No Asian Mentality?!

Zam: Ignore ‘goblok’ bloggers Monday July 30, 2007

MALACCA: The public should be wise in identifying the websites of goblok (Indonesian slang for “stupid”) bloggers, who are willing to be tools of others to destroy the nation, said Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin.

“These writers do not have an Asian mentality but lean towards a Western thinking because they were educated overseas.

“Thus they assume that the Western style of democratic freedom is better. The goblok writers only have their own interests at heart and should be ignored,” he said after launching the Jalur Gemilang Convoy 2007 at Bandar Hilir here yesterday.

Source
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/30/nation/18443748&sec=nation

My dear minister,

I'm sorry but I don't share your sentiments over we, bloggers being used as tools to destroy the nation. On the contrary, I think it is wise to have people criticizing the Government from time to time. I think if we deserve that right as citizens of this country. The criticism is not to bring the downfall of the nation but if considered, the Government can use it to improve things for the people.

Your allegations that we don't have the Asian mentality,I strongly disagree!! I would like to point out to this person, Wei Zheng who was a trusted counselor of the Emperor of China, Emperor Tai Zhong. Wei Zheng was the most trusted official of the emperor not because of sweet words and all but by reproaching the Emperor when the need arises and the Emperor, heeding his advise, was considered as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, emperor in all of Chinese history. Not only we have Wei Zheng but we also have Justice Pao. To those who know his story, should know that according to historical records, in the 30 odd years when he took office, more than 30 high officials, including some government ministers, were demoted or dismissed because Bao accused them of corruption, bribery, dereliction of duty, misprision, etc. He was such a firm and resolute man that he never gave up what he thought was right. He reported six times to the Emperor to impeach the high-ranked government official Zhang Yaozhuo, uncle of the high-ranked imperial concubine, 7 times to impeach Wang Kui, another official favored by the emperor, and several times to impeach Prime Minister Song Yang. These great minds are the mindset of people born in Ancient China but they were not told to shut up but rewarded to keep on giving their feedback.These people are being the reality check for the then rulers. Why shouldn't the bloggers be in that position?? We are the people that you represent and I think we have the right to voice our concerns.

As for the Western education, I have to point out not all of us bloggers are educated overseas. I know I'm not and I am a byproduct of the Malaysian education system. Why am I even blogging about this?? I haven't even stepped out of Asia yet!! Please!!! We have the 5 senses that is our humanity. Just by seeing the ongoings in Malaysia is enough to open one's eyes towards the reproaching of the current Government. We are not doing this to get more readers but to create awareness of the public to the pushing for better policies that benefits the country and its people. We love our country very much, that is why we criticize.

There is a saying, Spare the rod and spoil the child. The bloggers are liken to the ROD while the Government is the CHILD. Why do I say that??? The current Government is still young even though we have had our Independence for 50 years. We still got a long way to go before we can compete strongly with the other countries in the world. The constant "Rod moments" is essential in creating a better tomorrow. The ideas and criticism from the people are more easily available with the Internet and blogging. The thing which I think has always been a miscommunication is when people take the ideas in the wrong direction or concept. We do not want to bring the country to ruins but to help it improve.

I feel that you have over did it when you labeled us, "goblok." No one in the world deserve to be called stupid. Is this the kind of thanks we get from you, Mr Minister?? You, who serve us, the people of Malaysia. We don't want get into any trouble at all if given a choice and I think most of us who decided to write what we feel about the Government is because we feel, enough is enough. Logically speaking, no human being wants to be in the thick of trouble unless they have been driven to the corner where they cannot take things anymore.

Before you came into power, I'm sure you were just like us. Wanting a change in society. Creating a better social order for the people and to bring peace and justice to the country. Have you forgotten that vocation?? Remember your vocation and the oath you made to the people when you were elected into power. WE are the PEOPLE who put you in office and WE have the POWER to elect you out of office. This is NOT a threat of any kind but a REMINDER that the PEOPLE of today are aware of their POWER.

PEOPLES' POWER!!!