Why I Think Sarah Montague (BBC’s HardTalk) Asked The Right Questions ***Updated
The interview on Hardtalk seems to be a hot topic now. Why shouldn’t it be? It showed us all how a great dodger a politician can be. Yes. I said it. He was playing the dodging game. Why? Coz it was obvious. I’d go running naked in MidValley MegaMall if EVERYTHING Syed Hamid Albar said in that interview was true. I dare anyone to come and tell me that it is a 100% reflection of our great nation’s state. Sadly, no.
Read Cherwith’s transcript of the interview.
There had been bloggers who were actually applauding him for protecting the nation’s sanctity by not allowing foreigners to meddle in our affairs. I just simply do not agree with this. When the inside forces are being held against raising up such issues, who else is there to ask such questions?! The goddamn fucking foreigners are doing a fucking favour to all those who had their mouth sealed tight. Let them ask. Let us see what our elected officials say to that. Let’s see how he defends himself and his country.
Read Ghostline’s Hyperallergic Reactions to Syed Hamid Albar’s talk on the Issue
Read Achmed Rauff’s View on The Interview
Read Mahaguru58’s ”Praises” on Syed Hamid Albar
Every government must be able to hold a dialogue with its people and readily answer any questions regarding the well-being of the nation. When certain politicians play the race card and deny the right to voice out certain issues by certain parties by saying that it will incite hate and religious problems, are we just supposed to stay dumb and quiet? Oh yes. We are Malaysians. We shouldn’t question those policies and acts by the government or risk the ISA. Is it me, or is it absurd? Are we so stupid that we can’t hold a civilised talk in professional mannerisms even after 50 years of independence? Are we so barbaric that we will start to go at each other’s throats as soon as a topic as crucial as the well-being of every individual is discussed?
Some quarters have lobbied against many decisions by the government. Against disparity among different groups. Against unlawful acts. Against corrput officials. Against double standards. And what do we get in return? Empty promises and lacklustre action to curb the matter at hand. Just like cow dung. Fresh, hot, and “aromatic” after exiting the cow’s ass. But a few days later, it turns solid, dry and odourless. Same thing. No real action was taken for many issues. Most have been blatantly thrown away by politicians citing them as trivial matters. So, if all those NGOs and associations and committees aren’t allowed to raise the topic, what is wrong with Sarah Montague asking those questions?
Many have said that alternative media such as blogs have been the source of more hands-on news, as it is not from the government-controlled mainstream media. It is authored by those who were on the scene. By those who are experiencing it. But no matter how much we seem to profess freedom of speech, it is virtually non-existent. Raja Petra Kamarudin and Nathaniel Tan. Need I fucking say more?! Thus, as we the bloggers, the supposedly “last hope for Malaysia”, who are actually being shackled by an invisible force, cannot ask the echelons of power for an explanation for all the issues, why don’t we allow Sarah Montague to ask those questions?
Sarah Montague was right in asking all those questions. And Syed Hamid Albar lied. And some dare say that a foreigner shouldn’t be asking such questions. I disagree. Who shall then ask such question? Who would want to risk the ever threatening ISA?! After watching the interview, I have totally lost faith in our current government. Not an ounce left. I have lost all fondness of their policies.
I leave with with an excerpt from a song by System of A Down, entitled B.Y.O.B
Why don’t presidents fight the war?
Why do they always send the poor?
Why don’t presidents fight the war?
Why do they always send the poor?
Handed to obsoletion,
Still you feed us lies from the tablecloth.
Do you think Sarah Montague asked the right questions?
11 Responses
You said it Bro.
Sarah Montague certainly did ask all the right questions.
Syed Hamid Albar must have thought that he was talking to a brain-dead audience.
Did he seriously think that anyone, even with half a brain, would believe the half truths and downright lies he so blatantly expounded.
He is quite a good actor, but even he cannot lie convincingly about things which are so clearly untrue.
The same old story, “All is well” but in reality the fabric of society is crumbling more and more each day.
He and most of the so called ‘leaders’ in Malaysia are living a life of luxury in their fantasy Malaysia which is totally different to the real world Malaysia.
When the going gets tough, they will sneak off to their overseas palatial residences.
In Malaysia freedoms and rights are very limited. The ISA, OSA, and other draconian laws ensure that.
The quality of life is also deteriorating.
Wake up all Malaysians, the winds of change are blowing, do you bit to help, vote wisely in all future elections. Clear out the rubbish.
So what do you think an appropriate response from him would have been?
And so now you know why there’s been a salary increase, and the budget 2008 is in favor of smokers.
To get support for the election, as so far the new cabinet has failed to do any change to the country.
they’re trying to buy their way in the election by fooling the lesser beings.
God, I hate politics.
Freethinker: he was defensive. Not entirely truthful
Frank: I couldnt have said it better
vincent: the appropriate response? How bout giving the true account of Malaysia? Evryone knows it, no one talks about it
redgrave: every 5 years, same fucking thing.
HE did what any minister would do. Perhaps if any of us were to be called for an interview by Montague….that would be an idea wouldn’t it?
first class liar, hehehe, he think people stupid 1 meh, maybe this fella is semi value’s brader. funny to see some no brain bloggers see him as a hero like that, heehee mat bohong
rauff: would you think the powers that be would agree if anoyone of us spoke wit Montague? We’d be crucified..
alba: once someone thinks another is stupid enuf to be lied at, then he loses all respect in regard to himself
Tell the whole picture as it is?
Now you’re not making any sense.
You can diss the guy for not knowing his stuff or whatever (and you would be 100% right). But did you expect any politician, of any country to go on a foreign news network and say bad things about themselves and their country?
Akin to shooting yourself in the foot, no?
If you were in his shoes, would you have said
“Ah yes, Malaysia is whacked. We control people’s religion and segregate school going kids. And yes, we intentionally give Malays more uni places and government contracts. The fund manager took his money elsewhere? Sure, I would have done the same if I were him”
Did you expect him to say all that? Would you have said all that? I believe he did his job bloody well in painting the image of Malaysia to the world. he admitted there were problems instead of denying them, he acknowledged the corruption problem and talked about working to resolve it. What else do you ask for?
Already in the interview it was pointed out that the flaws are causing investors to run away - so do you think he should added fuel to the flame and scare off more potential investors?
Sure, his facts are wrong. Everyone of us can point out the flaws. But he is the goddamn Foreign Minister! It is akin to being a PR guy for the country! And he did an awesome PR job I thought
vincent: great argument… But, shall i ask, why did he ever have to do the interview in the first place? Painting Malaysia’s image to the world is one thing, but publicly lying to ur fellow countrymen is another. Isn’t it enough that they lie to us inside the country, and now they gotta go tell the whole world evrythg is fine and dandy, which is exactly not? So, he shouldn’t have been sitting in front of Sarah Montague in the 1st place.
Your guess is as good as mine. We have no way of knowing the reasons behind it, so why speculate?
We could indeed speculate that hey…he is the PR guy. And PR people always try to paint a nice bright picture. Always. Under pressure from critics? Avioding them is a no-no.
So agree to the interview and crap on it.
I felt she asked the right ones, and he answered as what a foreign minister would.
As good as he is admitting the problem, what was lack was his show of direction how he think he can tackle them.