AI highlights racial discrimination in M’sia

By Gan Pei Ling
ganpeiling@thenutgraph.com

PETALING JAYA, 28 May 2009: For the first time in its annual human rights report for Malaysia, Amnesty International (AI) has highlighted racial discrimination as one of several human rights violations in the country.

The 2009 report said that racial discrimination was institutionalised in Malaysia, particularly in government-backed affirmative action policies for bumiputeras such as the New Economic Policy, in land ownership, employment and education.

Compiled by the AI headquarters in London, the report cited the example of the outcry in response to Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim's proposal to open up 10% of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) places to non-Malay Malaysians.
It also noted that UiTM has been opened only to Malay Malaysians for the last five decades.

"These policies have resulted in the exclusion of the poor from minority groups from enjoying equal opportunities," said AI Malaysia campaign coordinator K Shan during a press conference today.

Control over dissent

The AI report also said that the government continued to tighten control over dissent, and curtailed the right to freedom of expression and religion.
The reported cited the examples of bloggers Syed Azidi Syed (better known as Kickdefella) and Raja Petra Kamarudin who were detained under the Sedition Act. The Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) was also invoked to suspend Tamil daily Makkal Osai's publishing permit in April 2008.

Also noted was the authority's threat to revoke the publishing permit for Catholic newspaper The Herald for using the word "Allah" under the PPPA in May 2008.
"The PPPA needs to be repealed to allow for more media freedom," said Shan.
AI executive director Nora Murat also called on the government to abolish the Internal Security Act (ISA) and implement the recommendations made by Suhakam in their 2003 report titled Review of the ISA 1960.

"We also urge the government to remove all conditions imposed on the Hindraf leaders upon their release (from ISA detention)," said Shan.

Politicisation of religion

The AI report also noted that the politicisation of religion markedly increased in 2008.

"People continued to face barriers to conversion from Islam," it noted.
It documented the case of Kamariah Ali, who was sentenced to two year's jail by the syariah court for renouncing Islam.

The report also noted that "no action was taken" against protesters who disrupted a Bar Council forum on conversion issues in August 2008.

The report noted the continuing discrimination against asylum seekers and refugees who are treated as illegal foreigners, citing widespread abuse by Rela.

Suhakam commissioner Dr Denison Jayasooria, who was also present at the press conference, said Malaysian politicians lacked the political will to respond to these issues even though substantial studies have been done.

Make EAIC Najib's number one priority

By Casey McMechan (Malaysiakini)| May 29, 09 12:19pm

Progress of human rights in Malaysia must begin with the immediate implementation of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission bill (EAIC), which set out procedures and guidelines on how enforcement is to be conducted, including investigation into complaints of misconduct and abuse of power.

This was one of the major points that was highlighted by Dr Denison Jayasooria, commissioner of Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).

He was one of the guests invited by Amnesty International to launch its 2008 annual report at the Shah Village Hotel in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

"The EAIC should be the number one priority for Najib," said Denison (right), referrring to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"We call for a selective committee to be put together to implement the bill."

The Malay name for EAIC is Suruhanjaya Integriti Agensi Penguatkuasa, or Siap.

The EAIC, which covers 21 government agencies, is a new body originated from a proposal for an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

It was mutated to a weaker Special Complaints Commission (SCC) after the government back-pedalled on the concept.

The powerful IPCMC was recommended by a royal panel of inquiry on police operations to wipe out corruption and abuse of power in the police force.

The Amnesty International (AI) 2008 annual report's section on Malaysia outlined major concerns regarding detention without trial, freedom of expression and religion, excessive use of police force, migrants' rights, discrimination, and the death penalty.

Specifically, the report expressed alarm over the detention of bloggers under the Sedition Act, the use of the PPPA to control newspaper content, 22 death sentences, and ten additional arrests made under the ISA (there are currently over 50 detainees held under the ISA).

Among the high-profile detainees nabbed under ISA in 2008 included DAP MP and Selangor exco Teresa Kok, controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin and Sin Chew Daily journalist Tan Hoon Cheng.

No change

When asked to comment on the state of human rights in Malaysia compared to previous years, campaign coordinator K Shan stated: "There is no change from the previous years. If anything, in the past few months, things have taken a turn for the worse."

He also mentioned that AI does not rank from year to year or benchmark their progress.

Joseph Paul, chairperson for AI stated that 2009 will mark a change in focus for AI from civil and political rights towards economic socio-cultural rights with poverty being a focal point.

"Underlying the economic crisis is an explosive human rights crisis," he (left) added.

AI Secretary General Irene Khan, in a press release, claimed that the "economic downturn has aggravated abuses, distracted attention from them and created new problems." She also said that human rights "are being relegated to the back seat."

Demand Dignity

Joseph Paul also used the press conference to launch the Amnesty International campaign dubbed ‘Demand Dignity', a six-year plan that would concentrate on three issues of concern: Maternal mortality, slums, and corporate accountability.

"Our overall goal is to end the human rights violations that keep people poor."

Over half a million women die each year from pregnancy related complications, 95 percent of these are poor and come from less developed countries.

The global slum population is growing at an alarming rate with some projections suggesting that by 2030, two billion people will be living in slums.

In the extractive industries such as logging and mining, projects are often undertaken without adequate assessment of the potential impact on human rights, including environmental and social impacts.

KITA ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION - RACE RELATIONS: LESSONS FROM THE BRITISH-MALAYSIAN EXPERIENCE

The UKM Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA) is organising the KITA Roundtable Discussion entitled “Race relations: Lessons from the British & Malaysian Experience in Fostering a Multi Ethnic & Religious Society” on June 18, 2009 from 9am to 1.30 pm at Hotel Equatorial, Jalan sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.

This KITA Roundtable Discussion is a follow-up program to the KITA Public Forum on June 16, 2009 on the theme ‘Race Relations: The British Experience’ with guest speaker Prof Aneez Esmail from University of Manchester University.

The aim of the RTD is to discuss in an in-depth and analytical way the learning of lessons from the British & Malaysian experiences in fostering a multi ethnic and religious society. We recognize that there are similarities and differences in the two countries.

At the same time both countries are seeking to foster a multi ethnic and multi religious society so that there is a great appreciation and understanding among the various people groups in these countries. Governments in both countries have adopted certain public policy options in the way matters pertaining to equal opportunities for dominant and minority communities.

What is important through this Round Table Discussion is to draw out lessons and implications from both models in order for us to learn from these experiences in policy formulation, legislative formulation, access through service delivery and inclusion through participation in political action and decision making.

Some critical review is also essential for us as we must reflect on some difficult matters such as:

Has Britain been effective in addressing race relations issues through legislation and inquiry commissions? What is the value of a legislative approach when prejudice is at the root of the problem and would not a more soft approach be more appropriate? Can Britain learn from the Malaysian experience?

Has Malaysia come to a political stage where political arrangement needs some rethink especially in adopting a non racial and non religious approach to politics in order for all communities to feel part of Malaysia? Can Malaysians learn from British political parties and style of democracy? Would the Malaysian dominant and minority communities feel secure in moving beyond racial politics?

What role does the private sector play in fostering ethnic relations and understanding in the workplace or in relating to service users and consumers? Are there lessons from both Britain and Malaysia in this context where the markets necessitate an appreciation of diversity? Could diversity be a marketable community enriching society as a whole?

We have invited Prof Aneez Esmail who will provide an in-depth reflection and analysis on this theme from a British experience. He is Professor of General Practice and the Associate Vice-President for Equality and Diversity at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom. Prof Aneez has been fighting racism and championing equality in the UK

The Malaysian reflections and lessons will be presented by Associate Professor Dr Ong Puay Liu, who is the Deputy Director of the UKM Institute of Ethnic Studies. Her research focus is on ethnic studies and the anthropology of development. She holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Edinburgh, UK

We have invited a number of others to provide their thoughts on this theme and there is ample time for all the invited participants to provide their input, reflections and analysis.

SUHAKAM CALLS ON POLICE TO RESPECT THE RIGHT OF PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY

The recent arrest of elected Members of Parliament, state assembly representative, civil society activists is inconsistent with Malaysia’s pledge and commitment to upholding human rights. This continued form of Police action shows a growing intolerance towards the exercise of civil and political rights in Malaysia.

Suhakam urges the Government to uphold the rule of law and at the sametime the right to freedom of assembly as enshrined in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution and Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Malaysians have a right to peaceful expressions of dissent and the Police and enforcement officials must be more tolerant to public action in a democratic society.

Suhakam calls on the Police not to deprive members of the public this constitutional right and calls on the Police to take a more tolerant approach towards peaceful expressions.

“HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL”

DATO’ CHOO SIEW KIOH, DATUK DR MICHAEL YEOH OON KHENG, DATO’ N. SIVA SUBRAMANIAM & DATUK DR DENISON JAYASOORIA

Commissioners
Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

27 May 2009

GOPIO's 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION

ORGANIZATIONAL EFFORT PROGRESSING VERY WELL

GOPIO's Global Convention 2009 will re-examine and re-evaluate GOPIO's role during the last 20 years with respect to goals and aspirations of 25 million people of Indian origin (PIO) living outside of India. Conference topics include: human Rights, political participation, economic trends, socio-cultural and Diasporic related issues and concerns, inter-generational conflict, challenges and opportunities for the future. The Convention theme and program details are as follows:

August 20-23, 2009

Crowne Plaza Hotel LaGuardia Airport
104-04 Ditmars Blvd., East Elmhurst, New York 11369, USA
Tel: 718-457-6300 (call for special discounted room rates for GOPIO Convention)

Theme
"People of Indian Origin: Strengthening Global Connections"

Two conferences under the broad theme.

Business Conference (Aug. 21): "India and The Indian Diaspora in the Context of Global Economic Challenges"

Diaspora Conference (Aug. 22): "The Indian Diaspora: Challenges and Opportunities in the New Millennium"

Program

Thu (8/20) Day 2:00 - 4:00pm GOPIO Executive Committee Meeting
Chaired by Inder Singh, President, GOPIO Int'l.
Day 4:00 - 6:00pm GOPIO Executive Council Meeting
Chaired by Dr Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO Int'l.
(Country & Regional Reports to be Presented)
Eve 7:00 - 9:00pm Welcome Reception/Dinner

Fri (8/21) Day 9:00am - 6:00pm GOPIO Business Conference
Eve 7:00pm - 9:00pm Reception and Convention Inauguration

Sat (8/22) Day 9:00am -10:00pm GOPIO General Council Meeting & Elections
Day 10:00am - 6:00pm GOPIO Diaspora Conference
Eve 7:00pm - 11:00pm Banquet & Cultural Program

Sun (8/23) Day 10:00am - 12:00pm GOPIO General Council Meeting (Cont'd)

Venues

Hotel and Conference Center: Crowne Plaza Hotel LaGuardia Airport
Tel: 1-718/457-6300 (call to make reservation, mention GOPIO Convention for discounted room rates)

GOPIO Executive Council Meeting and Reception on August 20th and Banquet August 22nd
World's Fair Marina Banquet Hall, Flushing, New York
(near Crowne Plaza Hotel at LaGuardia Airport)

“Wholesale revamp” of scholarship system needed

By Zedeck Siew
zedecksiew@thenutgraph.com

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 May 2009: A parliamentary roundtable meeting comprising opposition members of parliament (MPs), academics, and former Public Services Department (PSD) scholars have called for a "wholesale revamp" of the scholarship system.
Among the resolutions adopted by the roundtable was the formation of a parliamentary select committee to "drive the revamping" of the scholarship system. This would be formed in next month's sitting of Parliament.

"This committee should comprise both sides of the political divide," DAP parliamentarian and youth chief Anthony Loke Siew Fook told The Nut Graph.
Loke said that the select committee would study the problem, gather feedback from relevant stake-holders, and come up with the best course of action.

The problem of SPM top scorers not being selected for PSD scholarships has been ongoing for many years. Many parties, including the MCA, DAP and MIC, have called for a review of the selection criteria which is currently based on four criteria — merit (20%), race (60%), Sabah and Sarawak citizens (10%) and students from underprivileged groups (10%).

The roundtable meeting today also called for an additional sum of RM300 million for PSD scholarships, to award all SPM 2008 students with 10A1s and above with scholarships, "at least to study in local universities". This would increase the total PSD scholarship provision to RM1 billion.

Besides Loke, the roundtable included DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua, Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching, Kuala Selangor MP Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, and Selangor state assemblyperson for Seri Setia Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

It also included Universiti Malaya law lecturer Azmi Sharom, academician Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and former JPA scholars Adlin Abdul Majid and Izad Shahadi Sallehuddin.

Long-term resolutions

The roundtable was careful to note that the above measures would only address the issue for the short term. Its suggestions for long-term resolutions include:

1) A revamp of the PSD scholarship application procedures and candidate selection process, including a review of the interview system;

2) The creation of two levels of scholarships: one for the Pre-university level (STPM, A-Levels, South Australian Matriculation, etc), and another for university undergraduate programmes;

3) The appointment of officers to track the progress and performance of scholars throughout their scholarship tenures;

4)More investment in local education, to make Malaysian universities more attractive destinations for top students;

5)And the establishment of an efficient system to attract and recruit graduated PSD scholars into the public service workforce.

"Each scholar sponsored to go overseas would cost the government RM500,000 in total. It is imperative for the government to reap from the investments that were made on each scholar," read a statement containing the roundtable's two-part resolution.

"We acknowledge the need to reform the award system of the PSD scholarship scheme, in order to solve once and for all the recurrent problems that the scholarship scheme has attracted over the years," added the statement.

"We will hand over these resolutions to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri, and we will raise this issue in the next parliamentary sitting," Loke said.

Loke styled Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's announcement that the government would limit SPM examination-takers to 10 subjects for JPA scholarship consideration as a "short-term solution".

"Just limiting the number of subjects doesn't mean the problem will be solved," Loke stressed, adding that the whole PSD scholarship mechanism needed to be studied.
(Thenutgraph, 22 May 09 : 5.17PM)

KITA PUBLIC FORUM ON RACE RELATIONS: THE BRITISH EXPERIENCE

UKM Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA) is hosting a Public Forum
on June 16, 2009
from 3pm to 5.30pm
at the Auditorium, Malaysian Integrity Institute, Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur.

In our increasingly globalised world, different models of how societies have made adjustments and accommodations to adopt multi cultural and religious dimensions in day to day living have evolved. Success stories abound, with accommodations and adjustments, but there have also been conflicts and tensions. These have tremendous implications for community cohesion and long term sustainability of modern societies.

There are also public policy implications pertaining to ethnic relations which no politician or government official can ignore. In a similar way private sector and business communities are also seriously paying attention to the potential of multi cultural aspects for economic implications. Likewise civil society actors have realized the tremendous potential and dynamics of multi cultural issues and concerns.

There is therefore an urgent need for us in Malaysia to study the different models of multi cultural societies around the world. This will enable us to understand their history, their struggles and achievements, their policies and programs in fostering greater understanding and appreciation.

It is in this context of understanding ethnic relations in other countries that the UKM Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA) has co-organized this First KITA Public Forum on Race Relations: The British Experience, with some of our partners.

The objective is to provide a critical analysis on race relations in the British context and understand their struggles, challenges and achievements. In so doing, we in Malaysia can draw some parallel lessons which might be useful for us in the Malaysian context.

We have invited a prominent person Prof Aneez Esmail who will deliver a special lecture on this theme. He is Professor of General Practice and the Associate Vice-President for Equality and Diversity at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom.

Prof Aneez’s family was expelled from Uganda where he was born, during the time of Idi Amin in 1972, on racial grounds. Together with his family they came to Britain as refugees. During his student years he became active in the anti-racist struggle especially in exposing racial discrimination in the medical profession.

Prof Aneez’s commitment and determination in fighting racism and championing equality continues through his professional capacity as a professor in one of the top universities in the UK. His role as Vice President for Equality and Diversity is to oversee the programme for increased participation in higher education from the lower social groups.

KITA has received encouraging support from
Department for National Unity & Integration,
Prime Minister's Department, Government of Malaysia,
The British High Commission in Malaysia,
Juken Consultancy Sdn Bhd.,
Malaysian Bar Council,
Centre for Public Policy Studies, ASLI,
The Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce,
The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Malaysia,
Sri Murgan Centre (SMC)
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).

These organizations are organizing partners of this Public Forum with KITA.

We really hope that you will take time to be with us at this KITA Public Forum. There is no registration fee. However, please confirm your participation by June 12, 2009 as there are limited seats by calling KITA at 03 8921 4641 or fax at 03 8921 5641 or email sue@ukm.my

Question for youths in Rage (Star)

RAGE > Rage

Tuesday May 5, 2009
Questions 4 U: Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria

Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria
He is the former executive director of Yayasan Strategik Sosial (the official think tank of the Malaysian Indian Congress).He is currently the Principal Research Fellow with the Institute of Ethnic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

If, as a young person, you are able to lead this nation, how will you seek to build a Malaysia where there is greater consciousness of being Malaysians first?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Patricia Pinto, 24, Selangor
"Demolishing all aspects of the quota system, deleting everything that gives bumi privileges, allowing people to choose their religion WITH NO CONSEQUENCE to their loans, finances and lifestyle, and by deleting anything that enforces the perception of race."


Jason Lioh, 25, Malacca
"Like it or not, to be hated or not, all race-based policies have to go to pave way for a fairer and more equal policies for all Malaysians."

Parthiban Muniandy, 24, PhD student
"I don’t see this as being that vital. As I am hoping to be a teacher of social sciences, and a writer who focuses on minority and impoverished communities, I believe we should work towards creating a greater consciousness of diversity and understanding of differences.
I think we should learn to be open-minded and sensitive to others, first, and learn the importance of speaking up for what we believe in. If being Malaysian means being conscious of the plight of others, then by all means, we should be Malaysians."

Rishalini Kumar, 17, Perak
"By governing with this slogan:
The only thing that can happen at first sight is lust. So take your time. Understand. UNITE.

"Once we get the 'semangat perkauman' out of the way, I think we are good to go."

Phang Kuan Hoong, 27, Kuala Lumpur, musician
The elimination of racial politics.

Tiffany Heah, late 20s, Kuala Lumpur
"By revamping the current education system. Education is the key to building a strong nation."

Zain HD, 23, Shah Alam,
"Just as people think there's danger in people associating themselves by religion or race first, there's equal danger in associating themselves with nationality first."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

© 1995-2007 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Rethinking Capitalism

Special Lecture & Discussion

Rethinking Capitalism:

An Islamic Understanding of Social Enterprises



In recent times there is a rethinking of the fundamental value base of capitalism, economics and business. Some have ventured to state that the foundational motivation of capitalism is wrong as it promotes greed, selfishness and self centeredness. However others have noted that virtues such as competition & innovation, hard work & productivity are positive aspects of capitalism and virtues that other systems of economic arrangements have failed to develop.

There are movements today especially with the failure of both capitalistic and socialistic systems, promoting social enterprises, social entrepreneurship and solidarity economy as an alternative.

These groups seek a middle road by drawing a greater balance between profits and equitable sharing, between management control and collective responsibility, between top down directives to partnership in decision making. While these movements such as the cooperative movements, fair trade organizations, micro credit institutions, and community development initiatives are empowering the poor, disadvantaged and marginalized sections

The world is therefore seeking for alternative views and approaches in creating a new economic framework which will promote sustainable growth, development and equitable sharing which also addressed structural and institutional injustices

In this context the Islamic approach to social justice, economic development and human relationships in the work place might be able to shed new light and provide directions for the future.



Malaysia has been innovative in pioneering Islamic banking and finance, the development of the ‘halal markets’, the fostering of ‘shariyah compliance indicators’ in business ethnics and practice where fairs wages and basic principles of justice and fairness must dominate employer-employee relations.

However there is very little opportunity for discussion of these initiatives and the value base as a response to the current global crises.

It is in this context that the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, Binary University College is organizing a Special Lecture entitled Rethinking Capitalism: An Islamic Understanding of Social Enterprises. The lecture will be followed by a time of discussion.



Date: May 19, 2009 (Tuesday)

Time: 3.00pm to 4.30pm

Venue: Binary University College, Puchong (Opp IOI mall)

Guest Speaker: Datuk Dr Syed Ali Tawfik Al-Attas, Director General, Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia

Has Malaysia moved past the ghost of 13 May?

by Lan Jian Wyn (The Edge)


Ong Kian Ming, political analyst

May 13 symbolizes the potential for ethnic politics to go awry and turn violent. If you look back at the general elections in 1969, Barisan Nasiona (BN) lost Penang and Kelantan, while there was a deadlock in Selangor and Perak but they still won 65% of Parliamentary seats in Peninsular Malaysia on March 8, 2008. BN suffered a much worse electoral defeat in Peninsular Malaysia but there was no repeat of ethnic violence; in that sense we have matured. Even in Perak, there was no ethnic violence, as comical as it was. It could have easily degenerated into a Malay versus non-Malay situation but it didn't.

We have managed to move past May 13, evident in the lack of unrest following the 2008 General Elections when the BN lost its two-thirds majority in Parliament. However, we still find it difficult to see beyond the ethnic angle, looking at the comparitive number of Malays, Chinese, and Indians who are in the Cabinet in the respective state executive councils and the racial composition of scholarship holders.

Ooi Kee Beng, Fellow at ISEAS (Singapore)

The political options since then have been dictated by the ruling coalition, leading to the lack of transparency in governance, arrogance, corruption, cronyism and extremely high opportunity costs in nation-building. It was our greatest failure. Although many rose to power because of it, a nationalism grew forth that went overboard in many ways, limiting the ability of the country to make full use of its potential.

But young Malaysians today have a new resistance to the politics of fear, showing that the May 13 legacy of tentativeness and ill-boding is being swept away, along with parties that benefited from those dark days. There are clear signs that Malaysians of various races are more willing to give each other a chance, and there is a greater wish to get to know each other. On that front, we have left May 13 behind.

However, we have yet to deal with many issues before the fear of May 13 is completely banished: that includes the harshness of many of our laws and the insidious racialism that has de-ideologised affirmative action policies in Malaysia.

Wong Chin Huat, political analyst

May 13 is a threat of ethnic violence mystified to justify authoritarianism; if we’re not controlled by the government, our differences will lead us to killing each other. The argument is that corruption and authoritarianism is a lesser evil compared to ethnic violence.

Politically speaking, we need a government change. The legitimacy of the current government and the NEP is derived from May 13, besides being used to silence critics. If the state needs to intervene in our affairs, it must do away with the justification based on violence.

We need to move forward from the idea that May 13 was caused by the victory of a Chinese political party. The general elections result in 1969 shows that Umno had lost Malay support to Pas, and it needed a crisis to show that the Malay community’s, not Umno’s, survival is at stake. In a sense, it happened due to a lack of inter-ethnic cooperation within the Opposition.

Denison Jayasooria, political analyst at UKM

The country has not moved on from May 13. Politicians are using it as a fear tactic, drawing parallels with incidents in Hiroshima or the Holocaust to spark reconciliation and public harmony. While there has been an absence of major conflicts, we have not reached a stage of major understanding and appreciation, and whether another controversy like this will appear is yet to be seen.

There must be commitment from Malaysians regardless of colour and religion to never repeat it again. Any signs of discontent – such as people’s perception that they are being discriminated against, threatened or their religion and language is under threat – must be addressed.

Farish Noor, Senior Fellow at S. Rajaram School of International Studies (RSIS), NTU

May 13 has been over-used to the hilt by political elites as an excuse to deny ordinary Malaysians to openly and rationally discuss issues in the country for too long. And we forget to emphasise the facts that 13 May was a series of isolated incidents that did not lead to the entire country falling apart; and it should not allow us to forget that for hundreds of years before that Malaysians of all ethnic and religious groups were living, working and loving in peace for generations. Today, the question that needs to be asked is why place so much emphasis on the events of 48 hours that happened 40 years ago, and why not place the event in its proper, wider historical context?

(The Edge, Wednesday, 13 May 2009 16:03)