Rakyat needs not taglines but a clear socio-economy plan

Looking at the debate between MCA president Dato' Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, we found out that Lim had totally averted questions posted by Dr Chua.

Dr Chua has consistently sought explanation from DAP on how implementation of Hudud Law would affect the Chinese community but no one from the party would give an answer to that. Even during debate when Dr Chua raised this question, Lim did not bother to give a clear view on DAP's stand.

In return, Lim used all sorts of tagline to mock MCA and the BN government.

As much as many people enjoy quirky taglines or slogans purportedly raised by the DAP, we need to come to realisation that such sarcastic tagline will not do us any good - especially in terms of socio-economy development. In other words, a rational person would know that it is just a gimmick from Lim to draw attention.

Dr Chua had stressed that any government to replace BN government must have a clear policy on socio-economy development.

He said any political party that did not have a clear layout plan to push for economy growth is not worth supporting.

Getting to know the socio-economy needs of the rakyat can solve the bread and butter issue of the rakyat, hence it is more important than all the politicking.

Dr Chua gave a very clear explanation on what is needed by the country as he responded to Lim's question. His arguments were delivered not for the sake of refuting Lim and his manners at his capacity as the MCA president was commendable.

Youths need to play a part in govt

Registering to vote is one way

Of the over 16 million Malaysians who are eligible to vote, it is thus shocking and disappointing to note that almost a quarter of them, 23% or 3.7 million, have yet to register themselves as voters.

Voting is the civic duty of a country’s citizens, and everyone should play a role in shaping Malaysia’s future, especially the youths. Youths are a country’s future, and as such it is important for them to be balloters as they are the ones who will be voting in the government of their choice - a government which would continue to look after the public’s interests and welfare while pushing Malaysia forward to become a high income nation.

The spirit of democracy in Malaysia is also very much alive, and to ignore such a blessing is sheer folly, as even former dictatorial countries like Myanmar have taken steps to become more democratic. Therefore I urge all Malaysians, especially the youths, to make full use of our democratic process.

In the Middle East, we have seen that it was the youths who played a crucial role in reshaping the country. However we do not condone such street demonstrations as we have the ballot box to express our dissatisfaction or gratification to the government.

As a great American author Louise L’Amour once wrote: “To make democracy work, we must be a nation of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain.”

Creating Awareness Helps

However, registering oneself is not simply enough. Everyone should also do their part to encourage their friends and family members who are eligible to vote but have yet to register to do so. While previously one may complain that it was cumbersome to do so, there is no such excuse now as the registration process is simple and easy and is easily available at any post office in Malaysia.

It is important to create awareness on the importance of voting, and steps have been taken by various quarters to do so. I myself have taken part in a music video by Pete Teo entitled ‘Undilah’, which is meant to create awareness on the importance of voting.

Finally, I also congratulate all who have taken the initiative to register themselves. However, I urge them to check their voting status at the EC’s website to ensure that their details are correct so as to avoid any accusations of misconduct by the EC during the next General Elections.

Datuk Dr Ir Wee Ka Siong
MCA Youth National Chairman
Deputy Minister of Education

Acknowledge the hurt caused against the media fraternity

MCA Youth Perak to DAP Perak – Act responsibly, acknowledge the hurt caused against the media fraternity

It becomes more and more apparent each day that the “sorry” offered by DAP elections preparations chief Hew Kuan Yau following the storm of indignation against his facebook posting referring to reporters as prostitutes was half-baked at best.

New Straits Times (16 Feb 12) reported of Perak DAP Dato’ Ngeh Koo Ham coming to Hew’s defence reasoning that “Hew was merely referring to several reporters and not all.”

Please be precise YB Datuk Ngeh. Are you openly implying that there are reporters in the flesh trade? If so, care and dare you identify which ones? What authority has been bestowed to you that you may cast aspersion against journalists by categorizing the ones whom DAP does not favour as being involved in vice?

Rather than chastising Hew, Ngeh has also resorted to the oft-used excuse of “statement was taken out of context,” thereby choosing to overlook the sully.

As the National Union of Journalists has rebuked Hew, I urge YB Datuk Ngeh to empathise with the press corp who in the course of performing their duties to earn an honest living have to endure the bigotry and insults which DAP hurls at them.

All of DAP’s claims of championing press freedoms are sheer hypocrisy as they violate the very occupation they claim to fight freedoms for.

Why are DAP female elected representatives mute?

I am astonished that DAP women wakil rakyats like Fong Poh Kuan, Chong Eng or Teo Nie Ching still have not rebuked Hew. Does “dignified” silence imply acceptance of Hew’s insults?

DAP Perak never owns up to mistakes

This is not the first time that Ngeh conveniently overlooks bigoted slurs uttered by his DAP members. Back in November 2011, when his cousin cum Perak DAP Secretary Nga Kor Ming was recorded stereotypically labeling dark complexion people as “black metallic b-st-rd” only to offer another half-baked apology in face of mounting pressure, Ngeh added insult to injury via his twitter message that “Indians not as stupid.”

Ngeh is a lawmaker at both federal and state levels. Carrying such an exalted responsibility, he should know that when a mistake has been done, he should acknowledge it rather than spurting out other forms of excuse to cover up such derogatory remarks.

Dato’ Dr Mah Hang Soon
MCA Youth National Deputy Chairman
MCA Youth Perak Chairman
State Assemblymen for Chenderiang
Perak Executive Councillor for Health, Local Government and Environment

No respect for journalists

Despite his bold personality had won him many fans, DAP election publicity chief Hew Kuan Yau had never exercise moderation in his speeches. His using of vulgar words intends to degrade a person or an entity only reflects the type of person he is.

As he played along his definition of 'creativity' in labelling people in any ways he could think of, he had not shown any respect to people or certain community.

Calling journalists prostitutes in an insult to the profession. Journalists are reporting news that are of public interest. For Hew, who had no respect for journalists when he made speeches during DAP events, journalists are BN tools and often find fault in his words. But have he ever thought is it possible for curses or extreme points he raised in his speech to appear on print?

The newspaper is not politicians battlefield. It is a platform to convey messages that are beneficial to the public. If you are not using the media the right way, then do not blame the journalists for not siding you because you are the one who misuse the media first.

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NUJ disappointed with DAP's Hew and Tan

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) is disappointed with DAP election publicity chief Hew Kuan Yau for making a sweeping statement that journalists were "prostitutes".

NUJ general secretary V. Anbalagan said the union was equally appalled by DAP disciplinary committee chairman Tan Kok Wai's stand for giving tacit support by saying that Hew was merely stating a fact.

He said Hew's statement had tarnished the image of journalists working in the print, electronic and online media.

"This is unfair as he has cast aspersions on journalists, a special category of people to serve the public and raise issues of public interest," he said in a statement Sunday.

It was reported Sunday that Hew had apologised for the controversy caused by his remarks.

Anbalagan said Hew should have backed his statement with a specific case like, who the person was, and which organisation he/she worked in.

"Hew should have complained to the organisation so that action could be taken, irrespective of whether the journalist was an executive, bargainable employee (most of whom are NUJ members), contract employee or stringer.

"We demand that the DAP leadership take action against Hew and Tan as truth or fact must be supported with evidence.

"Anything short is baseless and unfounded allegation against journalists and the profession," he said. - Bernama