Dialog bersama Dato' Mukhriz Tun Mahathir

A dialogue was held yesterday with YB Dato Mukhriz Tun Mahathir and Saudara Akramsyah Sanusi discussing about current political issues. Kudos to SMM for organizing. Highlights:

• Malays have forgotten fundamental characteristics of being a malay: Bersopan santun, menghormati orang tua. The young ones are too eager to attain power and ignoring our wise forefathers who have built the foundation for us. The young ones do not understand why certain policies were put in place. Anak2 Muda perlu mendekati yang tua sebelum mereka semua pergi buat selamanya.
  
• discussion on NEP and its relevance: NEP as a whole was formulated to combat poverty, irregardless of race. Only 2 out of 9 principles covered the special privilege (not rights) of the Malays. The quota of 30% was intended for university entry and entry into government service. Young professionals especially the Malays feel that they are superior and able to compete with other races and globally. They must not forget that they are the minority - Dato' Mukhriz welcomes anyone to join him in Jerlun to visit the hard core poor. The NEP also does not discriminate race. The creation of institutions such as MARA, MRSM, UITM and other higher learning institutions are products of NEP - abolishing the NEP would also imply that we have never agreed to create these and that we should demolish these down.
  
• The infamous keris by DSHH: It was suggested that the keris was highly misinterpreted. A lot of quarters are furious about it. No one seems to remember the incident when Lim Kit Siang pissed on the Malaysian flag in 1969 in front of Dato' Harun's house! What is the keris compared to an act of treason and disgust!
• DMM gives his preference to be DNR to be the next PM and urges AAB to expedite the transition of power. It is better for the post of president not to be contested to avoid further split. The rest of the positions should be contested in the spirit of democracy. DNR currently heads 36 cabinet committees and he is literally running the country, although he does not have the final say. It is timely for him to take over because of his vast experience. TSMY will be an excellent deputy.
  
• The huge loss by BN was because of the inability to resolve issues. There were numerous especially in Selangor with the demolition of a temple, Dato' Z's mansion, Bukit Cahaya, Exco houses, flood, etc. Issues are on going but previous administration had the ability to resolve disputes and not just create commissions to resolve something. The election date was also untimely as issues were still hot and BN had one more year remaining in the term.
• Cybertroopers of UMNO were established back in 1998 but fundings were cut because of policies from 4th floor. Pakatan Rakyat has intelligently managed this election and won 80+ seats in Parliament and secured 5+1 states. We need to revive our cybertroopers to also tell our story.
• UMNO and politics are dirty because the 'clean' people leave it to the 'dirty' people to run it. Young pros are normally 'busy' with work and family. Perjuangan tidak bererti sesuatu perkara yang mudah dan memerlukan pengorbanan, seperti masa, mungkin wang, tenaga, dan sebagainya.
  

Questions and comments from the floor:

• Projects are normally awarded to the minority in UMNO and among cronies. No one else has benefited from the 30% quota to generate a strong economic force to be able to compete with others.
• What will DMM do if he wins as KP Malaysia? - DMM will make it easier for people to join UMNO. His own application way back in the 90's took 8 months and that's him being son of President at that time! UMNO people are 'worried' when they see competition. All this mentality needs to change and that will be his drive if he wins. The next election will see 65% being young Malaysian below the age of 40. He will definitely listen to the young ones closely and admits that the voice of the young was not paid attention to. He intends to make a better effort to get to know more NGOs and listen to the grouse of the people.
• Land issue in Perak - how Malays now regret swinging their votes to opposition, in the end, the C have made steps to acquire lands for their empire and also demanding the position of Timbalan Menteri Besar.