My 50th Merdeka Hope as a normal Malaysian

Ancient Chinese Sun Tze Arts of War amongst other emphasized that: To win, first to position ourselves beyond being defeated; only than to consider conquer! 5 elements to access our strength:- 

1.    Nature (DAO 道) – Harmony, Solidarity and Unity among the people.

2.    Sky (TIAN天) -  Timing

3.    Earth (DI地) -Geographical conditions for advancement.

4.    General (JIANG将)- the quality of a Leader.

5.    Strategy (FA法) - Tactics to be employed. 

The aforesaid warfare, applied in today’s laymen term can simply means trade competitions between countries have a real bearing on the eventual survival of ones economy……. Whilst the timing (2) of globalization facilitate borderless trade, our bestowed geographical condition (3) with least natural disaster and calamities, a veteran politician as a skipper/general (4) & proven track records of policies  /strategy (5) that have brought us success thus far; the icing on the cake would have been nature (1) - Harmony, Solidarity and Unity among the people ; but it is easier said than done .

  To begin with, I personally noticed of late , during several  governmental official functions – in particular with one relating to our second Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak ;our beloved former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad were not present; or was he invited in the first place ? Instead I saw Tun Musa Hitam, our former Deputy Prime Minister delivering keynote addresses. Is there something wrong? I am of the opinion that both Tun Dr. Mahathir & Tun Musa should be invited together. 

As the old saying “An elderly is a jewel in a household. “Why was Tun Dr. Mohamad not present during these occasions to share his legacies with us, the rakyat; or the organizers had forgotten to invite this statesman that many ministers supported during his tenure, some even cried and became pretty emotional upon his announcement to quit ?

Tun might have been the man some; especially the opposition loved to hate, but nevertheless he had ruled Malaysia for 22 good years before handpicked Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as his successor.  Personally, I am of the opinion that the present leadership would not have been so ‘forgetful’  as to have excluded Tun Dr. Mahathir as the day would come when new leadership takes over from the present ones and they’d duplicated their inherent forgetfulness as well.

After all “MONKEYS SEES MONKEYS DO”……. Where is the “respect” for the elderly that we, oriental breed harbored since, I guess time immemorial? This gesture if left unchecked would spread like a domino effect that within no time all rakyat would love to practice. Afterall if the leadership could , why not us, people would resent ! Where is the leadership by example ????? No wonder there seem to be a upwards trend of deadliest murders, crimes, snatch thieves, rapes, incest etc. you name it; all could have been resulted from the culture of not respecting and heeding the advice of elders. Again Monkeys see monkeys do !  

Within no time, we would discovered lots of ungrateful siblings around us; shame on you, our leaderships………. To add to that, what would the foreign investors interpret this ungratefulness and/or forgetfulness?

 Would they’ve invested with full swing, knowing that we don’t even seem to appreciate a statesman of Tun Dr. Mahathir’s nature; let alone they as foreigners with investment profits in mind? Would they be treated well, especially after all those ‘donkey’ works have been done? I wonder? Yes, both Premiers (past and present) might not have seen eye to eye on everything proposed and implemented; isn’t this normal? However if we could allow the existence of the opposition parties , MPs etc. to instill a check and balance and sometimes some “havocs” ;hence democracy is seen as being prevailed ; why not let this elder statesman make his present felt, at least in some orderly and respected way ! 

Tun Dr. Mahathir is above 80 years old and every day earned is a blessing of the Almighty. If the present leadership does not want to heed his advice, that is fine. Please let no tears flow from your eyes or you could be swear and cursed upon him being recalled back to be with the Almighty. 

Seeing both Premiers kiss and make up in good terms is perhaps I believed the ultimate wishes of many, many Malaysian, especially come this August month of 50^th Merdeka Celebration.  

I posted the abovementioned on 12^th july at www.melakatoday.blogspot.com and when I saw Tun Mahathir and wife attended our 50^th Merdeka Celebration this morning thru the TV live telecast where Tun was smiling happily, I thought all our prayers were answered. Merdeka, Merdeka! Merdeka! 

photos of Melaka Merdeka Parade could be viewed at www.melakatoday.spaces.live.com  

Malaysia’s Road to Nationhood – Unity in Diversity

 

“Whereas, in the course of human history no nation, in order to salvage itself, will ever remain static for a long time. It will be compelled to decide on one of two directions, to go forward or backward.

 

This depends on the ability and adaptability of that nation in facing changes and developments.

 

When the people are in a state of complete complacency with their present status they tend to fear anything that may produce changes.

 

They will suspect any move or anybody who comes out with new ideas or inventions.

 

But since human history is the history of changes and development of making things better and more perfect, this type of self-satisfied nation will be left further and further and eventually disappear and remain only to be revealed by future historians.

 

For us we are lucky that our nation is endowed by the grace of God with fortified, courage and dignity. We were once a nation with a great national heritage.

 

Although the circumstances of our history have changed us from an independent, proud nation to a shameful and subjected one, we have managed to maintain our God-given pride, dignity, justice and indomitable spirit while under colonial rule for more than 400 years.

 

Let it be known that we, the people of Malaya, are united in our endeavour to achieve independence by constitutional means and today we have fulfilled it.

 

Therefore in the name of God, the most merciful and the most compassionate, I hereby proclaim on behalf of the people of Malaya that full independence for the Federation of Malaya within the Commonwealth, in accordance with the agreement reached in London, will take effect by august 31, 1957, if God permits.”

 

Proclamation of Independence at Dataran Pahlawan, Melaka, by the First Prime Minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Alhaj.

 

 

From the aforesaid Proclamation, I am of the opinion that Tunku had always wanted an Independent Malaya and later Malaysia for all citizens of this beloved Motherland– irrespective of color, origin, ethnic and religion. Co-existence in Unity in Diversity!

In conjunction with the 50^th celebration of our Merdeka – Independence Day on 31^st August, It is our duty as a Malaysian to continue this Noble Legacy of Tunku by :-

 

1. Reject, oppose and ignore if you have to Racist Remarks, be it from politicians, NGO, religious groups, community leaders or just anybody; vote them out of office!

2. Do not support political candidates portraying racist identity, regardless whether they are from the present ruling collisions or the opposition party.

3. Reject politics with religion, race, and business which would lead to corrupt practices; be it mind or matter or both.

4. Always upheld the principles laid within our Federal Constitutions as the ultimate “management tool” above race, religion and politic.

5. Seek advice from our fellow Royal Households whom shall always be our source of inspirations and guidance for the betterment of this Heaven on Earth called Malaysia.

 

 

The Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, VOC.)

In conjunction with the 2007 Holland Days in Malacca; a joint-venture exhibition between The Dutch Government; thru her Malaysia Embassy with the Melaka Government, thru The Melaka Museum Authority (PERZIM ); scheduled from 2^nd Sept, 2007 to 9^th Sept, 2007 at The Stadhuys; It is we/our, Maritime Archaeology Museum (MAM)’s fervent hope that the hidden message as to the origin, the originality, and the authenticity of the DUTCH VOC TIN MONEY could be decoded or the least once again attract the attentions of Archaeologist, Historians, and Academicians worldwide for the better historical understandings of mankind as a whole ; Dutch and Melaka- Malaysian authorities in particular !

 

The Dutch East India Company (Dutch: Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, VOC) was chartered in 1602, amongst her main functions were to concentrate Dutch trade efforts under one directorate with a unified policy. In 1605, armed Dutch merchantmen captured the Portuguese fort at Amboyna in the Moluccas, which was developed into the first secure base of the VOC. In the Indies, the formation of Batavia ( Today’s Jakarta )on the north-west coast of Java in 1619 formed the permanent center from which Dutch trade in Asia was centered. It was indeed significant that VOC was founded based upon trade and mercantile interests rather than part of Dutch national colonization expansion programme. From it the Dutch had created an immense trade empire at the Far East.

Subsequently the Dutch conquered those trading ports of the East Indies: Malacca in 1641; Achem (Aceh) the native kingdom in Sumatra, 1667; Macassar, 1669; finally Bantam itself, 1682.And with the help of ports in India; the Dutch had started its influence on the spice trade by trading with pepper.

Dutch policy encouraged monoculture: Amboyna for cloves, Timor for sandalwood, the Bandas for mace and nutmeg, Ceylon for cinnamon with profits to be exchanged with silver from the Americas, which were more desirable in the East than in Europe..

Takeover by the Dutch government. On 14 January 1641 the Dutch took possession from the Portuguese of the fortress of Malacca, with the help of their ally the Sultan of Johore, whom have had treaties with the Dutch as a vengeance against the Portuguese. This was because the Johor Royal household hailed from Melaka , after the Portuguese conquered Melaka in 1511.However,the Johor Sultan were confident that after the victory over the Portuguese in Melaka, the Dutch would return the Malacca throne. But this was not to be. After the capture, the Dutch set up government in Malacca as it was too important for the VOC strategies, as the city was situated on the main trade route to the Far East (Spices islands, China and Japan).

 

A short time later the conquest of Melaka, the Dutch made trading agreements with several states of the Malay Peninsula, so as to obtain tin (Kedah 1642, Ujung Salang 1643, Bangkeri 1645, Perak).

 

In the 1650s., a great imposing building, the Stadthuys, is built by the Dutch as the administrative centre and home of the Governor of Malacca.
The Dutch had a factory at Bengkalis (1670s.) at the mouth of the Siak river (Sumatra). From here they controlled the tin trade. The trade at Siak was vital for Malacca and for the Malacca Freeburghers community, a community of Dutch and Portuguese descendants intermarried with the local peoples. The duty collected on their Siak trade was an important share of Malacca’s revenue.

Perak was the main tin producing kingdom in the whole Peninsula and the VOC was interested in controlling its trade. For this reason a Dutch outpost was established from 1670 to 1690 at Teluk Gedung in Palau Pangkor. This fort was re-occupied by the Dutch in 1746 and, later in the same year, the fort was moved upstream to Tanjung Putus.
Under the Dutch, Batavia was the main Eastern base of the VOC and the company had no interest in developing Malacca’s trade to the detriment of that of Batavia. Henceforth, Melaka’s trade quickly declined after the Dutch conquest.
Moreover, The Sultanate of Johore (the Dutch ally during the siege of Portuguese Malacca) took advantage of all of this, by opening his seaport of Tanjung Pinang, Riau (an Indonesian island near Singapore) to all ships and to all commerce.

However, the Dutch did not leave Melaka as rumored as her port was situated at a very strategic point hence they did not want Melaka to fall to other competitor nations, especially the English. During the period of Dutch rule, Malacca usually had a garrison of less than 550 Dutchmen.

In 1710, St. Peter’s Church is built. It is still the oldest functioning Christian church in Malaysia. Malacca trade was flourishing, but a new sea power came on the scene: the English. From the 1750s., they traded tin with Riau and, in 1781, they occupied the Dutch outpost at Perak. Then, in 1786, an English base at Penang was established.

 

In 1722, the Bugis captured the port of Riau and the whole Kingdom of Johore. The Bugis developed not only the port of Riau but also that of Selangor (north of Malacca).
In 1746, the Sultan of Johore gave the Siak Kingdom, as a gift, to the VOC. That same year, agreements were made with the Peninsular Kingdom of Nanning, Rembau and Perak. In Perak the Dutch fort was re-occupied. With these agreements the prosperity of Malacca was improved.
However, the Bugis were a constant threat to the Dutch. Their leader, Daeng Kamboja, made Linggi his base and, from October 1756 till July 1757, besieged Dutch Malacca. In February 1757, help arrived from Batavia and the Bugis were forced to drop the siege.

In that year, the Dutch built a fort on the Linggi River and named it Philippe (today’s Kota Linggi) after the daughter of the Dutch Governor Jacob Mussel (Governor of Batavia 1750-1761). The purpose of the fort was to collect taxes from the tin that was transported from Linggi, Rembau and Kelang Selangor.
On the 1st of January 1758, this fort was the site where the treaty between the Bugis and the Dutch was signed. This treaty enabled the Dutch to impose their control in this area. Linggi and Rembau were ceded to the VOC.
In 1758, on Pulau Gontong at the mouth of Siak river the Dutch built a fort to control the tin trade, but later, in 1765, the fort was abandoned because of the good relations between Siak and the VOC.
In 1759, the fort of Linggi was also abandoned.

To prevent an English occupation, the Dutch attacked Riau and, on 29 October 1784, the Bugis were defeated. The resulting treaty ended Johore’s independence, and a Dutch fort was established at Tanjung Pinang (Riau). In the Malay Peninsula, Johore, Selangore, Perak, Trengganu and Pahang became Dutch territories. The VOC was truly dominant in the Straits.
During the Napoleonic wars, in August 1795, the Dutch Governor surrendered Malacca to the English East India.

 

Company.
In 1818, after the Napoleonic Wars, under the Treaty of Vienna, Malacca is restored by the British to the Dutch.
In 1824, the Anglo Dutch Treaty or the Treaty of London was signed between the Dutch and the British. The British give Bencoolen, in Sumatra to the Dutch and Malacca was given to the English. On 9 April 1825, the Dutch ceded Malacca.

Melaka River – The Living Dragon & The Blood of Malacca

 

Standing at the light-house staring towards the river mouth of Malacca River; with a deep breath and close both your eyes for mere 2 seconds, actualize the thousands of merchant ships dodging at Malacca waterways……….

 

The then hustle & bustle of the trading communities along the Malacca river, where it was recalled during the 15^th century, the Malacca Port could cater for 2000 ships where ships up to 200 tonnes could dodged near the Bastion of Middleburg. Those traders from Arab Countries, Chinese, European, Majapahit, South American etc conversed with more than 80 languages to trade; the various currencies, various cultural and ethnic livelihood……….

 

The dragon contoured Malacca River with blood ever flowing had awakened to another busy day of potential trade amidst to prosper the Malacca people and her visitors then.

 

Today one could only feel the ‘beat’ thru The Malacca River cruise – a boat ride to take you upstream towards Morten Village ( Kampung Morten ), the oldest traditional Malay village situated within a “U” turn by the river bank and back to the river mouth with all the ancient architectures, the tangible and intangible livelihood.

 

One favorite question by visitors to MAM www.maritime.emalacca.com was “What was the secret recipe that made Malaysians of different ethnics and religious background live happily and harmoniously together for the last 50 years?”

 

My answer was “ In fact we’d already lived harmoniously for the past 600 years by the Melaka ( Malacca ) Riverbanks; though colonized by Portuguese(1511-1641), the Dutch (1641-1824) and British (1824-1957) where we finally gained our Independence in 1957; that had not stopped us from realizing the beauty of living harmoniously together. It was thru this differentiation that we progress, develop and made Malaysia what it is to the world now!”

 

Today I was told by Bernard, the skipper of the Malacca River Cruise that they company had received directives from the relevant authority to stop operating the Malacca River Cruise that had operated for almost 20 years with no reason given. How sad!

 

The Malacca River Cruise is set for another change-change for the better SOON to further welcome our ever increasing influx of visitors……….to coincide with the beautification works currently underway to rekindled further the past glorious days of yesteryears……….

 

 

Dutch Harbour Café – Melaka

 

I have had the privilege to enjoy a delicious, sumptuous and meaningful lunch at the Dutch Harbour Café situated at 39, Jalan Laksamana 75100 Melaka http://www.dutchharbourcafe.com email: info@dutchharbourcafe.com I was presently surprise to see almost everything going Dutch culturally the very moment I enter the said premise.

 

A prominent signboard was displayed at the five-foot walkways with Dutch Foods delicacies and drinks. Inside dining sets were positioned romantically with little bouquet of flowers in the middle of the table. The main facing was two clocks; one with Malaysian time of 1.10pm and the other showing 7.10am Holland in the morning (correct me if I am wrong!).Another notable seen was the bunting of Holland Days in Melaka hanging high up readily visible to all. In the middle was a smiling Dutch Lady ( immediately reminded me of the DUTCH LADY infant nutrients in Malaysia ) greeting with colourful tulips and fresh vegetables.

 

I choose to sit in front of the serving ‘kitchen’ where a courteous waiter name Amy and a sweet fair lady Melissa came to my rescue; as I am alien to Dutch servings. I was referred to try out Chicken Croquette ( RM 7.00 )and a Cuban Perrier ( RM 9.00 ); although I couldn’t pronounce them! Though I must say the Chicken Croquette looked too small a plate for my appetite; it certainly tasted delicious. The Cuban Perrier is a mixture of sweet, sour and bitter drink before being stirred. The little umbrella over the drink was indeed in resonance to the hugh umbrella I was shield under. I was left with no more choice but to try another as my stomach was yarning for more ; so I tried the Chess Croissant ( RM 6.00 ) or else I would ‘die’ of hunger by tea break which I hardly leave the Maritime Archaeology Museum www.maritime.emalacca.com .

 

That it, I have had a sumptuous Dutch meal today. It was price reasonably and I would highly recommend to all visitors to Melaka to try them out. I was told that they open daily from 9.00am to 1.00am the following morning. Before I forget, the rear of this café is the ever historic and nostalgic Melaka River; where one or gang could spent the evening drinking beers till night fall…….

 

Although the Melaka River will continue to flow effortlessly, be it upstream during high tide or vise versa; our beers shall continue to flow towards building better acquaintance and friendship for better days ahead and luck in whatever we endeavor in.