Sunday, August 10, 2008

YOU OK BERNARD?

"You OK Bernard?" That was last night at the Eurasian Club where I was invited to celebrate Diana Gregory' 70th birthday. I got one call from a nephew, and three from readers....all because I did not put up a posting on Saturday......this later.

At my age there are certain things that I must abstain from.....like stretching nights into early mornings four or five nights in a row. Last Thursday was one such day where I abstained from fishing at the Wharf because Friday was going to be another marathon night. A Malaysia Today supporter was sponsoring a la carte dinner and whatever follows with good food. I was tasked to invite bloggers. I text the alpha ones and told them to pass the word around....but I particularly I wanted new faces to meet old faces. New faces came and asked where were the old faces and I dived into my bags of excuses ..........and was quite convincing I tell ya.....I always have an excuse for my friends.....because I know that they will have in store their recipe of excuses for me. For those who felt left out, here is the excuse.....the baton was not passed to you by the relay team. Go for their throats.

Over dinner, barrels of beers, 1 bottle of Blue Label and two bottles of Dimples, all donated....... remember all bloggers are un-employed.) we watched enthralled by the Beijing spellbinding razzmatazz. After that we were entertained by a live-band also courtesy of sponsors. Martin (currently playing his gigs in HongKong got hold of his old Headwind buddies and belted out some good heavies. Everybody let their hair down except RPK!


08-08-08 was auspicious. It was the day, we will hear that familiar word: Let The Games Go On. I was elated by the contents of Anwar's mid-morning Press Conference on that day. This gripped me, this announcement at the PC:

I promise that under a Pakatan Rakyat government Malaysians will never again be subjected to such gross abuse of executive power as we are again witnessing today. Arbitrary arrest and detention, frivolous investigation and malicious prosecutions shall be a thing of the past. Police officers and prosecutors who launch conspiracies to defame and humiliate the innocent will be severely punished. The use of police powers as well the office of the Attorney General to persecute political opponents will be criminalized so as to ensure a healthy and vibrant democracy where dissent is not only tolerated but nurtured.

In this regard every Malaysian’s fundamental liberties will be treated as sacrosanct and safeguarded by a truly independent judiciary guided by principles of utmost integrity and an adherence to the spirit of the federal constitution.

The politically motivated trial launched against me will, Insha’Allah, be the last of its kind. No Malaysian will suffer from this cruel injustice ever again.

"ensure a healthy and vibrant democracy where dissent is
not only tolerated but nurtured."

SO WHAT'S SO DISTURBING?

Escorted by the police interrupted the forum thus:“I represent Umno. Stop this forum” declared the unidentified individual who also uttered “Don’t insult Islam” and “You! Chinese, Indians, go to hell!”.


Malaysiakini reported:

The individual’s tirade however earned him a loud reprimand from renowned International Islamic University law lecturer Dr Mehrun Siraj (pic above) who took to another microphone.

“Open discussion is the way to discuss the issues between Muslims and non-Muslims. Don’t insult Islam,” she said amidst the shouts of the protesters.


"ensure a healthy and vibrant democracy where dissent is
not only tolerated but nurtured."



PKR Kulim-Bandar Baharu MP Zulkifli Noordin however broke ranks with his opposition colleagues when he called on the crowd to storm the building should the forum continue.


If you don’t hear from us at 10am, you should all storm the building,” he said, before he led a four-member delegation representing the protesters to state their position to the forum organisers.


NOW THAT IS REALLY DISTURBING!


BUT I AM ALWAYS THE ETERNAL OPTIMIST....BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN HOPE.


42 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Hidup Islam"

Have you ever heard "Hidup Buddhism","Hidup Christian" or "Hidup Hinduism"?

The reason Hindraf protest because the government neglected the poor Hindu. So, why did the muslim protested the Bar Council forum? Did they demonized Islam? Did they sidelined the poor Muslim? Did Bar Council took the money from Muslims? NO!!!! I truly believe that Islam is a religion of tolerance and it's the narrow minded Muslim (PAS, PKR?) that lead us think otherwise.

Hidup RAKYAT MALAYSIA!!!!

Donplaypuks® said...

PKR will have to discipline Zakaria Nordin one way or another or lose credibility and support.

These wolves in sheeps' clothings who mouth racist sentiments, play the religious card and will run with the devil when it suits them have no place in my perception of what PKR & DSAI stands for.

Either we have democracy and open, adult, mature discussions or off with them all. I will not stand stand for this BN 'behind doors discussions' which is the root of all corruption in this country!!
http://donplaypuks.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Ala Zorro, why la you get so worked up over all these nonsense. Malaysia is screwed. Dont dream that it is gonna change for the better.

Even after 50 years, we are unable to sit down and discuss openly. BN or PR they are all the same. Fuck them all.

Dude, life is short. It is better to spend it with family and watch the Olympics rather than get worked up over some racists. No matter what, Malaysia will still be Malaysia. Stop dreaming.

Anonymous said...

Zulkipli was a let down but at least though he represented the Lawyers in Defence of Islam, his party raised objections and is said to be interested in taking a desciplinary action against him.

pkr-mulls-action-against-protest-leader-zulkifli

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/headlines/42-lead-stories/2801-pkr-mulls-action-against-protest-leader-zulkifli

Anonymous said...

The likes of all those hooligans that interrupt the Bar Council forum reflect their racial, religious and political intolerences. Is it not a fact that these Muslims and Malays are the true stumbling blocks to a harmonious Malaysia? Since the days of TDM, this culture was ingrained into their minds and souls. Fortunately, they do not represent the general consensus of their faith and race. But should they continue to get their ways to impede and foster national development in this context, Malaysians must stand steadfast to rid this disease firmly and decisively. In China, these hooligans would have easily been punished with hard labour at security camps.

Anonymous said...

what if it was the other way round : 300+ NON-BUMI shouting outside the hall & demanding "stop,stop,stop !"
useless botak, where are the 'water,tear gas, dogs (where got tigers ?).....WHERE !? @#$%^&* !

Anonymous said...

sure they r konco-konco sent by UMNO racist party...
what the hack they shouting chinese & Indian go to hell?they think Islam is owned by the Malays?& only Malays will be Muslim?
go find out in Indonesia,are the Pribumis are all Muslim??
God Damn It!Racial Rubbish!

Anonymous said...

These fellas are so dumb and downright stupid! What is wrong with a discussion about islam? even allah will welcome it, if i am allah i would love the people to discuss about the religion so that it can be in tandem and progressive with modern times.
Where is it written that islam is a topic that cannot be discussed?
These people don't know enough about being a muslim, do they really understand what islam is all about?

Stoopid Fish

wanderer said...

What have the Chinese and Indians got to do with the Bar Council forum. These ignorant ba*stards, behaving like samsengs. After 50 years of Merdeka, I thought, I will not see this sort of uncalled behavior. Now, we do we go from here?
I have so such high hopes that Anwar can turn things around and fight for a truly multi-racial Malaysia.....what a big let down by one of his MP.clown!
Bernard, come down to this last frontier land, I organize a BBQ party for you and forget all this rubbish.

xonar said...

i believed in hope,too...but in bolehland,hopeless.

sikit,sikit...jangan gugat Islam,cina babi...balik cina.

is this the hope u are talkibg about?

Anonymous said...

Just wondering why the police did not disperse the crowd..er..mob? Did they have a permit to protest? I wonder...double standards as always...this Nordin is no other than the defence lawyer of one of the accused UTK guys in the Altantuya trial. He dismissed himself halfway through claiming interference from third parties.

Sklau said...

If they allow Racial Arsehery (shooting racial diarrhea thru your arse) in the Beijing Olympics, Malaysia would win Gold hands down. Almost all athletes will have to take an early flight back to their respective countries when our Islamic racists shoots venoms from their butts. Hey, who can beat natural born winners when they shout " Babi U.S., pariah Jepun, celaka Australia..lu balik kampong !!!'.

Trashed said...

I disagree with some of the other commentators who are asking you to "take it easy" and let this pass. You are doing what you do for the future generations - as you have written down in the side column. As Malaysians, we ALL have a stake in this country and only ask for fair treatment and justice to all.

The episode at the Bar Council leaves a bad taste.

Some people question the Bar Council why they held it. My understanding is that it was a discussion on the legal remedies available for the non-Muslim family members outside of the Syariah system. Hence, those protestors may have been misguided and should actually welcome this dialogue as it would provide a clearer path to issues which emerge for the family members when a person wishes to convert to Islam.

Recent history has shown that there are complicated family matters which unfortunately, leaves the Muslim community in a bad light. Thus, a clear legal path would actualy be good for all, more so the Muslim community as it would assist new converts & their extended families to adjust, bearing in mind that family laws are different between the civil and Syariah systems.

I don't believe that the formulation of such legal remedies would "insult Islam" or advocate apostasy and if it does, I stand corrected. If these protestors had engaged inside the hall in constructive comments, they would have probably achieved much more.

What troubles me more are the following :-

a) Lack of poilce intervention to disperse the protestors. The Bar Council meeting was held within the law while the prostestors were outside the law ... given the recent actions (HINDRAF, BERSIH, etc), why the selective action/inaction ?

b) Lack of blog support for the wise words of Dr Mehrun. In the few short sentences that you have put up, she epitomises what Islam is when juxtaposed with the caption above her. That seems to be the voice of the moderate Muslim but this seems to be the minority since the silence from the silent majority of Muslims is quite deafening ... or is it because it is the weekend ?

c) DPM Najib is quoted as saying that the Bar Council had been "warned" as he was aware that certain groups would be making a protest. Shouldn't he have warned the protesting groups instead of the Bar Council ? Is he condoning the illegality of the protestors rather than the legality of the Bar Council forum ?

In Malaysia, Muslims are subjected to both civil and Syariah laws. Non-Muslims are only subjected to civil laws. Therefore, when the twain does meet, there is a need for remedies. Is it so difficult to understand that ?

Crankster said...

Hi Zorro,

I really wanted to make it for the gathering but something came up the last minute.

Hope you guys had a good time!

Nostradamus said...

Permatang Pauh Voters decide for Nation? - Appeal by Nostradamus.
Pengundi Permatang Pauh tentukan untuk Negara? – Rayuan oleh Nostradamus.

1. Voters of Permatang Pauh will vote come 26 August 2008. Who to vote for and What to vote for?
Pengundi-pengundi Permatang Pauh akan undi menjelang 26 Ogos 2008. Mengundi Siapa and mengundi untuk Apa?

2. 50 Questions to test your Conscience at www.patek1472.wordpress.com
50 Soalan untuk menguji Suara Hati anda di www.patek1472.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

Hi my fellow malaysians,
If we can just stop working ourselves up and look at the episode(the forum), do you think that someone can possibly be behind this 'protest gathering'? Sort of to work up some sentiments seeing that the PP by-election is drawing so near. Someone is trying his/her level best to corner AI, this is how I look at it. Especially when the MP for Kulim-B.Bahru can so humbly requested for aids in all forms before the 12th GE, and now coming out so openly championing some issues which he never even dreamt about then.

CHee XtheMan said...

Read kitsiang blog.

He got the point man :-). Babi Hutan is indeed one of the pribumi in this boleh land long before anyone. hahahahha

Anonymous said...

Anwar is being tested here for his sincerity that he is for all people irrespective of race , religion & ethnic background.

His silence on this and inaction against Zulkifli is AN IMPORTANT indicator whether Malaysian who demand a change can still believe Anwar.

Anwar, we are waiting for you decision.!!

You can chose to delay or divert or keep quiet.

Anonymous said...

Malaysians who love freedom of religion should not worry about any party power’s ability to restrict the truth. Just look at how God, through Moses, freed the people of Israel from the Pharoah’s grip.

He gave the Pharoah plagues after plagues and hardened his heart. This is to show who is more powerful - God or the government/earthly kings.

The discussion of religion is already freely accessible to all Malaysians on the Internet. Clamp down on the Internet and Msia will face the economic consequences.

Old Fart said...

"“You! Chinese, Indians, go to hell!”."

Well, so they said. Because they are Malays and thisis Tananh Melayu.

Well, I guess I got to go start packing my bags.

Am just waiting for all the Indons who came after my grandfather first came to this land to also start packing. Now that was 1914. Oh, both my mum and dad were born here of course.

Anonymous said...

There are also some Muslims in the forum. Why didn't that fool tell them "to go to hell..?"
He must be the 'Devil' to say that.
With an attitude like that, that's why we have the forum...!
You call these an 'Islamic' way. Some more escorted by police. Very encouraging lah...!
It just goes to show how ONE SIDED these whole issue is..!
Can we charge the 'Devil' for his racist remarks?
Now... u tell me, 'What's so great about Islam that maketh a man to behave & talk like the 'Devil'...???

Samuel Goh Kim Eng said...

When you think that they are educated
Yet they behave as though pig-headed
Forget that all live in the same 'Animal Farm'
Thus no need to say anything that can cause harm


(C) Samuel Goh Kim Eng - 110808
http://MotivationInMotion.blogspot.com
Mon. 11th Aug. 2008.

Anonymous said...

There are more than 30 million muslim in China and Islam in China has a much longer history than these pariah muslim in Malysia. Just because you pray 5 times a day does not make you a good muslim. If they are babi in the forum why do you go near to them, aren't you scare of babi? Now you are sinnes contaminated with babi so jump and drown yourself in Sungei Klang.

Anonymous said...

I warn all you CHINESE AND INDIANS HERE , TOW THE LINE .know your place here in malaysia.you are all pendatang here so behave yourself here.

penjaga bangsa

Anonymous said...

What is Anwar's stand on this?.

Or does that depend on which audience he's addressing.

Tight spot for Anwar.

Permatang Pauh has over 60% Malay Muslim.

It will be interesting to hear from Anwar and his comment on Zulkifli

..."to ensure a healthy and vibrant democracy ..."

And why he wants to talk about democracy when he himself does not intend to use it in becoming PM.

Persuading BN MPs to switch is unethical enough (bribing?) and betrayed the voters whom believed in democracy.

Bar Council lack of sensitivity to the current fears of Muslim reflects their insincerity in addressing the issue. It could have been done in different platform with involvement of Islamic organisation / bodies.

Maybe now they know how sensitive this could be.

MM

Anonymous said...

Penjaga bangsa....is that a threat you UMNO cyber fool?

Who are you to warn us? GOD will deal with people like you in his way..so you watch out lah.

SAMESAME

Anonymous said...

LOL...did you guys ever wondered if this UMNO's trick....you know their spy in PKR is this zul fella and they used him to stir this trouble and then if Anwar rules him (Zul) guilty..the muslim voter in PPauh votes aganist anwar....he loses his post!!!

Wallah...another project by BN!!!

SameSame

Knights Templar said...

I really dont know why (some) muslims here fear a simple Forum.There is nothing to fear except FEAR itself.I am sure the bar council didnt offend Muslims during the Forum.

Anonymous said...

Gee... is that penjaga bangsa or penjaga bangsat? Penjaga bangsa does not even know the history of Malaya. Read the history man, read the history! TOE THE LINE not TOW THE LINE la stupid. Who r u to say that to all the non-Muslims here in Malaysia? God knows how to deal with people like the so-called penjaga bangsa. Just pray for peace and harmony and God bless this penjaga bangsa.

Anonymous said...

Penjaga Bangsa

Fuck off. I do not need to be guarded by you opt the likes of you.

You are just another ruffian abusing the garb of Islam.

Stay clear of my path or I will get you, you good-for-nothing scallywag.

Don't you give we Malays a bad name.

psc said...

the chinese and indians should not vote for the racisrt(pkr)zulkifli nordin in the next gen.elections.
down with RACISTS

GobloKing said...

I feel for you B - abt the lack of leading bloggers at this event.

I think many bloggers do not agree with RPK; but whatever our views and differences, I thought the entire point of being a so-po blogger - pro-freedom of the people's voice is
"I may disagree with you but I will fight to the death your right to disagree"

SIGH!!!
We sure need growing up don't we?

Anonymous said...

apa beza PKR dgn UMNO?

looks like many are UMNO at heart in PKR..

Anonymous said...

wei penjaga bangsa, belah la lu tin kosong. your type is the reason sometimes gua malu jadik melayu.

jaga bangsa konon. ptuih. malu betul with your attitude. cam bagus. haram tul. ptuih lagi.

Anonymous said...

anwar, sorry for your party lah,
we non-muslims have to reconsider supporting you in the by-election!

zorro said...

Anon 12:46am....you cannot fault anwar becasue of one bad apple. they are addressing this misdemeanour.We need to be pragmatic, not dramatic. I have posted against the PKR thuggery when they manhandled the lady photographer. The top people in PKR have gone to visit her and apologised to her. I have posted against Zulkifli Nordin yesterday. We need a new government, unless because incident you want to continue with the BN. Your right anyway, whoever you want.

Anonymous said...

all da rascal & samseng!
how Malaysia will be more brighter & democracy wif all these shit still going on like that?
Malaysia benar benar boleh kah?
jangan sekadar cakaplah...

Anonymous said...

zorro, this pig from kulim is not the only one lah = many more latent ones in disguise ! when...
NO...if anwar = illusive pm one day
more muslims in his gment ( with pas ) vs the non ones & as 'agama islam' is concerned, NO COMPROMISE one man !
lks+son and kapal+son ...
please dun fall into the trap, ok !
PAS has 3 ( three=tiga ) times negotiated with BN : bargaining !
...awas...BAHAYA...awas ! if pas is honourable & truly sincere with pkr & dap, they should NOT entertain BN (aab + toyol) at all !
i'm NO BN supportor , mind u all !

Anonymous said...

http://pedestrianinfidel.blogspot.com/

Ben said...

Monsignor Zorro, is good you have polished sabre to keep the thugs in line. I heard many of your friends is making a petition to king; 5356 have signed is very encouraging. Please spirit flying high for Malaysia. Adios amigo, muchos gracias.

Anonymous said...

hey, the PAS mp salah-uddin was one of them lah !
.aiyoo, awas..awas..awas..!

Anonymous said...

that zulkifli nordin is an idiot of the first degree to instigate people to storm the building.....i wonder how the voters can vote such an idiot.....real pariah.