Comments for Don: Race Relations Act needs more thought at http://www.malaysianbar.org.my , comment 0 to 3 out of 3 comments http://www.malaysianbar.org.my Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:22:53 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/news_features/don_race_relations_act_needs_more_thought.html#pc_8071 The concept of Race is to my mind, a western creation. It found a following here largely through western imperialism as they moved eastwards to conquer new lands and subject the original habitants of the new lands to some of form colonization or slavery. This justified the many racial theories that followed. It allowed certain races to maintain a sense of “purity”, disabled mingling and marriages inter-racially etc. We, of all people, and looking at our origins should really not be overawed by this concept of race. Thus, we should not look at the RRA being a preventative piece of legislation. On the contrary, the RRA should allow discourse and discussions about the etymological aspects of life (albeit with some parameters). It is only natural that we, as human beings, and with eastern values, talk about race all the time. It is in our nature. Alas, knowing our extremely erudite legislators, they may just confuse race with religion. After all, it has been provided for in the constitution, so it must be right, no? This reminds me of what Julian the Apostate, a Roman Emperor, and a keen observer of racial differences once said: "Come, tell me why it is that the Celts and the Germans are fierce, while the Hellenes and Romans are, generally speaking, inclined to political life and humane, though at the same time unyielding and warlike? Why the Egyptians are more intelligent and more given to crafts, and the Syrians unwarlike and effeminate, but at the same time intelligent, hot-tempered, vain and quick to learn? For if there is anyone who does not discern a reason for these differences among the nations, but rather declaims that all this so befell spontaneously, how, I ask, can he still believe that the universe is administered by a providence?" Dipendra A/L Harshad Rai - Dipendra A/L Harshad Rai Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:57:17 +0100 http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/news_features/don_race_relations_act_needs_more_thought.html#pc_8069 We do not need any Race Relations Act unless the Act is sincerely meant to prevent discrimination (based on 'race') in employment, etc., etc. among Malaysians. As for the unbecoming acts/speech of the politicians which might affect the relationship of the different races in the country, we certainly need to punish to the extent of 'sacking' all such ungrateful and egoistic politicians who bring up racial matters simply to arouse hate feelings and cause pain in the hearts of the other Malaysians (i.e. all those other Malaysians who are not of his/her own race). Such selfish politicians ought to be removed immediately; otherwise they would be the bane of society and would be left to freely destroy Malaysia in a salient way. In fact, before a Malaysian man or woman is allowed to stand for election in his or her capacity and desire to lead the people, he or she ought to undergo some moral and humanity lessons so as to be equipped with the basic knowledge of all things in order to qualify himself or herself to be a politician of the people and for the people. Otherwise, he or she would only be serving his / her own needs and greed - and doing so unashamedly too. Tan Peek Guat - Tan Peek Guat Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:10:58 +0100 http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/news_features/don_race_relations_act_needs_more_thought.html#pc_8068 I think Dato Prof Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin has raised a fundamental point, that is the purpose of the Act. There is a world of difference between legislation to prevent people saying bad things and that against discriminatory act. Certainly, the object and intention must first be clear. To date the draft Bill is not well known to many. It would appear that Dato Prof seems to say that the draft Bill does not meet the purpose intended. What say the Council. Mohamed bin Haji Abdul Hamid. - Mohamed bin Haji Abdul Hamid Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:59:30 +0100