SteveNotes : Round 2

Dr M cries foul over Lingam tape report
by Llew-Ann Phang, The Sun
SHAH ALAM (May 11, 2008): Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today alleged that the report of the Royal Commission into the Lingam tape affair, was aimed at incriminating him.

“Every attempt is made in order to incriminate me,” said Mahathir who claimed he had read extracts of the report.

“Somehow or other, they are trying to suggest that the appointment of judges was influenced by a lot of other people, and although there is no direct connection with me, if you read between the lines, it suggests that the Prime Minister is biased and things like that,” he said.

Mahathir alleged this was former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s doing as he (Anwar) had purposefully exposed the tape to undermine lawyer Datuk V.K.Lingam’s credibility.

“Lingam happens to be my lawyer. He is defending me against Anwar, and now, he (Anwar) has succeeded in making Lingam no longer credible, and therefore, he cannot defend me in the court of law,” he told reporters after taking part in a Look East Policy forum today.

“So to that point, he has achieved great success but I have always emphasised, when people make such recordings secretly, the intention is to blackmail. I’m afraid the government made successful the blackmail attempt,” he lamented.

Mahathir also alleged that Anwar, who is PKR adviser and defacto Pakatan Rakyat leader, had tampered with the evidence – the video – as he had released the tape in two parts.

“This constitutes tampering of evidence. We don’t know what he kept behind and how many small tapes he has. Of course this will be used in time to blackmail and of course the moment I say this, Anwar must be thinking ‘I must sue him for another RM100 million’.

“I can’t pay RM100 million if I’m found guilty. But if I have to go to jail, I’ll go to jail, if I’m to be made a bankrupt, I’ll be a bankrupt. That’s alright,” Mahathir said.

Dr. Mahathir is absolutely incorrigible. All of a sudden he remembered that he was not biased although when it mattered most, in the hearings of the Royal Commission, he disclaimed memory to about almost everything during the material time.

And he blames it all on Anwar Ibrahim, the spouse of the Leader of the Opposition. Just like how he blamed it all on the Jews for Malaysia’s ill-preparation (or non-preparation?) for the Asian Financial Crisis that hit our shores in 1997-1998. Has the former Prime Minister lost all sense of logic for implying that the Royal Commission was under the influence of Anwar? Has he not demonstrated that, alas, he appears to have lost all his marbles? The last I remember, Anwar was barred from even testifying in those hearings! Now it’s Anwar’s fault that the Royal Commission’s report did not defend Dr. M’s integrity? Anwar coerced the Commissioners?

Same old illogic, same old Mahathir.

Those responsible for this ill-thought out excuse for a scam called National Service ought to be struck by lightning. How many more 18 year olds should pay with their life for being drafted into a national money-making scam? What choice do families have?

I pray for the family and friends of the late Miss Too Hui Min that may God grant them strength in overcoming the grief of the senseless loss of their daughter.

I have been participating in an apologetics forum where a sub-forum specialises in a particular group that I have substantial experience in and hope to be able to continue to engage them and have fellowship.

The sub-forum consists of many ex-members and everyone will place the group well within the orthodox Christian faith but has developed some pretty dubious teachings that could be dangerous. The group is becoming increasingly exclusive and insular.

However, it seems to me that many in the forum are just all about frontal attacks. I am not even disputing the validity of some of these venoms (most are true) but rather than engaging the group, they are trying to tear it into pieces together with the born-again Christians, brothers and sisters in Christ, children of God and members of the Body of Christ who are members of this group.

But what is the point? By doing so, you are alienating them further and pushing them into being more exclusive and insular and forcing them into siege mentality. They will increasingly feel that they are under attack and pander even more to remnant theology that is almost always bad news. These are not Taylorite Brethren yet. Do not attack just for the sake of attacking. You are persecuting Christians. Engage firmly and shepherd tenderly.

Father God, the day we understand that You willed Your Son to hang on the cross, we learned that we often misinterpret Your love and nature. That His righteous life was not recompensed with what we fleshly men call a prosperous life, that He did not even live to a good old age - something You blessed the patriachs with - we discover that Your ways are not our ways. We pray that we will continue to be faithful knowing that Your plans are predicated by Your love.

Father, we must still ask for evil to be judged. Surely a righteous God cannot see unrighteousnesses go unpunished? Hear the cries of the nation - let unrighteousness reign no more! We ask for the unconditional end to the harassment to the life and freedom of the patriot Raja Petra Kamarudin, yet we pray for Your will be done not ours.

Holy Father, we thank You for Your mercy in putting in our midst this man who embodies the struggles of this nation toward freedom from a corrupt and oppressive regime. We ask that You strengthen his resolve and determination to fight through unjust institutions. We ask that You bestow wisdom to his counsels. We ask that You instill a godly fear in the hearts of the judges. We further ask for justice to be done to the perpetrators of murder and their sponsors. We ask for Your forgive yet again the sins of this nation for what had been done toward the family of Altantuya.

We pray in mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

I will attempt to answer some discussion questions set in Brian McLaren’s “A Generous Orthodoxy”. I do not, however, endorse every view espoused in the book. Much criticism had already been leveled against McLaren and the emergent movement, particularly from conservative evangelicals. There are some points that I share with his critics and there are some I don’t. I hope I’m being generous enough

I would like to answer question 4 of the first chapter of the book:

Should heaven-or-hell be the top issue on the Christian agenda? What makes you say that?
The top issue on the Christian agenda should be God’s will on earth (Matt. 6:10). It is the topmost prayer item in what is commonly known as the Lord’s Prayer and it follows that it should be our topmost priority as Christians.

Heaven-or-hell is a matter of personal salvation that is solved by believing in Jesus as the Son of God, who is Christ, and His salvific works. Having faith in His redemptive work on the cross and His subsequent resurrection is all that it takes to escape certain and eternal damnation. Some call this the “ticket to heaven”.

If our main agenda is this, then what do you do once you’ve crossed the rubicon and acquired this “one way ticket”? I suppose many will say, well, get more people saved! Evangelise! Fulfill the Great Commission (Matt 28:19)! But the Great Commission, however, said that we should make disciples - not mere converts. A disciple is a follower and a student. A disciple learns from his Master. Therefore, the Great Commission’s mandate is way beyond mere spreading of the gospel. It is about discipleship. Of course, there can be no disciples without evangelism. This is a prerequisite.

Furthermore, what need is there for worship? Why debate over traditional or contemporary church music? Why even pray? Why even read the Bible over and over again? Why even need to debate over whether the Bible is infallible or inerrant? Clearly, there is more to Christian life than heaven-or-hell.

Faith in Christ qualifies you to run the race. Now that you’re qualified you need to run. The pressing question is will you be able to declare what Paul declared, “I have finished the race” (2 Tim 4:7)?

It is true that God desires all men to be saved (1 Tim. 2:3) but that’s not all the verse says. It also says that God desires these saved people to come to (full) knowledge of the truth. To know the truth requires being discipled.

God’s will, however, is different from the typical “What is God’s will for ME?” When Christians ask this question, she typically mean “Who should I marry?”, “Where should I live?”, “What should I study?”, etc. While it is correct to note that God had willed a path for everyone yet everyone is part of the overall will of God. Part of the plan. If only Christians have access to that big picture plan… fortunately, we do!

Jesus said He will build His church (Matt 16:18), which is His bride and wife (Eph. 5:22-32). In Ephesians, the bride is experiencing a process of sanctification and washing in preparation to be presented to Christ (Eph 5:25-27). This preparation is completed in Revelations 19:7-9, culminating in a wedding feast of the Lamb, who is Christ Himself (John 1:29). Finally, this bride was revealed to be the New Jerusalem descending out of heaven (to the new earth) from God (Rev. 21:1-2) to be the dwelling place of God with His people. The dwelling place of God is, of course, the church today (Eph 2:22, 1 Tim. 3:15). Finally, God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven.

Therefore, the “heaven-or-hell” issue contributes toward adding numbers to the church (Acts 2:41, 47), something that is absolutely critical. However, once a person is saved from hell, she is part of the church. She will then, as part of the church, undergo a process of being discipled (Matt. 28:19), running the race (Phil. 3:12-14), being built together (Eph 2:22), coming to know the truth (1 Tim 2:3), and being sanctified by the word of God (Eph 5:26-27). Ultimately, the church will be fully prepared as the wife of the Lamb (Rev. 19: 7-9) and the glorious pronouncement that, “NOW the dwelling of God is with men…” (Rev 21:3) will be given.

This is the ultimate and unmistakable will of God.

Letter from http://malaysiakini.com/letters/81505

Dear Schoolteacher,

First of all, I wish to congratulate your daughter for her excellent results, something that ought to be celebrated rather than weep about.

Actually, your daughter had already answered herself when she replied, “I am not a bumiputera like many of my friends” to your query why she is taking 12 subjects.

But do not despair that your daughter was barred entry into local matriculation. With her results, she should be able to gain entry into many prestigious universities in the world! Why limit her to just far below average universities in Malaysia?

She should be able to win scholarships with her results and, even if not, there will be many, many corporations and institutions that are willing to offer study loans. If you believe in her strengths, you should not worry about her ability to repay her loan.

Nobody said life is fair, much less in this country. There is no reason to cry over spoiled milk. At least not for the creme-de-la-creme, which your daughter certainly are. Greet injustice with enhanced determination. Help her strengthen her resolve. Keep us posted on her progress in life! Make us proud! Prove the Government wrong!

Makkal Sakti!

Sincerely,
Steven Foong

The following are the MPs that did not submit their questions for the first parliamentary session of the 12th Parliament.

1. Abd. Rahman bin Bakri - Sabak Bernam - BN
2. Datuk Haji Wahab bin Haji Dolah - Igan - BN
3. Dato’ Dr Abdullah bin Md Zin - Besut - BN
4. Ahmad Lai bin Bujang - Sibuti - BN
5. Datuk Anifah bin Aman @ Haniff Amman - Kimanis - BN
6. Abit Joo Hulu - Rajang - BN
7. Ding Kuong Hiing - Sarikei - BN
8. Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin bin Mohd Jarjis - Rompin - BN
9. Dato’ Dr James Dawos Mamit - Mambong - BN
10. Dato’ Seri Mohd Radzi bin Sheikh Ahmad - Kangar - BN
11. Dato’ Sri Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah - Mukah - BN
12. Dato’ Seri Rafidah binti Aziz - Kuala Kangsar - BN
13. Datuk Dr Tekhee @ Tiki Anak Lafe Mas - Gading - BN
14. William @ Nyallau Anak Badak Lubok - Antu - BN
15. Datuk Haji Yusoff Bin Mahal - Labuan - BN
16. Charles Anthony a/l R Santiago - Klang - DAP
17. Er Teck Hwa - Bakri - DAP
18. Hiew King Cheu - Kota Kinabalu - DAP
19. John a/l Fernandez - Seremban - DAP
20. Prof Dr P Ramasamy a/l Palanisamy - Batu Kawan - DAP
21. Abdullah Sani bin Abdul Hamid - Kuala Langat - PKR
22. Haji Ahmad Kassim - Kuala Kedah - PKR
23. Chua Tian Chang - Batu - PKR
24. Gobalakrishnan a/l Nagapan - Padang Serai - PKR
25. Dato’ Kamarul Baharin Abbas - Telok Kemang - PKR
26. Manikavasagam A/L Sundaram - Kapar - PKR
27. Dato’ Rashid Bin Din - Merbok - PKR
28. William Leong Jee Keen - Selayang - PKR
29. Datuk Dr Zainal Abidin Bin Ahmad - Hulu Selangor - PKR

15 out of 29 (51.7%) are from Barisan Nasional while 14 (48.3%) are from Pakatan Rakyat.

However, BN is a coalition of 140 MPs and that worked out to only 10.7% from their midst that did not submit their questions.

5 from DAP did not submit their questions. They have a total of 29 MPs and that worked out to 17.2%.

I am embarrassed to say that 29% (9 out of 31) from PKR did not submit their questions.

All 23 PAS parliamentarians submitted their questions. All-in-all, 17% (14 out of 82) from Pakatan Rakyat did not submit their questions.

This is completely unacceptable.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (de-facto leader of PKR) and Lim Kit Siang (DAP supremo) had since tendered their apologies on behalf of their parties.

On the BN side, however, the Minister in charge of Parliamentary affairs, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, was reported by The Star to having asked people not to be too harsh on the errant MPs believing that they did not do it on purpose. Imbecile.

I’m sure Rep Watch and People’s Parliament are having a field day.

PAS must be commended for their clean sheet, though. Syabas!

The only thing left to find out is what did they ask. Stay tuned.

An anti-Christian version of Fitna is now up in YouTube. While Fitna drew criticism, outcry, protests, boycotts, etc., Schism, the said video, was received lukewarmly.

Some Christians claim that this proves the superiority of Christianity because, according to them, Christians do no resort to violence when their religion is being ridiculed. They said would either ignore it, evangelise to the video-maker or engage in dialogue with him/her. I am not here to invalidate these approaches. Certainly evangelism and dialogue are very close to my heart.

I would like to remind my fellow brethren in Christ that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

A casual look into church history, particularly during the middle ages, Christians have not always been this tolerant. The Christian church did sanction the crusades. The Christian church burned men and women at stake for not conforming to its religious mold. More Christians were martyred by the Church herself than were killed by communities of other faiths, including Muslims.

The Church had, by the grace of God, experienced a Reformation - and a very violent one too, may I add. Eventually, through further enlightenments, Christians have re-learned the non-violent ways of their Saviour and have now become enabled to respond to challenges rationally and/or evangelistically and/or spiritually.

Rather than thumbing noses and indulge in one-upmanship (see, we don’t respond by burning down Saudi embassies - you Neanderthal), perhaps we can reflect on our more fanatical and inglorious past and learn to pray for those who have yet experienced the same transition.

p/s: Admittedly, I too find it hard not to feel vindicated in some ways and it’s not very easy to handle this subject without giving the sense that Christianity is, somehow, at least at this stage, superior in terms of restraint. My apologies for not being able present more eloquently on how Christians should first examine themselves before putting up a holier-than-thou attitude.

Having been redirected from another blog, I was holding a discussion with doubechin on AUKU. I suppose we shall continue here. Other readers are also welcome to contribute with your comments.

Doublechin,

Actually, it’s only now that the public is interested in key concepts of democracy and governance in Malaysia. Prior to the General Elections, only a few groups of individuals are fighting against this draconian law. In fact, we can largely conclude that a big chuk of society, especially parents, are agreeable with laws that restrict students from expressing their political views. They only want their children to study and graduate and secure a good living.

As of late, however, more citizens have joined the ranks of activism and their political and civic awareness had increased multiple folds. Justice, fairness, democracy, freedom - these notions are now gaining more currency among communities vis-a-vis economic consideration.

Perhaps now is the time that we’re finally able to gather the critical mass to demand for the dismantling of restrictive and smothering laws such as AUKU.

Postscript: A no-confidence motion has been tabled against UM student body’s president, Afandy Sutrisno Tanjung, today. The reasons given include the racist remarks allegedly made by Afandy that gave rise to my discussion on AUKU with doublechin. Source: MalaysiaKini

1) Tourism Minister, Azalina Othman, cancelled all tourism MoUs with states governed by Pakatan Rakyat as a form of punishment to these 5 states.

2) State-level village chiefs (under JKKK) appointed by former BN state governments are asked to resign en mass and re-appointed positions in soon-to-be-formed Federal Development Coordinating Committee to supplant Pakatan Rakyat’s JKKK programmes.

3) HINDRAF ISA detainees continue to be denied their basic freedom. P. Uthayakumar is currently hospitalised for diabetic illness as a result of neglect and arrogance of the BN government.

4) Alleged attempts to bribe DAP Perak assemblymen with millions of ringgit to withdraw support for the current Pakatan Rakyat government.

5) RM5.8 billion to be spent to build government staff quarters in Putrajaya.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Barisan Nasional has not learned anything in the past month. If anything, they became more vindictive and oppressive. UMNO, MCA, MIC are experiencing implosion, where too much time were spent on internal politicking than on governing.

PAKATAN RAKYAT MUST FORM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ASAP BEFORE FURTHER DAMAGE IS DONE AS THE NATION BRACES FOR RECESSION! Come all ye hoppers! Save Malaysia before it’s too late. Your children and grandchildren will blame you for your inaction now. Join the Pakatan Rakyat and work towards a sustainable Malaysia.