My last entry was in September 2008. Many incidences have happened in Malaysia.
Examples...
- RPK has been released from ISA by Court decision but the Home Ministry is trying to overthrow such decision and now is making its appeal. This is because such decision demonstrated that the ISA arrest of RPK was purely politically motivated and this make some high profile ministers look really bad.
- Law Minister Zaid Ibrahim's noble resignation for disagreeing and going against the government's (or some high profile ministers') will to use the Draconian law of ISA to their oppositions.
- Najib rose to power in UMNO and scandals that were previously considered linking to him, like the infamous Atlantuya murder case is suddenly declared to be resolved after dragging for so many years since 2006. A.R.A.Baginda, who is one of the main suspect of this case and who was Najib's buddy is now a freeman. He even came out to defend Najib and his wife's innocence and has publicly announced about his intention to pursue his doctorate degree in UK (So, possibly will never come back to Malaysia). B.Subramaniam, who was potentially a key witness of the case is still missing and not even the Malaysian police force and Immigration Dept. know his whereabouts (Shock! Surprise!). The Russian Helicopter deal / scandal, which was made when Najib was the Minister of Defense, is now covered and brushed off by the government.
- Also, JAKIM wanting to issue fatwa that Yoga is un-Islamic and forbids Mulslims from practising yoga.
- The suggestion of opening up UiTM to Non-Bumis was heavily protested by UiTM students and its Vice Chancel or (who happened to be an UMNO strongman and who happened to be a pioneer of setting up UMNO sort of student society during his University years in overseas)
- Government's denial of failing in protecting Penan aboriginals' human rights and claimed foreign media reports of employees of a large logging company in raping Penan women in Sarawak as lies.
- Policemen harassing peaceful Candlelight vigil against ISA.
- Malay student NGO accusing the Penang local council for violating the Malaysia Constitution by naming road signs (that direct tourists to tourist spots) in languages other than Malay and English, whereas road signs in Johor can be named also in Jawi (Arabic).
- Credit crunch in the US. Its effect rippled across the world, lead to world financial crisis and progressing to world recession.
- Malaysian government still claims its economy is OK and safe while other countries already taken measures to protect the economy.
- Inflation has reached all time high in July 08 and the situation doesn't seem to improve in real terms.
- Palm oil and petroleum (main commodities and sources of income to Malaysia) prices have fallen sharply.
- To cushion the economy downturn, under the stewardship of Najib, the government directed a huge sum of people's retirement fund from EPF to one (and only) investment company (i.e. all eggs into 1 basket), with the aim to keep stimulating the Malaysian economy.
So, nothing seems to have changed in Malaysia. The ruling party still rule and divide by playing the race and religion cards. They are still Draconian and power hungry, and favor the ideology of "Ketuanan" which is racism in disguise in another name. The police force is still seen like to harass and intimidate normal citizens and the oppositions, still favor protecting the politically rich and powerful; instead of divert its resources to protect justice, upholding just laws, and fighting the ever increasing crime rate in Malaysia. The ruling elites, who claim to be the interest protectors of one race, are still seen comfortably siphoning people's money into their pockets instead of channeling to the poor and needy - even from their own people. Yet, they blame other races for taking away their people's wealth and privileges.
