Letters written by a Sarawakian

To the non-Malaysian readers of my blog,there's something I like to introduce to all of you and that's called the New Economic Policy or in short,NEP.It is an ambitious and controversial socio- economic restructuring affirmative action program launched by the Malaysian government in 1971.It (the NEP) has actually been replaced by the New Development Policies in 1990 but still retain most of NEP's policies.To Malaysians in general,the NEP is no stranger as we have seen many heated and controversial debates regarding the whole matter and the non-Bumiputeras feel that the way the policies have been implemented making them as second-class citizens.(Bumiputera can be translated literally as the "sons of the earth"). So,what about the NEP then?

Well,while the intention of NEP is very good as it aims to distribute the wealth of Malaysia evenly to her people,however as it is executed by people,it is bound to have flaws and making errors here and there.

For further reading on NEP,please read the following articles I've provided through these links:
*New Economic Policy
*How about property liberalisation?
*The Star's online blog

Anyway,what I'd like to highlight is the property sector.As part of the NEP's policy,Bumiputras are entitled to 5-15% discount from the overall price of one particular property while the non-Bumiputras have to pay full.This move should not be seen as a bad move as it is to ensure that the people can have access to affordable housing is commendable and efforts to bridge the gap of property ownership between races promotes racial harmony.

However,the part that I'd like to share with all of you regarding this particular matter is that the discount is then extended to the luxury property.

It creates feeling of unfairness and also potential conflict as a non-bumiputra buying a
property worth RM250,000 is not entitled to any discount but a bumiputra buying a property
worth RM1million is given a discount of at least RM50,000, which is 20 per cent value of the
property costing RM250,000.-Chua Tee Yong

I believe this is one of the obvious flaws as the policy is to reduce the gap and distribute the wealth evenly and it should be noted as well that any bumiputra that is able to afford such a property,mainly ones that are RM200,000 and above give us a clear indication that these bumis are already able to compete with the non-Bumis.It is those Bumis that are still unable to support themselves properly,ones that have very low income and based on my recent interview with a villager from a village located at Sungai Besar,Selangor-the villager actually earn roughly around RM 200 a month.These are the groups that need help.How can the government achieve its objective of creating competitive bumiputras if this continue?

There was this one time I was looking at a brochure of the prices of houses and there even show a house worth RM 1 million plus that comes with 5-15% discount for the bumis.Rm 1 million?Do you get what I mean?

I also would like to suggest to the government to abolish the discount given to Bumiputra property buyers for property priced above RM200,000 per unit. I believe the discount is irrelevant for upmarket properties as Bumiputras who are considering purchasing such properties are wealthy enough to own them without depending on a discounted price. It should not be seen as not inline with the NEP as the objectives of the NEP is to eradicate poverty and to restructure society. Wealthy Bumiputras should no longer qualify for these privileges under the NEP which is supposed to be given to the poor section of Bumiputras. As the former's wealth is on par with non-Bumiputras, therefore they do not require the privileges under the NEP. By doing away with the discount offered to Bumiputras for upmarket properties, it would help boost the property sector and also to counter the allegation that the NEP is no longer keeping inline with its objectives but rather evolved to benefit only certain races, regardless whether the beneficiaries are poor or rich. This can also be used to dismiss the claim that the NEP is benefiting the rich Bumiputra more than the poor, thus moderating the gap between the rich and poor Bumiputras.-the star online blog.

Well,with the country's independance day just around the corner (only two months away),the Malaysians in particular should really be freed of the old mentality of this is my land,not yours.If we are still stuck with such thoughts,then dream away of the survival of Malaysia.

Regards,
Mr. Clive

Crossovers?This is ridiculous.So,there's no point in practicing democracy anymore then.I mean,even if the General Election did take place and the rakyats voted for the candidate who would represent them,but after the election,these political parties persuade each other to join their parties and that what causes the crossover to take place. The most recent crossover is,of course, Umno’s Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasarudin Hashim crossing over to Pakatan Rakyat. This is a smack into the face of democracy! I cannot feel more disgusted than this. Besides that, how can they (both Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional) accept the crossover?Surely,like Datuk Nasarudin who abandon his party,UMNO when the party is currently facing crisis and to join the enemy seems so untrustworthy. Who dare say he won't do it again,this time to the Pakatan Rakyat? And the one that is very irritating is Ezam,the former ally of Anwar Ibrahim. He moved from UMNO once before and joined Keadilan and then back to UMNO.such a disgrace to his family indeed,besmirching the name down to the core!  Well,what else that can be said?A real embarrassment.

To most who actually cared how the government is spending the people's money,many argued that this is such a waste of money. And according to the opposition, they claimed that a RM 540 million commission was paid to a close associate of deputy premier Najib Razak in brokering the deal. The PM-in-waiting of course, deny the allegation. 

the style of Shakesphere ringing in my ears. I was quite interested with an article from Malaysiakini today,regarding the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA).The Parliament was debating about it where the whole motion was proposed by Tony Pua,DAP Assemblyman of Petaling Jaya Utara and the opposition lawmakers were pushing for a series of changes in the amendment Bill to pave way for greater students' freedom in politics. I find this very interesting indeed as I am now a student myself and should there be changes in the system,I would be affected to as well.

Anyway,I was just wondering,does it really help the students to develop themselves and spread their wings should they are given more space to fly about,expressing their thoughts more actively by joining political parties and political activities?

I must say I agree with banning the students from joining any political parties and political activities. While it is very tempting indeed to join the club and involving oneself with rallies-ceramahs,election campaigns,but the students must remember that the reason they are at the Universities at the moment is to study,study and study. One might argue that perhaps,by joining political parties and its activities,can develop charisma, skills, improve public relations, but there is a lot of time after graduation to do so. If one indeed feels the need to improve their soft-skills,the need to improve other things than the things they learn from the books,well,there are always organizations that they can join. It is not only benefiticial but also, a suitable platform for these young and great minds to share their thoughts with others who have similar interests as well.

So,is it really better to allow the students to enter the political arena?Being a student in University Malaya,I have had the liberty of witnessing the campus-election held at the university,between the Pro-Aspirasi and Pro-Mahasiswa. Well, I must say there are many talented individuals that have great potentials to be great leaders in the future. But as a student,they need to remember that they have responsbilities towards their studies as well and mind you,there are certain cases whereby some students who were actively indulging themselves with their so-called political dreams failed in their studies and dwindled-lost in their dreams too far. And must also remember,while the students are paying school fees(for the local Universities in particular),still,but most of the fees are paid by the government or in other word, the taxpayers' money. So,it's not really wise to throw away the opportunity provided to us where we can risked being kicked out from the University just because ,one sunny day,we decided to join a rally hosted by Anwar Ibrahim. What happens after that?Sure,if you have loadsa' money,it's not a problem.If you don't?Think wisely.

There are things we can do even if we cannot fully participate in the whole circus, as a matter of fact. There are blogs,there are clubs like AISEC,there are organizations out there that work to help improve the lives of the disables,the olds,saving the environments-aren't these organizations too provide a way for these talented students to improve as well?I really think so.

This topic has been the hot topic at the campus and certain students,especially the Pro-Mahasiswa (the Opposition) felt they should be given more freedom to join the politcal parties and activities and some of you might and surely have differing ideas as to what I'm presenting here.However,I just feel that as a student,it is important as well as to not too carried away with the whole political game for now as we need to ensure excellency in the studies first and can always join clubs,projects,organizations to improve or build soft-skills. Again,this is just my thought.

Well,is it just a well-played propaganda, drama these past 51 years???all the bullshits about Malaysian dreams,being a multiracial society and all?Cut that crap out and be honest to us,now u damned people!
I'm getting SICK,and I mean damn sick of leaders abusing their powers to pursue their political means.I mean,for average Malaysians who are well-connected to the current news that hit our country currently,it's getting annoying,irritating and exhausting reading all those news reported in the news these days.the anwar case,atlantuya,sodomy,blah blah blah...well,the current highlight is this stupid frog called Ahmad Ismail, Penang UMNO leader.
okay,so here's the thing.Yesterday night (8th September),he did something very dangerous by saying:

(source: Malaysiakini.com )
"I want them to know, I want them to take this as a warning from the Malays. Malays and Muslims have been provoked many times. We have been patient because we want to maintain stability in the country," he said.

"Remember! The patience of Malays and Muslims has its limits. Do not push us to the wall, where we will be forced to reject the Chinese for the sake of our survival.