MANY Malaysians are annoyed by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s remarks, which question the loyalty of the Indians and Chinese because of their supposed failure to assimilate into Malay society.

In a way though, I feel sorry for the former prime minister, who’s in the twilight years of his life.

Without doubt, those of us who were present during his 22-year tenure as PM will remember him fondly and proudly for building Malaysia into a nation clearly on a path to modernisation. He put us on the world map with the construction of the Petronas Twin Towers and bringing Formula 1 racing to Malaysia.

Under his stewardship, we enjoyed double-digit economic growth, and he inspired Malaysians by instilling confidence in us.

Many of us even chose to adopt a more lenient outlook then as Dr Mahathir tore down reforms and civil society the way we knew it as he moved pieces in the judiciary system, including sacking the Lord President then, and diminishing the powers of our Rulers.

During his tenure, his dissidents were arrested and jailed and newspapers which refused to toe the line were temporarily shut down.

But worst of all, he undermined every single one of his successors. In his eyes, none of them were fit to be PM.

Unfortunately for him, his legacy is now firmly consigned to the history books.

Malaysians have stopped according him the respect he likely desires.

He should know that by now, right? Or has someone forgotten to give him that memo? After all, he managed to garner only 4,566 votes, which is 12.5% short of the vote threshold to retain his deposit to hang on to his Langkawi parliamentary seat.

Incredibly, he was quoted saying he doesn’t understand what contributed to his disastrous defeat.

The reason was staring at him, but his sycophants probably didn’t have the heart to tell him.

Malaysians, including the predominantly Malay voters of Langkawi, essentially just want Dr M to retire for good.

He had 22 years as PM and even came back for a second hurrah as PM at the age of 92, and he was certainly back with his usual combative style of politics.

Plus, he was also glaringly out of sync with how things worked in the modern age. Dr Mahathir was a man caught in a time warp as he talked about policies and formulas which sounded archaic.

We can forgive him for believing he’s still a political icon and legend.

After all, ours is a society which accords respect and reverence to the elderly, especially our leaders.

Many of us will still request wefies with the nonagenarian, but let’s hope he doesn’t get carried away with delusions of grandeur.

His time ended some years back. A new Prime Minister – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim – has been in power for a year.

Crumbling record: Tun Dr Mahathir will always be credited for putting us on the world map with the construction of the Petronas Twin Towers, among others. However, he is fast losing respect with his recent remarks and antics. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

Dr Mahathir barely has any clout, but like all politicians, he, too, thrives on publicity to prove his imagined relevance. He knows the controversies, including his nasty remarks, earn column inches and attention.

The media should just ignore him, though. His divisive sound bites don’t make Malaysia better, but instead, unnecessarily generate discontent. Instead of dedicating his time to writing elder statesman-like essays to share his experiences and wisdom on nation building, he has opted to continually spew toxic race and religion narratives.

Loyal Malaysians including Malays, Chinese, Indians, Sikhs, Ibans, Kadazans and others are the ones who toiled for our beloved country.

The disloyal Malaysians are the corrupt leaders who have stolen, plundered and looted from our nation’s properties and coffers, including government-linked companies, and perpetrators include many cronies, too. Malaysia had bled profusely long before the 1MDB scandal, and this was the final straw for our people.In our history’s national fiascos, many of those implicated, unfortunately, are elites with political connections, including those from the time of Dr Mahathir’s reign.

So he has no moral standing to lecture us about loyalty to Malaysia, where most of the people born and raised here would surely desire to die in this country as well. Our loyalty should never be questioned.

Malaysia is what it is today because of the contributions every single one of us has made.

Some of us may have linguistic inadequacies and the inability to integrate, but our hearts and minds are truly Malaysian, and that’s what matters most.

With due respect, Tun, please stop talking about loyalty and calling us pendatang.

In case you’ve forgotten, this is 2024.

In good hands: The Fire and Rescue Department putting out the fire at Ngeh’s house last Wednesday. It’s best for investigations to be left to the police, says the writer. — Photo courtesy of the Fire and Rescue Department

REPORTERS from Singapore’s media, whether based in Kuala Lumpur or their country, keep close tabs on the political developments in Malaysia daily.

After all, our politicians are adept at being newsmakers unlike their Singapore counterparts.

Malaysia makes it into the front pages more than Singapore’s PAP leaders and unfortunately, often for the wrong reasons.

This isn’t a case of bad publicity being publicity nonetheless because we’d prefer to keep our politics mundane like on the island republic.

Politics is toxic and unproductive in Malaysia, where race and religion are part of the daily recipe of every issue, and outsiders reading about these explosive debates might expect things to go off the rails.

But despite the rattling of pots and pans, the racket never amounts to violence. There are no riots, assassinations, racial conflicts or worse, civil war.

Protests are rather tame since organisers work with the police to ensure they disperse once the protest note is handed over.

By and large, our politics never crosses the line of extremism because we’re a middle-class country.

Malaysia prides itself on being a stable nation with a population that has great tolerance and is peaceful, despite its multiracial and multi-religious fabric.

Our people can’t afford to stay on the streets for months, unlike say, Bangkok, because we must all report to work. Basically, prolonged rent-a-crowd protests aren’t feasible here.

Malaysia isn’t a despot country either, unlike Myanmar, where the military has slowly begun losing to the various ethnic rebel groups that have opted to work together to fight the oppressive junta.

The police investigating a ‘bomb-like’ object under Siti Kasim’s car last year. — Agencies

In Indonesia, protests can also get out of control, especially those initiated by religious groups which can mobilise huge crowds.

What happened last week when a Molotov cocktail was thrown into the home of Perak DAP Member of Parliament Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham is rare indeed. Three vehicles belonging to the MP for Beruas caught fire as a result.

It’s commendable that PAS quickly condemned the attack, saying burning and destroying property is unacceptable regardless of political difference, especially when it puts a person’s property or life at risk.

Likewise, Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has also rebuked the attack.

Ngeh, who has apologised for his proposal to include non-Muslims on a committee studying the conflicts between syariah laws and the Federal Constitution, has since withdrawn his remarks.

He has also forgiven those behind the incident at his home saying the perpetrators might have been misled by falsehoods and instigated by others into committing the crime.

It’s best for investigations to be left to the police. There’s little to gain from jumping to conclusions, pointing fingers and prematurely blaming without proper evidence. After all, it would only create more tension.

Give the police time and space to do their work. In fact, our cops should also probe Netizens who posted seditious comments on the act of arson.

The attack is unacceptable, and the culprits need to be arrested and charged swiftly to send a strong message.

Malaysia doesn’t condone such violent acts and those responsible must face the consequences.

In my 38-year journalism career, I can only recall a single assassination, that of MIC Lunas state assemblyman Dr Joe Fernandez in 2000, when he was shot dead in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Many believed it was an act of terrorism although an open verdict was declared. To this day, the real motive remains a mystery.

Eighteen years after the incident, the Special Coroner’s Court ruled that his assassination had nothing to do with business, political or personal reasons.

Last July, there was an attempted hit on outspoken activist lawyer Siti Kasim, where an explosive device was planted under her car. Until now, the police have yet to find any leads, which is most disappointing.

Let’s hope that with the attack on Ngeh’s house, the police will be able to resolve it with proper answers. We’re confident that our Polis Diraja Malaysia will do their best for the nation’s peace and harmony.

WHEN you’re past 60, like me, conversations among peers have a predictable theme.

After whining about our politics, like we’re all culpable of, the dialogue invariably switches to updates on ourselves and our mutual friends.

And ultimately, the chit chat will revolve around our health, and of visits to the hospital to see the doctor or physiotherapist. You’re doing well if the medical attention stops there.

Our exchanges will surely include information on clinics or hospitals which offer the best treatments, facilities, and of course, price.

No one cares about the race of the medical specialists who treated us, whether they’re Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban or Kadazan. We’re only interested to know from where we can get the best treatment.

Likewise, the ethnic background of nurses in hospitals is irrelevant. Not one of us asks about the race of the person whose donated blood we receive. And the same goes for organ donors.

As the sick lay helplessly in their hospital beds, they don’t fuss about wardmates of a different racial background. The priority is simply to recover, and most patients tend to get friendly and even wish each other well.

Sometimes, prayers are conducted for a patient of a different faith. Most people are just thankful for good thoughts, regardless of the prayer’s religious origin. The intention is good, so that’s all that matters.

This is glaringly clear with frequent hospital visits, especially when you reach a certain age, or when you need to accompany loved ones there.

Most of us remember the names of our best, and worst, teachers. Long after leaving school, we still appreciate our favourite teachers because they taught us well.

We credit them for bringing out the best in us. Whether it’s the strict Malay cikgu who taught us Bahasa Malaysia or the scary Chinese Mathematics teacher, we think of them fondly.

Of course, we haven’t forgotten the lazy and unjust ones either, even when they’re from our own race.

So, I’m deeply disturbed when certain politicians brag by claiming they are champions of their race and religion, and no one else.

Their inflated sense of self-worth makes them believe only they represent their own race adequately, and everyone else is inferior. In fact, they’re even pompous enough to think they’re indispensable.

Conversely, when they campaign for votes, they also claim they’re the best people to safeguard the interests of other races.

The only time the three major languages are used is probably during our election campaigns, emblazoned on posters, banners and campaign materials like a sign of solidarity.

Immediately after the polls are over though, when normalcy returns, we learn that English, Chinese or Tamil can’t be used in official letters.

You can, of course, show up in shorts at ceramahs, even a PAS gathering, but the same flexibility isn’t applicable after that.

If you get robbed in the middle of the road, you’ll still have to change into proper attire when making a report at the police station. The same stringent rules are imposed at some hospitals, too, based on the interpretation of the incumbent hospital director, or the pak guard.

It’s safe to say that no one wants to visit the police station or hospital if they can help it, unless they work there because otherwise, it means they’ve been struck by some misfortune.

So, in Malaysia, we have those who believe that only political leaders of their own race best represent them.

Let’s not forget, we have Malay politicians who have swindled and cheated their own people, including plundering institutions recognised to be sacred.

The Chinese community has its share of incompetent leaders including many past Ministers and Chief Ministers. It’s the same with Indian leaders, who’ve let their community down.

Likewise in Sabah and Sarawak, where the failed Melanau, Iban and Kadazan lawmakers grew rich inexplicably while their fellow ethnic neighbours suffered.

Certainly, affirmative actions have helped and benefitted the bumiputras. It has restructured the Malaysian society, with a larger Malay middle-class now, and that’s important for our nation.

Slowly but surely, as our demographic dramatically changes, we should provide more opportunities for Malaysians who have the correct competence, professionalism and most importantly, possess accountability and honesty.

The daunting reality is that the population of the Chinese and Indians will shrink drastically.

The best way forward is to see each other as Malaysians. The bogeymen narrative must end at some point. How about right now?

In fact, it shouldn’t be a source of concern when appointing non-Malaysians to certain key jobs in government linked companies if they’re capable and clued-in to local sensitivities.

Imagine having only Britons playing in the English Premier League, without Egyptian Mo Salah at Liverpool or Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli at Arsenal, or the many foreign players in our own Super League? Goodness, we had already done it three decades ago when Burmese Aung Naing patrolled Perak’s frontline and former Czechoslovakian World Cup keeper Karel Stromsik stood between the sticks for Selangor.

All these foreign talents, whether players or managers, have raised football standards, and we can surely attest to this. Badminton has greatly benefited from imported expertise, too, from China’s Han Jian to Denmark’s Morten Frost once guiding our national team.

In the end though, Malaysian talents must be retained and allowed to flourish.

Let’s all look beyond our own race and accept those who work fair and hard for the greater good.

It’s clear in urban areas that people have voted for candidates who can do their jobs and not based on their race, proving that many Malaysians have become immune to the race malaise.

As the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping famously said: “It doesn’t matter whether a cat is black or white, as long as it catches the mice.”

PALESTINE ambassador Walid Abu Ali is fond of Christmas. After all, his hometown is in Bethlehem, where the Church of the Nativity stands and is recognised as the site where Jesus was born. But this year, there’ll be no celebrations.

In a display of solidarity with its people, the churches in Palestine will be tempering celebrations, removing the fanfare and lights.

Bethlehem is in Occupied West Bank and only 8.8km away from Jerusalem in Israel, while the Gaza Strip is barely 50km from where the conflict rages.

It’s usually the busiest time of year in Bethlehem as tourists from around the world gather for the Christmas celebrations.

It’s a major tourist draw and the city, comprising predominantly Muslims, relies on the pilgrims for their livelihood.

It may be news to Muslims here, but Muslim traders there sell Christian items while we have annual polemics over the Merry Christmas greeting.

Many Palestinian guides speak Bahasa Indonesia and they can quote from the Bahasa Indonesian Bible as there are many pilgrims from the most populous Muslim country.

Walid said the streets and plazas of the hilly town will be empty this year, expressing sadness as it should be a joyous occasion instead.

“I miss all the carolling as it is common to see them going from home to home, but Palestinians are in pain. Please remember that there are Palestinian Christians, too.

“What’s happening now in Gaza is not a religious conflict. Churches, schools, and hospitals run by the church have been bombed and destroyed. Palestinian Christians are killed too, like the rest of their brothers and sisters.”

Candles being lit next to a nativity scene decorated to honour the victims in Gaza and asking for peace at the Manger Square, adjacent to the Church of the Nativity, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem on Friday. — AP

This may come as a surprise to many Malaysians, but it has been a regular practice for Palestinian leaders, including President Mahmoud Abbas, to attend the Christmas eve midnight mass in churches.

Late president Yasser Arafat did likewise, but ironically, it was Israel that stopped him from attending the mass for two years consecutively in 2001 and 2002.

In 2017, Palestinians also switched off Christmas lights in Bethlehem in protest of then US president Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

The huge Christmas tree outside the Church of the Nativity, and another in Ramallah, next to Arafat’s burial ground, were stripped of illumination, plunging the area in darkness.

The Masjid Umar is just across the Church of the Nativity, on the west side of Manger Square. They have existed peacefully.

Whether it’s in the United States, Malaysia or any other country, there’s nothing more dangerous than powerful but ignorant political and religious leaders spewing a combination of toxic religious and political plans in the misconception they’re guided by God’s hand.

Where they’re from, be it churches, mosques or temples, is immaterial, because when they have the monopoly of the microphones at the pulpits, their words and interpretations are unfortunately embraced as the truth.

After all, they’re supposedly experts in their respective fields, and lesser mortals like us are not supposed to challenge them because we aren’t as learned. Ordinary people left to their devices have no issue respecting one another’s religions.

The problem starts when these political and religious leaders try to impose what they believe, or want to believe.

So, in Malaysia, we have Muslims who think the massacre in Gaza is an attack on Muslims while non-Muslims, including Christians, feel Israel shouldn’t be condemned because the Jews are purportedly God’s chosen people as some Christians like to think.

Jews are certainly not Christians, and Jesus, who was Jewish, died at the hands of his own race.

That’s the truth. In fact, the ultra-orthodox Jews have consigned Jesus to nothing more than an important figure in their history.

Christian pilgrims have been mocked when visiting Israel, including this writer, and such public humiliations are well documented online. While I’ve only been to the West Bank and Jerusalem once, in 2005, it opened my eyes and allowed me to experience how Palestinians, and even Christians, are treated by Israel.

I’ve listened to sufficient opinions of Palestinian Christians to form a rational conclusion of what’s happening in Palestine. Sadly, the situation hasn’t improved but merely worsened over the years.

The conflict has dragged for decades. Flattening Gaza and wiping out the Palestinians there is pure genocide. If not, then what else is it?

However, for us in Malaysia, being 8,000km away from the conflict zone is reassuring, but it doesn’t bode well for us if we can’t imagine ourselves in their shoes to feel their pain.

Even if we’re non-Muslim, we can’t possibly justify thinking that they’re just Muslim victims. Likewise, it’s not right that some Arab countries have decided to stay silent because the Gaza Strip is under Iran-backed Hamas.

Again, some Muslims here are oblivious that a few Arab nations prohibit staging pro-Palestine support gatherings. Their rivalry with Iran has unfortunately clouded their minds and closed their hearts in what can only be described as a travesty.

Be on the side of humanity and what’s right. And when we celebrate Christmas safely and happily with our loved ones, spare a thought for the birthplace of Jesus – Palestine.

MALAYSIA is abuzz with what to expect from Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong from Feb 1.

While the Federal Constitution clearly delineates the power and position of the King as the Constitutional Monarch, there’s nothing to stop the Sultan of Johor from being an active King.

His role will certainly go beyond ceremonial duties which include reading out prepared speeches. Despite his assertiveness and blunt statements, His Majesty is aware of his powers and limitations as the King, but it won’t be surprising to see him push the envelope.

The 65-year-old has served notice that he won’t be a puppet king. Rightfully so, because we place a lot of faith in our King and his brother Rulers, especially since our politicians frequently falter and are seemingly incapable of guiding Malaysia out of choppy waters.

Against the backdrop of politicians continually harping on race and religion to win the majority Malay votes, the minorities, feeling uneasy and marginalised, ironically now place our hope in our Rulers, who are the custodians of Islam and Malays.

Yet, these Rulers, including Sultan Ibrahim, openly and continually advocate diversity and moderation, which haven’t struck a chord with aspiring Malay politicians.

Many of our politicians are practically begging us to see them trying to outdo each other in pushing the monoethnic agenda.

In fact, some politicians have made no apologies about diversity not being in their interest.

But let’s not expect Sultan Ibrahim to be a perfect King, either.

He’s a mere mortal with weaknesses, too. But his desire to clean up certain institutions certainly deserves our support.

His intentions are obviously noble. His Majesty is certain to check on the executives, the civil service and even the police, news of which has made many bigwigs quake in their boots.

Corruption has become an entrenched culture, so only the right personalities with a clean track record must be appointed in these enforcement agencies if we’re serious about rehabilitating Malaysia.

We’re desperate because we see our elected representatives and enforcement agencies unable to weed out corruption.

There’s cynicism about the incoming King’s pledge to hunt the corrupt.

But at least we have an unprecedented open pledge from him.

His Majesty, while bound by the Federal Constitution, is serious and determined to cleanse Malaysia.

Take what he has said very seriously because he doesn’t suffer fools gladly.

A storm has brewed over a recent interview with Singapore’s The Straits Times, where he had said that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Petronas should report directly to him, with some critics jumping to say that’s beyond his jurisdiction.

The King surely doesn’t have that kind of clout. The Federal Constitution has defined his role clearly but what’s not said is that these agencies do, in fact, periodically report to the King, and even other Rulers, to keep them updated.

Like his sister the current Queen, Sultan Ibrahim has a culinary passion and often cooks for his staff. — Picture courtesy of Johor Royal Press Office

At the Conference of Rulers, key government officials are often summoned to provide confidential briefings to the Rulers.

While the principle of the separation of powers and the role of Constitutional Monarch are well-defined, there’s nothing to stop the King from calling up the heads of respective enforcement agencies to get a clearer picture of things.

The Prime Minister, for example, must brief the King before the weekly Cabinet meetings and the respective ministers also need to meet with him, particularly when seeking his royal consent for appointments.

What we can be sure of is that Sultan Ibrahim is determined and committed to putting Malaysia on the right track within his power and influence.

He will put the reins on anybody he feels needs it, and he will also be a very well-informed Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Is he as stern as he looks? Absolutely!

Sultan Ibrahim, who has an eye for detail, has said many times that he has his “eyes and ears everywhere” and he’s surely not exaggerating. He’s also able to accept both good and bad news.

But there’s also a side to Tuanku few are privy to. He has an excellent sense of humour and is fond of sharing jokes with his friends and associates.

Like his sister, reigning Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, he has a culinary passion and often cooks for his staff. In one of his residences, a sign which reads “Bistro Ibrahim” is proudly emblazoned in the kitchen.

Tuanku will definitely review our economic performance. While he’s known for his business interest, he will also keep track of the country’s well-being.

He has deep knowledge and experience in commodities, particularly palm oil. A few Ministers and officials who have met him have come out sweating. One Minister sat near the edge of his seat while struggling to answer questions from the Ruler, who does his homework before meetings.

He has the unique honour of being the first King to be fully trained by the army and navy, and is also an air force officer. He has made parachute jumps and even flown helicopters.

He’s all-action, but, above all, well-meaning.