Open Letter to PM by Jacqueline Ann Surin
Friday, 02-06-2006Dear friends,
CH Khoo sent me the following letter written by Jacqueline Ann Surin that published in The Sun. Jacqueline is my friend, I’m proud of her for speaking out as a Malaysian citizen and a journalist.
teresa
An open letter to the PM
[the Sun Online Jun 01 2006]DEAR Prime Minister Abdullah, When you first came into power after the 2004 general election, you promised us that you would be prime minister for all Malaysians.
In fact, I still have the letter you sent out to voters before the elections that promised you would fulfill your duties with sincerity, integrity, efficiency and fairness.
It was a letter that moved people, including staunch Opposition supporters.
There was hope that a new leadership which was more conciliatory, more willing to listen to differing views and more just was in store for the country.
And people invested in that hope by voting the Barisan Nasional back into power with a clear majority.
But recent events, including your administration’s reactions to these events, have been deeply troubling. The most recent has been the disruption of a peaceful and legitimate public forum in Penang organised by a group of non-governmental organisations that wanted to help people reclaim their rights under the Federal Constitution.
It was unfortunate, but really no longer inconceivable, that those who opposed such a civil discussion should frame their opposition in ways that incite hostility, threaten violence and make false accusations in the name of Islam, a religion that in fact promotes peace and justice.
What is actually more troubling is that as prime minister, you have also publicly announced that these issues of Constitutional rights are “sensitive” and the organisers of such events must be careful not to tread on “dangerous ground”, lest the government has to use the Sedition Act against them.
Why would you lend legitimacy to the argument that Malaysians should steer clear of discussing issues which affect us all as citizens, whether Muslim or non-Muslim?
By continuously telling Malaysians these issues are “sensitive” and “dangerous”, isn’t your administration really creating a self-fulfilling prophecy? Aren’t you in fact supporting the argument that these issues should not be discussed?
Additionally, Malaysians have been reminded by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz that it’s not for no reason that the word “amok” comes from the Malay community.
Non-Muslims ¬ and that easily translates to non-Malays in this country ¬ are told we cannot speak out about the way Islam is used to formulate laws and public policies in this country even though they affect all of us.
We are told that not just the Sedition Act can be used, so can the Internal Security Act which allows for detention without trial.
In fact, I found it deeply paradoxical that Nazri could repeat the threat of the ISA at an international meeting of experts on Islam and human rights last month.
How can an unjust law be Islamic? We know it cannot, and yet, it would seem your administration is wielding it as a way to silence citizens in a democracy.
The way I see it, naming something “sensitive” and “dangerous” is just a disingenuous way of saying, “This is not open for dialogue and discussion. We might tolerate your views but only to a certain extent.”
What that extent is, is left to be seen. We hope your election promises will be kept for all Malaysians, but really, many of us are more fearful than reassured.
From a non-Muslim perspective, the events leading up to the need for public discussions such as the Article 11 forum in Penang, have been disconcerting and troubling.
The painful injustice suffered by S. Shamala who found that her estranged husband could unilaterally convert their children to Islam, and the widow of M. Moorthy who discovered she could not bury her husband according to Hindu rights, are real and frightening.
But those instances of injustice are not being framed as “sensitive” by non-Muslims. They are not being used to threaten violence or incite hostility in order to silence discussion of the issues at hand.
Ad d i t i o n a l l y , w h e n yo u upheld the decision for the tudung to be used in police parades, did you consider how it would make non-Muslims feel? How can it still be a surprise then that most non-Malays will not join the police force?
Really, I don’t need to be a Muslim or a Malay to have a stake in this country. But even that might be delegitimised because in more ways than one, I’m a minority.
And I’m constantly reminded that my views and concerns must give way to the privileges and rights of the dominant race, and a specific interpretation of the faith they profess.
But really what I want to ask you is this: Why do I have to constantly feel afraid in my own country? Why am I continuously told I have less rights to discuss important issues affecting my community?
You promised to be prime minister for all Malaysians. We hope you will remember that promise.
A Malaysian citizen. Jacqueline Ann Surin believes that you cannot be neutral on a moving train. She is an assistant news editor at theSun.
too true . I wonder how they’re going to prevent the brain drain from happening if they keep the quota system in place when giving out scholarships
Comment by mdee — Friday, 02-06-2006 @ 20: 44.48
BRRAVO, Jacqueline Ann Surin! If ever such a letter should be written, it is now, more so than ever ! I shall be proud to add my name to that letter should it ever be necessary to do so.
Every word my mind has been screaming out to say against the unfairness and discriminatory policies; every fear I feel as a non-Bumiputra and non-Muslim in this country and every hurt and frustrations I have had to endure when I see the roughshod methods being exercise by high-handed officials in their zealous efforts against others, all this is very well encapsulated in Jacqueline’s letter to the Prime Minister and we must learn to ask him the same question, each and everyone of us, the minority Malaysians!
Is he truly a Prime Minister for ALL Malaysians as he had declared or was that some fairy tale devised for election time only?
There will be Muslim ultras who will react to our search for fairplay by the usual, “This is an Islamic country! If you like it, you may get out!” which by the way, has been voiced out in Parliament by MPs as well. Shocking, isnt it? Anyway, I want these shameless zealots to know that I will not be running away as this is my country too as much as it is theirs. I shall stay as it is my right as a citizen and I will continue to struggle peacefully for my rights as enshrined in the Malaysian Constitution. Idealist? Maybe, but I have nowhere else to go and further I do not intend to go just because some other unenlightened citizen challenges me so!
We who profess other faiths must learn to speak up and speak out loud. Like many other ordinary people, I resent being pushed into a corner by others who pursue an Islamisation agenda and I believe that asking for fairness and fairplay is not being anti-Islam or anti-Malay. We also need our spot under this Malaysian sun too!
And speak out, we must! Or else the tidal wave of religious bigotry and persecution will have a way of reaching our shores sooner than you think.
Comment by kopimelaka — Saturday, 03-06-2006 @ 01: 36.43
While I’m disappointed over PM Abdullah’s comment that the western are practising double standard over Iran and Hamas when we are visibly practising it here in Malaysia.
Comment by 周瑜 — Saturday, 03-06-2006 @ 11: 04.20
We can pray and hope till the cows come home but nothing is going to be done. All I can see is the PM will probably do some damage control here and there until the next GE and then call it a day. The next person who takes over will be no better either. Instead of members toeing the line, it will be the PM who will toe the line as he depends too much on grass root support to survive.
Comment by Billy — Saturday, 03-06-2006 @ 22: 46.20
Our country is wrong because of NEP. We cannot accept NEP because there was no exploitation along racial line. If there was exploitation, it was by the British.
We should not pay because we do not owe. Assenting to NEP is so wrong. Let all regardless of affiliations know this and NEVER say ok to NEP.
That said, our country really is not a bad country. The other day a depression on the road I frequently use was filled. I thought, how thoughtful of the transportation ministry. hehehe
Comment by NextNoName — Sunday, 04-06-2006 @ 03: 40.38
Jac is right. In 2004 AAB promised so much that I was convinced that Malaysia can emerged from the previous administration with a breath of fresh air.
AAB promised so much but how has he fared?
On the positive side, the media has more freedom if you look at the issues exposed, except for what happened to China Press.
On the negative side, let’s look at how AAB handled some crises:
1) Petrol proce hike – AAB just issued a brief simple statement “change your lifestyle”—how, may I ask? We are having a much lower standard of living that US, UK and Sinagpore. Can government also lead by example? Instead we see horrendous traffic jams caused by road closure for NAM and at Sg Buloh, MPPJ spending RM7million now trim to RM2million for some meaningless celebration.
2) Electricity hike despite impressive TNB post tax profits-AAB explain this as “it’s inevitable” after Sarawak election—at least TNB should explain exactly why the increase should go ahead and also try other cost cutting alternative, e.g. collection of bad debts from big defaulters, get some external consultants to trim “fats” to address the alleged cashflow problems
3) the unruly crowd in Penang disrupting a civilised and permitted forum – AAB said,” be sensitive to other religion”—it defies my understanding that the PM sides with the mobs and tell off the innocent party for something that they did not do
4) open defiance of the police on the IPCMC and the website thingy – AAB just mentioned that “it is the view of minority”—Police sending electrifying messages and AAB seems to pass the buck to AG to study the need for IPCMC. This do not protray him as firm, decisive and authorotative in the face of chaos.
5) supporting Iran and Hamas—sorry I cannot see why Malaysia must support a state known to support terrorism and a well known terrorist group. Iran wants nuclear weapons; do you want your irresponsible son to drive yr BMW around? Hamas – what have they done for the people of Palestine? I do not know of any social and economic initiative of substance. The only image I know of Hamas is masked men carrying AK-47. I won’t invite them to my house for parties at all.
6) Close one eye case – AAB’s silence is deafening. He has not said a word since Shahrir resigned, the whip emphatically say that no BN MP can support any motion by opposition eventhough it is right (funny BN used to say opposition oppose for the sake of opposing….. The BN MP needs to be put in order. It appears chaotic to me.
Verdict so far: AAB needs to give more contribution – improving people’s standard of living and ensure social justice to convince me to vote for him. There is still ttime, not much of it.
Comment by lee wee tak_ — Monday, 05-06-2006 @ 08: 49.20
Let me just say this once and for all, for all the hard-headed non-Muslims in this country: Issues pertaining to Islam CANNOT be deliberated by the the nons because Islamic rules are not NEGOTIABLE. The rules are set by Allah, interpreted by the ulamas and practiced once it becomes a fatwa. All these are done by Islam religious authorities, for the Muslims. Non-muslims are looking at it from a non-Muslim stand point, and who are you to say it is right or wrong? Even if it appears VERY WRONG to the nons, believe me, real Muslims will still adopt it as an order from Allah the Creator. There is no ifs and buts, and neither can anyone induce any force to change that. And non-Muslims must learn to accept that. And why can’t you, since Muslims (here and out of the country) NEVER looked at any other religions’ practices, nor comment them nor try to make them change them. This is what I like and admire of Muslims and Islam – they never evaluate (or kacau) other people’s religions. Now, if this stupid woman name Jacqueline Ann Surin is soooo smart, ask her to just reserve her non-Muslim thots to herself, lest I come out with one thousand and one bad things about her religion. Her religion (and I assume it’s Christianity), is a big can of worms that I would take the chance to spill out, if she doesn’t know how to shut her big fat mouth.
Comment by pemerhati_msia — Monday, 05-06-2006 @ 10: 57.22
Not only Malaysia Boleh, our PM also boleh talking the walk when he told Malaysian to walk the talk. So where is he walking to….....? perhaps with samy hand-in-hand to the highland towers to see another bukit runtuh.
Comment by DewnAsing — Monday, 05-06-2006 @ 17: 02.54
Pemerhati-msia, it is people like you that makes me fearful of our future. What does it take for you to recognize injustice when it doesn’t effect you in the forseeable future? Why have to be so defensive and rude? Especially if you know that islam also stands for equality and justice. Islam is a beautiful religion, and often misunderstood in the western world. If you can see the prejudice against muslims in the western world, surely you can also see injustice within your country where the dominant group are muslims instead? If you really care about your fellow human beings which include non-muslims, then seek instead to question how non-muslims are effected by by the laws or practices in this country. As for jac, i don’t know if she is christian, but i sense that her principles are such that if she is, she won’t have any qualms discussing with you on unjust practices within christianity. ironically, the words of ‘absolute truths’ you utter is similar from other faiths. the difference is the name of the religion, but they are similar in that it is the people who use them for their own interest and to perpetuate prejudice.
Comment by the rakyat — Monday, 12-06-2006 @ 22: 10.41
pemerhati_msia, it was ppl like you who caused the world to be unsafe to live in. “christianity is a big can of worms”...yeah rite…you know what, you statement is enuf to make you a stupid & illogical muslim who only knows to rant. you close your mind, heart and eyes from the outside world… and i cudnt blame u on this, that’s why your knowledge is sooooooooooooooo LIMITED. it was idiots like u who make your “dearest” religion a [deleted]. period.
Comment by abcdefg — Saturday, 24-06-2006 @ 22: 06.09