Foul!

As published in Malay Mail today Haresh Says By Haresh Deol THE numbers ranged between 25,000 and 500,000. Some stressed the bulk who attended Bersih 4 over the weekend were Chinese. But two men who participated in the gathering were unperturbed with such talk.  “Would it make a difference if I am Justin Lee, Justin Nathan or Justin Mohammed? Whether it is 25,000 or 500,000 people, Malaysians of all walks of life participated and that counts the most,” said Justin, who insisted his last name was immaterial. Justin joined many others who were eager to be heard over the weekend. He said those who attended the rally, deemed illegal by the authorities, had various grouses but were united in their objective — to demand a cleaner and transparent Malaysia. “You can’t place a number. There were many others who could not make it for the rally but were with us in spirit. “I was at Dataran Maybank and there seemed to be more Chinese. My friends who were at Sogo s...

As published in Malay Mail today. HARESH SAYS Haresh Deol IT has to be one of the darnedest statements made by a politician.   Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is finally more “popular” than his singer son Gadaffi, also known as Dafi.    While the agriculture and agro-based industry minister’s Facebook page saw several sympathisers supporting his call to boycott Chinese traders, the majority lambasted his unwarranted remarks, saying it was racist.   The Cabinet minister, had on his Facebook page on Monday, said the majority of Malay consumers could push Chinese traders to lower prices by boycotting their businesses.   He later clarified by saying the post was not targeted towards the Chinese community in general but Chinese traders and businessmen who refused to bring down the prices of goods despite the drop in oil prices. Not targeting the community but Chinese traders and businessmen? Is there a difference?   Inspector-...

Haresh Says, as published in The Malay Mail today. SIN taxes to fund education? Why not? The idea, that 20 per cent of sin taxes be channelled to Chinese schools, was mooted during the MCA general assembly over the weekend.  This was following grouses by the community who believed funds from the government to vernacular schools were still lacking. The proposal will be deliberated by the new MCA leadership as MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the matter would be discussed at the next central committee meeting. Chinese education groups, known for their vocal stand on many issues, have welcomed the suggestion. However, they have their doubts if the government would agree to such a notion. They are simply being realistic. United Chinese School Committees Association (Dong Zong) vice-president Chow Siew Hon had told The Malay Mail yesterday: “I think the government should fairly distribute the funds based on number of students in each school.” I am amon...

Others I spoke to said the drama in MCA beats any TVB series and MCA is yesterday’s news. Many are unable to relate to such politics. They find it easy to consume a fabricated lie against the establishment than the truth. They would grab onto anything to slam leaders.   Such frustration is fueled by the lack of explanation and initiative to embrace the people. It is typical human nature to be defensive when attacked but the key to earning admiration is to admit, rectify and progress.   Instead, we are bombarded with nauseating claims of phantom voters, immoral activities and corrupt practices. What about the party? What about the people?   There are agendas behind every political party but priority must be on the man on the street.   Political parties are not a playground for the elite few. Those within are supposedly elected representatives of the people, a reflection of a particular community. Thus the voices of the community must be aired — re...