柔州3非政府组织联合举办 “探讨《联邦宪法》153条文与各族人民平等权利问题”讲座会暨 柯嘉逊著《马来亚人民的独立斗争：爱国者与冒牌者》推介会 缘起

柔州3非政府组织联合举办

“探讨《联邦宪法》153条文与各族人民平等权利问题”讲座会暨

柯嘉逊著《马来亚人民的独立斗争：爱国者与冒牌者》推介会

缘起

柔佛州人民之友工委会

柔佛州兴权会

柔佛州大红花之友

2012年3月3日联合发布

鉴于自国家独立50多年以来巫统主导的执政集团继承了英殖民政府的”分而治之”统治策略，不断实施制度性的种族主义政策，导致国内少数民族（以及统治民族中被压迫阶级和阶层）继续被分化、被隔离、被歧视、被欺凌、被压迫，已经到了无法容忍的地步，而各个被压迫民族与被压迫阶级和阶层无法逃避日益严重的灾难，除了奋起抗死求生，没有其他出路。

鉴于国内广大的各民族劳动群众，遭遇统治集团的残酷镇压和黄色工会（即由政府培养的所谓“工人领袖”所被控制的工会）的麻醉欺骗，虽然生活在水深火热中，但却难有很大作为，而近几年来国内的一个主要少数民族——印度（淡米尔）族群（尤其是这个族群中的劳动阶层）已经从残酷经历与痛苦教训中觉醒起来，开始丢掉对执政集团存有的幻想，在英明的族群领袖领导下，提出了核心诉求，进行着英勇斗争。

鉴于目前国阵统治集团所实施的对国内各民族特别是劳动人民的压迫，实质上是阶级压迫，但却以民族压迫的形式出现，因此具有很大的欺骗性和误导性；单一民族提出的诉求，应该与其他民族提出的诉求，互相适应、紧密配合，才能引起处在同样地位的所有被压迫民族的共鸣，从而形成一股强大无比的团结力量，铲除制度性的种族主义祸根，埋葬反人民的种族主义霸权。

我们，柔佛州人民之友工委会、柔佛州兴都权利行动委员会与柔佛州大红花之友，谨此庄严宣布：原定在柔佛新山、由单一组织主办的“探讨《联邦宪法》153条文与各族人民平等权利问题”讲座会暨柯嘉逊著《马来亚人民的独立斗争：爱国者与冒牌者》推介会，将由上述的非政府组织按照原定计划联合举办。

因此，此前由单一组织发出的关于举办上述活动的《缘起》，有必要做些调适以配合新的发展情况。由上述非政府组织共同认可并签署的有关《缘起》如下——

自2007年11月25日 兴都权益行动力量（缩称兴权会）大集会以来，处在我国社会最底层的广大印族人民普遍觉醒起来，在先进领袖的领导下，开始探索他们的族群（尤其是劳动人民） 长期陷于困境的根源，并行动起来，勇敢发出要求平等权利的呼声。兴权会运动因此遭遇国阵政府的残酷镇压，兴权会主席瓦达慕迪（Waytha Moorthy）被迫流亡国外继续领导国内斗争，并不断寻求国际支援。

2011年底，瓦达慕迪以马来西亚人权基金( The Human Rights Foundation Malaysia)领导人的身份，向美国外交事务国会委员会和Tom Lantos人权委员会提呈了《马来西亚的制度性种族主义和宗教自由》报告。兴权会最近也展开了一项全球电子请愿(global e-petition)，要求马来西亚政府废除《联邦宪法》153条文、废除所有种族主义政策和法律条文，并平等对待所有人民。兴权会的正义行动，就意味着印裔族群将全国各族人民要求平等权利的诉求，主动提到议事日程上来。

目前，除了2012年1月17日在隆雪中华大会堂楼上会议厅举办了一场“马来西亚的制度性的种族主义”论坛外，至今还不见其他党团，甚至宣称准备取代国阵政府的国会反对党，对兴权会代表印度族群提出上述核心诉求，表达应有的关注和支持。

柔佛州人民之友工委会针对上述的发展局面，经过几次会议详细讨论之后，决定在来临的三月份举办一场 “探讨《联邦宪法》153条文与各族人民平等权利问题”讲座会，让专人学者现身说法，希望引起共鸣。这项决定和行动，立即获得柔佛州兴都权利行动委员会与柔佛州大红花之友的积极回响，并愿意联合举办这项意义重大的活动。

这场讲座会除了邀请兴权会主席瓦达慕迪（Waytha Moorthy）通过网络视频亲自发表讲话或委派代表莅临会场宣读其讲稿，还邀请了马大法律学系副教授阿兹米沙隆博士（Dr.Azmi Sharom）与大马人民之声的董事柯嘉逊博士作为主讲人。我们希望三位分别来自印巫华三大族群社会、研究国家和民族政治、熟悉各自族群社会问题的专人学者，各自发表对讲座会议题（即上述主题）的真知灼见，让国人参考。

此外，柔佛州人民之友工委会也会在当天主持推介由杨培根律师翻译成华文的柯嘉逊博士新著《马来亚人民的独立斗争 —— 爱国者与冒牌者》一书（原书为英文版本，已于去年底出版，并在吉隆坡推介；华文译本则刚刚出版，将在下述时日与地点推介）。柯嘉逊在该书说明了所谓的“社会契约”和“马来主权”的由来和发展，并表达了他对有关课题的明确立场和精辟见解。这可作为探索和思考我国当前阶段弱势族群被打压及其抗争课题的参考，尤其是对理解兴权会最近分别在国内外所提出的撤销《联邦宪法》第153条文、立即废除所有的种族主义政策和法律条文、平等对待全体马来西亚人的诉求，更有启示作用。

当天新书的推介人是资深的双语评论人李万千，他将以华语发表讲话。柔佛州人民之友工委会也邀请到一位新生的评论健笔杨善勇为此撰新书写一篇华文书评。

我们将在活动当天现场分发主讲人的文章与推介人的书评，同时也将把它们上载至主办单位各自的部落格或网页（Suaramjb1.blogspot.com/www.hindraf.org/ www.semparuthi.com），并寄给媒体，以便广泛宣传他们的见解。

这场“探讨《联邦宪法》153条文与各族人民平等权利问题”讲座会暨《马来亚人民的独立斗争 —— 爱国者与冒牌者》新书推介礼的活动详情如下：

·         日期：2012年3月18日（星期日）

·         时间：下午2时正

·         地点：柔佛州旅游咨询局（JOTIC）(新山高庭隔壁）

我们敬邀关心与推动我国民主人权运动的各民族、各阶层人士踊跃参与。入场免费。欲知详情，请联络以下人士——

1.    柔佛州人民之友工委会/ 方佩芬（016-7782707）；

2.    柔佛州兴都权利行动委员会/ Y.莫翰 ( 019-7102895)；

3.    柔佛州大红花之友/ E. 西瓦拉惹 （016- 7334469）。

Read More

Forum on “Article 153 of the Federal Constitution and the Equality of Ethnic communities” cum the launching of Kua Kia Soong’s New Book “Patriots and Pretenders - The Malayan Peoples’ Independence Struggle” jointly organised by 3 Johor NGOs - Friends of SUARAM (FOS) Working Committee Johor, HINDRAF Johor and Persahabatan Semparuthi Johor.

Forum on “Article 153 of the Federal Constitution and the Equality of Ethnic communities”

cum

the launching of Kua Kia Soong’s New Book “Patriots and Pretenders - The Malayan Peoples’ Independence Struggle”

jointly organised by 3 Johor NGOs -

Friends of SUARAM (FOS) Working Committee Johor,

HINDRAF Johor and Persahabatan Semparuthi Johor.

3^rd March 2012

For the past 50 years or so, since Independence, the UMNO dominated ruling clique has adopted the “divide and rule”strategy used by the British colonial administration. Since then, it has been practising institutional racism as a state policy. This has led to the minority ethnic communities (together with the oppressed class and strata of society within the ruling ethnic group) being ethnically polarized, segregated, discriminated against, bullied and suppressed to an intolerable extent. The oppressed ethnic groups and oppressed class and strata of society find it impossible to ward off the increasingly serious disaster. They have come to the conclusion that there is no alternative but to wage a struggle for survival.

The broad labouring masses of all ethnic communities have been subjected to the ruthless repression by the Barisan ruling clique, and have been deceived by the chicanery practised by the yellow unions (i.e. pro-establishment trade unions).  They live in misery and hardship. In recent years, the Indian community as a minority group (particularly its labouring class), has a rude awakening. It is now extremely disillusioned with the ruling clique. Following from that, under the brilliant leadership of its leaders, it has courageously presented its core demands.

The current oppression of the labouring masses of all ethnic communities by the Barisan ruling clique, is, in actual fact, of a class nature, but it has taken the form of national oppression of each ethnic community. As such, the phenomenon is rather misleading and deceptive. The demands put forth by any ethnic community, and the demands raised by other ethnic communities should complement each other, so that all oppressed communities should act in unison, ultimately turning into a formidable force to be reckoned with. Only then can the root of institutional racism be eliminated, and the unpopular racist hegemony be done away with.

We, FOS Johor, HINDRAF Johor and Persahabatan Samparuthi Johor, as co-organisers, solemnly declare as follows: the Forum cum book launch initially organised solely by FOS Johor, will from now on be jointly organized by the NGOs mentioned above.

In the circumstances, the statement issued by FOS Johor regarding the Forum and the book launch is to be modified accordingly. The co-organisers, namely the NGOs mentioned above, herely confirm and endorse the following statement:

Since the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) rally held on 25 November 2007, the majority members of the Indian community who are at the bottom level of our society have generally become more aware of their poor state of conditions. Under the leadership of their progressive leaders, Hindraf has begun to delve into the causes of the dilemma hitherto faced by the Indian community (particularly the laboring masses).

Hindraf has resorted to action by way of courageously voicing their demands for equality. As a consequence, Hindraf suffered brutal suppression by the BN government. Waytha Moorthy, the Chairperson of Hindraf, was forced to go into exile. But, he persists in leading the Hindraf struggle from abroad. 

In the meantime, he is seeking international support. In his capacity as the leader of an organization, Human Rights Foundation Malaysia, he submitted a Report entitled “Institutionalised Racism and Religious Freedom in Malaysia” to the US Foreign Affairs Committee, and Tom Lantos Human Rights Committee towards the end of last year [2011].

Of late, Hindraf has also launched a global e-petition, demanding for the repeal of Article 153 of the Malaysian Constitution; for the removal of all racist and religious supremacist policies; and for the fair treatment of all communities. The just action on the part of Hindraf, shows that the Indian community has taken the initiative to put forward its demands for equality on behalf of all ethnic communities as an urgent agenda.

Currently, apart from a forum on “Institutionalised Racism in Malaysia” held in Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) on 17 January 2012, no other political parties or organisations (even the Parliamentary opposition parties who claimed to be well prepared to topple the BN government), have yet to show the necessary concern and support for the core demands raised by the Indian community represented by Hindraf. 

Friends of Suaram Working Committee Johor (FOS Johor) has decided to organise a forum on “Article 153 of the Federal Constitution and the Equality of all communities” in March this year. We intend to invite some experts and scholars to present their views. Such decision was made after some thorough discussions, and after taking into consideration the abovementioned circumstances. It is hoped that the forum will arouse the interest of the audience in these important issues. This decision and action received an immediate positive response from HINDRAF Johor and Persahabatan Semparuthi Johor. They have decided to co-organise this meaningful event.

The Forum has invited Mr Waytha Moorthy, Hindraf’s chairperson to be one of the speakers. He may deliver his speech either via teleconferencing or through his representative. The Forum has also invited Dr Azmi Sharom, Associate Professor of Law studies of Universiti Malaya, as well as Dr Kua Kia Soong, director of Suaram as speakers. These speakers from the three main ethnic communities are well-known experts and scholars for their in-depth understanding of the national and social issues. Their insight into such issues will serve as invaluable reference for the public at large.

In addition, FOS Johor will take the opportunity to conduct the book launch of the Chinese rendition of Dr. Kua’s recent publication, Patriots and Pretenders - The Malayan Peoples’ Independence Struggle (The original version of this book is in English. It was published and launched in Kuala Lumpur towards the end of last year. The Chinese rendition was just published and will be launched as scheduled below). In the book, Dr. Kua expresses his clear-cut stand and critical views regarding the origins of the so-called “social contract” and “Malay dominance”. The book provides important reference and material for exploring the current issue of repression suffered by the ethnic minorities as well as the struggle and resistance put up by them. It is particularly an instructive book on the campaign launched by Hindraf to repeal Article 153 of the Federal Constitution and all racist policies and legislation, and to advocate equality for all Malaysians irrespective of race.

The new book will be launched by the veteran bilingual columnist Lee Ban Chen, who will speak in Mandarin. FOS Johor has also invited a columnist Yong Sun Yong to have a review of the book, to be written in Chinese.

The speeches by the speakers and the book review will be made available at the forum. They will also appear in the blog or website of the organisers (Suaramjb1.blogspot.com /www.hindraf.org / www.semparuthi.com). They will also be forwarded to the media for publication.

The particulars of the Forum and the book launch are as follows:

·         Date    : 18 March 2012 (Sunday)

·         Time   : 2pm

·        Venue : Johor Tourism Information Centre (JOTIC) (Next to High Court Johor Bahru )

We welcome the attendance of all citizens from all walks of life, who are concerned with democracy and human rights in our country. Admission is free. For further inquiry, please contact:

1. FOS Johor / Ms Fang Pei Fen (016-7782707);

2. HINDRAF Johor / Mr Y. Mohan (019-7102895);

3. Persahabatan Semparuthi Johor / Mr E.Silvarajah (016-7334469).

Read More

Menghapuskan Institusionalisasi Perkauman Memperjuangkan Hak Samarata Semua Kaum

Menghapuskan Institusionalisasi Perkauman

Memperjuangkan Hak Samarata Semua Kaum

Teks ucapan setiausaha eksekutif Jawatankuasa Sahabat SUARAM

 (Friends of SUARAM, FOS) Negeri Johor, Fang Pei Fen telah dijemput 

untuk berucap dalam Bahasa Melayu semasa Jamuan  anjuran Parti 

Sosialis Malaysia (cawangan Nusajaya) pada 27hb Februari 2012.

[Nota editor] Rencana ini merupakan teks ucapan Setiausaha eksekutif Jawatankuasa Sahabat SUARAM (Friends of SUARAM, FOS) Negeri Johor, Fang Pei Fen, di majlis makan malam “Rakyat Johor Bersatu! Tolak Parti Komponen BN!” yang berlangsung di Sports club Taman Universiti Skudai, Johor pada 25hb Febuari 2012 anjuran Parti Sosialis Malaysia (cawangan Nusajaya). Ucapan ini menarik perhatian dan mendapat sambutan hangat oleh Lebih kurang 400 peserta berbangsa India yang hadir dalam majlis ini. 

Lebih daripada 50 tahun negara kita sudah merdeka, laungan menuntut hak samarata semua kaum tidak pernah berhenti. Tuntutan sedemikian yang dibawa oleh rakyat berbangsa India lantang kedengaran beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini. Baru-baru ini, Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF) menuntut Kerajaan memansuhkan artikel 153 Perlembagaan Persekutuan melalui satu e-petisyen global, kerana beranggapan bahawa Artikel ini merupakan punca rasisme berleluasa di negara ini.

Pada penghujung tahun 2011, Pengerusi Human Rights Foundation Malaysia, Waytha Moorthy, yang juga merupakan pengerusi HINDRAF, telah membentangkan satu laporan bertajuk “Kebebasan Keagamaam dan Institusionalisasi Perkauman Di Malaysia” kepada  US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, US State Department, Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. Human Rights Foundation Malaysia, mengikut Waytha Moorthy, merupakan sebuah pertubuhan yang giat melindungi dan meningkatkan status dan hak asasi golongan terpinggir di Malaysia. Dalam laporan tersebut di atas, beliau mengemukakan pelbagai fakta dan bukti yang menunjukkan hampir kesemua hak asas rakyat berbangsa India di Malaysia telah dicabul dan sehingga kini masih dihantui dilemma ‘dijajah’ walaupun negara telah merdeka. Waytha Moorthy menjelaskan bahawa tujuan beliau mewakili Rakyat Malaysia berbangsa India menyerahkan laporan ini kepada organisasi antarabangsa dengan harapan dapat meraih sokongan daripada institusi antarabangsa (samaada pertubuhan kerajaan atau pertubuhan bukan kerajaan) terhadap komuniti terpinggir di Malaysia.

Artikel 153 Perlembagaan Persekutuan, pada dasarnya, telah membahagikan rakyat kepada 2 kelas. Ini merupakan asas kepada segala sistem perkauman di Malaysia.

Sebahagian besar rakyat negara kita beranggapan bahawa perkauman negara kita adalah akibat daripada sistem birokasi yang cacat dan tidak berkeupayaan, semua ini hanya merupakan unjuran daripada dasar affirmative action. Namum, anggapan ini jauh daripada tepat. Realitinya adalah, dengan perlaksanaan pelbagai dasar, pihak yang berkuasa cuba memperkukuhkan kedudukan pemerintahannya atas nama mempertahankan “Ketuanan Melayu”. Selain daripada itu, operasi sistem perkauman di negara kita mendapat perlindungan dari undang-undang zalim seperti “Akta Keselamatan dalam Negeri” (ISA), Akta Rahsia Rasmi, Akta Hasutan dan sebagainya; Pihak pemerintah mempunyai kawalan sepenuhnya keatas segala jentera negara. Barang siapa yang cuba merentasi batasan, dia akan mengahadapi risiko ditahan atau didakwa. Ini merumitkan lagi rakyat jelata dalam memahami fenomena perkauman di negara kita; ia telah memberi satu gambaran yang kabur, dan membentuk anggapan bahawa perkauman di Malaysia mempunyai “citarasa tempatan” yang unik.

Frasa “Ketuanan Melayu” hanya diwujudkan dalam satu ucapan Abdullah Ahmad, ahli Parlimen UMNO pada tahun 1986, di Singapura. Barang siapa yang berani mempersoalkan hal ehwal, hak, kedudukan, hak istimewa dan sebagainya di bawah artikel 153 adalah dilihat telah mencabar “Ketuanan Melayu”, malah boleh dituduh menghina institusi Diraja dan agama Islam. “Pencabar” perlu berhadapan dengan ancaman Akta Keselamatan dalam Negeri” (ISA), dan “Akta Hasutan”. Lebih-lebih lagi Ketua Pemuda UMNO, pada tahun 2004, 2005 dan 2006, 3 tahun beturut-turut telah mengeluarkan keris dalam Persidangan Tahunan UMNO, untuk menunjukkan keunggulan “Ketuanan Melayu”.

Sejak BN hilang majoriti 2/3 kerusi di Parlimen dalam pilihanraya 308, UMNO telah ‘sub-kontrakkan’ agenda perkauman mereka kepada kononnya “pertubuhan bukan kerajaan” di bawah kawalan mereka, terutamanya PERKASA. PERKASA bekerjasama rapat dengan kumpulan lebih radikal dan suka melawan PEKIDA dan kumpulan mafia separa militant ‘3 Line’. Mereka menyebar benih permusuhan antara kaum, dan pada masa yang sama, menjana perasaan takut di kalangan masyarakat bukan Melayu.  Perkasa mendapat sokongan terbuka kepimpinan tertinggi UMNO (termasuk bekas  Perdana Menteri, bekas pegawai Tentera dan bekas Ketua Polis) untuk menghebohkan “Ketuanan Melayu”.

Kaum minoriti di Malaysia menghadapi dilema di bawah institusionalisasi perkauman. Antaranya termasuk : 

1.      Layanan tidak adil oleh kerajaan – kebanyakan tabung pembangunan ekonomi, pendidikan dan sosial, pelagai lesen, permit dll hanya diberi kepada satu kaum.

2.      Layanan oleh polis Malaysia – kebanyakan mangsa merupakan rakyat berbangsa India, antara kes yang paling signifikan ialah kes kematian kugan dalam tahanan polis.

3.      Layanan oleh Jabatan Eksekutif negara – lebih daripada 77% kakitangan awam merupakan rakyat berbangsa Melayu.

4.      Layanan di bawah sistem kehakiman negara – anggaran lebih daripada 90% pegawai kehakiman adalah rakyat berbangsa Melayu-Muslim.

5.      Layanan media – Liputan terhadap isu-isu kaum minoriti adalah selektif, tidak adil malah ada yang disekat langsung. Liputan sedemikian jelas cenderung kepada sifat perkauman atau membuat ramalan yang bermuslihat. Cenderung kepada sifat perkauman bermaksud menganggap elit Melayu sebagai Tuan, dan orang bukan-Melayu selalu menjadi pihak yang menerima sedekah.

6.      Layanan oleh sistem pendidikan – Ratusan juta bajet dan peruntukan pendidikan telah disalurkan untuk membangunkan pendidikan rakyat berbangsa Melayu, tetapi pembangunan pendidikan kaum minoriti seperti rakyat berbangsa India, Cina, dan lain-lain minoriti telah dikorbankan.

Isi yang disebut diatas ini adalah dipetik daripada laporan “Kebebasan Keagamaam dan Institusionalisasi Perkauman Di Malaysia”. Jawatankuasa Sahabat SUARAM (FOS) Negeri Johor bersetuju dengan kenyataan tersebut, dan berpendapat bahawa untuk menghapuskan perkauman yang sudah diinstitusikan bukan satu perkara yang boleh dicapai dalam masa yang singkat.

Saya hendak menjelaskan kepada hadirin sekalian, terutamanya sahabat saya yang berbangsa India: Jika kita sokong kepada pendirian yang dibawa oleh En. Waytha Moorthy yang mewakili HINDRAF, pertama sekali kita harus bersetuju untuk mengemukakan tuntutan segera seperti berikut:

1)      Kerajaan harus membenarkan Waytha Moorthy untuk balik ke negara kita, dan menjamin bahawa beliau boleh bergerak secara bebas tanpa ditahan dan dipenjarakan selepas beliau balik ke sini; dan

2)      Kerajaan mesti mengakui HINDRAF adalah sebuah pertubuhan yang sah, dan mesti menjamin hak HINDRAF sebagai satu pertubuhan yang sah seperti pertubuhan-pertubuhan sah yang lain.

Jika dua tuntutan diatas ini tidak dapat dicapai, maka pemansuhan institusionalisasi perkauman hanya akan tinggal sebagai cakap-cakap kosong yang tidak membawa maksud sebenar.

Oleh itu, saya menyeru semua rakan berbangsa India negeri Johor yang hadir pada malam ini bersatu-padu! Buangkan semua harapan kosong terhadap parti-parti komponen Barisan Nasional! Maju ke depan dengan berani, mengikut jejak pemimpin bijaksana Bangsa!

Akhir sekali, saya ingin berkongsi satu pandangan arwah Lim Lian Geok, jiwa kepada rakyat bangsa Cina negara kita, yang dikemukakan pada Julai Tahun 1959 dalam mesyuarat Jiao Zhong :

“Kesamarataan hak antara bangsa hanya akan tercapai selepas mengalami liku-liku dan pelbagai kesusahan. Kita mesti melihat yang paling jauh dan yang paling tinggi dan membuat pertimbangan menyeluruh. Mari kita berusaha sedikit demi sedikit dengan menjadikan perpaduan itu kekuatan kita, menggunakan cara yang sah, berpegang kepada keadilan dan kesaksamaan dan mendepankan kepentingan negara.   ”

Sebelum saya mengundur diri, saya ingin menjemput sahabat-sahabat saya sama-sama naik ke pentas untuk melafazkan sebuah sajak English yang dituliskan oleh anonymous yang bertajuk “Not the Chinese”

Not the Chinese... 

Malaysian Chinese?

We are Malaysians of Cina origin. 

Not Chinese from China.

Not Chinese from Taiwan.

Yes, we do work hard. Very hard.

We work many hours and skip lunch. 

We have no time off for tea, prayers, etc.

We go back late, take lower pay but when we get our bonuses we deserve it.

We can't say that for others though. 

I have seen other colleagues, who take tea time, share fashion ideas, sell Cosway and Avon plus a host of other things during office hours.

More medical leave than most of us.

Fridays we work throughout lunch to get work done due to lack of time put in by theothers.

So what's this? 

Chinese are rich?

Some are, but not all.

Now you see who owns the best houses and drive the better cars.

They are NOT CHINESE.

Who buys more gold and jewelry?

NOT THE CHINESE.

Who takes more international holidays?

NOT THE CHINESE.

Who has scholarships easily?

NOT THE CHINESE.

Who fails exams and takes them again and again?

NOT THE CHINESE.

Who doesn't pay the PTPTN Loans?

NOT THE CHINESE?

Who are CEOS of banks and big companies?
NOT THE CHINESE.

Who gets overseas scholarships, at less A's?
NOT THE CHINESE.

I have a long list...

But the answer is

NOT THE CHINESE.

Are we envious of others?

NOT THE CHINESE.

We work harder. 

Or we go out of the country that does not value us. 

And we get better recognition elsewhere due to meritocracy.

Who is sinking the country?

NOT THE CHINESE.

Now, you know the answer?

Read More

Forum on “Article 153 of the Federal Constitution and the Equality of Ethnic communities” cum the launching of Kua Kia Soong’s New Book “Patriots and Pretenders - The Malayan Peoples’ Independence Struggle”

Forum on “Article 153 of the Federal Constitution and the Equality of Ethnic communities”  

cum

 the launching of Kua Kia Soong’s New Book “Patriots and Pretenders - The Malayan Peoples’ Independence Struggle”

Statement by Friends of Suaram Working Committee Johor

27 February 2012

Please refer joint statement  by Friends of SUARAM (FOS)Working Committee Johor, HINDRAF Johor and Persahabatan Semparuthi Johor issued on 3rd March 2012.

Since the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) rally held on 25 November 2007, the majority members of the Indian community who are at the bottom level of our society have generally become more aware of their poor state of conditions. Under the leadership of their progressive leaders, Hindraf has begun to delve into the causes of the dilemma hitherto faced by the Indian community (particularly the laboring masses).

Hindraf has resorted to action by way of courageously voicing their demands for equality. As a consequence, Hindraf suffered brutal suppression by the BN government. Waytha Moorthy (right), the Chairperson of Hindraf, was forced to go into exile. But, he persists in leading the Hindraf struggle from abroad. 

In the meantime, he is seeking international support. In his capacity as the leader of an organization, Human Rights Foundation Malaysia, he submitted a Report entitled “Institutionalised Racism and Religious Freedom in Malaysia” to the US Foreign Affairs Committee, and Tom Lantos Human Rights Committee towards the end of last year [2011].

Of late, Hindraf has also launched a global e-petition, demanding for the repeal of Article 153 of the Malaysian Constitution; for the removal of all racist and religious supremacist policies; and for the fair treatment of all communities. The just action on the part of Hindraf, shows that the Indian community has taken the initiative to put forward its demands for equality on behalf of all ethnic communities as an urgent agenda.

Currently, apart from a forum on “Institutionalised Racism in Malaysia” held in Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) on 17 January 2012, no other political parties or organisations (even the Parliamentary opposition parties who claimed to be well prepared to topple the BN government), have yet to  show the necessary concern and support for the core demands raised by the Indian community represented by Hindraf. 

Friends of Suaram Working Committee Johor (FOS Johor) has decided to organise a forum on “Article 153 of the Federal Constitution and the Equality of  all communities” in March this year. We intend to invite some experts and scholars to present their views. Such decision was made after some thorough discussions, and after taking into consideration the abovementioned circumstances. It is hoped that the forum will arouse the interest of the audience in these important issues.

Fos Johor has invited Mr Waytha Moorthy, Hindraf’s chairperson to be one of the speakers. He may deliver his speech either via teleconferencing or through his representative. FOS Johor has also invited Dr Azmi Sharom (left), Associate Professor of Law studies of Universiti Malaya, as well as Dr Kua Kia Soong, director of Suaram as speakers. These speakers from the three main ethnic communities are well-known experts and scholars for their in-depth understanding of the national and social issues. We also hope to disseminate their papers at the Forum. 

In addition, FOS will take the opportunity to have a book launch of the Chinese rendition of Dr. Kua’s recent publication, Patriots and Pretenders - The Malayan Peoples’ Independence Struggle. In the book, Dr. Kua (right) expresses his clear-cut stand and critical views regarding the origins of the so-called “social contract” and “Malay dominance”. The book provides important reference and material for exploring the current issue of repression suffered by the ethnic minorities as well as the struggle and resistance put up by them. It is particularly an instructive book on the campaign launched by Hindraf to repeal Article 153 of the Federal Constitution and all racist policies and legislation, and to advocate equality for all Malaysians irrespective of race.

The new book will be launched by the veteran bilingual columnist Lee Ban Chen, who will speak in Mandarin. FOS has also invited a columnist, Yong Sun Yong to have a review of the book, to be written in Chinese.

The speeches by the speakers and the book review will appear in FOS Johor’s blog (Suaramjb1.blogspot.com). They will also be forwarded to the media for publication.

The particulars of the Forum and the book launch are as follows:

·       Date : 18 March 2012 (Sunday)

·       Time : 2pm

·       Venue : Johor Tourism Information Centre (JOTIC)

FOS Johor welcomes the attendance of all citizens from all walks of life, who are concerned with democracy and human rights in our country. Admission is free. For further inquiry, please contact Ms Fang (016-7782707).

Read More

“探讨《联邦宪法》153条文与各族人民平等权利问题”讲座会 暨 柯嘉逊著《马来亚人民的独立斗争 ——爱国者与冒牌者》 新书推介会

“探讨《联邦宪法》153条文与各族人民平等权利问题”讲座会

暨

柯嘉逊著《马来亚人民的独立斗争：爱国者与冒牌者》推介会

缘起

2012年2月27日发表

请参阅：柔州3非政府组织（柔佛州人民之友工委会， 柔佛州兴权会与柔佛州大红花之友）2012年3月3日联合声明。

自2007年11月25日兴都权益行动力量（缩称兴权会）大集会以来，处在我国社会最底层的广大印族人民普遍觉醒起来，在先进领袖的领导下，开始探索他们的族群（尤其是劳动人民）长期陷于困境的根源，并行动起来，勇敢发出要求平等权利的呼声。兴权会运动因此遭遇国阵政府的残酷镇压，兴权会主席瓦达慕迪（Waytha Moorthy）被迫流亡国外继续领导国内斗争，并不断寻求国际支援。

2011年底，瓦达慕迪以马来西亚人权基金( The Human Rights Foundation Malaysia)领导人的身份，向美国外交事务国会委员会和Tom Lantos人权委员会提呈了《马来西亚的制度性种族主义和宗教自由》报告。兴权会最近也展开了一项全球电子请愿(global e-petition)，要求马来西亚政府废除《联邦宪法》153条文、废除所有种族主义政策和法律条文，并平等对待所有人民。兴权会的正义行动，就意味着印裔族群将全国各族人民要求平等权利的诉求，主动提到议事日程上来。

目前，除了2012年1月17日在隆雪中华大会堂楼上会议厅举办了一场“马来西亚的制度性的种族主义”论坛外，至今还不见其他党团，甚至宣称准备取代国阵政府的国会反对党，对兴权会代表印度族群提出上述核心诉求，表达应有的关注和支持。

柔州人民之友工委会针对上述的发展局面，经过几次会议详细讨论之后，决定在来临的三月份举办一场 “探讨《联邦宪法》153条文与各族人民平等权利问题”讲座会，让专人学者现身说法，希望引起共鸣。

工委会除了邀请兴权会主席瓦达慕迪（Waytha Moorthy）通过网络视频亲自发表讲话或委派代表莅临会场宣读其讲稿，还邀请了马大法律学系副教授阿兹米沙隆博士（Dr. Azmi Sharom）与我们大马人民之声的董事柯嘉逊博士作为主讲人。我们希望三位分别来自印巫华三大族群社会、研究国家和民族政治、熟悉各自族群社会问题的专人学者，各自发表对讲座会议题（即上述主题）的真知灼见，并提供稿件。

此外，工委会也会在当天推介由杨培根律师翻译成华文的柯嘉逊博士新著《马来亚人民的独立斗争 —— 爱国者与冒牌者》一书。柯嘉逊在该书说明了所谓的“社会契约”和“马来主权”的由来和发展，并表达了他对有关课题的明确立场和精辟见解。这可作为探索和思考我国当前阶段弱势族群被打压及其抗争课题的参考，尤其是对理解兴权会最近分别在国内外所提出的撤销《联邦宪法》第153条文、立即废除所有的种族主义政策和法律条文、平等对待全体马来西亚人的诉求，更有启示作用。

当天新书的推介人是资深的双语评论人李万千，他将以华语发表讲话。工委会也邀请到一位新生的评论健笔杨善勇为此撰新书写一篇华文书评。

工委会将在活动当天现场分发主讲人的文章与推介人的书评，同时也将把它上载至工委会的部落格(Suaramjb1.blogspot.com)，并寄给媒体，以便广泛宣传他们的见解。

这场“探讨《联邦宪法》153条文与各族人民平等权利问题”讲座会暨《马来亚人民的独立斗争 —— 爱国者与冒牌者》新书推介礼的活动详情如下：

·     日期：2012年3月18日（星期日）

·     时间：下午2时正

·     地点：柔佛州旅游咨询局（JOTIC）

工委会敬邀关心与推动我国民主人权运动的各民族、各阶层人士踊跃参与。入场免费。欲知详情，请联络方佩芬（016-7782707）。

Read More