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Malaysia and the race bowl

Written by Kazi Mahmood
Sunday, 01 June 2008
What race are you? I race 200 meters at best is my answer, almost always. The laughter is loud and at times suspicious. Malaysians have the utmost desire to know your race and if you are a foreigner in Kuala Lumpur, you will not escape the race factor. Malaysia is definitely ‘racist’ and this will not go away, not in the next decade. Is he lesser Malaysian because his father is Foreign? Lately, the Malaysian nation has showed its keen interest in the race factor and with Tun Mahathir Mohamad campaigning for Malay rights and political power the controversy is even deeper. The former Prime Minister had to resort to a new article on his blog www.chedet.com to explain why he defended Malay rights and why he is descending in the difficult terrain of race relations in the country. For once I find the position of Tun Mahathir to be very positive as he was surely misspelled or misunderstood in his speech made in Johore on the race issue and the Hindraf, the hindu based group that made the headlines last year with its massive rally in Kuala Lumpur. The question that should be asked is the following: was the Hindraf wrong in staging a rally to express its views and make demands? In a modern state like Malaysia, it is unthinkable that a component of the society is still struggling to make its views heard. This situation occurred due to the muzzling of the local press, which is not allowed to expose the dire circumstances in which the people of Indian origin are living in Malaysia. Tun Mahathir is right that the Indians and the Hindu’s are not being persecuted and that they are not being forced to live in oblivion. However, there must be something that is really wrong that has motivated the Hindraf and it is the sense of disregard that has indeed hurt this community. It must be accepted that Malaysia’s racial landscape is fully charged with innuendoes since it is a slippery lane of discord. Interestingly enough, some 15 years ago, the Indian community was fine with the fact that their children were not getting access to universities (reserved mostly to the Malays) and they were not getting enough support to carry out new businesses and so on. Now under the leadership of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the BN opened up the universities for all races to the extent that the ABIM – the Malay Muslim Youth Organization – has queried the government on the rise of non-Malay/Muslim university entries. The banks are more open to the Hindu community and we can see more Indians of Hindu origin in the business circles across the country. These are positive factors that should have contributed to the continued support of the Hindu community to the BN. But the reverse happened. The Tamils in Malaysia are certainly not persecuted as their foreign counterparts, be they Muslims or Hindus or any other faith. They are not forbidden to work, to access government schools unlike some children born of foreign fathers in Sabah and Sarawak and also in Semenanjung Malaysia in some cases. The Tamils have their own language with the many variations and they have several channels on television that has Tamil shows and songs and everything that they need. The Tamil language is even used as the mode of expression by the Khatib at the Masjid India and it is also used in Tamil schools. Brickfields and Masjid India are certainly Tamil centres in Malaysia and the members of the Tamil community should be proud of all these. Tun Mahathir is right that in no other parts in South East Asia the Tamils have such facilities and their language so much respected than in Malaysia. Yet there is something wrong somewhere that has motivated the en-bloc reaction by the Hindu community (composed mainly of Tamils) against the Abdullah Badawi regime. Tun Mahathir is again right when he criticizes the Hindraf for its reference to the Tamil Tigers if things are not better for the Hindu community in Malaysia. In a Muslim society, which is to be a just society, justice is not done when any group of the social force is marginalized. Islam does not promote or encourage the Muslim leadership to marginalize the non-Muslims. It does not call on the Muslims too, the members of the Islamic community at large, to marginalize the non-Muslims. Islam and democracy goes head long in promoting a just, fair and equitable society. Yet in Malaysia, which is a fairly democratic country and is Islamic too by many standards, the Hindu community had to resort to a massive rally that stunned the ruling coalition and forced them to be in denial to express their frustrations and claim their rights as a full fledge community of the country. They want a change in the way the country sees them and it must be said that the see themselves as being part of the Malaysian social fabric and they want more. When I first landed in Malaysia almost 17 years ago, I was dissappointed to see how much racism was active in Malaysia. It was embarassing to me who come from a rather neutral nation, Mauritius. We have many races, as many as there are in Malaysia, living in Mauritius but racism takes a back seat both in everyday life and in politics. The reason for this is the foundation on which the country was built and the democratic institutions in place. I have never felt disgraced in Mauritius because of my race as I have been in Malaysia, where being non-Malay can be as damning as being a Hindu or a Muslim of another race. And I speak of experience, an experience that I gained thanks to the invitation that was made to me by Tun Mahathir during his visit to Mauritius. When my son was born (he is Malaysian indeed) in 1997 at Taman Melawati in the Damai Hospital, I had to go to a police station to register my son's birth. The form given to me by the police officer in charge contained a column: Race. I refused to fill this column. The police officer asked me why I did not fill it. He then asked me what my race was. I replied that I race 200 metres at best...with a grin on my face. The entire police station was in laughter. The police officer then dotted 'Arab' in the race column, to indicate that I was an Arab. Since I wanted to get this formality done with, I did not say anything to the officer. My son's name has Bin Kazi Mahmood at the end, which is new to us Mauritians since we use family names on the Island. This has nothing to do with race altogether but being a Muslim, my son has the right to have his name adorned with ‘ibn’ or ‘bin’ in Malaysia. I would never have wanted my son to be called anak lelaki (AL) Kazi Mahmood and if that was to be the case, Malaysia would have felt the tremors of a Muslim father’s anger back then in 1997. Is there something wrong with AL? Yes I believe it is because in Mauritius, we do not call the daughters of the non-Muslims or of the Muslims for that matter Anak Perempuan and surely the sons are not called Anak Lelaki. Perhaps by dropping AL and AP the non-Muslims would feel more comfortable in this country? Nevertheless, in the tiny Island of Mauritius, despite the fact that some people are pushing a racist agenda (which they do time to time inevitably), the fact remains that the country is very 'national' and it belongs to everyone who is born there or who resides there. My son can claim his Mauritian nationality in the future too though he is fully born in Malaysia to a naturalized Malaysian mother. The future will tell me if my son will be recognized as a full fledged Malaysian citizen and I can say if that is not the case, then I repeat that Malaysia will surely feel the tremors for that. No one has the right to take a way the nationality of a person, not for racial or political or geographical or religious reasons. And this applies to everyone, Muslims and non-Muslims or foreigners who give birth or who are local or even foreign spouses gives birth in any country. If Malaysia can accept this, then a large part of its problems will be over. Malaysia could learn from countries like Mauritius, where a Hindu Minister would work for the entire nation and where racial considerations are not part of the deciding factors in your economic success. Perhaps it is time to learn from such communities and countries, where freedom of the Press is practiced, assistance to all is available, and surely racism is almost inexistant. However, to resolve the current situation of uneasiness in Malaysia, the authorities would do well to listen to the grouses of the Indian community while the members of the community would do well to pay attention to what the current government of Abdullah Badawi is offering to them. It is through throurough negotiations that problems are resolved. The pilihanraya of March is over, now it is time for the Malaysian community to look forward for the progress of the country and for a larger economic cake that can be split in equal percentage among the various communities in the country. Race, religion and political beliefs should never be a factor in the economic development of future Malaysia though I would agree that perhaps the Malays-Muslims could still claim political leadership since they are in fact the majority community in the country! In Mauritius, which is as new a nation like Malaysia – 50 or 40 years of independence is not much to cement nations – the Hindu community feels very upset in the event a non-Hindu becomes Prime Minister. They fear for their political power, which they fought for in a long struggle, and gained when the country became independent. Comments (27) Subscribe to this comment's feed Show/Hide comments Racism racism written by maksisi, June 01, 2008 True that racism is eating Malaysia slowly. Bad for the country it is and I agree that malaysia should do away with racism for the better future of its people. ... written by msfit, June 02, 2008 Well written. But.. In all my years dealing with white collar criminals, they NEVER admitted their wrongs. They TRULLY BELIEVE that what they are doing is the best for the company (they just embezzled, submitted fraudulent documents, etc). I always wondered why... Then I stop wondering. You can't change them. Never trust men. The laws and punishments must be fair to all, irregardless of position, race or religion. We are all of one race - human race. The Muslims are just as easily tempted as the Buddhists and Christians. Mahathir AL Kutty will never think he is Indian and a non-bumiputera. He thinks he is very ethical and a hero. No point writing to him open letter, private letter, even if you put a billboard right in front of his house, he still thinks he is as white as snow. Let the laws decide, that is before he meets the Almighty God. It's better he die in jail that to meet God with a unrepented heart, for life on earth is just a mere second compared to eternity (in heaven or hell). A fool is someone who thinks that he is valued at $$ and can "keep" everything with him forever. A true man is valued at what he leaves behind. Racist written by kakitidur, June 02, 2008 Mr Kasi, For your information all people in this world are racist. I've been traveling all over the world and it's the same everywhere. If you are not the same colour or religion as the people in that country, you will be treated differently worse if you are a muslim and having muslim names you will be treated like terrorist. Racism is not only happen in Malaysia my dear fellow but everywhere. Do you think a Malay will be treated equally in Singapore? Why are the British using a Malay to potrait as a terrorist in their tv advertisement, are the Malay being treated equally there? Do you think when the Malay go to China or India they will be treated as equals there? They will always be racism in the world because that's is human nature. We will always took care or our own first before looking for others. The best thing for you is to accept that fact. ... written by balik pulau, June 02, 2008 Helo Mr.Kasi Your name also orang sudah kasi. You apa lagi mau kasi. I strongly support the comment written by kaki tidur. Although he is kaki tidur, he can see clearly what's happening around us. And for you Mr. Kasi, you better get some sleep and when you wake up, maybe you can see better just like our fren kaki tidur. The only problem with you is that you only think of yourself and you expect people to kasi you and kasi and kasi. People like you will never have enough and be satisfied. You should balme your parents for giving you the name. tak kasi pun written by Kazi Mahmood, June 02, 2008 Well people, my name is not kasi. It is KAZI and if you can't understand that, I am very sorry that I tak kasi you orang peluang. According to what you are saying here, that is everyone is racist, then I guess Tun Mahathir is right all the way. As for myself, I never really know what is it to be racist since I accept everybody as Humans. On the other hand, Kazi in India means Hakim, in Turkey it means the one who did not die in battle, in Japan it is a BIG WIND that blows things away but in Africa (Where I come from) it is a hard working man who is called Kazi! Welcome and comment again! tak akan balik pulau written by Kazi Mahmood, June 02, 2008 It is the weakness of small time Malaysians (at time of officials) to suggest that people like me 'balik la negara'. That is because they are either too racist to accept 'our' success here or are too weak to allow 'us' - that is foreigners - to make it big time in Malaysia and to be able to talk altogether. Lucky that a large majority of Malaysians are not like you 'balik pulau' coz I sure do respect the mass of Malaysians - a large majority indeed - who respects people like me. I am who I am, made that way and formed to write like I do. Tak akan balik pulau pun, sy akan tetap di sini selama Allah want me to be here! Wslm ... written by mob1900, June 02, 2008 Mr. Kazi, You've just been flamed by some of these AMNO-bred 'Tuan-tuans'. For these folks they've no hope and are beyond salvation or even getting a proper job except for leeching of hardworking folks. As for 'kakitidur' to claimed Singaporean Malays being 'ill-treated', please back up with real facts and a real identity, takut Singapore Gov sure ke? Mati pun tak apa written by MelayuMemangBodoh, June 02, 2008 Well, Mr KAZI, I refer to "Balik Pulau" and "kakitidur" 's comment. Can you feel the stupidity and antagonizing comment from those two idiots? This is how some Malay's think and talk towards non-Malays. And there a plenty of idiots too as Ministers. They could not argue intellegently but immediately resort to name-calling and shield themselves with religion and race remarks. No matter how you argue with hard-hitting facts of life this idiots will ignore you or anyone. Such is their MENTALITY. Full of SMELLY BELACAN! Relax folks written by Kazi Mahmood, June 02, 2008 Well, friends, I don't think by being angry and emotional we can solve issues. This country (Malaysia) is beautiful, many of its citizens are great people. Problems can be solved by dialogue, by discussions and by control of anger/emotions. A debate like this can bring solutions to the problems of the country if it is carried out without outbursts. I hope that by writing such articles, I am contributing to the bridging of the gap between races in this country. It is my duty as the father of a Malaysian. On Tun Dr M, I think he realizes his faults. We do not have to attack him at all cost since this stratagem will not change things in Malaysia. It will instead bring more pain and division to the people when attacks on Tun for example become personal and too 'racially' guided. Relax and let us debate for the good of the future generations of Malaysia, of which my son is a member. Mauritius written by Kazi Mahmood, June 02, 2008 The currency notes in Mauritius, as claimed by Mr Padayachi on MT website, are representative of the population of Mauritius. It is necessary in order not to raise the eyebrows of the various ethnic groups on the Island. But if you ask me, I would not give a damn if there were no Muslims or Chinese or white men or even Indian or Tamil and Telegus for that matter on the bank notes. These does not make Mauritius what it is, a peaceful Island where people lives in Harmony. Which is not what is happening in Malaysia these days. The representation on the bank notes and the denomination are proportional and it is fair if you ask me. As a Muslim, I believe that the Tamil and Telegus forms a very cozy minority in Mauritius and if some of them are claiming persecution or mistreatment in Mauritius then I would say that they are either influenced by Tamil tigers or are simply misled to think that they can ride the high tides on their own. If Tamils and Telegus in Mauritius want their total domination of the country, perhaps the government should give them a tiny spot in the Indian Ocean which they can claim as their own. However, if they (those who are not happy) and this applies to Muslims too in Mauritius, if they look further they would understand that instead of wanting a small piece of the Islands for themselves, they would do better to enjoy living on the entire Mauritius Republic. What I mean is why want a plot of land - if they are not satisfied with the current system in Mauritius - when they have the whole of the Republic for themselves? Themselves here means the entire Mauritius population! I doubt that these people are telling you the truth Mr Padayachi because Tamils and Telegus are not persecuted or mistreated in Mauritiius. No, not in Mauritius. They will have to prove me wrong with facts and figures if they insist! Yours truly ANOTHER 50 YEARS OF RACE STRUGGLE written by ZOZDANIEL, June 02, 2008 The present echoes of the Malaysian leaders on matters regarding Race are 100% similar in tone to the Soldiers call to Arm. Aren't they disgraceful to lead Malaysians to such a warring state, creating Visionary borders to seperate Maankinds, even though we are bond here??? These leaders prefer Malaysians to remain as divided as possible, and remain divided for another 50 years!!! Look at the once impovished countries of Vietnam, China, Cambodia, India, they are developing so fast, and becoming the true Dragons of Asia. But, But, But, in Malaysia, These Disgraceful leaders are still leading us to Indoctrination of Racism, so that the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, and others, look at each other for suspision, hatred, and always at length. What have we achieved in 50 years to unite Malaysians??? We are infact, more divided each day, all because the national leaders are betraying the truth to Malaysian Brotherhood. Lets stand together, and call for the Enactment of an Anti-Racism Act for the Nation. Punish racist leaders, by throwing SHIT into their bloody Mouth. what race written by mike, June 02, 2008 Why compare when malays go to China or India if they are treated as equals? Why can't a non-malay or non-muslim be a Chief Minister or Menteri Besar? In the US, an Indian is a Governor of a state. Likewise, Asians are Mayors in the United Kingdom and Australia. Could such a situation happen here with the present Federal Government albeit in the PR states? racism ok just because it exist? written by ccdev, June 03, 2008 There are some idiots and morons who say racism is ok because it exist all over the world. And they call themselves Muslim? Is it not against Islam to discriminate based on a person's race? The True test of a Leader is the ability to bring people together, irrespective of their differences. The UMNOputras have only succeeded in "separating the people", whether it is thru using race or religion. p/s- how is it a Singaporean Malay is discriminated against? In Singapore, if you can perform, you get promoted all the way, up to your abilities, irrespective of your skin color. In Malaysia, no matter how good you are, you will only be no2 if you are not Malay. Also lucky if you get no2, because the UMNOputra want to fill the positions with all their cronies. It is a sad fact. ... written by acerboyo, June 03, 2008 Oi kaki tidur, "Why are the British using a Malay to potrait as a terrorist in their tv advertisement, are the Malay being treated equally there? Do you think when the Malay go to China or India they will be treated as equals there? They will always be racism in the world because that's is human nature." Assuming your statement above is correct, I want to ask you - are you telling me that with all your "ketuanan" and with such a powerful God (Allah) by your side, you cannot be better than the racist fools from the other side of the earth?. You people pray so much, don't tell me your God will not provide for you, and protect you, still you need the NEP policy. Ha Ha. If take a poll now and you ask Malaysian Muslim which one they cannot live with - Islam or NEP? I think most will choose NEP rather than Islam. Now Muslims have become so lazy and corrupt. Don't blame you because your generation has expected an easy life under the Mahathir legacy (If you Malay, don't need to work hard. Contracts, scholarship, jobs, education all given foc). Now you find that you cannot compete, don't talk about global, even locally you cannot compete, and all the praying will not help. SO have no choice but to rely on government (NEP) handout like beggars. My malay brothers kena humbled by a mamak like Mahathir. In Singapore, the only discrimination is when the SPG (Sarong Party Girls) prefer white cocks rather than asian cocks. ... written by Malaysia untuk Melayu Sahaja., June 03, 2008 Most of non-malay are greedy.. Diberi betis nak peha. Malay or Islam? written by Kazi Mahmood, June 03, 2008 Allah always uses various ways to tell Muslims that they are wrong. Perhaps what is currently happening in Malaysia is the works of Allah, teaching the Muslims and telling them that they may be wrong? Racism may exist in many parts of the world but Islam came to banish racism. In the Holy Al Quraan Allah speaks in such words it is clear to understand that racism does not hold sway in Islam. However in Malaysia, Muslims are divided into Malays, Indians, etc etc even the Chinese reverts are forced to be on their own. That is not what Islam calls for and this should change. Malaysia will further succeed if it starts recognizing Muslims as one and accepts that others (non-Muslims) have rights too! Malaysia for all written by Kazi Mahmood, June 03, 2008 Am afraid that many people are wrong to believe that Malaysia should be for Malays only. How can we live next door to non-Malays and say that Malaysia belong to Malays only? Tun Mahathir should address this plague..this sin that is eating into Malaysia and will rot everything. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi should also express on this issue. The more the Muslim leaders remain silent, the worst this situation will be. I am not Malay, I live in Malaysia and my son is Malaysian so does that mean he has to leave because some Malays say Malaysia belong to them? That is not ok at all and it is anti-Islamic! to si bodoh "Malaysia untuk Melayu Sahaja" written by ccdev, June 04, 2008 "Most of non-malay are greedy.. Diberi betis nak peha." eh, you buta atau bodoh ni? As a muslim malay, you must look at your own weakness first before pointing the finger. Are you telling me that your leaders at UMNOputra is not greedy? LOL! rm500 million "commission" for fighter plane and submarine deal not greedy ke? What about AAB's famous son-in-law and the 4th floor business deals. In UMNO, "Diberi betis nak semua". When it comes to $$$, the word "haram" don't exist. Luckily not all Malays are like you, kena brainwash by UMNO thrash. Intellectual and modern Malays are starting to come out of the closet, and they know that a UNITED malaysia means a bigger cake for everyone, not only the UMNOputra. As for "Malaysia untuk Melayu Sahaja", you should learn to enjoy our company cause the chinese and indians will be around for a long time. This post was edited. Inflamatory language eliminated as well as possible libelous texts. Only the best written by woody, June 05, 2008 Theory of evolution may seemed cruel. Only the fittest survive. But at times, we forgot its significance that led to our own society down bringing . Sometimes the society was so indulged in effort to protect the weak by curtailing the growth of the fittest to the extent that the effort consumed all the resources needed to survive for all. A friend that read Wolf Totem told me an interesting lesson he observed. In the Mongolia eco system, wolfs were slaughtered to protect the sheep, but the sheep population overgrown and consumed all the grassland and turned the whole place into desert with neither the wolf nor the sheep can survive. Now in Malaysia , people are debating about who is more worthy of getting scholarship. Is it by race or is it by merit ? Those in power thought that race is more important. I have a simple story to tell here, about doctor, So we denied the best and the brightest to become doctor by dashing their hope to be one. We told them they cannot be doctor because of the their skin color, they ended up in some career probably not even happy doing it and feeling miserable through out their life, there goes a good doctor . Some 10 years later, those second graded students eventually become doctors. Because of their poorer academic performance, naturally it dragged down all standards across the board for all students, even if a few good one managed to be there, they do not feel the need to compete to be in the front by just running a little faster. Thus we have bunch of second graded doctors. If we succumbed to the need of race composition, we essentially compromised our very own right to have a first class doctor to treat us when we get sick and grow old. For me, I want only the best doctors to treat me, you can be any color, any race, any religion, any gender or sexual preference. I don’t care. Woody Reply.. written by woody, June 05, 2008 reply-to-Malaysia untuk Melayu Sahaja- "Most of non-malay are greedy.. Diberi betis nak peha." Oh really ? Many non-Malay paid hefty income Tax to sustain the running of society you live in, build hospitals, pay teachers, build mosques, hire doctors, send your kids with JPA to overseas, run universities, pay civil servants ... and many more Where do you think those money comes from, we have no problem footing all those bills, what we asked is equal opportunity only so that our next generation we can continue to be productive to earn more income to pay more Tax..and keep it running peacefully. - Mr Kazi, Lucky you, no worry if you are non Malaysia, if your sons and daughters are born here, and has "Mohd" in their name. They will entitle to equal opportunity as local Malay/Bumi. But not me, I am born here, my kids are born here. I paid my income Tax, so is my Dad. I am not entitle to all the perks as available to Bumi / Malay, I foot all my own education bill, I do not get discount in buying houses, many business I cannot involve too, especially dealing with government projects, also government scholarship for kids is far beyond reach for me too. Many government linked company do not hire people like me, only hire with cap on it. I guessed I just have to pay 3 ringgits everymonth on lottery... hopefully life can be a little better ... oops gambling is haram . cheers.. Woody. mistakes written by Kazi Mahmood, June 06, 2008 Hi Woody Thanks for your postings. I would say that what you feel is also felt here. My son does not have the name Mohd. This is not a huge problem but the fact is that he is born of a foreign father and naturalized mother and this is trouble in this country. As Muslims of non Asean origin, foreign fathers and mothers does not get anything in Malaysia. Unless you have the bucks to get a PR, you will never be given one. I have a story here too: An Arab friend of mine living in Kuala Lumpur was told by officers at the PR department in Putrajaya that he can live in Malaysia for 50 years yet he will never be given a PR. That is true story and today he is struggling to even get a 6 months visa to live with his cozy little Malaysian family. This is unjust and it does not happen to non-Muslims alone! Mistakes were made by the past administration in Malaysia. The current one is more understanding in many ways. We should give them a chance to fix the problems and we should participate with them if necessary to fix the problems. One way of doing it is by using patience and by being steadfast in our claims for our rights... It will bear fruits. There is no point accusing since the past administration is gone and the one run by Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is the right one for change in Malaysia until... Yours truly unless am wrong written by Kazi Mahmood, June 06, 2008 Malaysia needs to grow and will need all the people, irrespective of race or religion, to participate fully in the future of the country. To do that, the authorities must open the doors to all and opportunities must be given to all. By protecting a share of the national cake for the Malays only, many injustices are being committed. Malays too - those who are not pro-Umno - are not getting their dues altogether. I believe Abdullah Badawi is gearing the government in the right path to ensure that a just and fair system will emerge in the very near future. Unless I am wrong. Anyone written by Woody, June 06, 2008 Dear Mr Kazi ~ oops.. looks like you will face the same predicament like non Malay too. Good medicine is bitter at times. Petrol price hike host of subsidies removal is a decent starting point. "By protecting a share of the national cake for the Malays only, many injustices are being committed. Malays too - those who are not pro-Umno - are not getting their dues altogether." Well said statement , Yes. I chatted with farmer in paddy field a lot. I thought that their life suppose to be better because from budget and statistic , their quality of life should be be much elevated with the money spent. But the evil thing is, a lot of lootings and stealings were done behind closed door hidden behind the name of protecting some special rights of someone. But actual fact is, only the "Elite" that really benefited all these while. Even I knew some UMNO member, did not get their due too, because they are camp "B" or camp "C". It has grown to be so tribal like even within UMNO because they did not hang out with the right crowd, they will be marginalized. This time, the tsunami really sent a message to UMNO top echelon, also its component parties. As a Tax payer here, you and I just wanted the best doctor, best engineer,best teacher,best lawyer to run the country.. we want only the best to be there for all. By settling for special need to fulfilled race composition, we compromised our very own right to have those best talent to bring our country forward. Woody Investor Asing written by Kazi Mahmood, June 06, 2008 Hi everyone, I was at the Masjid, listening to the Khutbah - speeh by the Khatib - and to my surprise the Khatib criticized the government for opening up to foreign investors, offering them incentives in the process. The reason is that the Khatib felt the government was using double standard by reducing the fuel subsidy (they think the subsidy is totally removed by the way) thus creating trouble for the locals. I read in some responses to the fuel price hike on MT that some readers want the government to control the way foreigners eat in local restaurants because rice is subsidized for the locals only. There was joy when the government thought of curbing Singaporeans from buying cheap fuel in border towns in Malaysia. The anti-foreign rantings are growing and this is very bad for the image of Malaysia. I do not see bright future for my family in this country despite the efforts made by the current regime to reverse the ills committed by the previous regimes. Malays and Malaysians in general were given the impression that Malaysia can do miracles but with the price of fuel finally rising locally, the dream seems shattered. Not many Malaysians are looking at the brighter picture, the true economic gains for the country with oil price increase. they are now willing to focus on foreigners to blame them for something. Tomorrow they will focus on who if the problem is wider? another story written by Kazi Mahmood, June 06, 2008 http://www.worldfutures.info/News/Latest/Malaysia-feels-the-heat.html Apology written by Woody, June 07, 2008 Dear Mr Kazi, Sincere apology on some of our irrational locals that went on "Amok" mode and bashed anyone on sight. Sad to say also, they did in sacred place like masjid on Friday prayer which is very unbecoming. You are most welcome to stay in Malaysia. Woody thanks woody written by Kazi Mahmood, June 08, 2008 Thanks woody for your kind comments. I have lived here for 17 years. I do not have PR and my stay permit does not allow me to work. That is how migrants who establishes in Malaysia are treated unless you have 'kaki dalam' and so on. I am here to stay as long as Allah wishes. If He wishes me to leave, I will do so. You are most welcomed Mr Woody. 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Last Updated ( Sunday, 01 June 2008 )

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