An interview with PRM Vice President, Rohana Arifin

21 January 2010 | Thursday  Malaysiandigest.com Personality

Politics Harping on Racism Doesn't Hold Water

Rohana Arifin

Vice President of Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) Rohana Arifin use to serve as Associate Professor at University Sains Malaysia for two decades and has given many lectures in area of industrial relations and gender studies. As a writer, she has written three books entitled Women in Trade Unions in Peninsular Malaysia (1997), Shame Secrecy and Silence (1997) and Profiling the Rapist (2008). Rohana also has contributed her ideas and thoughts in online news portal The Nut Graph. Now, in her 60s, she is still very actively involved in feminist activism and several NGO movements. Other positions Rohana holds include Deputy President of the community NGO Insani Malaysia , Vice President of the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Staff Association, Board Member of National Institute of Electoral Integrity and Co-founder of Women Crisis Center. Malaysian Digest caught up with the seasoned laissez-faire politician and activist recently to find out what she feels about the way things are going in Malaysian politics among other things. Malaysian Digest: How do feel about Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s administration since he became prime minister? Rohana Ariffin: Najib’s administration realized that they have to win back the confidence of all races in Malaysia . One main attempt is by sloganizing and bringing about some cosmetic changes. But sloganizing needs to be followed by serious attempt at materializing them. Some of their attempts to win the hearts of the people include the creation of 1Malaysia Clinics and Juara Rakyat . Maybe this may appeal to some basic needs of the poor and the more apolitical groups but generally less appealing for the more urban populations who  are weary of more promises. Not only has the urban population become weary, many have become very sceptical and cynical of the government and their agencies. Just look at the comments of the younger bloggers. MD: What’s your take on the outcome of the last year’s March 8 general election? RA: The outcome of 2008 election was a surprise to most people. The results mainly showed two things:  a) That people are fed up of the Barisan government because they have become too corrupt and blatant in their ways. There is no accountability for many of their actions and the general public has very little voice in the political decisions of the country.   b) It is a good wake up call for the ruling parties who were arrogant and complacent all this while as they think that 50 years of their rule is unshakable. They forget that the new media, internet, Youtube etc have opened up knowledge and accessibility to many sources. Thus the old politics of harping on racism and threats does not hold water anymore among the more urban population  MD: How do see the outcome of the next general election? RA: It’s hard to predict the future, depending on the economic situation and the grounds that the Barisan could gained by then. However, the next general election may foresee the Opposition gaining more grounds but the Barisan may still win by a minority. But there would also be a lot of scrambling for seats among the Opposition as they are becoming more confident of winning. Hopefully, voters have matured into choosing   candidates on the basis of their integrity and service for the people and less on the party they stand for. Maybe the Malaysian public may become matured politically by then, in terms of choosing a good candidate to represent the interest of the common people. MD: What are the positive and negative changes you have seen since the March 8 general election last year? RA: Positive, now that the government is more careful and transparent in their policies. They seem to try rectifying some of the weaknesses in the civil service etc like opening up more to the various races in the country. Also, many issues in parliament are debated upon unlike in the past, although in the end, the Barisan always seemed to be at the winning end by getting whatever policies/laws passed. However, the public are able to read the differences in opinion presented in Parliament by the opposing parties. There’s less arrogance in dealing with public opinion. Negative changes include too much of bickering and partisan politicking because each side refuses to accept any suggestions from the other side. Issues may have to be seen impartially with insight and integrity with the interest of the general public at heart. MD: What do you think about the crisis faced by Pakatan Rakyat due to conflicting political interests/ideologies? RA: Conflicting ideologies of Pakatan Rakyat? I suppose in all coalitions there are differences and its no different in the Pakatan although the Barisan, through its main media, tend to play it up. The Pakatan are what we call “strange bed-fellows” but although they have differences, they have managed to sort out a lot of issues among themselves. MD: What is 1Malaysia to you and how do you feel about this initiative by our prime minister? RA: Concept of 1Malaysia by the PM? The concept is good but nothing new but maybe only for the Barisan Nasional. These has been the policies of the more progressive political parties and NGOs in the past. For example, PRM  has been endorsing this objective since their formation and that we believe every Malaysian should have a decent life. The divinises among the races in Malaysia were not only the legacy of the former British colonialist but were perpetuated by the political parties here that are racially based. Each party wants to appear to be championing their own race and in that process the social formation became racially divided too.   MD: Do you feel there’s improvement in racial unity despite our diversity of cultures and religions in recent times or were we more cohesive in the past (during our parent’s time)? RA: Are we more divided racially or cohesive? Yes, more divisive! Since the seventies, the trend towards dividing the races were accentuated (after the 1969 riots) - the New Economic Policies, demand for separate schools and universities, insurgence of religion that identify race with religion, introduction of the University and College Act etc. Many children are separated by attending different vernacular schools (thus no mixing with other races), too much religious interference in government schools, attending private and public tertiary education separated by races, and so on. The xenophobic view of their own race and the “the others” tend to have separated the younger generation only to encourage them to mix mainly with their own race. Sadly, this is added on by racial politicking by the various political parties. MD: Do you feel Samy Vellu should step down as MIC president? RA: Yes, Samy has to step down and make way for younger leaders who may have better ideas and seriousness in improving the conditions of the Indians in general. MD: What’s your opinion with regards to race politics? RA: As we can see, not only in Malaysia but everywhere in the world, the general population tend to suffer. We know that it is a form of effective control over the population by creating fear and suspicion towards the other races. Also a form of justification when repressions are used on a particular race. Examples are Nazi Germany or in Bosnia . When a person is viewed as belonging to a race and less as a person and a human with similar basic needs and feelings, it creates people who tend to dehumanise others merely on the grounds that they belong to another race. MD: How do feel about the notion of a unity government between PAS and UMNO? RA: There are some differences among the leaders as they seem to claim who are more religiously correct and serving Islam. Hard to say but quite possible if they feel that by uniting the interest of the Malays and Islam is preserved better that way. MD: What’s your take on the New Economic Policy (NEP)? RA: New Economic Policy? Well, many of the objectives have been served and it had to be phased out. MD: How do feel about our education system and the youths of today? RA: Too much political interference in the education system as each education minister attempts to make an impact. Well, where in the world is there so many universities sprouting out so fast within a span of last 20 years? In many developed countries, it takes many decades to create institutions of learning so that their credibility and standards are maintained! Also, we pay too much attention on books, mesmerising with lots of tuition centres, revision of past exam questions and so on. Students can pour out lots of facts but do less critical and independent thinking of their own. Do leave the education from primary to tertiary mainly to the educationists and have public opinions on them.   For the youths of today, there are two main basic trends:   a) Influenced strongly by the global imperialist culture or b) By conservatism of religious teaching.  Thus less independent thinking, although the minority of youths are creating their own culture of films, theatres etc. The internet has managed to expose our youths to many global issues; positive and negative. They mature faster than the older generation and in many ways tend to be restless in wanting things quickly (in this instant age) with even higher expectations. They (the youths) also tend to believe what they read in the internet and opinion of bloggers without verifying first the facts of such opinion and contentions. MD: Do you think sex education should be implemented extensively in our schools? RA: Yes. It should be taught in schools mainly because of the confusing facts surrounding them from friends and internet. Sex education is not about encouraging sexual acts but more for understanding their own physical and mental growth as they grow up. This would include teaching them to be responsible in any future sexual relations and what are the repercussions of these actions. Also to understand the widespread of aids and venereal diseases. MD: How do you feel about political aide Teoh Beng Hock’s death and the way the authorities have been handling the inquest? RA: This is the extreme form of interrogation by any agency in trying to serve their masters. Also, some politicians are making political mileage from this. As for me, the Forensic Department and doctors should be totally independent and autonomous. They should be free from fear and favour with no political interferences.  Let all findings from their forensic work be based on scientific evidence.  It does not matter who the victims are, be it a car thief, a sex worker or a prominent person. All victims should have fair forensic examination. After all, who can speak for the dead except the forensic examiner? MD: What are some changes you’d like to see in this country and its administration? RA: Changes in the country? The government could attempt to provide the Malaysian population with a decent and comfortable life, which means that all basic needs are fulfilled. Future housing and flats etc should be of decent standards, not pigeon holes where people are crammed into smaller spaces. As the housing and building structures has propounding affect on social formation and breeding grounds for criminal activities, more thoughts should go into urban development. The income disparity and earnings could be narrowed down and that the level of disparity be minimised. There have to be more religious and political freedom for everyone and religious intolerance should be frowned upon. The prevalence of sceptical and cynicism among many Malaysians could perhaps  be reduced with better accessibility to correct information and truths. People in the all form of administration have civil service, hospital etc could have a paradigm shift in attitude that they are there to serve the people, not viewing people as begging them for favours. After all, they are paid to do the job and all salaries are from the rakyat. All public transport could serve the interest of the common people. For example, there should be LRT stations near all hospitals and not serving mainly the commercial interest of the supermarkets. The cultivation of our value system and culture based on cooperation, sharing and caring could be encouraged through the institution of family, schools, media and religion, therefore eradicating racist tendencies and stereotypes of each other. The eradication of such myopic view among races could be achievable in the near future.

PRM kutuk habis-habisan perbuatan ganas membakar gereja

PRM  kutuk habis-habisan perbuatan ganas membakar gereja

Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) mengutuk habis-habisan perbuatan yang ganas membakar gereja yang berlaku di Petaling Jaya pagi ini.

PRM berpendapat bahawa kenyataan pemimpin-pemimpin UMNO seperti  “ kerajaan tidak akan menghalang orang ramai yang ingin mengadakan perhimpunan di mana-mana masjid bagi membantah isu penggunaan kalimah Allah hari ini.”, “peserta perhimpunan mempunyai hak berbuat demikian dan berharap perhimpunan itu berlangsung secara aman tanpa sebarang kekecohan”   yang dilaporkan hari ini amat tidak bertanggungjawap, telah memburukkan  keadaan dan memberikan isyarat yang negatif  dan serong kepada kumpulan  sehingga melakukan perbuatan ganas. Perbuatan ini telah merosakkan keharmonian dan keamanan masyarakat dan negara. UMNO harus bertanggungjawab terhadap apa yang berlaku ini.

PRM seperti dalam kenyataan PRM yang dikeluarkan kelmarin menyeru semua rakyat bertenang, tidak bertindak balas terhadap perbuatan ganas ini supaya  tidak termasuk perangkap pihak yang tidak bertanggungjawap ini. Mereka   berbuat demikian untuk niat jahat dan ada udang di sebalik batu.

PRM juga menyeru semua rakyat Malaysia yang rasional, mencintai negara,  keamanan dan keharmonian hidup mengadakan perundingan untuk menyelesaikan sebarang masalah dan perselisihan. Bagi PRM, kita boleh belajar daripada  peristiwa Mikraj, iaitu apa   yang tersurat dan tersirat dalam peristiwa Mikraj di mana bilangan kali bersembahyang orang Islam  sebanyak 5 kali sehari dicapai daripada 50 kali pada mulanya melalui praktik dan rundingan sebanyak 9 kali ialah sebarang penyelesaian terhadap sesatu masalah dapat dicapai melalui perundingan dan praktis dan secara bersabar dan berulang-ulang. 

Akhirnya, PRM menyeru pihak berkuasa dan bertanggungjawap terhadap keselamatan negara supaya bertindak tegas terhadap sesiapa yang melakukan pembakaran gereja dan yang merancang serta berdemotrasi sama ada di dalam atau di luar masjid.

21B(F) Jalan SJ 6 Taman Selayang Jaya 68100 Batu Caves Selangor Malaysia

PRM juga ingin menyeru pemimpin UMNO-BN menghentikan perbuatan memanipulasi isu ini semata-mata demi  kepentingan sempit politik diri sendiri dengan membelakangkan kebajikan dan keamanan rakyat dan negara  keseluruhannya.

Koh Swe Yong

Setiausaha Agung

012-2766551

Rohana a good bet to take PRM reins (Star)

Tuesday January 5, 2010

Rohana a good bet to take PRM reins

By FARIK ZOLKEPLI

JOHOR BARU: Sociologist and women’s rights advocate Dr Rohana Arffin (pic) is tipped to be the next president of Parti Rakyat Malaysia.

The retired associate professor of Universiti Sains Malaysia said she would abide by the decision of the party’s central committee which was expected to meet soon to endorse her candidacy.

Dr Rohana, who is currently the vice-president, was one of the pioneers of the Women Crisis Centre in Penang in 1985.

“The central committee members will decide on who best to lead the party. We will discuss on the individuals who will be nominated for the top two posts,” she told The Star here yesterday.

She added that the central committee would also discuss a working relationship with other parties and non-governmental organisations.

Dr Rohana said the party’s election would be held this year and the nomination for the top post should be made in the interest of the party and not for personal glory.

“I have always declined such nomination in the past as it is a heavy task and I prefer to focus on my party commitments and other social causes.

“However, I will see the result of the upcoming central committee meeting before deciding on my next course,” she said.

Dr Rohana, who is a 30-year party veteran, said for now, her focus was towards strengthening the party by increasing its current membership and regain the confidence of party members.

She said that the party would not be joining any coalition as it preferred to remain neutral.

The party is undergoing a reshuffle in the wake of the resignation of president Hassan Abdul Karim on Nov 17.

He resigned after 80% of the 100 party delegates who attended the party’s congress in Kuala Kumpur rejected his proposal for the party to join Pakatan Rakyat.

PRM: Pelaksanaan GST untuk mengekalkan dasar bazir dan gemukkan kroni BN

PRM: Pelaksanaan GST untuk mengekalkan dasar bazir dan gemukkan kroni BN

Kerajaan Pusat BN mengumumkan akan  melaksanakan sistem cukai GST  sebanyak 4%   mulai bulan September 2011 dengan tujuannya menambah tabung pendapatan negara. Sekali lagi ini membuktikan dasar “ rakyat didahulukan” adalah gimik politik bagi meraih balik sokongan dan kepercayaan rakyat terhadap BN yang telah lesap, mempakej semula elit BN-UMNO supaya mereka dapat terus memerintah dan berputar kepada  perbuatan memeras wang titik peluh rakyat untuk mengekalkan dasar pemerintahan  yang sekian lama ini   memboros dan membazir dengan sewenang-wenang, serta mengemukkan dan membuncitkan diri sendiri.

PRM hendak bertanya, bagi sepuluh  tahun yang berlalu, kenapa bajet kerajaan BN mengalami defisit? Jawapannya diketahui umum, kerajaan BN adalah “kerajaan cari makan”, dasarnya hanya menjaga kocek kroni dan saudara-mara di kelilingnya, membolehkan segelintir individu ini mengaut kekayaan dan cepat kaya menerusi cara tidak bermoral dan tidak mengikut peraturan.

Tak usahlah disebut rasuah dan salahguna kuasa berleluasa yang melibatkan beratus-ratus juta ringgit, tahun demi tahun  laporan auditor negara mendedahkan kecurangan-kecurangan, pembaziran dan penyalahgunaan yang melampau  dilakukan, ini sudah cukup jelas menunjukkan di mana terletaknya  masalah pendapatan negara tidak cukup untuk menampung perbelanjaan,. Walaupun setiap tahun pendedahan dibuat auditor negara, masalah yang sama tetap berulang, tiada sesiapa dikenakan tindakan,  mereka percaya sampai masanya pengundi akan memberikan sokongan kepada BN.

PRM berpendapat, sistem cukai GST yang akan dilaksanakan apabila  sumber-sumber alam kekayaan negara telah makin hari makin  kurang, elit pemerintah BN tiada pilihan lain jika mereka ingin menyambung dasar yang boros dan bazir serta menggemukkan kocek diri sendiri, mereka hanya boleh berputar kepada pemerasan rakyat jelata untuk mengaut dan mendapatkan wang ringgit  untuk membiayai tabiat membazir dan memboros  semasa sumber-sumber alam di negara melimpah. 

Sebelum cukai GST dilaksanakan, antara 27 juta penduduk di negara ini,  tidak samapi 3 juta penduduk dikenakan membayar cukai pendapatan, kerana pendapatan yang lain rendah atau kanak-kanak atau pesara, tidak sampai jumlah yang boleh dikenakan cukai. Jika cukai GST berkuatkuasa, kesemua 27 juta pendudduk di negara ini dikenakan cukai, tidak ada sesiapa dikecualikan, bahkan termasuk bayi yang baru dilahirkan.

Ini bukan sahaja akan membebankan rakyat golongan bawahan, yang selama ini tidak perlu membayar cukai kerana pendapatannya rendah. Pada masa yang sama, kerajaan BN akan menurun kadar cukai pendapatan individu dan syarikat, ini akan melebarkan jurang antara yang miskin dengan yang kaya. Sekiranya jurang ini terus melebar, akan timbullah ketidak-stabilan dalam masyarakat. Sistem cukai ini akan mengakibatkan yang miskin menjadi lebih miskin, dan juga melenyapkan pekedai-pekedai kecil yang sedang ditolak ke pinggir kelenyapan oleh  pasaraya raksasa yang berasal dari negara  asing.  Kedai-kedai kecil ini akan  tutup kedai kerana tidak berupaya bersaing dengan pasaraya yang mendapatkan barangan mereka langsung daripada pengeluar. Bilangan penganggur di negara ini akan bertambah. Inflasi dan kesusahan yang mengikutinya pasti berlaku.  

PRM berpendapat,  dalam keadaan begini,  pelaksanaan sistem cukai ini harus ditentang. PRM meramal bahawa  pilihan raya umum ke-13 akan diadakan selewat-lewatnya sebelum September 2011.  Di samping GST, dasar pengajaran dan pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik dalam Bahasa Inggeris akan ditamatkan   di darjah 1 pada 2011. Rakyat harus mengguna undi dalam tangan mereka untuk menolak BN dan dengan penolakan BN menolak sistem cukai GST.

Yang benar,

Koh Swe Yong

Setiausaha Agung

012-2766551

PRM already has an acting President since 23/11/2009 - so Star's report is wrong.

From my inquiries, PRM has already chosen an acting President. See earlier posting :- PRM melantik pemangku Presiden Baruon  on 23/11/2009.

One wonders whether the error in the Star report is intentional, or they were misled by S.K. Song? Wonder why the Star did not carry the earlier statement issued by the Sec-Gen on or before 23/11/2009. The media must refer to the principal office bearers before putting out reports about any political party, society or organisation. From, the report, it is clear that the person referred to as the source seem to be not aware of recent developments in PRM - for he is still talking as though there is not yet an acting President of PRM, in light of the resignation of Hassan Karim.

PRM to pick new leaders after president's resignation

JOHOR BARU: Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) will undergo a reshuffle in the next four to six weeks in the wake of president Hassan Abdul Karim’s resignation.

Party Central Committee (CC) member S.K. Song said that the reshuffle would also see the appointments of a new president and deputy chairman.

“All state liaison committees have been directed to hold meetings to discuss the appointment of new people for these two posts,” he told The Star yesterday.

“The CC will meet to make a final decision in four to six weeks.” Song said the party needed capable leaders to fill the top two posts but refused to divulge the names of those who had been considered.

On Nov 17, Hassan resigned after 80% of the 100 party delegates who attended the PRM congress in Kuala Lumpur rejected his proposal for the party to join Pakatan Rakyat.

Hassan has since applied to join PKR. He submitted his form to party leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at a convention in Kluang on Nov 22.

Song said he respected Hassan’s decision and his contribution to the party.

“However, he (Hassan) put forth the proposal to join Pakatan without discussing with the CC first,” he said.

“The members were caught by surprise. That’s why it was rejected.”

Hassan, he added, should have discussed the matter thoroughly before proposing such a drastic move.

“The party will survive without him.” Song also clarified that though he pulled out as deputy chairman, he was still the party’s Johor chairman and CC member.

“I pulled out to give way to other leaders about three months ago.” - Star, 28/11/2009, PRM to pick new leaders after president's resignation

PRM melantik pemangku Presiden Baru

PRM melantik pemangku Presiden Baru

Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) mengumumkan hari ini bahawa Naib Presidennya Ariffin Salimon telah dilantik Pemangku Presiden untuk mengisi kekosongan setelah Presiden PRM  Hassan Karim meninggalkan PRM. Pada masa yang sama, Goh Chuin Loon dari ranting PRM Sungai Petani Kedah dilantik sebagai ahli jawatankuasa pusat (AJKP).

Hassan Karim meninggalkan PRM kerana lebih daripada 80% wakil PRM yang menghadiri Kongres Nasional ke-41 yang diadakan pada 15 November 2009 telah menolak  usul Hassan Karim. Usul itu adalah untuk  memohon secara bertulis menyertai Pakatan Rakyat. Oleh sebab ini perkara yang strategik dan serius, sebelum sebarang keputusan dibuat, perkara ini perlu masa untuk berbincang. Wakil berpendapat buat masa ini adalah tidak sesuai memohon, apatah lagi Pakatan Rakyat masih dari segi peraturan belum berdaftar.

Kenyataan PRM juga menjelaskan satu kesilapan yang ada dalam laporan the Star hari ini. S.K. Song telah meletakkan jawatan Timbalan Presiden pada Januari tahun ini dan diterima JKP, tetapi beliau masih AJKP dan Pengerusi PRM Johor.

Parti Rakyat Malaysia ialah parti  politik terbuka kepada warganegara Malaysia, PRM mengalu-alukan  sesiapa untuk berjuang bersama, jika bersetuju dengan cita-cita dan konsep memperjuangkan kepentingan rakyat jelata khususnya mereka daripada golongan pertengahan bawah 

Akan tetapi, sekiranya ada mana-mana anggota PRM mendapati, PRM bukannya wadah yang sesuai lagi untuk bergerak, dan memenuhi kehendaknya,  memilih untuk meninggalkan PRM, pilihannya dihormati dan diterima. Pemimpin boleh datang dan boleh pergi, bagi PRM ini hal biasa.

Walau bagaimanapun PRM mahu mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih kepada Hassan Karim, pada masa beliau memimpin PRM selama 5 tahun , Hassan Karim telah sedaya-upaya dan dengan jujur ikhlasnya mempertahankan hak kewujudan PRM  sebagai satu parti politik berdaftar, serta mengucapkan maju jaya dan good luck kepada Hassan Karim dalam endeavour dengan wadah yang lain.

Yang benar,

(Koh Swe Yong)

Setiausaha Agung

012-2766551

PRM EX-chief joins PKR

PETALING JAYA: Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) president Hassan Abdul Karim has resigned from the party to join PKR.

Hassan submitted his membership application form to PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Johor PKR convention in Kluang yesterday.

Hassan had announced his intention to resign as president during the PRM congress in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 15.

“In the policy speech, I proposed that the party join Pakatan Rakyat. But more than 80% of the 100 delegates rejected the idea.

“As my proposal to set new directions for the party was strongly opposed, I had no other option but to announce that I was relinquishing all posts,’’ he said when contacted yesterday.

Hassan submitted his letter of resignation to party secretary-general Koh Swe Yong on Nov 17.

“I have relinquished all my posts in the party and am quitting as a member,’’ he said.

Hassan, 58, was among a few who fought hard to save PRM from being dissolved after former leaders decided to merge the party with Parti Keadilan to form PKR on Aug 3, 2003.

Those who opposed the merger held a congress in Johor on April 17, 2005 and elected Hassan as the new president.

This prompted former PRM president Dr Syed Husin Ali, former vice-president R. Sivarasa and former secretary-general Dr Sanusi Othman to file a petition in court to dissolve the party.

However, the High Court ruled on July 16 that the dissolution of the party could only take place if at least 60% of the members voted for it during a congress.

Hassan said he still loved PRM.

“But if the party operates in isolation, it is difficult to bring about changes. That is why I proposed that the party join the Pakatan Rakyat coalition,’’ he said.

PRM deputy chairman S.K. Song said most of the members rejected the idea because they thought Hassan had wanted to merge the party with PKR.

“We were shocked when Hassan put forward the idea as he was among those who had worked hard to stop the party from being dissolved,” he said. - Star, 23/11/2009, PRM chief joins PKR