Keluar mengundi pada 20 Nov, Pilih wakil rakyat yang bantah hegemoni perkauman! ——Surat terbuka Jawatankuasa Kerja Sahabat Rakyat kepada pengundi negeri Melaka

Keluar mengundi pada 20 Nov,

Pilih wakil rakyat yang 

bantah hegemoni perkauman!

Surat terbuka Jawatankuasa Kerja Sahabat Rakyat 

kepada pengundi negeri Melaka

▲ Gambar kiri bawah: Tolak hegemoni perkauman!

Gambar tengah bawah: Tolak ‘katak’ politik!

Gambar kanan bawah: Tiada calon yang memuaskan, buang undi rosak!

Hari ini 8 November merupakan hari penamaan calon Pilihan Raya Negeri Melaka, hari mengundi jatuh pada 20 Nov (Sabtu). Teks di bawah adalah surat terbuka Jawatankuasa Kerja Sahabat Rakyat kepada pengundi-pengundi negeri Melaka yang diterjemahkan dari versi asal dalam bahasa Cina yang diterbitkan pada hari yang sama. Sila rujuk kepada versi asal Bahasa Cina jikalau terdapat percanggahan antara versi Bahasa Melayu dengan versi asal Bahasa Cina.

Pendahuluan:

Pada saat ini, rakyat Malaysia sedang bertungkus lumus menghadapi dan mengatasi pelbagai cabaran dari segi ekonomi, sosial, keluarga, kesihatan, nyawa dan sebagainya ekoran daripada pandemik COVID-19 yang melanda sejak bulan March tahun lepas. Namun, tiba-tiba datang pula Pilihan Raya Negeri Melaka (tarikh penamaan calon pada 8 Nov dan tarikh mengundi pada 20 Nov) yang tidak disambut baik oleh semua lapisan rakyat semua bangsa. Pilihan Raya Negeri (PRN) Melaka menjadi pilihan raya kedua selepas PRN Sabah yang dicetuskan oleh politikus Melayu yang tamak mengaut kedudukan politik tertinggi dan kepentingan yang lebih besar dalam negeri, yang langsung tidak mempedulikan hidup mati rakyat Melaka bahkan seluruh negara. PRN ini berpunca daripada kegagalan rampasan kuasa politik dalam negeri.

Fakta terbukti: “Geng Berempat Melaka” yang diketuai oleh bekas Ketua Menteri yang juga orang kuat UMNO, Idris Haron (termasuk Idris Haron – telah dipecat oleh UMNO; Nor Azman Hassan – telah dipecat oleh UMNO; Norhizam Hassan Baktee -- pengkhianat DAP, yang kini masih wakil rakyat bebas yang tidak berparti; Noor Effendi Ahmad -- telah dipecat oleh PPBM) bersubahat dengan sesetengah pemimpin Pakatan Harapan (PH) untuk menumbangkan Kerajaan Negeri Melaka yang diketuai oleh Ketua Menteri Sulaiman atas alasan "memulangkan mandat kepada Pakatan Harapan".

Motif sebenar Geng Berempat melancarkan “rampasan kuasa” adalah: Mereka tidak senang hati melihat project mega komprehensif Zon Ekonomi Persisiran Pantai Melaka atau Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone (M-WEZ) sedang dilaksanakan tetapi diri mereka tidak berada dalam pucuk pimpinan. Maka, mereka merancangkan pergolakan “lompat parti” yang mempergunakan PH untuk kembali ke puncak kuasa negeri Melaka demi mengaut kepentingan ekonomi yang lebih besar daripada project M-WEZ.

Dengan datangnya Pilihan Raya Negeri (PRN) Melaka yang dipaksa landa ke atas bahu rakyat jelata negeri Melaka, kami menyeru pengundi dan pertubuhan masyarakat negeri Melaka supaya 

1. membuang pergantungan kepada “pemimpin politik” atau “elit politik”,
2. membuang khayalan bahawa “rakyat akan diselamatkan dan bahagia hanya dengan tukar kerajaan”, dan
3. memainkan peranan penting rakyat massa sebagai kuasa reformasi demokratik

dan menyampaikan mesej-mesej berikut kepada semua calon dan parti politik:

1. Menolak semua UMNO yang angkuh dan merajalela, serta calon berpendirian hegemoni perkauman

Kami, Jawatankuasa Kerja Sahabat Rakyat, mengeluarkan artikel bertajuk “Bertekad menolak pemerintahan hegemoni perkauman, Menghalang kepulangan UMNO yang angkuh dan merajalela” sempena ulang tahun ke-20 (2001 - 2021) penubuhan Sahabat Rakyat pada bulan September tahun ini. Kami berpendapat, klik hegemoni perkauman Melayu masih merupakan sasaran perjuangan massa rakyat pelbagai kaum selepas PRU Ke-14 ‘509’. Fakta-fakta terbukti bahawa, tidak kira Kerajaan Pakatan Harapan yang didominasi oleh Mahathir, Kerajaan Perikatan National yang dipimpin oleh Muhyiddin, mahupun Kerajaan “Keluarga Malaysia” yang dipimpin oleh Ismail Sabri: pemerintahan hegemoni Melayu masih mengecam massa rakyat pelbagai kaum. 

Contoh-contoh yang menonjol termasuklah perlaksanaan Enakmen Kanun Jenayah (1) yang telah berkuatkuasa pada 1 November 2021 di Kelantan, “Isu arak Timah” yang baru-baru ini, dan polisi syarikat logistik tempatan diwajibkan 51% ekuiti bumiputera yang akan dilaksanakan bulan Disember tahun depan. Semua ini sekali lagi memperjelaskan bahawa sekiranya sistem “pemerintahan hegemoni perkauman” tidak dihapuskan, perkara-perkara yang mengancam hak asasi massa rakyat pelbagai kaum seperti di atas pasti akan terus berlaku.

Marilah kita menolak habis-habisan UMNO yang angkuh dan merajalela, serta calon berpendirian hegemoni perkauman dalam PRN Melaka, tanpa kira mereka berasal dari mana-mana barisan atau gabungan. Mereka semua ini merupakan sasaran utama yang mesti ditolak oleh massa rakyat pelbagai kaum yang tertindas! Biarlah mereka (politikus-politikus perkauman) kalah dalam PRN Melaka atau minimakan undi (sokongan) mereka. Ini menunjukkan kita menolak pemerintahan hegemoni perkauman dan seterusnya mendorong gerakan reformasi demokratik negara kita. Jadikan Melaka perintis dan model menolak UMNO yang angkuh dan merajalela, serta calon berpendirian hegemoni perkauman! Berikan kejutan kepada rakyat negara dan dunia!

2. Menolak semua calon ‘katak’ politik dan calon yang bersepakat dengan ‘katak’ politik

Semenjak Pilihan Raya Umum yang lepas, negara kita telah mengalami tiga kali pengagihan dan perampasan kuasa politik dalam 4 tahun. Walaupun negara kita telah tukar kerajaan beberapa kali, namun kehidupan rakyat tidak bertambah baik. Sebaliknya, rakyat telah mengenali bagaimana “Permainan Pilihan Raya” dipergunakan oleh politikus perkauman untuk memenangi “sokongan rakyat” demi memperolehi kuasa, kekayaan serta kemewahan diri. Kini, pandemik COVID-19 telah mengakibatkan ramai orang dipecat atau dipotong gaji, ada yang bercerai ekoran daripada pemisahan berlanjutan antara suami dan isteri, ada yang bunuh diri akibat tekanan hidup yang terlampau dan sebagainya. Namun begitu, Geng Berempat Melaka yang sudahpun berpangkat tinggi dan bergaji lumayan masih menggunakan teknik “Katak Melompat” untuk mencetuskan pergolakan politik demi merampas kuasa dan kepentingan yang lebih besar; sebilangan pemimpin politik Melayu yang dulunya melaungkan “reformasi” dan mendakwa diri sebagai “berfikiran terbuka dan progresif” bersepakat dengan ‘katak’ politik untuk menjatuhkan kerajaan negeri secara tersembunyi kononnya atas nama “merampas kembali kuasa kerajaan negeri”. Setelah perancangan mereka gagal, ‘katak-katak’ tersebut pula diterima sebagai calon dan terus menipu pengundi, demi hasrat kembali berkuasa setelah memenangi pilihan raya. ‘Katak-katak’ politik dan politikus yang bercita-cita tinggi demi kepentingan diri sendiri dan langsung tidak mempeduli hidup mati rakyat jelata adalah sangat tidak tahu malu! Perbuatan mereka pasti akan dikeji dan dibuang oleh massa rakyat pelbagai kaum!

Oleh sebab itu, massa rakyat pelbagai kaum bukan sahaja perlu menolak calon ‘katak’ politik seperti Geng Berempat dan semua calon yang bersepakat dengan ‘katak’ politik, malah kita perlu mendesak calon-calon PRN Melaka dan bakal-bakal wakil rakyat untuk memastikan penggubalan Akta Lompat Parti dan Rang Undang-undang (RUU) Memecat Wakil Rakyat (sebagai satu mekanisme yang membolehkan rakyat menarik balik mandat yang diberikan kepada wakil rakyat sekiranya seseorang itu melompat parti). Jadikan Melaka perintis dan model menolak budaya ‘katak’ politik! Berikan kejutan kepada rakyat negara dan dunia!

3. Pilih seramai mungkin wakil rakyat yang menentang hegemoni perkauman untuk masuk ke Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Melaka

Pada April tahun ini, kerajaan negeri Melaka telah merasmikan salah satu projek pembangunan yang digelar “Zon Ekonomi Persisiran Pantai Melaka” atau “Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone (M-WEZ)” di bawah Pelan Strategik Melakaku Maju Jaya 2035 (PSMJ 2035) yang bertujuan membawa Melaka menuju ke arah ekonomi maju dan berpendapatan tinggi.

Menurut laporan media, selepas merasmikan projek M-WEZ dalam satu sidang media, Ketua Menteri Melaka pada masa tersebut, Sulaiman mengatakan bahawa M-WEZ dan Melaka Gateway merupakan dua projek yang berlainan, di mana Melaka Gateway kini hanya merupakan sebahagian daripada M-WEZ. Projek Melaka Gateway hanya merangkumi aktiviti-aktiviti logistic pelabuhan dan penyimpanan bahan cecair petroleum dan gas asli. Manakala projek M-WEZ termasuklah aspek pelabuhan, gudang penyimpanan, pelancongan, kediaman dan sebagainya.

Rakyat Melaka serta rakyat seluruh negara amat jelas bahawa perancangan pembangunan ekonomi negeri Melaka, sama ada Melaka Gateway ataupun M-WEZ semuanya dicekam kukuh oleh orang-orang UMNO yang pegang kuasa. Namun begitu, semua wakil klik berkepentingan Melayu dan Geng Berempat (yang kini menjadi kontroversi) seolah-olah hendak menguasai politik Kerajaan Negeri Melaka dan seterusnya mendominasi penguasaan dan pengagihan kepentingan projek mega tersebut demi kekayaan gergasi diri sendiri dan kroni-kroni. Dan, sebagai susulan, melonjat ke atas pusat kuasa politik negara. Apa yang mengejikan adalah jelas bahawa mereka ini politikus yang mengejar kuasa dan kedudukan politik demi kekayaan dan kemewahan diri dan keluarga semata-mata, masih berpura-pura mengifatkan diri sebagai “pemimpin rakyat pelbagai kaum”, dan terus-menerus mengawal sumber negara dan menindas massa rakyat pelbagai kaum.

Massa rakyat pelbagai kaum di Melaka mahupun seluruh Malaysia mengharapkan pembangunan ekonomi negara, akan tetapi, kerajaan perlu memastikan bahawa rancangan pembangunan ekonomi membawa faedah kepada massa rakyat pelbagai kaum di negeri Melaka dan juga Malaysia. Pembangunan tersebut tidak boleh sesekali diperalatkan oleh sekelompok politikus yang menggunakan kuasa politik kerajaan untuk mengaut keuntungan diri dan kroni-kroni. Untuk menghalang orang seperti Geng Berempat ini mencapai hasrat mereka, massa rakyat pelbagai kaum mesti memilih seramai mungkin wakil rakyat yang menentang hegemoni perkauman untuk masuk ke Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Melaka. Rakyat jelata harus memastikan hasrat orang-orang seperti Geng Berempat ini tidak tercapai dan sekaligus mengubur masa depan politik mereka yang bernafsu tinggi ini dalam Pilihan Raya Negeri Melaka. Ataupun sekurang-kurangnya menghalang mereka yang tamak ini merajalela. Jadikan Melaka titik permulaan penamatan tren politik yang tidak sihat ini!

4. Jika tiada calon yang memuaskan hati anda, sila bagi undi rosak untuk meluahkan kemarahan dan bantahan anda! 

Kami, Jawatankuasa Kerja Sahabat Rakyat, menyeru agar pengundi Melaka keluar mengundi beramai-ramai pada 20 November. Pilihlah calon yang menentang hegemoni perkauman menjadi wakil rakyat anda. Jika tiada calon yang memuaskan hati anda sebagai untuk dipilih sebagai wakil rakyat anda, silalah lukis pangkah besar atas kertas undi, atau muka senyum, ataupun apa-apa sahaja!

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请在11月20 日 踊跃投票, 选出反对种族霸权的代议士! ——人民之友工委会告甲州选民书

请在 11 月 20 日 踊跃投票,

选出反对种族霸权的代议士!

◆ 人民之友工委会告甲州选民书 ◆

今天是11月8日（星期一），是马六甲州议会选举提名日。11月20日（星期六）为投票日。本文是人民之友工委会今日发布的告甲州选民书。华文版全文如下——

前言：

全国人民正在全力以赴应对和克服自去年3月以来新冠肺炎疫情带来的经济、社会、家庭、健康甚至生命等方方面面的挑战之际，却突如其来的迎来一场不受各民族各阶层人民欢迎，今日（即11月8日）提名，20日投票的马六甲州选举。马六甲州议会选举已成为续沙巴州选之后第二场因野心勃勃的马来政客为了捞取州最高权位和更大利益，罔顾甲州乃至全国百姓死活，肆意发动政变失败而引起的选举。

事实证明：以甲州前首席部长，巫统强人依德利斯哈仑（Idris Haron）为首的“马六甲4人帮”，（他们是：依德利斯哈仑——已被巫统开除；诺阿兹曼（Nor Azman Hassan）——已被巫统开除；诺希占（Norhizam Hassan Baktee）——曾叛离行动党，至今依然是无党籍的独立议员；诺依芬迪（Noor Effendi Ahmad），已被土团党开除）串通希盟某些领袖，声称“把委托权交回希盟”而向甲州首席部长苏莱曼政府“倒戈”。这4人帮发动“政变”的真正原因是：他们眼看马六甲滨海经济区（Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone（M-WEZ））巨型综合发展计划正在推行，自己却不居权力核心地位而心有不甘，策动了这一次“借船渡海”的跳槽风波，想要利用希盟重返甲州权力顶峰，夺取最大经济利益。

我们，针对这场强加在甲州百姓身上的州选举，呼吁甲州选民和民间组织，抛弃对所谓“政治领袖”或“政治精英”的依赖，抛弃所谓“只要改朝换代人民就被拯救就会幸福”的幻想，发挥广大人民群众才是民主改革的可靠力量的重大作用，向所有参与竞选的政党和候选人传达以下讯息！

（一）拒绝所有巫统恶霸以及其他主张种族主义霸权的候选人

我们，人民之友工委会，在今年的9月（即20周年（2001-2021）纪念）之时，发表了题为《坚持抗拒种族霸权统治！ 阻止巫统恶霸卷土重来！》的声明。我们认为，509后，我国各族人民的斗争对象，依然是马来霸权统治集团。无论是马哈迪主导的希盟政府，或者是慕尤丁领导的国盟政府，抑或是伊斯迈沙比利领导的“大马一家”政府，都在在证明：马来霸权统治的阴霾，仍然盘旋在我国各族人民头上。

显明的例子包括本月1日吉兰丹政府已经落实伊斯兰刑事法（I）法案、近期爆发的“TIMAH事件”、以及明年12月即将落实国内货运代理公司必须让土著持有51%公司股权政策都一再说明若“种族主义霸权统治”的制度不根除，类似侵蚀各族人民的基本权利的事件必然会不断发生。

让我们在甲州选举强烈否决所有巫统恶霸和其他主张种族主义霸权的候选人，无论他们来自哪个阵营、哪个联盟，都是被压迫的各族人民首先必须否决的对象！让他们（种族主义政客们）在甲州败选或最大程度地拉低他们的票数（支持率），就是抗拒种族霸权统治、推进民主改革运动的最有力表现！让马六甲成为杜绝巫统恶霸和种族主义候选人的先锋以至典范！给国人和世人一个惊喜！

（二）拒绝所有政治青蛙候选人以及与政治青蛙为伍的候选人

从上届全国大选至今，我国在短短四年里经历了3次政权转移和政变。我国虽然换了几次政府，人民却没有因此过上更好的生活，反而认识到这些种族主义政客如何利用“选举游戏”赢得“人民支持”来获取他们的个人权力和荣华富贵。如今，人民因为疫情遭受公司裁员或减薪、有的不堪夫妻长时间分离而导致离婚、有的甚至压力过大而自寻短见等等的生活打击，而原来已居高官厚禄的甲州4人帮，为了更上一层楼夺取更大的权力和利益，却利用“青蛙跳槽”手段制造政治动乱；一些曾经高喊“烈火莫熄”和自诩“开明进步”的马来政治领袖竟然声称为了夺回政权而暗地里串通这些政治青蛙进行政变，失败之后又招纳他们披甲上阵欺骗选民，以期胜选后上台执政。这些政治青蛙和野心政客，为了本身的利益，罔顾人民的死活，简直无耻到了极致！他们必遭各族人民的唾弃！

因此，各族人民不仅要拒绝像“甲州4人帮”一样的政治青蛙的候选人，以及拒绝与政治青蛙为伍的候选人成为甲州人民代议士，我们更迫切需要呼吁甲州候选人或未来人民代议士务必要责成落实《反跳槽法》和《人民罢免议员的法律》！让马六甲成为杜绝政治青蛙跳槽文化的先锋以至典范！给国人和世人一个惊喜！

（三）选出尽可能多的反对种族霸权的代议士，进入到甲州议会

马六甲州政府在今年4月初推介了一个名为马六甲滨海经济区（Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone，简称M-Wez）号称“马六甲2035年策略发展蓝图”的其中一项计划，让马六甲迈向高增长及高收入经济轨迹。根据媒体报道，甲州时任首长苏莱曼在推介M-Wez计划后的记者会上表示，马六甲滨海经济区与马六甲皇京港（Melaka Gateway），两者有很大区别，如今皇京港只是滨海经济区的其中一部分。皇京港只是石油和天然气在内的液体货物存储及船运活动，而海滨经济区则包括港口、存储、旅游、住宅等项目。

甲州以至全国人民都看得清楚，甲州的经济发展计划，无论是皇京港项目或者是庞大的滨海经济区，都是被巫统当权派人物所牢牢掌控。尽管如此，各个马来权贵集团的代表们以及目前备受争议的4人帮，似乎都在想通过掌控甲州政权，然后支配上述庞大计划的主导权和利益分配权，从而为自己和朋党带来巨大财富，然后攀登我国政治权力中心。可恶的是，他们显然都是彻头彻尾的追逐权力地位以实现个人家族荣华富贵的政客，却假扮成“各族人民领袖”，继续不断掌握国家资源，鱼肉各族人民。

甲州以至全国各族人民希望国家经济有所发展，但是，政府必须确保经济发展计划所带来的利益必须惠及甲州乃至全国各族人民，而不是让一小撮政客利用主导州政权的便利为自己和其朋党致富。为了阻止像“甲州四人帮”这样的人物的图谋得逞，广大各族人民必须选出尽可能多的反对种族霸权的代议士进入到甲州议会，并在甲州选举埋葬那些野心家的政治前途！或者至少能够阻止那些野心家为所欲为，让马六甲成为杜绝这种政治歪风的起点吧！

（四）如果你没有满意的候选人，请投废票表示愤懑和抗议吧！

我们，人民之友工委会，敬请甲州选民，在11月20日那天踊跃出来投票，选出反对种族霸权的候选人，作为你们的代议士。如果你们觉得没有满意的候选人可以作为你们的代议士，那么，就请你们在选票上画上一个大圆圈，在圆圈上打一个大叉，或画笑脸也行。或者画你喜欢画的什么东西都行！

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拉菲兹 反对招纳"问题人物", 促党领袖别为上位而抄捷径! （附视频）/ 拉菲兹劝希盟勿走捷径 推举"没有原则"候选人

 拉菲兹 反对招纳"问题人物",

促党领袖别为上位而抄捷径!

来源： malaysiakini.com/news/596042

发表于2021年10月20日 11:45 时分

更新于同日15:04 时分

（上图和拉菲兹脸书截图为《人民之友》编者所加）

前甲州首长依德利斯哈仑等4名州议员前晚出席公正党活动，引来党内反弹，就连淡出政坛的公正党副主席拉菲兹（Rafizi Ramli，上图右）都开腔谏言，党领袖别为了上位而抄捷径。

拉菲兹在其脸书撰文

他今早在面子书（见以下截图）未点名说，也许有一两名公正党领袖看到有机会在马六甲上位，因此试图招纳“问题人物”。

《KINITV》也作报道，请点击观赏详细内容。

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拉菲兹劝希盟勿走捷径

推举"没有原则"候选人

来源：orientaldaily.com.my/news/nation/2021/10/20/445093

报导：林安琪

发布于 2021年10月20日 17：17时分 

更新于同日20:24时分

（上图文字和文内小标题为《人民之友》编者所加）

 [ 吉隆坡20日讯 ] 希盟会否委派倒戈国盟的4位马六甲州议员上阵下月举行的马六甲州选举，备受关注；人民公正党前副主席拉菲兹（见上图）劝请公正党和希盟，切勿招纳被人民视为没原则的人士当候选人，这将是一个磨灭人民信心的错误。

这4名甲州州议员是原任双溪乌浪州议员拿督斯里依德利斯哈伦、原任班底昆罗州议员拿督诺阿兹曼、原任直落马士州议员拿督诺芬迪，以及原任彭加兰峇株州议员拿督诺依占。

劝请安华不要为了上位而抄捷径

拉菲兹今日在面子书和推特发文，劝请公正党主席拿督斯里安华不要以策略为由而抄捷径。

“我收到了很多关于选择一些争议性人物上阵马六甲州选的消息。”

他表示，由于巫统或国阵或国盟领导人之间的争权夺利，使人民成为新冠疫情下的受害者。

他补充，这些人物拥有不良记录。

“这种喜欢骂人的州议员，不是我们想要的候选人类型。”

"如果希盟不愿听取,人民自会评断"

他指出，可能有一两名公正党领导人热衷于将其视为在马六甲上位的机会，但勿为了寻找捷径而被这些野心影响决定。

“我发表这些观点，是作为一个公民、选民、资深公正党和希盟党员的责任。”

“如果希盟或公正党不愿听取，哈哈哈，一笑置之，人民自会评断。” ▉

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吉公青反对招纳"四人帮", 希望党中央聆听基层心声 ——《当今大马》10月20报道

 吉公青反对招纳"四人帮",

希望党中央聆听基层心声

——《当今大马》10月20报道

来源： malaysiakini.com/news/596009

上图左为公正党青年团团长莫哈末菲道斯（Mohammed Firdaus Johari）。他昨日（19日）公开向党高层领导表达了党中层领袖和基层党员对甲州4人帮的立场和态度，必将赢得各族人民的感激、欣赏和拥护！

以下是《当今大马》的相关报道（上图与说明以及文内小标题为《人民之友》编者所加）——

发表于2021年10月20日0 7:03 时分

更新于同日07:11 时分

前甲州首长依德利斯哈仑等4名州议员前晚出席公正党活动，引来党内反弹。吉打公青团表明，反对公正党招收4人帮。

吉打公青团长莫哈末菲道斯（Mohammed Firdaus Johari）昨晚发文告表示，无论是党邀请，或是依德利斯哈仑等人申请加入公正党，他们都不同意接纳4人帮。

“吉打公青团相信这与人民及希盟基层的看法一致，我们不会同意接受他们入党，无论是通过（党的）邀请或（4人提出）申请。”

希望党领导层聆听中、基层领袖声音

莫哈末菲道斯说，在斗争过程中，往往可看到一个人的原则。

他说，党不应该以“政治策略”为由，对错误的行为妥协。

“有原则的斗争是一条漫长的道路，随着时间的推移，一些本应坚持理想主义的人，就会曝露他们的虚伪、虚假和急躁。”

“希望公正党领导层会一如即往，以开放的心态聆听基层和中层领袖的声音。“

"4人帮"有意在希盟旗帜下上阵州选

10月4日，依德利斯和3名执政阵营州议员宣布撤回对时任甲州首长苏莱曼支持，使得苏莱曼州政府失去议会多数支持，随之解散州议会，触发州选举。

另外三人是原任彭加兰峇株州议员诺希占、原任直落垵州议员诺依芬迪（Noor Effendi Ahmad）及原任班台昆罗州议员诺阿兹曼（Nor Azman Hassan）。诺希占与诺依芬迪也曾在去年喜来登政变期间，背叛与拉倒当时的希盟州政府。

依德利斯等4人前晚高调出席甲州公正党的活动，并表明有意在希盟旗帜下上阵州选。

两党都有领袖反对希盟招纳"青蛙"

不过，行动党与公正党皆有领袖反对希盟招纳“青蛙”。行动党秘书长林冠英也强调，行动党拒绝诺希占成为州选候选人。

公正党宣传主任三苏依斯干达则认为，希盟领袖应客观公平对待四人帮。▉

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Say “No” to the racist hegemonic rule! Stop UMNO bullies from returning! - Our views on the political situation in Malaysia (in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Sahabat Rakyat)

Say "No" to the racist hegemonic rule!

Stop UMNO bullies from returning!

- Our views on the political situation in Malaysia

(in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Sahabat Rakyat)

【Chinese Version (华文版链接) / Malay Version (马来文版链接) 】

[This is an English rendition of an article written in Chinese and published by Sahabat Rakyat on 29 September 2021. In case of any discrepancy between the English rendition and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.]

Sahabat Rakyat was formed on 9 September 2001. This year marks our 20th anniversary. We are a group and platform aimed at promoting genuine democracy and human rights in the democratic reform movement of our country. We have been trying our best to humbly present our views on changes and features of the political situation in Malaysia, to serve as reference for democratic parties, organisations and democrats.

The publication of this article (in Chinese) in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Sahabat Rakyat was delayed for 20 days, to give way for the regime change (from Muhyiddin-led government to Ismail Sabri-led government) to be relatively clearer and more stable, so that our view about the current political situation is more relevant.

This article will be published in three languages, namely Chinese, Malay and English. The Chinese version was published on 29 September. All members of Sahabat Rakyat Committee are volunteers who must work hard every day to earn a living, at the same time sparing time and effort on the volunteering work of Sahabat Rakyat. Therefore, we are unable to complete the Malay and English translations soon enough. The Malay and English renditions were only made available by mid of October (few weeks after the Chinese version).

The following is the full text of the article:

1. After GE14, the main target of struggle of the people is still the ruling clique pursuing Malay hegemony.

In 2018, at the 14th General Election (GE14), the Barisan Nasional (BN) ruling clique led by UMNO was overthrown by the people demanding for democratic reforms.

Some “social democrat reformists” adopting a so-called "pragmatic and moderate" approach, hailed such event as ushering in an era of 'regime change'! On the other hand, some others styling themselves as politically correct “revolutionists” took up the chants of “the racist and corrupt regime has collapsed!”

But within a brief period of merely 39 months after GE14, the government has undergone changes on 3 consecutive occasions:-

• 1st occasion: The UMNO-BN government was ousted from power. A so-called "Pakatan Harapan" government was formed in its place, and Mahathir was elected as Prime Minister;
• 2nd occasion: Muhyiddin seized power by craftily resorting to a “Sheraton move”, and his Parti Bersatu [Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia] formed the so-called “Pakatan Nasional” government;
• 3rd occasion: UMNO re-gained the political power by forcing Muhyiddin to step down. Ismail Sabri as UMNO Deputy President, assumed the power of premiership, and formed a new government [tentatively designated as “Keluarga Malaysia”].

(1) Obviously, our movement for democratic reform has suffered major setbacks as a result of Pakatan Harapan leaders being overzealous in gaining power. They had too much faith in the crafty Mahathir in his twilight years. After assuming power as Prime Minister, Mahathir was not only contented with reaping the fruits of the people’s struggle, he was bent on dominating all forces intent on establishing Malay hegemony;

(2) It came to light that, the "Sheraton Move" in February 2020 and the subsequent political development, was in fact a “coup” started by the UMNO ruling clique. They did not resign themselves to accepting their defeat in GE14. So they decided to work in collusion with Mahathir's “comrades in arms” (i.e. Muhyiddin Yassin and Azmin Ali who aspired to premiership) with a view to regaining power from the haughty Mahathir.

On the 19th anniversary of Sahabat Rakyat (2020), we published an article entitled "Unite and oppose Malay hegemonic dominance! - The only way out for the oppressed ethnic groups of our country!"

In the article, we ventured the following views:

• (1) The democratic reform movement has been deprived of their fruits of struggle under GE14 by Mahathir and Muhyiddin and their cliques. This is outrageous and the broad masses are terribly upset!
• (2) The current political relations in our country are still in a stage where the downtrodden and oppressed (Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazan-Dusun, Iban-Dayak, etc included) are vehemently opposed to the oppression by the Malay capitalists and the Malay feudal ruling clique.
• (3) Mahathir and his clique largely represent the interests of the upper class of the Malay capitalists. They are promoting the concept of Malay hegemony. They are the common enemy of the people of all ethnic groups. No matter how hard they have been trying to cover up their true colour, their attempt is doomed to failure.

We would like to point out that, since GE14, Mahathir’s selfish ambition has been completely exposed, ending up in facing ignominious consequences: he has been totally rejected by both the ruling camp and the opposition camp.

▲ Mahathir is now troubled by the situation that he and his son are in. They are forced to survive on a sampan (a metaphor for Parti Pejuang), but no longer able to make waves.

Although Parti Pejuang Tanah Air was formed as a tool for him to continue with his political struggle, he is now faced with the waning of his political influence. Judging from the current positions of both the ruling and opposition camps, a foregone conclusion seems to be that "Mahathir is nearing his fated end" in the coming general election and politics of our country in the future!

Mahathir is still fighting desperately despite having lost his position. He is in fact merely trying to safeguard the interests of his own family and his clique, hoping that his son Mukhriz may one day become the core figure in the ruling clique.

Having been side-lined by both the ruling and opposition camps, Mahathir still vainly sought reappointment by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as a prime minister non-aligned to any political party. In fact, he was aiming to establish a regime under his dominance. Both the father and the son are still eyeing for an opportunity to return to power. That is why he is vacillating between the ruling camp and the opposition camp.

Muhyiddin managed to seize power from Mahathir to become Prime Minister himself. But then he had to brave the challenge of the widespread coronavirus as pandemic, and to recover the sagging economy of the country. The living conditions of the people had become increasingly miserable, and their survival was at stake. Ultimately, they demanded that Muhyiddin should step down.

On 10 June 2021, Mahathir unashamedly offered himself to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to be chairman to spearhead a National Recovery Council (Mageran), to be formed for the purpose of dealing with the pandemic as well as economic, financial, and social education issues. Such Council was akin to the one implemented during the racial riots as far back as in 1969. His proposal was sneered at by all political parties. On 5 August, Mahathir went to the extent of having created a farce in holding the so-called "first meeting of a Shadow National Recovery Council".

Both the ruling and opposition camps as well as the common people have seen through the true colours of Mahathir. Everyone is extremely disgusted with his repeated political chicaneries. No matter what tricks he is up to, he will now be ignored.

Mahathir's doted son Mukhriz (Jerlun MP from Parti Pejuang Tanah Air) couldn't help but complain that Prime Minister Ismail Sabri didn't keep his promise to appoint Mahathir as Chairman of the National Recovery Council. Instead, Muhyiddin was appointed to the post.

Muhyiddin was earlier forced to resign as the leader of the country due to his failure both in fighting against the pandemic and in recovering the sagging economy. The scenario is a strong indication that Mahathir and his Parti Pejuang have been ousted from the current Malay ruling camp!

The broad masses have seen Mahathir vigorously promoting Mahathirian “Malay supremacy” upon his return as Prime Minister. They have witnessed the collapse of Pakatan Harapan which took over the reign of Putrajaya for only 22 months, mainly due to Mahathir having an unduly high opinion about himself and the willful acts on his part.

The populace have come to realise that Mahathir is merely a dangerous politician. He is a disaster to both the nation and the people. He is up to the neck in guilt. He has fallen into disrepute, yet still vainly struggling like a cornered beast. He is far from being a “national hero” trying to save Malaysia”. The people will not be fooled by him again.

If some top leaders within Pakatan Harapan still insist on inviting Mahathir into the fold of the alliance, hoping to win the next general election, the populace must then maintain high vigilance against such leaders, and be ever ready to give them a head-on blow.

2. The spectre of Malay hegemonic rule is still hovering over the heads of the people.

After the resignation of Mahathir as Prime Minister, Muhyiddin lost no time in forming a coalition government Perikatan Nasional in collaboration with other forces. The move had the support of UMNO as well as the blessing of the royal family. Not taking into account of Mahathir and his loyalists (MPs), Muhyiddin-led Parti Bersatu managed to gather 31 MPs, thereby becoming the second largest party in the ruling coalition. UMNO on the other hand had 37 MPs.

On 9 March 2020, Muhyiddin formed his bloated cabinet comprising 70 ministers and deputy ministers. He then exercised his power as Prime Minister to appoint MPs from Perikatan Nasional to key positions in government agencies, GLCs [government-linked companies] and to special diplomatic positions and the like. Statistics from Malaysiakini as at 19 May 2020 revealed that, out of 113 MPs from Perikatan Nasional, all of them [except 23 MPs] were assigned official posts or political appointments. In order to maintain his slim majority in Parliament, Muhyiddin blatantly resorted to playing politics of power and money. He abused his position as prime minister in distributing political spoils.

▲ (Left) Ismail Sabri, new Prime Minister. He took office on 21 August 2021. (Right) Muhyiddin, former Prime Minister. He was forced by UMNO to resign on 16 August 2021. What deserves Malaysian’s attention and consideration is that before and after stepping down, Muhyiddin was protecting Ismail, while Ismail after assuming premiership has returned the favor by taking care of Muhyiddin.

In the meantime, UMNO having the largest number of MPs in Perikatan Nasional, was not willing to accept a lower position than that of Bersatu. The UMNO faction, led by both Ahmad Zahid [UMNO President] and Najib Razak [former Prime Minister], was anxious to wrest power from Muhyiddin. Both UMNO leaders and many others are facing criminal charges. The move to wrest power from Muhyiddin was obviously for the purpose of avoiding imprisonment for the crimes they had committed. They have been described as "court cluster" by the mass media and commentators. The Muhyiddin government had been fragile and shaky since its inception. The UMNO leaders kept pressurizing him to step down. Muhyiddin’s "Perikatan Nasional” regime could fall apart at any time.

The majority of UMNO MPs headed by Ahmad Zahid, had been coercing Muhyiddin into resigning from office. The contradictions and infighting within the ruling cliques had intensified. That eventually led to Muhyiddin’s resignation on 6 August 2021. Ismail Sabri UMNO Vice President managed to secure the support of a thin majority of 114 MPs. He was sworn in as the 9th Prime Minister of Malaysia on 21 August 2021.

It was clear from the facts that the different factions or cliques in the ruling camp striving for Malay hegemony, became seriously divided and were undergoing reorganisation as a result of fierce contention among themselves for political dominance. But they have yet to reach the point of disintegration and collapse.

They are to maintain Malay hegemonic rule above all else in the current situation. The ruling elite regard safeguarding the dominant position of the Malay hegemony and the overall interests of the Malay ruling class as of utmost importance; it is above all else. The interests of other individual groups are treated as of secondary importance and therefore dispensable.

That explains why on 10 September 2021, Muhyiddin mentioned in his speech in commemoration of the 5th anniversary of Bersatu, that it was necessary for him to resign as Prime Minister, and at the same time for Bersatu MPs to nominate Ismail Sabri as the new prime minister. Obviously, it was aimed at preventing Pakatan Harapan from returning to power.

The following facts clearly illustrate that the spectre of Malay hegemonic rule is still hovering over the heads of our people:

(1) The resurgence of the “Malay supremacy” economic policies. 

On 9 May 2019, a year after taking office, Mahathir released a working paper entitled Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV).

Edmund Terence Gomez, Professor of Political Economy at the University of Malaya commented that the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV) is but a rehash of the National Economic Policy (NEP) 1970, with similar emphasis on race-based Bumiputera policies.

Professor Gomez said that these race-based objectives were a departure from the Pakatan Harapan manifesto, which stated that economic policies would be based on needs, and not on ethnicity or race. Muhyiddin-led Perikatan Nasional government inherited the racist policy. He personally launched this SPV on 29 September 2020.

In a webminar hosted by Aliran on 16 September, Professor Gomez reminded the people to monitor closely the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12), released on 27 September 2020, as well as the upcoming 2022 budget. They are likely the concrete plans for the Ismail Sabri’s government to implement the Malay supremacy and the racist policy of SPV.

The outdated bumiputra economic policies initiated by Mahathir were inherited by Muhyiddin and Ismail Sabri. The recent issue of 51% bumiputra ownership of forwarding companies is just an example resulting from the “Malay supremacy” economic policies.

▲ The comic above is from social media. Chinese businessmen are depicted as successful in running businesses for a long time. But they can hardly escape the dilemma of having to face control and plunder by the Malay political elite. The author expresses his indignation, and has deep feelings about the matter. The “Bumiputera first” economic policy is ridiculed by way of an easy-to-understand metaphor.

(2) Re-introducing Act 355 as amended

Ismail Sabri, the new Prime Minister confirmed on 14 September 2021 that the government is introducing Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act (Act 355) as amended (commonly known as RUU 355) to enhance the powers of the Syariah Courts. It would be tabled in Parliament.

Legal experts and scholars have long argued that our Federal Constitution guarantees that civil law prevails over other laws, such as religious law and personal law.

The enhancement of the criminal jurisdiction of Syariah courts violates the spirit of our Constitution; destroys our current secular system; and creates two parallel legal systems in our country, both legally and factually. The Act 355 as amended is aimed at removing legal obstacles to the implementation of Hudud laws throughout the country.

In response to the introduction of Act 355 as amended, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST), representing about 39% of our non-Muslim population, issued a statement a few days ago (on 23 September 2021).

The Consultative Council stated that they were much alarmed by the government's intention to introduce Act 355 as amended. They urged the Prime Minister to refrain from doing so. They are of the view that the Federal Constitution does not allow a parallel Syariah Criminal System to operate side by side with the present system of Criminal Law.

MCCBCHST referred to a poll conducted. It showed that even among the Muslims in the country, only a minority of 10.4% supported the RUU 355.

This RUU 355 incident goes to show that the Malay ruling elite refuse to give up their plan on Islamisation of the country. They are bent on consolidating the current positions held by them as well as exercising firm control over political power. 

Their acts will eventually lead to unrest and incur the wrath of non-Muslims in the country. That may result in cause serious damage to the national unity and social harmony.

(3) The slogan “No Anwar, No DAP”.

Ahmad Maslan, Secretary General of UMNO disclosed in a Tweeter on 17 October 2020 that the Supreme Council of UMNO had decided in a meeting not to have any form of political cooperation with Anwar and DAP. Hence, the promoting of the slogan "No Anwar, No DAP". 

▲ Originally the political slogan "No Anwar! No DAP!" represented only the political stance and attitude of the UMNO ruling clique towards Anwar and the DAP. Subsequently, almost all Malay racist political parties have adopted it as their “fundamental stance and attitude” towards Anwar and the DAP.

The Malay racist political parties and politicians will put up false appearance of having undergone a change in their political stance and attitude, just to fish for votes and hoodwink the voters. They will genuinely change their “fundamental stance and attitude” towards Anwar and DAP only when both of them have given up their fight against racism, and be ready to be turned over.

Ahmad Zahid, the UMNO president reiterated that UMNO would stick to the decision of “No Anwar, No DAP” in the UMNO General Assembly 2020 held at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTC KL)  the following year, on 27-28 March 2021.

On 27 October 2020, SinChew.com reported that the UMNO Supreme Council refused to work with Anwar because UMNO believed that "Anwar is inseparable from the DAP." In the eyes of the political circle, DAP have the aspirations and the voices of the broad masses of the Chinese ethnic group at heart.

The scenario goes to show the persistence of UMNO in practising racial hegemony and its hostility and arrogance against opposition forces.

(4) Complete domination of the government by Malay Muslims. 

The cabinet formed by Muhyiddin after the Sheraton move, was rated by the media as one having the least multi-ethnic appearance.

After Muhyiddin’s resignation, the present government is still dominated by Malay Muslims parties, namely, UMNO, Bersatu, PAS (Parti Islam Se-Malaysia) and PPBB (Parti Persaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak). The only difference is that Muhyiddin as Bersatu president was replaced by Ismail Sabri, the UMNO Vice President.

The cabinet headed by Ismail Sabri, was formed on 27 August 2021. It has been widely looked upon by the public at large as “old wine in a new bottle”. It has been categorised as “Cabinet of Perikatan Nasional 2.0”.

Adham Baba, ridiculed as the "Minister of lukewarm water", was re- appointed as minister. But he was transferred to another ministry. Ismail Sabri has the unstable support of only 114 MPs. As expected, he will persist in practising racism and money politics to maintain his grip on power.

Though factions and contradictions exist within the ruling clique, their basic consensus is that the ruling power must be under the complete control of those representing the interests of the Malay capitalists and feudal aristocracy. That will never change.

3. It is against the fundamental interests of the people to deny the existence of racism and to refrain from waging a head-on struggle.

The new government is formed by a multi-party coalition having merely a slim majority in Parliament. Such a fragile government may easily collapse in case of party-hopping by two or three MPs from the coalition.

It is impossible to eliminate the increasing threat of the pandemic and the crisis of economic downturn! The resentful populace are sick of the politicians (in particular a few senior leaders) who are only interested in striving for power and personal gains, resulting in political turmoil and economic slowdown. Everyone wishes to have a peaceful and stable life.

Probably, for the reasons mentioned above, on 13 September 2021, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri and 4 representatives from Pakatan Harapan, namely Anwar Ibrahim (President, PKR), Lim Guan Eng [DAP Secretary-General], Mohamad Sabu [Parti Amanah President], Wilfred Madius Tangau [President, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation] signed a “Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Political Stability and Transformation”.

The MOU was entered into against the backdrop of the lesson learned from 2020 Sabah state election.  At that time, the number of people tested positive for coronavirus in the country reached more than 2 million, while the figure of deaths was approaching 25,000. The severity of both the economic downturn and national debt crisis then was unprecedented. The signing of the MOU would probably enable Ismail Sabri’s government to achieve a smooth transition to the GE15.

With a view to mastering all forces to deal with Covid-19 pandemic as well as economic problems effectively, and warding off the risk of further spreading the pandemic after the election campaigns, the public at large and civil society organisations have conditionally approve the above measures. But it is not a blanket approval given to the government and Pakatan Harapan to do as they please.

After having gone through the painful experience of the futile exercise of "pitting Mahathir against Najib" in GE14, all Malaysians will certainly make more demands and tighten supervision over Pakatan Harapan leaders. We must level criticisms against any opportunistic politicians for betraying the interests of the people, and for hankering after fame and wealth, irrespective of their political party and the positions they hold. If they do not show regrets, they will certainly be treated with contempt by the populace.

▲ Anwar had been persecuted by Mahathir. He then initiated the "Reformasi" movement. So far, he had gone around advocating that "Malays, Chinese, Indians, Iban and Kadazan, we are in ‘one family’." He kept emphasizing that "PKR is not a racist party, but a pluralistic democratic party".

But after 9 May 2018, with a view to realising his dream of becoming prime minister, Anwar has disregarded the will of the people of all ethnic groups as well as the feelings of members of other parties in his alliance, and declared to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the whole nation that the government he wanted to form would be a “government dominated by Malay-Muslims".

We have humbly presented our views on the inappropriate acts by Pakatan Harapan leaders. We also had a dialogue with a fairly well-known Malay leader towards the end of last year. It was an open and frank exchange of views on the following issues:

• (1) That Anwar called for the establishment of a predominantly Malay-Muslim government. This is certainly inconsistent with his original stand.
• (2) It was commendable that Anwar abandoned his illusions about Mahathir after the collapse of Pakatan Harapan government.
• (3) The establishment of a Malay-Muslim-dominated government ran counter to the current trend prevailing across the world.

After the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government as a result of the Sheraton move, Anwar went "soliciting support of the royal family" as well as "attempting to turn over UMNO MPs" with a view to "regaining power" expeditiously.  Such opportunistic gestures are highly detrimental to the interests of the people. They have incurred the wrath of the populace and aroused their suspicion; such reactions are understandable. On our part, we have made our stand extremely clear on this matter, after the abovementioned Malay political leader spoke in favour of Anwar regarding his attempt to enlist UMNO’s co-operation.

We believe that our unreserved opinions reflect the feelings of the whole population for Anwar, the President of Pakatan Harapan and candidate of the prime minister, and their high hopes for leaders of democratic parties [including certain DAP - Democratic Action Party leaders] in their efforts to capture Putrajaya.

On 20 August 2021, immediately after Ismail Sabri confirmed that he had the support of 114 MPs and had succeeded in taking over Putrajaya, Teng Chang Khim, a Selangor DAP veteran, who had resigned from all positions in the party and the state government, speaking in three languages, he posed on his Facebook a soul-searching question to the DAP leadership: " If not because of the naively smart alecks blindly going all the way with UMNO to oust Mahiaddin, Sabri would not have been made the PM." Teng's remarks make one wonder whether there was a "Perak coup” repeated at the federal government level.

Last year, on 6 December 2020, Ahmad Zahid, UMNO President indicated that he did not rule out the possibility of forming a new Perak state government with Pakatan Harapan. A handful of DAP leaders hankering after state power, hastily announced that "we are ready", totally ignoring the Perak citizens' feelings of resentment. They even wrote a lengthy open letter to the voters solely for the sake of justifying, among other things, their intention to work with UMNO.

These opportunistic politicians were actually hankering after power. (They were in actual fact "money worshippers".) It turned out that they were utilised by Ahmad Zahid as chips for bargaining on behalf of UMNO, with two other parties, namely, Muhyiddin [Bersatu President] and Hadi Awang [PAS President] for the post of Menteri Besar.

Ultimately, it was to the benefit of UMNO. The smart alecks landed themselves in an awkward position. They suffered heavy losses eventually. As the Chinese saying goes, they “try to make gain, only to suffer dual losses instead”.

Apart from the opportunistic politicians, a handful of so-called "democrats" (found particularly in the Chinese community) ignored the fact of racial oppression and discrimination prevailing in the country. They blindly opined that "today, it is no longer appropriate to pay excessive attention to the phenomenon of racial oppression in the country. The minorities [referring largely to the Chinese community] must say goodbye to the sad state of affairs arising from racial oppression.” What an absurd and preposterous argument! They are adopting a hostile attitude towards the resolute struggle waged against racist hegemony in the country by way of simply negating, rejecting or discriminating against the struggle.

A few years ago, a political scientist, a holder of a PhD degree, far too immersed in Western ideas, ventured a ridiculous opinion that "If the Chinese community wish to annihilate UMNO, they must show affection for the Malays." These days, certain Pakatan Harapan leaders are willing to form an ally or to cooperate with UMNO or other racist parties with the intention of taking over the reins of political power in the country. This would mean that, in their heart of hearts, they no longer believe that racism is still prevalent in the country. Such attitude has become the norm these days.

The conduct of the "democrats" and the leaders of Pakatan Harapan have had a negative effect of dampening the fighting spirit and paralyzing the minds of the populace to a certain extent. It is against the fundamental interests of the people to deny the existence of racism, and not to wage a head-on struggle against racism. People from all walks of life who are concerned about the future of our country's democratic reform, must deal a severe blow to them for their conduct which is prejudicial to the fundamental interests of the people! We must expose their hideous features to the world at large!

▲ In the year 2020, the death of George Floyd, a black American laid bare the brutality of institutional racism in the United States. It triggered a large-scale mass movement against violence and persecution known as "Black Lives Matter!” The movement even spread overseas, causing widespread concern and resentment among peoples all over the world. The American court was forced to take "appropriate" legal action against the police officer who committed the crime. But the movement was subsequently trapped in the idea of "identity politics", and failed to advance in a correct direction.

Just like black Americans, the downtrodden Indians (Tamils) in our country have been suffering from discrimination and persecution because of institutional racism that has long been practised in our country. Some poverty-stricken Indians might have done wrong (but not amounting to serious crimes). They have often been treated with brutality by the so-called law enforcement officers. Sudden deaths at times occurred in police custody. The relevant authorities or political party leaders hardly give due attention to most of these "sudden deaths in police custody".

Those involved in such criminal activities are not prosecuted in court or brought to justice. Those leaders who voice concern for the people have merely been repeating the same old statement that “these cases are the result of the police abuse, and the IPCMC must be set up immediately to supervise the police”. Such oft–repeated trash only serves the purpose of hoodwinking the people.

Finally, for those who show concern for democratic reforms and justice for all nationalities at home and abroad, we would like to draw their attention to an appeal made by Michelle Bachelet, the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations (UN).

On 28 June 2021, Michelle Bachelet made an urgent appeal to all nations to adopt a “transformative agenda” to uproot systemic racism. She published a report of the UN Human Rights Council soon after the murder of George Floyd, a black America by a white police officer Derek Chauvin in the United States on 25 May 2020.

“Systemic racism needs a systemic response. There needs to be a comprehensive rather than a piecemeal approach to dismantling systems entrenched in centuries of discrimination and violence”, said Bachelet. She called upon all nations to stop denying, and start dismantling, racism.

We are of the view that the appeal by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is in keeping with the fundamental interests of the peoples across the world. It is also in line with the position and the trend of democratic reforms in the contemporary world.

Sahabat Rakyat Working Committee

Released on 16 October 2021 (English rendition)

Released on 29 September 2021 (original Chinese version)

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The need for a Parti Melayu Progresif ——An article by Dr. Tajuddin published in My Sinchew

The need for a Parti Melayu Progresif

——An article by Dr. Tajuddin published in My Sinchew

Source: mysinchew.sinchew.com.my/20210927/the-need-for-a-parti-melayu-progresif/

马来学者达祖丁《星洲网》撰文:

成立马来进步党的必要性

This is an article by Professor Dr. Mohd Tajuddin, an enlightened Malay scholar, published in the Opinion section in My SinChew on 27 September entitled “The need for a Parti Melayu Progresif”.

Dr. Tajuddin mentioned in his article that UMNO and PAS were once progressive parties representing different classes of Malays but have now become Tempurung Melayu who are feeling great about themselves without being able to see the wider world. In his words, “Neither parties of ketuanan Melayu can offer a formula for Malaysia and the Malays to prosper in the next 30 or 50 years.” He therefore looks forward to the emergence of a progressive Malay party, and this maybe his call and expectation for the rumored Malay political party that will be born soon.

We are of the opinion that Dr. Tajuddin’s judgement on PPBM is rather incomprehensive. His inference is only applicable on the PPBM once led by Mahathir. It lacks the consideration that the characteristic of PPBM has changed after the ‘Sheraton Move’. PPBM led by Muhyiddin will continue to evolve in the future due to the fragmentation and reorganization of Malay political parties and ruling clique. However, PPBM will not just disappear and should not be ignored easily.

Full text of the article is as follow (picture above and subtitles in the article are added by Sahabat Rakyat Editor):

Umno has nowhere to go. It was once the champion of progressive and modern Malay thinking but it is now the bastion of crooks and professional political jumpers.

Once Umno was the lifeline of Malaysia, but now it is a hindrance to dignity, respect and compassion for all Malaysians.

Umno is now split four ways and none of the factions shows any kind of a progressive and global thinking concept of ‘ketuanan Melayu’.

I have always said that I have no issue at all with the ketuanan Melayu concept, but my contention has always been what kind of Melayu should be a Tuan?

Now, we have PAS as another ketuanan Melayu-Islam in the picture.

It was once a progressive Islamic welfare nation construct but now it is just another money-grabbing kampung Melayu ulu construct.

Its Islamic values went from justice for all mankind to wealth for PAS MPs and Muslim cronies only.

Neither parties of ketuanan Melayu can offer a formula for Malaysia and the Malays to prosper in the next 30 or 50 years.

We don’t have to talk about PPBM because it started from nowhere with no ideals at all and it is not going anywhere as it does not command any grassroots strength.

It is just an expediency party created by Tun M as a tool to win the small war of GE14.

There are many in civil society who think that a few independent candidates can make a difference by winning and changing policies from the cabinet seat or even in Parliament.

I am 100% skeptical that any real and meaningful change can occur through the political process in this manner of thinking.

The ICERD and Rome Statute incident taught me that if the ground does not change, no policies will be able to change anything in Malaysia. The key is the Malay ground.

Tun M managed to convince at least 30% of Malays to swing and defeat Umno. But, at that time PAS was just playing as a vote divider.

The combination of Umno and PAS with a conservative Malay mindset of uneducated Malays with highly educated Malays, both who cannot think critically will ensure victory for this sorry kind of politics and economic construct that we see in the present.

UMNO and PAS are Tempurung Melayu who cannot think outside the tempurung

Thus, I believe that there must be another entity of a Malay political party or an NGO that must change the mindset of the educated Malays into a golden future of a Global Melayu and not just a Tempurung Melayu.

Umno, PAS and Bersatu are the Tempurung Melayu. They cannot see the wider world. They cannot think outside the tempurung. They tell Melayu to be safe in the tempurung Melayu and the Mangkuk Islam so that all of them can be Tuan Melayu and go straight to Heaven.

Their principle is that let the non-Muslims work and pay taxes and we use these taxes to enrich the Malays because only Malays are deserving as they are the Tuan Tanah Melayu.

So, Tempurung Melayu do not have to think critically, do not have to innovate, do not have to lift a finger to work because they own Tanah Melayu. Let Sabah and Sarawak with their oil and logging also serve the Tuan Melayu and thus, the formula is complete.

Expectation for Parti Melayu Progresif and Progressive Melayu

I wish that Malays can be changed from the Tempurung Melayu to a Global Melayu. How can this happen? What are the foundation principles that will govern this entity that I will call Parti Melayu Progresif? What is the characteristic of a Progressive Melayu?

The foundation of this PMP lies in the long history of Malay civilization. In the days of Sri Vijaya, Majapahit and of other Kingdoms prior to Islam, Malays were a cosmopolitan and a global entity.

The great thoughts of Buddhism and Hinduism formed the mind frames that constructed a global power that could accommodate myriads of cultures, faiths and peoples.

Ramli Ibrahim epitomizes this 3,000-year-old construct. Listening to him talk about the higher art and spirituality within the frames of Hindu philosophy, one can find a cosmos of learning, awareness and understanding.

Present conservative Malays, including academics of a public university in Johor, have no appreciation of this kind of discourse because they are all Professor Tempurung who dare not think beyond their shallow Melayu Tempurung and narrow Islamic education of kampung ustaz.

They do not know that Hang Tuah learned 12 languages and that the Malay language of old comprised words adopted from nine different peoples spread throughout the whole world.

The second foundation of PMP is something that my friend Tawfik Tun Dr. Ismail presents.

He is a progressive thinking corporate personality with the diplomacy of the Malay aristocracy. Most of the Mahathirian Umno are just street gangsters with the morality and mannerism of kaki pukul or street hustler.

Tawfik was educated in the best of the Western traditions and understands the foundation of our Constitution that his father had forged with the early Umno leaders of the first generation.

The Malaysian Constitution was forged within the best spirit of a modern, progressive and tolerant social construct but now it is on the verge of being cannibalized by Barsatu-Umno and Talibanized by a gang of religious fanatics and extremist.

Third, the PMP must be built on the foundation of a progressive Islam that is compassionate, inclusive, moderate and accepting of all.

Islam is a great ideological construct that brings in elements of spirituality alongside the socioeconomic and political framework of modern living.

The early models of the Islamic Reformation stood for all these aspects but unfortunately, those same NGOs like ABIM and IKRAM have become a weak and conservative force.

The glory days of the International Islamic University and ISTAC that spearheaded the academic foundation of humanizing politics and society through a wide, critical and inclusive Islam are long forgotten and now the two institutions have become a student factory and a classroom discourse seminary that has no impact whatsoever to be opinion-makers and thought leaders.

The PMP must convince the Malays that to be out of the tempurung will be the best thing that will create a future generation that is hardy, innovative and entrepreneurial at the global scene.

The new Malays will also be the Nobel Laureate peacemakers by bridging the Islamic World with the other countries.

If China can build bridges to join the world into one single transport system, the New Malays will be the bridges between peoples, spirituality and civilization.

The New Malays will also create new vaccines and technology to conquer the world market and the respect and admiration of all.

The PMP must present plans to thrust the New Malays into the global scenario and leave the narrow socio-political and economic construct of a small Malaysia.

Are there Malays out there that can rise with the likes of Tawfik, Ramli and I to storm the Tempurung Melayu and changed the new generation into a Global Melayu that is unfearful of challenges but will become creators of ideas and change?

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