Here comes the pain again - that familiar throbbing in your temple, or at the base f your skull. Quickly, you pop a couple of over-the-counter pain pills, hope for the best and go about your day. After all, it’s just a headache, right? Not necessarily. It could be a migraine, a potentially serious condition that affects well over 100 million people worldwide. But I don’t get migraines, you think. Don’t be sure : Nore than half of all migraine sufferers have never been diagnosed by a doctor or were diagnosed incorrectly. Almost everyone gets headaches, and they can start young. In fact, one study found that among people 12 to 29 years old, 91% of men and 98% of women had experienced one or more headaches. The pain drives 50 million people to doctors each year and is one of the top 10 reasons men and women seek medical care. Anything from the foods you eat to simple change in your routine can set off an attack.
Experts have identified many triggers that may activate attacks. Tracking your migraines in writing is essential, so that you can predict and even prevent attacks. Whenever one strikes, note the date, time it starts and ends, intensity, symptoms, plus foods you’ve eaten and anything else you suspect may have triggered it. Women should also note where they are in their monthly cycles. List any medications you take or other strategies you try, and the results. A detailed diary will help your doctor decide if you’re a good candidate for preventive therapies. Here are some of the migraine triggers identified by the experts :
Hormones :
For many women, falling oestrogen levels play the biggest role, so a migraine is more likely to strike around the start of a period. Interestingly, migraines often disappear during pregnancy, and reduce in frequency after menopause.
Food :
Chocolate and aged cheeses such as cheddar, brie and camembert are among the best-known dietary triggers, but some people find a variety of other foods, including processed meats, seeds and foods with MSG can cause problems.
Alcohol :
Alcohol dilates blood vessels, and may contribute to migraine on that basis. The culprit could also be the congeners (impurities from fermentation) found in red wine and bourbon, long known to cause headaches.
Caffeine :
Caffeine is both a treatment and a trigger. Many migraine treatments, such as Excedrin, contain caffeine, which constricts painful blood vessels. But caffeine withdrawal and overuse can also cause pain.
Environment :
Humidity, extreme heat or cold, and changes in weather, temperature or barometric pressure can all be triggers, along with bright or flashing lights, perfumes or chemical odours, pollution and changes in altitude.
Tension :
You may have an episode during or after a stressful situation. Stress=reducing techniques, such as biofeedback or relaxation therapy, are very useful for prevention. A late night or any change in your sleep patterns also could provoke an attack, as can skipping meals or fasting.
Extract Article (Abridge) : of the same title by Sharlene K Johnson, Reader’s Digest January 2006.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A Bachelor’s Life is Not a Happy One
At the luncheon following the Annual General Meeting in the Chamber’s 160th Anniversary year in 1987, the then President, Jan Elzinga of the Algemene Bank Nederland N.V. (which also celebrated its 100th Anniversary in the country that year), stated amongst other things “the spirit of joint venture shines as strongly in the corporate sector in Malaysia as anywhere else in the world”. So, what then is this “joint venture”? If you consult your Concise Oxford Dictionary, you will learn that a “venture” is a “risky undertakings” or “commercial speculation”, and that a “joint” is “an illicit opium den or drinking institution”, or a “marijuana cigarette”. MICCI members will no doubt be quick to deny that they are speculatively involved in such areas of activity.
In simple terms, a Malaysian joint venture normally indicates a situation where a foreign corporate organization and a Malaysian corporate organization get together to form a limited company to carry out some legitimate commercial activity in the country. Clearly, there are many pitfalls in the area of joint venturing. Certainly, some would say “if a project is worthwhile, do it on your own”. To others, the whole concept of joint consultation, let alone “joint venturing” is anathema. A well known Chairman of an international group once said, “A Board of Directors should always comprise an odd number of people, and preferably less than three.” Many liken a joint venture to a marriage. In a successful joint venture, the parties must co-exist harmoniously and productively for the long term. Merchant bankers specializing in joint ventures when describing the status of their clients frequently resort to such expression as “getting into bed” and “tying the nuptial knot”, and occasionally to less tasteful allegories; and certainly like marriages joint ventures have their problems and their pleasures. It would be probably be true to say that the vast majority of foreign organizations that have invested in Malaysia prefer to do so on a joint venture basis, and probably only those manufacturers who export 100% of their product, and those perhaps whose technology is exceptionally sensitive, prefer not to have a Malaysian partner.
Idid Wanchik, the Company Secretary of Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd has a lot to say on the subject. “There should not be any compromise on business professionalism. Nestle believes that there should be no problems between partners provided the business is run professionally and profitably. In our experience, we have found that the managerial and technical expertise provided by the foreign party has been effectively absorbed by the local management.” J & P Coats (Mfg) Sdn Bhd is part of Coats Viyella plc, the world’s largest marketer of sewing threads and handknitting yarns. The organization has joint ventures in many countries, and their Managing Director, Ken Anderson, stresses two ways the local organizations benefit from the joint venture concept, namely “the technical input from the overseas partner and the development of local management.”
The Managing Director of Leo Burnett Sdn Bhd, Peter Beaumont, is categoric in his praise for the joint venture concept. His joint venture organization has been particularly successful, one of the reasons being the good offices and important contacts of his Malaysian partners which right from the start have been invaluable to the business. Peter Beaumont likes the joint venture concept “as it brings together local expertise and contacts and the advanced technical knowledge of the foreign partners. Such accommodation is beneficial to the Malaysian economy, and of course in addition creates new jobs for Malaysians.” Tony Strange, the General Manager of Commercial Union Assurance (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is another supporter of the joint venture concept. “As a foreign organization, we thus become more clearly identified with Malaysia, and our joint venture underlines our confidence in the long term future of the country.”
What then is the secret of a successful joint venture? Again, it seems that the rules for a successful marriage are relevant. A number of MICCI members have said that the most likely reason for a failed joint venture is the “hasty selection of a partner”, or “failure to check that the financial strength of the local partner is consonant with that of the foreign investor” (Beauty is skin deep, and the dowry is not unimportant). However, the vast majority of Malaysian joint venture are enjoying “long and happy marriages”; divorces have been few, and the indication is clear that Malaysian make good commercial marriage partners. There are a number of “unmarried foreign commercial organizations operating in Malaysia, no doubt they will soon take heed of the Malay proverb “Hidup Berumahtangga adalah lebih baik daripada membujang” – which can be easily be translated as “A bachelor’s life is not a happy one.”
Extract Article : 26 Ways Understanding Malaysia’s Business Environment published by the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry, October 1991.
Footnote : The Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry or the MICCI as it is widely known, is the oldest private organization in Malaysia, tracing back its history to the formation of its earliest ancestor, the Penang Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture in 1873. The MICCI endeavours to serve, especially, the businesses which have international interests, whether they have local or foreign origins. Practically every type of business is represented among its membership, ranging from manufacturing, trading and finance and banking to petroleum and real estate services.
In simple terms, a Malaysian joint venture normally indicates a situation where a foreign corporate organization and a Malaysian corporate organization get together to form a limited company to carry out some legitimate commercial activity in the country. Clearly, there are many pitfalls in the area of joint venturing. Certainly, some would say “if a project is worthwhile, do it on your own”. To others, the whole concept of joint consultation, let alone “joint venturing” is anathema. A well known Chairman of an international group once said, “A Board of Directors should always comprise an odd number of people, and preferably less than three.” Many liken a joint venture to a marriage. In a successful joint venture, the parties must co-exist harmoniously and productively for the long term. Merchant bankers specializing in joint ventures when describing the status of their clients frequently resort to such expression as “getting into bed” and “tying the nuptial knot”, and occasionally to less tasteful allegories; and certainly like marriages joint ventures have their problems and their pleasures. It would be probably be true to say that the vast majority of foreign organizations that have invested in Malaysia prefer to do so on a joint venture basis, and probably only those manufacturers who export 100% of their product, and those perhaps whose technology is exceptionally sensitive, prefer not to have a Malaysian partner.
Idid Wanchik, the Company Secretary of Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd has a lot to say on the subject. “There should not be any compromise on business professionalism. Nestle believes that there should be no problems between partners provided the business is run professionally and profitably. In our experience, we have found that the managerial and technical expertise provided by the foreign party has been effectively absorbed by the local management.” J & P Coats (Mfg) Sdn Bhd is part of Coats Viyella plc, the world’s largest marketer of sewing threads and handknitting yarns. The organization has joint ventures in many countries, and their Managing Director, Ken Anderson, stresses two ways the local organizations benefit from the joint venture concept, namely “the technical input from the overseas partner and the development of local management.”
The Managing Director of Leo Burnett Sdn Bhd, Peter Beaumont, is categoric in his praise for the joint venture concept. His joint venture organization has been particularly successful, one of the reasons being the good offices and important contacts of his Malaysian partners which right from the start have been invaluable to the business. Peter Beaumont likes the joint venture concept “as it brings together local expertise and contacts and the advanced technical knowledge of the foreign partners. Such accommodation is beneficial to the Malaysian economy, and of course in addition creates new jobs for Malaysians.” Tony Strange, the General Manager of Commercial Union Assurance (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is another supporter of the joint venture concept. “As a foreign organization, we thus become more clearly identified with Malaysia, and our joint venture underlines our confidence in the long term future of the country.”
What then is the secret of a successful joint venture? Again, it seems that the rules for a successful marriage are relevant. A number of MICCI members have said that the most likely reason for a failed joint venture is the “hasty selection of a partner”, or “failure to check that the financial strength of the local partner is consonant with that of the foreign investor” (Beauty is skin deep, and the dowry is not unimportant). However, the vast majority of Malaysian joint venture are enjoying “long and happy marriages”; divorces have been few, and the indication is clear that Malaysian make good commercial marriage partners. There are a number of “unmarried foreign commercial organizations operating in Malaysia, no doubt they will soon take heed of the Malay proverb “Hidup Berumahtangga adalah lebih baik daripada membujang” – which can be easily be translated as “A bachelor’s life is not a happy one.”
Extract Article : 26 Ways Understanding Malaysia’s Business Environment published by the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry, October 1991.
Footnote : The Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry or the MICCI as it is widely known, is the oldest private organization in Malaysia, tracing back its history to the formation of its earliest ancestor, the Penang Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture in 1873. The MICCI endeavours to serve, especially, the businesses which have international interests, whether they have local or foreign origins. Practically every type of business is represented among its membership, ranging from manufacturing, trading and finance and banking to petroleum and real estate services.
NDIAN “PENDATANG”, CHINESE “PENDATANG”, MALAYS ?????
Ahmad Ismail’s, an UMNO stalwart from Penang, “outburst” during the recent Permatang Pauh election caught many, especially the Chinese community, by surprise. He was said to touch on the sensitivities of the Chinese and Indian communities by simply saying that the Chinese and Indians in Malaysia today are “pendatang”. (Whatever his political connotation is, we leave it as it is as this article has no political motives whatsoever). His remark has prompted Najib Tun Razak to formally apologise to the Chinese and Indian communities and urged Ahmad Ismail to do the same. MCA president, Ong Ka Ting, applauded Najib’s “political” gesture and thanked him for the apology.
Let us read history in its proper context.
Due to its geographical nature, The Malay Archipelago comprises of various big and small islands, isles and islets ranging westward from Madagascar Island, East of Africa to the Polynesian isles in the Pasific and include Taiwan, Hainan Island and parts of Vietnam and Cambodia in the north and even New Zealand in the south.
The historically well-known Parameswara who fled to Kota Singa (now Singapore) and then established the Sultanate of Malacca, was a descendant of the Palembang sultanate and this made the hosts of Malacca sultans after him were his descendants. Parameswara leaved with him hosts of other descendants whom later established a number of sultanates in Peninsula Malaysia. The Perak Sultanate was established by DYMM Sultan Muzaffar Syah, the eldest prince of Sultan Mahmud Syah, the last sultan of Malacca.
The Johor Sultanate was developed when Sultan Mahmud Shah (Sultan of Malacca in exile and the first Sultan of Johor-Riau-Lingga) fled to Bentan and later to Kampar, Sumatra during the Portuguese bombardment of Malacca. When he died, his son Sultan Allauddin Riayat Shah was proclaimed the second Sultan of Johor. (The current Johor Sultanate is not descendants from the Johor-Riau-Lingga sultanate).
It was also historically mentioned that Parameswara’s earlier descendents goes back to Sang Nila Utama and Wan Empuk/Ratu Chendera Puri (the fist Malay-Singapura Sultanate rulers circa 1160-1208) to Raja Suran of a Ceylonese Dynasty to Raja Iskandar Zulkarnain (Alexander the Great) of the Greek Macedonia.
Origins of the Kedah Sultanate is full of legends and myths and mainly from verbal sources. It was said that the Kedah Sultanate had very close relationship with Raja of Rum (Turkish), Raja of Parsi (Persia/Iran), the Moghul Sultanate in India and the Maurya Dynasty also of India and the Siamese dynasties. Phra Ong Mahawangsa, a Hindu-Bhuddist seventh ruler of Old Kedah later converted into Islam and adopted the title Seri Paduka Maharaja Derba Raja and was later known as Sultan Muzaffar Shah. In the context of the Malay Sultanates, he was recognized as the first Kedah Malay Sultan to rule under the Islamic government banner. This was said to happened during the late 11th or early 12th century.
According to historical sources from China, Kelantan was once ruled by one Maharaja Ku-ma-r during the 15th century. It’s not known the origin of Raja Ku-ma-r. According to Siamese historical sources, Kelantan was ruled by Raja Seri Dewa circa 1493. His origin was not established. Local sources indicated that when Kelantan was attacked by Malacca, Sultan Mansur Shah, the then sultan of Kelantan, retreated to Pattani.
The Syed Jamalullail family of Perlis was said to originate from Palembang. Syed Harun Jamalullail was appointed the Penghulu of Mukim Arau by the then Sultan of Kedah and later his son, Syed Harun was proclaimed Raja of Perlis.
Raja Lumu was the first ruler to use the title Tuanku Sultan of Selangor in 1766. Raja Lumu, the son of Daeng Celak the Yamtuan Muda of Johor, and his brother are decendants of Opu Trendiburang Daeng Rilaka, Raja of the Land of the Bugis, came all the way from Land of the Bugis, Celebes Island to Tanah Melayu.
It is a well known fact that the Negeri Sembilan royal families are descendants of Minangkabau sultanate in Pagaruyung, Sumatera and so do all of the Minangkabaus in Malaysia.
The earliest known Chinese settlers in Tanah Melayu was those Chinese whom accompanied Princess Hang Li Po to Malacca. The Babas and Nyonyas are all said to be descendants of Hang Li Po and her followers.
The earliest known Indian settlement in Tanah Melayu was also during the Malacca Sultanante. Indian tradesmen, mainly of the Ceti origin, came to Malacca and started the Ceti Peranakan through marriage with locals and made their headway into the royal court of the Sultanate; one such example was the aristocrat Seri Nara Diraja who held a dignified position in the royal court of the Malacca sultanate.
Let us now examine some of the contemporary Malay sub-ethnic groupings :
The Malay communities in Malaysia today are formed from the various sub-ethnic groups from every corners of the Malay Archipelago that had migrated to Tanah Melayu since hundreds of years ago; this include the Achehs (North Sumatera), Minangkabaus (Western Sumatera), Mandailings (North Sumatera), Bengkulus (Bengkulu Island off Sumatera), Rawas (Rawa Island), Palembang (South Sumatera), Lampungs (Jawa Island), Jawa (Java Island), Sunda (Sunda Island/Straits), Bugis (South Sulawesi, Celebes Island), Banjars (South Kalimantan), Sulus (Isle of Sulu), Minahasas/Menados (Manado, North Sulawesi), Pattani (Southern Thailand), Cham (Kingdom of Champa, Central Vietnam/East of Cambodia), There are also a small number of Flores (Isle of Flores), Lomboks (Isle of Lombok), Sumbas (Isle of Sumba), and Malukus (Isle of Molucas).
Jawa : a well-known Malay ethnic from Java Island.
Bugis : originated from Land of the Bugis, South Sulawesi, Celebes Island. The Bugis are mainly traders; they traveled all over the Malay Archipelago to trade. Bugis settlement can be found largely in Selangor and Johore.
Bawean (pronounce Boyan) : came from Bawean Isle and can be found all over West Malaysia, especially city centres such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Johor Bharu, Malacca and Seremban including Singapore. It is not known when Baweanese first came to Tanah Melayu but a population census in 1849 indicated substantial settlements of Baweanese existed in Singapore and the Straits Settlement.
Jawi Peranakan : Malay ethnic of Indian origin; mainly male traders migrated from South India to Penang Island and married local Malay women. Their offsprings are known as Jawi Peranakan. The “Maricans” are one example of Jawi Peranakan; for instance Tan Sri Hassan Marican, President & CEO of Petronas.
Mandailing : sub-ethnic of the Batak clan evolved in Northern Sumatra. Migrated to Tanah Melayu circa 1820’s to study Islamic religion. Can be found in Selangor, Perak, Kedah and Penang. Those Malay names ending with Nasution, Lubis, and Siregar are of Mandailing origin.
Patani : located in Southern Thailand was once ruled by the Malay Patani Sultanate consisting of Patani Dynasty and Kelantan Dynasty during the mid 15th century. Both these dynasties among them had at least 16 known sultans and sultanahs ruled Patani between the 15th century right up to the 19th century when the Siamese rulers “took over” the sovereignty and administration of the Patani sultanate. The Patani settlement’s main concentration is in Kelantan and small numbers can also be found in North Perak, Perlis and Kedah. The “latest wave” of Patani “migration” into Peninsula Malaysia occurred most recently thr000ough the opening up of “tom yam” eateries all over the country.
Banjar : originated from Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. The Banjars first known wave of migration to other parts of the Malay Archipelago including Tanah Melayu was during the 1850’s when conflicts between ruling dynasties and the Dutch came to its apex. Their settlement can be found all over Malaysian largely in Perak and Sabah.
Other Malay sub-ethnic groups known are Orang Kampar (from orginating from Kampar, Western Sulatera) and Orang Rawa (originating from Pulau Rawa off Sumatera). Both are closely related to Minangkabaus and their spoken dialects are similar to that of the Minangkabaus.
It is interesting to note that one Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar Dato’ Hussein Mohamed Taib, who was a chief administrator in the Pahang Civil Service as well as a court officer in the Pahang Sultanate is a descendant of the Bugis-Johor aristocrat family that migrated to Pahang in the 18th century. His son, Abdul Razak Hussein was the 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia and his grandson, Najib Tun Razak is the current Deputy Premier.
All in all, the issue here is that the Chinese are definitely “pendatang”, the Indians are also definitely “pendatang” as well as most Malays in Malaysia are also definitely “pendatang” within the historical context. What is there for us to shout about. Najib in the first place should not offer any apology as he is also a descendant of “pendatang” and Ahmad Ismail has reaffirmed his stance that what transpired in Permatang Pauh was based on historical facts. It is a historical fact that we are all indeed “pendatang” to this holy and sacred land.
What’s more important for us all “pendatang” is to forge close cooperation in the spirit of merdeka and look ahead to better ourselves and together develop this nation despite our differences in our very own “pendatang” characteristics.
Sources : Ensaiklopedia Sejarah dan Kebudayaan Melayu, DBP.
Let us read history in its proper context.
Due to its geographical nature, The Malay Archipelago comprises of various big and small islands, isles and islets ranging westward from Madagascar Island, East of Africa to the Polynesian isles in the Pasific and include Taiwan, Hainan Island and parts of Vietnam and Cambodia in the north and even New Zealand in the south.
The historically well-known Parameswara who fled to Kota Singa (now Singapore) and then established the Sultanate of Malacca, was a descendant of the Palembang sultanate and this made the hosts of Malacca sultans after him were his descendants. Parameswara leaved with him hosts of other descendants whom later established a number of sultanates in Peninsula Malaysia. The Perak Sultanate was established by DYMM Sultan Muzaffar Syah, the eldest prince of Sultan Mahmud Syah, the last sultan of Malacca.
The Johor Sultanate was developed when Sultan Mahmud Shah (Sultan of Malacca in exile and the first Sultan of Johor-Riau-Lingga) fled to Bentan and later to Kampar, Sumatra during the Portuguese bombardment of Malacca. When he died, his son Sultan Allauddin Riayat Shah was proclaimed the second Sultan of Johor. (The current Johor Sultanate is not descendants from the Johor-Riau-Lingga sultanate).
It was also historically mentioned that Parameswara’s earlier descendents goes back to Sang Nila Utama and Wan Empuk/Ratu Chendera Puri (the fist Malay-Singapura Sultanate rulers circa 1160-1208) to Raja Suran of a Ceylonese Dynasty to Raja Iskandar Zulkarnain (Alexander the Great) of the Greek Macedonia.
Origins of the Kedah Sultanate is full of legends and myths and mainly from verbal sources. It was said that the Kedah Sultanate had very close relationship with Raja of Rum (Turkish), Raja of Parsi (Persia/Iran), the Moghul Sultanate in India and the Maurya Dynasty also of India and the Siamese dynasties. Phra Ong Mahawangsa, a Hindu-Bhuddist seventh ruler of Old Kedah later converted into Islam and adopted the title Seri Paduka Maharaja Derba Raja and was later known as Sultan Muzaffar Shah. In the context of the Malay Sultanates, he was recognized as the first Kedah Malay Sultan to rule under the Islamic government banner. This was said to happened during the late 11th or early 12th century.
According to historical sources from China, Kelantan was once ruled by one Maharaja Ku-ma-r during the 15th century. It’s not known the origin of Raja Ku-ma-r. According to Siamese historical sources, Kelantan was ruled by Raja Seri Dewa circa 1493. His origin was not established. Local sources indicated that when Kelantan was attacked by Malacca, Sultan Mansur Shah, the then sultan of Kelantan, retreated to Pattani.
The Syed Jamalullail family of Perlis was said to originate from Palembang. Syed Harun Jamalullail was appointed the Penghulu of Mukim Arau by the then Sultan of Kedah and later his son, Syed Harun was proclaimed Raja of Perlis.
Raja Lumu was the first ruler to use the title Tuanku Sultan of Selangor in 1766. Raja Lumu, the son of Daeng Celak the Yamtuan Muda of Johor, and his brother are decendants of Opu Trendiburang Daeng Rilaka, Raja of the Land of the Bugis, came all the way from Land of the Bugis, Celebes Island to Tanah Melayu.
It is a well known fact that the Negeri Sembilan royal families are descendants of Minangkabau sultanate in Pagaruyung, Sumatera and so do all of the Minangkabaus in Malaysia.
The earliest known Chinese settlers in Tanah Melayu was those Chinese whom accompanied Princess Hang Li Po to Malacca. The Babas and Nyonyas are all said to be descendants of Hang Li Po and her followers.
The earliest known Indian settlement in Tanah Melayu was also during the Malacca Sultanante. Indian tradesmen, mainly of the Ceti origin, came to Malacca and started the Ceti Peranakan through marriage with locals and made their headway into the royal court of the Sultanate; one such example was the aristocrat Seri Nara Diraja who held a dignified position in the royal court of the Malacca sultanate.
Let us now examine some of the contemporary Malay sub-ethnic groupings :
The Malay communities in Malaysia today are formed from the various sub-ethnic groups from every corners of the Malay Archipelago that had migrated to Tanah Melayu since hundreds of years ago; this include the Achehs (North Sumatera), Minangkabaus (Western Sumatera), Mandailings (North Sumatera), Bengkulus (Bengkulu Island off Sumatera), Rawas (Rawa Island), Palembang (South Sumatera), Lampungs (Jawa Island), Jawa (Java Island), Sunda (Sunda Island/Straits), Bugis (South Sulawesi, Celebes Island), Banjars (South Kalimantan), Sulus (Isle of Sulu), Minahasas/Menados (Manado, North Sulawesi), Pattani (Southern Thailand), Cham (Kingdom of Champa, Central Vietnam/East of Cambodia), There are also a small number of Flores (Isle of Flores), Lomboks (Isle of Lombok), Sumbas (Isle of Sumba), and Malukus (Isle of Molucas).
Jawa : a well-known Malay ethnic from Java Island.
Bugis : originated from Land of the Bugis, South Sulawesi, Celebes Island. The Bugis are mainly traders; they traveled all over the Malay Archipelago to trade. Bugis settlement can be found largely in Selangor and Johore.
Bawean (pronounce Boyan) : came from Bawean Isle and can be found all over West Malaysia, especially city centres such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Johor Bharu, Malacca and Seremban including Singapore. It is not known when Baweanese first came to Tanah Melayu but a population census in 1849 indicated substantial settlements of Baweanese existed in Singapore and the Straits Settlement.
Jawi Peranakan : Malay ethnic of Indian origin; mainly male traders migrated from South India to Penang Island and married local Malay women. Their offsprings are known as Jawi Peranakan. The “Maricans” are one example of Jawi Peranakan; for instance Tan Sri Hassan Marican, President & CEO of Petronas.
Mandailing : sub-ethnic of the Batak clan evolved in Northern Sumatra. Migrated to Tanah Melayu circa 1820’s to study Islamic religion. Can be found in Selangor, Perak, Kedah and Penang. Those Malay names ending with Nasution, Lubis, and Siregar are of Mandailing origin.
Patani : located in Southern Thailand was once ruled by the Malay Patani Sultanate consisting of Patani Dynasty and Kelantan Dynasty during the mid 15th century. Both these dynasties among them had at least 16 known sultans and sultanahs ruled Patani between the 15th century right up to the 19th century when the Siamese rulers “took over” the sovereignty and administration of the Patani sultanate. The Patani settlement’s main concentration is in Kelantan and small numbers can also be found in North Perak, Perlis and Kedah. The “latest wave” of Patani “migration” into Peninsula Malaysia occurred most recently thr000ough the opening up of “tom yam” eateries all over the country.
Banjar : originated from Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. The Banjars first known wave of migration to other parts of the Malay Archipelago including Tanah Melayu was during the 1850’s when conflicts between ruling dynasties and the Dutch came to its apex. Their settlement can be found all over Malaysian largely in Perak and Sabah.
Other Malay sub-ethnic groups known are Orang Kampar (from orginating from Kampar, Western Sulatera) and Orang Rawa (originating from Pulau Rawa off Sumatera). Both are closely related to Minangkabaus and their spoken dialects are similar to that of the Minangkabaus.
It is interesting to note that one Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar Dato’ Hussein Mohamed Taib, who was a chief administrator in the Pahang Civil Service as well as a court officer in the Pahang Sultanate is a descendant of the Bugis-Johor aristocrat family that migrated to Pahang in the 18th century. His son, Abdul Razak Hussein was the 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia and his grandson, Najib Tun Razak is the current Deputy Premier.
All in all, the issue here is that the Chinese are definitely “pendatang”, the Indians are also definitely “pendatang” as well as most Malays in Malaysia are also definitely “pendatang” within the historical context. What is there for us to shout about. Najib in the first place should not offer any apology as he is also a descendant of “pendatang” and Ahmad Ismail has reaffirmed his stance that what transpired in Permatang Pauh was based on historical facts. It is a historical fact that we are all indeed “pendatang” to this holy and sacred land.
What’s more important for us all “pendatang” is to forge close cooperation in the spirit of merdeka and look ahead to better ourselves and together develop this nation despite our differences in our very own “pendatang” characteristics.
Sources : Ensaiklopedia Sejarah dan Kebudayaan Melayu, DBP.
NDIAN “PENDATANG”, CHINESE “PENDATANG”, MALAYS ?????
Ahmad Ismail’s, an UMNO stalwart from Penang, “outburst” during the recent Permatang Pauh election caught many, especially the Chinese community, by surprise. He was said to touch on the sensitivities of the Chinese and Indian communities by simply saying that the Chinese and Indians in Malaysia today are “pendatang”. (Whatever his political connotation is, we leave it as it is as this article has no political motives whatsoever). His remark has prompted Najib Tun Razak to formally apologise to the Chinese and Indian communities and urged Ahmad Ismail to do the same. MCA president, Ong Ka Ting, applauded Najib’s “political” gesture and thanked him for the apology.
Let us read history in its proper context.
Due to its geographical nature, The Malay Archipelago comprises of various big and small islands, isles and islets ranging westward from Madagascar Island, East of Africa to the Polynesian isles in the Pasific and include Taiwan, Hainan Island and parts of Vietnam and Cambodia in the north and even New Zealand in the south.
The historically well-known Parameswara who fled to Kota Singa (now Singapore) and then established the Sultanate of Malacca, was a descendant of the Palembang sultanate and this made the hosts of Malacca sultans after him were his descendants. Parameswara leaved with him hosts of other descendants whom later established a number of sultanates in Peninsula Malaysia. The Perak Sultanate was established by DYMM Sultan Muzaffar Syah, the eldest prince of Sultan Mahmud Syah, the last sultan of Malacca.
The Johor Sultanate was developed when Sultan Mahmud Shah (Sultan of Malacca in exile and the first Sultan of Johor-Riau-Lingga) fled to Bentan and later to Kampar, Sumatra during the Portuguese bombardment of Malacca. When he died, his son Sultan Allauddin Riayat Shah was proclaimed the second Sultan of Johor. (The current Johor Sultanate is not descendants from the Johor-Riau-Lingga sultanate).
It was also historically mentioned that Parameswara’s earlier descendents goes back to Sang Nila Utama and Wan Empuk/Ratu Chendera Puri (the fist Malay-Singapura Sultanate rulers circa 1160-1208) to Raja Suran of a Ceylonese Dynasty to Raja Iskandar Zulkarnain (Alexander the Great) of the Greek Macedonia.
Origins of the Kedah Sultanate is full of legends and myths and mainly from verbal sources. It was said that the Kedah Sultanate had very close relationship with Raja of Rum (Turkish), Raja of Parsi (Persia/Iran), the Moghul Sultanate in India and the Maurya Dynasty also of India and the Siamese dynasties. Phra Ong Mahawangsa, a Hindu-Bhuddist seventh ruler of Old Kedah later converted into Islam and adopted the title Seri Paduka Maharaja Derba Raja and was later known as Sultan Muzaffar Shah. In the context of the Malay Sultanates, he was recognized as the first Kedah Malay Sultan to rule under the Islamic government banner. This was said to happened during the late 11th or early 12th century.
According to historical sources from China, Kelantan was once ruled by one Maharaja Ku-ma-r during the 15th century. It’s not known the origin of Raja Ku-ma-r. According to Siamese historical sources, Kelantan was ruled by Raja Seri Dewa circa 1493. His origin was not established. Local sources indicated that when Kelantan was attacked by Malacca, Sultan Mansur Shah, the then sultan of Kelantan, retreated to Pattani.
The Syed Jamalullail family of Perlis was said to originate from Palembang. Syed Harun Jamalullail was appointed the Penghulu of Mukim Arau by the then Sultan of Kedah and later his son, Syed Harun was proclaimed Raja of Perlis.
Raja Lumu was the first ruler to use the title Tuanku Sultan of Selangor in 1766. Raja Lumu, the son of Daeng Celak the Yamtuan Muda of Johor, and his brother are decendants of Opu Trendiburang Daeng Rilaka, Raja of the Land of the Bugis, came all the way from Land of the Bugis, Celebes Island to Tanah Melayu.
It is a well known fact that the Negeri Sembilan royal families are descendants of Minangkabau sultanate in Pagaruyung, Sumatera and so do all of the Minangkabaus in Malaysia.
The earliest known Chinese settlers in Tanah Melayu was those Chinese whom accompanied Princess Hang Li Po to Malacca. The Babas and Nyonyas are all said to be descendants of Hang Li Po and her followers.
The earliest known Indian settlement in Tanah Melayu was also during the Malacca Sultanante. Indian tradesmen, mainly of the Ceti origin, came to Malacca and started the Ceti Peranakan through marriage with locals and made their headway into the royal court of the Sultanate; one such example was the aristocrat Seri Nara Diraja who held a dignified position in the royal court of the Malacca sultanate.
Let us now examine some of the contemporary Malay sub-ethnic groupings :
The Malay communities in Malaysia today are formed from the various sub-ethnic groups from every corners of the Malay Archipelago that had migrated to Tanah Melayu since hundreds of years ago; this include the Achehs (North Sumatera), Minangkabaus (Western Sumatera), Mandailings (North Sumatera), Bengkulus (Bengkulu Island off Sumatera), Rawas (Rawa Island), Palembang (South Sumatera), Lampungs (Jawa Island), Jawa (Java Island), Sunda (Sunda Island/Straits), Bugis (South Sulawesi, Celebes Island), Banjars (South Kalimantan), Sulus (Isle of Sulu), Minahasas/Menados (Manado, North Sulawesi), Pattani (Southern Thailand), Cham (Kingdom of Champa, Central Vietnam/East of Cambodia), There are also a small number of Flores (Isle of Flores), Lomboks (Isle of Lombok), Sumbas (Isle of Sumba), and Malukus (Isle of Molucas).
Jawa : a well-known Malay ethnic from Java Island.
Bugis : originated from Land of the Bugis, South Sulawesi, Celebes Island. The Bugis are mainly traders; they traveled all over the Malay Archipelago to trade. Bugis settlement can be found largely in Selangor and Johore.
Bawean (pronounce Boyan) : came from Bawean Isle and can be found all over West Malaysia, especially city centres such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Johor Bharu, Malacca and Seremban including Singapore. It is not known when Baweanese first came to Tanah Melayu but a population census in 1849 indicated substantial settlements of Baweanese existed in Singapore and the Straits Settlement.
Jawi Peranakan : Malay ethnic of Indian origin; mainly male traders migrated from South India to Penang Island and married local Malay women. Their offsprings are known as Jawi Peranakan. The “Maricans” are one example of Jawi Peranakan; for instance Tan Sri Hassan Marican, President & CEO of Petronas.
Mandailing : sub-ethnic of the Batak clan evolved in Northern Sumatra. Migrated to Tanah Melayu circa 1820’s to study Islamic religion. Can be found in Selangor, Perak, Kedah and Penang. Those Malay names ending with Nasution, Lubis, and Siregar are of Mandailing origin.
Patani : located in Southern Thailand was once ruled by the Malay Patani Sultanate consisting of Patani Dynasty and Kelantan Dynasty during the mid 15th century. Both these dynasties among them had at least 16 known sultans and sultanahs ruled Patani between the 15th century right up to the 19th century when the Siamese rulers “took over” the sovereignty and administration of the Patani sultanate. The Patani settlement’s main concentration is in Kelantan and small numbers can also be found in North Perak, Perlis and Kedah. The “latest wave” of Patani “migration” into Peninsula Malaysia occurred most recently thr000ough the opening up of “tom yam” eateries all over the country.
Banjar : originated from Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. The Banjars first known wave of migration to other parts of the Malay Archipelago including Tanah Melayu was during the 1850’s when conflicts between ruling dynasties and the Dutch came to its apex. Their settlement can be found all over Malaysian largely in Perak and Sabah.
Other Malay sub-ethnic groups known are Orang Kampar (from orginating from Kampar, Western Sulatera) and Orang Rawa (originating from Pulau Rawa off Sumatera). Both are closely related to Minangkabaus and their spoken dialects are similar to that of the Minangkabaus.
It is interesting to note that one Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar Dato’ Hussein Mohamed Taib, who was a chief administrator in the Pahang Civil Service as well as a court officer in the Pahang Sultanate is a descendant of the Bugis-Johor aristocrat family that migrated to Pahang in the 18th century. His son, Abdul Razak Hussein was the 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia and his grandson, Najib Tun Razak is the current Deputy Premier.
All in all, the issue here is that the Chinese are definitely “pendatang”, the Indians are also definitely “pendatang” as well as most Malays in Malaysia are also definitely “pendatang” within the historical context. What is there for us to shout about. Najib in the first place should not offer any apology as he is also a descendant of “pendatang” and Ahmad Ismail has reaffirmed his stance that what transpired in Permatang Pauh was based on historical facts. It is a historical fact that we are all indeed “pendatang” to this holy and sacred land.
What’s more important for us all “pendatang” is to forge close cooperation in the spirit of merdeka and look ahead to better ourselves and together develop this nation despite our differences in our very own “pendatang” characteristics.
Sources : Ensaiklopedia Sejarah dan Kebudayaan Melayu, DBP.
Let us read history in its proper context.
Due to its geographical nature, The Malay Archipelago comprises of various big and small islands, isles and islets ranging westward from Madagascar Island, East of Africa to the Polynesian isles in the Pasific and include Taiwan, Hainan Island and parts of Vietnam and Cambodia in the north and even New Zealand in the south.
The historically well-known Parameswara who fled to Kota Singa (now Singapore) and then established the Sultanate of Malacca, was a descendant of the Palembang sultanate and this made the hosts of Malacca sultans after him were his descendants. Parameswara leaved with him hosts of other descendants whom later established a number of sultanates in Peninsula Malaysia. The Perak Sultanate was established by DYMM Sultan Muzaffar Syah, the eldest prince of Sultan Mahmud Syah, the last sultan of Malacca.
The Johor Sultanate was developed when Sultan Mahmud Shah (Sultan of Malacca in exile and the first Sultan of Johor-Riau-Lingga) fled to Bentan and later to Kampar, Sumatra during the Portuguese bombardment of Malacca. When he died, his son Sultan Allauddin Riayat Shah was proclaimed the second Sultan of Johor. (The current Johor Sultanate is not descendants from the Johor-Riau-Lingga sultanate).
It was also historically mentioned that Parameswara’s earlier descendents goes back to Sang Nila Utama and Wan Empuk/Ratu Chendera Puri (the fist Malay-Singapura Sultanate rulers circa 1160-1208) to Raja Suran of a Ceylonese Dynasty to Raja Iskandar Zulkarnain (Alexander the Great) of the Greek Macedonia.
Origins of the Kedah Sultanate is full of legends and myths and mainly from verbal sources. It was said that the Kedah Sultanate had very close relationship with Raja of Rum (Turkish), Raja of Parsi (Persia/Iran), the Moghul Sultanate in India and the Maurya Dynasty also of India and the Siamese dynasties. Phra Ong Mahawangsa, a Hindu-Bhuddist seventh ruler of Old Kedah later converted into Islam and adopted the title Seri Paduka Maharaja Derba Raja and was later known as Sultan Muzaffar Shah. In the context of the Malay Sultanates, he was recognized as the first Kedah Malay Sultan to rule under the Islamic government banner. This was said to happened during the late 11th or early 12th century.
According to historical sources from China, Kelantan was once ruled by one Maharaja Ku-ma-r during the 15th century. It’s not known the origin of Raja Ku-ma-r. According to Siamese historical sources, Kelantan was ruled by Raja Seri Dewa circa 1493. His origin was not established. Local sources indicated that when Kelantan was attacked by Malacca, Sultan Mansur Shah, the then sultan of Kelantan, retreated to Pattani.
The Syed Jamalullail family of Perlis was said to originate from Palembang. Syed Harun Jamalullail was appointed the Penghulu of Mukim Arau by the then Sultan of Kedah and later his son, Syed Harun was proclaimed Raja of Perlis.
Raja Lumu was the first ruler to use the title Tuanku Sultan of Selangor in 1766. Raja Lumu, the son of Daeng Celak the Yamtuan Muda of Johor, and his brother are decendants of Opu Trendiburang Daeng Rilaka, Raja of the Land of the Bugis, came all the way from Land of the Bugis, Celebes Island to Tanah Melayu.
It is a well known fact that the Negeri Sembilan royal families are descendants of Minangkabau sultanate in Pagaruyung, Sumatera and so do all of the Minangkabaus in Malaysia.
The earliest known Chinese settlers in Tanah Melayu was those Chinese whom accompanied Princess Hang Li Po to Malacca. The Babas and Nyonyas are all said to be descendants of Hang Li Po and her followers.
The earliest known Indian settlement in Tanah Melayu was also during the Malacca Sultanante. Indian tradesmen, mainly of the Ceti origin, came to Malacca and started the Ceti Peranakan through marriage with locals and made their headway into the royal court of the Sultanate; one such example was the aristocrat Seri Nara Diraja who held a dignified position in the royal court of the Malacca sultanate.
Let us now examine some of the contemporary Malay sub-ethnic groupings :
The Malay communities in Malaysia today are formed from the various sub-ethnic groups from every corners of the Malay Archipelago that had migrated to Tanah Melayu since hundreds of years ago; this include the Achehs (North Sumatera), Minangkabaus (Western Sumatera), Mandailings (North Sumatera), Bengkulus (Bengkulu Island off Sumatera), Rawas (Rawa Island), Palembang (South Sumatera), Lampungs (Jawa Island), Jawa (Java Island), Sunda (Sunda Island/Straits), Bugis (South Sulawesi, Celebes Island), Banjars (South Kalimantan), Sulus (Isle of Sulu), Minahasas/Menados (Manado, North Sulawesi), Pattani (Southern Thailand), Cham (Kingdom of Champa, Central Vietnam/East of Cambodia), There are also a small number of Flores (Isle of Flores), Lomboks (Isle of Lombok), Sumbas (Isle of Sumba), and Malukus (Isle of Molucas).
Jawa : a well-known Malay ethnic from Java Island.
Bugis : originated from Land of the Bugis, South Sulawesi, Celebes Island. The Bugis are mainly traders; they traveled all over the Malay Archipelago to trade. Bugis settlement can be found largely in Selangor and Johore.
Bawean (pronounce Boyan) : came from Bawean Isle and can be found all over West Malaysia, especially city centres such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Johor Bharu, Malacca and Seremban including Singapore. It is not known when Baweanese first came to Tanah Melayu but a population census in 1849 indicated substantial settlements of Baweanese existed in Singapore and the Straits Settlement.
Jawi Peranakan : Malay ethnic of Indian origin; mainly male traders migrated from South India to Penang Island and married local Malay women. Their offsprings are known as Jawi Peranakan. The “Maricans” are one example of Jawi Peranakan; for instance Tan Sri Hassan Marican, President & CEO of Petronas.
Mandailing : sub-ethnic of the Batak clan evolved in Northern Sumatra. Migrated to Tanah Melayu circa 1820’s to study Islamic religion. Can be found in Selangor, Perak, Kedah and Penang. Those Malay names ending with Nasution, Lubis, and Siregar are of Mandailing origin.
Patani : located in Southern Thailand was once ruled by the Malay Patani Sultanate consisting of Patani Dynasty and Kelantan Dynasty during the mid 15th century. Both these dynasties among them had at least 16 known sultans and sultanahs ruled Patani between the 15th century right up to the 19th century when the Siamese rulers “took over” the sovereignty and administration of the Patani sultanate. The Patani settlement’s main concentration is in Kelantan and small numbers can also be found in North Perak, Perlis and Kedah. The “latest wave” of Patani “migration” into Peninsula Malaysia occurred most recently thr000ough the opening up of “tom yam” eateries all over the country.
Banjar : originated from Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. The Banjars first known wave of migration to other parts of the Malay Archipelago including Tanah Melayu was during the 1850’s when conflicts between ruling dynasties and the Dutch came to its apex. Their settlement can be found all over Malaysian largely in Perak and Sabah.
Other Malay sub-ethnic groups known are Orang Kampar (from orginating from Kampar, Western Sulatera) and Orang Rawa (originating from Pulau Rawa off Sumatera). Both are closely related to Minangkabaus and their spoken dialects are similar to that of the Minangkabaus.
It is interesting to note that one Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar Dato’ Hussein Mohamed Taib, who was a chief administrator in the Pahang Civil Service as well as a court officer in the Pahang Sultanate is a descendant of the Bugis-Johor aristocrat family that migrated to Pahang in the 18th century. His son, Abdul Razak Hussein was the 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia and his grandson, Najib Tun Razak is the current Deputy Premier.
All in all, the issue here is that the Chinese are definitely “pendatang”, the Indians are also definitely “pendatang” as well as most Malays in Malaysia are also definitely “pendatang” within the historical context. What is there for us to shout about. Najib in the first place should not offer any apology as he is also a descendant of “pendatang” and Ahmad Ismail has reaffirmed his stance that what transpired in Permatang Pauh was based on historical facts. It is a historical fact that we are all indeed “pendatang” to this holy and sacred land.
What’s more important for us all “pendatang” is to forge close cooperation in the spirit of merdeka and look ahead to better ourselves and together develop this nation despite our differences in our very own “pendatang” characteristics.
Sources : Ensaiklopedia Sejarah dan Kebudayaan Melayu, DBP.
NDIAN “PENDATANG”, CHINESE “PENDATANG”, MALAYS ?????
Ahmad Ismail’s, an UMNO stalwart from Penang, “outburst” during the recent Permatang Pauh election caught many, especially the Chinese community, by surprise. He was said to touch on the sensitivities of the Chinese and Indian communities by simply saying that the Chinese and Indians in Malaysia today are “pendatang”. (Whatever his political connotation is, we leave it as it is as this article has no political motives whatsoever). His remark has prompted Najib Tun Razak to formally apologise to the Chinese and Indian communities and urged Ahmad Ismail to do the same. MCA president, Ong Ka Ting, applauded Najib’s “political” gesture and thanked him for the apology.
Let us read history in its proper context.
Due to its geographical nature, The Malay Archipelago comprises of various big and small islands, isles and islets ranging westward from Madagascar Island, East of Africa to the Polynesian isles in the Pasific and include Taiwan, Hainan Island and parts of Vietnam and Cambodia in the north and even New Zealand in the south.
The historically well-known Parameswara who fled to Kota Singa (now Singapore) and then established the Sultanate of Malacca, was a descendant of the Palembang sultanate and this made the hosts of Malacca sultans after him were his descendants. Parameswara leaved with him hosts of other descendants whom later established a number of sultanates in Peninsula Malaysia. The Perak Sultanate was established by DYMM Sultan Muzaffar Syah, the eldest prince of Sultan Mahmud Syah, the last sultan of Malacca.
The Johor Sultanate was developed when Sultan Mahmud Shah (Sultan of Malacca in exile and the first Sultan of Johor-Riau-Lingga) fled to Bentan and later to Kampar, Sumatra during the Portuguese bombardment of Malacca. When he died, his son Sultan Allauddin Riayat Shah was proclaimed the second Sultan of Johor. (The current Johor Sultanate is not descendants from the Johor-Riau-Lingga sultanate).
It was also historically mentioned that Parameswara’s earlier descendents goes back to Sang Nila Utama and Wan Empuk/Ratu Chendera Puri (the fist Malay-Singapura Sultanate rulers circa 1160-1208) to Raja Suran of a Ceylonese Dynasty to Raja Iskandar Zulkarnain (Alexander the Great) of the Greek Macedonia.
Origins of the Kedah Sultanate is full of legends and myths and mainly from verbal sources. It was said that the Kedah Sultanate had very close relationship with Raja of Rum (Turkish), Raja of Parsi (Persia/Iran), the Moghul Sultanate in India and the Maurya Dynasty also of India and the Siamese dynasties. Phra Ong Mahawangsa, a Hindu-Bhuddist seventh ruler of Old Kedah later converted into Islam and adopted the title Seri Paduka Maharaja Derba Raja and was later known as Sultan Muzaffar Shah. In the context of the Malay Sultanates, he was recognized as the first Kedah Malay Sultan to rule under the Islamic government banner. This was said to happened during the late 11th or early 12th century.
According to historical sources from China, Kelantan was once ruled by one Maharaja Ku-ma-r during the 15th century. It’s not known the origin of Raja Ku-ma-r. According to Siamese historical sources, Kelantan was ruled by Raja Seri Dewa circa 1493. His origin was not established. Local sources indicated that when Kelantan was attacked by Malacca, Sultan Mansur Shah, the then sultan of Kelantan, retreated to Pattani.
The Syed Jamalullail family of Perlis was said to originate from Palembang. Syed Harun Jamalullail was appointed the Penghulu of Mukim Arau by the then Sultan of Kedah and later his son, Syed Harun was proclaimed Raja of Perlis.
Raja Lumu was the first ruler to use the title Tuanku Sultan of Selangor in 1766. Raja Lumu, the son of Daeng Celak the Yamtuan Muda of Johor, and his brother are decendants of Opu Trendiburang Daeng Rilaka, Raja of the Land of the Bugis, came all the way from Land of the Bugis, Celebes Island to Tanah Melayu.
It is a well known fact that the Negeri Sembilan royal families are descendants of Minangkabau sultanate in Pagaruyung, Sumatera and so do all of the Minangkabaus in Malaysia.
The earliest known Chinese settlers in Tanah Melayu was those Chinese whom accompanied Princess Hang Li Po to Malacca. The Babas and Nyonyas are all said to be descendants of Hang Li Po and her followers.
The earliest known Indian settlement in Tanah Melayu was also during the Malacca Sultanante. Indian tradesmen, mainly of the Ceti origin, came to Malacca and started the Ceti Peranakan through marriage with locals and made their headway into the royal court of the Sultanate; one such example was the aristocrat Seri Nara Diraja who held a dignified position in the royal court of the Malacca sultanate.
Let us now examine some of the contemporary Malay sub-ethnic groupings :
The Malay communities in Malaysia today are formed from the various sub-ethnic groups from every corners of the Malay Archipelago that had migrated to Tanah Melayu since hundreds of years ago; this include the Achehs (North Sumatera), Minangkabaus (Western Sumatera), Mandailings (North Sumatera), Bengkulus (Bengkulu Island off Sumatera), Rawas (Rawa Island), Palembang (South Sumatera), Lampungs (Jawa Island), Jawa (Java Island), Sunda (Sunda Island/Straits), Bugis (South Sulawesi, Celebes Island), Banjars (South Kalimantan), Sulus (Isle of Sulu), Minahasas/Menados (Manado, North Sulawesi), Pattani (Southern Thailand), Cham (Kingdom of Champa, Central Vietnam/East of Cambodia), There are also a small number of Flores (Isle of Flores), Lomboks (Isle of Lombok), Sumbas (Isle of Sumba), and Malukus (Isle of Molucas).
Jawa : a well-known Malay ethnic from Java Island.
Bugis : originated from Land of the Bugis, South Sulawesi, Celebes Island. The Bugis are mainly traders; they traveled all over the Malay Archipelago to trade. Bugis settlement can be found largely in Selangor and Johore.
Bawean (pronounce Boyan) : came from Bawean Isle and can be found all over West Malaysia, especially city centres such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Johor Bharu, Malacca and Seremban including Singapore. It is not known when Baweanese first came to Tanah Melayu but a population census in 1849 indicated substantial settlements of Baweanese existed in Singapore and the Straits Settlement.
Jawi Peranakan : Malay ethnic of Indian origin; mainly male traders migrated from South India to Penang Island and married local Malay women. Their offsprings are known as Jawi Peranakan. The “Maricans” are one example of Jawi Peranakan; for instance Tan Sri Hassan Marican, President & CEO of Petronas.
Mandailing : sub-ethnic of the Batak clan evolved in Northern Sumatra. Migrated to Tanah Melayu circa 1820’s to study Islamic religion. Can be found in Selangor, Perak, Kedah and Penang. Those Malay names ending with Nasution, Lubis, and Siregar are of Mandailing origin.
Patani : located in Southern Thailand was once ruled by the Malay Patani Sultanate consisting of Patani Dynasty and Kelantan Dynasty during the mid 15th century. Both these dynasties among them had at least 16 known sultans and sultanahs ruled Patani between the 15th century right up to the 19th century when the Siamese rulers “took over” the sovereignty and administration of the Patani sultanate. The Patani settlement’s main concentration is in Kelantan and small numbers can also be found in North Perak, Perlis and Kedah. The “latest wave” of Patani “migration” into Peninsula Malaysia occurred most recently thr000ough the opening up of “tom yam” eateries all over the country.
Banjar : originated from Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. The Banjars first known wave of migration to other parts of the Malay Archipelago including Tanah Melayu was during the 1850’s when conflicts between ruling dynasties and the Dutch came to its apex. Their settlement can be found all over Malaysian largely in Perak and Sabah.
Other Malay sub-ethnic groups known are Orang Kampar (from orginating from Kampar, Western Sulatera) and Orang Rawa (originating from Pulau Rawa off Sumatera). Both are closely related to Minangkabaus and their spoken dialects are similar to that of the Minangkabaus.
It is interesting to note that one Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar Dato’ Hussein Mohamed Taib, who was a chief administrator in the Pahang Civil Service as well as a court officer in the Pahang Sultanate is a descendant of the Bugis-Johor aristocrat family that migrated to Pahang in the 18th century. His son, Abdul Razak Hussein was the 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia and his grandson, Najib Tun Razak is the current Deputy Premier.
All in all, the issue here is that the Chinese are definitely “pendatang”, the Indians are also definitely “pendatang” as well as most Malays in Malaysia are also definitely “pendatang” within the historical context. What is there for us to shout about. Najib in the first place should not offer any apology as he is also a descendant of “pendatang” and Ahmad Ismail has reaffirmed his stance that what transpired in Permatang Pauh was based on historical facts. It is a historical fact that we are all indeed “pendatang” to this holy and sacred land.
What’s more important for us all “pendatang” is to forge close cooperation in the spirit of merdeka and look ahead to better ourselves and together develop this nation despite our differences in our very own “pendatang” characteristics.
Sources : Ensaiklopedia Sejarah dan Kebudayaan Melayu, DBP.
Let us read history in its proper context.
Due to its geographical nature, The Malay Archipelago comprises of various big and small islands, isles and islets ranging westward from Madagascar Island, East of Africa to the Polynesian isles in the Pasific and include Taiwan, Hainan Island and parts of Vietnam and Cambodia in the north and even New Zealand in the south.
The historically well-known Parameswara who fled to Kota Singa (now Singapore) and then established the Sultanate of Malacca, was a descendant of the Palembang sultanate and this made the hosts of Malacca sultans after him were his descendants. Parameswara leaved with him hosts of other descendants whom later established a number of sultanates in Peninsula Malaysia. The Perak Sultanate was established by DYMM Sultan Muzaffar Syah, the eldest prince of Sultan Mahmud Syah, the last sultan of Malacca.
The Johor Sultanate was developed when Sultan Mahmud Shah (Sultan of Malacca in exile and the first Sultan of Johor-Riau-Lingga) fled to Bentan and later to Kampar, Sumatra during the Portuguese bombardment of Malacca. When he died, his son Sultan Allauddin Riayat Shah was proclaimed the second Sultan of Johor. (The current Johor Sultanate is not descendants from the Johor-Riau-Lingga sultanate).
It was also historically mentioned that Parameswara’s earlier descendents goes back to Sang Nila Utama and Wan Empuk/Ratu Chendera Puri (the fist Malay-Singapura Sultanate rulers circa 1160-1208) to Raja Suran of a Ceylonese Dynasty to Raja Iskandar Zulkarnain (Alexander the Great) of the Greek Macedonia.
Origins of the Kedah Sultanate is full of legends and myths and mainly from verbal sources. It was said that the Kedah Sultanate had very close relationship with Raja of Rum (Turkish), Raja of Parsi (Persia/Iran), the Moghul Sultanate in India and the Maurya Dynasty also of India and the Siamese dynasties. Phra Ong Mahawangsa, a Hindu-Bhuddist seventh ruler of Old Kedah later converted into Islam and adopted the title Seri Paduka Maharaja Derba Raja and was later known as Sultan Muzaffar Shah. In the context of the Malay Sultanates, he was recognized as the first Kedah Malay Sultan to rule under the Islamic government banner. This was said to happened during the late 11th or early 12th century.
According to historical sources from China, Kelantan was once ruled by one Maharaja Ku-ma-r during the 15th century. It’s not known the origin of Raja Ku-ma-r. According to Siamese historical sources, Kelantan was ruled by Raja Seri Dewa circa 1493. His origin was not established. Local sources indicated that when Kelantan was attacked by Malacca, Sultan Mansur Shah, the then sultan of Kelantan, retreated to Pattani.
The Syed Jamalullail family of Perlis was said to originate from Palembang. Syed Harun Jamalullail was appointed the Penghulu of Mukim Arau by the then Sultan of Kedah and later his son, Syed Harun was proclaimed Raja of Perlis.
Raja Lumu was the first ruler to use the title Tuanku Sultan of Selangor in 1766. Raja Lumu, the son of Daeng Celak the Yamtuan Muda of Johor, and his brother are decendants of Opu Trendiburang Daeng Rilaka, Raja of the Land of the Bugis, came all the way from Land of the Bugis, Celebes Island to Tanah Melayu.
It is a well known fact that the Negeri Sembilan royal families are descendants of Minangkabau sultanate in Pagaruyung, Sumatera and so do all of the Minangkabaus in Malaysia.
The earliest known Chinese settlers in Tanah Melayu was those Chinese whom accompanied Princess Hang Li Po to Malacca. The Babas and Nyonyas are all said to be descendants of Hang Li Po and her followers.
The earliest known Indian settlement in Tanah Melayu was also during the Malacca Sultanante. Indian tradesmen, mainly of the Ceti origin, came to Malacca and started the Ceti Peranakan through marriage with locals and made their headway into the royal court of the Sultanate; one such example was the aristocrat Seri Nara Diraja who held a dignified position in the royal court of the Malacca sultanate.
Let us now examine some of the contemporary Malay sub-ethnic groupings :
The Malay communities in Malaysia today are formed from the various sub-ethnic groups from every corners of the Malay Archipelago that had migrated to Tanah Melayu since hundreds of years ago; this include the Achehs (North Sumatera), Minangkabaus (Western Sumatera), Mandailings (North Sumatera), Bengkulus (Bengkulu Island off Sumatera), Rawas (Rawa Island), Palembang (South Sumatera), Lampungs (Jawa Island), Jawa (Java Island), Sunda (Sunda Island/Straits), Bugis (South Sulawesi, Celebes Island), Banjars (South Kalimantan), Sulus (Isle of Sulu), Minahasas/Menados (Manado, North Sulawesi), Pattani (Southern Thailand), Cham (Kingdom of Champa, Central Vietnam/East of Cambodia), There are also a small number of Flores (Isle of Flores), Lomboks (Isle of Lombok), Sumbas (Isle of Sumba), and Malukus (Isle of Molucas).
Jawa : a well-known Malay ethnic from Java Island.
Bugis : originated from Land of the Bugis, South Sulawesi, Celebes Island. The Bugis are mainly traders; they traveled all over the Malay Archipelago to trade. Bugis settlement can be found largely in Selangor and Johore.
Bawean (pronounce Boyan) : came from Bawean Isle and can be found all over West Malaysia, especially city centres such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Johor Bharu, Malacca and Seremban including Singapore. It is not known when Baweanese first came to Tanah Melayu but a population census in 1849 indicated substantial settlements of Baweanese existed in Singapore and the Straits Settlement.
Jawi Peranakan : Malay ethnic of Indian origin; mainly male traders migrated from South India to Penang Island and married local Malay women. Their offsprings are known as Jawi Peranakan. The “Maricans” are one example of Jawi Peranakan; for instance Tan Sri Hassan Marican, President & CEO of Petronas.
Mandailing : sub-ethnic of the Batak clan evolved in Northern Sumatra. Migrated to Tanah Melayu circa 1820’s to study Islamic religion. Can be found in Selangor, Perak, Kedah and Penang. Those Malay names ending with Nasution, Lubis, and Siregar are of Mandailing origin.
Patani : located in Southern Thailand was once ruled by the Malay Patani Sultanate consisting of Patani Dynasty and Kelantan Dynasty during the mid 15th century. Both these dynasties among them had at least 16 known sultans and sultanahs ruled Patani between the 15th century right up to the 19th century when the Siamese rulers “took over” the sovereignty and administration of the Patani sultanate. The Patani settlement’s main concentration is in Kelantan and small numbers can also be found in North Perak, Perlis and Kedah. The “latest wave” of Patani “migration” into Peninsula Malaysia occurred most recently thr000ough the opening up of “tom yam” eateries all over the country.
Banjar : originated from Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. The Banjars first known wave of migration to other parts of the Malay Archipelago including Tanah Melayu was during the 1850’s when conflicts between ruling dynasties and the Dutch came to its apex. Their settlement can be found all over Malaysian largely in Perak and Sabah.
Other Malay sub-ethnic groups known are Orang Kampar (from orginating from Kampar, Western Sulatera) and Orang Rawa (originating from Pulau Rawa off Sumatera). Both are closely related to Minangkabaus and their spoken dialects are similar to that of the Minangkabaus.
It is interesting to note that one Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar Dato’ Hussein Mohamed Taib, who was a chief administrator in the Pahang Civil Service as well as a court officer in the Pahang Sultanate is a descendant of the Bugis-Johor aristocrat family that migrated to Pahang in the 18th century. His son, Abdul Razak Hussein was the 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia and his grandson, Najib Tun Razak is the current Deputy Premier.
All in all, the issue here is that the Chinese are definitely “pendatang”, the Indians are also definitely “pendatang” as well as most Malays in Malaysia are also definitely “pendatang” within the historical context. What is there for us to shout about. Najib in the first place should not offer any apology as he is also a descendant of “pendatang” and Ahmad Ismail has reaffirmed his stance that what transpired in Permatang Pauh was based on historical facts. It is a historical fact that we are all indeed “pendatang” to this holy and sacred land.
What’s more important for us all “pendatang” is to forge close cooperation in the spirit of merdeka and look ahead to better ourselves and together develop this nation despite our differences in our very own “pendatang” characteristics.
Sources : Ensaiklopedia Sejarah dan Kebudayaan Melayu, DBP.
NDIAN “PENDATANG”, CHINESE “PENDATANG”, MALAYS ?????
Ahmad Ismail’s, an UMNO stalwart from Penang, “outburst” during the recent Permatang Pauh election caught many, especially the Chinese community, by surprise. He was said to touch on the sensitivities of the Chinese and Indian communities by simply saying that the Chinese and Indians in Malaysia today are “pendatang”. (Whatever his political connotation is, we leave it as it is as this article has no political motives whatsoever). His remark has prompted Najib Tun Razak to formally apologise to the Chinese and Indian communities and urged Ahmad Ismail to do the same. MCA president, Ong Ka Ting, applauded Najib’s “political” gesture and thanked him for the apology.
Let us read history in its proper context.
Due to its geographical nature, The Malay Archipelago comprises of various big and small islands, isles and islets ranging westward from Madagascar Island, East of Africa to the Polynesian isles in the Pasific and include Taiwan, Hainan Island and parts of Vietnam and Cambodia in the north and even New Zealand in the south.
The historically well-known Parameswara who fled to Kota Singa (now Singapore) and then established the Sultanate of Malacca, was a descendant of the Palembang sultanate and this made the hosts of Malacca sultans after him were his descendants. Parameswara leaved with him hosts of other descendants whom later established a number of sultanates in Peninsula Malaysia. The Perak Sultanate was established by DYMM Sultan Muzaffar Syah, the eldest prince of Sultan Mahmud Syah, the last sultan of Malacca.
The Johor Sultanate was developed when Sultan Mahmud Shah (Sultan of Malacca in exile and the first Sultan of Johor-Riau-Lingga) fled to Bentan and later to Kampar, Sumatra during the Portuguese bombardment of Malacca. When he died, his son Sultan Allauddin Riayat Shah was proclaimed the second Sultan of Johor. (The current Johor Sultanate is not descendants from the Johor-Riau-Lingga sultanate).
It was also historically mentioned that Parameswara’s earlier descendents goes back to Sang Nila Utama and Wan Empuk/Ratu Chendera Puri (the fist Malay-Singapura Sultanate rulers circa 1160-1208) to Raja Suran of a Ceylonese Dynasty to Raja Iskandar Zulkarnain (Alexander the Great) of the Greek Macedonia.
Origins of the Kedah Sultanate is full of legends and myths and mainly from verbal sources. It was said that the Kedah Sultanate had very close relationship with Raja of Rum (Turkish), Raja of Parsi (Persia/Iran), the Moghul Sultanate in India and the Maurya Dynasty also of India and the Siamese dynasties. Phra Ong Mahawangsa, a Hindu-Bhuddist seventh ruler of Old Kedah later converted into Islam and adopted the title Seri Paduka Maharaja Derba Raja and was later known as Sultan Muzaffar Shah. In the context of the Malay Sultanates, he was recognized as the first Kedah Malay Sultan to rule under the Islamic government banner. This was said to happened during the late 11th or early 12th century.
According to historical sources from China, Kelantan was once ruled by one Maharaja Ku-ma-r during the 15th century. It’s not known the origin of Raja Ku-ma-r. According to Siamese historical sources, Kelantan was ruled by Raja Seri Dewa circa 1493. His origin was not established. Local sources indicated that when Kelantan was attacked by Malacca, Sultan Mansur Shah, the then sultan of Kelantan, retreated to Pattani.
The Syed Jamalullail family of Perlis was said to originate from Palembang. Syed Harun Jamalullail was appointed the Penghulu of Mukim Arau by the then Sultan of Kedah and later his son, Syed Harun was proclaimed Raja of Perlis.
Raja Lumu was the first ruler to use the title Tuanku Sultan of Selangor in 1766. Raja Lumu, the son of Daeng Celak the Yamtuan Muda of Johor, and his brother are decendants of Opu Trendiburang Daeng Rilaka, Raja of the Land of the Bugis, came all the way from Land of the Bugis, Celebes Island to Tanah Melayu.
It is a well known fact that the Negeri Sembilan royal families are descendants of Minangkabau sultanate in Pagaruyung, Sumatera and so do all of the Minangkabaus in Malaysia.
The earliest known Chinese settlers in Tanah Melayu was those Chinese whom accompanied Princess Hang Li Po to Malacca. The Babas and Nyonyas are all said to be descendants of Hang Li Po and her followers.
The earliest known Indian settlement in Tanah Melayu was also during the Malacca Sultanante. Indian tradesmen, mainly of the Ceti origin, came to Malacca and started the Ceti Peranakan through marriage with locals and made their headway into the royal court of the Sultanate; one such example was the aristocrat Seri Nara Diraja who held a dignified position in the royal court of the Malacca sultanate.
Let us now examine some of the contemporary Malay sub-ethnic groupings :
The Malay communities in Malaysia today are formed from the various sub-ethnic groups from every corners of the Malay Archipelago that had migrated to Tanah Melayu since hundreds of years ago; this include the Achehs (North Sumatera), Minangkabaus (Western Sumatera), Mandailings (North Sumatera), Bengkulus (Bengkulu Island off Sumatera), Rawas (Rawa Island), Palembang (South Sumatera), Lampungs (Jawa Island), Jawa (Java Island), Sunda (Sunda Island/Straits), Bugis (South Sulawesi, Celebes Island), Banjars (South Kalimantan), Sulus (Isle of Sulu), Minahasas/Menados (Manado, North Sulawesi), Pattani (Southern Thailand), Cham (Kingdom of Champa, Central Vietnam/East of Cambodia), There are also a small number of Flores (Isle of Flores), Lomboks (Isle of Lombok), Sumbas (Isle of Sumba), and Malukus (Isle of Molucas).
Jawa : a well-known Malay ethnic from Java Island.
Bugis : originated from Land of the Bugis, South Sulawesi, Celebes Island. The Bugis are mainly traders; they traveled all over the Malay Archipelago to trade. Bugis settlement can be found largely in Selangor and Johore.
Bawean (pronounce Boyan) : came from Bawean Isle and can be found all over West Malaysia, especially city centres such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Johor Bharu, Malacca and Seremban including Singapore. It is not known when Baweanese first came to Tanah Melayu but a population census in 1849 indicated substantial settlements of Baweanese existed in Singapore and the Straits Settlement.
Jawi Peranakan : Malay ethnic of Indian origin; mainly male traders migrated from South India to Penang Island and married local Malay women. Their offsprings are known as Jawi Peranakan. The “Maricans” are one example of Jawi Peranakan; for instance Tan Sri Hassan Marican, President & CEO of Petronas.
Mandailing : sub-ethnic of the Batak clan evolved in Northern Sumatra. Migrated to Tanah Melayu circa 1820’s to study Islamic religion. Can be found in Selangor, Perak, Kedah and Penang. Those Malay names ending with Nasution, Lubis, and Siregar are of Mandailing origin.
Patani : located in Southern Thailand was once ruled by the Malay Patani Sultanate consisting of Patani Dynasty and Kelantan Dynasty during the mid 15th century. Both these dynasties among them had at least 16 known sultans and sultanahs ruled Patani between the 15th century right up to the 19th century when the Siamese rulers “took over” the sovereignty and administration of the Patani sultanate. The Patani settlement’s main concentration is in Kelantan and small numbers can also be found in North Perak, Perlis and Kedah. The “latest wave” of Patani “migration” into Peninsula Malaysia occurred most recently thr000ough the opening up of “tom yam” eateries all over the country.
Banjar : originated from Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. The Banjars first known wave of migration to other parts of the Malay Archipelago including Tanah Melayu was during the 1850’s when conflicts between ruling dynasties and the Dutch came to its apex. Their settlement can be found all over Malaysian largely in Perak and Sabah.
Other Malay sub-ethnic groups known are Orang Kampar (from orginating from Kampar, Western Sulatera) and Orang Rawa (originating from Pulau Rawa off Sumatera). Both are closely related to Minangkabaus and their spoken dialects are similar to that of the Minangkabaus.
It is interesting to note that one Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar Dato’ Hussein Mohamed Taib, who was a chief administrator in the Pahang Civil Service as well as a court officer in the Pahang Sultanate is a descendant of the Bugis-Johor aristocrat family that migrated to Pahang in the 18th century. His son, Abdul Razak Hussein was the 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia and his grandson, Najib Tun Razak is the current Deputy Premier.
All in all, the issue here is that the Chinese are definitely “pendatang”, the Indians are also definitely “pendatang” as well as most Malays in Malaysia are also definitely “pendatang” within the historical context. What is there for us to shout about. Najib in the first place should not offer any apology as he is also a descendant of “pendatang” and Ahmad Ismail has reaffirmed his stance that what transpired in Permatang Pauh was based on historical facts. It is a historical fact that we are all indeed “pendatang” to this holy and sacred land.
What’s more important for us all “pendatang” is to forge close cooperation in the spirit of merdeka and look ahead to better ourselves and together develop this nation despite our differences in our very own “pendatang” characteristics.
Sources : Ensaiklopedia Sejarah dan Kebudayaan Melayu, DBP.
Let us read history in its proper context.
Due to its geographical nature, The Malay Archipelago comprises of various big and small islands, isles and islets ranging westward from Madagascar Island, East of Africa to the Polynesian isles in the Pasific and include Taiwan, Hainan Island and parts of Vietnam and Cambodia in the north and even New Zealand in the south.
The historically well-known Parameswara who fled to Kota Singa (now Singapore) and then established the Sultanate of Malacca, was a descendant of the Palembang sultanate and this made the hosts of Malacca sultans after him were his descendants. Parameswara leaved with him hosts of other descendants whom later established a number of sultanates in Peninsula Malaysia. The Perak Sultanate was established by DYMM Sultan Muzaffar Syah, the eldest prince of Sultan Mahmud Syah, the last sultan of Malacca.
The Johor Sultanate was developed when Sultan Mahmud Shah (Sultan of Malacca in exile and the first Sultan of Johor-Riau-Lingga) fled to Bentan and later to Kampar, Sumatra during the Portuguese bombardment of Malacca. When he died, his son Sultan Allauddin Riayat Shah was proclaimed the second Sultan of Johor. (The current Johor Sultanate is not descendants from the Johor-Riau-Lingga sultanate).
It was also historically mentioned that Parameswara’s earlier descendents goes back to Sang Nila Utama and Wan Empuk/Ratu Chendera Puri (the fist Malay-Singapura Sultanate rulers circa 1160-1208) to Raja Suran of a Ceylonese Dynasty to Raja Iskandar Zulkarnain (Alexander the Great) of the Greek Macedonia.
Origins of the Kedah Sultanate is full of legends and myths and mainly from verbal sources. It was said that the Kedah Sultanate had very close relationship with Raja of Rum (Turkish), Raja of Parsi (Persia/Iran), the Moghul Sultanate in India and the Maurya Dynasty also of India and the Siamese dynasties. Phra Ong Mahawangsa, a Hindu-Bhuddist seventh ruler of Old Kedah later converted into Islam and adopted the title Seri Paduka Maharaja Derba Raja and was later known as Sultan Muzaffar Shah. In the context of the Malay Sultanates, he was recognized as the first Kedah Malay Sultan to rule under the Islamic government banner. This was said to happened during the late 11th or early 12th century.
According to historical sources from China, Kelantan was once ruled by one Maharaja Ku-ma-r during the 15th century. It’s not known the origin of Raja Ku-ma-r. According to Siamese historical sources, Kelantan was ruled by Raja Seri Dewa circa 1493. His origin was not established. Local sources indicated that when Kelantan was attacked by Malacca, Sultan Mansur Shah, the then sultan of Kelantan, retreated to Pattani.
The Syed Jamalullail family of Perlis was said to originate from Palembang. Syed Harun Jamalullail was appointed the Penghulu of Mukim Arau by the then Sultan of Kedah and later his son, Syed Harun was proclaimed Raja of Perlis.
Raja Lumu was the first ruler to use the title Tuanku Sultan of Selangor in 1766. Raja Lumu, the son of Daeng Celak the Yamtuan Muda of Johor, and his brother are decendants of Opu Trendiburang Daeng Rilaka, Raja of the Land of the Bugis, came all the way from Land of the Bugis, Celebes Island to Tanah Melayu.
It is a well known fact that the Negeri Sembilan royal families are descendants of Minangkabau sultanate in Pagaruyung, Sumatera and so do all of the Minangkabaus in Malaysia.
The earliest known Chinese settlers in Tanah Melayu was those Chinese whom accompanied Princess Hang Li Po to Malacca. The Babas and Nyonyas are all said to be descendants of Hang Li Po and her followers.
The earliest known Indian settlement in Tanah Melayu was also during the Malacca Sultanante. Indian tradesmen, mainly of the Ceti origin, came to Malacca and started the Ceti Peranakan through marriage with locals and made their headway into the royal court of the Sultanate; one such example was the aristocrat Seri Nara Diraja who held a dignified position in the royal court of the Malacca sultanate.
Let us now examine some of the contemporary Malay sub-ethnic groupings :
The Malay communities in Malaysia today are formed from the various sub-ethnic groups from every corners of the Malay Archipelago that had migrated to Tanah Melayu since hundreds of years ago; this include the Achehs (North Sumatera), Minangkabaus (Western Sumatera), Mandailings (North Sumatera), Bengkulus (Bengkulu Island off Sumatera), Rawas (Rawa Island), Palembang (South Sumatera), Lampungs (Jawa Island), Jawa (Java Island), Sunda (Sunda Island/Straits), Bugis (South Sulawesi, Celebes Island), Banjars (South Kalimantan), Sulus (Isle of Sulu), Minahasas/Menados (Manado, North Sulawesi), Pattani (Southern Thailand), Cham (Kingdom of Champa, Central Vietnam/East of Cambodia), There are also a small number of Flores (Isle of Flores), Lomboks (Isle of Lombok), Sumbas (Isle of Sumba), and Malukus (Isle of Molucas).
Jawa : a well-known Malay ethnic from Java Island.
Bugis : originated from Land of the Bugis, South Sulawesi, Celebes Island. The Bugis are mainly traders; they traveled all over the Malay Archipelago to trade. Bugis settlement can be found largely in Selangor and Johore.
Bawean (pronounce Boyan) : came from Bawean Isle and can be found all over West Malaysia, especially city centres such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Johor Bharu, Malacca and Seremban including Singapore. It is not known when Baweanese first came to Tanah Melayu but a population census in 1849 indicated substantial settlements of Baweanese existed in Singapore and the Straits Settlement.
Jawi Peranakan : Malay ethnic of Indian origin; mainly male traders migrated from South India to Penang Island and married local Malay women. Their offsprings are known as Jawi Peranakan. The “Maricans” are one example of Jawi Peranakan; for instance Tan Sri Hassan Marican, President & CEO of Petronas.
Mandailing : sub-ethnic of the Batak clan evolved in Northern Sumatra. Migrated to Tanah Melayu circa 1820’s to study Islamic religion. Can be found in Selangor, Perak, Kedah and Penang. Those Malay names ending with Nasution, Lubis, and Siregar are of Mandailing origin.
Patani : located in Southern Thailand was once ruled by the Malay Patani Sultanate consisting of Patani Dynasty and Kelantan Dynasty during the mid 15th century. Both these dynasties among them had at least 16 known sultans and sultanahs ruled Patani between the 15th century right up to the 19th century when the Siamese rulers “took over” the sovereignty and administration of the Patani sultanate. The Patani settlement’s main concentration is in Kelantan and small numbers can also be found in North Perak, Perlis and Kedah. The “latest wave” of Patani “migration” into Peninsula Malaysia occurred most recently thr000ough the opening up of “tom yam” eateries all over the country.
Banjar : originated from Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. The Banjars first known wave of migration to other parts of the Malay Archipelago including Tanah Melayu was during the 1850’s when conflicts between ruling dynasties and the Dutch came to its apex. Their settlement can be found all over Malaysian largely in Perak and Sabah.
Other Malay sub-ethnic groups known are Orang Kampar (from orginating from Kampar, Western Sulatera) and Orang Rawa (originating from Pulau Rawa off Sumatera). Both are closely related to Minangkabaus and their spoken dialects are similar to that of the Minangkabaus.
It is interesting to note that one Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar Dato’ Hussein Mohamed Taib, who was a chief administrator in the Pahang Civil Service as well as a court officer in the Pahang Sultanate is a descendant of the Bugis-Johor aristocrat family that migrated to Pahang in the 18th century. His son, Abdul Razak Hussein was the 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia and his grandson, Najib Tun Razak is the current Deputy Premier.
All in all, the issue here is that the Chinese are definitely “pendatang”, the Indians are also definitely “pendatang” as well as most Malays in Malaysia are also definitely “pendatang” within the historical context. What is there for us to shout about. Najib in the first place should not offer any apology as he is also a descendant of “pendatang” and Ahmad Ismail has reaffirmed his stance that what transpired in Permatang Pauh was based on historical facts. It is a historical fact that we are all indeed “pendatang” to this holy and sacred land.
What’s more important for us all “pendatang” is to forge close cooperation in the spirit of merdeka and look ahead to better ourselves and together develop this nation despite our differences in our very own “pendatang” characteristics.
Sources : Ensaiklopedia Sejarah dan Kebudayaan Melayu, DBP.
Monday, July 28, 2008
THE PERFECT VERSE FOR A FATHER
Couple of days ago was my birthday. I received a card from my daughter who is now in her 3rd year at MSU. This is what she penned on the card :
“ I just want you to know,
You mean the world to me,
Only as heart as dear as yours,
Would give so unselfishly.
The many things you’ve done,
All the times that you were there,
Helps me know deep deep inside,
How much you really care.
Even though I might not say,
I appreciate all you do,
And I’m glad to have,
A father just like you! “
I deeply appreciate and cherish her thought of me as her father. Sincerely !
“ I just want you to know,
You mean the world to me,
Only as heart as dear as yours,
Would give so unselfishly.
The many things you’ve done,
All the times that you were there,
Helps me know deep deep inside,
How much you really care.
Even though I might not say,
I appreciate all you do,
And I’m glad to have,
A father just like you! “
I deeply appreciate and cherish her thought of me as her father. Sincerely !
CONGREGATION OF FAITHS
Few weeks ago the world’s religious leaders, including the Pope himself, met to discuss on worldly and spiritual issues especially pertaining to differences in religious opinion. The subject of the congregation is to seek common consensus and to instill common understanding, respect and trust among each other.
As a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Taoist, Hinduism, Jewish, Shintos and some others - we all share common traits - we all believe in GOD (whoever or whatever HE is); we pray to HIM periodically for peace of mind and for self prosperity. All these religions profess and instill good values to its followers – good against evil; do good deeds to all and avoid evil and unjustice acts to others.
So, what’s the differences between these religions? Nothing much actually except that of “MEANS OF FAITH”. Differences – the definition of GOD, method of praying, different sacred books, and religious rules and regulations. Religious teachings are basically along the same line of faith promoting healthy living consciousness among its followers and to respect the freedom of other faiths.
Deep within every religion, there bound to have certain group of followers who are categorized as “fanatics”. There religious fanatics make use of religion as a means of escapism – they interpret the sacred books to their wishes; disregard the existence of other religions; and instill fear among others including their peer followers.
These fanatical groups should be done away with, once and for all! Religious militancy are usually born from these fanatical groups moving towards terrorism instilling fears among world population and leads to misunderstanding and feuds between religions.
Even within the establishment of major religions, there exist various factions of discord and disharmony – Roman Catholics vs Protestants vs Orthodox; Sunni vs Shiites; Tibetan Buddhism vs Chinese Buddhism etc etc etc.
If we all do belief in GOD, pray to HIM, ask for his blessings and wants to have a prosperous life together, the why should there be feud and infighting among us? If such a case we should just discard our faith and perhaps covert to ATHEISM? The answer lies with each and every individual of us!!!
The congregation of faiths is a positive platform to undermine these issues; and perhaps it should be held more often than not.
As a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Taoist, Hinduism, Jewish, Shintos and some others - we all share common traits - we all believe in GOD (whoever or whatever HE is); we pray to HIM periodically for peace of mind and for self prosperity. All these religions profess and instill good values to its followers – good against evil; do good deeds to all and avoid evil and unjustice acts to others.
So, what’s the differences between these religions? Nothing much actually except that of “MEANS OF FAITH”. Differences – the definition of GOD, method of praying, different sacred books, and religious rules and regulations. Religious teachings are basically along the same line of faith promoting healthy living consciousness among its followers and to respect the freedom of other faiths.
Deep within every religion, there bound to have certain group of followers who are categorized as “fanatics”. There religious fanatics make use of religion as a means of escapism – they interpret the sacred books to their wishes; disregard the existence of other religions; and instill fear among others including their peer followers.
These fanatical groups should be done away with, once and for all! Religious militancy are usually born from these fanatical groups moving towards terrorism instilling fears among world population and leads to misunderstanding and feuds between religions.
Even within the establishment of major religions, there exist various factions of discord and disharmony – Roman Catholics vs Protestants vs Orthodox; Sunni vs Shiites; Tibetan Buddhism vs Chinese Buddhism etc etc etc.
If we all do belief in GOD, pray to HIM, ask for his blessings and wants to have a prosperous life together, the why should there be feud and infighting among us? If such a case we should just discard our faith and perhaps covert to ATHEISM? The answer lies with each and every individual of us!!!
The congregation of faiths is a positive platform to undermine these issues; and perhaps it should be held more often than not.
ANARCHISM
- normally associate with disorder, chaos, lawlessness, revolution, mayhem, rebellion etc.
Anarchism basically is a political theory that is opposed to all forms of government. Arnachists believe that the highest attainment of humanity is the freedom of individuals to express themselves, unhindered by any form of repression or control from without. They hold that the perfection of humanity will not be attained until all government is abolished and each individual is left absolutely free. One limitation on such freedom, however, is the ban against injuring other human beings. From this limitation arises another : if any human being attempts to injure others, all well-meaning individuals have the right to organize against him or her, and the orderly class may repress the criminal class, although only by voluntary cooperation and not under any governmental organization.
Frenchman Pierre Joseph Proudhon is generally regarded as the father of the system of philosophical anarchism. According to Proudhon and his followers, anarchism would exclude authority from society, setting up extreme individualism. Philosophic anarchists, however, repudiate violent methods and hope for a gradual evolution of society toward anarchic organization. Those anarchists who reject Proudhon’s theories maintain that the entire trend of human development is toward achievement by cooperation and that social cooperation can never be wholly voluntary.
Another school of anarchism, relying on organized action and even deeds of terror to achieve its purposes, grew out of the socialist movement and appeared toward the end of the 19th century.
Philosophic anarchists continue to differ from socialists in their emphasis on freedom from control, especially from state control. Many anarchists participated in the trade union movements, usually as member of unions with a syndicalist programme. Others accepted the terrorist policy and practiced assassinations. Although most anarchists have not advocated terrorism, the popular view has unjustly identified all anarchism with violence. Anarchism declined steadily as a political philosophy and as an organized movement during the second quarter of the 20th century.
In this age of new millennium, there arisen a new form of “anarchism” – those groupings seeking total freedom of speech and total freedom to act under the pretext of human rights from governmental control. In voicing their discontent or displeasure on certain governmental policies and programmes they usually resorted to organizing street demonstrations, public rallies etc which normally leads to public riot and chaos. The actions of riot police in discharging their duties to safeguard public law and order during these public mayhems are usually scrutinised by the so called “human rights watch groups and their respective solicitors”. More often than not, police and governmental actions were negatively publicised and challenged in the court of law.
Perhaps, it is time that philosophical and political scientists coined a new category for these group of “troubled” people!!!!
Anarchism basically is a political theory that is opposed to all forms of government. Arnachists believe that the highest attainment of humanity is the freedom of individuals to express themselves, unhindered by any form of repression or control from without. They hold that the perfection of humanity will not be attained until all government is abolished and each individual is left absolutely free. One limitation on such freedom, however, is the ban against injuring other human beings. From this limitation arises another : if any human being attempts to injure others, all well-meaning individuals have the right to organize against him or her, and the orderly class may repress the criminal class, although only by voluntary cooperation and not under any governmental organization.
Frenchman Pierre Joseph Proudhon is generally regarded as the father of the system of philosophical anarchism. According to Proudhon and his followers, anarchism would exclude authority from society, setting up extreme individualism. Philosophic anarchists, however, repudiate violent methods and hope for a gradual evolution of society toward anarchic organization. Those anarchists who reject Proudhon’s theories maintain that the entire trend of human development is toward achievement by cooperation and that social cooperation can never be wholly voluntary.
Another school of anarchism, relying on organized action and even deeds of terror to achieve its purposes, grew out of the socialist movement and appeared toward the end of the 19th century.
Philosophic anarchists continue to differ from socialists in their emphasis on freedom from control, especially from state control. Many anarchists participated in the trade union movements, usually as member of unions with a syndicalist programme. Others accepted the terrorist policy and practiced assassinations. Although most anarchists have not advocated terrorism, the popular view has unjustly identified all anarchism with violence. Anarchism declined steadily as a political philosophy and as an organized movement during the second quarter of the 20th century.
In this age of new millennium, there arisen a new form of “anarchism” – those groupings seeking total freedom of speech and total freedom to act under the pretext of human rights from governmental control. In voicing their discontent or displeasure on certain governmental policies and programmes they usually resorted to organizing street demonstrations, public rallies etc which normally leads to public riot and chaos. The actions of riot police in discharging their duties to safeguard public law and order during these public mayhems are usually scrutinised by the so called “human rights watch groups and their respective solicitors”. More often than not, police and governmental actions were negatively publicised and challenged in the court of law.
Perhaps, it is time that philosophical and political scientists coined a new category for these group of “troubled” people!!!!
Monday, June 30, 2008
MIC – THROWING OF CHAIRS, AGAIN???
Samy Veloo is still the president despite losing the Sungai Siput parliamentary seat. Certain faction within the party accused him as causing MIC’s fatal defeat in the recent general election. Certain other leaders and followers demanding him to step down. Certain youth leaders are causing waves within the party especially pertaining to age limit set for youth leaders at national and divisional levels. The Hindraf occurrences has put MIC in a blind spot. Nothing much is heard about Samy Veloo these days as compared to his heydays as Works Minister. For all intent and purpose, he’s busy recuperating the party, someone said. At the same time, Hindraf and PKR are wooing MIC grassroot followers.
Change is expected within MIC come its next party election. And change is certainly set. Let’s wait and see !!! Likewise UMNO and MCA, It should be very an interest political theatre, indeed it is!
Change is expected within MIC come its next party election. And change is certainly set. Let’s wait and see !!! Likewise UMNO and MCA, It should be very an interest political theatre, indeed it is!
MCA – THE TRANSITION HAS STARTED
Ong Ka Ting announced that he will not seek re-election as the President of MCA, and so is his deputy, Chan Kong Choy; thus paving ways and means for second echelons in the party to move upwards.
It was said that Ong Tee Keat, a VP is slated to take over the Presidency with Liow Tiong Lai. The current Youth Chief and Heath Minister is expected to move up the ladder and so is Wee Ka Siong. They are some of the line-up purportedly enumerated by Ka Ting and Kong Choy.
Speculation is adrift that Chua Soi Lek partnering Donald Lim are contemplating a comeback by contesting the Presidency and the Deputy respectively. Also on the rumour mill, Chua Jui Meng is showing his interest to wrestle.
Far and wide, I’m pretty sure Ka Ting prominently figured as the A-Team leader has his own line-up and Kong Choy as the B-Team camp has his own line-up too. The C-Team comprises of those party stalwarts and their followers that seems to dissociate from both the A and B-Teams; or so it seems. These include Soi Lek, Donald Lim and Jui Meng,
So, where will be Ong Ka Chuan, the younger brother of Ka Ting, in the line-up? Will he remains as the party’s Secretary-General? Having known him from the outside, I can safely say his political target is very ambitious. From nepotism point of view, the time is ripe for him to replace his elder brother as the next party president despite the fact that Ka Ting seems to have endorsed Tee Keat.
It is really interesting to watch these players campaigning for positions right from the beginning – that is even before the branches and divisional elections commence. The Big Bang shall be during the party election. Let’s watch gleefully!!!
It was said that Ong Tee Keat, a VP is slated to take over the Presidency with Liow Tiong Lai. The current Youth Chief and Heath Minister is expected to move up the ladder and so is Wee Ka Siong. They are some of the line-up purportedly enumerated by Ka Ting and Kong Choy.
Speculation is adrift that Chua Soi Lek partnering Donald Lim are contemplating a comeback by contesting the Presidency and the Deputy respectively. Also on the rumour mill, Chua Jui Meng is showing his interest to wrestle.
Far and wide, I’m pretty sure Ka Ting prominently figured as the A-Team leader has his own line-up and Kong Choy as the B-Team camp has his own line-up too. The C-Team comprises of those party stalwarts and their followers that seems to dissociate from both the A and B-Teams; or so it seems. These include Soi Lek, Donald Lim and Jui Meng,
So, where will be Ong Ka Chuan, the younger brother of Ka Ting, in the line-up? Will he remains as the party’s Secretary-General? Having known him from the outside, I can safely say his political target is very ambitious. From nepotism point of view, the time is ripe for him to replace his elder brother as the next party president despite the fact that Ka Ting seems to have endorsed Tee Keat.
It is really interesting to watch these players campaigning for positions right from the beginning – that is even before the branches and divisional elections commence. The Big Bang shall be during the party election. Let’s watch gleefully!!!
DOCUMENT OF DESTINY
DOCUMENT OF DESTINY : The Constitution of the Federation of Malaysia by PROFESSOR DR SHAD SALEEM FARUQI
Professor Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi -
Senior Professor of Law & Constitutional Expert, University Technology MARA, Malaysia.
He simply said that his book is important because the Constitution is under attack during the launch of his abovementioned book – a historical an legal analysis of the Malaysian Constitution published by The Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd recently.
“The Constitution is under attack by a number of people who believe that we should move towards the Islamic state. It is under attack by those who feel that the ‘social contract’ must be renegotiated. It is also undermined by judges and civil servants who apply their own interpretations of the Constitution and allow their personal allegiances to colour the practical application of the laws that govern our country” he said vehemently.
The Constitution performs a number of functions. It creates the branches of government (legislative, executive and judiciary) and confers powers upon these branches. Importantly, it also imposes limits on these powers and describes the relationship between the various arms of government, the King, and the Prime Minister, the Federal and State Governments, the Upper and Lower Houses, an so on. The Constitution also delineates a state’s relationship with its citizens, setting out their rights to life, liberty, property ownership, freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Despite his obvious passion for these legal documents, he admitted that a Constitution is by nature imperfect. A Constitution is sure to be full of ambiguities and conflicts. It seeks to strike a balance between might and right, to permit liberty, while at the same time enforcing responsibility.
Shad believed that the Constitutional literacy is an absolutely essential tool if Malaysians are to develop a keen political and civil consciousness. The Constitution is the chart and compass; knowledge of the Constitution is a pre-requisite to good citizenship. The Constitution is the guardian of rights and the source of freedoms. Yet it is not even taught in universities except to those studying law. Members of Parliament and senior civil servants can be blissfully unaware of the provisions of the Constitution. The youth are terribly ignorant of the painstaking process under which it was forged by leaders who had to battle extremism from within and without their respective communities. The Malaysian Constitution was not framed by ideological passion, but guided by the spirit of moderation. It has reconciled the seemingly irreconcilable conflict of interest between ethnic and religious groups in a way that has few parallels in the modern world.
Bar Council Human Rights Committee Chairman, Mr Edmund Bon has this to say – “I applaud Shad because he is one of the few scholars who will speak freely about religious freedom in this country. He is also very active in promoting constitutional awareness. His column is an excellent forum to expose Constitutional and human rights issues, and its useful to the ay person because it is written in a way that is easy to understand without distracting from the importance of the issue at hand”.
University Putra Malaysia’s Professor of Social Anthropology, Professor Dr Sarjit S Gill – “I think he’s doing a very good job. Shad is known as a man of principle, who is critical with his work and who is not afraid to be critical of the Government in defence of the Constitution. That is something that is lacking in Malaysia, the ability to have healthy debate on important issues and take the opposite view if need be – we have many ‘yes man’ professors in Malaysia. The younger generation should take the cue from Shad, whose work is known internationally not just in Malaysia”.
The book DOCUMENT OF DESTINY : The Constitution of the Federation of Malaysia is now on sale. A book everyone must read and take to heart. Other books by the author includes “Human Rights, Globalisation and the Asian Economic Crisis”, “Islam International Law and the War Against Terrorism”, “Islam, Democracy and Development”, co-author “Media Law and Regulations in Malaysia”.
Professor Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi -
Senior Professor of Law & Constitutional Expert, University Technology MARA, Malaysia.
He simply said that his book is important because the Constitution is under attack during the launch of his abovementioned book – a historical an legal analysis of the Malaysian Constitution published by The Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd recently.
“The Constitution is under attack by a number of people who believe that we should move towards the Islamic state. It is under attack by those who feel that the ‘social contract’ must be renegotiated. It is also undermined by judges and civil servants who apply their own interpretations of the Constitution and allow their personal allegiances to colour the practical application of the laws that govern our country” he said vehemently.
The Constitution performs a number of functions. It creates the branches of government (legislative, executive and judiciary) and confers powers upon these branches. Importantly, it also imposes limits on these powers and describes the relationship between the various arms of government, the King, and the Prime Minister, the Federal and State Governments, the Upper and Lower Houses, an so on. The Constitution also delineates a state’s relationship with its citizens, setting out their rights to life, liberty, property ownership, freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Despite his obvious passion for these legal documents, he admitted that a Constitution is by nature imperfect. A Constitution is sure to be full of ambiguities and conflicts. It seeks to strike a balance between might and right, to permit liberty, while at the same time enforcing responsibility.
Shad believed that the Constitutional literacy is an absolutely essential tool if Malaysians are to develop a keen political and civil consciousness. The Constitution is the chart and compass; knowledge of the Constitution is a pre-requisite to good citizenship. The Constitution is the guardian of rights and the source of freedoms. Yet it is not even taught in universities except to those studying law. Members of Parliament and senior civil servants can be blissfully unaware of the provisions of the Constitution. The youth are terribly ignorant of the painstaking process under which it was forged by leaders who had to battle extremism from within and without their respective communities. The Malaysian Constitution was not framed by ideological passion, but guided by the spirit of moderation. It has reconciled the seemingly irreconcilable conflict of interest between ethnic and religious groups in a way that has few parallels in the modern world.
Bar Council Human Rights Committee Chairman, Mr Edmund Bon has this to say – “I applaud Shad because he is one of the few scholars who will speak freely about religious freedom in this country. He is also very active in promoting constitutional awareness. His column is an excellent forum to expose Constitutional and human rights issues, and its useful to the ay person because it is written in a way that is easy to understand without distracting from the importance of the issue at hand”.
University Putra Malaysia’s Professor of Social Anthropology, Professor Dr Sarjit S Gill – “I think he’s doing a very good job. Shad is known as a man of principle, who is critical with his work and who is not afraid to be critical of the Government in defence of the Constitution. That is something that is lacking in Malaysia, the ability to have healthy debate on important issues and take the opposite view if need be – we have many ‘yes man’ professors in Malaysia. The younger generation should take the cue from Shad, whose work is known internationally not just in Malaysia”.
The book DOCUMENT OF DESTINY : The Constitution of the Federation of Malaysia is now on sale. A book everyone must read and take to heart. Other books by the author includes “Human Rights, Globalisation and the Asian Economic Crisis”, “Islam International Law and the War Against Terrorism”, “Islam, Democracy and Development”, co-author “Media Law and Regulations in Malaysia”.
WANITA UMNO –LEADERSHIP IN TRANSITION
It was reported in The Star (Sunday 29th June) that “Trouble brewing in the wing”. Rafidah Aziz has been the chief for 20 years and intends to go on emulating the ever charming Samy Veloo. She has proven her mettle during her long stint as the Minister of International Trade and Industry. She has also proven her mettle helming the UMNO‘s Wanita wing all these years. The Iron Lady rules the wanita wing with an iron fists. But she was left out of the Cabinet after the recent general election because of the AP fiasco.
Her No. 2 Sharizat Jalil, was a Minister before she was defeated by Annuar’s fragile daughter in the general election recently, has always declared herself as “a loyal No 2 who will not challenge her No. 1”. Some how she managed to retain her ministerial status when Abdullah Badawi appointed her as Women’s Affairs Advisor by.
To Rafidah, this is what I have to say – everybody and everything has spoken; the general election result winning only very marginally; not a Minister anymore; grassroots demanding leadership changes; wanita excos wanting better portfolios and in dire need to climb up the ladder; lukewarm responses during visits at grassroot levels are some pertinent indicators. It’s time for you to leave it to Sharizat or some other younger personalities to steer the wing.
Or, shall we wait for the court’s judgement on a petition to disqualify her from the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seat?
Her No. 2 Sharizat Jalil, was a Minister before she was defeated by Annuar’s fragile daughter in the general election recently, has always declared herself as “a loyal No 2 who will not challenge her No. 1”. Some how she managed to retain her ministerial status when Abdullah Badawi appointed her as Women’s Affairs Advisor by.
To Rafidah, this is what I have to say – everybody and everything has spoken; the general election result winning only very marginally; not a Minister anymore; grassroots demanding leadership changes; wanita excos wanting better portfolios and in dire need to climb up the ladder; lukewarm responses during visits at grassroot levels are some pertinent indicators. It’s time for you to leave it to Sharizat or some other younger personalities to steer the wing.
Or, shall we wait for the court’s judgement on a petition to disqualify her from the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seat?
THE “RUBBER GLOVE SYNDROME”
During mid 80’s, I’ve met up with a potential American investor looking at the possibility of setting up a examination rubber glove factory in Malaysia. These gloves are for consumption in the US markets. Apart from looking at the possibility of investing, he also managed to talk to a number of Malaysian investors who are eager to invest in new opportunities. After series of talks and negotiations, the American offered a deal to these Malaysian investors to produce and supply a minimum of 10 million pieces of gloves per month. He is expecting a total constant supply of about 50 million pieces a month. At least 10 local manufacturers were then frantically set up examination glove factories all over Malaysia with each producing an average of 10 million pieces monthly supplying to that particular American investor’s need – equivalent to a total production capacity of about 100 million pieces per month. In actual fact, that US trader only commands a market share of about 50 to 60 million pieces monthly.
By the time these 10 factories were in production, news that rubber gloves are the “new gold” spread throughout Malaysia and no sooner that dipped rubber glove factories started mushrooming and expanding supplying various types of dipped gloves especially for the US markets and the European markets. In less than 5 years, there was intense competition among the local small and medium scale glove manufacturers both in securing constant supply of latex as main raw material and particularly in trying to secure market orders from a few select US traders. As the competition became more and more intense, new players crept into the market resulting in excess production capacity. Price war then emerged as the prime tool for these manufacturers to outdo each other. As a result, the rubber glove industry has turned itself into “survival of the fittest” – product quality of some of theses manufacturers soon deteriorated and export price of rubber gloves dipped further. What was left was only a few survivors; some were bought over by larger corporations, both by local and foreign investors. Others died in doldrums.
The real situation as described above is what I personally called the “Rubber Glove Syndrome”. It is a common trait among Malaysian business community existed till today and forever.
The Rubber Glove Syndrome is basically termed as “the flocking of capital and assets by Malaysian businesses and investors in an uncertain market demand purely based on hearsay and artificial business environment.” In other words, most Malaysian businesses and investors are generally not business leaders but mere followers; they emulate what a select few has started and in so doing distorts market conditions and disrupts business viability.
We can see the same situation happen in the tiger prawn rearing industry, in oil palm sector, the chicken breeding industry, “kedai makan tom yam”, the cut flower industry, automotive parts manufacturing and hosts of other businesses. The same situation occurred repeatedly and will continue to occur. But then again, if a business opportunity knocks on the door, shall we just lay on the sideline watching others enjoying their Mercs, and BMW’s?
Now that the government is hype on transforming and modernizing the food production sector as outlined in the Third National Agriculture Policy and the 9th Malaysia Plan – the emergence new breeds of goat breeders, dragon fruit farmers, herbal growers and herbs formulation manufacturers, various multi-level business and so on and so forth. What’s becoming of them in a few years time? How many of them will survive? Only time will tell!
Whatever it is, the “Rubber Glove Syndrome” should be done away with!!!
By the time these 10 factories were in production, news that rubber gloves are the “new gold” spread throughout Malaysia and no sooner that dipped rubber glove factories started mushrooming and expanding supplying various types of dipped gloves especially for the US markets and the European markets. In less than 5 years, there was intense competition among the local small and medium scale glove manufacturers both in securing constant supply of latex as main raw material and particularly in trying to secure market orders from a few select US traders. As the competition became more and more intense, new players crept into the market resulting in excess production capacity. Price war then emerged as the prime tool for these manufacturers to outdo each other. As a result, the rubber glove industry has turned itself into “survival of the fittest” – product quality of some of theses manufacturers soon deteriorated and export price of rubber gloves dipped further. What was left was only a few survivors; some were bought over by larger corporations, both by local and foreign investors. Others died in doldrums.
The real situation as described above is what I personally called the “Rubber Glove Syndrome”. It is a common trait among Malaysian business community existed till today and forever.
The Rubber Glove Syndrome is basically termed as “the flocking of capital and assets by Malaysian businesses and investors in an uncertain market demand purely based on hearsay and artificial business environment.” In other words, most Malaysian businesses and investors are generally not business leaders but mere followers; they emulate what a select few has started and in so doing distorts market conditions and disrupts business viability.
We can see the same situation happen in the tiger prawn rearing industry, in oil palm sector, the chicken breeding industry, “kedai makan tom yam”, the cut flower industry, automotive parts manufacturing and hosts of other businesses. The same situation occurred repeatedly and will continue to occur. But then again, if a business opportunity knocks on the door, shall we just lay on the sideline watching others enjoying their Mercs, and BMW’s?
Now that the government is hype on transforming and modernizing the food production sector as outlined in the Third National Agriculture Policy and the 9th Malaysia Plan – the emergence new breeds of goat breeders, dragon fruit farmers, herbal growers and herbs formulation manufacturers, various multi-level business and so on and so forth. What’s becoming of them in a few years time? How many of them will survive? Only time will tell!
Whatever it is, the “Rubber Glove Syndrome” should be done away with!!!
SPATES OF “EXPRESS BUS” ACCIDENTS
We’ve been hearing a lot about accidents involving express busses which had claimed numerous lives. The next day, the authorities made press statement, among others, saying that the express the bus drivers involved in the accidents had multiple summonses some came as close to 30; both the Police Department as well as the Road Transport Department. How satirical!!!!
The world (if I’m not mistaken) has acknowledged the Multimedia Super Corridor locate in Cyberjaya as the new Silicon Valley with its up-to-date super infrastructure to cater to the needs of the development in the information technology.
Most (by now, may be all) government departments including especially the Police Department and the Road Transport Department have been well equipped with computer systems, hardwares and softwares that enable them to store and analyse information on road users including the summonses “incurred” by express bus’s drivers.
For the public, especially the victims’ families, to be told that the bus drivers had already have 20 to 30 summonses in hand after the fateful accidents is really too much for us to chew. I’m pretty sure that the information system that they now possess should be able to figure out well in advance of who’s who list of culprits and act accordingly well before they took the wheels heading for a showdown on our road system.
I personally urge the Traffic Police and the Road Transport Department to act pro-actively by reprimanding these culprits before they had any chance of making history in Malaysia again and again and again …………………………. Life is so sacred; or is it?
The world (if I’m not mistaken) has acknowledged the Multimedia Super Corridor locate in Cyberjaya as the new Silicon Valley with its up-to-date super infrastructure to cater to the needs of the development in the information technology.
Most (by now, may be all) government departments including especially the Police Department and the Road Transport Department have been well equipped with computer systems, hardwares and softwares that enable them to store and analyse information on road users including the summonses “incurred” by express bus’s drivers.
For the public, especially the victims’ families, to be told that the bus drivers had already have 20 to 30 summonses in hand after the fateful accidents is really too much for us to chew. I’m pretty sure that the information system that they now possess should be able to figure out well in advance of who’s who list of culprits and act accordingly well before they took the wheels heading for a showdown on our road system.
I personally urge the Traffic Police and the Road Transport Department to act pro-actively by reprimanding these culprits before they had any chance of making history in Malaysia again and again and again …………………………. Life is so sacred; or is it?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
OBAMA MCCAIN vs MCCAIN OBAMA
US Presidential elections are reliable occasions for political futurology. This year’s presidential electioneering has yielded a prediction that Democrats and Republicans agree on and which European liberals anticipate – Bush will soon be gone and change is the order of the day. Change will of course occur on personnel, style and personality. The theme of this election will continue to be change. The theme of the next US administration, however, is likely to be continuity. So as was reported by Guardian News Services.
Whether Obama or McCain, whatever promises the made during presidential electioneering; as president of the United States of America will have to be highly dependable on and succumbs to various classified reports, findings, data collections, dossiers as compiled and prepared by various departments within the administrative set-ups. First and foremost, the President could not just quash reports and findings concluded by agencies such as CIA, FBI, Military Intelligence, Department of Homeland Security and a hosts of other similar agencies.
Likewise, in the area of international trade and WTO, the Department of Commerce and The US Treasury plus a few other departments and agencies play a vital role in advising the US Presidents. And then, there are hosts of “political and economic lobbyists” that for so long has featured prominently in the US administration.
To put it in simple term, Obama or McCain as US President shall be subjected to the “whims and fancies” of these so-called advisors, Presidential or otherwise. They are the one who dictate the President in making policies and decisions crucial to the existence and sovereignty of the United States. So, do not expect a major shift in policy in whatever area of interests. Obama or McCain is just next in line in the US Presidency. Nothing more than that; unless either of them are willing to do a “Lincoln” or a “Kennedy”.
Whether Obama or McCain, whatever promises the made during presidential electioneering; as president of the United States of America will have to be highly dependable on and succumbs to various classified reports, findings, data collections, dossiers as compiled and prepared by various departments within the administrative set-ups. First and foremost, the President could not just quash reports and findings concluded by agencies such as CIA, FBI, Military Intelligence, Department of Homeland Security and a hosts of other similar agencies.
Likewise, in the area of international trade and WTO, the Department of Commerce and The US Treasury plus a few other departments and agencies play a vital role in advising the US Presidents. And then, there are hosts of “political and economic lobbyists” that for so long has featured prominently in the US administration.
To put it in simple term, Obama or McCain as US President shall be subjected to the “whims and fancies” of these so-called advisors, Presidential or otherwise. They are the one who dictate the President in making policies and decisions crucial to the existence and sovereignty of the United States. So, do not expect a major shift in policy in whatever area of interests. Obama or McCain is just next in line in the US Presidency. Nothing more than that; unless either of them are willing to do a “Lincoln” or a “Kennedy”.
OIL FUTURES SPECULATORS
US and British oil futures regulators are now working towards a deal to impose first-ever position limits on West Texas Intermediate contracts on the ICE Futures Europe exchange in a bid to control what they see as excessive speculation in oil markets and to make it harder for speculative traders to skirt regulations through “dark markets” where oversight is lax. In a highly unusual move, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the British Financial Services Authority that they have an ongoing nationwide investigation into crude oil markets since December 2007.
It is a clear indication that global soaring oil prices are the works of unscrupulous speculators. These sets of people do not care if world population dies of hunger on the streets so long as they are able to satisfy their very own needs. I would speculate that the oil crisis nowadays is about similar to the South East Asian financial crash sometime in 1997-98. Until today, not a single government in the world including the US, British and European Union governments are able to do anything about the soaring oil prices; what more of the third world countries. Shall we just suffer in silence and succumb to these “few” invisible hands manipulating the whole world????
It is a clear indication that global soaring oil prices are the works of unscrupulous speculators. These sets of people do not care if world population dies of hunger on the streets so long as they are able to satisfy their very own needs. I would speculate that the oil crisis nowadays is about similar to the South East Asian financial crash sometime in 1997-98. Until today, not a single government in the world including the US, British and European Union governments are able to do anything about the soaring oil prices; what more of the third world countries. Shall we just suffer in silence and succumb to these “few” invisible hands manipulating the whole world????
ST MICHAEL’S INSTITUTION, IPOH
My “extraordinary” alma mater. Fond memories of those years. I was there for about 13 wondrous years with the first 6 years at St Michael’s Primary II. Hello to all Michaelians out there!!!! All thru’ our college ……………………………….
But what I’m about to pen here may not be acceptable to most Michaelians, if not all. SMI is situated right in the middle of Ipoh City fronting the infamous Ipoh Padang. SMI comprises of three, yes 3 schools; namely St. Michael’s Primary I, St. Michael’s Primary II and St Michael’s Secondary – 2 primary schools and 1 secondary school in a cramped compound!
And, all this while since a few decades ago, Jalan SP Seenivasagam, the short main street sandwiched between SMI and the Ipoh Padang is always congested especially during peak hours – cars belonging to parents and school busses double parking on both sides along the road. The completion of a new road along the Kinta River behind the SMI Primaries has helped to reduce traffic congestion along SP but congestion it still is not only along Sp but the new road at the back.
Let’s retain the SMI Secondary as it is – the historical main building that used to be the headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army during WWII and its additional wings.
Let’s move out Primary I and Primary II to a more conducive area somewhere out of the city centre. Primary I may be somewhere in between Ipoh Garden and Bercham whilst Primary II may be relocated to Meru New Towmship or even to Pasir Puteh/Pengkalan. The Ministry of Education and perhaps the Perak Educaton Department may assist in the relocation of the 2 Primaries.
Space currently occupied by the 2 primaries may be use to improve educational facilities for the Secondary towards making SMI the excellent institution of learning not only in Ipoh but also in Malaysia.
Thus, solving traffic congestions !!!! I’m pretty sure this move will make the traffic police, MBI’s traffic wardens and the State Government (sic) happy! What say you, Michaelians???
But what I’m about to pen here may not be acceptable to most Michaelians, if not all. SMI is situated right in the middle of Ipoh City fronting the infamous Ipoh Padang. SMI comprises of three, yes 3 schools; namely St. Michael’s Primary I, St. Michael’s Primary II and St Michael’s Secondary – 2 primary schools and 1 secondary school in a cramped compound!
And, all this while since a few decades ago, Jalan SP Seenivasagam, the short main street sandwiched between SMI and the Ipoh Padang is always congested especially during peak hours – cars belonging to parents and school busses double parking on both sides along the road. The completion of a new road along the Kinta River behind the SMI Primaries has helped to reduce traffic congestion along SP but congestion it still is not only along Sp but the new road at the back.
Let’s retain the SMI Secondary as it is – the historical main building that used to be the headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army during WWII and its additional wings.
Let’s move out Primary I and Primary II to a more conducive area somewhere out of the city centre. Primary I may be somewhere in between Ipoh Garden and Bercham whilst Primary II may be relocated to Meru New Towmship or even to Pasir Puteh/Pengkalan. The Ministry of Education and perhaps the Perak Educaton Department may assist in the relocation of the 2 Primaries.
Space currently occupied by the 2 primaries may be use to improve educational facilities for the Secondary towards making SMI the excellent institution of learning not only in Ipoh but also in Malaysia.
Thus, solving traffic congestions !!!! I’m pretty sure this move will make the traffic police, MBI’s traffic wardens and the State Government (sic) happy! What say you, Michaelians???
OF COLONIAL MINDSET
The Star (Fintan Ng - StarBiz 14, June) A really interesting article featured. It reported that the editor of China Economic Quarterly, Joe Studwell has said that Malaysia and other South-East Asian nations had fundamentally failed to escape from the shackles of colonialism because their political and economic elites continued to work together in a relationship that did not engender entrepreneurship and innovation.
Excerpts of Joe Studwell’s in full (with blessing from The Star, I hope) – “In these countries, the post-independent period saw a shift in the ties between indigenous political elites to their non-indigenous largely Chinese economic elites from largely European economic elites before. Indigenous elites such, as Suharto, Ferdinand Marcos and Mahathir Mohamad, have also perpetrated the Victorian belief that their non-Chinese citizens do nor possess the experience or entrepreneurial spirit to run successful businesses. Studwell also said that this had led to a lower growth trajectory compared with Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. In South-East Asia, economic elites are distributed economic rents in which the conditionality is not there, such as how these rents can contribute to the meaningful development of a country’s economy via export or the creation of global companies. Japan South Korea and Taiwan, in which there were also family-run business, had done much better than South-East Asia’s economies in terms of gross domestic product per capita due to their much clearer industrial policies and emphasis on export-oriented industries. In instances where preferences or subsidies have been given, it was with conditions attached, such as building up industries that are export-oriented or technologically innovative. Japan and South Korea had many companies whose names and products were well-known the world over, which was not the case in South-East Asia. The future for South-East Asia was bleak due to the entrenched interests and the way it had become an obstacle to the future growth of the region. South-East Asia may just wallow in the lower to medium –income bracket going forward due to this essentially political failure.”
My concern is more towards the Malaysian “political elites” – both the political masters as well as the bureaucrats (the public servants). Forget about the political masters, they come and go every 5 years, some are able to retain their seats for years to come some do not. My definition of public servants – government officials of every levels providing government services to the general public like you and me. Some, if not most, the so-called public “servants” that we face daily to obtain services act as if they are our masters; acting to their own whims and fancies. Even the “budak pejabat” to a certain extent acted like lords and masters. These can be seen daily especially at Land Offices and certain other government offices throughout the country. Of course, over the years we have seen changes for the better in some of these departments providing counter services; but alas ……………………….
I fully agree with Studwell, not so much on the macro-economic aspects as he had pointed above, but more on the mindset of most of our “public servants” and “political elites” that my colleagues and I have encountered over the years. They not only have failed to escape from shackles of colonialism, worst still they are acting as if they are the colonial masters of the general public. And we have just celebrated our nation’s 50th independence. How pathetic it is. Sigh !!!
Studwell’s book, Asian Godfathers : Money and Power in Hong Kong & South-East Asia should be a good read not only to Malaysian CEO’s at large but more so to Malaysian public servants alike. His book covers the often-complex world and relationships of tycoons with the political elites of Indonesia, Malaysia the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong.
Excerpts of Joe Studwell’s in full (with blessing from The Star, I hope) – “In these countries, the post-independent period saw a shift in the ties between indigenous political elites to their non-indigenous largely Chinese economic elites from largely European economic elites before. Indigenous elites such, as Suharto, Ferdinand Marcos and Mahathir Mohamad, have also perpetrated the Victorian belief that their non-Chinese citizens do nor possess the experience or entrepreneurial spirit to run successful businesses. Studwell also said that this had led to a lower growth trajectory compared with Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. In South-East Asia, economic elites are distributed economic rents in which the conditionality is not there, such as how these rents can contribute to the meaningful development of a country’s economy via export or the creation of global companies. Japan South Korea and Taiwan, in which there were also family-run business, had done much better than South-East Asia’s economies in terms of gross domestic product per capita due to their much clearer industrial policies and emphasis on export-oriented industries. In instances where preferences or subsidies have been given, it was with conditions attached, such as building up industries that are export-oriented or technologically innovative. Japan and South Korea had many companies whose names and products were well-known the world over, which was not the case in South-East Asia. The future for South-East Asia was bleak due to the entrenched interests and the way it had become an obstacle to the future growth of the region. South-East Asia may just wallow in the lower to medium –income bracket going forward due to this essentially political failure.”
My concern is more towards the Malaysian “political elites” – both the political masters as well as the bureaucrats (the public servants). Forget about the political masters, they come and go every 5 years, some are able to retain their seats for years to come some do not. My definition of public servants – government officials of every levels providing government services to the general public like you and me. Some, if not most, the so-called public “servants” that we face daily to obtain services act as if they are our masters; acting to their own whims and fancies. Even the “budak pejabat” to a certain extent acted like lords and masters. These can be seen daily especially at Land Offices and certain other government offices throughout the country. Of course, over the years we have seen changes for the better in some of these departments providing counter services; but alas ……………………….
I fully agree with Studwell, not so much on the macro-economic aspects as he had pointed above, but more on the mindset of most of our “public servants” and “political elites” that my colleagues and I have encountered over the years. They not only have failed to escape from shackles of colonialism, worst still they are acting as if they are the colonial masters of the general public. And we have just celebrated our nation’s 50th independence. How pathetic it is. Sigh !!!
Studwell’s book, Asian Godfathers : Money and Power in Hong Kong & South-East Asia should be a good read not only to Malaysian CEO’s at large but more so to Malaysian public servants alike. His book covers the often-complex world and relationships of tycoons with the political elites of Indonesia, Malaysia the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong.
REDUCE OR ABOLISH CORPORATE TAX ???
InvestPenang, the investment promotion arm of the Penang State Government recently urged the Federal Government to reduce or even abolish corporate tax to help industrial sector cope up with the effects from rising fuel prices and the impending hike in power tariffs.
I have this to say – in trying times like nowadays the Government is still in need to earn a living for its people. Nothing is free anymore in this wicked world. Most of these industries either have be been enjoying tax incentives such as Pioneer Status or Investment Tax Allowance which gave them quite ample deductions on real tax; and to a certain extent are also given various types of tax exemptions as provided under the Income Tax Act and/or the Promotion of Investment Act. These tax benefits and tax exemptions accorded are more than suffice. Just allow the Federal Government to collect as much of what’s left after these exemptions and deductions from such industries.
For existing industries, whether foreign-, joint-venture or locally-owned, I would urge them to institute programmes that would improve overall productivity. I would also urge those employed by this sector to also improve their productivity. Productivity entails to a certain extent saving of production and overhead costs and hence improve profitability.
The hiring of cheap foreign labor is indeed a blessing in disguise for industrial concerns. On the one hand, labor costs have been greatly reduced as compared to hiring locals. On the other, these foreign labor were given work permits for a certain limited years. Once their work permits expired, new batch of foreign workers come in with lower start-up pay. Not to mention cost savings to those hiring illegal foreign labor. The cycle never stops.
For new industries – I would say that development taken place in Malaysia during the last few decades, especially in the manufacturing sector, is tremendous indeed. We can now afford to select and choose types of industries that we want. We can now forego labor-intensive industries; even allow existing labor-intensive industries to move out to Vietnam, China or the like. The latest Industrial Master Plan has spoken on this matter.
State Governments’ investment promotion arms should realign their promotional targets to more sophisticated and technologically innovative industrial concerns that are able to better feed our more educated population rather than relying on “imported” manual labor.
MIDA has always done its best since its incorporation. Hat’s off to MIDA, ex-DGs Dato’ Sada, Dato’ Aishah, Datuk Karu and to the recently appointed DG Datuk Jalilah.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
WITHER PERAK'S ORNAMENTAL FISH INDUSTRY?
A friend of mine who is (or was) the Chairman of Perak Aquaculture Association has submitted a general plan to transform and modernise the ornamental fish industry in Perak to the State Government. That started somewhat in late 2002 and has dished out briefings after series of meetings to many in the State Government including the Menteri Besar himself, the Exco for Agriculture, the State Secretary, Director of the State Economic Planning Unit (2 actually) and of course not to mention the State Fisheries Department.
The plan is quite simple - to assist these farmers to use modern means & methods in ornamental fish production by adopting the latest techniques in fish breeding & fish keeping, good farm practices & management, fish health management and other hosts of simple means & methods.
The idea is not only to uphold Perak as the largest producer of ornamental fish in Malaysia, but more towards the largest producer of internationally-accepted quality ornamental fish producer and also the largest net exporter of ornamental fish. The world trade in ornamental fish accounts to more than US 20 billion per year and our share is only about RM 168 million a year. More than 75% of our ornamental fish produce is exported to Singapore and Singapore with their quality control system re-exported our ornamental fish to other parts of the world earning more than triple what the local farmers able to earn. Our farmers & most exporters simply do not have the ability to export live ornamental fish to markets of more than 15 hours away; whilst Singaporean exporters are able to serve markets as far away as 72 hours or more. That's the technical difference between our farmers and those of the Singaporeans.
Most (more than 90%) of the ornamental fish farmers in Perak are operating on illegal land. To induce the modern techniques and to transform them requires additional investment.
When the political tsunami took place in April 2008, all the proposals put foreward by the Chairman remains on the desk of the then political masters. Do the current political and administation masters have a serious look at these proposals? I have no idea at all. As it is, all that i can see is that these ornamental fish farmers are still producing and exporting to Singapore as usual as they have done 30 years ago and this old-aged practices will continue to be observed for the next 30 years or so (if ever their sons will readily and willing inherit their occupation).+
The plan is quite simple - to assist these farmers to use modern means & methods in ornamental fish production by adopting the latest techniques in fish breeding & fish keeping, good farm practices & management, fish health management and other hosts of simple means & methods.
The idea is not only to uphold Perak as the largest producer of ornamental fish in Malaysia, but more towards the largest producer of internationally-accepted quality ornamental fish producer and also the largest net exporter of ornamental fish. The world trade in ornamental fish accounts to more than US 20 billion per year and our share is only about RM 168 million a year. More than 75% of our ornamental fish produce is exported to Singapore and Singapore with their quality control system re-exported our ornamental fish to other parts of the world earning more than triple what the local farmers able to earn. Our farmers & most exporters simply do not have the ability to export live ornamental fish to markets of more than 15 hours away; whilst Singaporean exporters are able to serve markets as far away as 72 hours or more. That's the technical difference between our farmers and those of the Singaporeans.
Most (more than 90%) of the ornamental fish farmers in Perak are operating on illegal land. To induce the modern techniques and to transform them requires additional investment.
When the political tsunami took place in April 2008, all the proposals put foreward by the Chairman remains on the desk of the then political masters. Do the current political and administation masters have a serious look at these proposals? I have no idea at all. As it is, all that i can see is that these ornamental fish farmers are still producing and exporting to Singapore as usual as they have done 30 years ago and this old-aged practices will continue to be observed for the next 30 years or so (if ever their sons will readily and willing inherit their occupation).+
AGRICULTURE IS BUSINESS - IS IT ???
Malaysia was once a full fledged agricultural nation; producing commodities such as rubber, paddy, pepper. The came the palm oil revolution during the early 70's which saw changes in the country's setting and brought wealth (sic ??) to smallholders. The 80's onwards was the crossroad towards achieving industrial status; the government through MITI and MIDA were engrossed in obtaining foreign investments in the manufacturing sector. Likewise, all the State Goverments rushed in to established industrial estates with the hope of attracting these investors; it paid well for most of these states ....... if not all! Most international organisations such as the World Bank, OECD, IMF, UNCTAD etc praised Malaysia for its success!!!! That's a good job done by Tun Mahathir.
As a result of that, most land in Malaysia now are either planted with oil palm, rubber or turned into industrial estates not to mention residential and bussines enclaves. The less attractive agricultural procduce like paddy, vegetables fizzles away resulting in less production of such. And now we are facing the problem of insufficient supply of food. Malaysia is now the net importer of food items - in excess of RM 20 billion a year and on the increase.
Couple of years ago, the Mahathir administration launched the Third National Agricultural Policy with the emphasis to transform and modernise agriculture sector to be on par with agriculture activities in the developed nations. Efforts were channelled to increase productivity in certain choice produce and to make Malaysia self sufficient in certain other agriculture products.
When Abdullah Badawi took over the helm, his administration advocated the motto AGRICULTURE IS BUSINESS - a notion that labels all agriculture activities, especially the production of food products in Malaysia be treated as a business concern rather than a mere subsistent role. All is well, is it or isn't it?? These policies are being promoted at the federal level by the federal government. What about the State Governments? How do they perceived these policies and plans ? For all we know, as specifically spelt in the Federal Constitution, land is a State matter. In order to transform amd modernise these agricultural activities, one has has to look at land matters for all intent and purposes.
Most vegetable farmers in Malaysia are tilting on small plots of land illegally that are either still government's land or land already alienated to others. Their application for land titles and hence land ownership are usually fallen on deaf ears. At least 2 State Governments that i know of have a policy that agricultural practices of non-perenial plants and aquaculture practices (rearing of tiger prawns, freshwater fish, brackishwater fish & prawns and ornamental fish) can only be given land on TOL basis. TOL is Temporary Occupying Licence. These farmers were given only a specific number of years to yield their produce; some were given TOL only for a year!
Land on TOL is not bankable at all; meaning that the bankers would not accept these TOL land as collateral for loan applications. As such, these farmers make use of the land as it is and employ minimum investment. Worst still for those farmers who illegally toil others land!!!! How are these farmers able to transform and modernise themselves????
At the state level, there's hardly any concrete programmes to really promote the aims and objectives of the New Agriculture Policy especially pertaining to land law and practices.
We've yet to hear news from the "opposition"-led State Governments on this aspect.
As a result of that, most land in Malaysia now are either planted with oil palm, rubber or turned into industrial estates not to mention residential and bussines enclaves. The less attractive agricultural procduce like paddy, vegetables fizzles away resulting in less production of such. And now we are facing the problem of insufficient supply of food. Malaysia is now the net importer of food items - in excess of RM 20 billion a year and on the increase.
Couple of years ago, the Mahathir administration launched the Third National Agricultural Policy with the emphasis to transform and modernise agriculture sector to be on par with agriculture activities in the developed nations. Efforts were channelled to increase productivity in certain choice produce and to make Malaysia self sufficient in certain other agriculture products.
When Abdullah Badawi took over the helm, his administration advocated the motto AGRICULTURE IS BUSINESS - a notion that labels all agriculture activities, especially the production of food products in Malaysia be treated as a business concern rather than a mere subsistent role. All is well, is it or isn't it?? These policies are being promoted at the federal level by the federal government. What about the State Governments? How do they perceived these policies and plans ? For all we know, as specifically spelt in the Federal Constitution, land is a State matter. In order to transform amd modernise these agricultural activities, one has has to look at land matters for all intent and purposes.
Most vegetable farmers in Malaysia are tilting on small plots of land illegally that are either still government's land or land already alienated to others. Their application for land titles and hence land ownership are usually fallen on deaf ears. At least 2 State Governments that i know of have a policy that agricultural practices of non-perenial plants and aquaculture practices (rearing of tiger prawns, freshwater fish, brackishwater fish & prawns and ornamental fish) can only be given land on TOL basis. TOL is Temporary Occupying Licence. These farmers were given only a specific number of years to yield their produce; some were given TOL only for a year!
Land on TOL is not bankable at all; meaning that the bankers would not accept these TOL land as collateral for loan applications. As such, these farmers make use of the land as it is and employ minimum investment. Worst still for those farmers who illegally toil others land!!!! How are these farmers able to transform and modernise themselves????
At the state level, there's hardly any concrete programmes to really promote the aims and objectives of the New Agriculture Policy especially pertaining to land law and practices.
We've yet to hear news from the "opposition"-led State Governments on this aspect.
Reduction in Road Tax ??
Have to be back; there's an interesting news by the Transport Minister dishing out plans to further reduce road tax on vehicles owned by the general public. Personally, i think that the road tax is already pretty cheap here in Malaysia. The headache when renewing the road tax is not the road tax rate itself but really the hefty MOTOR INSURANCE PREMIUM. I would suggest that the government should persuade the insurance companies to start down-sizing their insurance premium rate for the benefit of all Malaysians in the wake of ever increasing fuel prices.
What say you Malaysians ?????
What say you Malaysians ?????
1st day ............
This is my first try at blogging. This blog has just been created and posted today. I do hope to share my views on the events taking place in the world especially in my home country.
There's war going on somewhere; famine in certain less develpoed countries; excessive display of personal and family wealth in certain other parts; floods and natural disasters in China, Burma, the USA. Alas, the Malaysian Government has recently incerased the price of petrol and diesel by more than 40% - la la la la la la la la la. What choice do i have - sell the only car i have? less travell to save up petrol? Prices of goods and consumables is on the increase by the day; even the roti canai gas gone up by 20sen.
Truckers in Europe are demonstrating against fuel price increase; though not much heard of from our fellows in the US and Africa .........
It's certainly not cheap anymore to stay living in the planet called EARTH ???????
Will be cack tomorroW >>>
There's war going on somewhere; famine in certain less develpoed countries; excessive display of personal and family wealth in certain other parts; floods and natural disasters in China, Burma, the USA. Alas, the Malaysian Government has recently incerased the price of petrol and diesel by more than 40% - la la la la la la la la la. What choice do i have - sell the only car i have? less travell to save up petrol? Prices of goods and consumables is on the increase by the day; even the roti canai gas gone up by 20sen.
Truckers in Europe are demonstrating against fuel price increase; though not much heard of from our fellows in the US and Africa .........
It's certainly not cheap anymore to stay living in the planet called EARTH ???????
Will be cack tomorroW >>>
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
