock may even sell more records. He has gained increased publicity for himself being enterprising.

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin adopted a different spin on Namewee's questions: "You tak baca? Siapa buat Malaysia kaya?" (Don't you know? Who made Malaysia prosperous?). Khairy assumed that Namewee suggested the 'Malays played a minor role in Malaysia's economic growth'.

Khairy is possibly wrong and as far as can be ascertained, Namewee wasn't alluding to anything.

Namewee posed an open-ended question. However, political personalities are already scoring brownie points by insinuating various things.

Namewee was wrong to be abusive – even I would balk short at such behaviour. But Namewee speaks for all those who suffered that day in school and for the people in Malaysia who care.

Maybe if the authorities had been swift in their response, Namewee would not have had the reason to come up with this clip.

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Comments (24) Add Comment

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written by Yen.CK, September 06, 2010 13:17:10

Now we all know how the other religion works, we begin to understand how the other religion thinks, and we begin to see why NEP is crucial for survival.

My support for Namewee and my sympathy for the innocently sucked bananas.

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written by myhhlim, September 05, 2010 21:22:44

After 53 years of Independence , we really need a new brand of thinking. We cannot keep on thinking about being Malay Chinese Indian Iban and Kadazan etc otherwise this country will explode, This alarming trend is coming soon unless the Malay wake up. There cannot be a ketuanan Melayu as expounded by Mahatirism because the day that Malaysia was formed you can only have ketuanan orang Malaysia because the Iban and Kadaazan is the tuan of more than 50 % of Malaysia.

we can understand why Malays has been very hesitant lest they be labelled as traitor neither can they belief that some of their race can be so racists no different from the White south African, On the other hand , it is not a Malay problem it occurs around the world. Nobody was harmed so it would be good if more Malays condemn her and we, the non Malays forgive her because we belief that she would repent/remorse/reflect on what she said and become a better and caring Malaysian, We should pray for her and for our fellow Malay Malaysian to be brave that acknowledge that the time have come to change MAllaysia. We can all have a better future by making Malaysia a good place to live in. colour blind, totally meritocritous, honest brave, fair like all advanced country. I believe we can do better than those nation only more of us have the faith and conviction. we thank NAMEWEE for taking the first step.

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written by earthman, September 05, 2010 15:36:28

Its not hard to notice that the some Malays and particularly Muslims are weak to speak up against wrongs committed by their fellow kins but are quick to condemn others. That is why we called them munafiq or hypocrites. They talk but do not walk the talk. Its time these Malays and Muslims be courages and learn from those who have advanced and are leaders of this world. May their eyes be opened and they see the truth. The truth that can set them free. The world would be a better place when they are enlightened.

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written by Semuaok, September 05, 2010 10:29:11

Namewee have score couple of points.

1) He have make a name for himself.
2) He has bring us closer together
Most importantly
3) He make MCA porn star look so bad
4) He have probably make a few MCA MP disappear come G13

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written by cpchen, September 05, 2010 08:56:07

Not many have clear head like you, Mariam, not even the MCA head, he had put millions of votes into the drain for the next GE.

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written by temanmu, September 05, 2010 00:59:39

The tin was always in the ground, the land was always fertile.... but it took immigrants to develop them.... not too far wrong!

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written by HamChak, September 05, 2010 00:46:15

Well done NameWee!
BONKingLand needs people like you.
Keep on rapping.

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written by SoundMan, September 05, 2010 00:45:01

Dear Mariam Mokhtar, there are many level headed Malaysian out there - now- but choose with foresight to keep their heads down and disapprove the direction the entire country is being led to.

They,we, are preserving our sanity by now engaging in open debate to preserve the peace, for us and them !

Come the GE13, aha, we will vote with our feet.....

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written by albert zacharias, September 05, 2010 00:42:59

hi truthbespoken... u r indeed sharp in your observation of "a guest" writings. "a guest" cannot even get namewee's name right lah. Pathetic.... keep on writing ...truthbespoken. cheers.

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written by truthbespoken, September 05, 2010 00:32:03

A guest, your misplaced ego and in particular, your persistent but irrational pursuance of Namewee's lyrical works against a hardcore racist element over a few postings have clearly overshadowed your commonsense and approach on this issue. That's why many fellow readers and commentators did not agree with you over and over again on the same issue through negative votes, without exception. Think why it should not have been otherwise if you had been rational on any instance.

This is strange behaviour indeed if assessed from your mostly rational comments on other issues of interest. Whatever the unlikely cord you may have struck, nonetheless, it is hoped you can reconcile with the Namewee's unorthodox expressions sooner and, like others, continue to work with the good forces in MT to further the noble cause for a better Malaysia. Regards.

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written by albert zacharias, September 05, 2010 00:06:32

Racism, corruption, drugs, gambling, deviant sex, murders should be nib at the bud but the weak BN government allows it to fester and now becomes a nationwide sickness.

a. The headmistress should be dealt with on the first instance without fear and favour and all these ugliness would not need to surface.

b. Submarine purchase corrruption... no one is caught till now! why????

c.Many village folks are hook on drugs. Where does the drug comes from and still cannot be controlled??????

d. Why are all the internet cafes offering onling gambling still opening day and night. Many are caught in the gambling habit and become poor and in debt. Why the police don't go and close down these cybercafes?????

e. Deviant sex.. Why Soiled Leg can act in a DVD and still free becoming the shameful president of Malaysian "Chipai" Association???? He should be in court like how Anwar is fighting a baseless allegation!!!!. This Soiled leg fella got dvd don't want to catch him leh???? Why????

f. Mongolian woman pregnant and C4-ed no mastermind caught till now !!! Shame lah police!!!

BN government very weak lah.

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written by onnetline, September 04, 2010 23:16:21

In the first place, that fcukking racist cow, MOOhyiddin and UMNOs toilet paper, Utusan Msia should be prosecuted or charged with sedition.
And the PM, Najis C4 is full of 1Malaysia bullshit too !

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written by porkywee, September 04, 2010 22:47:37

What a splendid article and I couldn't agree more. In my opinion, 1Malaysia is nothing but a farce and a marketing gimmick to con Malaysians as it is so blatantly obvious that the administration is practising double standards.

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written by hellosunshine, September 04, 2010 21:27:57

a guest is the real pig here and not Namewee. Namewee has the balls to go frontal and took the bull by the horns in voicing up against racism albeit in a crude way. What about you a guest? No blardy balls hiding behind a pseudo name and using foul language too. Chicken shit!!! smilies/tongue.gif

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written by a guest, September 04, 2010 20:36:51

The headmistress is one of the many, many idiots our Education Ministry has appointed as heads of schools. An idiot will talk like an idiot. If you want to take offence, go ahead and torture yourself.

Niamahwee is an attention seeking small kid taking advantage of a situation. Profanity is talent for such idiots. But they can never take as much as they care to give. We don't need this foul mouth pig to champion our rights. If he had been ignored this situation would not have arisen.

I hope Niamahwee is charged, found guilty and jailed. Two good things will come out of this. We will not have to hear from this pig anymore, and PR will get a better chance of winning at GE 13.

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written by Motherchell, September 04, 2010 19:13:55

Dear Mariam, your analysis is exceptional. I sometimes ask my self , --How did we get here?? we are all of the same flesh!! How did we allow these politicians to breed as weed?? The similarity of the doctrines in Zimbabwe has brought this Nation closer to self destruct-- the people are still in a deep sleep with the handouts that give them fish for a day! The reason for the Mat Rempits of today's Malaysia. The recruits !!
The days of being a selfless teacher who was looked upon as an example by each young mind has been destroyed by UMNO in Malaysia.
UMNO has not learnt from IDI AMIN 's mistakes!! The truth is BTN is under the PMO and he trumpets the fictitious 1Malaysia with all the gaiety to plunder funds. Still money is a factor for the coterie who will get richer when the blood spills!! Afterall the arms Mindef bought is mainly to clear what Idi Amin cleared!!

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written by palani, September 04, 2010 19:11:07

Thank you Mariam Mokhtar. Malaysia needs more people like you, especially from the Malay community, to see things rationally, objectively and without prejudice. The more the Malays realize what's happening around us, the better will Malaysia becomes.

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written by sang kancil, September 04, 2010 19:01:34

Mariam, well said. I bet it must be your children's influence on the rap and the hip hop music to really appreciate that these music have the ability to communicate amongst the younger generation.

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written by sonofmalaysia, September 04, 2010 18:54:59

To our PM,

Namewee was expressing on behalf of all the non Malay !! I guess this does not bother you or any umno lanuns at all !!

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written by red1, September 04, 2010 18:35:53

I am of the medical opinion that Namewee is of sound mind, proper unbringing and proper schooling. Reason been he is in Malaysia and the average student is not this creative, or this brave. Most are quite dumb including one of my own kids. I ask my kid, why can't you dare to talk back to your father? His reply was, "The teachers in school never ask me to".

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written by bloodhound, September 04, 2010 17:53:29

Extracted from:
http://malaysiakini.com/news/141911

JBGUY: I have reliable information that the racist principal from the Kulai school is now working in the Johor State Education Department. So if someone utters seditious statements, they are actually feted and given promotions.

What are the PM and DPM doing about this gross injustice? Namewee is persecuted but the real culprits are free to do as they please. What kind of justice is this?

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written by bloodhound, September 04, 2010 17:45:27

Mr Deputy Prime Minister,

Are you happy now?

Namewee is your creation - he is what you created when you took no action against racist remarks from the Johore and Kedah Malay school-heads. By your action (or rather inaction) you had unwittingly condoned racism and since the DPM approves of such behaviours, then, the floodgates are thrown open and there will be lots of opportunist copycats that will arise.

Because of your stupidity in ignoring such damning behaviour by such scumbags, you will now be held responsible for whatever might arise from the ashes of such racist behaviours.

Behave like a Deputy Prime Minister - if you are really one. Acting like an opportunist will just tarnish your image as a responsible leader.

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written by truthbespoken, September 04, 2010 17:42:50

Chua Soi Lek should not have commented on the Namewee video if he was smart. But he was not smart. Look at how the stupid old fellow had exposed himself again. Compare to the 2 videos. Namewee's video was a 'one-TO-one' upright video wherein he scolded a headmistress for preaching racism. Chua's video was a 'one-ON-one' horizontal video which showed forgettable sexual acts. Ptuui! No wonder people use to say, what goes round comes around.

And yes, Dear Mariam, you are one of the increasing lot of Malaysian Malay writers in MT who had spoken up rationally against the bad effects of UMNO's racism and you good people out there had definitely made our day today. Thank you again.

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written by jayenjr, September 04, 2010 17:16:00

"The prime minister....took two weeks to make any comment regarding this issue. In the meantime, the damage became magnified."
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