Sunday, February 8, 2009

Oh Najib, what have you done?

One of my favorite jokes goes like this: If 2 Malays get together, they will form a political party. If 3 Indians get together, they will form a workers union. If 4 Chinese get together, they will ---------- play mahjong!

The joke is innocent enough, but poignantly illustrates a maddening trait of the Chinese race. The Chinese as a race has gone through an un-proportionally high number of man made and natural calamity in its span of history. This cultivates the pervasive mind-your-own-business and keep-peace-at-all-cost mentality. You can insult them as being squatters, threaten them with a weapon, they will swallow the insult as long as there is some bread crumbs left for them to make a living.

It is virtually impossible to motivate the Chinese to do anything other than making money, as 50 years of DAP struggle can testify. The 308 tsunami got them somewhat excited. But even so you won’t see many Chinese in various rallies and anti-government protests. Their first instinct is to protect the rice bowl. There is nothing you could do to get them away from their comfort zone. But all of that changed over the past few days, with the unfolding of the coup in Perak.

Najib may seem to have won the battle in Perak, but he made a very serious tactical mistake. It can prove to be a very deadly mistake indeed. Najib, being so immersed in the Malay Ultra culture surrounded by yes-man Chinese, is completely unaware of a taboo; an un-crossable line in the Chinese psyche. In his desperation to gain back some morale after a string of humiliations he committed the worst offence in the eyes of Chinese.

The Chinese are not what they seem on the surface. Nobody is what they seem on the surface for that matter. Whatever a certain character trait is overtly demonstrated on the surface, you can be sure that the complete opposite is lurking in the shadow. The seemly peace loving Chinese are not all that benign under the hood. It can be seen in the pervasive triad culture, the kung fu culture, the patriotic literature, even in its religion. The most popular god for Chinese is not Buddha the transcendental one; not Guan Yin the goddess of mercy; but Lord Guan, the god of war, the legendary general revered for his absolute loyalty and righteousness.



The bloody history of China was spotted with numerous upraising against foreign invaders and tyrants and oppressors. The secret societies’ heroic deeds are enshrined in literature and folklore, and the virtues of righteousness and absolutely loyalty sworn with blood are deified in Lord Guan. By the same token the traitors that sold out their own race are similarly enshrined in history to be cursed for eternity. Such is the dark hidden aspect of the Chinese psyche. The Chinese have no qualms about shaking hands with you even if you are a murderer. Money comes first; the rest is none of their business. But betrayal, especially betrayal of the race is an absolute taboo, an unforgivable sin.


Najib, in his haste to win Perak, has created one such unforgivable sinner in the person of Hee Yit Foong. In doing so he put himself in the position of a corrupt tyrant. The stage is set and all the actors in place: the villain Najib, the traitor Hee, and the unexpected rise of Nazir as the grassroot kung-fu hero. The racial memory is awakened and the Chinese finally united and up in arms for an epic struggle. PAS and DAP comradeship was never so strongly cemented.

Well done Najib, you managed to achieved what DAP could not do in the past 50 years. The hatred for Hee will be forever tied to you. No amount of sweet talk can get you out of this. No amount of money can buy you out of this. I am not sure how the collective hatred will manifest, but it will be a very ugly reality for you. It will be as dirty as the techniques you used to siege Perak.

Look at it objectively; the coup in Perak is really only a storm in the tea cup. It is nothing close to the Manchurian invasion or the Japanese occupation. Is the hatred projected to Hee Yit Foong really justified? There are 4 assembly men/women who deserted Pakatan Rakyat, why the exclusive focus of hatred to Hee?

But human beings hardly ever act rationally. The mob emotion is a very dangerous beast. This incident is the proverbial last straw that breaks the camel back. What got released is a deluge of pent up anger, frustrations, hatred and what not. There is nothing rational about it. But the despicable intrigue that Najib played to topple the Perak government was equally irrational and unjustified. It was completely uncalled for in the current global climate. The blatant disregard of the wish and feelings of the people was a form of wanton selfishness. Such irresponsible act will prove to have a very destructive effect for both the Prime Minister to be and to Barisan Nasional.

I would have loved to see the incarnation of a culture of tolerance and cooperation where all these ugly memories can be put to rest forever. I would have loved to see Barisan Nasional stand strong and lead the country out of the epic crisis that is already at our doorstep. But the rampant corruption in Barisan Nasional had not given me any hope yet. It has been getting from bad to worst for all that I see.

My support for Pakatan Rakyat is not because of the historical ideologies of the respective component parties. The rather unexpected victory in 308 has forced the three parties – PAS, PKR and DAP - to go through thorough transformations to adapt to the new roles they have to play. My support is a way of facilitating the transformation so that it can become vehicle for our common survival in the current global crisis. I will give myself in completely for that.

This is a time of reflection for all, not for rash actions. There are a lot of questions to ponder. Why would Hee Yit Foong, who dedicated 28 years of her live with DAP, made such an irrational decisions? Her action is akin to suicide. Her actions is destructive to herself, to the parties she sworn allegiance to and to the people that she pledged to represent. It is a grotesque and tragic manifestation of uncontrolled egoity, much like the destructive game that Najib is playing now but in different flavor. This is a complex question. I will write more about it later.

Is the battle lost for Pakatan Rakyat in Perak? May be. But I think the war is only just beginning to warm up.

“The Chinese are sons of Adam. The Malays, too, are sons of Adam” Nik Aziz Nik Mat
"Something new must emerge ..... A new mode of social contract ...., an egoless mode ...... based on cooperation, tolerance and universal participation and accountability. " Adi Da, Not-Two IS Peace

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

22 comments:

rpremkumar2u said...

One of my Chinese buddy will stand by me thick and thin as I would do the same for him. I asked him about Hee's actions: He kept silent. After about 5 minutes later, he replied, her problem was that she did not really know what her problem was. So what solution is she seeking for?

Anonymous said...

One Nation under God cannot have crooks governing it. The way Perak was taken proves it. Be End has to be destroyed at all costs. It's use by date has expired. This nation must unite to remove traitors. One Nation: Bangsa Malaysia, without various and diverse cutltures. This woman Hee has indeed been a traitor, a dark stain in our history that can never be washed clean unless she repents, and resigns, but she will still be remembered. Oops, lest I forget the Sultan who has himself become one dark blot in our history as well. Him only God can forgive. But I have learnt something that I probably thought was not possble: The formation of the People's Republic of Malaysia. The monarchy has to go. This is what Indira Gandhi did years ago - get rid of the privileged few and spread the wealth to the people. True democracy has it's problems but it will be better than what we have right now.

Niel said...

true, but im afraid hat the culture of khiahsi might overpower the 'taboo' u mentioned jz now.

Anonymous said...

CORRECTION to One Nation Under God.
without is actually WITH
One Nation: Bangsa Malaysia, WITH various and diverse cutltures. I apologize for my misuse of the language. I believe that this can be a diverse nation but united as a Republic.

Anonymous said...

If you look at the picture posted up, she have a really unhappy face - if she ever receive the 10 million. Not like the other defactors grinning from ear to ear. There might be more to the story.....

Anonymous said...

You may have millions RM but if you are unhappy and cursed by millions do you think you can live peacefully.

Remember you are not alone in this world, you have parents, brothers, sisters, husband, children and relatives.

Do you thing your actions will also indirectly them..... how are the also to lead a happy lives in the society.

Money is not everything.

Unknown said...

great angle on this article!

Traitors are unforgivable.
Hee will not last long.... the betrayed Jelapang & Perak chinese voters will make sure of it...

hope she has gotten her $$ or will get it soon.... & disappear to rot somewhere else....

Anonymous said...

all the people i met and receive smses from reflects on the Chinese psycge...no one talked about the other assemblymen. they all said Hee has to go to jail fro bringing down an elected government and that she should just be sentenced to death..she should rot in jail..and even leaders in political parties withg what is sent in these smses. REAL PITY that we have a woman who do not know her stand...many have said she is dying so she need to make sure that the 10 million ringgit will go to her "loved" ones...if at all IF AT ALL IF AT ALL SHE LOVES ANYBODY but herself

elizabeth said...

what u said about the chinese is true, that we are willing to swallow our pride for the sake of peace and safety...

But more than 20 years under the tyranny of UMNO and the ease with which UMNO leaders take a snipe at the chinese for the sake of promoting theselves in the eyes of their own party, the ease with which they threaten the chinese, raising the kris, etc, slowly cause the chinese to open our eyes..

308 would not have happened if not for the free flow of information and internet, and the united front...

I was a polling agent during 308, and served in Petaling jaya, an affluent area. As u know, middle class chinese are the worst lot, who is kiasi. But they came out in droves to support the pakatan. Were they afraid of a repeat of 513 as alluded by some BN politicians during the campaigning I ask... Their reply was, we don care what happens to us, we have to salvage Malaysia for the sake of our children and their children.

As for Hee, she has forgotten the big picture!!! And the Perak-gate also opened our eyes... we cannot depend on men, only God Almighty can deliver us from the tyranny of UMNO & human greed.

Anonymous said...

Good article on the psyche of the Chinese . One correction though - it is not true that they will submit to anything just to be able to make money . To survive , yes ! The Chinese stay out of trouble to be able to live and bring up their families . They fear trouble and bloodshed . They are willing to compromise ,without sacrificing their honour and integrityy of course , for the greater good . But if pushed too hard and unfairly or as in Tan Siew Sin's words," pushed against a wall" , they will have no choice but to kick back , again to survive .
It is not in our nature to start fights. If I read Chinese History correctly, China had not invaded other countries but had been invaded and had to fight back .
I feel the shame ,and the heat against the traitor in our community . But think of it- how important they have made her ! She will go down in History as the one who has roused the apathetic Malaysians especially the Chinese race . Looks like , if you can't do great things, do bad things - you will still make a name for yourself .
I salute those who have the courage
to stand up for what is right . But I am truly worried for their well-being . DSAI suffered a black eye . Kugan died . I hope there won't be anymore catastrophies .

Anonymous said...

To Chinese community, Hee is a traitor, unforgivable; if she is not happy just resign and quit the party. Now She has only three choice 1. quit the ADUN post to pave way for by-election; 2 Death sentence by the Unknown force; or 3. Death sentence by her ownself - suicide due to community pressure. Let her choose which way she prefers.

Anonymous said...

Hee has make us shame to be a chinese.
A betrayer to Chinese community.
A traitor to Chinese Ancestor.

HEE is the CONDEMN ONE.

Suiluipau said...

Excellent post!

Chinese are often known as the race that will put money comes first. The unity of all chinese due to the betrayal by Hee is unprecedented and your post have summarised clearly why this have happen. Betrayal of the race far outweight any $$ that BN can throw to appease their anger.

The taking of Perak just started the end of a corruptive regime. We need to have a Malaysia for Malaysian and not for ultra-elitist or relatives of the current leaders. One Nation, One Malaysia - that should be our new motto.

If you dun mind, i am linking your post to mine :) thanks..

KEAT said...

i think some faction will want to have Hee killed.

1) So that BN can accuse Pakatan of the murder (Pakatan will get a by-election that DAP is expected to win)

2) Such a shocking event will dis-illusionise the Chinese community. (DAP will never be able to wash away suspision as it is deemed the immediate benefactor) and being confused, the final benefactor will be MCA and Najib.

MCA and Najib, they have nothing to lose anymore. They are the condemned as of now and also GE2012 ... Hee's demise is totally disposable...

Anonymous said...

RPK has said it before.
Chinese has no balls.
They wallow in the sea of fear.
The FEAR created by MCA/UMNO.And that fear even drives many to give up hope and look elsewhere.
Who do we blame if many bright chinese children just leave Malaysia and settle down in a foreign country.
Our government does not give a hoot.
They care so much of their pockets no matter what happens they just sleep on.
If meritocrasy is not appreciated only unsuitable people (crooks, corrupted,murderer) will end up governing the country leading all of us backward instead of forward.

Anonymous said...

We all knew the existing government are corrupted. Najib is the head of corrupted ones and Pak Lah has given up of fighting corruption as he's about to retire.

Can you see Najib grin from ear to ear during the press conference and Hee standing next to him? Look at how Hee reacted the whole news conference session.

Yes, she's a traitor to the DAP and the People of Perak. Greed shows on her face and if I were her, I would die by DAP, and not by BN side.

The new illegal MB - Dr. Zambry says "I am the MB for all race". Well, I don't believe. None of my family members believes what a typical Malay would say especially we all knew the Sultan of Perak hastically sworn this new MB without knowing the law of the constitution. Hmmm... probably the Anti-Corruption Agency should investigate the Sultan. All my Perak friends are extremely disappoint of HIS HIGHNESS action and of course, they have no confidence in this Sultan anymore. This shows that the Sultan is not a WISE man at all. He too destroys the trust of the people and we all know it's wrong for HIM to decide on something that is against the LAW. First dissolve the Assembly and call for SNAP Election. The only HE decide which party who won the majority to be chosen as the Menteri Besar.

It's that simple...

Anonymous said...

In all her post defection pictures,she appeared timid and unhappy,guilt-ridden?

I think she should not be viewed as a traitor to the Chinese.That would be too narrow.Because her action contributed to the collapse of a whole government that represents Perakians of all races and brought severe disappointment and dismay to many Malaysians(the majority?)
I do not wish to judge her but
I feel that she has betrayed more than the Chinese, DAP,PR or Perak.

Any right thinking Malaysian with a sense of right and wrong would have felt outrage and anger that their fundamental right to select a govt of his choice could be so easily taken away by an individual's action.

Humble Voice said...

Dear Allyson,

Go ahead. It is my pleasure.

Anonymous said...

Let me tell you why the Chinese are so pissed off.

It is not because of the Bota guy. He was an UMNO fella through and through - what he did is exactly what can be expected.

It is not the 2 PKR jokers either - we're kinda put off, but then what can you expect from a splinter party of UMNO? They are actually abang -adik, and besides they have a gun to their heads (the impending court cases which I'm sure najib can work some miracles). I can sorta reluctantly understand.

But when it comes too Hee....
This is a women who KNEW what the chinese people wanted from 308 - to tell UMNO to get lost.
KNEW that the chinese people of perak were happy with Nizar's government.
This is not just a lompat. This is BETRAYAL of the Chinese psyche. She almost single handedly killed the state government! How can we expect this treachery from A person who was in DAP for 20 years!!!? All because of an EXCO seat and a %&*&Camry!
The Chinese community have never felt so CHEAP their entire lives!

Anonymous said...

While we condemn the bitch of Jelapang , we should ask who brought her to the greats of BN . Could it be MIC or UMNO ? I doubt it . So there might be greater traitors among us . Wipe them and their parties out .

As to the rare courage and bravery we are witnessing today , the inspiration could have come from the U.S. Haven't we been reminded recently that " Rosa Parks sat so that Marin Luther King could stand ; and MLK stood so that Obama could run " ? So Obama ran and has won the Presidency of the U.S.

It is the little people with big hearts and minds who bring about
better civilisations .

Anonymous said...

I would believe that the political party that eventually accepts Hee is the party that sold her , poor feeble soul, and if so , should also be condemned to the gutter .

Anonymous said...

Hee keep on making explanation thru the press these day but she have to remember her action is a huge damage to chinese. The article is nicely said. This actually apply to every human...not just Chinese....remember during the peak of REFORMASI movement 11yrs ago, Al Gore commented on Malaysia and Dr M turn it around to bring up Patriotism in the country and we all supported him.

This is the same now on Hee....she did something that really motivated all to come out and fight over it.

No matter how much she try to convince that DAP don't want her...no one will believe coz like one said...28yrs with the party and she can leave the party after Guan Eng make such comment? Her explanation on her missing for the past few days also poorly interpreted. Plus that picture Media put up while she is heading to Iskandariah Palace in Volvo already explain everything.

I guess for her...enough is enough. No need to explain, what she can do is try to live each day as she can.

Of course put it in positive way...maybe she's told to do so as a way to bring up the anger of many chinese in the country. But really I doubt it as this is not like the tale of three kingdom which is showing on Cinema now.

I cannot believe we are having a Red cliff battle in real life :P