Malaysia not a police state
Malaysia’s international standing received a major boost this morning with the announcement that it has been invited to join a major democratic association. During its special meeting in Beijing, members of the Asian chapter of Society of True Democracies (STD) agreed to invite Malaysia as a junior partner to the grouping, which includes China, North Korea, Myanmar, Iran and Syria. According to President Hu Jintao from China, who is also STD’s Asian Chapter permanent chairman, Malaysia’s membership will carry a probationary period of 3 years. “Malaysia is definitely not a police state. We have seen concerted effort from Malaysian government to move to a truly democratic society, but they have to do more to become a full member,” he said in Mandarin. “Other members will help Malaysia to become truly democratic,” he added.
Myanmar has been assigned to help Malaysia in dealing with religious extremism. According to Gen. Swee from Myanmar, PDRM can learn a lot from Myanmar police when it comes to dealing with Hindu extremists. “Our expertise in quelling the rise of Buddhist extremists is second to none,” he said. Starting next month, members of elite FRU will undergo intensive anti-terrorism training in Yangon. “We will offer practical training, as we still have a bunch of Buddhist extremists to cleanup,” Gen Swee added.
As part of the path to full membership, Malaysian media will also undergo training in fair and balance reporting. “This is a key requirement to become a truly democratic society,” President Hu said. High ranking employees from Bernama will be sent to XinHua to learn from the Chinese to become fair and balanced reporter. “Xin Hua is the undisputed leader in fair and balance reporting,” Zainuddin said. Furthermore, editors from local media such as NST and the Star will also go to China and learn from the editors of the People’s Daily. “To learn from the truly world class reporters of truth is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Wong from the Star said.
Although the probationary period is 3 years, President Hu expects Malaysia to be truly democratic much sooner. “If Malaysia follows the timetable, they will receive full membership within 2 years. By then they will be rewarded with more assistance from fellow democratics,” he added.
Myanmar has been assigned to help Malaysia in dealing with religious extremism. According to Gen. Swee from Myanmar, PDRM can learn a lot from Myanmar police when it comes to dealing with Hindu extremists. “Our expertise in quelling the rise of Buddhist extremists is second to none,” he said. Starting next month, members of elite FRU will undergo intensive anti-terrorism training in Yangon. “We will offer practical training, as we still have a bunch of Buddhist extremists to cleanup,” Gen Swee added.
As part of the path to full membership, Malaysian media will also undergo training in fair and balance reporting. “This is a key requirement to become a truly democratic society,” President Hu said. High ranking employees from Bernama will be sent to XinHua to learn from the Chinese to become fair and balanced reporter. “Xin Hua is the undisputed leader in fair and balance reporting,” Zainuddin said. Furthermore, editors from local media such as NST and the Star will also go to China and learn from the editors of the People’s Daily. “To learn from the truly world class reporters of truth is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Wong from the Star said.
Although the probationary period is 3 years, President Hu expects Malaysia to be truly democratic much sooner. “If Malaysia follows the timetable, they will receive full membership within 2 years. By then they will be rewarded with more assistance from fellow democratics,” he added.
posted by BKC Review @ 3:26 AM
<< Home