Discovery insight: Dumber and dumber
Malaysiakini
Raimy Che Ross | Jun 15, 05 11:18am
Somewhere in the underground vaults of a Jabatan Kerajaan’s Swedenborgian space, lurk two files; one marked "Gelanggi"; the other, "Linggui".
The folder with "Linggui" scribbled over its cover should, by now, be about half a yard thick and bursting at its spine. Stuffed within are presumably minutes to clandestine meetings, press clippings, confidential memos, dodgy expedition plans, nefarious schemes, plus the frantic drafts of the forthcoming Cabinet Report due in August.
The other binder, bearing "Gelanggi" across its surface, would in comparison be quite a slim file. It would contain nothing more than a few personal letters and printed e-mails written by yours truly, my CV, perhaps copies of the JMBRAS article, and my original draft proposal for a proper follow-up expedition to validate the find.
Reason for the disparity?
Bolehlah-land buffoonery.
Fakta pelik tapi benar
There has actually been one "official" (failed) expedition spearheaded by the Muzium Negara in search of Kota Gelanggi.
Organised on 21 March 2005, it featured a convoy of over 20 vehicles, 40 experts and hangers-on, who incidentally made the Hyatt Johor Baru their base-camp. A bunch of boffins from various universities and private colleges also went tagging along for the joy-ride.
They apparently spent about four futile hours clambering and poking around some belukar (bushes), presumably at the far reaches of Sungai Segget, to no avail. Having indulged in a very expensive bungle in the jungle (at the rakyat’s expense of course); and with nothing to show save a lavish hotel bill; they agreed to declare that what "Raimy saw was nothing but timber-tracks".
In the Muzium Negara’s ensuing Press Conference; as reported - albeit in a very low-key manner by the local media - it appears that I (much to my own amazement) had not only disclosed the precise location of the site to these brilliant Pakars, but was also part of their professional team on that historic occasion.
My request for a correction and retraction was flatly denied and ignored, by both the newspapers and Muzium Negara.
More disturbingly, I was only lately told by the latter that they had based their whole trekking itinerary on the vague photographs splashed in the newspapers and a bunch of indeterminate satellite images. The dismal result was therefore hardly surprising.
Seeing their failure to locate the ruins however, the Muzium Negara declared that they’d re-invent the wheel and "start from scratch".
All this is annoyingly amusing, seeing that:
Point one
Ridiculous as it sounds, right until today, there has been no request whatsoever from anyone that matters, for a full direct personal brief on the discovery (with one significant exception, see below).
Not from the powers that be nor from any of the archaeologists and academics who have been braying for my blood.
No calls, no e-mails, no letters, no bengkel, no discussions, no wacana. Not even a reply to my request for a simple courtesy call on the YBs concerned.
Like, totally zilch.
Bit scary really, when you think of it.
Matters of national importance are hastily brought to the Cabinet’s attention, without even in so much as a, "Hi-lets-meet-over-coffee-and-tell-me-again-what-the-hell-all-this-is-about?".
Nor was I personally told about the intended Cabinet brief or its overall result. I learnt of it, like everyone else, from the tabloids.
All I’ve received – even then indirectly – was a message saying that the VIPs ominously, "wishes you all the best in your future endeavours".
Whatever-lah.
Point two
I was informed of the Muzium Negara’s First Expedition – via a brief patronising e-mail – with just four days notice to spare and no additional information attached except to meet the team at the Hyatt in JB.
When inquiries were made at the Muzium Negara the next day, I was kindly told that a series of lengthy meetings had already taken place (news to me), and the Pegawai-Pegawai were convinced they could find Kota Gelanggi themselves.
When I feigned surprise, seeing that I have not been consulted nor had I divulged the precise coordinates to the site, the response was: "Dia orang pandai-lah cari, dia orang kan pakar, bukan macam Encik Raimy". (They're experts, they can find the place, unlike you.)
Riiiggght.
Stuff that for a lark.
So I left for Ipoh that same evening to fulfill my lecture-series obligations there instead. This was followed by lectures in KL and Singapore. I was thus entirely absent from the "First Expedition" and had bugger-all to do with it.
I was therefore rather non-plussed when another terse condescending e-mail arrived from Muzium Negara (dated 7 April 2005, i.e. after the First Expedition and its ensuing Press Conference), this time asking for the precise location of the Lost City. Their excuse? "We have a Cabinet Report to submit. We want the information. Now would be nice."
So much for these utter experts.
Why they so like that one?
A meeting was held recently in JB, where the pakars (experts) were summoned and I was brought over to discuss the viability of working together with the Muzium Negara and their cronies to resolve this vexing issue.
It was arranged with the noblest intentions; for the honour and benefit of the state and nation.
Left to settle the matter alone with the assembled experts; (and in light of their ertswhile scheming) I asked them for their reassurance that I was to play a key role in the next expedition and the development of the site (not just as a Pak Pacak), and for their guarantee that my own lone academic efforts over the past twelve years would not fall victim to the old Malay adage: Lembu punya susu, kaldai punya nama. (It's the cow's milk, but the donkey gets the credit.)
More importantly, I sought their promise that the remains of Kota Gelanggi – plus its auxiliary sites and quarries - would be treated with the respect and dignity it deserved.
If our Egyptian Muslim brethren can conscientiously preserve and be proud of their Pharaonic past – relics of the very same Firaun reviled in the Quran, and if our staunch Indonesian Muslim neighbours can appreciate and benefit from the physical manifestations of their ancient Hindu-Buddhist legacy; why can’t we learn to accept and adopt a similarly mature and open-minded sensibility?
I reiterated that it is our responsibility to preserve, protect and celebrate this sacrosanct relic of our ancient heritage – from whichever religion or past civilization it may be – for the benefit of future Malaysians who will undoubtedly better understand and appreciate it.
The future development of the Lost City must therefore be managed according to international guidelines and professional standards of conservation, restoration and preservation.
Its historical integrity and geographical context must never be compromised, and its sanctity must always be preserved.
No matter what. Apa dia? Their response?
Lets just say that the petulant charades and dramatic tantrums of Malaysian Idol drop-outs were more tasteful in comparison.
When we were finally asked by our host for the outcome of our deliberations; he was reassured by the other half of the room that everyone – ala RTM Malaysia Boleh anthems - would unite to work on this together.
To which the host expressed his satisfaction that we were finally making progress on the issue.
Taking my cue from the host, and out of sincere respect and grateful appreciation for his efforts, trust and support, I nodded somewhat and concurred. Truth be told, without his sagacious, timely and far-sighted intervention, all would have gone to rot otherwise.
And there was one positive development.
It was agreed that I am now to lead a basic recce-visit to conduct an initial ground-survey of the area where the ruins lie. I will be hand-picking the team members strictly myself with Muzium Negara’s full logistical and funding support.
As such, I’ve insisted on absolutely minimum numbers, no lavish frills and no external intrusion. With maximum care for the environment and optimum deference to the sensitivities of the area.
Subsequent explorations and action will hence hinge on what we shall find during the ground-survey or are unable to reach on this preliminary venture.
The fair understanding was also agreed that a set of all minutes to previous meetings and a copy of the First Expedition Report shall be made available for my perusal beforehand. To avoid replicating errors, eliminate confusion and identify alternative routes to the site.
I was reassured by the Muzium Negara that a copy of these documents will be prepared and handed-over dengan segera.
Either I'm delusional or...
It has been over two weeks since the meeting. With not a scrap of paper to be seen. Despite my constant requests for them.
As a matter of principle, I’ve completed my draft expedition plans to fulfil my promise to the host, and reinforce his faith in my work.
Besides, I can’t disappoint and fail my well-wishers and other supporters, quiet as they are for now.
Bottom line is, I’m pressing on while strengthening my end of the bargain.
I’d be surprised if the pakars can get theirs up at all.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/rentakini/36994
Malaysiakini
Raimy Che Ross | Jun 15, 05 11:18am
Somewhere in the underground vaults of a Jabatan Kerajaan’s Swedenborgian space, lurk two files; one marked "Gelanggi"; the other, "Linggui".
The folder with "Linggui" scribbled over its cover should, by now, be about half a yard thick and bursting at its spine. Stuffed within are presumably minutes to clandestine meetings, press clippings, confidential memos, dodgy expedition plans, nefarious schemes, plus the frantic drafts of the forthcoming Cabinet Report due in August.
The other binder, bearing "Gelanggi" across its surface, would in comparison be quite a slim file. It would contain nothing more than a few personal letters and printed e-mails written by yours truly, my CV, perhaps copies of the JMBRAS article, and my original draft proposal for a proper follow-up expedition to validate the find.
Reason for the disparity?
Bolehlah-land buffoonery.
Fakta pelik tapi benar
There has actually been one "official" (failed) expedition spearheaded by the Muzium Negara in search of Kota Gelanggi.
Organised on 21 March 2005, it featured a convoy of over 20 vehicles, 40 experts and hangers-on, who incidentally made the Hyatt Johor Baru their base-camp. A bunch of boffins from various universities and private colleges also went tagging along for the joy-ride.
They apparently spent about four futile hours clambering and poking around some belukar (bushes), presumably at the far reaches of Sungai Segget, to no avail. Having indulged in a very expensive bungle in the jungle (at the rakyat’s expense of course); and with nothing to show save a lavish hotel bill; they agreed to declare that what "Raimy saw was nothing but timber-tracks".
In the Muzium Negara’s ensuing Press Conference; as reported - albeit in a very low-key manner by the local media - it appears that I (much to my own amazement) had not only disclosed the precise location of the site to these brilliant Pakars, but was also part of their professional team on that historic occasion.
My request for a correction and retraction was flatly denied and ignored, by both the newspapers and Muzium Negara.
More disturbingly, I was only lately told by the latter that they had based their whole trekking itinerary on the vague photographs splashed in the newspapers and a bunch of indeterminate satellite images. The dismal result was therefore hardly surprising.
Seeing their failure to locate the ruins however, the Muzium Negara declared that they’d re-invent the wheel and "start from scratch".
All this is annoyingly amusing, seeing that:
Point one
Ridiculous as it sounds, right until today, there has been no request whatsoever from anyone that matters, for a full direct personal brief on the discovery (with one significant exception, see below).
Not from the powers that be nor from any of the archaeologists and academics who have been braying for my blood.
No calls, no e-mails, no letters, no bengkel, no discussions, no wacana. Not even a reply to my request for a simple courtesy call on the YBs concerned.
Like, totally zilch.
Bit scary really, when you think of it.
Matters of national importance are hastily brought to the Cabinet’s attention, without even in so much as a, "Hi-lets-meet-over-coffee-and-tell-me-again-what-the-hell-all-this-is-about?".
Nor was I personally told about the intended Cabinet brief or its overall result. I learnt of it, like everyone else, from the tabloids.
All I’ve received – even then indirectly – was a message saying that the VIPs ominously, "wishes you all the best in your future endeavours".
Whatever-lah.
Point two
I was informed of the Muzium Negara’s First Expedition – via a brief patronising e-mail – with just four days notice to spare and no additional information attached except to meet the team at the Hyatt in JB.
When inquiries were made at the Muzium Negara the next day, I was kindly told that a series of lengthy meetings had already taken place (news to me), and the Pegawai-Pegawai were convinced they could find Kota Gelanggi themselves.
When I feigned surprise, seeing that I have not been consulted nor had I divulged the precise coordinates to the site, the response was: "Dia orang pandai-lah cari, dia orang kan pakar, bukan macam Encik Raimy". (They're experts, they can find the place, unlike you.)
Riiiggght.
Stuff that for a lark.
So I left for Ipoh that same evening to fulfill my lecture-series obligations there instead. This was followed by lectures in KL and Singapore. I was thus entirely absent from the "First Expedition" and had bugger-all to do with it.
I was therefore rather non-plussed when another terse condescending e-mail arrived from Muzium Negara (dated 7 April 2005, i.e. after the First Expedition and its ensuing Press Conference), this time asking for the precise location of the Lost City. Their excuse? "We have a Cabinet Report to submit. We want the information. Now would be nice."
So much for these utter experts.
Why they so like that one?
A meeting was held recently in JB, where the pakars (experts) were summoned and I was brought over to discuss the viability of working together with the Muzium Negara and their cronies to resolve this vexing issue.
It was arranged with the noblest intentions; for the honour and benefit of the state and nation.
Left to settle the matter alone with the assembled experts; (and in light of their ertswhile scheming) I asked them for their reassurance that I was to play a key role in the next expedition and the development of the site (not just as a Pak Pacak), and for their guarantee that my own lone academic efforts over the past twelve years would not fall victim to the old Malay adage: Lembu punya susu, kaldai punya nama. (It's the cow's milk, but the donkey gets the credit.)
More importantly, I sought their promise that the remains of Kota Gelanggi – plus its auxiliary sites and quarries - would be treated with the respect and dignity it deserved.
If our Egyptian Muslim brethren can conscientiously preserve and be proud of their Pharaonic past – relics of the very same Firaun reviled in the Quran, and if our staunch Indonesian Muslim neighbours can appreciate and benefit from the physical manifestations of their ancient Hindu-Buddhist legacy; why can’t we learn to accept and adopt a similarly mature and open-minded sensibility?
I reiterated that it is our responsibility to preserve, protect and celebrate this sacrosanct relic of our ancient heritage – from whichever religion or past civilization it may be – for the benefit of future Malaysians who will undoubtedly better understand and appreciate it.
The future development of the Lost City must therefore be managed according to international guidelines and professional standards of conservation, restoration and preservation.
Its historical integrity and geographical context must never be compromised, and its sanctity must always be preserved.
No matter what. Apa dia? Their response?
Lets just say that the petulant charades and dramatic tantrums of Malaysian Idol drop-outs were more tasteful in comparison.
When we were finally asked by our host for the outcome of our deliberations; he was reassured by the other half of the room that everyone – ala RTM Malaysia Boleh anthems - would unite to work on this together.
To which the host expressed his satisfaction that we were finally making progress on the issue.
Taking my cue from the host, and out of sincere respect and grateful appreciation for his efforts, trust and support, I nodded somewhat and concurred. Truth be told, without his sagacious, timely and far-sighted intervention, all would have gone to rot otherwise.
And there was one positive development.
It was agreed that I am now to lead a basic recce-visit to conduct an initial ground-survey of the area where the ruins lie. I will be hand-picking the team members strictly myself with Muzium Negara’s full logistical and funding support.
As such, I’ve insisted on absolutely minimum numbers, no lavish frills and no external intrusion. With maximum care for the environment and optimum deference to the sensitivities of the area.
Subsequent explorations and action will hence hinge on what we shall find during the ground-survey or are unable to reach on this preliminary venture.
The fair understanding was also agreed that a set of all minutes to previous meetings and a copy of the First Expedition Report shall be made available for my perusal beforehand. To avoid replicating errors, eliminate confusion and identify alternative routes to the site.
I was reassured by the Muzium Negara that a copy of these documents will be prepared and handed-over dengan segera.
Either I'm delusional or...
It has been over two weeks since the meeting. With not a scrap of paper to be seen. Despite my constant requests for them.
As a matter of principle, I’ve completed my draft expedition plans to fulfil my promise to the host, and reinforce his faith in my work.
Besides, I can’t disappoint and fail my well-wishers and other supporters, quiet as they are for now.
Bottom line is, I’m pressing on while strengthening my end of the bargain.
I’d be surprised if the pakars can get theirs up at all.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/rentakini/36994