The allegations of political interference in government departments, agencies, judiciary and public universities is nothing new. Thus, the allegation of interference in the removal of UM's Professor Redzuan is far from shocking. Link
Meanwhile, former UM's vice-chancellor Tan Sri Professor Dr Ghauth Jasmon revealed over the constant harrassment by Putrajaya relating to findings by the university's research centre and further said he was scolded by a senior politician for not controlling former Centre for Democracy and Elections (UMcedel) director Professor Datuk Dr Redzuan. Link - I was pressured...
Prior to this, there were some issues surrounding Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), another public university.
Although this issue (political interference) could be considered a pathetic obsolete issue, in the absence of cognizance and commitment on the part of the ruling regime, the Education Ministry, to reform - there would be a situation where - before the dust on one university controversy settles, another flares. Then rise the question of what is happening to our education system, where has it come and where is it going?.
Take note, Singapore and Hong Kong have again, outclassed Malaysian public universities in the latest annual QS University Rankings for Asia, with only University Malaya made it into the Top 100 list and ranked 32.
In the past (and perhaps present?), we used to hear allegations of political interference in the judiciary. LINK - How Mahathir Destroyed The Malaysian Judiciary
Former chief justice Tun Dzaiddin Abdullah once declared that the Federal Constitution had lost it's fundamental structure when Article 121 was amended in 1988. He said judicial power was effectively placed in the hands of Parliament.
The removal of lord president Tun Muohamed Salleh Abbas in 1988 was the most obvious example which, he claimed, was the result of difference of opinion between Tun Mahathir and Salleh over the role of the courts in statute interpretation. Dzaidin claimed the judiciary was "cowed" following hands-on measures taken by Mahathir.
Mahathir who described the allegations as slander said the decision to remove Salleh was not his but that of the late Sultan Mahmud Iskandar of Johor, who was the Yang Di- Pertuan Agong (the King).
He also said he would have have no problems to defend his innocence by swearing this on the Quran in a mosque.
MAY 13th, 1969.
Of late, 13th May is always mentioned. It has been 45 May 13 day we passed without a repeat of the racial riots where many died with Western diplomatic sources put the toll at close to 600, mostly Chinese.
It's an unfortunate tragedy that all Malaysians wish it didn't happened and a tragedy majority wish would not recur. It was a chapter in Malaysia's history which was smeared with blood of the May 13 catastrophe.
An unfortunate date that needs no celebration, it should be regarded as an invaluable reminder as to how racial tension in this country, if left unchecked - can be just catastrophic.
Not only Malaysians would reject recurrence of this chilling episode, but Malaysians would not be willing to haul erosion and deterioration of democratic principles.
That's why when the Prime Minister Najib was seen "protective" to "sacred" pressure groups and individuals over their seditious and provocative utterances, or even incite hatred, most Malaysians were becoming concerned for fearing their deeds would ignite racial and religious tensions. The irony is, they did not make those utterances against Umno and/or it's leaders.
Personally, I would be disheartened if there are attempts to make use May 13 a threat by the hard-lined leaders, be it from the establishment, non-gvernmental organisation, academician nor individual.
I can't quite understand, is there a real need for Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to say, it's not impossible, May 13 might repeat.
"As deputy prime minister, every night before sleep I think about how to manage the country. "People send me text messages - what is going to happen to the Malays? Why Islam insulted and other similar matters. "Why things like this happ, it worries us," he said. LINK
If only actions of the bigots from both political divide - inclusive non-governmental organisations and individuals aligned to them respectively are booked without fear or favour, tensions may not reach it's toll.
In this Y2K era, people's way of thinking has evolved especially with easy access of the internet. Now, information on numerous issues are made available at their finger tips and certainly, not the kind of information provided by the mainstream newspapers. They have the option to review and make revision for each information and/or news they read.
Thus, when DPM Muhyiddin (pic) made such a statement, people are quick to form their own assumption of whether he is being authoritative - threatening another May 13 just to distract public attention for his alleged dismal failure as Education Minister and worsened by most recent allegations of political interference in University of Malaya.
The May 13 threat by DPM Muhyiddin would also be seen as endorsing or even justifying the calls by controversial extremists who had since the 13th General Election (GE13) uttered malicious words inciting hatred.
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