A TRIBUTE TO MERDEKA

Cordial Invitation To One And All

Notebook With Historical Pictures Are Available At The Merchandise Store



Car Stickers Exhibiting Our Patriotism Also Available At The Store

Special Edition Stickers To Be Presented To Earlybirds Compliments Of The Foundation

One Of The Very Many Artifacts On Display In One Of The Four Eras

The Plaque In Recognition Of The Living Warrior's Contribution To The Nation.

The Patriot Foundation Would Like To Invite Malaysians From All Walks Of Life To An Event Where Patriotism Comes Alive, And Everyone Is A VIP. There Will Be No Politics, No Speeches, Just Pure And Organic Patriotism With A Trip Through History.

Take Pictures Of Japanese Soldiers And The British Resident General. Show Our Appreciation For A Living Hero Who Actually Saw Combat During The Insurgence And See Visuals Of The Road To Independence.

Date: Saturday 17 September 2011

Time: 5.00 Pm - Midnight

Venue: Taman Setia Tropika JB Football Field

PROGRAMME:

A. EXHIBITION:

1. Japanese Occupation

2. British Era

3. Pre-Merdeka Period

4. Post-Merdeka Segment

B. A Showcase Of Proton National Cars (From The First Saga To The Latest Inspira)

C. A Demonstration Of Traditional And Community Games

D. Merdeka Bazaar

E. " Road To Independence" Video Show Followed By "A Tribute To A Warrior"

F. Recitals Of A Special Doa For The Future Of The Country And Rakyat.

- The Rukunegara

- Singing Of The Negaraku & Jalur Gemilang Flag Raising Ceremony With Audio Effects Of Cannons Firing In It’s Original 1957 Form.

G. The Cry Of Merdeka

H. Fireworks

I. The End.

This Could Be A One Time Experience! Let’s Know Our History And Love Our Country!

I’ll See You There Ladies And Gentlemen!

MY PATRIOT OF PATRIOTS

Traditional Representation Of A Gentleman

20:00 hours sharp tonight, marks exactly 20 years of my union with my loving wife whom I regard as my Patriot of Patriots.

We often refer being patriotic to one’s loyalty to one’s country. I dare say there is not one Soul who would even consider a spouse’s loyalty to be an act of Patriotism.

Politicians must start thinking this way about their wives (the ones who do not meddle in the Affairs of the State) without taking their sacrifices for granted. This is because their unselfish act of sharing us with the mass in terms of time and attention is all done in the name of King & Country.

Ever since I knelt down to propose to my better half on one knee, while a string quartet was playing by our table, where she said “ yes “ after a split second pause, which felt like a million years almost giving me a cardiac on the floor of the French Restaurant, my life has been blessed.

In the absence of my parents, she flew to me for my graduation, which very much inspired me to complete my degree program on time! She gave me three beautiful children two of whom (twin boys) were born on my birthday, disqualifying me from expecting a birthday present from her for the rest of my life.

I’m blessed because she has both beauty and brains, independent and comfortable with people from all walks of life and loyally supportive of my passion which is politics allowing me to serve without interruption or intrusion.

Giving Me Peace In My Mind While In Service To The Nation Makes Her My Patriot Of Patriots, My Angel, My Truest Seraph, My Everything.

Happy 20^th Anniversary Precious!

MEDIA AGENCIES MUST BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN

The Helmet And Kevlar Worn By The CNN Correspondent On Duty Wasn’t Supplied By The US Government

First Of All The Patriot Would Like To Extend Our Most Heartfelt Condolences To The Family Of The Late Noramfaizul Mohd Nor, The BERNAMA Cameraman Who Was Fatally Shot While On Duty Covering The Situation In Somalia. May His Soul Rest In Peace Amongst The Righteous. Al-Fatiha.

I’m sure this article would be considered as bad form coming out at this moment but it’s about time people take responsibility instead of letting all blame fly loose and carelessly aimed at the wrong party turning it into something political.

There was nothing wrong with the joint noble effort of Putera 1Malaysia Club, Bakti and other agencies, coming together to provide humanitarian aide to survivors of a cursed nation.

Having said that, it shouldn’t take a nuclear physicist to comprehend the gravity of the situation on the ground of the country that they were visiting. I’m not speaking on hindsight as this was touched in one of my articles last year regarding the preparedness of our journalists in the expected deadly raid on a Turkish-led Flotilla that tried to break Isreal's blockade of Gaza. I would have thought we LEARNT SOMETHING from it.

Journalists should be well protected while they go to war torn zones to cover their stories and the responsibility lies upon the shoulders of their respective agencies to equip them with the proper tools be it for protection or even mental preparedness. Neither the Government nor the Putera 1Malaysia Club should have to be on the defensive receiving “shellings” from all parties not knowing who to blame but rightfully needing to scream at someone for this stupid blunder of not learning from the past.

BERNAMA and all news agencies should be responsible for their own personnel in terms of safety precautions and not expect to be spoon-fed by those providing them with the opportunity to report news of the world to those back home.

These agencies have their own Chairman, CEOs, Managing Editors and so forth drawing handsome incomes. They should have brains enough to think, plan and execute. Certainly they don’t need the Prime Minister nor his Deputy to tell them what to purchase and suit their reporters with when covering stories.

BERNAMA is so lame that we had to flip through ASTRO AWANI and other channels to get current news of their own (BERNAMA) slained cameraman! What happened to their other reporters on the ground who were supposed to report from the other end of the camera? Were they not sufficiently equipped with the best and up do date technology to keep reporting? Were they not resourceful enough to borrow from their counterparts like the CNN correspondent who borrowed from a Chinese national journalist when his mobile cell went dead to report live via audio locked down in a hotel in Tripoli? Were they so ill-prepared that they were too distraught to work while trying hard to remember how the deceased behaved the days leading to his death, like all Malays do when faced with this situation? Is that professional reporting? They should be ashamed to be called the National News Agency!!!

In the same breath, I implore all politicians, who are generally not media savvy to refrain from being trigger-happy making stupid comments on the matter. Rightfully so, even in situations where Kevlar vests are employed, people do sometimes get killed but that doesn’t one bit justify any party from being careless. If that is the case, then we shouldn’t make it mandatory for riders of motorbikes to wear helmets or car passengers to fasten seat belts, because despite the helmets and the latter, the mortality rates remain high. I wonder if Shabery Cheek is on hand once again to provide the PM with these statistics trying to justify an ailing cause.

Precautionary measures MUST be taken to minimize the risk. Then, we leave the rest to God. It’s COMMON SENSE! We don’t leave the camel untied and leave it to God to be its keeper, calling it fate.

The National Union of Journalists should take this matter up including having their members insured no matter how costly it may be for those covering high-risk zones.

The standard of journalism needs to be lifted in this country, especially amongst the Malay run agencies. At the same time, the welfare and safety of personnel in this field should be addressed accordingly.

The Prime Minister Should Revamp BERNAMA And Other Related Agencies Under Us Which Do Not Live Up With The Times And Lack Professionalism. He Should Remove Those Tan Sris and Dato’s Earning Maximum Wage For Minimum Work With No Foresight. This Is Not About Carrying Out The Government’s Aspirations. It Is About Professional And Dynamic Journalism.

POLITICAL NGOs A BANE TO THE GOVERNMENT

Preserve And Protect Our Independence. Do Not Gamble With The Future Of Our Nation.

Amanah, Penawar Throw Spanner In The Works

Of late, we have seen the mushrooming of non-governmental organisations serving the purpose of some aging politicians. And I have been asked why I don’t align myself to one.

I don’t see a need to join these new political NGOs as I am already in one of the best avenues to champion my political cause, which is Umno.

Furthermore, I had formed a small political think tank under the name of The Patriot Foundation, which serves to provide necessary feedback to the Government and Malaysians on basic social, political and economic issues through open channels.

While I welcome the formation of these NGOs, I question the motives behind it.

Angkatan Amanah Merdeka (Amanah), for example, may begin with noble intentions and having a blueblood like Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah to spearhead it adds to its nobility.

I've often been excited whenever this elder statesman appears for one thing or another and had looked forward to see what Amanah is set out to do.

Furthermore, Amanah in Arabic means trust and as leaders, I believe they should live up to the word.

Amanah said it wants to “re-ignite our beloved Bapa Malaysia’s legacy, promise and ideals” and nurture unity as espoused by the country’s founding fathers.

Those invited to share the limelight with him may have passed their twilight years in politics but are still influential to an extent, but there are those in there who want to stay relevant for their own personal interests. The “has beens” are trying to cling onto whatever is left of the limelight afforded to them by the media.

Now, having six deputy presidents is unique but it’s when everyone speaks their minds without any consultation within the group that things can get destructive. One has to exercise care when making statements, either in their personal capacity or for the group, as this can turn Amanah into a nuisance and further add to confusing the minds of the rakyat.

One of its six deputy presidents Tan Sri Kadir Sheikh Fadzir, for example, was reported to have commented about the elections, saying that it was unfair. Least he forgot, his own brother contested and lost the Kulim Parliamentary seat to one Zulkifli Nordin from the Opposition. Had not the loss of five states in the last general election shown that it was fair?

Then I read about another organization called Penawar, whose members comprised former Umno Members of Parliament. Now, this group is requesting Prime Minister Datuk Sri Najib Razak to step down for reasons only known to them.

What they forgot is that being called “former”, they no longer have representation nor constituencies. I see this as another case of “has-beens” trying to remain relevant and being destructive to the party that they claim they love.

What is paramount at this time is not about internal party politics but about winning for the party at the next general elections.

This ailment in Umno is becoming prevalent to the extent that loyalty to certain leaders supersede loyalty to the party, especially among people of less importance who try to move as a credible unit.

The country is now moving forward.

Umno and BN are fast gaining lost ground from 2008 with the formidable partnership of Najib and his deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

BN cannot afford a rift from within especially among Umno leaders because the entire BN existence and strength is clinging on the Umno foundation.

At this point in time, the top two leaders should discount useless, self-interested and irresponsible parties from stacking them against each other to, first and foremost, win the two-thirds majority in Parliament.

Following this, if indeed there is a cause to change the leadership due to possible liabilities that may cause future damage to the party and nation, then one should like a true gentleman throw down the gauntlet and contest according to the Umno Constitution. No one should get others to do their private biddings while pretending to be cordial on the front, if such a scenario even exists.

Umno will welcome a democratic approach, which the delegates waived their rights for in the previous Constitutional Amendments meeting, according to the rules and regulations stipulated in the Constitution.

But we cannot afford an implosion before the next general election or we will lose this nation.

Responsibility begins with the leaders.

One cannot rule, when one divides prematurely, at the wrong time and within our own.

SALAM RAMADHAN

Happy Merdeka Month! Protect And Defend Our Sovereignty And Independence!

Masjid Nabawi, Madina Al-Munawarah

The Patriot Would Like To Wish All Readers Of The Muslim Faith Selamat Menyambut Bulan Ramadhan And Malaysians At Large Selamat Menyambut Bulan Merdeka. May The Angels And The Lailatul Qadr Visit Our Castles While We Prostrate In Submission To Our Maker Allah SWT, Elevating Our Prayers And Wishes To Him In The Hope That He Will Descend Them With Grants And Blessings. Fly The Flag While Being Righteous! True Patriotism Lies In Being Faithful To God While Loyal To King And Country.

YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS, WHERE WAS THE NATIONAL ANTHEM?

I attended a friendly match between Malaysia with a Barclays’ Premier League team for the first time ever last Saturday with close friends at Bukit Jalil. I picked the game against Liverpool because I thought between the three visiting English teams which came to Malaysia, this was the team that we had the best chance of scoring against. I was right. We were entertained with 9 goals in between them.

Perhaps more than the match itself, I was looking forward to the beginning of the event hoping to hear the MC declare, “Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the national anthem”, then experience the 70,000 packed Stadium gyrate with the singing of the Negaraku. I was totally flabbergasted when it didn’t happen. On the contrary, the Liverpool anthem was played over and over again with Malaysians from all walks of life in their proud red shirts singing at the top of their lungs in loyalty.

First I asked who’s jurisdiction it was under, whether the FAM or Stadium Board. I was told that it was under the FAM’s purview.

We can understand why the Great Britain’s national anthem didn’t have to be observed as Liverpool and other clubs visiting us were not representing England. 

What people especially the FAM should realize is that the Negaraku was not to be played to represent the National team playing in the friendly match, but it must be played because the game was held on Malaysian soil and should be observed by everyone in attendance at the beginning of any sports event. 

The game could have been played by Bangladesh and Nepal for all I care but it is Paramount that the Negaraku be played at the beginning. Will the FAM take responsibility on this matter or remain stubborn stemming on technicalities?

The Malaysian government advocating 1Malaysia should take notice that we FAILED to take advantage to unite the Malaysians in patriotism under our anthem when there were 70,000 spectators under one roof! They were patriotic nonetheless but it would have raised the bar a little higher having willing citizens sing the national anthem in arms. I was told it was not done at the Arsenal match either! 

If the FAM officials were ignorant, is there not a sports ministry representative on the board to provide counsel on the matters of the nation and the government’s pure agenda?

Where there is lack of Patriotism that is when we pleasure the malicious aliens in destroying the fabric of our Nation. 

Patriot(ism) is not what is printed on our red shirts to illegally counter another illegal march! It must be instilled in the citizens whom I’m sure were more than proud to sing the Negaraku despite being in their Liverpool shirts, but they were never given a chance! Instead, the overzealous MC in the commentary box encouraged the spectators further to butter-up the visiting English team, (general trait of local traitors favouring Colonialist in the history of this nation) by playing their club anthem no less than
8 times throughout the afternoon.

The government shouldn’t blame the Rakyat when they appear less patriotic like on July 9th! We should blame ourselves for our lack of awareness and taking things for granted.

In The Same Breath, As An Ardent Fan Of The Malaysian Football Team And A Genuine Patriot, I Respectfully Ask His Royal Highness Sultan Ahmad Shah, President of The Football Association Of Malaysia, Why Isn’t The Negaraku Observed Before Every Game Tuanku?

THE KING'S " SPEECH "

His Majesty The King

The following is the Official Statement of His Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin issued by the Istana Negara in its originality:

"Beta sedang mengikuti dengan teliti akan perkembangan cadangan kumpulan BERSIH untuk mengadakan perarakan dan perhimpunan beramai-ramai yang bertujuan menyerahkan memorandum kepada beta selaku Yang di-Pertuan Agong dan bagaimana pihak kerajaan menangani isu ini khususnya agensi-agensi dan jabatan-jabatan yang terbabit.

Namun, beta yakin kepemimpinan negara di bawah Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak berkemampuan untuk menangani masalah ini dengan sebaik mungkin.

Beta menyeru di dalam keghairahan sebahagian rakyat berpolitik bagi menyuburkan demokrasi dalam negara kita ini hendaklah dipastikan juga bahawa tuntutan demokrasi tidak akan membawa kemusnahan kepada negara.

Kita tidak boleh terlalu terikut-ikut dengan amalan-amalan negara-negara luar secara umumnya kerana keharmonian dan kestabilan negara adalah asas penting bagi sesebuah negara yang perlu semua pihak pertahankan.

Beta juga menyeru kepada pihak kerajaan agar melaksanakan segala amanah yang diberikan kepada rakyat secara adil dan bijaksana dan yang pentingnya Beta selaku Yang di-Pertuan Agong tidak mahu melihat dalam negara bermasyarakat majmuk ini berada di dalam keadaan bermusuhan sesama sendiri ataupun sebahagian rakyatnya bermusuh dengan kerajaan atas apa jua alasan pun.

Setiap permasalahan yang timbul, kita sebagai masyarakat bertamadun hendaklah menyelesaikan secara rundingan dan tidak mengikut perasaan seperti pepatah Melayu ‘Yang Dikejar Tak Dapat Yang Dikendong Berciciran’.

Hakikatnya demonstrasi jalanan banyak membawa keburukan daripada kebaikan walaupun niat asalnya baik.

Sebaliknya kita harus menumpukan kepada matlamat utama memajukan negara, bukannya mencipta masalah yang membuat negara berada terkebelakang. Ingatlah bumi mana yang tidak ditimpa hujan, lautan mana yang tidak bergelora.

Itulah pentingnya sifat kesederhanaan dan tolak ansur yang telah begitu lama diamalkan oleh warisan pentadbiran negara."

Below is the translated full text of His Majesty's statement:

"I am following closely the developments of the proposed gathering and procession by Bersih with the aim of handing over a memorandum to me as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and how the Government, particularly the agencies and departments concerned, is handling the issue.

However, I believe that the nation's leadership under Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Razak is capable of handling this problem in the best possible way.

I urge that amid the political fervour of a section of the people to bolster democracy in our country, it must also be ensured that this demand on democracy does not bring destruction to the country.

Generally, we cannot be following too much the practices in other countries, as harmony and stability are vital foundations for a country and which all quarters must protect.

I also urge the Government to carry out everything that is entrusted to it by the people in a just and wise manner, and it is important that I, as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, do not want to see this country with a plural society in a situation where there is animosity among them or a section of the people being enemies with the Government, on whatever grounds.

When any problem arises, we as a civilised society must resolve it through consultations and not follow our emotions, as the Malay saying goes Yang dikejar tak dapat yang dikendong berciciran (Not getting what we chase for and spilling what we carry).

The fact is, street demonstrations bring more bad than good although the original intention is good. Instead, we should focus on our main objective to develop this country, and not create problems that will cause the country to lag behind.

Remember that there is no land where the rain does not fall, there is no ocean that is not turbulent. That is how important moderation and compromise is, which has been long in practice by our nation's administration.”

Source: Bernama

BAN THE RALLIES

SAVE THE COUNTRY

The PATRIOT Foundation is deeply concerned with the recent developments with regards to the illegal Bersih 2.0 rally, which will take place on July 9 on the streets of Kuala Lumpur.

Bersih 2.0 organisers had also announced that simultaneous demonstrations will be held at 2pm local time on July 9 in London, Canberra and Sydney as well as Taiwan.

Two other groups namely Perkasa and Pemuda UMNO have also announced that their members would also take to the streets against Bersih 2.0.

The PATRIOT Foundation is therefore calling for:

1. A ban on all three rallies by Bersih/Perkasa/Pemuda UMNO.

The organisers' efforts to bring issues to the streets can be likened as sabotaging the Nation as whatever happens on that day will tarnish Malaysia's image as a fast developing peaceful nation. They are rebels using several outfits as a front. There are proper channels for grouses and grievance to be aired. Holding a rally or several rallies is certainly not an option.

2. Use preventive laws.

It is unfortunate that earlier warnings issued by Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein have gone unheeded. The ministry should therefore no longer hesitate to take preventive measures on the organisers. Any action on the day of the event or after would be futile as the repercussions would already have far-reaching consequences especially on the economy of the country.

3. Negative reporting on the country.

Past experiences of illegal rallies in the country had shown the negative impact on the country's reputation as a politically stable and safe destination. International media reporting on the day itself and those so called independent news portals will do the most damage to the country. Turmoil sells in their trade. Giving factual and direct account is secondary.

4. Organizers should face the music.

All the organisers - be it Bersih 2.0, Perkasa and Pemuda UMNO - must be charged for instigating members to gather illegally. They must be banned from leaving the country before or after the event. The Bersih organizers for instance must not be allowed to leave the country for possible exile to avoid prosecution. In another example, Pemuda UMNO chief YB Khairy Jamaluddin, should be asked to return to be alongside his soldiers instead of fighting for another cause beyond our shores. A responsible General is one who initiates a war and stands by his command.

5. Malaysians to save the country.

Each and every one of us who call ourselves Malaysian should reject and stop all attempts to create chaos on any streets in the country or elsewhere.

We are all peace-loving people who want the country to prosper and continue to develop to meet Vision 2020.

Malaysia is as the national anthem goes

"Negaraku, tanah tumpahnya darahku,

Rakyat hidup, bersatu dan maju,

Rahmat Bahagia, Tuhan kurniakan,

Raja kita, selamat bertakhta.

Rahmat Bahagia, Tuhan kurniakan,

Raja kita, selamat bertakhta."

We should not allow ourselves to be use by manipulators serving their own self and political interests.

About The PATRIOT Foundation

The Patriot Foundation is an independent, non-governmental and non-profitable think tank that provides necessary feedback to the government and Malaysians on basic social, political and economic issues through open channels.