TwoSen

THERE was an inspiring letter by Bulbir Singh, “Why I write” in a weekly magazine. He has been writing for some 50 years, including letters to the editor.

I wish I too was a prolific writer like him. I often agree with what Bulbir says in his writings. He is fair in his approach and focused. And the best part; he says what he wants to say.

His letters to the editor must be some kind of record in Malaysia. I wish that the Malaysian Book of Records will be able to verify and record this feat.

Bulbir besides his contributions to the English newspapers has also written a popular column, Panduan Pengguna, in Utusan Malaysia.

I read that Bulbir took to writing as a hobby when he was 12 years old. I guess he is now over 60. I am amazed at his strength and energy in writing for such along time.

I see him as an ordinary man doing extraordinary things. I hope the government and media take note of his work and recognise his services.

Cynthia Chin
Bangi

Source: The Sun – February 1, 2011

I REFER to “Keep Interlock, excise P-word” (Comment, Jan 26) and am appalled by the writer’s solution. I appeal to all right thinking Malaysians to reject such a perspective and instead be open to discovering the deeper issues at stake.

To withdraw Interlok as a school text simply because it offends the sensitivities of a segment of society is unjust and unfair especially if what offends is historically accurate and reflects the reality of the time. The withdrawal is even more odious if the aim of the book is promoting inter ethnic unity through its central characters. So there are two questions here. Is the “other” fairly represented and does the book promote inter ethnic unity or does it merely reinforce certain negative stereotypes of the community thereby merely acting as fodder for existing bigotries.

I am sceptical of the academics that the writer alludes to who apparently have pointed out that the book does indeed promote inter ethnic unity. Never mind the clear obsession with the “p” word but excerpts from the book so far have pointed to gross stereotypes of the Indian community that do not take into account the pre-colonial historical presence of Indian community in Malaya and reinforces existing stereotypes.

It seems to me, reading the many responses, is that the perception of the Indian community is that the majority of Indians in Malaysia came here to escape the dreaded caste system and that they should be grateful for having the opportunity to live here. I ask, is this the perception that should be perpetuated? Is this the inter ethnic unity that these academics wish to be promoted? What is unjust and unfair is representing the whole of the Indian community on one character ignoring the historical presence and pre-colonial contributions of the community.

The writer thinks that Interlock should be retained but the “p” word removed. He gives five reasons. The first reason is that the word has lost significance in politics and public life in India with the advent of its 1950 constitution. So what? It’s irrelevant that the term had lost its significance in India, what is important is, was the term widely used here and the attitudes of the people using it. Is the author of Interlock reflecting the reality of the times in Malaysia?

The second point is that the term is no longer confined to its original meaning. Just because the word has become a fairly common pejorative doesn’t mean it should be erased from history merely for the sake of political correct expediency. The word if used honestly to describe the prevalent attitudes of the times serves as a reminder of how people were and hopefully how they have changed. By omitting its use, you rob the people who it was used against a vital part of their history and identity.

The third point seems to be that we should not lend legitimacy to the word simply because it has been in currency for so long. Are we going to omit every word that causes inter ethnic tension regardless of the context such words are used in? Are we going to ignore the reality in favour of a historical white washing of language? Perhaps one way to foster inter ethnic unity is to highlight the non-diabolical Hindu practices of a pre Islamic Malaysia. Perhaps even more than a whitewash this would encourage students of different races to view each other with a sense of commonality instead of that of native and foreigner.

The fourth point is perhaps the most important. If these fifth formers were made aware that the presence of the so called others in this land is not something recent, than one aspect of a certain community’s diaspora would not cause undue harm to the racial fabric of this society. They should be made aware of how the Indian community used the “p” word, how it was used by others and the horrid demeaning nature of the word. Are we saying that that we should not use the word simply because fifth formers may use the word against Indians? Honestly, it is naïve to think that they do not use the word, already. Perhaps if they understood the nature of the Indian experience, we would not need to obliterate certain words for the sake of racial harmony.

The final point is that the word has no place in the spiritual moral philosophies of the country. What is education if not the search for truth? Controlling language is by far the most insidious form of the establishment of certain unchallenged truths.

I agree with the writer that we should have zero tolerance for caste epithets, racial prejudice, ethnic slurs and communal stereotypes but we should not censor language, especially in the case of literature, when it is used to accurately describe the times and the attitudes of the people for the sake of political correctness or some misguided attempt at racial harmony. I agree also that the Indian community should erase the caste consciousness that still persists but I also think the notion of ethnic superiority should be erased from all communities if we are to join hands and truly embrace the spirit of 1Malaysia.

So the Interlok question is not an Indian question but rather a Malaysian issue. If we merely omit the “p” word what remains are the gross stereotypes of the Indian community. If the book is withdrawn from the syllabus it should be withdrawn not because it contains a word that offends the sensibility of a certain community but rather because it fails in promoting inter ethnic unity – a criteria established by the Education Ministry. It is up to the ministry to demonstrate that Interlock does not wallow in racial stereotypes and that it is a genuine representation of the Indian experience in Malaysia.

S. Thayapran
Commander (Rtd)
Royal Malaysian Navy

Source: The Sun – February 1, 2011

Subang Jaya-USJ has two main thoroughfares on either side of the townships: Persiaran Tujuan and Persiaran Kewajipan.

Bus operators have ignored those living along the less affluent Persiaran Tujuan. We are only allowed to jump in and share RapidKL’s U67, on its way to Kuala Lumpur, if we can run fast enough and if the bus driver is merciful enough to allow us to catch it before it wheezes off to beat the traffic light at the top the road.

On behalf of tired old men and women who don’t drive anymore, I plead for SPAD (The Land Public Transport Commission) to look at the smaller picture first before focusing on mammoth projects. Bring back the town bus service, like the old IntraKota, RapidKL T525, or even the mini buses.

Mohd. A. Mahmood
Subang Jaya

Source: The Sun – February 1, 2011

I REFER to the clarification given by Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation on the idea of an Orang Utan Research Centre – “Foundation clarifies conservation plans” (Letters, Jan 31). I fully support the arguments against its setting up – “Let’s not play God” (Wildlife Matters, Jan 17).

Why not locate the research centre in Sabah or Sarawak, the animal’s native place? It is an undeniable fact that the orang-utans are not native to Peninsular Malaysia. Then, what is the big idea in bringing them to Bukit Merah to do research?

Maybe worldwide we can see animals that are becoming almost extinct being “recovered and reintroduced into the wild”, but that is only in their native places of origin.

Then there is also the government’s announcement of establishing an orang-utan sanctuary in Shah Alam and Gombak. Do we have to have all this in Peninisular Malaysia?

P. Paranthaman
Shah Alam

Source: The Sun – February 1, 2011

THE observations in “Focus on the big picture” (Citizen Nades, Jan 24) do help to kindle public awareness of the relative importance of various current issues.

The writer’s laments that society today is not vociferous enough to publicly condemn corruption, wastage of public funds and abuse of power are contextually apt and most welcome.

In the long run, it is certainly more beneficial to concentrate more on the ways and means of minimising corruption, wastage of public funds and abuse of power.

T.S. Ramasamy
Kuala Lumpur

Source: The Sun – February 1, 2011

REFERence is made to “Let’s not play God” (Wildlife Matters, Jan 17). We the trustees of the Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation have read the article and thank the writer.

Allow us first in all humility to clarify the wrong claims and assumptions made in the article. We will list them and try to clarify or dispel them so that a true picture of the activities at Orang Utan Island (OUI) can be portrayed and its noble cause made clear.

» The article claims that Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation plans to release orang-utan to Belum. This claim is untrue. The captive bred primates at OUI as part of their training need to be exposed to conditions of wild release before they can be taken to their home of origin. To carry out this stage six activities, discussions were carried out with experts on ways to simulate such studies and activities. This idea was firmed up for test in a nearby island (500m) from the OUI now called BJ Island. This island was logged over many years ago and the vegetation has recovered and the island is somewhat similar to a natural forest.

During these discussions with the experts, there were also suggestion to use the Belum Forest for such studies but such suggestions were never given serious thought. The reason being that many of the members who attended the meeting and discussions were also forest conservation experts and they understand the implication and consequences of introducing a new species into a stable ecosystem. The writer may be under the impression that our conservationists are not aware about the implications of such activities. We appreciate her thoughts on this issue.

Let us reiterate that we have no plans now or in the near future to release any orang-utan into the Belum Forest. All our studies are confined within the Bukit Merah Lake Town facilities and if our stage six studies succeed our next plan of action will be to discuss with Sabah and Sarawak to work out procedures to repatriate these acclimatised orang-utans back to their place of origin. We hope this is clear and such claims do not arise again.

» The purpose of setting up of the Orang Utan Research Centre is purely the effort of an entrepreneur who happens to love nature and particularly the orang-utan. Yes, a lot of arguments can be made to say that this individual is out to use these orang-utan for his financial gains. This again is a wrong assumption because if one visits the abode of these orang-utan, see what has and is being done for these orang-utan, one will understand that the intentions are noble and the primates are kept in this sanctuary to study them and understand them better and not to make an extra tourism ringgit. Also opening up the island to the public is for education and getting the public to be aware of these gentle creatures. Getting to know them means getting to love them better and to give a better chance for their survival.

The money raised from fees are used by the sanctuary for its upkeep. The money committed annually toward the maintenance of this sanctuary far outstrips the income generated from the tourist visits. So the statement the entrepreneur is trying to make an income of these gentle creatures is not true.

» As regards setting up a small sanctuary in Kuala Lumpur as a tourist centre and to give short-stay visitors a chance to see this amazing primate and to become aware of it is yet another way to educate the public and visitors on the importance of protecting this species. The deputy tourism minister mooted this idea in all sincerity to give maximum impact to the conservation of this primate in its place of origin. The objective of such a centre is not for tourist money but to create awareness among tourists who cannot visit this creature in the wild in Sabah and Sarawak. The more adventurous ones would then extend their visit to Sabah or Sarawak … this way it helps to support all.

In conclusion, allow us to clearly state that while we respect all the laws and rules of conservation, we do not want to lose sight of the efforts being made by individual philanthropists to do their little part in protection and preservation of our plants and animals. We need to stand shoulder to shoulder with such kind souls to offer them the correct advice and to take things forward. By our negative criticism we are only keeping away people who have the heart to contribute to our research and breeding efforts.

If we look at examples worldwide we can see that many animals whose populations have become almost extinct are now recovering and have been reintroduced into the wild. If studied closely, such successes have been achieved through the efforts of one or a few passionate individuals who have given their time and money to increase the numbers of such species. I believe we need to appreciate those who can contribute to make the world a better place to live rather than say things to keep them away from their good intentions.

We can definitely help constructively. Let us then do that for our plants and animals, and prevent our “intellectual arrogance” (qualified or not) from taking centre stage, while our comments are merely based on desk research rather than getting our hands dirty with the daily attention to ensure their survival.

For all our dear friends who have shared their thoughts on the above issue in the various newspapers, we wish to humbly invite them to the OUI on a guided tour to see what exactly is being done on the island. We sincerely hope they will take up our invitation.

Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation

Source: The Sun – January 31, 2011

A word or action of ours, however justified, can offend and cause division between people. With a great deal of effort we could be excused but it might not be erased from the memory of those hurt by it. It is education that brings about unity and mutual esteem for one another.

Building unity cannot be legislated or developed in isolation. All involved in governing, leading, guiding or influencing people should understand this.

It infers that our various interactions, forced or willing, shallow or substantive, occasional or constant, with people are all contributory factors in achieving accord and harmony among people who have divergent views or are different in any way.

Therefore, viewing our day-to-day relations and experiences in this way offers an alternative frame-of-reference through which we express ourselves in speech, in our writings and generally in the way we work together with others. Such an attitude and approach reduces and eliminates possible areas of conflict, tension and exasperation that so easily occur when we lack that sensitivity and understanding which is vital if we are to realise greater cohesion and unity within our multiethnic, multicultural and multi-religious society.

Our educational efforts must, therefore, be those that lead our nation and its people not just to the accumulation of inert knowledge but rather to wisdom and enlightenment.

Only then can our words and deeds be those that help not hinder our ability to live as one and pursue our life’s endeavours and responsibilities with mutual respect and unity.

Let us see each other as part of our journey of developing together towards the goal of a truly united, peaceful and blessed 1Malaysia.

Rueben Dudley
Petaling Jaya

Source: The Sun – January 31, 2011

I REFER to “Interlok solution” (Front page, Jan 28). I have come across sensitivity in various issues (especially with racial and religious discrimination) many times as a resident of this country.

The usage of certain words in the literature book is somehow seen inevitably sensitive, however, with a little generosity to the writer’s purpose in using the words (I’m sure for the greater good), I think we should see what is the impact it can give to our students.

Being an educator myself, I usually touch on these issues (whenever it comes to essay writing) to see how my students – mostly teenagers – react. Astoundingly, most of them do not take such issues as sensitive and as seriously as the “adults” who look into the same matters.

We have long passed the generation where we lived under a shell with racial and religious discrimination. It’s time we educated the younger generation to have a broader scope and outlook into such situations, and they should learn and understand to live in a community.

Understanding some sensitive issues about other religions or races does not mean everyone looks down upon that person who belongs to that ethnicity. It gives us all an understanding of what may be sensitive to the person, and as such, act accordingly so as to not hurt the person.

Eugene Joseph
Via email

Source: The Sun – January 31, 2011

I REFER to “Garment dealers lament poor sales” (News without borders, Jan 24), and I think these shop owners’ woes have nothing to do with the rise in prices of cotton garments but are caused by the dealers’ inability to keep up with the times.

Source: The Sun – January 27, 2011

THE brave and meticulously executed rescue in the Gulf of Aden by Malaysian naval commandos of the hijacked tanker, MT Bunga Laurel, and its 23 crew must surely make all of us justly proud of our defence forces.

In another rescue a day earlier, South Korean special forces stormed a freighter that had been hijacked a week before in the Arabian Sea, rescuing the ship and all its 21 crew.

The hijacking of ships and their crew for ransom together with the millions of dollars worth of cargo has escalated off lawless Somalia in recent years. In a bid to clamp down on the problem, international warships patrol the area.

A multinational coalition task force, Combined Task Force 150 or simply CTF-150, in the past few years has taken on the role of fighting Somali piracy by establishing a Maritime Security Patrol Area within the Gulf of Aden.

Seventeen countries contribute to CTF-150 and work in parallel to other independent anti-piracy operations by countries such as China, India and Russia.

Following the hijacking previously of three other Malaysian ships in the same area, the Malaysian International Shipping Corporation (MISC), which operates the MT Bunga Laurel, and the Malaysian navy joined hands in 2009 to escort and protect Malaysian shipping.

As a result of the combined policing efforts by Somali authorities on land and especially by the international naval vessels at sea, by the first half of 2010 the hundreds of pirate attacks each year in the Gulf of Aden dropped to under 50, forcing pirates to shift their attention to other areas such as the Somali Basin and the wider Indian Ocean. At the end of 2010, however, Somali pirates were still holding at least 35 ships with more than 650 hostages.

Piracy has a long history, going back several centuries. The Malacca Strait for instance is an area beset by piracy since the distant past. There is, however, active cooperation among Asean nations and other countries using these waters to patrol the seas to curb the problem.

It is widely recognised that multilateral cooperation arrangements between and among nations, regions, international institutions such as the UN and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and other naval forces can provide the means to reduce the risk of piracy attacks.

Cooperation with governments and security agencies of those countries in and around whose waters the pirates operate, coordinated patrols in high-risk areas, information sharing, intelligence exchange, hot pursuit following attacks and the right to prosecute apprehended pirates are among the tools by which piracy can be addressed and reined in.

The systems and infrastructure being put in place to help reduce piracy off the Somali coast and the Indian Ocean region is based, among others, on the IMO/ South China Sea and the Malacca Strait and Singapore model, where the experience gained is serving as a template for the signatories to what’s called the 2009 “Djibouti Code”.

More broadly, piracy should be recognised as a symptom of wider problems and as such anti-piracy efforts must deal with its root causes.

Even more distressing is the fact that pirates could well join forces with extremists and terrorists and that could make the situation even more complex.

The only sustainable solution will be effective governance, the establishment of the rule of law and security institutions and the creation of alternative livelihoods alongside inclusive and stable economic growth in those countries that spawn these criminals.

Any long-term effort to address piracy must be complementary to the political, security, recovery and development efforts.

Rueben Dudley
Petaling Jaya

Source: The Sun – January 25, 2011