wahlau's online hut

read from Jeff's latest entry on the Indian peaceful gathering in Putrajaya last Sunday. It was carried out by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) and lasted around 3 hours. I am impress with their approach and courage - right before the coming general election it is always a good time to voice out your need. Even if things will not be done, you have the chance to bet on some heard voices and possible changes. What i do notice is the resolution made by them:

* End Malay privileges on the 50th Independence celebration
* Call for affirmative action plans for all poor Malaysians
* Pass Protection of Ethnic Minority Malaysian Indian Act 2007
* All Tamil schools to be made fully government-aided schools
* All homeless are to be provided affordable homes and not low-cost flats by law
* Call for a minimum wage of RM1,000 for each and every Malaysian
* To initiate a Royal Commission of Inquiry on the violation of Federal Constitution by the government.

It is rather important to listen to this group of people. They are already close to minority, if compared with the malay and chinese communities. Social problems are perhaps haunting their future, since richer bunch are doing better, while others are no where near any bright future. But i notice the first point in the resolution is of course directly and bravely pointed out - the end of malay privileges by this year.

The malay privilege is since independance a unique thing in Malaysia. Many of the europeans do not really understand how things still worked out after so many years, despite such an implementation. I do have my own opinion on this. If i am given the choice, i would not actually mind having it since 1957 (or was that later when NEP is introduced?) because i would like to see things done to help my malay brethen to be successful. The same can be applied to chinese and indians if we see majority of them having problems doing well. The issue now is : is the policy actually bringing the supposed results, as proposed/thought? will others, those not included in the policy, benefit from this policy, or the other way round? Those are the thoughts we should have thought of and reviewed now in order to plan for the next move. The country must move on, especially when we all have the potential to be a well-doing country.

Last when this issue was brought up, i recalled, if not mistaken, the people who suggested it were quickly asked to put the issue back under the carpet - reason is the issue is sensitive and will cause unnecessary problem in the society. There are people who had brought up the issue on and off, but none really made it to really make the government consider and make further changes. These people were indirectly threatened, from some perspectives, so that the issue will not be brought up anymore. I hope i did not say it wrongly, else i will get into trouble :)

put aside what happened earlier, i would really like to see how are the reactions of some people after this gathering. Are they going to sit there quietly, or they are going to over-react again and bring up the whole big huu-haa to quiet some others down? Will we be mature enough, slowly, to discuss and replan everything we have now, even if it is difficult? Will those in desperate needs, no matter malay, chinese or indian, get the help they longed for?

good questions for thought, at least for me.