GOOD BEHAVIOR AND MORALITY

And now my friends, the end is here, and so I write the last article in my RUKUNEGARA topic in conjunction with the 51st National Day Celebration. My friends, I say it clear, I will state my case, off which I am certain – that appreciating RUKUNEGARA will not only bring unity in this country but it would also help to build a better Malaysia.

I must thank P. Anka, J Revaux, G Thibault, C Fankois and off course Frank Sinatra for making the song ‘MY WAY’ so famous that every one in this world would want to use it for themselves (including me).

Actually I wish I could sing this song before I head to the box, but, then again, no one when will that time come.

Coming back to the final tenet of Rukunegara; A subject which has been spoken about at length by everyone not only in Malaysia but all over the world MORALITY.

Can you imagine that even in our own Rukunegara we have emphasized the importance of GOOD BEHAVIOR AND MORALITY, but then, how many of us do really care. I agree we are our own moral guardian and that no one can police it. But then again, we must make sure that we know what we are doing – right or wrong. I know I am not perfect as such I will be careful when I talk or advice to others, infact when some friends ask for an advice on a specific matter, I tell them frankly ‘I am not the best person to talk about this subject’.

In Malaysia and in any part of the world, I am sure individuals and groups conduct their affairs in such a manner as not to violate any of the accepted canons of behavior, which includes the abhorrence and rejection of any conduct or behavior which is arrogant or offensive to the sensitivities of any group even if it is the minority within the country.

At the same time, part of the GOOD BEHAVIOR AND MORALITY no one citizen should question the loyalty or another citizen on the ground that he or she belongs to a particular community.

MY VIEWS………..Lets serve the community to the best of our ability with RUKUNEGARA being the guiding factor.

BICARA MERDEKA - PERJUANGAN TANPA NOKTAH

On Monday 25th August 2008 I was invited to be a panel member on a talk show which was organized by Ministry of Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage. This talk took place at Angkasapuri (Government TV Station). Along with me, it was indeed a pleasure to share the stage with one of my favorite person in Malaysia Y. Bhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Professor Emeritus Khoo Kay Kim and Y. Bhg. Dato’ Seri Professor Dr. Ibrahim Abu Shah, Vice Chancellor of the Universiti Technology MARA.

We discussed a topic titled ‘PERJUANGAN TANPA NOKTAH’ translated in English ‘CHALLENGES WITHOUT A FULLSTOP’. Although the time allocated was rather short, but with an experienced moderator like Tuan Syed Munawar we were able to express our opinions within the specified time.

There were certain issues which were sensitive, but I guess, I have now learnt to deal with it in a very rationale and reasonable manner.

I am not certain when they would be screening the talk show, but, please be assured that I would be alerting those details in my face book.

MY VIEWS…… Gone were the days where the might of armed forces would determine the invasion of a country, now, some countries invade us using economical and political landscapes. As such, the challenge for us to manage our independence is not only without a full stop but it is infinity.

RULE OF LAW

Today i am going to write on the 4th tenet of the Rukunegara. I must say, time is moving so fast, that in just 5 days we would be celebrating our 51st Independence Day and that also mean that i have just another 5 days to complete my writing on Rukunegara.

I just did not know how to start writing about the 4th tenet of the Rukunegara - i just did not have the inspiration. But, i need to finish what i started, friends began calling me and asking me where is the 4th and 5th tenets of Rukunegara. I am not a Law expert although i have always wanted to be a Lawyer, perhaps now is the right time.

Anyway, now back to my track.........

Justice in found in the rule of law. Every citizen is equal before the law. Fundamental liberties are guaranteed to all citizens irrespective of their race or religion. These include liberty of the person, equal protection of the law, freedom of the Constitution confers on a citizen the right of free speech, assembly and association and this right may be enjoyed freely subject only to limitations imposed by law.

Having mentioned that, we need to be careful in exercising the freedom, even in countries so developed and so called ‘Super Power’ there are no such thing as FREEDOM in total. For example, just because a person feels that it is his right to say whatever he wants to say – citing the FREEDOM of speech, can he go inside a theater and shout ‘FIRE’. Off course, he may be arrested for causing panic to the other patrons of the theater.

As much as we want to have FREEDOM, we need to be cautious, we live in a country that is multi-racial, multi-religion, multi-culture and I can go on saying how different we are all are in this country. As such it is very important that we know what our limits are and we should work along those lines.

We must remember that the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the constitution do not include the right to overthrow the Government either by force or by other unconstitutional means. Although, off late there are a few politicians who are trying to overthrow the government and they want to rule the government using a back-door entry. I am sure they know what the constitution better than the ordinary citizens in this country and they should not mislead the people.

The Rule of Law is ensured by the existence of an independent judiciary with powers to pronounce on the constitutionality and legality or otherwise of executive acts.

MY VIEWS…….. We must remember whatever rule of law we have in this country and however strong the judiciary is in this country – it cannot supersede the Constitution of Malaysia.