Foul!

As published in Malay Mail today. IF hypocrisy was competed at the Olympics, we would have won gold a long time ago. Why do I say that? Here goes: Hypocrisy 1 Some two weeks ago I had a chat with some acquaintances.We were discussing the current predicament faced by Malaysians. Hailing from various backgrounds, speaking to them allowed me to better understand the very many sentiments of the average Malaysian on a Light Rail Transit. The subject of racism was raised. The group swore they were Malaysian first and demanded to be treated with respect and equally. They said no one should be judged by the colour of their skin or faith. I asked: “So if you brought a guy or girl of a different colour or faith home, would it be a problem?” One put his head down and said yes. Another in the group blurted: “My parents will kill me.” There was utter silence around the table. So much for respect and equality. Hypocrisy 2 Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali l...

As published in Malay Mail today THE Abrahimic religions — Judaism, Christianity and Islam — teach that we are all descendents of Adam. All major religions teach that we originate from the Creator, a Supreme Being.   While the message of oneness of human beings is what religions teach, politics, prejudice and calculative evil people with vested interests manipulate the diversity of culture and ethnicity to cause division and suspicion.  These evil people are like vultures who want to feed on the carcass of innocent lives that may arise in a bloody conflict fuelled by racism.   Let there be no doubt at all. Racism is evil and anti-God. It is anti-God because it denies the greatness of God’s creativity of diverse ethnicity, languages, culture and colours (Quran 49:13). The purpose of the diversity of ethnicity, explains the Quran, is to learn from each another and to recognise it as yet another sign of God (Quran 30:22).    Hence, it is comple...

Haresh Says, as published in Malay Mail today. THEY were engrossed in conversations that revolved around daily lives, subjects that lit their faces. These young minds had plenty to say, so much to offer. They looked at a particular issue in a logical and reasonable manner, interesting coming from a bunch of 20-odd-year-olds. Most in their age would dream of love affairs, getting wasted or wanting to be millionaires by the age of 40 by shaking legs. The discussions ranged from remarks made during several political gatherings held over the weekend, the current state of the nation’s economy and feminism. Oh yes, they also joked about Kim Kardashian wanting a “flat butt”, saying it made more sense than remarks made by politicians these days. Here are excerpts of the subjects spoken about and their reactions — through Adam, Benny and Charline (to satisfy the curious minds, all three are from different ethnicity — not that it matters though). Politics Adam: The speeches ...

Five men have been arrested for alleged rioting involving some 2,000 people following the Sarawak-Perak Malaysia Cup match on Saturday which left several police vehicles damaged and dozens of people, including five policemen, injured.  Read more here . Sarawak's Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan has blamed police for the woeful crowd control that led to rioting , as reported here . Perak Football Association refuted claims that Perak supporters were involved the riot at the State Stadium in Kuching, as seen here . During an earlier match, five Sarawak supporters from the group ‘GB13’ were allegedly assaulted outside the compound of Stadium Perak on Wednesday night, according to fan accounts and video on social media. According to one of the victims, Hifadhi Fatha Sarbini, 22, a Sarawakian working in Ampang, they were about to leave the stadium peacefully when one of the alleged attackers was seen shouting profanities and racial abuse at them in ...

Haresh Says, as published in Mailsport today. HE  spoke about security in the region and strengthening bilateral ties between both nations. Barack Obama was even asked about the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, insisting US was not bullying Malaysia. And during the press conference at Seri Perdana in Putrajaya on Sunday, Obama joined a string of politicians and athletes as he condemned the racist remarks which were apparently uttered by Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. Obama called the remarks “incredibly offensive”. “When ignorant folks want to advertise their ignorance, you don’t really have to do anything, you just let them talk. That’s what happened here,” he said. The basketball tycoon hogged the limelight for the wrong reason over the weekend after news website TMZ posted a 10-minute recording of what is claimed to be a conversation between Sterling and his girlfriend Vanessa Stiviano, 38. Sterling had apparently said: “It both...

It has been almost unheard of before but racism is sadly rearing its ugly head in the M-League amidst claims that a Pahang footballer was taunted by players from an opposing team. Pahang FA is expected to report to the FA of Malaysia (FAM) today over alleged racist remarks hurled at their Jamaican defender Damion Stewart by Johor Darul Takzim’s Pablo Aimar and Luciano Figueroa in a Super League match at the Darulmakmur Stadium last Saturday. It is believed this is the first time such a report has been lodged in the history of Malaysian football. It is understood  that Stewart was harassed throughout the match and his Pakistan teammate Zesh Rehman will be the key witness in the report to be submitted today. The source said it was fortunate Stewart kept his cool and did not react angrily during the match, despite being constantly heckled by both the former Argentinean internationals. However, after the match, Stewart attempted to confront Aimar and Figuero but was restrained by team ...

Let's look at some of the headlines; BBC : Former England striker Les Ferdinand says the Football Association let black players down by failing to suspend John Terry for more than four games. Daily Mail : Roberto Di Matteo has vowed Chelsea would adhere to any rule change that would see players sacked for racist abuse. Left Foot Forward : Time for MPs to take action on racism in football – and for journalists to step up as wel l. ESPN : Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has welcomed the statement released this week by Rio and Anton Ferdinand regarding their stance on racism in football. Sports Illustrated : Serbia has suspended two of its under-21 players and two coaches for their involvement in a brawl with England players during a match that triggered allegations of racism. Al Jazeera: Enough is enough: Time to end racism in football. What is your stand? Pic taken from UNISON Northwest. HD says: There is no place for racism. Period.