Sivin Kit's Adventures

Archive for February, 2008

Malaysia needs a strong Opposition

For those of us who talk a lot, how about a walk …?

So what should Malaysians do? Firstly, in a country where voting is not compulsory, they should vote. There’s no point complaining on internet blogs but not bothering to vote.

Given the Opposition’s unpreparedness to govern, the Malaysian Government is best returned. But it does deserve a good, hard kick. Even more, it needs a significant and strong Opposition to help it govern better. It needs greater accountability and scrutiny, which a strong Opposition in Parliament will help provide. That is what good governments everywhere have and need.

Of course, tiny Singapore is an exception but Singapore is a country in name only. The reality is that the Singapore Government is a glorified city council.

Malaysia, on the other hand, is a diverse and complex country that wants to be modern. It needs to be governed
like one.

Coalition Politics: Beyond the Glue of Power

More longer term thinking …

Raising the Keris

It’s a lecture, but then more than a lecture …

Will your lecture take to task Umno politicians, namely Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein Onn who has, over the past two party general assemblies, publicly brandished the keris despite the disquiet from other ethnic communities and even other Barisan Nasional component parties?
I am not going to use the lecture to admonish particular individuals, but I also think that we need to remind our politicians – all politicians, and from all parties – that if they really want to become politicians, then one of the first things they lose is the right to a private life. Politicians are public figures, and they will be judged by their Malaysian electorate as well as by history.

So, if and when they behave badly and do irresponsible things, then we and the historians among us will be there to remind them of their mistakes. Remember, Hishammuddin was not the only Umno politician who brandished the keris in public. In fact, since the early 1970s, Umno has been engaged in this task of re-defining the keris as a weapon and a symbol of the Malays on an exclusive basis. The keris has lost its cultural and historical roots since then, and has been manipulated and instrumentalised ever since.

Let us not forget that other Umno politicians like the current (caretaker) Deputy Prime Minister (Datuk Seri) Najib Razak also took part in the Kampung Baru demonstration in 1987 when slogans like “This keris will drink blood” were shouted about by their supporters. Should they be allowed to forget these incidents? Do we let them get away with it?

Reminding politicians of their irresponsible behaviour is in fact the duty of citizens, especially academics like me who are political-historians. It is by constantly keeping the politicians in check that we make sure they remain accountable to us, and behave properly

An open letter to ALL Malaysians …

another kick to walk …

It is meaningless for us to complain about our Parliamentarians and the Government, if we do not first discharge a simple but sacrosanct duty of choice.

Let us all take the time to look into the beautiful but expectant eyes of our children, and of the children of many others for whom we care. The future of our nation is meant for them. But millions of them cannot vote. They put their fate in our hands. They rely on us not just for their present living and support. They rely on us, too, to vote for a better future for them.

And after discharging our duty to vote, we must continue to be vigilant, and ensure that our elected representatives account for their actions, and make good their promises.

I was asked to write a short about 500 words piece for a local Christian magazine. I managed to squeeze out the following words I used it as an opening for a compilation learning guide for my church and any one interested here … Who would Jesus Vote for in Elections 2008 Malaysia? Feel free to download it and share it with others.

8^th of March 2008 is an exciting day. It’s International Woman’s Day. It’s Datuk Sami Vellu’s birthday. It’s my daughter’s 3 year old birthday. And it’s Election Day for Malaysians. I was seriously humoured when I saw the Mak Bedah from the Women’s Candidacy Initiative (WCI) looking for a candidate to nominate as an educational effort to the public on women’s issues. Talking with my friend who services our photocopy machine has awakened me to the heart issues boiling in his community made public by HINDRAF. Like it or not, with all the promises made by the politicians, I constantly wonder what kind of environment will my little Elysia and her brothers grow into in the next 4 years or 40 years.

So, for those who are voting, who should we vote for? And what should be on our minds when we cast our vote? Some Christians might say, “how you vote isn’t going to change the world, but how you live.” Good point . I used to think that way and it does sound right. Surely putting our faith in politics to sort out our world’s problems is misguided. Jesus didn’t come to start a political party. Apostle Paul wrote about submitting to the government in Romans 13. So, perhaps we should just pray. Perhaps.

But then, in Mary’s song in opening chapters of the Gospel of Luke, the vision of the Kingdom of God moves with the heartbeat of the child in her womb:

“His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.”

The birth of Jesus sowed seeds of change which surely involves changed individual lives, but also the way people relate to one another in the world. The way apostle Paul handled the case of Onesimus in the letter to Philemon is socially and politically subversive. So, there is more than meets the eye when we try to find guidance on politics in the Bible.

Politics is one of the ways we relate to each other – it’s here to stay, at least until the final chapters of history wrap up. As long as I’m still living in this world, I realized that “how I vote” will send a message to those who are aspiring to fulfil their promises of good governance the kind of values they should be operating with. It also reminds me to keep my end of the bargain in living up to the expectations I have on them. A more informed, prayerful, discerning vote reflects the changes in me, and how I want to live – mercy, justice, and humility are good starting points to echo Prophet Micah 6:8. These are also the words resonating in my heart when I cast my vote, and the lens which I view the candidates (as well as the political parties they represent).

So, while I won’t put all my eggs in the basket of political promises of political parties. Change in Malaysia involves more than politics, but change in Malaysia cannot ignore the political processes and the environment where these changes need to happen.

So, I’m ready to drive to the polling station on that day. It’s one vote. At least to me, I want to make it count – for equality and the dignity of all, for the marginalized and the poor, and for the future of our children. That’s where I see then heart of Jesus. That’s what will guide my vote, as a Christ-follower, that’s where I stand I can do no other.

I must say the kind of comedy coming out from our context with some globalized influenced is fascinating!

As our nation prepares for the coming elections, we call on all Christians to be conscious of your responsibility as good citizens and to exercise your right to vote. Do familiarize yourselves with biblical principles on issues central to you and our nation, information on candidates and programmes of the various political parties. Pray for discernment and foresight.

In order to cast votes responsibly, we invite you to prayerfully CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

1. What the bible says about our primary concerns

   Based on the opinion poll commissioned by The Star newspaper, the cost of living, social issues, crime rates and illegal immigrants are central to the concerns of the survey participants. As Christians, we are also concerned about issues which God is concerned about.

   In the Bible we learn that God is righteous and just, merciful and loving. Whilst he has given us freedom of choice, he wills a good life for all human beings in a society that is spiritually and morally grounded.

   God desires peace and goodwill among all people. In and through his love, we are called to cultivate neighborliness, and promote harmony built on mutual respect.

   The threat to God’s creation is apparent today. God has called humans to act as responsible stewards. The protection of the resources of the earth is for the benefit of all God’s creation.

2. Political Parties: Their Policies And Delivery of Promises

   Assess the political parties on the basis of their policies and promises, their stand on various issues related to justice and fair play, citizens’ rights, national unity, economic development, protection of the environment and welfare of those who are sick, disabled and poor. Is there integrity, honesty and efficiency? Have the parties delivered on their promises? Do their political views and policies reflect God’s standard and Christian values?

3. Candidates

   Examine carefully the ability of candidates, their standard of accountability, integrity, values and leadership skills. Pay attention to their past performance and for their stand on issues related to constitutional rights, civil liberties and the freedom of religion. Have they been consistently accessible and available?

MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO PRAY for candidates in your constituency, the issues herein highlighted and the outcome of the General Elections. Set aside time to pray daily. Organize and participate in local church prayer programmes. We owe to God, ourselves, our future generations and our country to exercise responsibly our privilege to pray and our democratic right to vote. We aspire with all Malaysians to live in a nation, where all citizens may enjoy freedom, love, justice, peace, stability and economic prosperity.

The Christian Federation of Malaysia joins all other Malaysians in expressing the wish that the coming ELECTIONS WILL BE FAIR and there will be no attempt by politicians to publicly misrepresent or miscast any particular issue, or subject any community to unfair and adverse publicity for the purpose of political gain.

MAY GOD’S SPIRIT GUIDE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU to make wise decisions in casting your votes. May the results of the elections be fair and representative of the will of the people of Malaysia, trusting that God’s purpose will always prevail above the affairs of human beings.

Grace and peace to all. Thank you.

Bishop Paul Tan Chee Ing, SJ
President
Bishop Datuk John Lee
Vice President

Rev. Dr. Thomas Philips
Vice President
Rev. Eu Hong Seng
Vice President

ELECTION 2008 – EXAMINE, PRAY AND VOTE

The letter can also be downloaded in the following languages as a PDF :

» Bahasa Malaysia
» English

» ??
» ????

28 February 2008

From : The Bishop’s Office

To : All Congregations of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore

Dear Pastors and Members of the LCMS,

RE: Prayer for the Nation and the 12^th General Elections.

Grace and peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you.

With our country’s 12^th General Elections just around the corner, the Bishop’s Office hereby calls upon all members of the LCMS to fervently uphold this crucial election with your prayers. Kindly encourage one another to pray personally and collectively as a church by using the prayer points as listed in the attached ‘2008 Elections Prayer Leaflet’ as a guide.

Furthermore, all pastors are to encourage their members to exercise their duty as responsible citizens by going to vote on 8 March 2008. Convince them to evaluate their candidates and the political parties they represent before the vote is cast. Consider whether the parties exercise fairness to all citizens and uphold the rights of all Malaysians to have the freedom of worship, and whether the candidates have a good standard of accountability, integrity, honesty and leadership skills.

We pray that God’s grace will be upon this General Election as we strive to build a more just, prosperous and secured nation for our children.

In His Grace,

Bishop Philip Lok

Elections 2008 Prayer Points (Chinese)

Elections 2008 Prayer Points (English)

I realized I started off backwards in the pilot "Harmonics" Post.  Let’s start at the very beginning

As the year begins, I felt it would be great for us to have a common short devotional which can serve to unite our minds and thoughts.  Please don’t see this as spam but rather reminders to prayer and meditation – the very basics towards a life of wisdom.  Someone asked me about how to be closer to God this week, I’m sure there are many ways… and personal prayer and meditation of the Bible is surely one which we cannot miss. Of course, you can sign up for the Upper Room daily devotional yourself, but I’ll see whether I can add a line or two when I send it through Rumahpapa. May I invite us for a 30day challenge? Stick with giving 5 minutes each day for reading through this until February 5. And see what happens? It has all the basic elements of simple prayer, meditation and concern for the world and everyday life. Doing it together also gives us a topics for conversations in LiFE Groups, and common pointers where we can prepare for  the weekly worship and communion.

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we don’t like to talk about "sin" but I’m reminded of the consequences of "sin" in our own actions and the lives of others today. The response to sin is not loathing in it, but rather seeking forgiveness and power for change

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This struck me because we’ve renamed the weekly BLC Liveupdate (a name I took from anti-virus programs) and Papyrus (the material used for writing in the 1st century) to BLC WEEKLY MANNA (going further back to the Old Testament which we get the verse here today).  For me the WEEKLY MANNA, is to also point us to the daily Manna and nourishment we need each day.  After finishing 28 chapters of Matthew by Listening Mp3s from http://www.zondervan.com/tbe (available in BLC Library). The last three days have been especially full of the story of God – or good "feeding". I don’t remember exact details of what I eat daily, but its needed for that day. Similar ly, the daily feeding of scripture is not for rote learning but what is needed for the day.  And that’s enough for me.  What I fear is many of us are starving because of no nutrition from the Bible at all, or malnutrition of feeing on everything else apart from Scripture. HOpe these daily devotionals will help.

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My first thought was a replay of the movie "Pay it Forward" I watched years ago – where a little boy had this idea of whenever you get help from someone you "repay it forward" to help three other people and that will change the world. A couple of phrases emerged for me today from the main scripture text in 2 Cor 9:6-12 … "sow bountifully", "enriched in every way", "supplies the needs of the saints", "Thanksgivings to God."

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" Thank you, Lord God, for the gift of your written word and for the gift of your Son, to whom the scriptures lead us."

The above prayer represents my posture when it comes to reading-listening-feeding from the Bible. The "breakthrough" moment for me (again and again) is when the reading and meditating of the Scriptures create a space for me to enter conversation with Christ, deal with the self-talk inside myself, and helping to revise the way I look at the outside world.
a HIGH for me this past week, is listening to 28 chapters of Matthew while I was driving, and while I putting the kids to sleep, when I was waiting for the next appointment. It’s about 5 minutes each chapter … so a journey from my place to PJ for example, covers 20-30minutes and that’s 5-6 chapters.  Amazing.  The quantity is fine, but the major blessing was to simply meet Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew again. Plus, when I was listening I felt it was from the ear to the heart

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A Chinese In Kelantan Speaks Out

Some people have asked me what do I think of someone if they only had a choice to vote between PAS and BN.  What if it’s  re-framed it as between PAS and UMNO?  But then, of course this Barisan Rakyat thing is REALLY a good move! And I know, that is another way of reframing our choices … Barisan Rakyat vs. Barisan Nasional.  I wonder what are their thinking process involved, what are their fears? Perhaps we need to re-examine our prejudices and preconceived ideas again.

Most non-Muslims, when you ask them about PAS, probably fear them more than they fear the evil BN. That fear is not entirely misplaced, because of PAS’ previously stated ambitions to make this country into an Islamic state. But I would say, non-Muslims should fear the BN more, especially since BN is no longer an equal coalition, but one that is led by UMNO and UMNO Youth, followed by “dan lain lain”.  In a bid to out-Islam the PAS, we have got UMNO politicians releasing statements to try to show the Kelantanese voters that they are also very strong in Islam.  In the near term, non-Muslims should certainly fear BN more since BN has all the power, and PAS has limited power.

Reconciling Islamization with a Democratic Society in Malaysia

Heard someone talk about what is Anwar Ibrahim’s view on Islamic state, I was refered to this paper.

The “miracle” on Jalan Gasing

Good one …Father O.C. Lim probably performed the best with his closing prayer!

Coverage of the Campaign (Part 1)

The media plays an important role ..

IN the run-up to the Feb 24 nomination day, at least 44% of news stories about the 12^th general election in Malaysia were pro-Barisan Nasional (BN) for the period between Feb 18 and 22.

On average, the six newspapers which were monitored by a citizens’media monitoring initiative had between 50% and 70% stories that portrayed the ruling coalition in a positive light.

CPPS Election Resource Policy Fact Sheets

Must reads … on:

Corruption

Environment

Urban Transportation

Crime and Safety

Election 2008: Party Manifestos

Here’s a good quick compilation … at least for their stated positions. I will be reading all hopefully before the week ends

Barisan Nasional (2004 Manifesto)

Barisan Nasional (2008 Manifesto)

Malaysian Chinese Association (9-Point Platform)

Malaysian Chinese Association (5-Year Economic Blueprint)  

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Malaysian Economic Agenda)

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (New Deal)

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Manifesto 2008)

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (New Dawn)

Democratic Action Party (Budget 2008 Proposal)

Democratic Action Party (Manifesto 2008)

Parti Islam SeMalaysia (2008 Manifesto)

The People’s Declaration

Loh Gwo-Burne : How now, Kelana Jaya voters?

I too was puzzled and asked “Why?” but it’s interesting to read Farida’s reasoning. The comments are equally enlightening.

Syed Shahir woos Pandan’s working class

so happened I was thinking about minimum wage today … The following was informative:

If the MTUC president does win the Pandan seat, he will join an illustrious group of labour activists such as V David, Dr Tan Chee Khoon, V Veerapan and Tan Pock Kin all of whom were elected as members of Parliament in the past.

Report card II: Excellence, glory, distinction Part 1

Report card II: Excellence, glory, distinction Part 2

Pass or Fail …?

Jesus, Power, Rebellion, and Elections

One young man’s attempt to sort this out with his faith perspective.

Looking at an immediate power context in the coming general elections in Malaysia, I must say that one has not fully grasped the challenges of building the plural and just Malaysia until one realizes that the problems are systemic, structured by the unbalanced power relations between political parties that run along ethnic lines. Corruption, nepotism, racial polarization, police brutality, suppression of religious freedom, increasing inequality, media lies and blackout – all these, and more, contribute to the impasse we see in our country today after 50 years of independence. Individuals are said to feel disempowered in a globalize world but it is the reverse that is true. Our individual choices directly and indirectly shape the concerns and issues brought to the public square. And this is even more evident in the forthcoming general elections where individual votes are to a large extent a demonstration of civic consciousness in realigning power relations.

The question is, how will these choices be exercised? And I think this is a critical question for individuals to ponder and act upon, and collectively as a church, on how to emulate Jesus in his powerlessness in this entangled web of power relations. While I do not want to be overly prescriptive, I believe we can draw two general lessons in our contemplation of Jesus. Firstly, the powerlessness of Jesus is not a once-off event but a life-style of sacrificial choices made on a daily basis in the same direction. Similarly, we are not called to be ’informed voters’ once-off. We are called to be a community of the powerless and for the powerless before and after the elections. We do not decide overnight to vote wisely. It must be preceded, and followed, by the small sacrificial choices made in the same direction. Secondly, the ’how’ is equally as important, if not more, as the ’who’ to vote. Are we voting primarily based on ethnicity, personal gain, economy, status, or political affiliation? Or are we voting based on the impulse of Jesus – the realignment of power relations that is preoccupied with the weak, vulnerable, oppressed, marginalized and powerless?

Vote for Change to ensure that Malaysia is United, Prosperous and Progressive

It’s been quite a while since I’ve read anything by Dr. Chen Man Hin.

An open letter to Tony Pua

I wonder how far the internet will affect our coming Elections. Looking forward to see how Tony responds to this open letter.

Let’s demonstrate Malaysian Solidarity

This would be interesting.

on Saturday, 1 March 2008 (1 week before Polling Day), we shall be organising a MEET BARISAN RAYKAT function. The time and place have not been confirmed yet. In this function we shall give the members of BARISAN RAKYAT an opportunity to talk to the people and explain their policies and strategies in the event the opposition coalition forms the government, whether at Federal level or in one, two or three of the States. There will also be a question-and answer session for participants to ask the members of BARISAN RAKYAT anything that may be of concern to them.

This might be scary for some …but then …

Yes, this election may end up the dirtiest ever in Malaysian history. But let us the rakyat show the powers-that-be that we shall no longer tolerate the rigging of our elections and the denial of our fundamental right to free and fair elections. We refuse, any longer, to be robbed of our right to determine the government that will rule over us.

Malaysiakini videos I’m watching before I sleep.

Azmi Sharom on the 12th General Election

Harris Ibrahim at DAP ceramah

Tricia Yeoh on the 12th General Election

I’ve been hoping to encourage my church members to have some kind of "solitude" or "devotional" time since the beginning of the year.  I basically re-send them The Upper Room Daily Devotional with some of my own comments at the beginning.  These short paragraphs are little "harmonic" meditations, I chip in hopefully drawing the readers to get into the main melody of the Scriptures. I got an encouraging email today, and it surprised me that the "harmonics" were helpful too for the our church members on our email list.  So, let me pick out some occasionally to share them with you.  Looks like this will add to my Random Links and Random Thoughts collection

There are times when I feel life has been pretty smooth, at other times, there seems to be so many obstacles in front of me. If I just look at the obstacles, I’m tempted to be discouraged. But, I’m learning more each day, to after bumping into an obstacle to first pause, and look beyond that for a while to the "possibilities".  And then, many a times, the creative juices kick in or a moment of inspiration happens, and some solutions emerge to deal with the obstacles so we can move forward. Acting in faith is not being blind to the obstacles, it’s about opening our eyes to possibilities, and then reframe what the obstacle means in the light of that new perspective. That’s what conversing with God does too …. because then we’re not limited by our truncated tunnel vision as human beings

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What do we see everyday?  What captures our attention? What seems to occupy our hearts? 
Do we just decide on what we do by the overwhelming circumstances before our eyes?  Or do we pause and then look for hidden clues of God’s workings? And then, renegotiate what’s the best next step possible?
Nothing fool-proof, but then that’s the way of faith …

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Take Time … fast food Christianity just won’t do… fast food life will just bloat us from real health as people. "Be Still …. and know …that I am God".  Let’s stop being too busy for God.

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Two paradoxical images for Jesus … he’s the Lord of all who is the Lamb of God.  The one who brings us true  freedom through forgiveness

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I’ve been wondering how "tough" are we really these days.  How often we cave in so easily when we face trouble? How many times we escape from facing the giants before us?  When was the last time we persevered and bit our teeth and pressed on?  Who were the people who held our hands together during down times? How did we mature after a storm? 
As long as, we are serious about following Christ, believing in God and trusting in the Spirit here on earth, we can not and must not still hold on to illusions of "rosy" Christian lives. Ok, granted most of us don’t believe that …. but then how are we more prepared to face the challenges? This season is good to purge some bad habits of mind, feelings and actions … make more room for God’s life to blossom, and his grace to be made perfect in our weaknesses.

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These "harmonics" rang from February 21-26, 2008

Malaysia 12th General Elections Resource Page – Election 2008

Good one stop get it all page … surprised to see my name there hehehe

Citizen Nades’ Endorsements

I wonder how big an impact it would make when a candidate gets an endorsement in our context?

PAS’s New Realist Politics?

Another timely piece by Farish Noor …

THAT the leadership of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) has now come out to endorse the People’s Declaration – an initiative by Malaysia’s civil society calling for the reaffirmation of the people’s fundamental political rights – is indicative of the success of the behind-the-scenes lobbying in the lead up to nomination day, and of the cobbling together of a loose opposition coalition for Malaysia’s 12^th general election. Even more telling is the fact that PAS has also sidelined some of its more contentious demands for an Islamic state, a factor that has always served to turn non-Muslim voters away from the party.

CPPS Election 2008 Resource Fact sheets

Let’s start with corruption!

Full house at DAP ceramah

Apparently, 5 of my friends were there.  At least 5 …

Check out the Manifestos of the political parties (thanks to CPPS). 

Of course, if the walk doesn’t move harmony with the talk … then we’ll need to reexamine whether one REALLY means what they say … there will always be a place for genuine disagreement … but that’s part of maturity .. .

Barisan Nasional

Malaysian Chinese Association

Parti Keadilan Rakyat -Malaysian Economic Agenda

Parti Keadilan Rakyat- New Deal

Democratic Action Party

Parti Islam SeMalaysia

We Need A New Opposition Front In Parliament

This was a fun twist.

Vote against arrogance

Let’s hear what this KJ has to say! Strong appeal here:

I would like to appeal to all peace-loving Malaysians who have in the past almost blindly voted for the Government of National Unity, with a promise of continued harmony and peace, to please reconsider and to vote for change. We need to tell the Government of the Day that the voices of ordinary people do count and not just those of their 3000 UMNO members at their General Assembly.

What is the absolute worst that can happen, even if most change-minded people find the courage to try and make a difference? I still do not see more than about 75-80 seats falling to the Opposition. The Barisan Government will continue to rule but without the traditionally arrogant attitude of the past few years. Their keris-wilding antics will stop. The Barisan Rakyat (of the people, for the people and by the people) would have spoken and if the Government does not still take the ordinary people seriously, then and only then, will we ever dream of real change in power for the first time in Malaysia. But, why do we have to wait for that? That can only happen in the next General Election. It is far more positive to give the early signal now and let the Government learn that ordinary people have their own limits and that part of the message of a developed nation is having the option to change the Government. After all, that is part and parcel of evolving into a mature democracy.

Good people of Jerai, do all Malaysians a favour and dump this racist loud-mouth

Too bad I’m not voting in Jerai.  But many are … how do people like this still get nominated? The reality of politics? Hmm…

Poor as churchmouse in shophouse

An issue close to the heart of many of my pastor friends …