Man Has No Nature, What He Has Is History - Ortega Gasset, Spanish Philosopher

A quotation taken from Azly Rahman's article of 8 March 2010 which appeared in his blog, http://azlyrahman-illuminations.blogspot.com/2010/03/malay-construction-of-illusion.html

I am in total agreement with you  'Man has no nature, what he has is history' as quoted by Ortega Gasset, the Spanish Philosoper. Specifically referring to race. Race can be whatever is appropriate as seen in the eye of a leader. It could be used as a political instrument to preserve power. And this has been proven in the past and also in the present.

Man is an adaptable being. He can change to suit his position in order to survive. This is a primeval instinct. In the modern context, it should not be encouraged especially in  countries whose population are multi-racial. So by nature, human can plan his action to benefit himself or his group. And it is something flexible, determined by the environments.

Nature in all individuals is an attribute which is personal and intangible. So much so, only when such action is recorded, it becomes history. History is therefore the act of man. And it will be the indicator of where a nation has failed. Past events has shown that certain political philosophy is contradictory to human nature. Thus Democracy came into being because it answers the basic need of man for freedom and equality in all fields of human endeavour.

A country should not be afraid of multiracialism. It should consider it as a melting pot  to obtain the best from every race, its culture and heritage. Americans has proved that this is possible and Barack Obama, the first Black President is the living example.

So a nation should consider that it is fortunate in having so many different races as her citizens as this will enable it to draw the various intellectual resources required in building a strong and stable country - Malaysia.

UMNO's Greatest Challenge

The comment below is in response to Art Harun's posting, "The symptoms and the disease"  on his blog Articulation at  http://art-harun.blogspot.com/

Picture of UMNO's Leadership

Right on. This is a negative and destructive culture. In the end it would retard Malays from excelling in all fields of human endeavour and instead becoming an insular race.


Like China and the Chinese before Deng Xiaopeng introduced the concept of an 'Open Society', China was inward looking. Everything must be done the Chinese way, culture, commerce, industry etc..

At what price! China's development was way behind Malaysia's. Then China changed, it became a cosmopolitan nation and within a decade its economy is second only to the U.S.A..

Malaysia can also do the same, our country need revamping. And we have already got the instrument, 1Malaysia/Bangsa Malaysia to help us. UMNO must understand that the other races also have aspiration in wanting to improve theirs' and their families' position
financially or otherwise.

UMNO must therefore ensure that more opportunities are given to non-Malays in education, senior and top posts in government agencies as well as in the police and armed forces.

Their skills, experiences, knowledge etc. must be tapped and utilised to help the country move further up in the status of a developed country. These resources should not be ignored. As there are reports stating that non-Malay Malaysians are playing a crucial role in the economic, industrial and commercial life of their adopted countries.

UMNO must realised as pillars of the government, it plays a very important part in determining the survival of Malaysia as an economy and as a nation.

In the same manner,the best brains of the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Bajaus, Ibans, Melanaus etc. should be heads of both governmental and private enterprise. Smartness and capability are not the monopoly of any particular race.

UMNO must be realistic that Singapore has benefitted from recruiting qualified Malaysians into their society. Giving them privileges and citizenship. It is a fact that Malaysians has contributed greatly to Singapore's position as a regional power house.

During the British era, the non-Malays also contributed to the economic boom of Malaya.

What is being said here is that UMNO must acknowledged the role of the non-Malays in contributing to the robust financial health of the country both pre and post independent period up to the present time.


If there are elements within UMNO that are against this pragmatic policy, then the UMNO leadership must take a firm stand. And ensure that practicality and reality must win.

Because Malaysia is a plural society, it cannot afford to create a discord among the different races.

UMNO's foremost responsibility is to make certain that the brightest, the cream of all the different races, Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Bajau, Iban, Melanau etc. are given prominent function to ensure that Malaysia's financial position remains strong and viable.

This is UMNO's Leadership greatest challenge and if this is achieved UMNO would have redeemed itself. It will not only become the champion of the Malays but also the non-Malays. And the key to such success is UMNO's multiracial concept of making sure, every Malaysian has the opportunity to better themselves in whatever area of industry.

Nazri's Criticism Of Dr. Mahathir - Considered As Fair Comment

Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz

The statements that Nazri made against Dr. Mahathir can be considered as fair comment. Although critical, it is referring only to action done by Dr Mahathir and not on his person. It is not character assasination. In fact it
is putting Mahathir's policy and philosophy when he was the leader of the government and UMNO respectively under the microscope.

And Nazri has put it rightly that there are defects in what Dr Mahathir espoused now and then. For example, during Mahathir's time, all Barisan parties and politicians have to toe the line. So there is very little criticism on wrong doings. Everything is suppressed. And on the surface it looks good. Underneath, it's simmering and waiting to explode.

The first principle a leader must learnt, he is not above the law. Whenever a leader act with this in mind, he is applying a voluntary self discipline so as not to break the laws of the country including those connected with morality. A leader's legacy is judged by its consistency. In other words, there shouldn't be any difference in what he believes. It should be the same for today, yesterday and tomorrow. There is no wavering.

When a leader is inconsistent, there is a danger that decisions, he made may be emotional rather than rational or realistic. Nazri has correctly pointed out that leaders are human. They are not divine. Criticisms are part and parcel of a politician life. They must be accepted as a form of feedback and changes be made accordingly to rectify the defect whether spiritual or physical. And that is the challenge every politician must face.

MCA - Needs Fresh Leadership

Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat

The ouster of both Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, president and Dato Choi Soi Lek, deputy president indicates the majority of MCA party members wanted someone who is untainted to lead the party. This is a good sign because it shows that it is serious in its aim to clean the party. And to be in line with the wishes of the grassroot.

There is a saying that when the leadership is right, it is moving in tandem with the aspiration of the people. Politic is the art of the possible and as long as political leaders listened to the people, their decision cannot be wrong. Whether MCA have experienced leaders should not be an issue, the question is whether the leader elected has the qualities to be able to lead the party.

And in this regard it must be a person who is farsighted, accomodating but not to the point that it must sacrifice the party's objectives and aims in so far as it relates to its position in BN. A party's objectives is sacrosact. It is the reason for its existence.

No doubt MCA has got a lot of fresh leaders and anyone of them can become the next president of the MCA as long as they have the right qualities.

It Should Not Be My Way, It Should Be The Perakians Way

Sometimes a song can best reflect our action. For example, it is not appropriate to have your way when the masses are moving in the opposite direction. Good leaders should always listen to the voice and feeling of the people. In Perak, the men in the street want to have another election to determine who should be the popular state government of Perak.

No harm to accede to this demand. It is the will of the majority. And in agreeing, actually you win the favour of the people. War is not always won by advancing. A retreat could also help. In the Second World War, Montgomery was forced to retreat in the Tank Battle of El Alamein in North Africa. Rommel, the German general was the victor. But because of that tactical retreat, Montgomery was able to regroup his forces and made a counter attack to reconquer the region for Britain.

In war as well as in politic, strategic moves are very important. It should be done with Malaysians of every race in mind. Non-Bumiputra Malaysians are angry and disappointed on many things in this country. The rectifying of all these for example, like educational, job, economic opportunities etc. doesn't cost billion of dollars. It may only involve the adjustment of the relevant policies.

The danger however is that many little Napoleons on the ground who are supposed to implement these policies do not do so. Instead they sabotaged them and the government gets the blame and a bad name. The people's perception, it is only talk, no genuine action. A label once stuck is difficult to remove.

It can only be done if it is given the highest priority and monitored by the Prime Minister himself with a mobile Special Minister to check at all levels of implementation including on the ground. These are not billion dollar issues, and to the government they maybe considered as just small matters. But remember whatever concerned the future and survival of their children, non-Bumiputra Malaysians take them very seriously. So this should be reciprocated in the same manner.

Many big ships have sunk because the captain thought the small leaks were just something trifle. In politic, a similar situation could happen.

The Fed Up Malaysians

All political parties should take note that there are Malaysians who are fed up with what is happening in the country. Angry, to see what should have been done correctly was done wrongly. What people in the kampong thought should be the honest way? Turned out not to be so. Villagers are the conscience of the nation. They make their decision based on traditions, centuries old. What is commonly called the wisdom of the ages?

When villagers say that this is wrong? We should take notice. Because they are looking at issues with unclouded eyes. Or rather with innocence. Again being innocent is being truthful. So tons of legal arguments cannot hide the truth. The truth will stand out. Sometimes we have to accept that truth can cause the downfall of a person. But what is that, compare to the condemnation and curses thrown to the individual concerned.

It's strange, humans respect those who surrendered and gave way to the truth.Probably because this is a sign of intergrity. A sign of courage, a sign of being principled. And afterall, it's not the end of the line. The man who uphold the truth even when he lost, will have another chance to win the support of the people and to win his cause.

Politicians must remember that to accept the truth is a virtue. But to reject what is true and continue to fight is a stigma. It will make people lost confidence in the leadership of that person. So never fight truth, it will kill the individual politically even when it appears that he has won his case legally.

The ' I ' Factor

The 'I' is now the determining factor in Malaysian politic.Because the people realised that the sort of government they would like to have is up to them. The strategy of all political parties must therefore change to accommodate this new aspect of peoples' thinking. They should maximize their relevance so as to incorporate the aspiration/physical development of their particular constituencies.

It is no longer politician who will set up the programme of implementing projects to bring growth in their respective parliamentary or state seats. It is the people. Gone are the days when politicians called the shots. The 'I'power, when they combine to become the 'We' force, will be able to overcome whatever obstacles standing in the way.And thus can form government that are more sensitive to their needs.

These are not complicated demands. Just simple ones. Like getting places for non-Bumiputra children into local colleges and universities. Even when their results are very good,most of them are not given such opportunities. These are the issues they would like to be resolved. And at the same time,they will make comparison with neighbouring Singapore where no such practices existed.

Question will be raised. As to why Singapore goes to the extent of headhunting for smart students from foreign countries. Offering them scholarships. And when they have completed their studies, were offered good jobs, housing facilitiea including citizenship. Why are non-Bumiputra Malaysian students given a bad deal in their own country?Considering that they are also citizens of this country. And the billion dollar issue, why is there no action taken to remedy this glaring inequality?

Creating the loss of thousands of intellectual asset through brain drain. Malaysia could have reached developed nation status years back had they not made this blunder. Will this repressive situation be allowed to continue? Or will the demands of the 'I' factor be heeded to show that Malaysians are given equal treatment whatever their race or religion.

SAKMONGKOL AK47: Let the People Decide!

SAKMONGKOL AK47: Let the People Decide!

The World's First....... Tree Of Democracy Is In Malaysia

Malaysians must be very proud indeed to have the Tree of Democracy thriving well in Perak. The world's first! And Malaysian ingenuity would make sure that it will become a special attraction.An attraction that would make the backwater state of Perak,world renown. People from everywhere will make a pilgrimage to see this tree.

What was an upside down situation has turned out for the good. Must be the hand of destiny. For Perak has nothing to offer all this while! Suddenly and magically, behold! The Tree of Democracy appeared. The Tree of Life! For it will bring untold riches to Perakians and Malaysians. How? Through people. And people are what? Tourists.

Tourists bring what? Money lah! And lots and lots of money. This time, no political crossover is necessary. The ordinary people will benefit because of spillover effect from this giant tsunami of tourists coming to see for themselves this extraordinary tree. Where once, democracy was almost dead, it now has come back to life. Truly miraculous.

The only problem is Perakians and Malaysians are given an option. It is called ingenuity. How should they handle this Tree of Democracy? That's a billion dollar question. Surprisingly, the answer is simple. Just handle it right! And everything will fall into place. And the billions will come in. No big deal as the saying goes,if everything is done correctly. Correct!

The Debacle In The Perak State Legislative Assembly

Well the debacle in the Perak State Legislative Assembly on 7 May 2009 left a bitter taste in the mouth of Malaysians. It is outrageous that the speaker have to be manhandled in order to remove him. Legitimate methods should have been used. Like applying the proper procedure for such a case. The house must have provided rules for this sort of situation.

The most important being that both government and opposition members should act within the ambit of the law. Parliament and State Legislative members are the guardians of the law. And they must exercise their duties upholding this spirit. And the people of Perak who are the prime stakeholder in this issue should be the determining factor. They should be the final arbitor.

Remember, if there is no people ( citizens), there is no country or state. Democracy is all about the people, of the people and by the people. So the best course of action is to turn to the people of Perak and let them decide who will rule the state.This certainly will help to stabilise the country's political situation. And focus could be directed instead to resolving the economic downturn. This financial crisis must be given the highest prority.

It involves the survival of Malaysia and the economic well being of Malaysians. The Perak issue should therefore be put right by the people of the state themselves. And the best way is through another election.