For M’sia, affirmative action is more like ‘killing Peter to pay Paul’

Ex-UN commissioner: Unlike South Africa, M’sia judiciary not free

Fair&Just: Thank you, United Nations human rights commissioner Navi Pillay. It is now confirmed that Malaysia is worse than then apartheid South Africa, where at least their judiciary is independent while the judiciary here is not.

It goes to prove Malaysia is world’s No 1 ‘bigotland’ with a No 1 kleptocrat allegedly stealing public funds, and policies that deprive, discriminate and degrade the minorities to the advantage of the majority ‘tuans’.

Fairman: Well said, Pillay. However, again it takes an outsider to reveal the workings of a parliamentary democracy.

Firstly, the PM does not want to be accountable to Parliament, at least the Dewan Rakyat, although his appointment is based on the supposed confidence he enjoys from the 222 MPs who include the 89 opposition ‘wakil rakyat’ (elected representatives).

Secondly, the judiciary and judges are supposed to be loyal to the federal constitution but their conduct is otherwise. Very conveniently, they use phrases like “separation of powers” and “we interpret according to intention of the legislature”.

Mind you, the judiciary is supposed to act as a watchdog against the excesses of the executive through the Malaysian Parliament. However, bills are bulldozed without proper debate and feedback from the voting public.

The general election is a mere procedural requirement to renew the licence of the BN government, which has scant regard for free and fair elections.

Indeed, an independent bench would have taken the country to greater heights.

Spinnot: Malaysia lost its relatively independent judiciary on July 6, 1988.

“The government of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad suspended five Supreme Court judges today and ordered them to face a tribunal that will decide whether they will be removed permanently.

“The action grew out of a legal battle over a similar suspension of the Lord President, or chief justice, on May 26. He was accused of ‘lack of dignity, judicial propriety and impartiality.’ In both cases the suspensions were formally ordered by King Mahmood Iskandar, in consultation with the prime minister.

“The moves to disqualify six of the 10 members of the highest court follow constitutional amendments rushed through Parliament by the government in March that severely curtailed the independence of the judiciary and gave the executive branch and Parliament a say in its activities.”

Vijay47: Over to you, red shirts leader Jamal Md Yunos and friends, you know what to do.

Lead a mob to the Home Ministry, the South African High Commission or any embassy since your geography is suspect, and demand the immediate repatriation of this foreigner who dares to interfere in local matters.

Her comments are an insult to the rulers, Islam, and the Malays. Not only that, Pillay’s liberal views apart from being disrespectful to our judiciary and Malaysia’s duly elected government under the able leadership of Prime Minister Najib Razak, and a threat to national security, would confuse the Muslims and weaken their faith.

Jamal, remind her that she is lucky that hudud is not law yet. Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin can join you.

P Dev Anand Pillai: This will only end if the Malay mind is liberated. If not Umno, the Malays may choose PAS, who are no different but with the exception of claiming to be super righteous and religious.

Whether they are in well-tailored suits or white robes and skull caps, they are all the same. They are now worried that the Chinese are dwindling in numbers and their young have decided to migrate where there will be fair treatment.

Their worry is only because there will be less taxpayers. So whatever said and done, until and unless the mind is set free, the Malays will assert that it is fine to rob Peter to pay Paul.

Tulanch**w: I concur with former Suhakam commissioner Simon Sipaun. It is not just robbing Peter to pay Paul, it’s daylight robbery (of 1MDB) to enrich one’s family and the cronies.

Sipaun, you should help to do something to change the mentality of Sabahans in GE14. The rural Malays here are simply too ignorant and stubborn.

My Opinion: Perhaps just eliminate affirmative action completely from Malaysia. I am sure the rich bumiputeras are charitable enough to help the less fortunate.

The government can easily set up a machinery to help the poor Malays, but not to pamper them.

Léon Moch: I agree with affirmative action, but only for the truly disadvantaged.

This can be implemented by a needs-based and not race-based affirmative action, for it is trite knowledge that the poor are made up of every race and colour.

Baiyuensheng: Meritocracy coupled with compassion is the new form of affirmative action, which takes into consideration all citizens regardless of their race, creed and colour.

Mechi: The “implementation of discriminatory policies” in the past has been flawed. Why are the Orang Asli in the peninsula sidelined? Why are the poor rubber tappers ignored?

Isn’t it an inhumane, unsustainable system?

Beh Tahan: In Malaysia, Umno has learned well the motto, “I help you, you help me”. What affirmative action policies? Give me a break.

Legit: Those at the forum are eloquent speakers and have put forth very real facts, but who is listening?

The public won’t care two hoots about what these speakers have espoused. Malaysia, for all intents and purposes, is an apartheid country and now also a kleptocracy.

The sad thing is this situation in not going to change, and will only get worse.

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