As Aziz Bari (assembly person) puts it, Senate President, Rais Yatim is a “born-again nationalist”. Rais Yatim echoed MP Nazri Aziz and PM about the “disgusting” practice of using English names for various locations/condominiums: Bangsar South, Ainsdale, Bloomsdale, Petalz, Ukay Heights, The Cove etc. And Rais is known to chide members of Dewan Negara for using English expressions. This obsession for English names is also seen with some Chinese using nicknames like Michael Chong, James Song or George Tan. He wants everyone to change their attitude.
Little did he realise that his Phd is from King’s College, London, his party UMNO, stands for United Malays National Organisation, his children have English names and he has written several books in English. Pray tell me why do you communicate in Malay, English and Cantonese?
In Sarawak, English or Bahasa Malaysia is its official language. That’s from Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. Sarawak has freedom to continue using English as stated in Article 161(3) of the Federal Constitution. We can tolerate Sarawak but not individuals or private sector using English for branding or marketing purposes. Usage of a language is cultural and in some cases contextual and not by fiat!
Then we have beer! Sometimes you may think some politicians really need beer or whiskey to get their heads sorted. Coffee shops and restaurants are required to pay over RM1,000 in customs liquor licenses in 2022 to sell beer. This is at a time then there is a slump in sales.
With the banning of 4D, and other gaming activities in certain state/s, we have no beer to drown our sorrows. Why can’t we look at Dubai or Albania for direction? Even Saudi Arabia is moving to liberalise! Others who have imposed strict laws/rules have regressed – Kelantan, Aceh, Pakistan or Afghanistan.
For all the above “hard” work by our politicians (MPs) they are paid generously:
• Pay RM16,000/mth
• Attendance in parliament RM400/day
• Attending briefings, meetings seminars, workshops RM300/day.
• Entertainment allowance RM2,500/mth.
• Special payment (?) RM1,500/mth.
• Daily subsistence allowance outside Malaysia RM170/day.
• Food allowance outside Malaysia RM340/day.
• Hotel room charges outside Malaysia RM340/night.
Then there are miscellaneous expenses met by the rakyat:
• Fares for public transport, telephone and telegram charges, laundry charges, airport service charge, parking and toll charges. 3% of the total travelling claims abroad as compensation for loss in respect of foreign exchange. Conveyance allowance – when using own car.
• Fixed monthly travel allowance RM1,500.
• Fuel allowance RM1,500.
• Toll allowance RM300/mth.
• Driver’s allowance RM1,500/.
• Warm clothing allowance (amount not stated).
• Ceremonial attire allowance RM1,500.
• Subsidised payment for black tie attire RM1,000 every 3 years.
• Free motor vehicle licence.
• Free firearm licence.
• Correspondence free of charge in Malaysia.
• Telephone free direct line to house. Telephone free direct line to office.
• Free installation cost and rental for above.
• Free cell phone.
• Telephone allowance RM900/mth.
• Free First Class medical (this covers the whole family plus the parents of the MP).
• Free medical in private hospital in emergency.
• Free medical overseas.
• Free computer.
• Claim for purchasing personal computer up to RM6,000.
So, do we want to regress or progress? Make a mountain out of a molehill? Resolve real issues of consumer prices, downturns and bankruptcies or deflect them with language, beer and gaming? And to do that do we need politicians in Malaysia to be remunerated well?
References:
The scamming of Malaysians... The rakyat have been stung big time, Mariam Mokhtar, 30 November 2021(https://www.mariammokhtar.com)
Aziz Bari: “Born-again nationalist” Rais Yatim should ask UMNO to change name, Martin Vengadesan, Malaysiakini, 6 December 2021
Jan 1 beer licence rule for coffee shops shocks Guan Eng, FreeMalaysiaToday, 5 December 2021
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