Transparency, national unity and Zainuddin Maidin (Zam)

From Bernama, an excerpt to which I want to comment on.

Zam Ticks Off Media Abusing Govt’s Transparency

SUNGAI PETANI, May 20 (Bernama) — Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin has ticked off certain media organisations for abusing the transparency of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi by rekindling racial political issues.

He said the move could harm the social contract that has been well received by the Malays, Chinese and Indians.

“To me, press freedom cannot go beyond the time-tested social contract,” he told reporters after a get-together with Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties in his Merbok parliamentary constituency here Saturday night.

Quite obviously, I do not agree with that idiot of a minister…

But let me say why.

If the PM is really serious about being transparent, then we can sure that he wants issues that were once hidden to brought into light right? After all, isn’t that the meaning of being transparent. Or maybe he was tired and said it in his sleep….

If we are really serious about transparency, what better way than the printed (and broadcast) media to use this to do some serious reporting on issues that affect this country. And by serious, I don’t mean bland lifestyle articles. Serious reporting is is controversial, risky and is really going to piss someone off. So isn’t it the role of government to protect the press from…

Oh stupid me, I was confused, the government IS BN (UMNO actually…) . Why am I not surprised that Zam talks about, “To me, press freedom cannot go beyond the time-tested social contract.”

I leave it to you to decide whether I was being sarcastic or not.

Earlier, in his speech, Zainuddin said the New Economic Policy (NEP) introduced about 30 years had succeeded in nation-building.

“The NEP has helped mould a strong Malaysian race by way of fostering racial unity which must be maintained at all costs,” he added.

– BERNAMA

But this must be the clincher of it all. The one ring. The quote to end all quotes.

I choose to believe that what strengths we have as a nation TODAY, is due to the perseverance and good heart of Malaysians throughout the years. Not to some grandiose social engineering scheme-the racist nonsense that the NEP is. It is a testament to the good will and tolerance of Malaysians that choose to look beyond the NEP in race relations, rather than ‘efforts’ by the BN government to promote national unity.

Yes, national unity must be maintained and defended, and you, Zam can start by using some grey mass before you speak.