Observations and constructive criticisms of Malaysian life and politics

Ibrahim Ali and Hasan Ali...

2011-08-07T22:03:00.000+08:00

My say....

Ibrahim Ali, as Wong Chun Wai, the group chief editor of The Star Publication rightly pointed out is a political dinosaur. He is now on a new lease of life and unleashes unmitigated damages by conjuring up "ghost" enemies. No race, religion and royalty is beyond his rebuke! The way he handles the Chinese who are pendatangs, the Christians who is suppose to usurp the government and now even the way he "summons" the Sultan of Selangor to sort out the DUMC raid fiasco, is nothing short of contempt and treason. One wonders why he is not in the ISA shortlist? In the whispers, its is said he if fueled by Mahathir Mohammed's support and now basically gets away with anything.

Lately another idiot by the name of Hasan Ali, the PAS councilor in Selangor is also shooting from the hip. He is now backing the JAIS raid in the DUMC church and without any supporting evidence. The current Menteri Besar of Selangor, Khalid Ibrahim, rightly came about to diffuse the situation. Gag order is being imposed until JAIS can come out with the "proof" they declared they have! Why again are the Christians being persecuted? Is it because that they offer the least resistance and instead prays and forgives their enemies? Is Hasan Ali not stopping at anything to prove that Islam is an intolerant religion, when most of the rakyat knows that Islam is peace loving? The actual reason is educated rakyat knows he is also being slighted for the Menteri Besar's post in Selangor and his vengeance is for all to see. He has caused endless arguments among colleagues in the Opposition front. One really shudders how he would manage the wealthiest state in Selangor as MB with good precedent of his good pal, Mohd Khir Toyo. Khir, of course, did nothing short of plundering the state of Selangor! Indeed, greed and political ascendency is his ambition, and not the desire of promulgation of Islam. It is left to be seen how the PAS CWC handles this wayward politician, before he becomes an embarrassment and a liability to their good name. A good article follows by .

ANALISIS

Cubaan Exco Selangor, Hasan Ali untuk mengocak air tenang kerajaan negeri dengan isu serbu gereja bakal diketahui hari ini.

PAS Selangor akan menyatakan pendirian rasmi berhubung perkara serbuan ke atas Gereja Methodist di Damansara Utama (DUMC) Rabu lalu yang menyaksikan Pakatan Rakyat dihentam sebegitu teruk hingga DAP terpaksa berdiam diri mencari susur galur cerita yang sebenarnya.

Namun begitu, terima kasih kepada bekas pegawai polis yang menjelaskan isu ini, Zaman Khan yang sekaligus membuatkan persoalan serbuan ini kembali terarah kepada Hasan Ali.

Namun begitu, apa tujuan sebenarnya Hasan Ali berbuat demikian?

Kita mesti kembali kepada sejarah untuk melihat siapa dia sebenarnya

1999 Kisah Bermula

Hasan Ali memulakan penglibatan politik dengan menyertai PAS beberapa bulan sebelum pilihanraya umum ke 10, dan bertanding di DUN Sungai Burung dalam parlimen Tanjong Karang, Selangor.

Jangan lupa, tahun yang sama dia juga menang kerusi Parlimen Parit Buntar, Perak.

Kedua-kedua kerusi parlimen dan DUN dimenangi akibat daripada isu pemecatan dan pemenjaraan bekas Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Anwar Ibrahim pada 2 September 1998.

Bagaimanapun, dia bukan setakat mahu menang saja, malah lebih dari itu.

Projeknya pada masa itu adalah mahu menjadi Menteri Besar, dengan andaian Barisan Alternatif (BA) ketika itu berjaya menguasai Selangor.

Namun perancangan Allah lebih tersusun.

Hasan gagal jadi Menteri Besar kerana Selangor masih dikuasai Barisan Najis pimpinan Khir Toyo.

Dia cuma setakat jadi Ketua Pembangkang sebab PAS menang kerusi terbanyak di DUN Selangor.

Maka projek tersebut langsung berkubur tak berbatu nesan.

2004 Tak Terdaya

Cubaan kedua pada 2004 nampaknya membuatkan Hasan Ali tak boleh berbuat apa-apa.

Dia kalah di kerusi DUN yang sama di tangan Barisan Najis akibat daripada situasi yang memihak kembali kepada Umno-APCO setelah Mahathir berundur dan digantikan Pak Lah pada 31 OKtober tahun sebelumnya.

2008 Misi Hampir Terlaksana

Dengan penyusunan semula kawasan pilihanraya dan tsunami politik yang dibawa oleh Anwar Ibrahim dan Pakatan Rakyat dengan sokongan padu, akhirnya Hasan Ali menang di kerusi baru yang ditandinginya, N 17 Gombak Setia, dalam parlimen Gombak.

Akan tetapi, walaupun Pakatan Rakyat berjaya menguasai Selangor dengan menang 36 kerusi, Hasan Ali tetap tidak berjaya menjadi Menteri Besar seperti yang diidamkannya sejak 1999 lagi.

PKR menang kerusi terbanyak dengan 15, diikuti DAP 13 dan barulah PAS yang kalah kebanyakkan kawasan yang ditandinginya di tangan Umno-APCO cuma menang dengan lapan kerusi.

Hasan Ali masih lagi tak puas hati, kerana pada akalnya, jika PAS tak bersama Pakatan Rakyat, sebaliknya ber"asmara" dengan Umno-APCO, dia akan perolehi cukup kerusi untuk bentuk kerajaan negeri.

Umno-APCO menang 20 kerusi manakala PAS menang 8 kerusi, seri dengan Pakatan Rakyat gabungan PKR dan DAP yang juga punyai kerusi sekiranya PAS angkat kaki dan tubuhkan KERAjaang PerpaduWang.

Perancangan mewujudkan KERAjaang PerpaduWang dirancang asalnya oleh bekas Menteri Besar sendiri, Khir Toyo dan Hasan Ali.

Malam sesudah Pakatan Rakyat merampas Selangor, Khir menelefon Hasan Ali sebagai Pesuruhjaya PAS negeri untuk menyatakan hasrat Khir yang terpendam...

Perancangan Khir, Hasan Ali cuma perlukan beberapa ADUN dari PKR saja untuk melompat.

DUN Selangor mempunyai 56 kerusi, dan majoritinya kawasan Melayu di luar bandar seperti Sungai Besar, majoriti kawasan Cina seperti Subang Jaya dan campuran majoriti India seperti di Ijok, Kuala Selangor.

Masa itu, DUA ADUN PKR khabarnya akan melompat dengan bantuan Umno-APCO menjadikan jumlahnya Barisan Najis 30 manakala Pakatan Rakyat (PKR dan DAP) cuma tinggal 26 kerusi sahaja.

Di sinilah bermulanya espiod "tarik-tali" dan "sembunyi-sembunyi" hinggakan mengheret Presiden PAS, Tuan Guru Hadi Awang dan timbalannya ketika itu, Nasharuddin Mat Isa ke dalam "perangkap" yang dipasang Hasan Ali!

Umno-APCO telah menyatakan bahawa Hasan Ali telahpun dijanjikan jawatan Menteri Besar sekiranya dia dapat meyakinkan cukup ADUN untuk menyeberang.

Tidak diketahui berapa juta pula yang telah dijanjikan.

Pada masa itu, dia mempunyai hanya dua dari Pas dan dua lagi dari PKR yang bersetuju menyertainya.

Semua ini berkaitan dengan wang dan kuasa.

Dia masih mahu menjadi Menteri Besar dan kalau diperlukan menyeberang ke Barisan Nasional dengan penyokong yang cukup untuk menubuhkan kerajaan baru, dia akan melakukannya asalkan dia menjadi Menteri Besar.

Semasa rampasan kudeta di Perak pada 2009, Hee Yit Foong, ADUN Jelapang yang berada dalam DAP sejak 20 tahun lalu, melompat kerana wang.

Dia telah menerima RM15 juta dari Vincent Tan.

RM10 juta lagi dibayar apabila semuanya selesai.

Dia memerlukan wang untuk membayar kembali hutang-hutang suaminya kerana judi.

Keadaan ini juga berlaku terhadap Lee Lam Thye yang dipaksa meninggalkan DAP supaya dia dapat melangsaikan hutang isterinya kerana judi.

Barisan Najis membantu membayar hutang isterinya, sebaik saja dia meninggalkan kem pembangkang dan mula menyokong kerajaan.

Berbalik kepada kisah Hasan Ali di Selangor, sewaktu hampir-hampir KERAjaang PerpaduWang terlaksana, tiba-tiba kesemua yang dirancang gagal juga.

Usaha berbulan-bulan dengan air liur Khir dan Noh Omar serta direstui Pengerusi Umno-APCO negeri, Najib Altantuya punah.

Hasan Ali terkedu, Mursyidul Am PAS, Tuan Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat mengarahkan semua rundingan dengan Umno-APCO ditamatkan atau berdepan dengan tindakan keras.

Hadi Awang tiba-tiba senyap seolah-olah dia langsung tak tahu apa yang berlaku.

Sejak gagalnya KERAjaang PerpaduWang, Hasan Ali seolah-olah membalas dendam.

Satu persatu isu timbul demi mencetuskan kocakan dalam Pakatan Rakyat.

Isu penjualan arak di Selangor hingga memaksa Ronnie Liu bersalaman dengannya, pembiayaan dan peruntukan kewangan negeri yang diberikan disalur kepada rakan-rakannya yang ramai dalam Umno-APCO, adalah contoh beberapa hal yang sengaja direka untuk mencalarkan imej kerajaan negeri.

Tidak ketinggalan, hubungan rapatnya dengan Pengerusi SYABAS, Rozali Ismail yang berjiran dengannya hingga membawa isu penajaan syarikat berdarah Umno-APCO itu dalam Muktamar PAS di Selangor pada 2009 ekoran kemenangan Pakatan Rakyat turut sama jadi bahan panas.

Apa yang mahu dimaksudkan di sini adalah, bukan sekali, bukan dua kali, malah berkali-kali Hasan Ali menggunakan akal otak dan bukan berpandukan Al-Quran dan Hadith dalam membuat keputusannya.

Hinggalah ADUN Meru, Dr Rani Osman mengamil alih usai Muktamar PAS yang lalu, barulah nama Hasan Ali senyap dari persada politik Selangor.

Dan serbuan terbaru Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor (JAIS) yang dikaitkan dengan Hasan Ali nampak segalanya muncul kembali.

Soalannya, apa tindakan PAS terhadap beliau?

Apa pula yang mahu dibuat oleh Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim?

Apa kedudukan Hasan Ali selepas penjelasannya pagi ini??

Buat penulis, kesimpulannya cuma satu.

Hasan Ali adalah jelmaan Ibrahim Ali.

Bukan dalam Umno-APCO, tetapi buat Pakatan Rakyat.

Hasan Ali dan Ibrahim Ali, kedua-duanya sama saja

Finally, is both these "Ali"s in debt? Blame it then on their on inept handling of finance and not always depending on the government's largesse. This writer ask again that the sanctity of race, religion and royalty not be touched, failing which, the Home Minister and the current governement should take appropriate action! Use ISA if must because this is indeed dealing with national security!

Oh, those two "Ali"s............... and more so in the sacred month of Ramadhan! ....ish ish.

English education failure?

2011-08-07T13:09:00.000+08:00

My say...

Muhyiddin Yassin, our DPM and Education minister said he is stumped as to why the standard of English could not be improved in the curriculum. Isn't it obvious that when the teachers could not string a sentence properly, what do you expect the students to learn? I would hazard a guess that they would also struggle with basic English grammar in that light.

It is time we arrest the ghastly level of English proficiency in our TEACHERS first. Then at least you have a hope in getting the students to learn. Hiring external help is not the solution. The problem is not admitting that our lowly level of education standard and the rate of passing underperforming graduates are the major concern. Only then would hiring professional English lecturers and tutors help. English proficiency decline is therefore but the symptom of his bafflement. Also, having the Information ministry broadcast that learning English is not unpatriotic would actually start pointing to the right direction.

If he was brave enough to revert Science and Mathematics to Bahasa Malaysia soon, I wonder if he has the guts to do away with buckling to the pressure of the ultra conservative Malays and that improving our standard of tertiary education! He is put in such a time like this with the authority to do so. Only time will tell if he can lived up to that expectation.

1Malaysia email or really really helping the rakyat?

2011-04-20T23:56:00.000+08:00

My say...

This writer read with a lot of amusement why Najib Razak and Hishamuddin Hussien for that matter allow themselves to be shot time and again over issues which are considered needless in the first place. Hisha recently for his AlKitab explanation and to a certain degree perceived high-handedness, and now his cousin Najib with his carried-away idea of 1Malaysia email.

In the first place, was it necessary to pump in RM50m into the project? Why does this writer says its the government? If it was not the government agreeing to the project, how would a company with financial irregularity practice as noted by Bursa Malaysia would be able to get approval to utilized such a project that is considered "national" in essence? Why "national" as it seems? Because why would some shitty company want to re-invent the wheel again and create email services, of all things? The fact that the CEO took pain to explain that they are funding the project really raises a mistrust to the educated rakyat. What irks them is 50m would do a lot more than to have another email to their name. It shows wrong priority in the part of the prime minister in this case!

It was indeed a calculation error to further try win the rakyat i would think. And now the mad scramble for the CEO of the company to come out refuting that Putrajaya is not coming out with even a sen for financing! Najib is on damage control now to refute the perceived wastage from the rakyat now, suffering from high cost of food and runaway inflation that they are!.

Najib would do well, as a finance minister, to see from his walk-abouts, that help is needed by the rakyat. His priority should be to improve the purchasing power of our Ringgit now. That was something Mahathir Mohamed did noticeably good even during the height of the Asian Crisis. This writer recalled Mahathir spoke of not about increment of wages but purchasing power parity some years ago. Mahathir, for all his shortcomings, did not fail in the finance ministerial capacity. That should be Najib's priority to alleviate the sufferings of the rakyat. Indeed, during his walk-about, did he really notice that its the poor that still need help or only the yes-men surrounding him wherever he goes? Get down from your high horses sometimes, and see that lot of Malaysians actually still could not afford an internet connection in the rural areas, much less an email!

Is the Federal Constitution still being regarded?

2011-03-14T12:32:00.000+08:00

We know the courts are already subjugated. The admin, judicial and legislation are all now UMNO backed. Where is the other partners in BN to voice out when you need them?

Article from the Malaysian Insider:

KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 — Christians in Malaysia say they are angry and fed up with the Najib government for what they see as a systematic move to deny their religious rights enshrined in the country’s highest law.
Spurred by the Home Ministry’s latest seizure of 30,000 Malay Bibles that cost US$26,000 (RM78,000) from Kuching port, the churches rallied together and issued a stinging rebuke today against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
They demanded he “prove their (the government) sincerity and integrity in dealing with the Malaysian Christian community on this and all other issues which we have been raising with them since the formation of the Christian Federation of Malaysia in 1985”.
“The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) is greatly disillusioned, fed-up and angered by the repeated detention of Bibles written in our national language, Bahasa Malaysia.
“It is an affront to them that they are being deprived of their sacred scriptures. Many are wondering why their scriptures are considered a threat to national security. All these actions in relation to the detention of the Bibles continue to hurt the Malaysian Christian community,” it said in a statement today signed by its chairman, Bishop Ng Moon Hing.
They demanded the government immediately release all Bibles detained.
The CFM is the umbrella body that represents over 90 per cent of churches in the country.
Malaysian Christians make up close to 10 per cent of the 28 million population; with the biggest numbers based in Sarawak and Sabah, where the main language used by the Bumiputeras in churches is Bahasa Malaysia.
The CFM noted that the federal government has been thwarting all attempts to import Malay Bibles from outside Malaysia since March 2009, “despite repeated appeals which resulted in the prime minister making a decision to release the Alkitab held in Port Klang in December 2009 which was reported to CFM leaders by several Cabinet ministers and their aides.
“This is notwithstanding that the government in its attempt to justify its position against the use of the word ‘Allah’ in the Alkitab, the government had given the assurance that the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia will be freely available, at least in Sabah and Sarawak,” it said.
The Catholic Church had won a landmark judgment on December 31, 2009 that gives it the right to publish the word, but has effectively been barred from doing so pending the government’s appeal.
The group pointed to two separate shipments totalling 15,000 copies that had been seized by Home Ministry officials and left to languish for over a year at Kuching port and Port Klang in Selangor.
CFM said officials at Port Klang have steadfastly refused to release the 5,000 copies imported by the Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM).
“In absolute disregard of this decision, the 5,000 copies of the Alkitab remain detained,” CFM said.
It added that there were other shipments of Bibles and other Christian material before March 2009 that were confiscated by ministry officials that have yet to be returned to their owners.
One such case involves Sarawakian Christian Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill, whose personal collection of Christian CDs — bought on a trip to Indonesia — were seized by Malaysian Customs officials at the airport here in May 2008 allegedly for being a threat to national security.
Jill filed to sue the Home Ministry at the High Court here but her case has also been languishing in the courts.
Her lawyer, Annou Xavier, told reporters in Putrajaya that the case was fixed to be mentioned today, but no hearing date was given.
CFM questioned if the government was powerless to act against these “little Napoleons” who substitute their own interests and agenda in place of the prime minister’s directives”.
“We would ask how the government’s transformation programme can be successfully implemented if civil servants can blatantly refuse to obey the prime minister’s order?”
Ng told The Malaysian Insider today that he had personally raised the hold-up of the Bibles with the prime minister during a Christmas open house last year.
“He said he was surprised and told me ‘I need to go back and check but I’ll look into it’,” Ng said, relating his conversation with Najib.
He added that the PM was likely told that the Kuching shipment has been released without knowing anything about the Port Klang shipment.
The Malaysian Insider understands that the first consignment of 10,000 copies seized at Kuching port was released on Christmas last year after the prime minister stepped in.
Ng said the churches would continue to apply pressure on the Najib administration.
“We will not stop appealing. If we give up, it means the end of our religion,” the head of Malaysia’s Anglican church said.

pro-business? how about the SMEs?

2010-09-15T16:38:00.002+08:00

My say...

For so long SMEs has been the mainstay to help the economy. But the recently in light of what is claimed as abuse from SMECorp CEO, the grants has completely frozen for about a year now. So typical of the government agencies thinking when they cannot stop abuses or effectively streamline a proper system of delivery, everything comes to a grinding halt. What does this writer mean by typical? It means they have no consideration at all for the other bona fide organizations that badly needs the funding.

We know how much the banks loath lending to SMEs especially start-ups. But can you blame the start-ups without the proper colleterals? Some banks are even stupid enough to ask for two or three-years audited report or accounts when the start-up is barely a year old before they begin negotiation. So this impasse chokes up the system.

SMEs, for that matter, requires funding to at least reach a growth stage. Al Pacino, in his excellent role in "Scent of a Woman" succinctly puts it in his famous sentence: You got to nurture it! But it's hardly the case in Malaysia. Many does not pass the McKinsey's 2-year survival hurdle without proper capitalization. Sometimes its unfair to note that these government agencies wants to see finished products before dishing out a matching loan. Please see MTDC website as an example. Its like telling a baby to walk before he is provided with milk anymore.

They grant system works but is only failed by lax enforcement or even a proper system in place. Some officers of these agencies do not even give proper advise or are ill-informed themselves. So don't victimised all in the hope to find the perfect solution. This writer had heard of a Japanese firm just decided to give up endorsing his Malaysian partners' company because of all these inconsistency.

PM Najib, you have gotten what you wanted to put Malaysia in the limelight of the global credit rating agencies again by aggressively pursuing cost-cutting measure at the expense of the rakyat. Yet in all, the rakyat and even SMEs had continued supporting you. With the strong investments coming in back for June and July as an indication at least, please restore back some faith to the rakyat diutamakan thrust in your 1Malaysia concept! Hopefully something good in the upcoming budget and 10th Malaysian Plan.

Indeed: no money no talk! Tis a deathwish nobody wants for our vibrant SMEs. It's as serious as that!

further reading: http://freemalaysiatoday.com/fmt-english/politics/barisan-nasional/9134-reinstate-grant-system-for-smes-govt-told

Liars to list?

2010-08-08T14:35:00.001+08:00

My say...

The recent fiasco of Focus Point listing pulling out from listing really showed that the Bursa Malaysia nearly put liars to list. This is tantamount to allowing cheats to gain the public's money and it must be stopped. Recently, Focus Point Holdings Bhd wanted to list in the stock market. But consumer complaint that they did not have qualified personnel to dispense contact lenses on top of having not enough of such personnel. The third charge was that they did not have enough K-metres which this writer could conclude that Focus Point Holdings must have put on record for SC that they had such equipments. These are serious charges. Be it sabotage on the part of their internal disgruntled staff or what not, is not the question in mind as Focus Point had vehemently denied the allegations. But the following day, they tendered their apologies thus admitting that the allegations which they refuted proved to be true. In effect, they lied! I urged the SC to be tough on such liars. It is these kinds that would eventually manipulate the market and drive away the much needed investors' funds.

Place a heavy punishment on them! Let not such action be let off easily. Send a loud and clear message that cheaters do not prosper! Let them not be able to be listed for the next few years at least. If Focus Holding thinks this writer is one of the saboteur, let it be so! This writer, for one, am only a concerned Malaysian consumer. I have nothing against their listing, but against their wrong principles. More and more liars and cheats are getting their way, and to compound it further, getting away with it. Bigwigs and hotshots prominent businessmen have to toe the line too!

Read for yourself :
1) http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/lpcfpd-2/Article/index_html
2) http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/foccus/Article/index_html

Backwards, backwards!

2010-07-30T22:29:00.000+08:00

My say...

It seems the saying is true that when we have idle minds, idle hands and nothing else better to do, they will turn inwardly and start demonizing anything that is even petty! The clerics' progress is really astounding! Go Malaysia go.

KUALA LUMPUR: Muslims must not wear the famous Manchester United red jersey because of the “devil” emblem on its team crest, Malaysian clerics said today.
Manchester United and the rest of the English Premier League are massively popular in Muslim-majority Malaysia and the rest of the Asian region, but conservative religious scholars said the jersey is un-Islamic.

Also off limits are the shirts of teams including Brazil, Portugal, Barcelona, Serbia and Norway, all of which carry images of the cross on their team emblems.

“This is very dangerous. As a Muslim, we should not worship the symbols of other religions or the devils,” Nooh Gadot, a top Islamic cleric from the southern Johor state, told AFP.

“It will erode our belief in Islam. There is no reason why we as Muslims should wear such jerseys, either for sports or fashion reasons,” said Nooh, an advisor to the Johor religious council.

“Even if it (the jersey) is a gift, we should decline it. It is even more sinful when people realise this is wrong and still buy these jerseys to wear,” he added.

Nooh said there was no “fatwa”, or religious edict, against the shirts but that one was not needed when it was clearly wrong for Muslims to don such a garment.

“These Muslims should repent, repent immediately,” he said.

Another leading cleric, Harussani Zakaria, a cleric from northern Perak state, agreed that devils should be shunned, not celebrated.

“Yes of course in Islam we don’t allow people to wear this sort of thing,” he told AFP. “Devils are our enemies, why would you put their picture on you and wear it? You are only promoting the devil.”

Malaysia is a generally moderate Islamic country, but conservative clerics have issued controversial edicts in the past including a ban on the ancient practice of yoga, which is criticised for including Hindu religious elements. -AFP

Read more: Muslims should not wear ManUtd jerseys http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/MuslimsshouldnotwearManUtdjerseys/Article#ixzz0vAxmv0C6

Have you ever wondered where the world Pribumi comes from?

2010-07-25T01:22:00.000+08:00

My say...

I have always wondered where did the word "pribumi" came from. I thought it was similar to "bumiputera" as do most of my Malay friends, but I guess we were wrong! Well, wonder no more and read on the following article. And with that, I think Perkasa is an illegal entity as their Association never made up of any "pribumi" but Bumiputeras if this article is anything to go by.

Perkasa an identity thief, says Orang Asli

OLAK LEMPIT: Perkasa, whose pro-Malay rhetoric has upset many Chinese, Indians and even Malays, has found itself another opponent — the Orang Asli.
Dewi Malam, a Tok Batin from Kampung Orang Asli in Pulau Kempas, said Perkasa had robbed his people of their identity by using the word “pribumi” in its name.

Perkasa is short for Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia, which can be translated as the Malaysian Organisation for Mighty Natives. It is headed by controversial politician Ibrahim Ali, who founded it as a body to defend Malay rights and privileges.

“But pribumi means orang asal (original people),” said Dewi. “They are the original owners of all the land in the peninsula. They do not have to pay for the land because they are its owner.

“That is what a pribumi is. He is master, sultan, king.”

Dewi said pribumi is not synonymous with Bumiputera, a word coined by Malaysia’s first premier, Tunku Abdul Rahman, to refer to the Malays and indigenous peoples.

“Perkasa members cannot call themselves pribumi. They can only call themselves Bumiputera.”

Dewi, a Temuan tribesman, said that even the word Melayu had been abused. According to him, it is a Temuan word meaning “the people who work” and originally referred to six related pribumi tribes: Kuala, Kanaq, Seletar, Jakun, Semelai and Temuan.

More reading and videos could be found at : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/fmt-english/news/general/8328-perkasa-an-identity-thief-says-orang-asli

Dodo in the tourism department.

2010-07-18T00:12:00.002+08:00

My say...

This writer is still of the opinion that the current tourism minister, in such an important revenue-earning ministry, is nothing but a pathetic dodo. She seems to be lost there! I would think its time for a change in this vaunted portfolio into more capable hands such as the experienced Donald Lim. I had initially hoped Ng Yen Yen would bring us to some level with her touch, but she seems overwhelmed time and again and even other reporters are picking up the vibes that she is next to useless. Had it only reached half of what Thailand or Singapore tourism industry is capable of, it would have been fine!

Now that we are again forced to swallow the bitter pills of price hikes, I think an incapable dodo at the helm of the tourism department, dishing out money to anyone she fancies from Jean Todt to Jimmy Choo, just cut both ways!

Well, I will let the readers judge for themselves from the following articles:

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/opinion/article/malaysia-the-land-of-theme-parks/

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/opinion/article/One-million-ringgit-is-nothing/

http://art-harun.blogspot.com/2009/05/dear-ambassador-todt.html

http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/new-straits-times/mi_8016/is_20090625/jean-todts-rm1m-fee-covers/ai_n44445692/

Give & take-lah Petronas!

2010-07-17T00:32:00.000+08:00

My say....

Now that the Najib Administration has manage to get its way and raise the prices against subsidies, we would like to ask for the Rakyat now didahulukan. As Malaysia is one of the biggest producer of Liquified Petroleum Gas, so it is only right that more Malaysians enjoy the benefit of these free and abundant gas! Please have more NGV stations be built to the north.

With the estimated RM750 million saved, surely Petronas could be persuaded to place more NGV stations so that the rakyat could save more. This would certainly ease the pocket of those who travel often. How is it that Petronas didn't consider the northern people? One could only surmize that they had profit only in mind, this writer would think. Maybe the northern routes are not as profitable as the southern ones if Petronas' nescience is anything to go by!

Whatever it is, it is in this writer's opinion now that the rakyat deserves better. We already know that most of our grade -A oils are earmarked for Japanese and Korean usage. Why not at least even try to give us Malaysians the inferior natural gasses?

We need them! Perak, Penang, Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu! Or dare we hope at least in Tapah, Ipoh, Seberang Prai and Alor Setar for a start!

Rakyat dieksploitasikan, Kerajaan dipulaukan!

Who to honor?

2010-07-15T16:55:00.000+08:00

My say...

I write with disappointment that the present government still does not know who to honor in their quest to be truly 1Malaysia after Maxis put so many billboards about our 80s national soccer team. Kudos to Maxis for putting up billboards about the legendary players of the 80s who qualified for the Olympics. They were the one who really made the nation proud even though they never competed in the Moscow Olympic due to boycott from Malaysia. In fact, they were the one who truly inspire the concept of 1Malaysia long before Najib Razak encapsulate it! They played as one team; Malay, Chinese, Indian, Punjabi, East and West Malaysians irrespective of race and creed and because of that Malaysia was in the limelight. The mighty South Koreans acknowledged that! That is in essence what 1Malaysia is all about. If we harness that same combined strength today, it is still not too late to make Malaysia great politically, socially and economically!

It is sad to say that the government didnt really honor them as even til now when theirs are still household names after three decades. Who could forget the exploits of the late legendary Supermokh? Or the superb saves and antics of the late R. Arumugam? What about the swashbuckling style of Hassan Sani and James Wong? Or the ironwall defence marshalled by the great Soh Chin Aun and Santokh Singh? Some of them has already passed on and its a crying shame! They fought for our country just with the thought of nothing else for themselves. To quote Santokh Singh : If you make your country proud, then you are yourselves proud!

This writer puts it now to the government who conveniently forgets their contributions: give them their rightly dues! If the Malaysian badminton team could be awarded with money and lands each on top of the datukship when they won the Thomas Cup, why not these great players who had brought cheer to our country and fear to our then opponents. They made us proud to be called Malaysians once and they have given us the expose of the meaning of brotherhood and bond! These are indeed the hallmark of worthy heroes! Call the surviving member of the team today and honor them!

A good write-up

2010-06-03T02:13:00.000+08:00

His say....

Only if govt shows how savings benefit rakyat

Monday, May 31st, 2010 12:38:00

I AWOKE May 28 morning to the misfortune of having to read the headlines of two local English dailies of impending doom for Malaysia as a result of the manner in which our economy is structured, that being the various subsidies which, since gaining our independence, has been a pillar of the economy and magnanimously and benevolently extended to the rakyat by the government.

Malaysia is truly a blessed country. We are a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural country. We coexist in peace. We have various natural resources and fairly good infrastructure. We can also be very proud of the various government-linked corporations that the Federal government has established or incorporated. Petronas, our national oil company, and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), our national electricity company, are fine examples, and the list goes on.

I am just an average individual who works to earn a living and I have benefited from the magnanimity and benevolence of the government. As such, I cannot help but wonder how such gestures by the government these past decades can be the cause of impending economic doom for Malaysia. Truly amazing!

Only recently, it was announced by the government and published in the newspapers that our growth rate in the first quarter of 2010 was at a 10.1 per cent. What a really fantastic growth percentage for Malaysia. And all this while, other countries worldwide are posting somewhat significantly lower growth rates.

After all, Petronas has consistently posted huge and enormous profits since its incorporation. TNB, with its monopoly in the distribution of electricity in peninsular Malaysia, also continues to record profits. And yet, the government now has plans to remove most subsidies which the rakyat enjoy. I really wonder why. And now because of the various subsidies, Malaysia may be faced with impending economic doom.

Are we not a country having some reserves of a sweet and light crude oil which sells at premium prices? Is Malaysia not a net exporter of crude oil when compared to our neighbouring ASEAN countries with Brunei being the exception? Why does the government compare our petrol prices with that of Somalia, Singapore, Thailand, developed countries around the world and other countries which are net importers of petroleum? Why is there no comparison being made with net exporting countries? Any comparison must be on an apple-to-apple basis.

During the past 15 to 18 months, issues relating to the profits recorded by Petronas have been raised by various parties. By removing the subsidies for petroleum and diesel, there will inevitably be price increases for most goods and services. How then will the government extend the benefit of the profits of Petronas to the rakyat?

It appears, to me at least, that the government, whether knowingly or not, keeps going back, again and again to tax the rakyat. I am quite sure that most individuals would not mind having to pay a bit extra for better services and conveniences. But how can the government expect the rakyat to pay any additional amounts when services and conveniences are substandard, well below par and not up to the rakyat’s expectations?

The Lembaga Letrik Negara (LLN) or Central Electricity Board (CEB), as TNB was previously known, served social purposes as well. Included in the LLN budgets previously, were amounts for the expansion of infrastructure into the rural areas. These days, TNB talks not merely of profits but economic profits. When an entity has a monopoly, there should not be talk of profits, much less economic profits.

It is easy to talk about raising tariffs to justify profits, making TNB seemingly a good investment for fund managers, but what about the rakyat? If TNB did not have a monopoly, by all means, increase the tariffs and let the rakyat choose which service provider they want. Level the playing field first!

These are the types of arguments and contentions which give rise to further questions. What will happen to all the monies which will be made available as a result of the withdrawal of the various subsidies? We have all been told and have heard of the responses from the government that such monies will be utilised or have been used for projects which will benefit the rakyat.

I would be most grateful if the government could provide details of such projects and please do not omit pertinent information, such as specifications and relevant costs involved. Most development projects can be calculated on a per square meter basis.

I just wonder why there is such a great disparity in wages between Malaysian and those from other countries like Europe or Singapore. We earn X Ringgit here in Malaysia and have to pay XXXX Ringgit for a vehicle whereas those who work in Europe earns XXXX Euro/Pounds Sterling only pays X Euro/Pound Sterling for a vehicle. Why are we paying so much more for a vehicle despite earning so much less? Our customs and tax structure is one of the highest despite our income structure being one of the lowest. In 1985, a Ford model 1600cc cost RM 25k and now it cost around RM110k which is 4times more. However, my take home pay does not reflect the same increase as per the car prices! What happen to these taxes which the government collects?

I am not against the proposal to withdraw the various subsidies. However, the government should and must produce more detailed proposals with regard to the usage of all monies that the government will purportedly save from withdrawing of the various subsidies. I urged the government to distribute the subsidies to the rakyat in terms of salary increase before the subsidies being withdrawn away.

Please remember what Abraham Lincoln said: “You can fool some of the people all the time, all the people some of the time but you can't fool all the people all the time.”

Bhadarul Baharain Sulaiman
Jalan Bukit,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Bhadarul, if you are reading this, kudos to you! You wrote very well!

Subsidised Malaysian sugar available in Thailand

2010-05-31T12:50:00.005+08:00

My say...

This article speaks for itself as reported by Bernama! Sheer abuse and lackadaisical attitude of our enforcement agencies!

PATTANI (South Thailand): While several areas in Kedah, Perak and Penang are seeing a shortage of sugar over the past few weeks, Malaysian sugar is more easily available in south Thailand, even in the interior areas.

A check revealed that subsidised Malaysian sugar manufactured by a factory in the northern part of peninsular Malaysia with the words “Subsidi Kerajaan Malaysia” (Malaysian Government Subsidy) on the package is readily available in the provinces of Pattani and Yala.

A group of Malaysian journalists, who are on a four-day visit to the provinces, were surprised to see that Malaysian sugar could be bought easily at retail outlets here at RM2.50 per kg. Several residents said the sugar with the “subsidy” label was easily available especially at night markets in these provinces.

Mehya Ismail, 73, who runs a retail shop on the outskirts of Pattani town, said he could buy the commodity in large quantity if he wanted to because the supplier did not impose any limit.

“As I run a retail shop, I buy between 20 and 50kg at RM2.30 per kg and sell it at RM2.50 per kg,” he said. Several retailers in the town also said they had no problem in buying sugar.

Another retailer, Husain Mamat, 54, said he was not aware that most states in the northern part of the peninsula were having problems in getting sugar supply because he could get it here easily. — Bernama

In the same date as reported in The Star online, Domestic trade, cooperative and consumerism Minister asked the views how to tackle the issue of subsidy dependence. Read : Monday May 31, 2010 No hike in petrol, sugar and oil prices. Is this a joke? Are they even aware what's going onunder their noses? Maybe its time that mass media are given the mandate and freedom to be a critic of the government again and a consumer watchdog too. Afterall, they seem to be doing the work the enforcement agencies can't!

Ironic then how Ismail Sabri Yaakop seem to be leading the country in his unwelcome remarks! So why should Malaysian pay the price by removal of subsidies when the government couldn't manage properly?

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/31/nation/6372142&sec=nation

also: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/31/nation/6370851&sec=nation

Make up your mind!

2010-05-31T03:14:00.007+08:00

My say...

On the one hand, Mahathir Mohammed agreed with Perkasa that the Chinese are ungrateful and scolded the MCA who took him to task as extremist. Then an about-turn, not unexpected of this wily veteran, that the Chinese must be taken care of again from the business opportunity point of view. For the Star manage to catch his thought, flip-flop though it may be, as below:

The Chinese community will support Barisan Nasional if their interests such as business opportunities are taken care of, said former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Based on his own experience, Dr Mahathir said he was initially viewed as an ultra-Malay and that all Chinese felt doomed when he was chosen as deputy prime minister back then.

“However, Barisan’s win in 1999 and the previous years were due to their (Chinese) support.

“It is important to assist the bumiputra and Malays but we must also take care of their (Chinese) rights,” he told newsmen after launching the Malaysian Association of Youth Clubs’ veteran card yesterday.

This writer is glad that Mahathir reaffirmed that the Chinese needs help not patronizing as in my article dated 17th May entitled The Chinese doesn't need handouts nor patronizing but this writer sure wish he would make up his mind to be an elder statesman or an ultra nationalist again! The Chinese certainly still feels doomed if he can't makes up his mind.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/30/nation/6369321&sec=nation

The NEP stigma

2010-05-31T02:07:00.006+08:00

My say...

The recent demand for NEP to be re-instated only shows how largesse may have actually caught up with the Malays and especially UMNO. And this is not even to mention how rude the nobody Ibrahim Ali is to lambast the current Prime Minister. Trying to make himself relevant like the hardliner Mahathir Mohammed in resuscitating their downward political fortune to stay relevant? Amazingly, these proponents of NEP forgot that even the late Razak Hussien had agreed to a deadline when the NEP should complete its objectives and that was in 1990. Of course, the then current president of UMNO and Prime Minister of Malaysia will hear none of its dismantling simply because it served its purpose to keep him, and UMNO, in power. Najib Razak was backtracking when the 126 pro-NEP Malay NGOs slammed him and basically demanded he retract or rescind the NEM and continue with the NEP promulgated by his late father. Najib claimed the NEM's policies were still not functional and further studies are required.

Swear if they must against this writer, but this is not in the writer's interest to instigate a racial slur, but is only concerned if the same NEP is turning to be UMNO's Achilles' heel and this will not enable it to push the nation forward. Already religious and cultural morality has dissuaded many business opportunities from entering the country such as gaming or certain entertainments, etc. Could the NEP also be the final straw for the rest of the rakyat and finally bring about the UMNO's as well as the economy's demise? Remember, because of unbridled control then of funding these largess, it has now come to a stage that the national economy has taken its toll for the worse. Coupled with manipulation of the prices of essential goods through subsidies, it has reached dizzying debt records for Treasury to address! Indeed, it is good that Najib is trying to contain the damage by a series of unpopular policies, which in general, the public has accepted the fate that the bitter pill must be swallowed. No one, not even this writer, wants to see Malaysia goes the way of Greece much less Zimbabwe even though the pocket hurts!

Remember, it was hardly too long ago that the late Hussien Onn had to try borrowed money from the Arabs when the economy was going down the drain. Then the Asian economies rose due to bullish (even hot?) monetary infusion of which Mahathir was lucky as one of the recipient during his tenure as against all the scandals such as BMF, Maminco and Makuwasa. A spectacular crash then hit with the 1997 Asian Crisis, bringing an end to the easy money that was floating around. Indeed, good things like this economic bubble never last! Malaysia will not always be rich always; more so in light of globalization where every neighbouring countries will want a piece of the FDI pie! Singapore, Thailand and even the Philippines are moving relentless forward now and what more the Asian tigers! Our current bright point is that we are the 10th most competitive country in the world, but will these be sustainable if the economy tanks? Remember, we are strongly governed by credit ratings by financial markets. These NGOs forget that if this continues, there will be nothing left be it their pockets, their egos or even their NGO status! In short, Perkasa and the rest of the pro-NEP NGOs are indeed very selfish! They are having the cake and want to eat it too! Proactive actions to save the economy are to be taken now!

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/30/nation/6369244&sec=nation

Oil subsidies furore!

2010-05-28T14:18:00.006+08:00

My say...

Firstly, I must say that the government, especially under Idris Jala, is doing a good job tracking down petrol usage. I like Idris Jala, a good and practical man. But I certainly don't envy his position to be the troubleshooter now. But a Man has to do what a man has to do; and this writer believes he is the best man for the job owing to his credentials and how he turned the ailing national carrier MAS around. Najib chose aptly here!

It was reported that Malaysian are the highest users of the subsidized petrol at 400 liters per capita yearly. This is higher than Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, India and China. But the question to ask is whether the report is accurate? The problem is, this writer asks, whether that the deterrent of fuel smuggling is still working? I have gone to the borders of Thailand and Singapore and still seen vehicles registered to our neighbours's vehicles still taking the petroleums by the drum loads. Coupled with the blotched attempt for government to control the pumps from the prying hands of these neighbours (remember that the Government said too complicated to find the machanism to control it), we can safely say that the report would certainly be skewered to reflect the negative connotation that Malaysians are highest users of subsidized petrol. This is grossly unfair!

Let's get cracking on enforcement! Let's get cracking against abuse! Implement a mechanism, any good mechanism for now, quickly! This can be modified for the better along the way. I am sure Malaysians will understand it when the modification are done if it helps saves further any subsidies. Also, get that particular report out first of how much of the subsidized petrol have been utilized across both the border before we even begin about talking reducing debts, belt-tightening and the all-important subsidies removals, when it could possibly be no fault of ours, shall we?

Oh yeah, Petronas NGV promised 900 such stations by year end 2008. Again an overpromise and futile wait for Malaysian-lah! Put one in Tapah or Ipoh at least because then it would be enough to reach Prai for the next one! Taxi drivers in Alor Setar were bemused when I ignorantly asked why there were not using NGV and they replied if only PetronasNGV kept their word and all would be well. This after all the report that we are the highest producer of these cheap natural liquified gas in the world! We need them badly in the north before we again talk about Malaysians being the highest consumer in this region. Idris, help us to help you please!

Proud to be Malaysian?

2010-05-28T13:29:00.006+08:00

My say....

This writer is not really amused that Malaysian citizen, in many an instance, are treated somewhat second-class when it comes to their own country and matter of nationality.

Firstly, we have still today many Malaysians, ranging from people in the government (eg. immigration, tourism, etc.) to ordinary layman just mesmerized by the white-skin premium. Somehow, they are treated exceptionally well when in fact many of them that comes to Malaysia are just ordinary hobos, backpackers and even in search of work! But the treatment they got, well, its par excellence to the tittle, I must say. Maybe its the ongoing inferior complex that the whites are better than us stemmed from our colonial past for many. Or, aghast as it may seem, they are superior in terms of intellect and wealth than us jungle people will ever be! Whether one likes it or not, Caucasians generally are practicing communalism too and they stick among themselves!

But has it reached our shores lately that we Malaysians even deride our fellow countryman? Recently, AirAsia has just launched free flights from ASEAN countries to Bangkok to help out Bangkok's tourism sector that was badly hit. The thestar.com.my stated free seats in Malaysia or so their website promotion goes, but a random check as of today at the AirAsia website does not seem to show any seats on the duration allotted. Why the mis-report? Is other online media telling us just a little something that our own news agency is not? Limited free flights from Bali to Bangkok is given, whereas from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok is $10 as reported in thaivisa.com. There may be a regional strategy in the part of AirAsia but it is this writer's hope that Malaysians will get a fairer share of any deal especially when AirAsia has its roots here. Without the strong support or even the initial license to start from Malaysia, AirAsia, one would think, may not end up to where it is today: a regional budget carrier giant! I dunno, but maybe Tony Fernandes likes to see this in the same regional perspective, but certainly an allowance that Malaysians are special in AirAsia's sight and special incentives given would certainly not be too much to ask. Basically, why can't the free seats be extended to Malaysians first and then regional neighbours second? Well, AirAsia may argue that they won't know who (be it foreigners themselves) will book first as they practiced first come-first serve basis. But a gesture is what we wanted. Remember, perception is sometimes stronger than deeds!

In Japan, their people get special preference when it comes to priority. They get better rates than gaijens when getting seats in theatres or even booking cars for example. Even in poor Philippines, their people get special rates as compared to foreigners when booking rooms in hotels, even an international chain hotel for that matter. In Indonesia, to my ire, I have seen one restaurant gave my booking away to another Indonesian simply because they helped each other. After calming down, I realised and appreciate that many of these nationalities cares among themselves first before foreigners. Not very practical, but very patriotic! Again, perception counts and you can bet loyalty to the country begins with little gestures like this!

This writer has been to many countries, and nothing bonds us as when you are away from your beloved country and saw another fellow Malaysian. It is then one realised that what makes Malaysia truly great are their people. This notion, although harps many a-times by politicians and laymen alike, but somehow are lost in its gist and only recovered when one is away from our country. When we seat in mamak stalls, it is a harmony nothing can match that even amazes the westerners. Malays, Indians and Chinese, Ibans, Kadazans etc., in one same locale. We are proud as one, if given the opportunity. Sadly some, after attaining success, are not! Bottom line is, why can't Malaysians be proud of other Malaysians?

Sources: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Airasia-Offers-Free-Thai-Tickets-F-t369854.html
also : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/27/nation/6350661&sec=nation

The Chinese doesn't need handouts nor patronizing

2010-05-17T17:06:00.005+08:00

My say...

This writer believes that the Najib Administration still doesn't realise that the Chinese doesn't require patronizing if the Hulu Selangor and Sibu by-elections are anything to go by. The Chinese have actually just decided to protest and to vote any parties other that the Barisan out of sheer frustration.

What the Chinese in Malaysia wants is a sense of fairplay. If the Barisan coordinators still think that by supporting only chinese -education and giving handouts only will placate them, then their campaign strategists seems to have miss the mark by a mile. This was ok when it was during the aftermath of communist insurgencies and when all Chinese were always suspect. The governments of Tunku and the prime ministers before Mahathir Mohamed wanted to show support and still practised inclusivity. Indeed not all Chinese are communist nor traitors, as this writer would have Perkasa know! Any sane person would do the same if they see blatant destruction of their ricebowl.

From observation, we see the fallout with the Chinese began since the emergence of Mahathir Mohamed. This had culminated in 1998 when he basically insinuated to the Chinese they are pendatangs and they could leave the country if they are not happy with the policies that had successfully helped the Bumiputeras. Many Chinese professionals left in droves. Although Mahathir later tried to mitigate his mistake when he told the Bumiputeras years later (2000) to learn from the Chinese about their enterpreneurship, the damage was already done. His Adminstration had enacted laws and regulations slowly strangling out the Chinese just to ensure that the Bumiputeras keep pace. Yes, of course Mahathir had Chinese friends like Vincent Tan who were awarded contracts lavishly, but they are nothing short of cronies doing his biddings. When Abdullah Badawi took over, the Chinese thought the winds of change had finally appeared and voted Barisan back with the highest vote tally ever. But Pak Lah being simply Pak Lah, he basically washed his hands off the problem, much less the handling of the nation. What the ordinary layman Chinese are upset, simply, is their economic pie is shrinking by the day. The prime example will be Robert Quok finally relinquishing his sugar refinery business in Malaysia to Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary simply because the rules are squeezing him out of the business. Yes, you may say that does not effect a super-rich tycoon like Quok, but then why wasn't it won by sheer capitalist competition? Why was an invisible hand involved, literally giving the Sugar business to Syed Mokhtar on the silver platter? Imagine now if Robert would to emigrate and taking together with him his billions to Hong Kong? Who will be the biggest loser then?

For the record, the Chinese are fine with the Bumiputeras given aid and in the more recent times, the Indians. But when will it ever be the Chineses' turn? Mind you, we do have many poor among us and not like what the rest perceived that the Chinese are always rich as a politician in Sabah once rightly remarked.

This writer hails the recent call by MCA president that grants should still be given to instill the entrepreneurship spirit as still valid. The emphasis again is on the entrepreneurship but this writer sense in that fairplay isn't very far what Chua Soi Lek wanted to say. Do not dish out hand-outs but give grants or assistance if the Chinese are producing viable business. In fact, the grants, especially the likes from SMECorp and MIDA are almost a necessity not only for the Chinese but any small business communities with the advent of globalization. Without showing a sense of fairplay, the Chinese are losing confidence by the moment at every initiatives of the government of Najib. The straw finally broke the camel's back! If the concept of 1Malaysia is to be realised, then include the Malaysian Chinese please! This writer sincerely believes that by helping out the Chinese, we are indeed helping out the economy as a whole. Indonesia certainly learned that lesson during the height of the 1997 Asian Crisis. In short, we don't need handouts from sympathy or just from fishing our votes!

Racialism rearing its ugly head

2010-05-12T11:05:00.003+08:00

My say...

When Malaysia was established, the condition that royalty, race and religion was not to be toyed with was agreed upon. The leaders of Malaysia then knew it would lead to the breakdown of society as May13th had shown us and more ashamedly, the rest of the world. In Singapore, they still held to that concept and anyone that flaunts with the two aspects of race or religion will be dealt with severely. This might include long duration of imprisonment.

Today we have old despots and up-and-coming power craze political parties toying with the two sacred creeds again. In fact, they no longer have any respect of what the old and time-tested values holds anymore. Social segregation, not unlike Apartheid, is becoming more evident by the day. This may be a shameful legacy we might leave to our next generation: one of race supremacy and intolerance. This author believes that if the government of the day does not act fast, another racial riot will probably be in the offing in the not too distance future. We have the gathering in Terengganu of "Melayu Bangkit" and also the DAP not letting up on the Allah issue. Let it stop once and for all as Malaysian in general are peace loving people and in today's modern socio-economic outlook, many do not subscribe to what these racists or divine fanatics are fighting for. If ISA is to be used, why not! Even Mahathir is not above the law if he still pokes fire into the sentiments claiming nationalistic pride.

I think many of our founding forefathers who fought for the real concept of one true Malaysia must be turning in their graves hearing what these ultras and fanatics are doing today!

One step forward, two steps back

2009-12-28T10:53:00.003+08:00

My say...

The last few months, this writer has not written any grouses, owing to the fact that Najib Razak seems to have placed the 1Malaysia concept to work.

However, this recent outburst by Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah using racial slurs and insinuations really is a test to Najib's resolve to see the 1Malaysia work. It is also good now that it comes out, because this will really give Najib the ammunition to work against the old UMNO warlords' thinking of how big they are in their little pond as compared to the sharks in the ocean in this era of globalization.

Few observations from this writer about the Nutty Don are:

It seems that Muslim converts lately are becoming more vocals than the Malays themselves. This writer wonders if Ridhuan's concept that in promoting his brand of Islam will make him even more Malay than the Malays themselves. The only thing he got right is that Malays are tolerant and peace-loving. I have Malay friends in office now branding him nothing short of an idiot. But it would really be good that Ridhuan could mirror himself and see that he and his ancestors are just pendatang also just as he stakes his claim to be a Malay.

Secondly, if a Don could not even get the basic sayings of the English right, this writer wonders how was he ever offered the post of a lecturer in the first place. What are these dunce actually teaching our future generations? The proper saying is "Wolf is sheep's clothings" and not a fox! He is probably thinking like a sly fox owing to the fact that he knows his blog and writing will create mischief.

Thirdly, and this even my hero Hisha forgets, is that the social contract was placed in goodwill after the Independence was won from the British through a concerted effort by all races, led predominantly in the form of political parties in UMNO, MCA and MIC. It was true that the Bumiputeras were lagging economically behind, and hence the ruling elites in our country's forefathers then decided to allow the contract to be in place. Now, to see it being used blatantly as a tool for supremacy and manipulation is really sad. History must be remembers not from one skewered angle only!

If the government is seriously thinking of forging ahead as a high-income nation in the future, let's remember that we must work as one. Singapore did it, why can't we? But, we also need to remember that one of the reason of success of Singapore is that the government clamp down hard on any racial overtones in the first place. If this country still prefers the one-step-forward, two-steps-back game, then this writer seriously wonder if we will ever be ready for globalization. Remember, the oil revenue is slowing down, and Najib needs to do more to recoup the RM67b stimulus packages spent from Treasury. A lot of unpopular moves has been slowly warmed by the rakyat owing to the fact that we note we can no longer depend on oil revenue in the long term.

Mr Prime Minister, let's be serious and get down to business of building Malaysia. Your concept of 1Malaysia could work if given a chance. Your high approval ratings recently speaks of it.So, lets not play silly games anymore. Let's not shift the blame tomorrow and said that the racial view of Ridhuan's is that of his and his alone! Do something about it! And let's start by weeding out clowns like this Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah. He should not be in public university in the first place to spread his negative influences. We had the BTN controversy and now this. Are we moving two steps behind now?

Source : http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/47688-don-pushes-racial-line-in-1-malaysia

reminder to mind your own business

2009-11-02T23:32:00.003+08:00

My say....

The remarks by the troublesome two again grabs the headlight when Mohamed Aziz and Bung Mokhtar Radin asked for members of different component parties to resign. That they have the cheek to ask presidents of other major component parties smacks right to patronizing and belittling others whom stood with Barisan through thick and thin! Yes Ong Tee Keat and Koh Tsu Koon have their own problems, but tell me who doesn't, especially against the backdrop of crushing defeats in the last election.

Let it be stated that I am no fan of both Ong nor Koh. Thankfully Muhyiddin Yassin managed to step to defused the situation. But if this troublesome two still goes at it time and again, then it really doesn't help anyone, isn't it?

Barisan Nasional's component parties are to be reminded that their leaders preached a non-interference stance but its not being practised by their own followers. The leaders then of the respective parties, namely UMNO, should resigned as well for failing to control their own followers. UMNO stalwarts would jump immediately and blast this writer for writing as such. But please be reminded that it's not very pleasant is it, when the favour is returned?

Why Pak Lah's government delivery failed

2009-10-26T16:41:00.004+08:00

My say.....

Let's hope Najib's Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan will fare better. Someone sent me this email:

This truly is a real classic
Envelope sent by LHDN (Inland Revenue Board), a True story...

A taxpayer called up the LHDN (Inland Revenue Board) in Terengganu, and asked for Form B. The LHDN clerk who answered the call asked for the address to send the form to. The conversation goes:

LHDN CLERK : Boleh bagi alamat encik? (Can you give me your
address?)

TAXPAYER : Ok, hantar ke Ranhill Worley. (Send to Ranhill Worley)

LHDN CLERK : Apa Ranhill? ...... eja macam mana? (err.... How to spell
Ranhill?)

TAXPAYER : R.. for Rumah... A for Ayam (Chicken).. N for Nangka
(Jackfruit)... H for Holland (country) ... I for itik
(Duck)... L for lain- lain(Others)....'

LHDN CLERK : Ok.. nanti kami hantar ke alamat itu (OK, we will send to
that address..)

After waiting for a week, the form arrived - have a look at the address on the envelope!!!

Malaysia Boleh!!!

Competition or Fair Trade Act up for review

2009-10-13T23:46:00.002+08:00

My say...

The Competition or Fair Trade Act is up for review in Parliament. Has the government the will to see it through as this would obviously affect many one-sided or loopsided trade was done. This is not so much the big versus the small, but racial undertone must be removed as well once and for all.

Basically, if we want to survive in a globalized world, we have no choice but to see everyone, irrespective of their race, as an asset to the country. Singapore could do it! Thailand could do it! This writer does not see why his beloved Malaysia cannot! The writing in the wall has been so long there, that is racial or communal favours cannot go on forever. May 1Malaysia take off in this right direction!

For more reading : http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/19fair/Article/index_html

repair, dig up, repair, dig up

2009-10-10T13:35:00.002+08:00

My say....

We have seen perfectly good roads and drainage, etc being built, repair or demolished and built again. This whole cycle could repeat itself as many as two times a year for the same road or drainage. To the ignorant, it seems that the government if doing its job of bring in "development". A friend of mine who is in the know with government tender contracts told this writer before that one of the way the government keeps the economy going is to award tenders and what not to a group of contractors usually registered with the Ministry of Finance. The question is: is it marked of cronyism to have tenders pushed out to do repair work that isn't needed in the first place? The more pertinent question is: why all the wastage?

Whilst development is good, what irks this writer is the same contractor would usually tear up the same roads and drainage that is in good working condition and do the repair. Why re-do something that is in perfect condition? Even worse, why repair again something that they just did about six or seven months ago? Shoddy works to be blamed for the second rounds of repairs? There are many more roads and drainage elsewhere that badly needs repair or resurfacing and what have you.

The proper authorities should start hitting the road like Najib Razak and see the actual need, rather than sitting in their posh office and award tenders without proper assessment. This may sound like a wild allegation, but if the Government wants to give money out to contractors, the very least is to make sure certain what they are paying is well worth the value that taxpayers pay their money for and get real "development" in!

Possible a wrong post for Yen Yen

2009-08-04T01:40:00.002+08:00

My say...

Firstly the controversial admittance of ex-Ferarri technical chief Jean Todt into the circle of Tourism Minister Ng Yen Yen's posse. He was appointed ambassador at large and Yen Yen justified it by saying that Todt would open up door which she is unable to, in France at least! Not bad for someone just retired from Ferrari, with first class flight and all expenses paid for accomodation which some say would amount to RM1 million per year against the taxpayers money! Now a recent tourism ambassadorial addition is Jimmy Choo, the renowned Malaysian shoe maker residing in London. Probably this would help Yen Yen get her hands on all the top class shoe makers to visit Malaysia.

But are we missing the mark? Can a minister just appoint wantonly anybody she likes as against doing her job? If she cannot use her ministerial influence to get into contacts with her other peers around the world, it would seem she is not fit to hold the tourism portfolio in the first place. This is afterall, the second biggest revenue earner for the country. From the start, this writer was thinking of giving her her space as she adjusts to her new ministry. It is good that she protected the female tour guides as expected of her since she was still having a case of recency effect from her previous ministry. But is this all she can show for? This is not unexpected of from this foundering minister. What has she currently done now to protect the local tour operators as a whole? What has she done for other travel agencies who are crying out for more intervention as against big internet travel companies trampling and making customers bypassing them? If the travel agencies were to be given a chance like their peers in Thailand or Indonesia, who would still command a lower rates for hotel rooms no matter if the customers walk-in or not, then it would be something! At least that would certainly help as it would give these operators a chance to sell other tour packages and promote Malaysia in the true sense of the word whenever a tourist walks into the agencies for rooms. She should probably start there rather than making advertisements with all mat sallehs actors and actresses as seen recently in their television advertisements. How un-Malaysian like! And she still have the galls to say they do not have enough money to spend! tsk tsk!

If she keeps this up, well, there is one direction that her KPI is going, and its southwards! Much like she eventually heading for her PR home Down Under!

Back to highlight our spoilt taxi drivers

2009-07-28T00:33:00.004+08:00

My say....

Now that the Government has given in (again) to the respective bodies that represent the taxi and buses to their demand of increasing their price, lets draw some semblance of give-and-take in the eyes of the rakyat.

Chiefly that comes to mind is that taxi drivers must be made to send passengers at their request to the destination of their choice. Like Singapore, if you don't do it, you lose it: the license I mean. This is one of the many reasons why their public transportation is super-efficient. For too long we see people have to struggle and haggle with these taxis to do their duties. These same perpetrators complained that they cannot make ends meet when in actual fact most of them are just pure lazy or the distance/location does not suit them. Please bear in mind they still have fuel subsidies and NGV convertors in place. It really begs one to ask why they were given the license to operate in the first place?

There are two instances this writer wish to highlight to the Entrepreneur minister who is possibly sleeping on his job! Once, I had to witnesses a mother carrying her child and begged a taxi driver to take her in when rain started to pour. Another instance is when I was nearby Selayang Hospital and saw this elderly couple waiting for taxi. I went into the clinic and after about 40 minutes, the couple are still waiting and waving at taxis to take them. Outrageous! There are many more negative instances highlighted by the mass media about our enfant terribles' attitude, so there is no need to promote them here again! The crux of the matter is, they are getting away no matter if one screams of blue murder! And sadly, nothing is being done by the respective authorities til today!

So how now? These rascals on the road are already getting whatever they demanded. But most of them are not doing their job. Is increasing the number of individual taxis gonna help if they still have the tidak-apa or tidak-peduli attitude? The rakyat needs to know. Why take care of a few thousand drivers when millions among the rakyat are suffering? Over to you, Noh Omar, hit the road more!

Foreign policies galore

2009-07-27T00:58:00.002+08:00

My say...

So Liverpool FC in their current Asian football tour is not allowed in Malaysia because they have an Israeli player onboard. How fancy! Liverpool FC came in goodwill and to meet their fans but were denied just because of policies in place. Lets treat human as human, irrespective of race, period! Racial and religious overtones cannot be allowed to rear its ugly head! That was the agreement our forefathers came to in forming this beautiful country upon gaining independence from Britain. How fast our current crop of politicians forget their history or purposely ignoring it for the sake of political expediency! We need to remove all these grey areas once and for all on matters that just please a few masters in politics.

Why do this writer say grey matter? This writer recalls seeing Daim Zainuddin, then the de facto second man behind Mahathir Mohammed, gleefully shaking hands with Robert Rubin the then Treasury Secretary of the United States of America, when Rubin came avisit to Kuala Lumpur. If the foreign affairs department didn't do their homework then, Rubin was also a Jew very much in support of Israel then. This writer remembered thinking to himself, so much for Mahathir then trying to champion against racial overtone in his quest against apartheid when he failed so miserably pushing for the same racial lines against George Soros. This writer has nothing against the Jews nor the nation of Israel, seeing that the Jews and the Arabs (which is predominantly Muslims) both came from the same forefather in Abraham or nabi Ibrahim.

Race should never be the criteria to judge another person. It incites unnecessary racial tension and even worse to denounce and isolate another just on the merit of his skin colour. That is immoral and wrong altogether. Let's start back with our politicians. And, hopefully hope against hope, let it be reflected firstly by changing their inconsistent policies.

Oh yeah, the real masters are not the Chinese! This is just a parochial thinking brought forward from our forgetful and out-of-touch elder statesman! The real masters are the big and little political Napoleans in the government, both past and present, making silly policies.

More reading articles:
1) http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=437&dat=19980629&id=TggFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7zEDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4870,4465505

2) http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=APAB&d_place=APAB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F8B620D7535FE6D&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM

Dispensing Medicine or Dispensing Trouble?

2009-07-17T11:15:00.002+08:00

My say...

The recent call for a division of work between the pharmacist and doctor is technically right! For a long time, doctors have been doing the task of a pharmacist in dispensing medicine in clinics when it should be the doctors prescribing medicine but the pharmacists dispensing the medicine after receiving the prescriptions from the doctors. But then, even in saying so, what is technically right but the workings of it and the arrangements may be altogether wrong.

Yes we have now enough pharmacists to dispensing medicine. But this current arrangement actually is making life difficult for the rakyat unless the pharmacists has a dispensing counter right within the doctors clinic or better still if the doctor himself knows the inventory that is the pharmacists'.

Let me highlight a situation that happened to this writer why this situation must be fully thought through before the situation of the pharmacist dispensing is allowed to proceed. This writer was in Philippines and had high fever. I went to a doctor and he prescribed a medicine. Off to the pharmacist i went thinking it would be like in Malaysia whereby one can get his medicine easily. I had to stop at five dispensaries for reasons such as no more stock, pharmacist not in, no such medicine in their inventory, cannot read doctor's prescriptions, etc. Finally it took me almost an hour and RM32.80 in cab rides before I managed to get it from a pharmacist that is slightly out of town. Imagine this from a sick person going around looking for medicine when it would have been so much easier the doctors and pharmacists had worked hand in hand and having a dispensary within. What if it was late at night and the dispensary was closed as this writer had so often witnessed in the Philippines? The poor patient would have to wait for this medicine according to working hours? What if the patient reached the dispensary and found to be short of cash as they would not know how much the medicine prescribed costs? In short, it will indeed be cumbersome and time consuming for a sick person going around town. These are serious questions that need to be answered!

Chua Soi Lek has got it right when he opposed this method of a clean break within the pharmacist/doctor as of now. Allow it to be thought through before implementing it fully just for the sake of implementation as per what we see in other country. If it could happened to me as an victim of circumstances as the case in Philippines showed, it will certainly cause hardship for the poor and needy no doubt! Soi Lek is a doctor and ex-Health Minister. He should know what he is talking about from experience!

Steady now! No knee-jerking!

2009-07-13T17:40:00.006+08:00

My say...

Firstly a congratulatory offing is in order for Najib Razak for his first 100th day in office as the PM. He has been a listening PM and has implemented an emperical solutions from the grouses he has heard from the ground. With this, he has earned the ability to demand his cabinet members to follow his example and lead as a people's politician. Indeed, his "People first, Performance now" starts to have a ring to it! May his concept of 1Malaysia be even more bold and to be more inclusive of all component of the rakyat.

When he first announced the RM60+ billion stimulus package, it has gain a lot of acceptance from leaders, academicians, NGOs and the lay people . He has deemed to have thoroughly thought through the makro and micro concept of all aspects of the country's economic need. Of late, he has added more "gifts" for the rakyat in an effort to fine-tuned what is still needed to keep the economy and the rakyat going. But following the world economic order may not necessary be to Malaysia's advantage. To be bold, it is now needed for implementation of the stimulus package. The Government cannot afford to alway dish out goodies at the expense of the future needs of the rakyat. Taking a leaf from Barack Obama's lead, let the stimulus package work its way through. The key obviously being monitoring and implementing what has been placed and announced.

The government can no longer succumb to knee-jerk policies. Pak Lah has allowed inflation to set in and prices of essential goods have hit the roof. It was promised that when the frenzy of the price hike of oil has died down, the prices of goods would follow likewise. But when it really did for the price of oil, the government has kept silent. Prices then, did not follow suit. Again this writer asks for a mechanism to lower now the unwelcomed inflation set in during Pak Lah's tenure. To alleviate the suffering of the rakyat, a force of will from the government is needed because oil is now hovering on average on the USD65 per barrel mark today. It does not justify that prices still on the high end. Do not just throw goodies, but ensure that the inflation is reversed. That will ultimately help all people!

The next knee-jerked policy that needs to be tackled immediately is the reversal of the teaching of Science and Mathematics to Bahasa Malaysia. It is obvious that many were not consulted or allowed to have a say, especially the one principally affected: the parents and the students themselves. To say that it would save the government RM40 million goes way off the mark why the policy is reversed. To say it was always fighting a losing battle from the onset when the teachers themselves were not ready speaks of wrong policies adopted, weak implementation and showed really decisions then were not fully thought through. Really, what is wrong if the more effort were placed of the emphasis of English language without the policy reversed? Can it also possibly be that the failure stemmed from the authorities purportedly allowing local graduates to pass without merit? We have already heard of degrees churned by degree mills. Could that be the reason many top universities abroad are denouncing our local graduate's transcripts? Why also, do the government started not to recognise the teaching and academic requirements of established universities such as East London's? That seems to be in the rakyat's opinion why this failure began in the first place.

The two examples are but just the tip of the iceberg that the root of the matter is not solved. Basically it screams of knee-jerking reaction in implementation and reversing of policies! In all fairness to Najib, he is just barely past his first 100 days but has indeed done more for the people than his predecessor. No disrespect to Pak Lah, but that is why he could never shed his "soft" image during his tenure. Najib's 64% improvement in rating is warranted. But a word of caution then. The government has always adopted a knee-jerked policies even during Mahathir Mohamed tenure. Be steady and start tackling the bull by the horn. Najib will need to address policies that has failed time and again and do away with them. He will then be the most illustrious and worthy PM that Malaysia will ever see if he succeeds. Steady now Najib and don't lose focus!

Denunciation of a so-called liar!

2009-07-11T22:41:00.006+08:00

My say...

With ex-Prime Minister's Mahathir Mohamed's open accusation of Mohd Khir Toyo's purchase price and build-up of his mansion, it seems that Khir's wayward ways of openly denying everything during his position of power will come to an end soon. Afterall, it was Mahathir himself that placed Khir in the political limelight and set him to his meteoric rise in politics in the first place. Khir needs to stop thinking that he still has the backing of the top echelons of UMNO.

Khir has often pooh-poohed allegations against him, some of it people know with common sense that what he has said is near impossible if not lying. With Mahathir's direct comparison of the mansion in Sri Kembangan and that of Khir's mansion, it would be interesting to see what Khir has to say against his benefactor and mentor previously. Indeed, Zakaria Md Deros's palatial mansion was valued once at RM12 million; how much more would his Selangor boss palace cost?

It is even more interesting why Mahathir openly denounce him in this case. Could it be that he is watching out for his offspring's rise to the top hierachchy of Malaysian politics? Or maybe, Mahathir wants to distance himself now against his former charge? Maybe Mahathir is already tired of money politics rearing its ugly head that he now stamps his foot down once and for all. Whatever it is, please get to the bottom of this once and for all! MACC, mana lu?

more reading:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/7/11/nation/4299336&sec=nation

Gostan! Gostan!

2009-07-09T13:16:00.003+08:00

My say...

Actually many already knew that this tough decision about Bahasa Melayu being placed back as the vernacular to Science and Mathematics would be made accordingly, so much so that a DPM is placed as Education Minister to tackle the whiplash that is bound to come. Compromising as the politicians may be but we, as caring parents and concerned rakyat, needs to voice this particular howler if such is the "injustice" done here for our future generation. Changing of policies just to appease a few powerful organizations such as Gapena and political parties without even a care of the thoughts of the parents and students alike is simple criminal!

Now that Science and Mathematics is being reverted back to Bahasa Malaysia fully by 2012, the Government may have just condemn our current crop of students back to stone age. Forget about angkasawan project, forget about taking the paradigm shift to first world mentality and forget even about attracting our best and brightest back from abroad. In short, the change back to Bahasa is not to defend the sovereignity of the language but just an admission that our politicians dare not face the honest and brutal truth: that our standard of English has been taking a beating since all the education policies has been put in place since the 1980s. If they can identify currently that only 19% of teachers able to muster some level of english proficiency, then it would seem the future already looked bleak for our students in first place. Do not subject the students to further degradation and jeopardise their future! That is what the DPM and Education minister should be looking into in the first place instead of his notion of "soft landing"! One question comes to mind; if only 19% are identified as having some level of English proficiency, what is the use of increasing the number of teachers by 14,ooo then?

Enough is enough then! We really have to re-evaluate our standard of teaching and training even to our teachers itself. As most graduates will admit, they cannot even string a sentence properly in English let alone teaching our students and future generations. It is this that we have to tackle before our standard drops to substandard level, if it is not already! Mahathir Mohamed asked the right questions that need to be answered:

“These matters, of course, cannot be resolved overnight. But it’s the Government’s responsibility to train and supply capable teachers. I’m confident that our teachers will be able to study and teach in English,” he told reporters at his Perdana Leadership Foundation office yesterday.

Dr Mahathir said it was good that more teachers would be trained in English.

“But if we can train teachers to learn English, why can’t we do the same by training them to learn and teach Science and Mathematics in English?,” the former Prime Minister asked.
- excerpt from The Star (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/7/9/nation/4283788&sec=nation)

Over to you Muhyiddin Yassin!

Man of the hour: Karpal Singh

2009-07-05T16:04:00.001+08:00

My say....

This writer, being Perakian, may have been aghast at the disrespect Karpal had shown to the Sultan. But, in reality, we really need seasoned politician to put balance when young turks like Lim Guan Eng who tries their hand at administration and governing a State for the first time - in addition to what I have blogged yesterday (see the posting Broken recorder). This writer hopes someone sitting on his ivory chair at Komtar will listen to what his chairman is saying. Indeed, Karpal can claim to be one saying what is right without fear or favor for the rakyat. He should have been Mr Opposition, in the likes of Tan Chee Koun, and not the useless Anwar Ibrahim.

The Sunday Star, p.N6 under High Chaparral biggest headache for the Penang DAP

"The Villagers (High Chaparral) are very irritated and rightly so. They are tired of the blame game and want us to act because we are in power- if I were in their shoes, I would say the same." (Itallic added)

Broken recorder!

2009-07-04T19:29:00.003+08:00

My say....

Lim Guan Eng needs to get out of his "opposition" mode for once and stop blaming the previous government of Gerakan's Koh Tsu Koon for everything. Tsu Koon has already been kicked out by the rakyat! From the current road, kampung/heritage reclaimant, transportion mess, etc., he should just get on with the best of his ability fixing the economy and plights of Penangites going rather than crying wolf for his every failure to get out of his opposition mould. If he thinks that he got into the Penang Chief Minister's post, riding on the euphoria of the rakyat's demand for change just to continue his tantrums, then he got another thing coming if the next election is anything to go by!

He is placed in the position of power to enact change. If he cannot do that, then the very least is to give capable persons from the Pakatan Rakyat fold to do it! He could just then continue his father's legacy of opposing for the sake of opposing. His dad, afterall, is making a living out of it! In today's list of Opposition "cabinet" proposal, maybe its time for Azmin Ali, from PKR to take over from Guan Eng and start training his skills in the financial part. He is afterall destined to be Finance Minister if Anwar Ibrahim's angan-angan to gain the Federal leadership works!

Ok, back to reality! Guan Eng should get back to to his official job! The Rakyat is tired of his incessant accusations, ineffective finger-pointings and pathetic wallowings! Indeed, he is beginning to sound like a broken recorder!

for extra reading:

Kenyataan Akhbar Ahli Parlimen Pakatan Rakyat – 2 Julai 2009

Pada hari ini kami ingin mengumumkan Senarai Jawatankuasa Ahli Parlimen Pakatan Rakyat mengikut Kementerian.

Matlamat Jawatankuasa ini adalah untuk menyediakan Ahli-ahli Parlimen Pakatan Rakyat bagi sesi perbahasan di Parlimen termasuk perbahasan Rang Undang-undang dan sesi soal jawab. Ini adalah bagi meningkatkan kualiti perbahasan dengan bersandarkan rujukan secara khusus berdasarkan kementerian masing-masing.

Jawatankuasa ini dibentuk mengikut 25 Kementerian dalam kerajaan Barisan Nasional dan dipengerusikan secara bersama oleh seorang wakil dari setiap parti dalam Pakatan Rakyat. Keanggotaan Jawatankuasa ini melibatkan beberapa Ahli Parlimen lain dan juga boleh melibatkan pakar dari luar dalam bidang masing-masing bagi membantu Ahli Parlimen Pakatan Rakyat.

Dikeluarkan oleh:
YB Mohamed Azmin Ali, Ketua Whip Ahli Parlimen PKR, YB Tan Seng Giaw Ketua Whip Ahli Parlimen DAP dan YB Salahuddin Ayub, Naib Presiden PAS

JABATAN PERDANA MENTERI
YB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, YB Mohamed Azmin Ali, YB Sivarasa Rasiah, YAB Tan Sri Dato’ Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, YB William Leong, YB Ahmad Kasim, YB Fuziah Salleh daripada PKR.

YB Dato’ Seri Hj Abdul Hadi Awang, YB Ust Nasharudin Mat Isa, YB Salahuddin Ayub, YB Dr Hatta Ramli, YB Dr Dzulkifli Ahmad
YB Taib Azamuddin, YB Khalid Samad daripada PAS.

YB Lim Kit Siang, YAB Lim Guan Eng, YB M Kulasegaran YB Ngeh Koo Ham, YB Gobind Singh Deo, YB M Manogaran daripada DAP.

KEMENTERIAN DALAM NEGERI
YB Dato’ Johari Abdul, YB Salahuddin Haji Ayub dan YB Karpal Singh.

KEMENTERIAN KEWANGAN
YB Mohamed Azmin Ali, Dr Dzulkifli Ahmad dan YAB Lim Guan Eng

KEMENTERIAN PENGANGKUTAN
YB Dato’ Zahrain Mohamed Hashim, YB Khalid Samad dan YB Tan Kok Wai

KEMENTERIAN KERJA RAYA
YB Dato’ Kamarul Bahrin Abbas, YB Dato’ Mahfuz Omar dan YB Gobind Singh Deo

KEMENTERIAN PERUSAHAAN PERLADANGAN DAN KOMODITI
YB Dato’ Rashid Din, YB Dato Wan Abd Rahim Wan Abdullah dan YB Er Teck Hwa

KEMENTERIAN TENAGA, TEKNOLOGI HIJAU DAN AIR
YB Chua Tian Chang, YB Nasir bin Zakaria dan YB Charles Anthony Santiago

KEMENTERIAN PERDAGANGAN ANTARABANGSA DAN INDUSTRI
YB William Leong, YB Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli dan YB Teresa Kok

KEMENTERIAN PERTANIAN DAN INDUSTRI ASAS TANI
YB Ahmad Kassim, YB Taib Azamuddin Md Taib dan YB Sim Tong Him

KEMENTERIAN PERDAGANGAN DALAM NEGERI DAN HAL EHWAL PENGGUNA
YB Azan Ismail, YB Dr Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut dan YB Jeff Ooi

KEMENTERIAN PELAJARAN
YB Yusmadi Yusoff, YB Che Uda Che Nik dan YB Chong Eng

KEMENTERIAN PENERANGAN KOMUNIKASI, KESENIAN DAN KEBUDAYAAN
YB Amran Abdul Ghani, YB Dato’ Mahfuz Haji Omar dan YB Teo Nie Ching

KEMENTERIAN SUMBER MANUSIA
YB Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid, YB Muhammad bin Husin dan YB M Kulasegaran

KEMENTERIAN SAINS, TEKNOLOGI DAN INOVASI
YB Nurul Izzah Anwar, YB Dr Che Rosli Che Mat dan YB Chow Kon Yeow

KEMENTERIAN PERUMAHAN DAN KERAJAAN TEMPATAN
YB Hee Loy Sian, YB Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud dan YB Nga Kor Ming

KEMENTERIAN PERTAHANAN
YB Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, YB Dato’ Seri Muhammad Nizar Jamaluddin dan YB Liew Chin Tong

KEMENTERIAN KEMAJUAN LUAR BANDAR DAN WILAYAH
YB Ab Aziz Ab Kadir, YB Dato’ Ab Halim bin Ab Rahman dan YB M Manogaran

KEMENTERIAN LUAR NEGERI
YB Sivarasa Rasiah, YB Dato’ Kamaruddin Jaffar dan YB P Ramasamy

KEMENTERIAN BELIA DAN SUKAN
YB Tan Tee Beng, YB Mohd Firdaus bin Jaafar dan YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook

KEMENTERIAN KESIHATAN
YB Dr Lee Boon Chye, YB Dr Mohd Hayati Othman dan YB Dr Tan Seng Giaw

KEMENTERIAN PEMBANGUNAN WANITA, KELUARGA DAN MASYARAKAT
YB Zuraida Kamaruddin, YB Siti Zailah bt Mohd Yusuf dan YB Fong Po Kuan

KEMENTERIAN PELANCONGAN
YB Manikavasagam a/l Sundaram, YB Dato Wan Abd Rahim Wan Abdullah dan YB Fong Kui Lun

KEMENTERIAN WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN
YB Wee Choo Keong, YB Dr Lo’ Lo’ Haji Mohd Ghazali dan YB Lim Lip Eng

KEMENTERIAN PENGAJIAN TINGGI
YB Zulkifli Nordin, YB Salahuddin Haji Ayub dan YB Tony Pua

KEMENTERIAN SUMBER ASLI DAN ALAM SEKITAR
YB Gobalakrishnan a/l Nagapan, YB Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa dan YB Chong Chien Jen

Apologise, M Saravanan

2009-05-01T11:47:00.004+08:00

My say...

Now that the Health Minister has cleared the air about the recent accusation by M Saravanan, this writer believes that the Deputy Federal Territories Minister should owned up and apologise, both to the hospital involved and the rakyat.

If what he said and what the results showed, especially when the numbers of patients claimed are itself wrong, then Saravanan indeed has a lot to apologise for. He has led the Rakyat to believe that his sensational accusation was indeed what true. It turned out to be a farce and that is what the rakyat doesn't need right now. Yes, at most times hospital services in many places are sloppy, but if there is no truth in what he has accused in this particular case, then shame on him! He may have just demoralized many hardworking doctors and hospital staff and probably damaged the reputation and good name of this particular houseman.

This is unbecoming of a new Deputy Minister. If MIC clamours for a senior post in the Cabinet, then this indeed disqualifies their claim. I mentioned in my previous post The Rakyat's Daily Grind - A case with the Kuala Lumpur Hospital that his KPI has risen, but upon reflection, not only is it shot down but he should resign as well if he cannot even differentiate facts from his emotional outbursts. Oh yes, its one houseman and not two as he claimed!

This writer also owes the Director Dr Zaininah Mohd Zain an apology for strong words in the same previous posting. One thing this writer will not apologise is its really a daily grind for the rakyat to get proper treatment sometimes! If the private hospital could do it, why not the public hospitals then? Indeed, many government hospitals need to buck up! That's the silver lining that the rakyat could only hope for out of this incident!

The Rakyat's Daily Grind - A case with the Kuala Lumpur Hospital

2009-04-27T21:57:00.007+08:00

My say...

The recent case of two doctors at emergency department found idling by chance by the Deputy minister M. Saravanan is a good eye opener to the rest of the cabinet why the ministers themselves must get to the ground to see what the rakyat is going through in their everyday lives. Prime Minister Najib Razak himself saw the crowded LRT situation. His deputy, Muhyiddin Yassin saw the condition of old schools overdue for repair works; one of them 70 years late. So it is in this writer's hope that many ministers will get off their ivory towers and get to feel what is the daily transgression of sub-service and triviality the rakyat is facing!

That the Deputy Federal Territories minister found the two doctors reading newspaper and minding their own business in the emergency situation really sums up the mentality of what the government hospital is offering, nay, even ill-treating the rakyat. How then would the concept of 1Malaysia be a reality if this mindset exist. People and performance is last it seems! Whilst this may not be true for some hardworking doctors who tried their best, but in reality this is what the rakyat can expect from most doctors in the government sectors. The Health Ministry will have to do a lot of overhauling!

As for the Kuala Lumpur Hospital director, her answer is nothing short of atrocious. If Dr Zaininah Mohd Zain thinks she is doing the staff a favor or keeping the morale of the hospital high, then she is sadly mistaken. For no less then her nonchalant answer and laizze-faire attitude deserves to be condemned. What is the point she is bringing about statistical facts and hospital history such as doctor/patient ratio as well as holistic practices when her subordinates are caught red-handed and exposed in being lazy or idling during the hospital time? The greater crime is this: if this is how she answers a deputy minister who has found them wanting, what more hope does the normal rakyat has without the same authority to voice this out? If the doctors are lazy, sack them! Just don't patronize the rakyat. Granted that the doctors themselves are human, but do not steal time when it is meant to work. More so in a department where emergency should meant for something. This writer calls for an immediately inquiry and possible sacking if the same doctors are found wanting. Anything less would see the Health Ministry condoning the nonsense that the Rakyat had to stomach all these while. So much for their Hippocratic oath!

As for M. Saravanan, thank you! Your KPI bar has indeed raised even in this chance encounter. At the very least, you got down to the ground and feel what the rakyat if feeling in the first place. Maybe, just maybe, you are ready for a senior ministry post!

Quote :
"There were more than 20 patients outside waiting for treatment. This should not be the way doctors work. The patient should come first. Furthermore, it is an emergency unit, which is supposed to be fast in dispensing treatment" a visibly irked Saravanan told Bernama.

Again from His Royal Highness, Raja Nazrin Shah

2009-04-20T17:27:00.001+08:00

My say....

The brightest of the royalties in this country certainly has his focus right. May God continuously grant him strength to be the spokesman for all things Royalty and the Constitutional Monarchy.

2009/04/20

'Malay rulers are centre of strength for people'

Sultan Azlan Shah conferring awards on Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha — Bernama pictures

KUALA KANGSAR: Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah said yesterday he will take on the responsibility of implementing efforts to ensure that the institution of the monarchy, which is the core of the system of governance and nationhood, is protected.

"An offspring will not allow the dignity and sovereignty of a ruler to be ridiculed. As such, the people must not be hasty to throw the lamp away, as daylight will end.

"Let it not be that as night falls, people grope about directionless, blanketed in darkness without a lamp," he said at the pledging of loyalty and awards ceremony in conjunction with the 81st birthday of Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah at Istana Iskandariah here.

He said the Malay rulers were not just symbols in the country but had an important role as the centre of strength for the people.

Raja Nazrin said the administrative system, with the Malay sultanate as its core, had been in place for more than 600 years and had succeeded in developing a great culture and civilisation.
He said the wisdom of royalty aided intellectual development, and from the palace emanated great works of art in writings.

"The Malay rulers are the symbols of sovereignty -- the symbols of citizens' strength -- the umbrella for the country's crown. The Malay rulers give identity to the nation.

"People who understand the culture of monarchy will understand the philosophy of royal administration, the role of the rulers, especially the role and responsibility of upholding national identity."

He said the continuity of a race and the face of a nation depended on factors that gave it identity from the aspects of institutions, religion, culture and language.

"Actions of insulting, ridiculing and fomenting hatred towards institutions are early steps towards abolishing the institutions, therefore, abolishing the original identity of the country's race.

"During the Cold War, such actions came from groups which held on to left-wing political doctrines and were categorised as subversive.

"In the name of the Cultural Revolution in China and communist indoctrination in Cambodia and Vietnam, children were incited to extreme levels, hating and making enemies of their own parents.

"Religious leaders were criticised and places of worship destroyed.

"Some places of worship were turned into animal breeding places, leading to anarchy that had to be paid with lives and which destroyed the social fabric."

Raja Nazrin said the world now faced waves of globalisation that could break down cultural walls and drown national history.

He said the younger generation should be wise to balance the claims of tradition and demands of modernity.

He said there were some who believed that to progress, the focus must be on a progressive culture and that traditions and history would cause backwardness.

"Globalisation brings waves of a new colonialism that drowns the traditions of a country, wiping out its original identity.

"People must be aware that not all that is traditional hinders progress, as tradition that is interpreted wisely and intelligently can function to bring progress.

"The cultural elements that have been factors of unity are priceless social capital that should be defended," he said.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and three others headed the list of 800 recipients of awards in conjunction with Sultan Azlan Shah's birthday.

Zambry, Finance Minister II Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha and Orang Kaya-kaya Panglima Kinta Seri Amar Diraja Datuk Dr Abdullah Fadzil Che Wan were awarded the Darjah Seri Paduka Mahkota Perak which carries the title "Datuk Seri". -- Bernama

A timely reminder by His Highness Sultan of Perak

2009-04-20T17:17:00.004+08:00

My say....

His Royal Highness's address of the current political situation is a timely reminder to all the rakyat actually, and not only the governing and opposition bodies.

My Sultan, the Sultan of Perak, has rightly put things into perspective again. Royalties are above politics, and the current egging of the opposition to get the royalties involved in politics is hitting way below the belt. Let this timely reminder be to those who are biadap and never knew what Constitutional Monarchy and the rights of the Sultanates are.

His Highness speaks better than this writer could put it in words, so as per article of the NST.com today:

2009/04/20

Sultan: Too much politicking in country

Sultan Azlan Shah, Tuanku Bainun, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah and Tuanku Zara Salim at Istana Iskandariah yesterday. — Bernama picture

KUALA KANGSAR: Rulers are above politics and as such cannot participate in open debate to answer allegations hurled against them by political groups, Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah said yesterday.

He said the action of certain political groups in provoking the people and sowing seeds of hatred against the rulers was akin to fanning "embers in the chaff", which was a dangerous act and could destroy the peace in the country.

"These groups are allowing the end to justify the means by condoning such acts.

"These groups and individuals feel that they are faultless and immune to any action, to the extent of disregarding the law for the sake of attaining power," he said at the loyalty pledge and awards ceremony in conjunction with his 81st birthday at Istana Iskandariah here.

In what many observers see as the ruler's take on the on-going political crisis in his state, Sultan Azlan Shah said the power struggle had shown an ugly side with despicable characteristics being paraded in the open.
The ruler said he felt that there was too much politicking in the country and this would affect economic productivity and the country's image.

He said leaders of various political parties should find a meeting point from which they could work out ways to cooperate for the sake of the country and people.

Sultan Azlan Shah also spoke on the need to correct what he described as the misconception that the constitutional monarchy was just a symbol devoid of power.

He said the rulers were neither blind, deaf nor mute. In fact, he added, they were fully aware of what was going on in the country.

"It should be stressed that the constitutional monarchy has three rights -- the right to give views and counsel, the right to encourage and motivate, and the right to remind and reprimand."

Sultan Azlan Shah said although the constitutional monarchy acted based on the power vested in it under the Constitution, it would be erroneous to think that the role of a ruler was similar to that of a president whose functions had been pre-defined in the Constitution.

"The role of the constitutional monarchy goes beyond what is stipulated in the Constitution.

"The rulers have a far wider responsibility in ensuring that the spirit of the Constitution, the philosophy behind the written law, and the interests of the country and people are safeguarded at all times."

He said based on the spirit behind the formation of the Federation of the Malay States, the rulers were responsible for protecting the privileges and position of the rulers' institution, Islam, the Malay language and the legitimate interests of other races.

"These are the basis of understanding and the ingredients which resulted in the formation of an independent and sovereign nation, enabling its people to live in peace and harmony."

Sultan Azlan Shah said in 52 years of nationhood, the country's administration had seen ups and downs.

"I myself have been giving views and advice either openly or behind closed doors on matters which I think should be rectified."

He called on the people to be wary of attempts to provoke them into dismantling the system and institution as this could create chaos in the country. -- Bernama

Source : http://nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/Frontpage/2535906/Article/index_html

Time is running out in Terengganu for a nobody!

2009-04-14T15:16:00.006+08:00

My say....

In my blog on July 27th, 2008 titled Maverick in the ranks, this writer knew that Ahmad Said, the Terengganu Menteri Besar, will be in trouble. It is no wonder then when Najib Razak took over the PM-ship, aptly nicknamed Mad (as Ahmad Said is known) is destined to be kicked out! Najib cannot afford a loose canon in the ranks as he shores up Barisan Nasional to face the next Election.

Well, Mad's reaction was understandable. He created such a fuss that the nice Pak Lah gave in. But Najib is a different kettle of fish. Najib definitely has traits of Mahathir Mohammed and will take no nonsense for this maverick. Mad was just buying time but from the article below, he is more trouble than anything else; removing various head of state agencies. As predicted, he is waiting to be shot and the barrel is now pointing at him already. The smart move would be to resign with his head held high rather than being face the shame of kicked out. The choice is his!

Terengganu BN revolt

Tuesday April 14 2009

APRIL 14 – The end is near for Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said after 10 Barisan Nasional (BN) state lawmakers boycotted the state assembly today in a bid to force his resignation.

Bernama named the absentees as Tepoh assemblyman Muhammad Ramli Noh, Mohd Zawawi Ismail (Kuala Berang), Abdul Halim Jusoh (Permaisuri), Datuk Din Adam (Bukit Besi), Datuk Rosol Wahid (Ajil), Alias Abdullah (Alor Limbat), Zakaria Abdullah (Paka), Ramlan Ali (Jabi), Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh (Jertih) and Mohd Pehimi Yusof (Kota Putera).

Ahmad’s position as BN’s mentri besar has become increasingly untenable amid talk that his own party men were planning to table a no-confidence vote against him.

The seeds of this revolt were planted when Ahmad was put in place as BN’s mentri besar soon after last year’s general elections in place of the incumbent Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.

Idris was not reappointed due to friction with the Terengganu palace.

But The Malaysian Insider understands that the palace will have no objections to Ahmad’s removal as MB if he is unable to hold the government together.

Ahmad had warned that any BN men involved in moves to table a no-confidence vote against his government faced expulsion.

The BN rebels are now believed to be holed up in a hotel and are expected to speak to reporters shortly.

A number of BN assemblyman are said to have met with deputy Umno president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to obtain “official sanction” for the revolt.

The Malaysian Insider understands that Ahmad had been picked to be MB last year because he was untainted and was relatively popular among the grassroots.

But he has been seen in recent months to become “vicious”, especially in the removal of various heads of state agencies.

Yesterday, three BN lawmakers also lodged police reports for allegedly receiving death threats in text messages related to the planned no-confidence vote.

The Malaysian Insider understands that some of the text messages have been traced to individuals associated with the MB.

The three assemblymen alleging the death threats are Datuk Rosol Wahid (Ajil), Zakaria Ariffin (Paka) and Halim Jusoh (Pemaisuri).

“As a senior state government official, he should not threaten anyone, what more a state assemblyman like me,” Halim told reporters at the Kuala Terengganu police headquarters. “You cannot make threats on people's lives ... I don't know why I was targeted.”

Asked whether he would inform the mentri besar of the threat, he said he would not do so because he had lodged a police report, Bernama reported.

Besides the palace, it is understood that the senior leadership of Umno also has no objection to a change of leadership in the state government.

source : http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/23249-terengganu-bn-revolt

MIC's Poor Gambit

2009-04-12T00:26:00.004+08:00

My say....

So after all the lobbying and the statement that it is the prerogative of the PM to choose his cabinet, it seems to this writer that MIC is not sincere in what they say. MIC is now threatening to withdraw their minister and two deputies in what they perceived as Najib Razak's slight to them! Yes they may be the third largest component political party in the Barisan Nasional coalition, but it is still pathetic to now threaten to pull out of the coalition because of their so-called junior and small allocation. Basically, Samy Vellu has been good and ruthless in eliminating all his lieutenants that he has no capable leaders left actually from what the rakyat can see. If this is such a mature party, it should understand its situation that it must win its constituents and earn the respect of the whole coalition. They should not claim seniority just for the sake of seniority. MCA has been through this nonsense and so is Gerakan.

A short note for UMNO too. If its a fair game, UMNO's 15 ministers compared to the rest is not entirely fair game. Open up more and dont be a one-party show when its the coalition's survival at stake.

If MIC thinks the Works ministry is their own, chaos will certainly start. MCA will try claim Finance and MITI soon enough if history is anything to go by. Enough bickering then. The past and seniority counts for nothing if they sit in the opposition bench!

Full reading : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/4/11/nation/20090411171702&sec=nation

Najib's New Cabinet

2009-04-09T15:42:00.018+08:00

My say...

Well, from the onset, it looks like a good cabinet that PM Najib Razak has presented. The one that might raise one or two eyebrows immediately will be Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, his close ally at defence. Obviously PKR will not stop at claiming that the money-spinner ministry will definitely make Najib and his cronies richer by the day. Surely, the budget for defence ministry will in all probability be hiked again come Budget day in September/October. This will be because Najib will still want the army to be behind him, no matter what, since he has established rapport with generals and commanders alike. Cover-up for something explosive (sic)? Something better than ISA? Dunno lah!

This writer's own hero Hisha is Home Minister. He has just avoided a timebomb with the issue of English as medium for science and mathematics thanks to his cousin. My own fear is he doesn't say something foolish in this post as he did in Education! The results may be devastating! Nonetheless, congratulation is in order as Hisha has proven to be a capable leader inspite all his flaws. He is still human afterall!

Another likely debate will center around the finance minister 2 post. Nor Yackop is now relegated to minister in PM dept. Can Ahmad Husni fill the role as Noor Yackop is known to be astute and has guided national economic policies well? Taking nothing away from Ahmad Husni, a decorated economist and his credentials being a good deputy MITI minister too, he has been a loyal aide to Najib and is now rewarded. The writer is all for a Perakian holding to the important post! Well, if its for expediency purpose so that Najib could dictate policies in Finance Ministry without interference, then let the rakyat be the judge of the results of his policies. Najib, afterall, has economic training background to his name. Good Luck Najib, all for the rakyat's sake!

No Khairy Jamaluddin? hmmm.... And Mukhriz Mahathir in MITI. Well, thats something for all to ponder about eh?

The full list of the cabinet then and let's hope it will be in the spirit of OneMalaysia.

THE NAJIB ADMINISTRATION 2009

Prime Minister
Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak

Deputy Prime Minister
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin

Ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department
 Tan Sri Datuk Dr Koh Tsu Koon (Unity Affairs and Performance Management)
 Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz (Justice and & Parliament)
 Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop (Economic Planning Unit)
 Maj. Gen (R) Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom (Islamic Religious Affairs)

Deputy Ministers
 Datuk Liew Vui Keong
 Senator Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim
 Datuk S. K. Devamany
 Ahmad Maslan
 Senator T. Murugiah

Finance
Minister: Datuk Seri Najib Razak
Minister II: Datuk Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlan
Deputy: Datuk Chor Chee Heung
Deputy: Senator Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussein

Education
Minister: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
Deputy: Datuk Dr. Wee Ka Siong
Deputy: Datuk Dr Puad Zakarshi

Transport
Minister: Datuk Ong Tee Keat
Deputy: Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri
Deputy: Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew

Entrepreneurship, Agriculture and Commodities
Minister: Tan Sri Bernard Dompok
Deputy: Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin

Home
Minister: Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein
Deputy: Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop
Deputy: Encik Jelaing Mersat

Information, Communication, Arts and Culture
Minister: Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim
Deputy: Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum
Deputy: Senator Heng Seai Kie

Energy, Green Technology and Water
Minister: Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui
Deputy: Noriah Kasnon

Rural and Regional Development
Minister: Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal
Deputy: Datuk Hassan Malek
Deputy: Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun

Higher Education
Minister: Datuk Seri Mohd Khaled Nordin
Deputy: Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung
Deputy: Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah

International Trade and Industry
Minister: Datuk Mustapa Mohamad
Deputy: Datuk Mukhriz bin Tun Dr Mahathir
Deputy: Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan

Science, Technology and Innovation
Minister: Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili
Deputy: Encik Fadillah Yusof

Natural resources and Environment
Minister: Datuk Douglas Unggah Embas
Deputy: Tan Sri Joseph Kurup

Tourism
Minister: Datuk Ng Yen Yen
Deputy: Datuk Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abdul Taib

Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries
Minister: Datuk Noh Omar
Deputy: Datuk Johari Baharum
Deputy: Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim

Defence
Minister: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Deputy: Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad

Works
Minister: Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor
Deputy: Datuk Yong Khoon Seng

Health
Minister: Datuk Liow Tiong Lai
Deputy: Datuk Rosnah Rashid Shilin

Youth and Sports
Minister: Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek
Deputy: Datuk Razali Ibrahim
Deputy: Encik Wee Jeck Seng

Human Resources
Minister: Datuk Dr. S. Subramaniam
Deputy: Datuk Maznah Mazlan (Senator)

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
Minister: Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob
Deputy: Datuk Tan Lian Hoe

Housing and Local Government
Minister: Datuk Kong Cho Ha
Deputy: Datuk Lajim Ukin

Women’s Development, Family and Community
Minister: Senator Datuk Shahrizat Jalil
Deputy: Datuk Paduka Chew Mei Fun

Foreign
Minister: Datuk Anifah Aman
Deputy: Senator A. Kohilan Pillay
Deputy: Datuk Lee Chee Leong

Federal Territories
Minister: Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin
Deputy: Datuk M. Saravanan

Notable Quote

2009-04-08T23:34:00.003+08:00

His say...

The only alternative to co-existence is....... co-destruction.
~ Jawaharlal Nehru

BN & PKR be warned!

More Damning expose about Khir

2009-04-02T14:30:00.005+08:00

My say...

Today's NST.com has it from Permodalan Negari Selangor Berhad (PNSB) that Khir Toyo really went on a splurge when he was helming the post of Chairman of PNSB. Even his maid had it good. This is unacceptable. This writer hopes he has another round of good excuses. On the part of MACC, indeed this is one big fish that cannot get away now on the account of this report against him, again from somebody in the know namely Khairiyah Abu Hassan ,the current CEO of PNSB.

This writer remembers Khir stoutly denies having any knowledge about the Mercedes purchase fiasco not too long ago, how about it now? One wonders how did the delegates allowed him to run again for UMNO's Youth Chief post?? In all probability, everyone guilty wants to secure a top UMNO post, thinking that the post offers some notion of protection? Afterall, a proven culprit is the new chief now! The devastating sympthoms of money politics cannot be denied anymore. No wonder the people are sick and tired of all things UMNO when greed and abuse of power becomes the hallmark of the day.

Khir Toyo forgets his past that he got his big break from the then PM, Mahathir Mohamed. He was just an ordinary UMNO delegate and obscure dentist before his selection to the top post in Selangor. He said he was satisfied with little and whatever he has now was a gift. Now he has really turned into this insatiable monster for all the trappings of luxury. He gave brooms to others non-performing officers, what should he start giving himself now? Now it seems to this writer that the accusation that he has been deliberately removing all the important files from his office when he lost his MB post seem a real possibility.

2009/04/01

RM1.7 million spent by Khir Toyo's entourage on Disneyland trip

By : Mazlinda Mahmood

SHAH ALAM, Wed:

A Selangor Government subsidiary spent about RM1.7 million for the former Selangor menteri besar’s trip to Disneyland Paris and Disney World in Florida. Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo went on the visits with his wife, three children, and other officials. His maid is also believed to have followed them on the trips.

This was revealed on the final day of the Select Committee on Competence, Accountability and Transparency hearing into the financial affairs of Selangor Elected Representatives Wives Welfare Association (Balkis).

Permodalan Negeri Selangor Bhd chief executive officer Datin Khairiyah Abu Hassan said RM420,000 was spent on a “technical visit” to Morocco and Disneyland Paris from Dec 17 to 24, 2004.

Dr Khir, the former PNSB chairman, also spent four days in transit in Dubai which cost the firm another RM10,000 for his accommodation.

Khairiyah said PNSB also paid RM366,000 for an advance team trip which surveyed the places before Dr Khir’s delegation went to Morocco and Disneyland Paris.
Khairiyah, who looked resigned by the questioning by Selcat chairman Teng Chang Khim, said the Morocco trip was to learn about architecture and Islamic building design and Moorish art.

She said the Disneyland visit was to gain technical knowledge to develop a similar theme park in Bagan Lalang, Sepang.

For the 10-day “technical trip” to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and a visit to Honolulu, PNSB spent almost RM750,000 including US$30,000 (RM110,000 at that time) in cash for transportation and meals. Of the total, RM110,000 was for Dr Khir’s presidential suite.

Khairiyah said the group did not meet with the Disneyland management team during both visits, but bought tickets and hired a tour guide.

“You cannot gain technical knowledge from a tourist guide. Both look more like leisure trips as the dates were in December,” Teng said.

Dr Khir also went on a working visit to Jakarta and Jogjakarta from April 20 to 24, 2003, costing PNSB RM38,000, including for first class tickets for Dr Khir, Zaharah and their daughter, an economy class ticket for their maid and three nights accommodation in a presidential suite.

PNSB forked out almost RM9,000 for the maid alone.

Khairiyah said the trip was to learn about the batik industry as PNSB had been appointed to lead Selangor’s batik industry. Dr Khir travelled in a hired Mercedes Benz limousine costing RM2,900 daily.

PNSB also paid RM1,200 for traditional dancers during the welcoming ceremony. “So we welcomed ourselves?” Teng asked.

Meanwhile, Teng said Dr Khir and his wife Datin Seri Zaharah Kechik have lost the chance to explain to the public what actually happened in a state agency and Balkis by not turning up for the Selcat hearing.

Selcat, he said, will hold a meeting to discuss the testimonies and scrutinise all documents submitted during the hearing. “Then we will prepare a report to be tabled before the next sitting of the assembly in July,” he said.

Commenting on state Registrar of Societies (ROS) deputy registrar Mohd Yunus Jamil’s failure to submit a copy of the notice for a meeting to dissolve Balkis, Teng said ROS should be more cooperative.

“Since they refused to produce the documents for which any member of the public is entitled to, we have no option but to invoke Section 114 of the Evidence Act 1950 which is adverse presumption against ROS.

Section 114 states that it is presumed that facts or documents are unfavourable to the person who holds it when it needs to be produced but was not.

“In this case, the notice for a meeting to dissolve Balkis was alleged to have been sent and filed with ROS,” he said. “The fact that they refused to produce it when they could be produced means that the documents may be unfavourable to them,” he said.

Source : http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/Frontpage/20090401195556/Article/index_html

Oops, Hisha made a boo-boo again

2009-03-30T21:15:00.004+08:00

My say...

Although this writer likes Hishamuddin Hussien, the Education Minister seriously got to know how to check his facts before opening his mouth :-

Monday March 30, 2009

MCA: It was a multi-racial effort that won independence

PETALING JAYA: The country’s independence was forged through the close cooperation of leaders of the Alliance party and was not the sole effort of Umno, said MCA central committee member Lee Wei Kiat.

He pointed out that it was the leaders of MCA, Umno and MIC in the Alliance, which preceded Barisan Nasional before Merdeka, who were all influential in negotiating with the British for independence.

“MCA will not allow efforts from any party in trying to rewrite facts of history or denying the efforts of the other races in helping to fight for the country’s independence 52 years ago,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Lee was commenting on Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein’s statement at the party general assembly that the process of independence and later developments were forged by “Umno and our Malay Rulers and no one else”.

Lee said: “If we look back at history in 1954, Tunku Abdul Rahman led a three-man Alliance delegation comprising himself, Tun Abdul Razak and Tan Sri T.H. Tan from the MCA to England to hold talks with the colonial authority.”

He said that Tunku Abdul Rahman also led an Alliance delegation to London to hold independence talks with the British with MCA represented by Tun H.S. Lee and Tan.

Lee, who is MCA information and communications bureau chairman, said the negotiations led to mutual consent for a draft constitution.

“We hope that Hishammuddin’s remarks are not aimed at gaining political mileage for himself after winning the Umno vice-presidency on March 26,” Lee said.

He urged the minister to show that he was a leader of all Malaysians and not just an Umno leader.

“Any deviation in history will not only affect the country’s harmony currently enjoyed by the various races but also hinder the government’s efforts in fostering racial unity between different ethnic groups,” he said.

He said Malaysian children must understand clearly that all races had to be equally recognised for their efforts and contributions to the country’s development.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/30/nation/3587896&sec=nation

Seriously Hishamuddin, after the Keris episode and now this, you still got much to learn Mr Vice President of UMNO.

Still a little bit short on the fair play level...

2009-03-17T18:06:00.003+08:00

My say...

So Mohd Ali Rustam is being barred from contesting the second highest post in UMNO because he has breached party campaign rules. Kudos to the discipline committee headed by Ahmad Rithauddeen. But the sad news is, why is it not applied across the board if others are found just as guilty?

Khairy Jamaluddin is found to be guilty, but he is let off with a mere warning. What gives? Is it because his father in law is still in power currently until Najib Razak takes over by next month? MACC cares to respond?

On a serious note, if Ali Rustam's is still getting votes through his aides, he is just as guilty. Why is it only the aides getting the stick and suspended? We can gather then that the big fishes are still getting away, firstly Khairy, now Ali Rustam. It means even the top echelon are not bothered many times about the warning of money politics. This is sickening, and the frightening thought is that choosing a potential Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister is done not by the rakyat but a mere handful of delegates from UMNO who could be bought as proven time and again. The danger for UMNO is now the same delegates are choosing the leaders not because of their dedication nor capability, but sheer bribery. They still dont get the message it seems: the rakyat is FED-UP!

Open air stupidity

2009-03-04T11:27:00.005+08:00

My say....

Firstly, it must be recorded that when it happend to this writer's beloved state, I am still left in a daze. Perakian need to unite and rally behind our Sultan now!

The open air assembly showed how power crazy and desperate PKR is hoping to cling to power. In doing so, they would trample just about anybody, including the State's Ruler. This is indeed treason and also biadap. Former MB, Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin should play fair. Indeed recently in Parliament, a Barisan MP slammed PKR correctly. If PKR had managed to wrestle the state through MPs defection, it's a matter of people wanted change whereas if Barisan did the same, its immoral coup d'etat! However, in this particular case, they forgot that its the Sultan of Perak, a learned man himself, is involved. The ruler did the correct thing is having a separate meeting as assessing for himself if Barisan had commanded the majority now. He found it to be so and so allowed Barisan to form the state government then. This should be accepted by all. The most pertinent question here is: did the Sultan do anything wrong in this matter? And if not, why the reaction?

I am no fan of Barisan, but fair is fair! When Barisan lost the state, they allowed the victor to take their rightful place. But now, PKR could not response in a likewise gentleman manner. So much then for Reformasi and the hope of change that PKR promised. The greatest danger is if Anwar Ibrahim takes the federal government, it will most probably turn into a police state. They would most probably change the Federal Constitution according to their whims and fancies as the illegal assembly had shown. The Rakyat has learnt a lot now and there will indeed be sweeping change back to Barisan in the next election. Thanks PKR, but no thanks!

This writer remembered saying that Mohd Nizar was hard to dislodge in his MB post. I was wrong! He made it easy for his enemies!

Mukhriz Mahathir

2009-03-02T00:00:00.003+08:00

My say...

The interview by The Sunday Times shows what a mature politician Mukhriz is within such a short span of time since his admission into politics. The writer likes his reasoning, his articulate manners in answering as well as his quick and sharp mind. If he has every Malaysian at heart, in spite of racial differences, then we have a potential winner! A dissent he may be, but if the party's interest is what he has mentioned prompted him to be daring to challenge the norm, then we have indeed a bright star in the making. He is indeed a future PM material, or at least senior posts, this writer believes. Well it starts with the UMNO Youth election, and it is hoped he give the nonsensical Khairy Jamaluddin a good kick in the a*se and boot him out once and for all!

Go Mukhriz go! You have this writer's vote.

for full transcript of the interview, go to : http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/SundayInterview/2491674/Article/indexpull_html

race based parties final hurrah!

2009-02-18T14:50:00.002+08:00

My say.....

In fact, its the modern day rakyat who has overwhelmingly spoken of doing away with racial issues. That has been the scourge impeding Malaysia's growth as compared to other nations today. Our founding fathers saw the danger and tried to warned us, but we allowed Ultras to circumvent around the issues til today we get rascals like Mahathir Mohamed then and Anwar Ibrahim now playing and fanning the racial issues at their smallest whims. Even tiny Singapore and internally-looking Thailand has leapfrogged us, simply because they are not tolerant of racial politics. If only our wet-behind-the-ear politicians would take note!

The Star article on it:

Published: Wednesday February 18, 2009 MYT 1:44:00 PM

No more race-based parties: Poll respondents

By JACK WONG

KUCHING: Respondents to an online opinion poll have voted overwhelmingly for the abolition of race-based political parties in the country.

Some 90% of about 500 respondents believe that the abolition would result in greater social harmony and understanding among the various communities.

Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar launched the poll on “Racial harmony in a balanced society” conducted by Kuching-based malaysiapollster recently.

Respondents were asked to answer seven related questions.

Poll analyst Goh Leng Chua said 7% of the respondents disagreed that doing away with race-based political parties could help enhance social harmony and racial understanding, while the remaining 3% were unsure.

He said about 44% felt that racial harmony could best be achieved by getting rid of politicians who play the race card.

Another 30% believe that education and inter-racial social activities, such as festivals, sports and inter-marriages, were the best way to promote racial harmony.

The remaining 27% favoured equal opportunity to all those in need, particularly the poor.

Goh said half of the respondents also felt that there was no need for a Race Relations Act in Malaysia.

About 92% of the respondents agreed that “Malaysians are a colourful example of racial, cultural and religious tolerance, living peacefully in a social mosaic rich in diversity, and we should proactively preserve and treasure our common destiny.”

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/18/nation/20090218134324&sec=nation

The case with Elizabeth Wong

2009-02-17T20:58:00.004+08:00

My say...

Circulation of Elizabeth's indecent photos, without her consent, is the act of a very sick person or group. The MP for Bukit Lanjan should not quit her post, just because someone is out to tarnish her image. She has indeed been exemplary in all her conduct befitting an MP. When the Menteri Besar of Selangor meets the Sultan of Selangor, this writer hopes His Royal Highness will come forward to be the strength of the people and to denounce the wile and sick acts of this criminal or criminals who circulated Elizabeth's pictures. Let justice prevail and the wronged be royally made right!

Had Elizabeth done the exposure willfully in public, then she should have been sacked. But this was from the sanctity of her home and is probably done by someone close to her. The perpetrator deserves then the highest condemnation.

Hold your head high Elizabeth, you have nothing to be ashamed about. And don't quit! By quitting, you have effectively silenced all other innocent victims to a lost cause!

BN first salvo in Perak

2009-02-05T16:21:00.003+08:00

My say...

Barisan Nasional, under the incoming prime minister, has drawn first blood. Whilst this writer is not impress with Najib Razak love life, he has indeed shown the mettle of a political strongman. Kudoes to him, if he can remove Anwar Ibrahim, to whom for the writer is the greater of two evil. Anwar must be feeling the pressure and how it is like to ask people to defect to get to his agenda in his quest for Putrajaya. It is morally wrong in the first place for representatives to make personal decision to enrich themselves at the expense of the voters' trust. The Bota assemblyman should go hang himself as he has shown the true mentle of a katak. This writer believes Najib will be a better choice leading the nation out of the turmoil of the current economic crisis. Maybe this will the the starting of the end again for Anwar?

For his beloved state of Perak, this writer is impress how the ruler handled the situation. Exact to the requirements, the ruler, my Sultan, is only enforcing the ruling that the party that commands the confidence of the majority will rule. May Perak always have a ruler like Sultan Azlan Shah and to the likes of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the standard benchmark for all modern constitutional monarch. It is wise now for all to listen to what is long coming and stop all politicking once and for all. The rakyat has been victimized enough. Trust is no longer the essense with this idiotic politicians.

Indeed, a rejection of communal politics

2009-01-19T00:12:00.004+08:00

My say.....

Lim Guan Eng struck a chord when he said that the win in Kuala Terengganu by-election is the rakyat accepting Pakatan's policies. He is only partially right, as the underlining factor is that communal and race-based has time and again been rejected today. This is the message that the educated rakyat today wants to relay to Barisan Nasional.

As much as Barisan still stick to the time-tested policies of creating jobs and development, this is to be rejected because of their own follies. When the jobs came, it went back to cronies and racial selection processes again. Little wonder why many non-Malays especially shuns now everything that even has a hint of racial undertones. A very clear example is the Armed Forces and Police are facing a torrid time in getting non-Malays recruitements. Even government sectors are becoming lopsided with only one race dominating the scene. With racial selection, we are not giving our best and brightest a chance! So how does one progress from there when the best are sidelined? The message is clear: enough is enough! For too long we have endured the agony even tiny Singapore outshines us in all fields. The fact is that, Singapore recruited our best talents right under our nose! Even Thailand now is progressing in leaps and bounds because of communal overtone rejection. Malaysia could only move forward as Malaysians and not Malays, Chinese and Indians. Najib Razak better have this in the final analysis and equation when they do a post-mortem on why they lost Kuala Terengganu. As for Pakatan Rakyat, congratulations again! You played all the right cards bar one, the hudud issue!

Sunday January 18, 2009

Hadi credits Pakatan for victory

KUALA TERENGGANU: PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said he had expected the party to win the Kuala Terengganu by-election.

“This was due to the cooperation between DAP, PKR and PAS under the Pakatan Rakyat umbrella,” he said, adding that the results showed voters were ready for a paradigm shift in the country’s political landscape.

On the Chinese voters apparently returning their support to Barisan Nasional in the by-election, Abdul Hadi denied this was the case.

He downplayed any significance in the Chinese votes going to Barisan Nasional.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said the win showed the people’s acceptance of Pakatan’s policies. (emphasis mine)

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/18/nation/3056361&sec=nation

Maintenance Cost for Selangor's Proton Perdana

2009-01-17T05:30:00.004+08:00

My say....

Firstly an excerpt from today's The Star Newspaper :

“We are replacing the Perdana cars as their maintenance cost is extremely high.

“For example, records show that the Perdana car that I used as my official car costs the state government RM93,000 in annual maintenance,” he said.

“The car used by my colleague Yaakob Safari cost RM110,000 in annual maintenance. The annual maintenance cost of the other official Perdana cars averaged RM60,000 each,’’ he said.

Liu said the Camry cars were value for money as they would cost much lesser in maintenance.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/1/16/central/3034988&sec=central

The one that has the writer scratching his head is, how could annual maintenance reach up to RM93,000 and in some respect even higher? This would pay for a new Perdana within two years! This if baffling. Eon has already stated that the vehicles inspection and replacement of parts were never done by their authorised workshops which contributes to the exhorbitant costs. Putting two and two together, obviously some form of hanky-panky is indeed involved. Let's get to the bottom of this and weed out this rubbish. Telling the names of the workshops the Perdanas were sent to would be a good start. We know the councillors basically have an open cheque book for anything out of the norm (qualify: anything outside the established state administration guidelines) where statement government's coffer is concerned. The maintenance payment is but one of it!

For PKR's side, obviously it looks like a good move. But purchasing Camrys may show that they are starting to go on a spending spree with the Rakyat's money. It would be no different if they purchased a new fleet of Mercedes Benzes. This writer would think making use of existing assets would have been a better call rather than dumping now the existing Perdanas. This is unlike what PKR's manisfesto states that they are going for a clean or efficient state government. They should at least try out the Eon authorised workshops (which boldly states that maintenance would easily reduced up to 60% of the stated cost currently) first before even contemplating purchasing new cars with the current economic situation. This writer still remembers clearly Anwar Ibrahim's statement that they are trying to go vis-a-vis with the current federal administration to tackle the potential explosive economic climate after he failed to take over Putrajaya. If this is what he meant by tackling the economic situation, it is way off target as far as his collegues are concerned! Indeed, cakap tak serupa bikin!

Also, it would be good for Pak Lah's administration to check what was going on with Khir Toyo's previous administration when they were helming the state goverment. From the Perdana fiasco to Mercedes. As it is, Khir Toyo should be given the broom too, much less the Youth's post!

Here comes the mudslinging followed later by non-action

2009-01-16T17:25:00.005+08:00

My say....

Following my post on 14th January entitled "Latest testbed for ACA in Khir Toyo's case", here comes the mudslinging. Later, this whole sorry episode will die a quiet death without the perpetrator hauled to court. Mark this writer's words. So much for Pak Lah's vaunted call for a clean government it would seem.

Of particular interest is how Khir Toyo still expresses that the Mercedes is new and that Khalid Ibrahim should use it. How does Khir know much about the Merc if he had never used it? Trying to push the buck over to the new MB? Also, why bring Khalid Ibrahim's Lexus into the scene now? Petty politicians' way of dragging the quarrel isn't it? C'mon Khir, own up now...you never asked KDEB to purchase, but would they dare to do it without your expressed permission? This is, afterall, a purchase of above RM1 million with proper procedure of procurement to follow we believe!

2009/01/15

Lexus is my own, says Khalid

By : Mazlinda Mahmood

SHAH ALAM: It's Mercedes vs Lexus. Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo versus Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Yesterday, Dr Khir denied approving the purchase of a Mercedes S350L worth almost RM1 million for his personal use, using Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad's (KDEB) funds when he was Selangor menteri besar.

He then questioned why Khalid had not stopped KDEB from buying another luxury car, a Lexus 460, also worth almost RM1 million for Khalid's use as the new chairman of the company after Khalid became the menteri besar.

"I have never approved the purchase (of the Mercedes). The KDEB board of directors bought the car for the use of its chairman to entertain the company's overseas clients.

"I never asked KDEB to purchase the car for my personal use and have never used it. That's why no one has seen me using the car."
Dr Khir was responding to a press statement by Khalid's political secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad on Tuesday that he had approved the purchase of the Mercedes for his exclusive use and the state government had to bear the extravagant cost.

"He questioned the Mercedes which was purchased four years ago. Why didn't he, as the new chairman object to the purchase of the Lexus?" questioned Dr Khir.

He said the Lexus should not have been bought as the Mercedes was still in very good condition as it was rarely used, especially in light of the economic situation.

"Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim promised there would be no new cars or office renovation during a gathering in conjunction with 100 days' of Pakatan Rakyat being in office.

"Why go against his orders, or was Anwar lying?"

In an immediate response, Khalid denied the purchase of the Lexus by KDEB.

He said the state-owned company had not bought a new car for its chairman.

"The Lexus I'm using now is my own which I bought with my own money before the election and I don't even need to use the state car. I think it is stupid to make such a statement; it is a cheap statement."

Khalid is currently using a Lexus RX350 which he bought in July 2007.

"People knew that I'd been using the car when I was campaigning in Ijok and Bandar Tun Razak. How can KDEB be nice enough to give me the car even before I was the menteri besar?

"He (Dr Khir) should check his facts first. I have no intention to abuse my power as KDEB chairman."

Source : http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/National/2453464/Article/index_html

Again an example of what was taken in the right spirit context turned legalistic

2009-01-16T17:20:00.004+08:00

Thankfully a straight forward concurrence by His Majesty.....

2009/01/15

Tun Dr Ismail's reminder ignored, says Raja Nazrin

By : R. Sittamparam

KUALA LUMPUR: No one will oppose the New Economic Policy if it was implemented according to the original plan, which neither enriches nor marginalises any group.

Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah said if the spirit of the NEP as drawn up by its architects the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, had prevailed, no particular group would feel it was losing out or being deprived of its rights.

Speaking at the close of the 3rd Islamic Economic Congress here yesterday, Raja Nazrin said the NEP was formulated with the objective of restructuring society to even out the economic disparity between different races.

"Today, the NEP, which is fundamentally good and genuine, is criticised, with calls to bury it all due to the slip-ups at its implementation."

He said criticisms against the NEP had stemmed from the Malay community having ignored Dr Ismail's recommendations at the close of the 2nd Islamic Economic Congress.
"Tun Dr Ismail's reminder that beneficiaries of special rights (under the NEP) be modest and closely adhere to regulations in upholding the dignity of the community and Islam, was buried with him after his death in 1973.

"In ignoring that valuable reminder, the community has brought about this catastrophe (in relation to the NEP) upon its race and religion."

Raja Nazrin said whatever resolutions drawn up at the present congress could only be implemented if the community comes together in the interest of safeguarding its honour and the country's dignity.

It would also reflect on whether the Malay community was still too dependent on government assistance or was becoming strong enough to stand on its own.

"If the government's role is important to the community, then it is important that there is a strong and stable government.

"The government should also possess a background of high understanding and sympathy towards the community to ensure its continued progress."

Raja Nazrin also spoke on the importance of maintaining records of proceedings and resolutions of the Islamic Economic Congress and Bumiputra Economic Congress.

Source : http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/National/2454440/Article/index_html

Latest testbed for ACA in Khir Toyo's case

2009-01-14T10:33:00.005+08:00

My say...

This is the situation: Khir Toyo is accused by PKR of purchasing a Mercedes S350L during his tenure as MB of Selangor. Coming from none other than the political secretary of the present MB, one can only assume he has gotten his hands on some evidence or documents from the MB's office to make such a brash statement. But then again, who can forget the allegations of Khir's people shredding important documents within the MB's office when he knew he has lost the election and his portfolio of MB along with it? Why must Khir do that and that the OSA offence was not even imputed against him? Surely then, the rakyat can deduced, he must have a lot of dirt to cover from his tenure.

Of course, the verbal jaustling and brickbats will fly in the next few days' headlines. Whilst this is good for news & media sensationalism, what is more pertinent is if Khir is indeed found guilty, then let justice be mete out for once. Can this be achieved? If he has proven corrupted, then charge him. The rakyat's guesses are, and not surprisingly so, that the issue will eventually die down and Khir will get away scot-free. This will happen more so if he gets to secure the UMNO youth chief's post. Of course, this writer is by no means accusing Khir of being corrupted unless it is proven otherwise. Let Justice runs it course. That's what the aim of this particular blog piece is.

Let this be a testbed before Pak Lah leaves the office, will the big fishes still get away with corruption? Can Pak Lah leave a legacy that the Anti-Corruption Agency can once and for all be reformed and do their job without interference? One can only hope!

2009/01/14

Khir bought a Mercedes, says political secretary

SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo had approved the purchase of a Mercedes S350L worth almost RM1 million for his personal use with funds from Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad when he was Selangor menteri besar.

This resulted in the state having to bear the extravagant purchase, said Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the political secretary to Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

He was responding to Dr Khir's statement who said that the RM2 million purchase of 15 Toyota Camry cars showed that the Pakatan Rakyat leaders were more concerned about their needs than the welfare of Selangor people.

The opposition leader also questioned why the purchase was not made through an open tender and the state government should focus on fulfilling their election manifesto.

In a statement yesterday, Nik Nazmi said the open tender was not used because the cars were bought at market price for RM130,000 each.

The state government received its fleet of Camry cars on Friday.

As for the state's Proton Perdana V6 cars, those below two years old would be retained and used as pool cars.

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/National/2452641/Article/index_html

Aren't the oppositions all confused?

2009-01-10T00:45:00.003+08:00

My say.....

With reference to my blog on 8th January, I would have like to say "I told you so..." but the truth is, when the lawmakers and powers to be are confused, it is the rakyat that suffers. In this case, the non-Muslim still holds out that common sense will prevail over the hudud implementation. It is already said, do not patronized the non-Muslims for not knowing the Law and how Hudud or Syariah for that matter will eventually supersede the Constitutional-enshrined rights of every Malaysian citizen.

Anwar Ibrahim is a smart chap trying to placate the disintegrating pact of fellow political bed partners that he has. But he is daft when it comes to the Rakyat's evaluation of him nowadays. At what cost to those who trusted him with their votes now that he is hellbent to have Hudud as part of the system? Can we ever believe him again for changing his tune consistantly? Are they even fit to govern this country? One thing this writer is very thankful, is that Karpal Singh is the only one who has cojones to stand his ground throughout this matter! Kudos Karpal!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Friday January 9, 2009

Karpal hits out at Anwar over statement on hudud law

KUALA LUMPUR: Karpal Singh has lashed out at PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim saying his assertion that hudud laws apply only to Muslims is a fallacy.

The DAP national chairman said Anwar’s statement that there was no need to reject hudud law as it was only applicable to Muslims was diametrically opposed to PAS’ avowed aim to turn Malaysia into an Islamic state.

»It is important for Anwar to know exactly what PAS intends to do« KARPAL SINGH

“This has been PAS’ stand from its inception as is clearly reflected by the statements by former and present leaders of PAS,” he said in a statement yesterday.

He noted that PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat was quoted late last month as saying: “I cannot see why they (non-Muslims) cannot accept hudud laws which are no different from the colonial laws of the West”.

Karpal Singh, who is also Bukit Gelugor MP, said that for hudud laws to be applicable, the prerequisite would be the setting up of an Islamic state where Islamic laws were applicable to both Muslims and non-Muslims.

“It is important for Anwar to know exactly what PAS intends to do in calling for the setting up of an Islamic state,” he said, adding: “Perhaps PAS president Hadi Awang should clear the air as to whether hudud laws intended by PAS are applicable to both Muslims and non-Muslims in the event PAS succeeds in setting up an Islamic state.”

Karpal Singh said Malaysia was not an Islamic state and the passing and implementation of hudud laws would be unconstitutional.

MCA Information and Communication Bureau chief Lee Wei Kiat also hit out at Anwar, saying the Opposition leader’s statement saying that hudud was only for Muslims but at the same time saying that Islamic legislative aspects should not just be confined to Syariah family or civil law was contradictory.

“The statements appear to please different listeners. It still leaves the option of expanding Syariah laws against non-Muslims open,” he said in a statement.

He called on Anwar to respect the country’s parliamentary democracy which included upholding the rights of every Malaysian.

“Our party rejects any form of a theocratic state and hudud laws. MCA would like to reiterate that Anwar should honestly inform voters that hudud laws would not only affect Muslims but also deprive their rights in various aspects of their lives,” he said.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/9/nation/2980311&sec=nation

Pakatan Rakyat's Hudud

2009-01-08T16:01:00.003+08:00

My say....

So DAP now is caught in a bind. They went to the last General Election stating that Hudud will never be implemented and so the rakyat has no worries. How short is their memory nor their ability to defend their words. Their commander in chief, Anwar Ibrahim, has just shut DAP's objections effectively in today's The Star article.

Anwar may not realise that if Hudud is implemented, it does not only involve the Muslims. It will set the precedent that the Syariah courts will probably supercede the civil courts as final arbitrator for justice. This is wrong if we are still considered a country of "berbilang bangsa". Who is to know tomorrow that some non-muslims will not be flogged for khalwat cases or hands will not be chopped off ? Can Anwar, Kit Siang, Karpal or even Hadi Awang guarantees that?

Mahathir Mohamed, as a last act of defiance because of his inability to make the non-Malays buy his concept of Islam, swiftly stated that Malaysia is an Islamic country during his last days in office. He must have been desperate to leave an indelible mark of his administration that he has done something in the name of Islam. This was done, as far as this writer could remember, without consultation with other component leaders. That the other non-Malay component dare not even squeak, speaks of how strong the "charisma" of Mahathir then. The rakyat knows they were afraid of losing their status or job for that matter. MCA recognised that they had not dared to spoke out then and are now paying the price in the aftermath of the last Election. The leaders' sold out the non-Muslim communities' trust then. Mahathir said he is using the loosest possible term of the term Islamic in this particular case after the September 11th tragedy. And true to nature, 8 years later, we have now a legal boundry that Malaysia is and slowly switching to orthodox Islamic country if Anwar's admitance is anything to go by. This was the danger highlighted many times in this writer's blog that what is accepted in spirit will eventually turned dogmatic.

So now Anwar has effectively shut out DAP. He claimed now that Malaysia is an Islamic country and that DAP's objection are of no consequence. Mark this writer's words. We now have racial tension at its highest in Pak Lah's reign. If another racial clash comes to being, Malaysia will go under. If this is democracy as claimed practised by Pakatan Rakyat; a big Thank you to your disservice then!

Thursday January 8, 2009

PKR will not reject hudud

KUALA TERENGGANU: PKR will not reject outright PAS’ plan to implement hudud law, said its de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He also dismissed Karpal Singh’s remark that such legislation was unconstitutional, saying that the DAP chairman was making a general statement.

He said there was no need to reject the proposal as it was only applicable to Muslims.

What was needed, said Anwar, was an in depth discussion among Pakatan Rakyat partners on contentious issues which had resurfaced following a debate between PAS vice-president Datuk Husam Musa and Umno Youth deputy head Khairy Jamaluddin.

“Hudud is not something new. There is allocation for it in Islam. This is what PAS has been saying all along, that it is solely for the Muslims,” he told reporters after launching the PKR main operation room for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election yesterday.

According to Anwar, all opposition parties understood Islam and that its legislative aspects should not just be confined to Syariah family or civil law.

Describing himself as a practising Muslim, Anwar stressed there was no blanket answer on hudud and that he would not emulate what former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad did, which was to oppose and reject outright hudud law when PAS first proposed it without fully understanding the issue.

He said detailed discussions on the issue could clear the air.

He also urged all dissenting voices to study the specific proposal and its provisions closely before opening their mouths.

Anwar also hit out at the media for attacking PAS over the hudud proposal and conveniently forgetting that it was the government that had declared Malaysia an Islamic nation.

“I do not understand why the media is harping on it. It is a non-issue in this by-election. The bigger issues are the policies of Barisan in contrast to what Pakatan is trying to do. That should be the focus,” he said.

He also said the alliance between the opposition parties was developing into a compact front despite the media’s reports on rifts in their pact over certain governance and political policies.

“We are not Barisan Nasional where supposedly Umno dictates and others just follow. We practice democracy,” said Anwar.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/8/kuala_terengganu/2966643&sec=kuala_terengganu

also,

“Malaysia an Islamic State” - Now Pak Lah says it, in a threatening manner

My first question for the first day of the budget Parliamentary meeting which started yesterday asked the Prime Minister whether on the occasion of 50th Merdeka anniversary, the Cabinet will reaffirm the Merdeka social contract and Malaysia Agreement that Malaysia is a secular state with Islam as the official religion but not an Islamic state.

The question was placed No. No. 24 out of 28 questions - no chance whatsoever to get answered during the 90-minute question session which saw only the first 10 questions answered.

It was a very simple and straightforward question which would have found favour and support from the first three Prime Ministers, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Razak and Tun Hussein who were publicly committed to the Merdeka social contract and Malaysia Agreement that Malaysia is a secular state with Islam as the official religion but not an Islamic State.

In his written answer, the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has broken ranks with the first three Prime Ministers on this fundamental issue and has now come out into the public to give support to his deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Razak declare that Malaysia was an Islamic state - and in an unusually threatening manner which seemed to presage repressive times ahead.

This is the Q & A on Abdullah’s reply:

Tuan Lim Kit Siang (Ipoh Timur) minta Perdana Menteri menyatakan sempena Ulang Tahun Kemerdekaan Ke 50, adakah Kabinet akan berikrar semula kontrak sosial merdeka dan Perjanjian Malaysia bahawa Malaysia ialah sebuah negara sekular dengan Islam sebagai agama rasmi dan bukan sebuah negara Islam (Islamic State).

Perdana Menteri -

Semakin dekat kita menghampiri ulangtahun kemerdekaan negara yang ke 50, semakin kerap kita mendengar pihak Pembangkang mempersoalkan isu seperti kontrak sosial dan status Malaysia sebagai sebuah negara Islam ataupun sekular. Walaupun telah beberapa kali penjelasan saya berikan, namun isu ini tetap dibangkitkan, sehingga menyebabkan saya membuat kesimpulan, bahawa ianya sengaja dipanjangkang untuk kepentingan politik pihak Pembangkang. Oleh itu, saya berdiri di Dewan yang mulia pada hari ini untuk menjawab isu ini dengan sejelas-jelasnya, agar isu ini tidak dipanjangkan sehingga menimbulkan ketidakselesaan di kalangan penduduk pelbagai kaum di Malaysia.

Seperti yang telah saya nyatakan sebelum ini, Malaysia bukanlah sebuah negara sekular ataupun negara teokratik. Malaysia adalah sebuah negara Islam, yang ditadbir berlandaskan prinsip-prinsip Islam, dan pada masa yang sama, berpegang teguh kepada prinsip-prinsip demokrasi berparlimen yang berpandukan kepada undang-undang tertinggi negara, iaitu Perlembagaan Persekutuan.

Prinsip Islam yang saya maksudkan di sini dapat dilihat melalui pendekatan Islam Hadhari yang telah saya perkenalkan. Di bawah pendekatan Islam Hadhari, kerajaan memberi penekanan kepada pembangunan yang menjurus kepada pembinaan peradaban dan memberi fokus kepada usaha mempertingkatkan mutu kehidupan melalui penguasaan ilmu, pembangunan insan, kesihatan dan fizikal. Pendekatan Islam Hadhari adalah satu panduan kepada Kerajaan dalam melaksanakan tanggungjawabnya dengan adil dan saksama kepada semua rakyat Malaysia. Pendekatan Islam Hadhari ini juga memenuhi keperluan untuk mengekalkan keharmonian di kalangan penduduk yang berbilang kaum dan berbilang agama di negara kita ini.

Pemakaian pendekatan Islam Hadhari, bagaimanapun, tidak bermakna kita adalah sebuah negara teokratik. Kerajaan yang saya pimpin adalah sebuah kerajaan yang berasaskan kepada prinsip demokrasi berparlimen dan bertanggungjawab kepada Parlimen. Pada masa yang sama, Kabinet terdiri dari menteri-menteri yang beragama Islam, Buddha, Hindu, Kristian dan lain-lain, sama-sama bermuafakat membincang dan menghasilkan dasar-dasar pembangunan negara. Kerajaan sentiasa memberi perhatian dan menjaga kepentingan rakyat, termasuk memastikan setiap seorang penganut agama bebas untuk mengamalkan ajarannya sendiri. Semua pihak mendapat bantuan daripada Kerajaan sama ada masjid, surau, kuil atau gereja. Pembangunan negara telah dilaksanakan dengan adil, tanpa menindas mana-mana kaum atau agama. Sebenarnya, inilah juga yang dimaksudkan oleh YAB Timbalan Perdana Menteri ketika beliau menyatakan bahawa Malaysia adalah sebuah negara Islam.

Cara pemerintahan sebeginilah yang telah dipakai oleh Kerajaan Malaysia selama lebih 50 tahun lamanya. Formula unik ini telahpun diuji dengan jayanya dan saya tidak nampak kenapa Kerajaan yang dibentuk seperti ini tidak boleh diteruskan pada masa hadapan. Saya juga menolak hujah bahawa ia adalah bertentangan dengan kontrak sosial yang telah dirunding sesama pemimpin kita dahulu. Kita perlu mengingati bahawa Perlembagaan Persekutuan telah berjaya digubal atas sikap tolak ansur dan kerjasama yang ditunjukkan oleh ketiga-tiga kaum terbesar di negara ini sewaktu menuntut kemerdekaan, dan ianya mengandungi artikel yang mengambil kira keperluan pelbagai kaum untuk hidup dengan aman-damai. Contohnya, walaupun agama Islam menjadi agama rasmi Persekutuan, penganut agama-agama lain adalah bebas mengamalkan agama masing-masing. Pemakaian prinsip-prinsip Islam dalam pentadbiran negara, seperti yang telah saya nyatakan tadi, tidak sesekali mengubah kontrak sosial atau asas Perlembagaan kita.

Kerajaan sememangnya memberikan ruang kepada pelbagai pihak untuk bersuara. Namun amat salah sekali sekiranya ada pihak yang menyangka bahawa ruang tersebut tiada batasnya. Bukannya menjadi maksud Kerajaan untuk menyekat kebebasan menyuarakan pendapat, tetapi sebarang perbuatan atau kata-kata yang boleh membangkitkan emosi atau perasaan marah antara kaum di Malaysia sememangnya melampaui kebebasan yang dibenarkan. Kita mesti sedar bahawa terlalu banyak yang dipertaruhkan di sini — kestabilan ekonomi, politik dan sosial semuanya akan musnah sekiranya sensitiviti keagamaan atau perkauman tidak diambilkira. Oleh itu, Kerajaan tidak akan teragak-agak mengambil tindakan undang-undang sekiranya ada pihak yang cuba mengambil kesempatan dan menyalahgunakan kebebasan bersuara yang telah diberikan.

Sempena kita menyambut ulangtahun kemerdekaan negara yang ke-50 ini, saya menyeru agar kita semua memperbaharui semangat cintakan negara dan bukannya mencari ruang untuk mempolitikkan sesuatu yang telah diterima pakai dari dahulu lagi. Kita mesti mendahulukan keperluan menyatupadukan rakyat, dan bukannya menimbulkan isu yang hanya menimbulkan ketegangan sesama kita.

Source : http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2007/08/28/malaysia-an-islamic-state-now-pak-lah-says-it-in-a-threatening-manner/

also from International Herald Tribune : http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/05/12/news/malaysia.php

Good reminder to Pakatan Rakyat Defacto Leader

2008-12-28T13:57:00.004+08:00

His say....

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said Manikavasagam should resign as MP if he quits the PKR. "People elected him based on the party he was representing. It is only right that he gives-up the position when he leaves PKR." said Abdul Hadi after launching the party's membership drive in Shah Alam

Source : The Star, Nation, 28 December, p. N6

It would be excellent if Abdul Hadi would tell his wayward partner, the power-crazy Anwar Ibrahim to do as what he preaches. Stop urging people to defect. It is immoral!

RIP His Highness Tuanku Jaafar Tuanku Abdul Rahman

2008-12-28T13:50:00.006+08:00

Al-Fatihah
Tuanku Jaafar Tuanku Abdul Rahman
(July 19, 1922 - December 27, 2008)

Deepest condolence to royal family of the Negeri Sembilan Benevolent Ruler who passed away on 27 December 2009. This writer remembers him as a humble and devoted ruler to the plight of all Malaysians when He was our Yang DiPertuan Agong. May Allah S.W.T. bless his soul to rest in peace.

Smart man Zaid Ibrahim

2008-12-03T13:59:00.002+08:00

My say...

Zaid Ibrahim was sacked from UMNO yesterday. This maybe playing right into the smart man's game plan because now he could come clean and get everything off his chest and put UMNO's dirty linen out openly. Zaid was openly asking to be sacked when he said "they still have not sacked me yet" in yet another political function done by the opposition.

Yes, there are policies against attending the opposition's functions. But this writer thinks UMNO did not think fully through and it is helping fuel Anwar Ibrahim's plans of capturing more MPs to his side.

Bad move Pak Lah and UMNO, period!

Royalty's call

2008-11-27T09:17:00.000+08:00

His Highness says....

Thursday November 27, 2008

Tunku Naquiyuddin: Restore royal privilege to safeguard constitution

By IZATUN SHARI

KUALA LUMPUR: The Regent of Negri Sembilan, Tunku Naquiyuddin Tuanku Ja’afar, has called on royal immunity to be reinstated so the constitutional monarchy can be restored to its full sovereignty.

He said that if the Ruler were to exercise his duties in a fair, just and impartial manner to protect the Federal Constitution, his sovereignty needed to be protected too.

He said the restoration would enable the constitutional monarchy to play a more fitting role in the 21st century as guardian of the Federal Constitution.

This was so the endeavour to safeguard the interests of all communities, promote peace, prosperity, economic security and good governance could be fulfilled, he said.

“This full immunity from civil and criminal proceedings should be reconsidered so that he is on par with other constitutional monarchs around the world,” he said in his royal luncheon address on “The Role of the Constitutional Monarchy in 21st Century Malaysia” here yesterday.

He said there should be guidelines where immunity should not be given to rulers who physically abused the people.

“Bring back the immunity, debate it and define it. Let us be on par with other constitutional monarchies,” he said.

Tunku Naquiyuddin said it was ironic that judges were immune in the performance of their judicial functions but Rulers were not.

He said the loss of immunity was perhaps the single biggest setback to the institution of the Ruler.

Amendments to the Federal Constitution in 1983 and 1993, which dealt with royal assent to bills and privileges of immunity respectively led to the constitutional crisis.

“Sovereignty and immunity have always been symbiotic. It really becomes nonsensical that a sovereign Ruler can be taken to court for trying to protect the best interests of the nation and the people,” Tunku Naquiyuddin said.

He said a Ruler was a personage who had the keen sense of what the rakyat wanted.

He added that a lot of people were grateful that the country had Rulers to intervene in matters of interest because they did not want them messed up by politicians.

“Politicians have a lot of self-interest and self-motivation, greed and corruption. Rulers become some sort of referee to instinctively come in to safeguard the constitution,” he said.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/27/nation/2660796&sec=nation

Dont agree with the caption but aisey mann... she speaks the right thing

2008-11-25T12:17:00.001+08:00

Her say.....

Angkasawan did the right thing

RECENTLY, our first astronaut made the news again, “Angkasawan admits accepting contributions, denies demanding payment,” (The Star, Nov 17).

Firstly, if it is true that Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha did accept payment, I think he is justified in receiving it and in keeping every cent of it.

Secondly, I may be in the minority but my reservations in 2006 about the Government’s decision to send a Malaysian into space still holds. Malaysia may be a rich country compared to some of its neighbours, but it can ill-afford spending several million ringgit for this purpose.

It was stated in 2006, by the Science, Technology and Innovations Ministry that sending a man into space would further motivate our school childrens’ interest in science and technology.

We do not need to send someone into space to motivate and interest our children in the sciences.

What we could and should have done was to spend the millions on our education system and policies.

When a child enters primary school, he should be introduced to the sciences in an engaging and lively manner.

He then sees how science plays an enormous part in our daily lives, on earth as well as in outer space.

Simultaneously, extra-curricular subjects could include astronomy activities led by teachers or volunteers from knowledgeable parents or the general public.

Then, with access to high powered binoculars or telescopes, they can organise supervised viewing of the night sky to look at the various constellations.

At secondary school and university level, students should be encouraged to read sciences or science/engineering-based courses rather than doing the so-called soft subjects.

Thus the Education Ministry must set aside an enhanced and dedicated budget, supplemented by money that could have been sidelined from the space programme.

In 2006 it was touted that the space training programme would not cost the Treasury a single sen. Furthermore, the programme was provided free of charge as part of an offset programme for the purchase pf Sukhoi fighter aircraft from Russia.

It is naive for the Government to think that there is such a thing as a free lunch.

Everything has its strings and conditions and it is obvious that the purchase of the fighter jets is revealing as it is contentious.

It might have been a cheaper option to send a Malaysian as a space tourist than be tied down by agreements which form part of a defence contract.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar has fulfilled his obligations in going to space.

He has undergone countless psychometric tests, rigorous physical training and been subjected to G-forces that most of us wouldn’t even dare think of and fewer still would want to endure.

He has put Malaysia on the map and continues to spread the interest in space to our schoolchildren.

And why should he not reap the benefits of his expertise and experience?

He has spotted a niche in the market. He satisfies the need of those who hunger for his exploits in space.

He is enlightening the minds of our children and youth to the limitless horizon of the universe and the competitive and exciting world of space exploration.

If other Nasa astronauts have travelled the earth to give similar lectures, who are we to deny him the same? I wish him good luck and may he inspire more of us in the study of the cosmos.

MARIAM MOKHTAR,

Ipoh.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/25/focus/2632474&sec=focus

Wanita UMNO's post catfight

2008-11-22T17:06:00.004+08:00

My say...

Now that Shahrizat Abdul Jalil has voiced her intention to challenged Rafidah Aziz for the UMNO Wanita's post, this writer fears that Shahrizat may have been lulled into the same trap Anwar Ibrahim experienced when he challenged the wily Mahathir Mohammed for UMNO presidency. Shahrizat will do well to remember that Anwar finally blamed his supporters' impatience and his political inexperience to gauge the voices of the delegates. Delegates are turncoats whenever things are not progressing as they wished. Its a strange thing politics. Anwar has since then been banished into political wilderness and now a wash-out and proven liar incapable of delivering promises. This writer has no hesitant to believe that UMNO will come back stronger to wrestle all the other states back in the next General Election.

Rafidah has nothing to lose as she has already stated her intention to leave by June next year. If she loses, she will just pack her bags and leave, at least knowing that she had put up a good fight. Now that push comes to shove, I think Rafidah will have the edge to remove this impatient upstart once and for all. Mind you, her loyalists still controls a majority of the delegates by any means. By throwing every caution to the wind, Shahrizat has even dishonored her word. She did mention time and again she will not challenge in public media. If she had said she made the comments in duress and had not the strength to resist at any particular time, she has indeed just declared herself incompetent and a weak-willed leader. She will face a long and tumultous reign if ever she wins Wanita's top post surrounded by sharks.

This writer is never a supporter of Rafidah ever since the AP permit fiasco bursts into the scene. She should have resigned there and then. Indeed, she has overstayed her welcome. But due to the novice moves of her deputies, she will remain really a force to reckon for a long time to come. And congratulations to Kamilia Ibrahim. She seems the brightest of the lot after managed to egg Shahrizat to go for it! Kamilia may have even supplied Shahrizat the final nail to the latter's coffin, politically speaking. She is now shoo in for the Deputy and who knows soon for the top post against such a dishonored, novice and easily swayed Shahrizat if, and only if, Shahrizat wins.

Claims gone wrong

2008-11-20T00:16:00.004+08:00

My say.....

Sometimes in the hurry to praise a particular person or race, other human beings will go to many extents without checking the fact. This case taken from thestar.com.my below highlighted one example of this. The proponent did not study history that what Mahathir Mohamed did was only borrowed and improvised somewhat the Roosevelt's New Deal economic policy as an astute answer to the prolonging Great Depression witnessed in the late 20s all the way to the 40s. Another aspect that the proponent tried hard selling was Mahathir was a Malay when in actual fact he is from a linage of Indian-Malay mix. In short Mahathir is a mamak. Another prime example is Tony Fernendes' AirAsia which is nothing more than just a Southwest airline wannabe, albeit Tony never claimed to be his brainchild. If they have checked, budget airlines has its roots with Freddie Laker, which thankfully, Tony did acknowledge.

This writer has nothing against the Malays nor their creative ability having witnessed how the local youths especially thinks and what makes them tick. They are in many aspects very good. As for Mr Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, please check your facts.

Malay leadership recognised in the world

> The fact that the United States has taken steps similar to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s economic formula in tackling the 1997 financial crisis proves that Malay leadership is recognised in the world, reported Sinar Harian.

Felcra chairman Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said the economic formula introduced by the former prime minister was a success after Malaysia’s economy recovered without the need to borrow money from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

Other News & Views is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a sub-heading, it denotes a separate news item.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/19/nation/2582545&sec=nation

More reading : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_deal

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddie_Laker

Notable Quote

2008-11-09T15:03:00.002+08:00

His say.....

"I used to support Pakatan," declared Zainol Abidin, 50 (aka Mahaguru58). " I felt we needed a change. I expected change. Now they have taken over five states and there is no change. So I am aligning myself to no one, not the Barisan, and I will whack Anwar (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) left, right and blue!"

Source : Sunday Star, 9 November 2008, pullout on Focus: Windmills of political change p. F27

What is interesting here is that it would nearly have been a case of too little too late if Anwar Ibrahim and his motley bunch has gotten into Putrajaya as per this blogger Mahaguru58. Reformasi? what reformasi?

Fatherly reminder

2008-11-05T18:28:00.002+08:00

His Majesty, my Sultan says......

Published: Wednesday November 5, 2008 MYT 4:13:00 PM

Perak Sultan warns against extreme political actions

By IVAN LOH

KUALA KANGSAR: All extreme and excessive political actions must cease immediately for the sake of the country's well-being, Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah said.

He said the country’s peace must not be sacrificed because of certain leaders’ political ambitions.

He said this after receiving a memorandum from Gagasan Melayu Perak president Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Helmi Ismail, who pledged their loyalty to the Sultan at the Istana Iskandariah on Wednesday.

"The interest of the people who voted for the government needs to be given priority," he said.

Sultan Azlan said although Malaysia was a multi-racial country, the country was still based on the history, political evolution and spirit of nationalism of the Malays.

He stressed that the Malays needed an assurance to ensure their status as natives as enshrined in the Federal Constitution was not threatened.

He also said that the rights of other races are protected and acknowledged under the Constitution.

"It is the understanding and agreement under the social contract that enables the country to be successful, harmonious and stable," he said.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/5/nation/20081105161115&sec=nation

Zaid Ibrahim on his take on Ketuanan Melayu

2008-11-03T22:36:00.003+08:00

My say...

It takes guts to stand for what one believes. Whilst I had reservation about Zaid Ibrahim when he was appointed Law Minister, his conviction and his actions that followed suit has won my admiration and I dare say many Malaysians as well. The three UMNO supreme council members should walk the same mile first as a poor kampung boy who made it good before they dare criticise.

The thrust of his message is that the Malays, if they are confined always to the notion of "has" and "has not" will always find it difficult to be successful. "Has" being the elite and "has not" being the rest of the Malays. The matter is also compounded when it is always utilizing successful Chinese to be compared with. Even then, not all Chinese are rich and successful today as rightly pointed out by the Sabahan MPs. The rising number of loan shark activities highlighted will bear witness what the Chinese are going through. When it is turning into a numbers or percentage game, it becomes even worse as we witnessed the current 18% equity stake disputed now. This is because with the continuous growth of the Malay population, the 30% may never be able to be achieved, at least not this millenia. There will always be dispute as the rakyat witnessed the failure of NEP which expired in 1990. The concept of Ketuanan Melayu has indeed be seen as only enriching the rich, the "in-crowd" and the politically favored today. To equate the concept of Ketuanan Melayu and Malay rights is wrong. They are not the same one and all. All other non-bumiputeras are still respecting the Royalty, the National Religion, Education, certain accepted allocations like government jobs, the Malay culture and way of life which is enshrined in the Federal Constitution with regards to Malay rights. On the brighter note, the son of the pioneer of NEP has begin to address this issue. Najib Razak is correct that the Malay rights is not questioned, but whatever that has failed in the concept of NEP that has angered the non-bumis is rightfully removed gradually. Thats a good start!

All Malays need to stand on their own two feet and compete on level playing field. Malays cannot hide behind the concept of Ketuanan Melayu anymore, especially the minority elite. By not opening up the shrinking economy pie, social and communal problem will be the end result. Indeed, it is nothing short of renegading on what was agreed by the forefathers of independent Malaysia. Malays have proven to be capable and successful time and again like in his own testimonial by Zaid. If the Chinese can do it without Government aids, so says Mahathir, why can't the Malay? Food for thoughts then.

Kudos for Zaid Ibrahim then for telling as it is. A brave man indeed!

Published: Monday November 3, 2008 MYT 7:26:00 PM

Zaid not going to apologise for Ketuanan Melayu statement

By IAN McINTYRE

KOTA BARU: Former de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has hit back at three Umno supreme council members for asking him to apologise over remarks that he made about Ketuanan Melayu (Malay supremacy).

Stressing that he would never apologise, Zaid said it was because he loved his Malay race that he recommended open competition be allowed to ensure the race could compete with others in a globalised age.

“I am not surprised by the reaction of some Umno leaders especially since they have an ongoing party election,” he said in a statement on Monday.

“I am a village boy from a poor family, not an aristocrat or royalty. I want to see the Malays succeed in economy and education.”

Zaid said he was not questioning the special rights of Malays as enshrined in the Constitution.

He said the new model that he recommended was based on openness to ensure young Malays closed ranks and cooperated not only with other races in the country but also foreigners.

He named Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Syed Albar, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassin and Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib as the three supreme council members.

Zaid had pointed out recently that the Malay supremacy concept had failed and distracted from the real issues confronting the country.

He said on Monday that he hoped Malays could differentiate between leaders who thought of their interests from those who only used the name of Malays for political mileage.

He said the concept of Malay supremacy had a negative element that was racist and implied that they only wanted to become masters without knowing how to struggle or be responsible.

He added it was not a clear reflection of the race and such an image weakened them.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/3/nation/20081103192431&sec=nation

Comment on AirAsia

2008-11-02T01:51:00.003+08:00

His say...

AIR TRAVEL: Time to reduce surcharge

By : RICHARD TEO, Kota Baru

WHEN the cost of crude oil was escalating at a dizzy pace, AirAsia was quick to implement a fuel surcharge on its flights. It justified the increase by referring to global oil price increases.

However, despite the recent drop in the price of crude oil, AirAsia has been dragging its feet in reducing its fuel surcharge which was based on the global oil price of US$147 (RM529) per barrel. It is still charging a fuel surcharge based on the peak price of oil.

I hope AirAsia revises its price structure in accordance with current oil prices

Source : http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/Letters/2388764/Article/index_html

Ong Tee Keat as the current minister of transport would help the rakyat terribly by mentioning it to his friend when they were in Toulouse to take hold of the delivery of the Airbus. Hope shines eternal!

Real Empowerment

2008-10-31T18:14:00.000+08:00

His Highness says....

Raja Nazrin: Five ways to empower the people

KUALA LUMPUR: The world financial crisis could worsen the divide between rich and poor in Asia, and pose the greatest challenge to the continent, Raja Muda of Perak Raja Nazrin Shah said.

"The single biggest challenge, the dividing line on which its future hinges, is preventing the great global economic crisis from precipitating the great Asian social crisis," he said in his address at the 21st Lawasia Conference 2008, themed "Challenging Asia", at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.

The global financial system, he said, had been severely weakened by mounting losses in impaired and illiquid assets, uncertainty regarding the availability and cost of funding, as well as unwillingness to extend new credit to the wider segments of economy.

"Market confidence has dwindled, leading to the collapse of key financial institutions, which in turn has necessitated wide-scale public intervention and cross-border cooperation to support a more orderly deleveraging process, while minimising the potential risk to global economic growth."

He said it was time for cool heads, steady hands, pragmatism and decisiveness to critically determine the collective security and stability of our people for decades to come, as some were paying the price for the excesses of a few.
Global trade, Raja Nazrin said, created economic growth and a vastly wealthier society, which opened up an unprecedented consumerist hunger.

"Riding on this growth, we have seen new economic powers emerge in just the space of a generation. Nations like China and India stand pounding at the door of the West, wanting a voice, a presence, and recognition of their culture and their values."

Sadly, Raja Nazrin said, they had also engendered an impoverished and disenchanted society.

"It cannot be taken for granted for a building block can very easily become a stumbling block. Diversity is only strength if the unity of the whole, and not the differences, are being emphasised.

"An Asia that degenerates into modern-day tribalism and infighting will pose a danger to itself and to others and this must be avoided at all costs."

Raja Nazrin said it was necessary to hold firmly to the principle of inclusiveness so that no segment of society was disrespected, discredited, disenfranchised, unrecognised or unwanted, causing alienation and hostility.

He said there was no better way to express inclusiveness than through empowerment, which provided opportunities for those who did not walk the corridors of power and who had little say.

"We cannot morally turn our backs on the fundamental responsibility of ensuring that all stakeholders in our society, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, have a place under the sun."

Raja Nazrin listed five sources of empowerment.

The first is to strengthen the rule of law which has the capacity to unite and enfranchise the people of Asia.

The second is greater political participation -- to convert residents into citizens and citizens into stakeholders so that there will be the widest sense of ownership of problems and challenges.

Third is reform of societal "software", consisting of its values and beliefs.

A fourth source of empowerment is information and communications technology which has shortened distances through the Internet and mobile phone, and has radically and dramatically changed lifestyles, leisure and business.

Fifth is education that breaks the chains of oppressive traditions and extremism, paves the way for many to find their way out of poverty, sharpen their competitive edge and share information and knowledge across borders.

Source : http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/National/2389513/Article/index_html

The extremist that is Zulkifli Nordin

2008-10-26T23:30:00.005+08:00

My say...

This MP for Kulim Bandar Baru is getting into his sickening act again. He first gain prominence when he led a group of Islamists to barge into the Bar Council-led convention that aims to spell out the procedure of conversion from Islam.

Zulkifli defended himself against his outburst as well as his aggression stating that he is answerable only to Allah. If that is the reason, this writer wonders why he serves in PKR. He should be better of being a cleric. Secondly, he took a swipe at MCA for their claim of a deputy Prime Minister post for the non-Malay community. He got it wrong in that it is not a swipe against Islam but matter of politics. He indeed does not know his history since the collaboration between all the races when Malaya won independence. He is also showing hypocrisy and a Ketuanan Melayu trend. He said it is ok for non-Bumi to convert but came down hard against the other way around. Yes, the law is against apostasy, but when it is already determined by the courts, Zulkifli should respect the rule of law. For his information, all Malaysians respect the position of Islam as the national religion in spite and despite his arrogance.

Although you may admire his fervency for Islam, in truth he is close to being a militant in his championing for Islam. As far as many Malaysians are concerned, if the ISA is to be applied, it is long time coming for Zulkifli! In today's Star article, we have another idiot named Tian Chua, PKR's information chief, defending him by stating that their stance is in line of Islamic principles. Probably Tian Chua forgot that he is no expert in matters pertaining to teachings of Islam and he sticks out like a sore thumb. All Tian Chua has done is to show that PKR is leaning towards left-wing stance as well as condoning it. Anyway, Tian Chua needs to continue lying to staying relevant to his party since being exposed by his party boss against his non-existence claims (read my previous posting titled "Shooting their mouths?" dated 26 September, 2008). Tian Chua is doing a good job making a fool for himself and he is certainly no representative of the Chinese in the PKR fold. Most Chinese knew Anwar Ibrahim put him there as he is no threat to him, unlike the troublesome DAP, who refuses to be Anwar's lap dog in most instances.

The writer of the New Straits Times newspaper got it right :

Zulkifli Nordin (PKR-Kulim Bandar Baru) once again showed a streak of
intolerance towards other views when he railed against those who he claimed
"belittled Islam", "challenged Malay rights" or even the use of the Jawi script
on road signs.
(Source : NST, Friday, October 24, 2008, p.17)

If Anwar wanted to gain the Federal Government on a multiracial platform, he will do well to keep this firebrand as well as the other Chinese clown in check.

Going for broke?

2008-10-25T22:20:00.005+08:00

My say....

Now that Sharizat Abdul Jalil is securing a lot of nominations to contest for the UMNO Wanita chief's post, she is saying that she will probably consider it, according to today's Star newspaper. Previously, she has been steadfast in her stance not to challenge for the top post of the UMNO Wanita wing.

This writer is of the opinion that Sharizat will change this to a zero-sum game if ever she reconsiders her decision not to defend her deputy's post and go for broke by contesting the chief's position. A few things will go against her in the long run.

Firstly, she will set the precedent of disloyalty in that status quo agreed upon are not to be respected. This in turn will cause all incumbents to be constantly watching their back because whatever agreed upon need not be honored. It lays the foundation for distrust.

Secondly, she will show the world that she is in a hurry to gain the Wanita wing. Afterall, Rafidah Aziz has really earned her stripes and do allow her to exit the political stage in dignity. Sharizat will do well to learn from Anwar Ibrahim's mistake on how he admittedly failed as a politician because he was a deputy in a hurry. Anwar failed as a result of undue pressure from his supporters. He is still left counting the cost til today!

Thirdly, it is only a matter of months to go. Rafidah had already said that she will leave in June next year. Sharizat has already been a loyal deputy thus far, so why not just wait a little longer? She will get the Wanita chief post eventually.

Fourthly, she will cause dissension within the ranks if she goes for it now. In the long run, these actions may be translated to bad blood to the whole Wanita wing between her supporters and that of Rafidah's loyalists. She will inherit not a united Wanita wing, but one rife with dissensions.

Fifthly, she should consolidate her current position now and earn all Wanita wing's loyalty and support. She will need all the Wanita's support to gain back her position as an MP as well as a shoo-in Cabinet Minister post if she regains her MP position. She is not an MP currently, and will be well-advised to concentrate on gaining an MP post first.

Lastly, she is reminded to look at the overall picture. Barisan is now at its lowest ebb. To cause strife now may not be the best in the overall survival for the coalition if they are showing a disunited front.

Its a tough choice between going for it or staying her hand to defend her current deputy position. She should weigh her decision carefully.

Jalan Alor fiasco

2008-10-24T00:16:00.009+08:00

My say...

The latest exercise to rename Jalan Alor to Jalan Kejora has not gone down well with Malaysians. As if to continue to patronize, City Hall deputy director-general Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz is quoted that this will be the last name change. To defend their erroneous decision, they are throwing every explanations possible to defend their renaming of the famous street.

They said that firstly, the name change was done by a selected committee which consists of expert representation by Dewan Bahasa Dan Pustaka, Pos Malaysia, National Archive, NGOs and various government agencies. More pertinently, are the people residing there consulted in the first place? Do they know that changing their addresses in their National Identity card is very tedious and time consuming? Businesses will have to change their business names, when some of the names are already of household repute! Postal address changes always have far-reaching negative consequences than ever with unwarranted late or non-delivery? Tourists themselves are bewildered as to the reason on the change when if it is a landmark name. Knowing a famous name also helps them get around in our ever unreliable taxi operators. Even Federal Territories Minister, Zulhasnan Rafique is left scratching his head as to why this happened. So does it mean a total representation?

Secondly, if it was a number or English names, the changes would have been acceptable. But it is not! This is Jalan Alor and not Jalan Gurney. These experts might as well consider changing the name of the capital of the state of Kedah. Kejora Setar may have a better ring to it in light of what they are doing.

Thirdly, Mohd Amin mentioned that if one person objects to the changing of a name, they will not continue with it. Many Malaysians have already complaint and written in to the media to voice their grouses. So why the hard-nosed decision to continue with the changing of the name?

It is quoted as rebranding. This writer does not see any rebranding experts consulted in this process. We only have academia big-wigs in the Majlis Tindakan Negara doing what they do best without considering the the feeling of those affected there. Any form of losing identity and livelihood is probably ignored.

Fourthly, if we have a lot of money for the exercise, then go ahead by all means. The country is facing a likely recession and now we have so-called experts going around changing names for the sake of name-changing as if their duties, lives or reputation depended on it.

Lastly, if the place is filthy, it really has nothing to do with name-changing exercise. Be focus and spent the relevant money on cleaning up filth and not changing names of well known streets in a laissez-faire conduct. Mind you, this is not an academic exercise!

The Federal Territories Minister will do well to remember that grouses of people is translated to lost votes in the next election. This futile exercise is but a platform towards that. As for the committee in the Majlis Tindakan Negara, they might as well call a goat a horse as far as Malaysians are concerned.

See front page of "Streets pullout" - NST, Oct 23, 2008

No longer in a hurry eh?

2008-10-23T15:46:00.002+08:00

Malaysia Insider says.....

Anwar no longer in a hurry to take power

By Shannon Teoh

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 — Pakatan Rakyat is not in a hurry anymore to take over the federal government, according to opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Amid rising confidence from the Barisan Nasional that the takeover threat from PR is diminishing, Anwar said he would not focus on the element of surprise in the attempt to take power.

“We are not in a terrible hurry. In the current economic downturn we want to engage the government to take the right measures,” Anwar said.

“We are exploring the possibilities with respect to the constitutional process. We are working on it and we need the element of surprise,” he said to explain a lack of any further details.

Anwar, who has missed several deadlines to unseat the government, said in an interview with Bloomberg yesterday that he is running out of options to replace the ruling coalition.

Seven months after reducing the Barisan Nasional’s majority in Parliament in the March general election, he has failed to get BN lawmakers to cross over to the opposition and to table a vote of no confidence in Parliament against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The premier's response has been to accelerate a power handover to his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Razak, according to Bloomberg.

“I’m not saying we have no options left, but I’m saying it’s getting to be much more difficult,” Anwar said in the interview.

However, the former Deputy Prime Minister today rejected the idea that BN was re-establishing itself with the promise of Najib’s leadership after the Umno party polls in March.

“What makes you think they are more supportive of Najib than Abdullah?” was Anwar’s retort.

“To suggest Najib has consolidated his position is an exaggeration. Maybe within Umno but not BN and certainly not with the rakyat.

“This is the first time in history that a Prime Minister-designate is being hounded and haunted by such serious allegations which have gone unanswered.”

Najib has spent the past week fighting off a series of allegations, from his alleged involvement in the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder trial to improprieties in the proposed procurement of helicopters for the Malaysian Armed Forces.

Source : http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/11043-anwar-no-longer-in-a-hurry-to-take-power

Well, he is losing grip and he doesn't want to admit it!

Verdict : Liar Liar!

Against money politics?

2008-10-20T18:27:00.003+08:00

My say....

If UMNO or MCA for that matter really wants to see off money politics, it is advisable that all government contracts are scrutinized and open for tender. For MCA, this writer recalled once that a certain 28 year old Ling Hee Leong, the son of a former MCA president, claimed that he gained four public-listed company on his own merit then. Such utter nonsence.

What is currently the situation is that a lot of government contracts are given due to patronage as well as proxy system. Most tenders are already pre-determined in most cases as far as common sense will tell you. This in turn made those who "won" the contracts to be owing "favors" back to the benefactors. This so-called "open secret" is largely what the rakyat already knows. We can see that when senior government officers and leaders retire, they are immediately promoted to directors, CEOs or even advisors of these conglomerates. Of course, that is for the purpose of having "cable" back to the government for future references and contracts. All these eventually turned into a vicious cycle because the system is self-perpetuating and self feeding on itself. Money, it seems, is the oil that turns the wheel of this patronage and proxy system. Today, most wants to go into politics not to serve, but to enrich themselves.

This can be largely done away with easily with public scrutiny. All tenders are to be published for a certain amount of time and allowed to be challenged legally. Let the best offers or tenderer get their rightful claim. For too long we have RM2 companies holding on to multi-million ringgit projects to the detriment of our economy (with NPLs and what not) and real developments. The way for a level playing field will be cleared. Then for once we have the hope of doing away with money politics.

More readings :

http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/02/23/ling-hee-leong-what-has-happened-to-my-11-year-old-aca-report-over-his-rm12-billion-corporate-wealth/

http://www.mysinchew.com/node/6861?tid=14

The attacks are getting stronger against Khairy

2008-10-20T18:19:00.001+08:00

Their say....

2008/10/19

'Detain Khairy under ISA'

By : Eileen Ng and David Yeow

KUALA LUMPUR: A Perak MCA Youth delegate who had called for Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin to be detained under the Internal Security Act for making racist statements is sticking to his guns.

Ting Tai Fook said he was only voicing what people had been saying about Khairy.

"Am I afraid he will take action against me, seeing how well-connected he is?

"I think he doesn't have a case against me, since what I said is nothing new," he said.

Ting also believed MCA Youth would back him up.
At the MCA Youth assembly on Friday, Ting called Khairy a "political loser" who should be booked under the ISA.

He also wanted former Umno Bukit Bendera division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail to be held under the same act for describing Malaysian Chinese as pendatang (squatters).

He expressed disappointment with the detentions of Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, whom he claimed had done nothing offensive.

"However, people like Khairy and Ahmad can talk all they want and no action was taken against them.

"If we want to use the ISA, let's use it against these people first. Lock them up for two years, let them think through everything they say so they can realise how nonsensical and narrow-minded they are."

Ting said he was opposed to the ISA, which "should be thoroughly reviewed and measures put into place to avoid any abuse".

He said it was incomprehensible for Khairy to question the ratio of government scholarships for Bumiputeras and non-Bumiputeras.

"Already our gifted students are being turned away from many public universities. So, how could he question the scholarship quota?"

Ting said he believed Khairy would lose the race for the Umno Youth chief post at the party's elections in March.

"I believe this irresponsible leader will su dao tuo ku (be badly defeated) at the Umno elections.

"That will be the ultimate embarrassment for him, to see that he is rejected even by his own people.

"After that, may we never hear from such a political loser again."

Source : http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/National/2379611/Article/index_html

Mukhriz Mahathir versus Khairy Jamaluddin

2008-10-18T20:53:00.009+08:00

My say....

Now that his father-in-law has stated that he does not intend to defend his presidential post, Khairy Jamaludin could be left in a lurch. He was never popular with the UMNO Youth and that he ascended to the deputy Youth post on the strength of his father-in-law's name is obvious. Mahathir Mohamed claimed that many Youth aspirants' "kaki telah diikat" when the last Youth nominations was on-going. Many still sees him as having all the trapping of a spoilt brat although he will still obtain some nominations out of gratuity for his father-in-law's patronage or even his own largesse during his tenure in the Youth ranks.

It now seems a mountain to climb to win the Youth post for Khairy. He faces Mukhriz Mahathir who is also the writer's choice of winning the Youth race! What made Mukhriz popular is not that he is the son of the former strongman PM, but indeed he has his own stance. He did not leave UMNO even when his dad left in a huff. Mukhriz has claimed that he will not seek any cabinet post should he win, because he wanted to concentrate his energy on rebuilding and rebranding the UMNO Youth. Mukhriz is focused in tackling the immediate issues at hand. Not only that, he is also eloquent and humble, something that cannot be said about Khairy. Khairy's manisfesto states that he wanted unity and friendship, but with whom? Maybe to the ones whose toes he has stepped on? Mukhriz's stand actually resonates well with many members of the Youth as well as the senior party. Youth support, if one remembers, is actually lost ever since the sacking of Anwar Ibrahim and never fully restored. Because of this, many educated Malays have since thrown their weight behind the opposition and their skills against all things government. Witness the explosion of anti-government bloggings!

Yes it will be Mukhriz versus Khairy. No offense to Khir Toyo, but he has lost his seat in parliament and the Selangor state to the opposition, so his words no longer holds weight to many. Go for it Mukhriz! As for Khairy without his father-in-law in power, he will be, well, who? For once the tide is turning to a level playing field and lets see how this guy fares against opponents whose "kaki tidak diikat". It is believed he will fade into memory since he no longer has his father-in-law's backing after this election. Good riddance!

The call for MCA's own deputy Barisan Chairman

2008-10-18T19:49:00.004+08:00

My say....

When Liow Tiong Lai suggested that MCA has its own deputy Chairman in the Barisan coalition, this writer was initially all for it. In his thought, it is only a rightful reflection of the seniority of the party that is MCA.

But after much deliberation and thoughts, it now seems an unlikely good idea. Firstly, in typical Youth euphoria, he mentioned it much to the muse and guise for other senior MCA leaders to get a feel of what the other Barisan partners feel. This is how the Youth of any political party would be used to gauge the feelings of their partners without getting "too" involved.

Secondly, in light of mentioning in front of other coalition partners, it does not show much respect to the other parties too. MIC for example, has been a senior partner during the Alliance days too, although not a long as the MCA-UMNO partnership, albeit a few months late. They too deserved such a position as without the Indian support too, it is unlikely that the British would take heed for considering independence to Malaya. The Indians then, as it is now, were also the third largest community and held high ranking positions within the British empire.

Thirdly, one must not forget that Barisan was formed as extended coalition to include other political parties like Gerakan, PPP, PAS etc from the original Alliance. That UMNO is to helm the government is never in question being the largest single component party in the Barisan group as well as the one garnering most support in Parliament. This loose formation has the top two persons from UMNO to meet the leadership succession plan only. For all intent and purposes, it was simply a hierarchial show. It was to ensure continuity as well as stability within Barisan. It was never meant to be a challenge to political leadership change for the coalition. So, there is no need to make it a political circus there.

Fourthly, and most important, MCA did not do well in the last election. If not for UMNO holding the fort, generally speaking, the coalition would be sitting in the opposition bench now. Most of UMNO senior guys have been returned to Parliament. Yes, it took collective effort by all, but if gauging by each parties' performance in the last election, MCA does not have much to shout about then! It is good that Ong Ka Ting took full responsibility to salvage some pride for the second-largest political party in the coalition.

As much as it hurts the writer as a Chinese to rebutt, but just claiming a deputy Barisan Chairman post on mere strength of old ties is not warranted. That UMNO is still magnanimous to hold to the concept of power sharing is actually restoring the faith of this writer that all will be well when the Pakatan Rakyat bluff is finally called.

That Tiong Lai is the current blue-eye boy in MCA is not a doubt. He will win the vice president race easily. But he will do well to remember to drop the tirade being an ex-Youth chief if he wants to serve in the more senior ranks in MCA. Yes, Youth has its position, but its role is just that: challenging norms and nothing else!

Bapa Kemiskinan?

2008-10-18T18:39:00.006+08:00

My say....

Now that crude oil price is hovering around the USD70 per barrel mark, it is not only proper that the price of fuel goes down, but all other prices in general as well.

The inflation of price started when suppliers said that the cost of transportation, as rightly so then, goes up. But when the price of fuel goes down, all things still remains status quo. This should not be. The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer affair needs to come down hard on these unscrupulous people who is taking the rakyat's woes for granted. Mind you, the purchasing power essentially did not go up in tandem then as it is now. This writer would suggest that the same Ministry could come up with a list of prices for all essential goods first, very much like the car price listings we see in the printed media often. The list could then further expanded to non-essential ones on a later date. This needs to be done quickly.

We may allow market forces to take its place, as many thought so, but it must be remembered the inflation came about with ,for lack of a better word, the manupilation of fuel pricing by the government in the first place. This writer is not blaming the government for rising the price in the first place due to the global trend then, but the current pricing of goods, both essential and non-essential, are now deemed excessive.

Pak Lah has been blamed by many quarters for allowing prices to go up but not down, even though he did plead for it so recently. Mind you, the rakyat's misery was what caused the support of the Barisan coalition to plummet in the first place. If he ever leaves any legacy, then the very least is to see this terrible "injustice" corrected for the rakyat. That would probably be the real catalyst for all other reforms to follow as promised; with rightful backing of the rakyat. In the streets, many said he may be called "Bapa Kemiskinan" after he leaves office. The writer sincerely hopes this is not so.

Our Earth is getting warmer

2008-10-17T21:58:00.001+08:00

Their say...

Report says Arctic temperatures at record high

By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, Associated Press Science Writer – Thu Oct 16, 3:24 pm ET

WASHINGTON – Autumn temperatures in the Arctic are at record levels, the Arctic Ocean is getting warmer and less salty as sea ice melts, and reindeer herds appear to be declining, researchers reported Thursday.

"Obviously, the planet is interconnected, so what happens in the Arctic does matter" to the rest of the world, Jackie Richter-Menge of the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, N.H., said in releasing the third annual Arctic Report Card.

The report, compiled by 46 scientists from 10 countries, looks at a variety of conditions in the Arctic.

The region has long been expected to be among the first areas to show impacts from global warming, which the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says is largely a result of human activities adding carbon dioxide and other gases to the atmosphere.

"Changes in the Arctic show a domino effect from multiple causes more clearly than in other regions," said James Overland, an oceanographer at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory in Seattle. "It's a sensitive system and often reflects changes in relatively fast and dramatic ways."

For example, autumn air temperatures in the Arctic are at a record 9 degrees Fahrenheit (5 Celsius) above normal.

The report noted that 2007 was the warmest year on record the Arctic, leading to a record loss of sea ice. This year's sea ice melt was second only to 2007.

Source : http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081016/ap_on_sc/sci_state_of_the_arctic

Deforestation in Malacca forest reserve

2008-10-05T17:50:00.005+08:00

My say....

The de-forestation of Malacca Botanical Park in Ayer Keroh really sums up the mentality of the Malaysian government. Their indifferent attitude really is a cause of concern for arresting the global warming situation. In the name of giving out projects to the local bumiputera companies, a more pragmatic and wholistic stance needs to be approached with regards to preserving our natural green lungs and habitats. What was a forest reserve area are to be, indeed, reserved for future generation. Yes, the government is good in keeping tabs of our oil reserves, but they sing a different tune with regards to Mother Earth's own backyard and healing compound.

Does the government know that oxygen produced by the forests and greens are liken to the air-conditioning of the globe? Without the trees producing the natural air-conditioning, we are now stuck in this rut of global warming. As more trees fell, so will the depletion of the oxygen level that regenerates and heal the cracked ozone layer. Scientists today are warning that their prediction of global warming has reached epic proportion level faster than what they have anticipated.

On a short note, a visiting Japanese professor told me that for every plot of housing lands, he estimates that the natural forest surrounding needs to be at least four to five times the same size of the similar housing plot to sustain the environment condition. What we have indeed today is exactly an opposite with more trees being felled to convert lands for housing purposes. What was mentioned in my earlier post about global warming is indeed true. We may have advanced in terms of civilization, but at the expense of Mother Earth itself. It will not be in the distance future when the destruction of all natural habitat is Man's greatest contribution back to God. Stop the damn de-forestation in the name of commerce!

Another confusing statement

2008-10-04T09:01:00.002+08:00

His say.....

“Umno should not write off Abdullah as he received the people’s majority.

“It is not fair to pressure him to step down. It is not in our culture to pressure anyone into submission,” he said yesterday.

Karpal Singh denied he wanted Abdullah to remain in power instead of Najib to make it easier for the Opposition to make their move, saying, “our chances are not slimmer under Najib.”

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/10/4/nation/2191011&sec=nation

Anwar Ibrahim should take heed what his own members in the Pakatan coalition is saying.

I think Pakatan Rakyat better get back to the drawing board. Their leaders' conflicting remark are not helping the rakyat to see they are united much less capable of governing the country.

Excerpt from Star Article dated 1st Oct 2008

2008-10-01T22:22:00.004+08:00

His say.....

DAP national chairman Karpal Singh said Hari Raya was a time for Muslims to extend forgiveness which could be a launching pad for better and cordial relationship among Malaysians irrespective of race or religion.

“We should resolve, in the spirit of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, to make greater efforts to once again get back to the position before May 13, 1969 when all races in the country had shown commendable resilience in forging unity despite our diversity,” he said.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/10/1/nation/2165251&sec=nation

I liked his touch on the "position before May 13, 1969". The innocence was lost when the clamouring for power by political parties made racial sentiments the highlight of the day rather than Malaysia to progress as a whole.

To all fellow Muslims in Malaysia celebrating Hari Raya, I wish you peace, prosperity and pahla always. Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!

Another alternative for government?

2008-10-01T21:10:00.004+08:00

My say....

Although this may sound far fetched, Malaysians may need to move forward with absolute but collective Monarchy if the current politics fails to break the current deadlock between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat two-government system! Yes, it may be a learning curve for such a young country like Malaysia, but in reality our politics after the General Election is really going no-where. The MPs it seems, are still relatively new to this idea of two-government system. Barisan has to learn about losing graciously whereas Pakatan needs to learn to be magnanimous in victory. For Barisan, accusations and finger-pointing among coalition member is the order of the day. They have even gone to the extreme of fanning racial tension in some cases. For Pakatan, being impatient and greedy for more power and ultimately the federal position when it is an unproven entity may not beckon well for them in the long run. To subscribe to betrayal of raykat's trust and party hopping will never justify it on moral and legitimate ground. Just ask the President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, even though she is a brilliant economist and administrator. One exception in this whole fiasco is PAS, who may have proven their maturity by focusing on their task at hand, especially in the Perak government model.

The original idea of democracy process as oppose to absolute Monarchy was to protect the rakyat in case of abuse and tyranny, but current political parties seem to be offering that on a silver platter to the rakyat daily. They have failed to listen and act with justice and authority! Our Federal Constitution is being made a mockery. Every fabric of racial unity is being torn to shreds. Witness the recent destruction of the Hindu temple in Ampang. Could there be a possible alternative for the whole political scenario, especially when it involves governing the country? Sultan Azlan Shah has shown the way with the Ragu case of obtaining his national registration identity card with one simple order! What has the MPs got to say if they cannot even help the rakyat who chose them?

Interesting Utusan Malaysia article dated 6th June 1969

2008-10-01T20:49:00.006+08:00

Their Say....

The Utusan Malaysia newspaper report of 6 June 1969 reveals:

KUALA LUMPUR 5 June - Some leading members of UMNO's Supreme Council have voiced their support for the decision by MCA leadership to exclude themselves from the Cabinet. Among them are Tan Sri Syed Jaafar Albar, Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad and Syed Nasir bin Ismail.

In a meeting with Utusan Malaysia, Tan Sri Syed Jaafar emphasised his disapproval of efforts made to ask MCA to re-enter the Cabinet.

"I do not agree with the way some Chinese chambers of commerce have stated their confidence and support of Tun Tan Siew Sin and their asking him to reconsider MCA's decision to withdraw from the Cabinet," he said.

According to him, the problem now was not the question of confidence towards Tun Tan Siew Sin as the MCA leader, but whether the Chinese supported the present policies of the Alliance.

"This is the matter that should be considered by these people who are making a big fuss about giving their support to Tun Tan Siew Sin today," he added.

Tan Sri Jaafar Albar also stated that the support given to Tun Tan Siew Sin by the Chinese Chambers of Commerce was not sufficient because support had to come from the majority of the Chinese population.

He stated that discussions about MCA's inclusion in the Cabinet should not be confined to the newspapers or to MCA alone because UMNO, as the backbone of the Alliance party, had not decided yet if MCA and MIC should be included in the Cabinet or if the Alliance should remain as it was then.

He said: "It is not only the duty of MCA to discuss this matter as if it is its own peculiar problem, but it should be the responsibility of all the Alliance leaders from the UMNO, MCA, and MIC."

However, he did not want to give his final views before the party met to discuss the matter.

Mahathir, who supported Tan Sri Syed Jaafar's statement, stressed that MCA leaders had to adhere to their earlier decision of not wanting to be included in the Cabinet.

He said that he agreed with the view of MCA leaders that they could not actually represent the people they claimed to represent.

According to Mahathir, the support given to Tun Tan Siew Sin by the Chinese chambers of commerce and other Chinese organisations could not be taken as support from the Chinese community as a whole to MCA because those organisations did not represent the desires of the Chinese community as a whole.

"If MCA wants to know whether they have the support of the Chinese, they have to wait for the next general election. Since this will take quite some time, it is no longer necessary for MCA to remain in the Cabinet," he emphasised.

Mahathir also said that MIC's position in the Cabinet should also be reconsidered.

Syed Nasir stressed that on the whole, the relationship between UMNO, MCA and MIC had to be reviewed to take in the changes which had taken place after the general elections.

"The people have expressed their needs and desires, and there is little point in pretending that the policies of the Alliance party are the best acceptable to them," he said.

In a Press Statement released by UMNO's Secretary General, Senu Abdul Rahman, reported by the Utusan Melayu newspaper on 6 June 1969, it said:

"Mahathir Mohamad ceases to be a member of the UMNO Supreme Council with effect from today, 12 July 1969.

This decision was taken following the wide distribution to the public of Mahathir's letter to Tunku Abdul Rahman, President of UMNO Malaysia.

Letters containing important matters should first be discussed by UMNO's Supreme Council, especially in view of the present situation in the country.

The action taken by Mahathir is seen to be in breach of the party's etiquette and is capable of damaging party solidarity and the government which the party supports."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now that MCA and Gerakan have stepped up their demand, it is good to let history reminds them what is at stake then as it will be now! As per the Utusan Malaysia case, they must not allow history to repeat itself. They must ask that communal and racial politics be done away with. The Utusan Malaysia article may have just shown that in the current political situation, as in the past, is just a toss between the devil and the deep blue sea. Divisive politics is not needed!

Gerakan's attempt to leave the Barisan coalition

2008-09-29T10:28:00.002+08:00

My say...

I read with dismay of Gerakan's threat to leave the Barisan coalition again and again. It is a wonder had Gerakan won the last election, would they have made such threats? Gerakan was with Barisan Nasional for as long as the last two generations of Malaysians could remember.

Maybe this is Gerakan's way of trying to stay relevant in today's politics. This, in Koh Tsu Koon's mind, would probably save the party after recent spate which had a few key members leaving for Pakatan Rakyat! Whilst this writer may appreciate their focus, it is in my belief that leaving the ruling coalition may not help the cause of stabilizing the country in light of Anwar Ibrahim's threat to take over the government. Its best to remember Lim Keng Yaik's, their party adviser, clarion call not to have a selfish man bent on the premiership to have his way. Lim held that Anwar gave all ministries hell in which he was in charge of. In short, Anwar is bent of promoting himself only, much as what a lot of silent Malaysians knew! Koh should give consideration to that rather than seeing only to the internal needs of the party. Lets discard this myopic view and help Malaysia regain its footing in international mainstream again.

Shooting their mouths?

2008-09-26T13:12:00.004+08:00

My say..

Now that both Financial Times and the New Straits Times reported yesterday (25th September 2008) having Anwar Ibrahim flatly denying contacts has been made with Pak Lah's aides contrary to what Tian Chua said, the true colours of these so-called politicians are coming to light. Anwar, for the record, even mentioned that for once he agreed to Pak Lah that such crazy reports even exists. Tian Chua had earlier claimed that "preliminary discussions" has been ongoing with aides of Abdullah Administration since these "aides" knew the gravity of Pakatan Rakyat's desire to take over the government and also their so-called unwillingness towards an impasse!

This has blatantly showed that they will simply lie or just about say anything just to maintain their own lies and momentum without a care of the confusion and instability that their irresponsible statements creates. This is indeed unacceptable! Other people has been taken into custody for police questioning for crimes lesser than these. These irresponsible idiots should be made to pay the price for their arrogance and indeed their irresponsible acts. Foreign investors may not come in as claimed by Pakatan Rakyat not because of Barisan but in fact its their own follies! Stop shooting your mouths off Yang Berhormats if you are not capable of acting like one!

Fantasy galore

2008-09-25T00:20:00.002+08:00

My say....

Tian Chua, the Information chief of Pakatan Rakyat now comes forward and state that "discussion" is going on between the PM's aides and themselves for an amicable transfer of power. Probably Anwar Ibrahim is trying to reduce his lies since this is the Holy month of Ramadan. This is as quoted in today's NST.com.my:

"We maintain that we are still interested in a meeting between the Pakatan Rakyat and the prime minister to find an amicable solution to this issue (of transfer of power)."

He claimed there was positive feedback from Abdullah's aides during the meetings, which he described as being at a "very initial stage".
The meetings were allegedly held to discuss face-saving measures for Abdullah in working out a transition plan that would instal Pakatan Rakyat de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the new prime minister.

Tian Chua expected to have more discussions on the plan in the next two days.

"The Pakatan Rakyat is open to face-saving measures for the prime minister. Both sides understand that we are running out of time."

another excerpt:

Tian Chua also declined to say if the Pakatan Rakyat had arranged for a meeting with the Yang di-pertuan Agong, hinting that this would depend on the outcome of the discussions with the prime minister.

An aide at Istana Negara said yesterday he was not aware of any letter sent by the Pakatan Rakyat to arrange for a meeting with the King.

Source : http://nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/National/2358343/Article/index_html

The Pakatan group has just come back from Taiwan in their effort to woo backbenchers from Barisan. No one jumped ship as claimed. Their de facto leader has just changed and finally dropped their dateline in quest for power. In fact, everything Pakatan Rakyat claimed has not come to pass. If they are not liars and incompetent in playing mind games, the rakyat does not know what is! An old malay saying "sepandai pandai tupai melompat, akhirnya jatuh ke tanah juga!"

Positive feedbacks? Which aides? Face-saving measures? To whom if this writer may ask? Looks like the Pakatan novices will need more to convince the rakyat now. Mr Roarke and his assistant, Tattoo could make a better claims against all of Pakatan's! Stop dreaming of fantasies, boys!

Faulty yardstick of morality?

2008-09-21T14:18:00.005+08:00

My say....

PAS spiritual adviser Nik Aziz Nik Mat is correct that the Internal Security Act is un-Islamic. For it goes against the principle of morality when a person is held against his or her will without trial. He is arguing from the standpoint of justice as meted out in Islamic laws. However, he should not only stop there. At the danger of him being seen as interpreting the teachings of Islam for his own agenda, he should also make it clear that the same principles of Islam must be enforced against his wayward partner and de facto leader in Pakatan Rakyat, Anwar Ibrahim. This writer is interested to know why Nik Aziz is silent when Anwar has lied, manipulated, bribed and/or trying to; and pushing of defections of MPs against a rakyat-elected government? Afterall, the rakyat chosed the present government in clear conscience and free will.

Maybe Nik Aziz's standard and rule of morality is indeed compromised in pursuit of power or simply his proven hatred towards UMNO. Where is the justice now for the troubles and instability his partner created? His notion of morality is now being questioned. His silence here is indeed deafening!

An Opinion

2008-09-20T14:35:00.000+08:00

His say....

Saturday September 20, 2008

Wait for next election, Anwar

SEPTEMBER 16 had come and gone. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim failed to unseat Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as the Prime Minister.

As a Muslim, Anwar should accept that he can plan, but God decides.

From the very beginning what he did was morally wrong, although politics by a Machiavelian standard is apolitical.

It may be the accepted norms in other developing countries, but Malaysia has come of age and our politicians should show maturity and dignity when clamouring for political power.

Anwar should have the patience to wait for the next general election and let the people decide. He already has control over five states and should concentrate on them by showing to the people how the Opposition governs these states.

In a democracy it is the people who actually hold and wield power and not the politicians. For in the words of Abraham Lincon, “democracy is government by the people, of the people and for the people.”

On March 8, the people decided to cut Barisan Nasional’s two-third majority and yet BN accepted the defeat graciously and respected the will of the people.

When Anwar won in the Permatang Pauh by-election, it was again an indication of the people’s will and again BN accepted it in good faith.

Instead of being arrogant, Anwar should be humble with his victory in Permatang Pauh. Buying over BN representatives runs counter to his anti-corruption campaign.

A man of virtue will not resort to unethical means to meet his objectives and he has indeed lost the respect of certain quarters.

As a member of the public, I call on Anwar to close ranks and work together in the interest of the country.

As a former Deputy Prime Minister and Umno strongman, he has access to Pak Lah and can contribute in terms of ideas etc.

As the Opposition Leader, he can play a constructive role by bringing up pressing issues which affect the rakyat directly.

What the people need is less politicking as there are many urgent matters affecting them, such as illegal immigrants, spiralling food prices, wayward youths, the education system, etc.etc.

I was in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a short stint when Pak Lah was the Minister. I had the opportunity to study him at close range.

In all honesty, Pak Lah is a God-fearing man, hardworking, humble and well-liked by civil servants. I believe he never yearned to be the Prime Minister. Tun Dr Mahathir probably saw the good values in Pak Lah and passed the premiership to him to the surprise of some hopefuls.

Being the Prime Minister is not as easy as being a Deputy Prime Minister.

Indeed, heavy is the head that wears the crown,as Pak lah has probably found out.

But as he said at a press conference, ”... being Prime Minister is not main-main and olok-olok..it is serious business...”

I believe Pak Lah is a man of his word. When the time comes he will honour his words and pass the baton to his annointed successor Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Meanwhile, let Pak Lah do his job in peace.

HASSAN BIN TALIB,
Gombak, Selangor.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/20/focus/2074751&sec=focus

SAPP pullout from Barisan

2008-09-18T12:33:00.002+08:00

My say....

It is to be expected of SAPP with such a president at the helm. If Yong Teck Lee is thinking that this will turn to a snowballing effect to lead other MPs to defect, he could be sadly mistaken. This treachery will see the demise of SAPP very much like Berjaya when Harris Salleh was overthrowned. Many believed that this is one opportunist hooked on Anwar Ibrahim's bait and the carrot of the Chief Minister's post. The offer was too good for him to remain loyal to Barisan Nasional whose ticket they came to obtained their current position. The writer concludes that Yong is therefore is not worthy to be called a leader. He put self interest first before party!

Pak Lah summed up everything well as far as Barisan's view of the Mad Hatter and his motley crew is concerned:

Thursday September 18, 2008

SAPP’s withdrawal good for BN, says Pak Lah

“Good riddance. They are a problem. It is okay, he (SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee) is a trouble-maker, let him go,” the Prime Minister said.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/18/nation/2057084&sec=nation

Portfolio swap

2008-09-17T18:19:00.004+08:00

My say....

It is good that Pak Lah and Najib Razak swapped the post. This is strictly from the observation that it gives Najib proper time to take on the momentous task of rebuilding the economy when the economy is facing stagflation. This will probably give the market a boost in seeing a heavyweight intellectual politician and the future Prime Minister having the the heads-up on the portfolio.

The second reasoning that is good is because the Defence Ministry has always been seen as a corrupt Ministry by many. It is the rakyat's perception that a lot of money has been spent to a portfolio in a country that does not have any political enemies. Yearly budget for defence has always increased, sometimes up to three-fold, and to many its sheer waste. The recent attack by opposition that commissions has been handed out to cronies through this ministry may have placed Najib in a disadvantage should he stay any longer. An abrupt but orderly change will placate the rakyat to know that Najib could leave the ministry without any "left-over" baggages associated to him within such a short timeframe.

Thirdly, and although this may sound damning against the current Prime Minister, is the fact that Pak Lah has not been able to muster foreign direct investments in is probably due to the fact that he is always fire-fighting in the local political scene. This is not good if we compare the hardworking ministers of Singapore who are always outside courting deals and drawing investments in. That could probably be the reason now that the rakyat is suffering due to the slowing economy. This could be attributed to the fact that Pak Lah may not have strong ties with his counterparts in other countries. To compare with Mahathir Mohamed during his tenure as premier may not be fair, but the very least is that Mahathir did a lot of selling of Malaysia Inc. That Mahathir has drawn praises and flaks is part of the political game, but he could not be faulted for drawing in the investments and contributed much to Malaysia's boom during the heights of easy money from 1993-1997. Pak Lah has nothing to shout about here in comparison. This is strange as he was also a foreign minister before. Najib will make a welcoming and refreshing change other than to leave it to MITI under Muhyiddin Yassin to draw in the money! Malaysia had relied too much on internal microeconomic during Abdullah's Administration.

A lot will be riding on Najib now. He must now draw a balance between foreign ties as well as local consumption and demands. He will probably need to emulate his father's legacy in strategic thinking and hardwork. Is he up to it?

Liar Liar

2008-09-17T11:11:00.004+08:00

My say....

Excerpts from the Star online dated 17 September 2008:

Anwar ‘has enough MPs’ but delays takeover deadline

“The numbers are increasing by the hour, but as of now, it is in excess of 31 MPs, This is not empty talk. I am fully responsible for my statement but we have choose to be patient and use the conciliatory way,” Anwar told a packed press conference at the PKR headquarters.

The Opposition leader said he would even give Abdullah the list of names of Barisan MPs wanting to defect at their meeting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Delay in forming the government now? Unable to answer the charge against sodomy and swear by the Quran? Increasing MPs by the hour? Yes, the conniving man will indeed be fully responsible for his statements!

Verdict: Liar Liar!

Interesting article

2008-09-08T20:26:00.004+08:00

His say....

the article says it all for itself.

Bigotry so-called leader

2008-09-05T09:05:00.005+08:00

My say...

The recent remark by Bukit Bendera UMNO chief Ahmad Ismail really sums up the real stance of many bigots within UMNO that many Chinese had known all along. It has always festered within the leading partner in the Barisan coalition about their distrust of the Chinese and Ahmad Ismail is but an evidence of it. He had labeled the Chinese as immigrants and squatters and does not have equal rights to the land. In all probability, many within the UMNO ranks blamed the Chinese for the loss and political upheaval in the recent election. It shows that even after all the scars of the May 13th incident, racial and communal undertone are still waiting to explode in the face of Malaysians.

May the leaders be reminded that National Independence was won when the British saw that Malaysians of Malaya then, chose to come together in one voice to govern themselves. This was not the work of UMNO alone! Our forefathers ensured that every Malaysian, irrespective of their race, has a place and has a home here in Malaysia so long as they are called Malaysians. Raising racial overtones, along with religious matters, as was then and still in a cardinal sin today! By one statement, its looks like idiots in the form of this UMNO division leader so easily forget what our forefathers fought hard to defend.

It is good that the top leadership in UMNO stepped in to defuse the situation by apologising and distancing UMNO against the wayward manner of one of their member. Whatever it is, Malaysians can make do without a so called leader like Ahmad. His insincerity and arrogance is now evident and his refusal to apologise only shows the man that he is. Yes, the police investigation is still on-going, but by declaring that he will not apologise, he has set the tone where he stands despite being a leader. In the not too distance future, it is foreseeable that trouble akin to another May 13th riot may easily erupt again if leaders go on with this stance. To sum the feeling of dismayed Malaysians, particularly the Chinese, people like this arrogant skunk called Ahmad Ismail should not only be punished but to be removed permanently from his political position before he causes further damage by his callous bigotry.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/5/nation/22245212&sec=nation

Silly call

2008-08-29T14:05:00.003+08:00

My say....

The recent call by Shafie Apdal for Sabahan MPs to sign a loyalty pledge to the Prime Minister is downright stupid. His distrust of Sabahan MPs is now shown in true colours. Ultimately, it is tantamount to partisan politicking of the highest order. Worse of all is the fact that Shafie, a Sabahan himself, is degrading fellow MPs from his own state. How he deserved to helm a ministerial post in the first place is really baffling. He may have just sealed his doom in his quest for the vice presidency of UMNO. Yes, history has recorded that many MPs has jumped ship before in Sabah, but they are mostly now in the Pakatan Rakyat camp!

State Barisan Backbenchers Club chairman Anifah Aman was right! If a pledge of loyalty is to be signed, then it must be extended to all Barisan MPs concerned. With Muhyiddin Yassin worried about calls from other parties leaving the Barisan coalition, this is possibly an indication of how UMNO has treated their partners. They have silly people in the rank.

Real empowerment

2008-08-27T00:31:00.003+08:00

My say...

This writer read about The Tangga Batu Community College in Malacca offering short to mid-term courses for starting fees as low as RM5 really is an eye-opener. Idris Haron, the Deputy Higher Education Minister hit the nail on the spot when he mentioned that this will really help empower poor people. It provide practical hands-on skills and vocational know-how to help the poor improve their standard of living.

Malaysian alike should join and help in the financial upkeep of such noble college. With its clear aim, it will certainly help the rakyat being empowered in the true sense of the word. Kudos to the founders and operators alike of this college.

More reading at NST under STREETS pullout p.3

Bungling PM

2008-08-25T14:59:00.003+08:00

My Say....

Before this writer left for an overseas assignment last Friday, he noted that Pak Lah said there will be no changes to the price of petrol as reported in the printed media. Pak Lah claimed that if changes to the price is made before 1st September, then it would tantamount of the rakyat calling him a liar. This is also at the backdrop of the ongoing by-election in Permatang Pauh against charge that Barisan is trying to gain political milage. That very evening, the price was reduced to the current RM2.55 per litre. What gives?

Obviously, the reduction of price is aimed at scoring political points. That Barisan's claim to alleviate the burden of the rakyat only masks the inept handling of Pak Lah Administration. This writer dare say that Pak Lah has now not only proven himself as a liar, but also a bungling and definitely incompetent PM. He has played once the same inspiration issue with the General Election date (more reading Post Morten readout! dated March 9, 2008) and now this! Surely, his Cabinet minister must be tired of defending his impulsion and follies.

Bottom line is this, if not for political milage, then further reduce the price of petrol and not only 15 sens. Just for clarification sake, price of crude oil is today at USD115 per barrel, the same before the price hike. We had petrol at RM1.90 per litre then! That will alleviate the real day-to-day burden of the rakyat!

Reasonable sense

2008-08-25T14:30:00.004+08:00

My say.....

Now that the former National Fatwa Council chairman Dr Ismail Ibrahim has made clear that holding the Quran does not equate to the Christian way of swearing on the Bible, it is timely clarification made clear to all about one's intention and faith to his religion.

It really make sense because faith is really and ultimately about one's beliefs and relationship with his Creator. That the swearing of Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan on the Quran, irrespectively in the Syariah court or not, does not arise to be neither valid nor invalid. The claim against having the oath done in Syariah court is quashed by the Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin himself. Mohd Saiful has claimed justice to his sodomy charge on the account that if he is lying, then he and his future generation will receive retribution against God for the gravity of his lie.

Two point to raise about this case are: is the faith so weak that even making a laknat oath is disputable? That the Prophet (peace be upon Him) Himself asked for four witnesses was truly done with the intention of justice prevailing both against the accused or the victim, but today it is taken out of context to the extend that rape victim do not even have a chance towards justice. This is really being played around then by the so-called teachers of the Law. These teachers are the same person who would face retribution in their quest to hijack religion and the Hadis to their own advantage. The writer is a Chinese yet the universal value of Islam is so clear and understandable. Why is it then so unclear for the ummah themselves is boggling.

The second point now is that Anwar Ibrahim by right should clear his name. For a charge is now made against him and if he had not committed the sinful act, then by all mean he should clear his name. If he does not, then surely he has lost the credibility to be someone seeking moral justice and reformation against the current government. That they called Anwar de facto leader surely requires him to be so. Just like Hishamuddin Hussein has exorcised himself from his "patriotic" mistake, Anwar as a veteran leader would certainly know that much more is at stake for him. He has aimed no less than to be the Prime Minister. Will that be a hinderance to future development of the country if he is subjected to scorns or even blackmail by other nations if he succeeds as the Prime Minister? He must therefore think of the betterment of Malaysia.

He claims he has alibi, but this writer is wondering why this has not been shown? Why prolong the issue and even to allow his political foes to continuously attack him? Anwar may be clever, but reasonable sense is somehow missing in this issue. Voters in Permatang Pauh is reported (NST, August 25, 2008) has asked PKR campaigners why it was so difficult for Anwar to swear his innocence? If he cannot cross this hurdle, what hope has he then to lead this glorious country? Time to own up now!

Datukship galore!

2008-08-25T10:45:00.002+08:00

My say....

Whilst it is good to respect the contributions made by some world-class athletes in our stable such as Nicole David and Lee Chong Wei, this writer is of the opinion that Datukship should only be merited once they have decided to retire from their beloved sport. The honoring of Misbun Sidek at least hits the mark for his achievement both as a player and a coach!

This is to allow the current players to aspire to greater heights without the unnecessary baggages that comes along with the Datukship title. Honor them yes, but do it when they are already at the end of their mission, not before it! Are Datukship so readily available nowadays?

Maybe there will come a time when the datukship is no longer valued and half of the Malaysian citizens are datuks! The other half being Datins obviously!

No Brainer

2008-08-21T00:14:00.005+08:00

My say....

The cancellation of Avril Lavigne's concert really sums up the mentality of our local authorities. Granted that they said the concert dates is too close to our National day, but the way they handled it really left much to be desired. Oh incidently, this writer is no fan of Avril!

Firstly, Avril is a recording artist and an international star. They way the authorities are treating these much sought-after stars, whose fans runs into millions, will reflect badly on our nation. Of course, the law is no respecter of person but the way the local authorities are going about many things really showed Malaysia as a pariah society, cancelling concerts at the eleventh hour without thoughts of the aftermaths. Little wonder why other stars like Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Inul Daratista and others are shunning Malaysia as an international stop-over in future. The very least is to show some respect rather than making the country imploding with religious and overbearing cultural slants!

Secondly, although the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Shafie Apdal denies it, there are every possibility that they are bowing to pressure from the political environment. The timing of their announcement says it all! PAS youth had seemingly won the day! Many in the ground are already saying that Barisan's wooing of PAS to strenghtened their grip on Federal power may play out against them! If appeasing PAS is at the expense of the rakyat, what hope is there for the rakyat to trust the current government to upheld what is enshrined in the Constitution? At what expense it will be for the non-bumiputera rakyat too? Only time will tell of Barisan's fate! The irony here is, Sabahan like Shafie should know how is it felt to be left out, from Sabahans claims against mainstream development, yet he is dishing out the same judgement to fellow Malaysians by denying them the rights to their icon!

Thirdly, this question is long time coming! Where is Malaysia heading in terms of openess to the idea of globalization? Will we be like China when it closed its doors during Mao Zedong's cultural revolution? Or will Malaysia be liken to Japan's disdained of gaijen's influence hence effectively closed their country for two centuries during the 17th and 18th century? It nearly destroyed both countries similar to what North Korea is facing now! They have learnt their lessons when civilization left them leagues behind and now fighting back as a global player. As for Malaysia, being the 17th largest trading nation, we cannot afford to continue lose pace with the others. For a country of 26 million, we are but a small fish in the ocean. Reviews like this will certainly reverberate across the oceans that we are certainly an ignorant lot and possibly a destitute in terms of openess and magnanimity! Little wonder why tiny Singapore has a greater name in the global scene than our beautiful country itself.

Tourism Ministry is still left scratching its head what it should do to draw more tourists when one of the problem is so blatantly clear here! Please improve our image! Our local authorities has many times acted no less than a judge, jury and excutioner too liberally. This writer is not condoning that the event organizer, Galaxy are to be absolved from blame for publicizing the concert when permit was not given. Yet, to get a major star participating here is indeed a coup or even thumb-up up for our country as popular destination and an ideal international arena. By allowing the concert to go on, it also reflects that the rakyat has come of age and mature enough to think on their own on their choice of entertainment. All this publicity surely will also be good for a developing country. We are turning backwards again rather than making a leap of faith that Malaysia Boleh! No thanks to no-brainers!

Perak's new MB

2008-08-13T11:25:00.002+08:00

My say....

The recent appointment of Muhammad Nizar Jamaludin as Perak's Menteri Besar initially raised some intrepidation to this writer as PAS now is getting a foothold on his beloved state.

But over the course of time, this MP from Pasir Panjang has been making all the right moves politically. From apologising to the Sultan for wrongly removing the religious director-general to now open land tender surely speaks of a leader who listens to the grouses of the rakyat. He even showed wisdom in that any idle land is to be allowed by farmers to utilized for the sake of productivity. He has probably shown wisdom for such a politician newly helming the state government. In all sense, he looks a right fit or even an old hand in running the state! At least he has proven to be a better administrator that the ever irritating, provoking and trouble-looking DAP. This writer may not agree with his party's stance, but certainly the man has my vote currently in his style of administration and so long as the Islamic issue is not raised!

It is hope he runs the administration well for the Perakians' sake! It will take some effort now for the Barisan machinery to dislodge Nizar. That is for sure!