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Sunday, July 20, 2008

Remembering The Naning Wars

If you read the history of Malaysia, many of us would know that the first resurgence of the British occupancy in Malaya came from a man named Dol Said. Dol Said or in full Dato' Abdul Said was a 19th century Malay leader of an area called Naning, which was then part of Malacca on the Malay Peninsula. He opposed taxation by the British's taxation policy in the area and refused to pay it. This was a direct cause of a conflict known as the Naning War. (source: wikipedia)

The Naning War is fought by Dol Said and his men through mainly guerilla tactics and also with aid from other Malay allies such as Seri Menanti, Sungai Ujong, Johol and Muar. These unity and some brilliant tactics by Dol Said have made Naning impenetrable. The British have sent huge amount of soldiers to recapture Naning but has been defeated in each battle.

The British in realising their defeat changed their tactics. They realise that the united front of Dol Said and his allies was the main reason they cannot recapture Naning. They then conspired with Yamtuan Muda Raja Ali in Rembau and also with other Malay alllies that once supported Dol Said. Rembau have also agreed to send 600 troops to assist British in attacking Naning. In a battle led by Colonel Herbert, the British finally secured victory as all the Malay allies have betrayed Dol Said and sided with the British. The battle have forced Dol Said to retreat to Sri Menanti before surrendering himself, effectively ending the war. British then combined Malacca and Naning. Dol said was given a home in Malacca.

Dol Said and the people of Naning was betrayed by the Malays of Rembau. The Rembau Malays and their descendants now enjoying the spoils of war and from the blood shed by the people of Naning.

Naning war have shown us that with a united front, we can defeat the enemy no matter how big they are. British at that time was a super power with empire spanning around the globe but was defeated by Dol Said and his men. They only lost because of the betrayal of their own people. This same pattern can be found in many countries histories. In one hand, you have this true freedom fighter and a leader who wants nothing but freedom for the country. In another hand, you have leaders who turns greedy and willing to sacrifice their country as long as their pockets and interests are well been taken care of.

And I am pretty sure also that here in the present day of Malaysia, we do have politicians and leaders who would willing to sell the country to foreign powers as long as their greedy needs is being taken care of. Honestly, we are witnessing it right now in our current political scenario. So, it is our job to make sure these kind of leaders do not get elected or stay in the corridor of power. God bless Malaysia.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Anwar vs Shabery: Another Milestone for Malaysian Democracy


I just could not believe it. A live debate (US presidential debate style) between the government and opposition live in television. I never thought that this would happen here in Malaysia. The first question people will ask after this would always be, Who Wins? From my personal opinion, in terms of style and rhetorics, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim hands down. Datuk Shabery is no match with this legendary orator. But in terms of content and substance, I have to say it is a tie. Both gave some hard facts and but both gave no concrete solution in reducing the oil price.
As Anwar have proposed, RM5 billion government subsidy for a 50 sen reduction of oil price? Until when? Is he on denial? He must accept the fact that the oil price will keep on increasing. It is a depleted resource of energy. How can a depleted resource that is being consumed everday plus with the increasing demand would decrease in price in the future? Dato Ahmad Shabery also fails to counter Anwar's statement in the leakage of government money that can be used to reduce the oil price. He seems to be just following a prepared script and not doing an impromptu reply on that. All in all, watching the debate is like watching a boxing match but with no clear TKO.

But, personally, I think the big winner here is the MALAYSIAN DEMOCRACY. Finally it has reached a stage of maturity whereby we can let the people decide who really champions their plight and issues. Congratulations to two both individuals Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Datuk Ahmad Shabery and the organiser Agenda Daily in making this happen. Hope there will be more debates like this in the future.


Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Here in My Home

With all the negative politicking around, the people divided by politicians hunger for power, I have to praise the Malaysian Artistes for Unity of coming up with this music video. The video and lyrics captured the very essence of what we are as Malaysians must stand united for regardless of race, religion and political differences. This music video is produced at a timely manner where now we as a Malaysian started to drift apart due to the unscrupulous negative politicking around us this days. What happened to our vision 2020? What happened to Malaysia's goal of a developed nation? With the current government and opposition both saying that they want the best for the 'Rakyat', I think it is best for them to look back at Malaysia's intended goal, what this country is for and it's future. Squabbling for power will do no good. We only want one love undivided. We want unity. Enjoy the music video. :)



Thursday, July 3, 2008

Who needs to go to the Movies when you have Malaysian Politics


It got all the elements for a blockbuster movie. Sex, Money, Power, Corruption and also Love perhaps (gay love is still a love nevertheless). Put it all in one script that ran almost 20 years. You can even get a trilogy out of it.

The first part can be entitled Anwar: A New Hope. This part chronicles the rise of young Anwar from street politics to mainstream politics. Handpicked by the Master jedi, Dr M himself to become the successor of his empire. He soon rise and became the second most powerful figure in Malaysia. But nevertheless, it is not destined for Anwar yet to become the leader of this great nation. The attraction of power is too great and has led Anwar to go against his own Master. Alas, this led to a final battle where Anwar is defeated and the Master Jedi seems to be much powerful than he anticipated. This part ended with Anwar been thrown into the dungeon.

The second part of the trilogy is entitled Anwar: The Reformasi Strikes Back. In this part, six years has gone by and Anwar manage to free himself from the dungeon. He reconnects with his old rebellion and also united the other rebels who have gone into hiding. Standing united they form an alliance to once again do battle with powers that be. Skirmishes and battles are launched. Attacks and counter attacks occured. This second part is full of action from the start. The ending scene for this part is where Anwar and his rebellion celebrates as they have won a very critical battle and had captured 5 states.

The Final trilogy is entitled Anwar: Return of the King. The script of this part is yet to be written as it is unfolding right at this very moment. Will Anwar finally claim his destiny as the ruler of this great nation or die trying? Or will the powers that be triumph? As any blockbuster epic movie would end, a climax battle will happened. So, stay tune. :)