Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
甘德政 新书《安邦路上》推介礼
今天（17/12/2009），我向公司拿了半天假，以便去我儿子的幼稚园向他的老师拿他明年的课本和制服。过后，就去马华中央党部出席甘德政的新书《安邦路上》推介礼，我是第一次出席新书推介礼，约50名公众人士出席这项活动，原来出席者都会免费获得一本新书，海鸥企业有限公司集团董事经理陈凯希也前来主持推介礼，我希望阿甘再接再励，也希望其他文采好的人也向他一样能出书发表政见 。
如果谁想要买这本书，请流览甘德政的部落格： http://kamdezheng.blogspot.com/
Friday, December 4, 2009
梁文道‧評論者的節制美德
转载自 : 梁文道(香港牛棚書院院長)
2009-10-25
通常我們不會用“節制”這樣的字眼去讚賞一個時事評論家，說不定很多人還會覺得，這是個侮辱呢！因為它令人聯想到懦弱與退縮，而一個“懦弱退縮”的作者怎麼會是一個稱職的評論家呢？根據大家的習見，一個好評論人應該是勇敢的，他要擁有“對權力說真話”的勇氣，面對孤高的強權不讓步，面對狂熱的大眾不動搖，堅持己見，一士諤諤。這種人又能節制？
美國老派左翼雜誌《異見》（Dissent）的現任編輯、著名的政治哲學家華澤（Michael Walzer）曾經寫過一本社會批評者的案例史《批評者的夥伴》（The Companyof Critics），分別考察了本達．歐威爾和波夫娃等著名知識份子，然後總結出他們共同具備的幾項“批評美德”（Critical Virtue），其中第一樣就是勇氣。
我完全同意華澤，相信大部份人也都同意關於評論家的這種見解。不要說評論家了，我們有時候還會把勇氣的美德推而廣之，加諸於所有知識份子頭上，要求他們一起當勇士。
此所以科學史再三稱頌布魯諾（Giordano Bruno），他為了自己的見解（而且還是事後被認為是真理的見解），甘受火刑折磨。此所以現在的中國文人不斷憶述梁漱溟先生的往事，他敢在那個年代當著眾人的面前直斥毛澤東；不願在流氓的威迫下，辱罵他崇敬的孔子，並且留下“三軍可以奪帥，匹夫不可以奪志”的豪言。和華澤所說的不同，這些典型人物的勇敢，並沒有被後人忽略；相反地，大部份人記住他們的主要原因，就是他們閃光暴現的那一刻。大多數人都不清楚布魯諾究竟說了甚麼，可是他們知道他曾毫無懼色地步向刑場；大多數人也沒有讀過梁先生的著作，但是他們曉得他曾逆拂龍鱗。
於是勇氣就成了一種批評者或者知識份子的著名美德了，甚至是種被過份誇耀的美德。因為它能產生巨大的吸引力，可以誘發出後來者的想像，使他們以為勇氣就是他們的目標。就像古代北歐的維京戰士，他們不懼戰死，因為只有英勇，至於他們說的話到底對不對，究竟有沒有產生效果，這反而就不重要了。
勇敢本來不應該是評論家追求的目標，它只是完成目標的必要條件罷了。一個評論家的真正目標是發現問題，把它揭示出來；如果可能的話，還要為它構想出對治的方案。
他這麼做是為了他的夥伴，也許是他的同胞，也許是整個人類。我們也不能排除他是為了自己，因為發現了真相，於是感到不得鳴的緊迫；此乃真理之召喚，他相信知識份子和評論家有服膺這種召喚的天職。
我願意更進一步地指出，勇氣還不只是一種匹夫之勇，還不只是一種欠缺同理心的粗暴，它更是一種自我標榜。這種過於表現自己的智慧和勇氣的批評家，或許真的離開過山洞，明瞭外頭世界的真相，但當他回到洞穴向他那些還被困在洞內的同伴訴說真相時，他的衝動不是來自引導他們離開困境的悲情，而是為了炫耀自己的見識。他甚至一心求死，想令同伴發怒，好利用他們打向自己身上的拳頭來證明自己的正確。他就像一隻極度亢奮的孔雀，從早到晚不停地開屏，對著一群暗啞的烏鴉展示自己的美麗。
一個人究竟是為了回應真理之召喚而英勇獻身，還是為了吸引目光要人崇仰才奮然狂言，這是很難分辨的。這裡頭的界線本來就十分精微，中庸之道談何容易；在中國這麼特殊的處境下，它就變得更難捉摸了。很多人以為高壓的體制只會使人懦弱，但他們沒想到這種體制同樣也會製造出一批以勇氣為目標的驕傲批評者；這兩種人都過於關注自己，只是方式不同。
星洲日報／言路‧
作者：梁文道‧香港牛棚書院院長‧2009.10.25
2009-10-25
通常我們不會用“節制”這樣的字眼去讚賞一個時事評論家，說不定很多人還會覺得，這是個侮辱呢！因為它令人聯想到懦弱與退縮，而一個“懦弱退縮”的作者怎麼會是一個稱職的評論家呢？根據大家的習見，一個好評論人應該是勇敢的，他要擁有“對權力說真話”的勇氣，面對孤高的強權不讓步，面對狂熱的大眾不動搖，堅持己見，一士諤諤。這種人又能節制？
美國老派左翼雜誌《異見》（Dissent）的現任編輯、著名的政治哲學家華澤（Michael Walzer）曾經寫過一本社會批評者的案例史《批評者的夥伴》（The Companyof Critics），分別考察了本達．歐威爾和波夫娃等著名知識份子，然後總結出他們共同具備的幾項“批評美德”（Critical Virtue），其中第一樣就是勇氣。
我完全同意華澤，相信大部份人也都同意關於評論家的這種見解。不要說評論家了，我們有時候還會把勇氣的美德推而廣之，加諸於所有知識份子頭上，要求他們一起當勇士。
此所以科學史再三稱頌布魯諾（Giordano Bruno），他為了自己的見解（而且還是事後被認為是真理的見解），甘受火刑折磨。此所以現在的中國文人不斷憶述梁漱溟先生的往事，他敢在那個年代當著眾人的面前直斥毛澤東；不願在流氓的威迫下，辱罵他崇敬的孔子，並且留下“三軍可以奪帥，匹夫不可以奪志”的豪言。和華澤所說的不同，這些典型人物的勇敢，並沒有被後人忽略；相反地，大部份人記住他們的主要原因，就是他們閃光暴現的那一刻。大多數人都不清楚布魯諾究竟說了甚麼，可是他們知道他曾毫無懼色地步向刑場；大多數人也沒有讀過梁先生的著作，但是他們曉得他曾逆拂龍鱗。
於是勇氣就成了一種批評者或者知識份子的著名美德了，甚至是種被過份誇耀的美德。因為它能產生巨大的吸引力，可以誘發出後來者的想像，使他們以為勇氣就是他們的目標。就像古代北歐的維京戰士，他們不懼戰死，因為只有英勇，至於他們說的話到底對不對，究竟有沒有產生效果，這反而就不重要了。
勇敢本來不應該是評論家追求的目標，它只是完成目標的必要條件罷了。一個評論家的真正目標是發現問題，把它揭示出來；如果可能的話，還要為它構想出對治的方案。
他這麼做是為了他的夥伴，也許是他的同胞，也許是整個人類。我們也不能排除他是為了自己，因為發現了真相，於是感到不得鳴的緊迫；此乃真理之召喚，他相信知識份子和評論家有服膺這種召喚的天職。
我願意更進一步地指出，勇氣還不只是一種匹夫之勇，還不只是一種欠缺同理心的粗暴，它更是一種自我標榜。這種過於表現自己的智慧和勇氣的批評家，或許真的離開過山洞，明瞭外頭世界的真相，但當他回到洞穴向他那些還被困在洞內的同伴訴說真相時，他的衝動不是來自引導他們離開困境的悲情，而是為了炫耀自己的見識。他甚至一心求死，想令同伴發怒，好利用他們打向自己身上的拳頭來證明自己的正確。他就像一隻極度亢奮的孔雀，從早到晚不停地開屏，對著一群暗啞的烏鴉展示自己的美麗。
一個人究竟是為了回應真理之召喚而英勇獻身，還是為了吸引目光要人崇仰才奮然狂言，這是很難分辨的。這裡頭的界線本來就十分精微，中庸之道談何容易；在中國這麼特殊的處境下，它就變得更難捉摸了。很多人以為高壓的體制只會使人懦弱，但他們沒想到這種體制同樣也會製造出一批以勇氣為目標的驕傲批評者；這兩種人都過於關注自己，只是方式不同。
星洲日報／言路‧
作者：梁文道‧香港牛棚書院院長‧2009.10.25
Thursday, November 26, 2009
1128你与诚信有约
还党诚信的1128特大已经取消，大家会把它忘记掉的啦。廖派不看重特大的重要性，小心玩火自焚。
（以下转载自 月光光）
1128 特大是根据党章第30.2条文召开，也就是必须通过三份之一的中委以书面正式要求，才可以召开。这样的一个党 机制，绝对不是王乃志一个人说开就开，说改成汇报会就改成汇报会。
马华2377名中央代表的身份，是代表着全国90万党员的的意见，是崇高的身份。但是，王乃志却把他们当成小孩，一会儿说铁定开特大，一会儿说改成汇报会。
要知道，特大与汇报会的差异可大了，简直就是天地之别：
★特大可以作出决策 ★汇报会不能有议决案
★特大只有中央代表可出席 ★汇报会全体党员均可出席
★特大召开需按章行事 ★汇报会随时随地可由任何人召开
★特大出席率不及法定人数被视为流产 ★汇报会不管人数多寡均可进行。
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
难得轻松喝茶
东方日报首相纳吉星期二在国会议员餐厅巧遇反对党领袖安华时，两位朝野巨头忙里偷闲，而各执一杯拉茶来谈笑风生。
此情此景确实难得一见，特别是惜日战友，在历经曲折起伏的政途后而‘分道杨镳’，如今两人罕见地露出一致的笑容。
Monday, November 9, 2009
Malaysia makes top 10 of Lonely Planet's best 2010 destinations
Malay Mail
London : Iceland and London are among the world's best-value destinations thanks to the economic crisis, travel guide firm Lonely Planet said , while Thailand remains tough to beat.
South Africa, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Bulgaria, Kenya and Las Vegas in Nevada rounded out the top 10, said the British-based company in its "Best In Travel 2010" guide.
The annual snapshot book captures "the world's hottest travel trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the year ahead', Lonely Planet said.
The economic collapse in Iceland meant the island was no longer punitively expensive, said the guide, putting the beleaguered country at the top of its best-value list.
"Have you always wanted to discover this magical, mysterious country? To explore ice caps and volcanoes, and wallow in hot springs? Been put off because of the prohibitive prices? Well, 2010 is your year".
Thailand, at number two, remained "perennially good value", said the book.
"It's one of the cheapest long-haul holidays for European holidaymakers...visitors are always spoilt for choice regarding accommodation".
Meanwhile, London's days as a costly destination were now over, Lonely Planet said.
"Long ludicrously expensive, London has become much more affordable for visitors from abroad, if not for its residents", said the guide.
"The favourable exchange rate means that travellers will often find hotels and meals up to half the price they were a few years ago".
Elsewhere in top 10, Malaysia "is a clever choice for travellers on the lookout for a bargain", while in India "your money stretches almost as far as the infamous Indian `stretchable' time" .
"South Africa is not only about an amazing climate, vast unspoilt scenery, balmy sandy beaches, extraordinary wildlife and adventure activities, but the cost of living is low, so it's also excellent value for money".
The top 10 countries overall for travellers were El Salvador, Germany, Greece, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Portugal, Suriname and the United Sates.
The top cities were Abu Dhabi, Charleston (South Carolina), Cork(Ireland), Cuenca (Ecuador), Istanbul, Kyoto (Japan), Lecce (Italy), Sarajevo, Singapore and Vancouver(Canada).
Bali (Indonesia), Goa (India), Koh Kong (Cambodia), South Africa and southwest Western Australia featured among the top 10 regions. - AFP
Malay Mail
London : Iceland and London are among the world's best-value destinations thanks to the economic crisis, travel guide firm Lonely Planet said , while Thailand remains tough to beat.
South Africa, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Bulgaria, Kenya and Las Vegas in Nevada rounded out the top 10, said the British-based company in its "Best In Travel 2010" guide.
The annual snapshot book captures "the world's hottest travel trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the year ahead', Lonely Planet said.
The economic collapse in Iceland meant the island was no longer punitively expensive, said the guide, putting the beleaguered country at the top of its best-value list.
"Have you always wanted to discover this magical, mysterious country? To explore ice caps and volcanoes, and wallow in hot springs? Been put off because of the prohibitive prices? Well, 2010 is your year".
Thailand, at number two, remained "perennially good value", said the book.
"It's one of the cheapest long-haul holidays for European holidaymakers...visitors are always spoilt for choice regarding accommodation".
Meanwhile, London's days as a costly destination were now over, Lonely Planet said.
"Long ludicrously expensive, London has become much more affordable for visitors from abroad, if not for its residents", said the guide.
"The favourable exchange rate means that travellers will often find hotels and meals up to half the price they were a few years ago".
Elsewhere in top 10, Malaysia "is a clever choice for travellers on the lookout for a bargain", while in India "your money stretches almost as far as the infamous Indian `stretchable' time" .
"South Africa is not only about an amazing climate, vast unspoilt scenery, balmy sandy beaches, extraordinary wildlife and adventure activities, but the cost of living is low, so it's also excellent value for money".
The top 10 countries overall for travellers were El Salvador, Germany, Greece, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Portugal, Suriname and the United Sates.
The top cities were Abu Dhabi, Charleston (South Carolina), Cork(Ireland), Cuenca (Ecuador), Istanbul, Kyoto (Japan), Lecce (Italy), Sarajevo, Singapore and Vancouver(Canada).
Bali (Indonesia), Goa (India), Koh Kong (Cambodia), South Africa and southwest Western Australia featured among the top 10 regions. - AFP
Malay Mail
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Ong Tee Keat, Dr Chua hammer out truce with nudge from Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak
Malaysian Insider 22nd October, 2009
An end may be in sight in the MCA crisis with the recent intervention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The Malaysian Insider understand that Najib met Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi lek yesterday to thrash out a solution for the deadlock in MCA.
The result was an agreement between the two men to bury their differences. Yesterday the two men were asked to meet the PM. Datuk Seri Najib , who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) Chariman, was unhappy that the coalition's second biggest party was in disarray.
He told the two men that BN needed a strong and stable MCA if it was to take advantage of any weakness in Pakatan Rakyat (PR) to regain non-malay votes lost in Election march 2008.
The PM wants Ong and Dr Chua to bury their differences. Another EGM and fresh election will just make it worse, the PM told the two men. Under the truce between the two men, Ong and Dr Chua agreed to find way to stabilise the party, with the two of them at the helm, without bringing the party to the brink.
It was agreed that Dr Chua's supporters would be appointed to key positions in the party's state and national leadership to reflect the deputy president's relative support.
However, the two men may find it hard to convince their respective supporters and the public that they can hold a truce.
They will also find a way to deal with the position of Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai. He was appointed the MCA's new No.2 last week by a central committee that also asked for Ong's resignation.
A number of other senior party leaders have also made strong remarks and hurled accusations at both Ong and Dr Chua.
Any public show of affection or unity would likely be farcical and draw even more scorn for the BN party, which only has by some estimates less than 30 per cent backing from Chinese voters.
The current MCA crisis had started soon after party elections last October. Ong won the presidency convincingly but against the odds Dr Chua won the No.2 job after he was forced to resign from his Cabinet position and party posts earlier in the year because of secretly filmed footage of him having sex with his mistress was leaked.
The party president had an uneasy relationship with Dr Chua and set out to isolate him. Dr Chua was not given any prominent appointments and was not even made state chairman in Johor. Things came to a head when Ong decided to push for Dr Chua to be sacked from the party. His excuse was that the sex recording had tarnished the party.
The presidential council agreed to sack Dr Chua. Later, following a surge of public discontent, the central committee reduced it to a suspension of Dr Chua's membership. Supporters of Dr Chua then pushed for a EGM. At the October 10 EGM, Ong lost a confidence vote while Dr Chua had his menbership reinstated. The results suggested there was a move by a third force to remove both men and benefit Liow.
Ong then went back on his word and refused to resign, pointing out that the party constitution requires at least a two-thirds majority of delegates at an EGM to force his resignation. Dr Chua is using the same requirement in an application to the Registrar of Societies to be reinstated as deputy president.
Dr Chua has told the Registrar that since his membership had been restored, it was status quo and that meant he was still the deputy president. If the Registrar agrees, that means Liow' appointment will be voided. And if Ong keeps his word there will be wholesale changes in the party to reflect Dr Chua's support.
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