It sounds interesting to hear from a foreigner that “Malaysia Boleh” is out and “Malaysia Bodoh” is in.
I found this post by Michael Backman (linked at Unspun) titled “While Malaysia fiddles, its opportunities are running dry”. Being online, the Malaysian blogsphere soon got hold of it and posted it as well – here, here, here, here and there.
But take a moment and reflect back on what Michael Backman have said and you probably would realize that you have seen these remarks made by other Malaysians as well months or years ago. Nothing new there and nothing that the man in the street have not known and have said by now but having a foreigner reminding us of the hard cold facts is a one good slap on the face. It is no longer limited to the locals. Even the foreigners are frustrated and tell the Government to grow up.
If some of the idiots in power have not realised by now, Malaysia is slipping away on global competition and standing due to convert racism and petty differences. While some of the well-connected may not affected by the plunder that is going on in the name of “Bangsa & Agama” (Race & Religion), the real people to be affected are those who been blindly supporting the politicians who do not stop at nothing to get power, name and personal wealth. Who is to be blamed when the effects are felt by everyone, when the petrol price jumps 300% – 500%, when the cost of living spirals up and everyone except for a few politicians & the cronies, are having a tough time putting food on the table?
For me, those who voted the corrupt politicians in should take the buck and should pay the price for it. In fact, some of us are already paying through our noses. When you blindly elect someone year after year after year, who can blame the politicians? When corruption and unlawfulness is highlighted in the newspapers and on the internet, not many of us went to the street demanding the corrupted ones to be sacked or jailed. We conveniently left it in the hands of other politicians who probably did not think twice before sweeping the matter under the carpet. We then conveniently forget about until the same incident happens again.
Remember the fellow named Zakaria Deros? Nothing happened to him other than some “wayang kulit” threats (which as expected, did not materialize). His palace is still standing and he has not been sacked from his political post. And probably he would be standing in the General Assembly shouting “Bangsa & Agama” and holding for hand-outs for his next palace.
Remember the local politician who refused to apologize because the remarks made in the best interest of “his race”? Nothing happen to him too despite of his statement was a clear cut seditious and racist in nature. He now stands in the General Assembly and accuses others of being seditious and racist. Talk about irony here.
Remember the AP issue? After some hoo-haa and some “tearful” moments, nothing happened to the Minister overseeing the AP issuance. She is still very much in power. Whatever action that was tried on her, it fizzles out harmlessly with the support of her political party. She even had the cheek to say that her explanation has been accepted by the people when it was not.
So, don’t get too excited on Michael Backman’s writeup – it is merely stating the obvious and nothing more. If you want to act, as what Shadow Fox said, “Go and register yourself. Vote for the opposition, any opposition…May karma work its way up to the corrupt politicians”.
Don’t keep still and let the corrupt to continue to corrupt. We don’t need a foreigner to remind us of the obvious.
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I didn’t agree with the bodoh thing. It in fact is strategic – use the strength of being a majority and cowed the others. They in fact are smart ass and thank God they are vain and teddy. Otherwise, we eat shit.
Hi,
Found your blog mysteriously. Yeah..I have read Michael Backman’s article
& penned him a couple of times. He is a really nice guy..very objective in his
critique of Malaysian politics.
So, are you a foreigner trapped in Malaysia because of ‘Food Addiction’???
I am very lucky to have a great authentic M’sian restaurant here in the Pacific NW… namely
Seattle.
Al
Although I am a true blood Malaysian, I feel like a “foreigner” trapped in Malaysia. After all, UMNO is strong to emphasize the second class citizenship mentality.
“It depresses me that Malaysia hasn’t been more successful than it has and that it is still fighting the old fights of the 1960s.” – Michael Backman
As promised, Bolehnation.com is proud to bring you our exclusive interview with Michael Backman, the Australian author of the much-talked-about “Boleh or Bodoh” article.
Exclusive Interview with Michael Backman
1. What was the initial thought that prompted you to write about your “Boleh or Bodoh column”? What was and has been your intention in writing the article?
Malaysia has good people, good resources and a legal system that ought to function. It depresses me that Malaysia hasn’t been more successful than it has and that it is still fighting the old fights of the 1960s.
Malaysia’s Chinese have accepted the NEP and its successor policies. They define themselves as Malaysians first and foremost and are among the proudest Malaysians. They have learned Malay. Essentially, they have done everything that has been required of them and yet still there is this endless preoccupation with race in Malaysia….CLICK HERE FOR MORE.
Sorry 🙁
Nice!
Yeah i agree. I think Malaysia should take care of its citizen first than worrying about sending someone to space.