Journeyman

Updated: Spammed by Malaysian Prime Minister

2011-02-02T14:37:00.006+08:00

Update: The reply from Customer Service

Appreciate your respond.
If Government owns Maxis, then quite surely Maxis did not do wrong. The fact that Maxis is a public listed company should distint itself and ensure total data privacy considerations.
If the government requires certain action, they can go to the court to obtain an injuction on why such action should be done. It is certaintly is not a practice in Malaysia yet for that kind of genuine respect to be given to customers.
I insist that this issue be escalated to your management that UNLESS it is a grave situation of imminent danger, such a service should not be allowed to be used at the whims and fancies. MCMC does not have power to order compliance and they should stick to their role.

Also, it does not absolve the way your customer service is discharging Maxis from its responsibility. In short, i am not happy with your solution nor the lack of apology.

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Dear Mr. Joseph, Thank you for contacting Maxis and we apologize for any inconvenience caused.We were unable to reach you to clarify and explain further on your query.
Kindly revert with a contactable number and a suitable time for us to call you:-

Nevertheless, referring to your feedback below, we have investigated and found that the SMS was not sent by an external content provider and therefore there is no breach with regards to customer confidentiality.

The SMS was sent direct by Maxis upon request by Prime Minister’s Department. Customer Confidentiality is extremely important to us and we would like to assure you that we will not disclose our customer's information to any 3rd party as we take our obligations to protect our customers’ data integrity, very seriously.

I hope the above explanation has been able to address your concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further assistance on this matter.
Thank you. Yours sincerely,
Devendra AdrianCustomer Relations UnitCustomer Operations

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"Salam 1Malaysia. Selamat tahun baru cina kepada semua rakyat terutama kepada kaum cina. Ikhlas Dari Najib Razak Dan keluarga. Najib@1malaysia.com.my "

Yes! Got sms from 'old friend' Najib. How did the Prime Minister of Malaysia got my phone number?

Called Maxis to their customer service (123) and they say that it's an external provider who generated phone number on random. I was assured that no such thing would come from Maxis and they would block that number.

Then, their customer service called back that 62002 is unregistered and they cannot detect in their system. So, how does government got hold of my phone number and how do they access Maxis network? I am totally unhappy that a third party provider is able to access the network and are able to obtain my phone number. The person said that he will investigate and call back.

I then got a sms to give feedback on their customer service. Noticed that the number is 20002. The spam came from 62002 and the customer service is from 20002. Hemm....

From their explanation, they seemed unconcerned. By now, I have got information that the same message is spammed by the other 2 Malaysian Telco provider - Digi and Celcom. And later in the day, even Citibank in Malaysia got into the act of misusing access to customer data to send unsolicited, unnecessary sms to its user.

Does Maxis, Celcom , Digi and Citibank protect the privacy of their customers?

Does Maxis, Celcom , Digi and Citibank have the concern of their customers at heart?

At least DIGI customer service is upfront that the government of Najib Razak through MCMC forced them to broadcast this. FORCED! What is a regulator like MCMC forcing telecommunication companies to propagate ?

A webchat between my friend and Digi customer service with a transparent description of what it is .. a forced spam.

Malaysia is becoming more like Tunisia and Egypt by the systemic abuse of power by the government. And the businesses are just too happy to make the government happy by forsaking the rights of their customers.

Maxis , utterly disappointed by your lies and pretence. No apologies so far even when I said that i want explanation from higher management. I am keen to review my 12 year relationship with you Mr Maxis because you have betrayed the trust.

MAXIS lied!

Abraham with Isaac or Ishmael?

2010-08-09T09:17:00.005+08:00

I have been preached many times by Muslims that the bible we are reading has been changed by the church, similar to the works of Dan Brown. This story have been told many times in attempts to convert me and indeed is quite a passionate agreement. Almost similar passion displayed to the defense that MCA is not about money.

One of the great 'urban legend' is the story of Abraham and Isaac/ Ishmael which is also the 'evidence' of the conspiracy of the Jews and Christians to uphold Isaac and dethrone Ishmael.

Islamic arguments

Contrarian perspectives

So, it is clear that there is no verse in the Quran and traditions that provided the proof, hence the continual divergent among Muslim theologians in contrast with the Christian and Jews's stand.

My thinking is a bit more shallow.

Muslims believe in the 4 books - Torah (Old Testament ), Zabur ( Psalms ) , Injil (New testament ) and Quran.

Note that the earlier 3 are books that 'is in the original state and not that has been corrupted by human/church'. So far, no evidence where these real books are.It is claimed that the church has them.

(Reminds me of Ezam Mohd Nor who claimed that he has 6 boxes of proof against Anwar Ibrahim and then Ezam says that Anwar have the 6 boxes instead. )

Lets say we take the face value of the current 4 books hear what they say about Abraham and Isaac/Ishmael.

1.Torah - Isaac

2.Psalms - Indicated Isaac (the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac.105:9)

3.NT- Isaac

4.Koran - no name mentioned.

So, at best 3-1 score or 2-0.

So, take your pick on the evidences on the table and am still amazed on how people can be convinced with these arguments. (and be converted)

Anyway, to digress.

1. Paran - is a small town historically mentioned by Arab explorers etc. to be in the Sinai Peninsular, "Ibn Khaldun clearly places Faran in the Sinai peninsula, at the northern end of the Red Sea. Faran is associated geographically with Midian and with Aila (ancient Elath, modern Elat, located at the end of the Gulf of Aqaba). " So, Paran is not Mecca. (Read)

2. Lets say Paran is Mecca. Wonder how Abraham goes of with Ishmael and mom to Mecca ( probably a few years journey at those times) , stick around to build the Kaaba and then went back after the holiday. Did he bring the whole tribe or part of it? Did he leave his other wife behind with the newborn? Who was the designated leader when he is on leave?

That is easily 1500 km on foot accross desert just to go to Mecca. And he was already in the 'promised land' that God told him he would be (which is waaaaay up north)

Anyway, you believe what you believe. The devil is however, in the details.

Crossing borders

2010-07-29T13:14:00.002+08:00

If you cross the North Korean border illegally
You get 12 years hard labour.

If you cross the Iranian border illegally
You are detained indefinitely.

If you cross the Afghan border illegally
You get shot.

If you cross the Saudi Arabian border illegally
You will be jailed.

If you cross the Chinese border illegally
You may never be heard again.

If you cross the Venezuelan border illegally
You will be branded a spy and your fate will be sealed.

If you cross the Cuban border illegally
You will be thrown into political prison to rot.

If you cross the British border illegally
You will be arrested, prosecuted and sent to prison and deported

If you are an Indonesian/Filipino Muslim and cross the Malaysian border illegally

You will get:
- My PR (Permanent Residence)
- A driving license
- Voting rights

Oxford sanctions questionnable business practices?

2010-07-26T15:21:00.002+08:00

Awaiting reply from Oxford University and Loreal AG.

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cmillot@loreal-finance.com

Appreciate if you can forward this to your corporate communications partner in central. L'Oreal is a sponsor for a chair in Oxford University and they have chosen to work with a personality that has very low concern on diversity and environment.

Merci

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Subject: Regret in the choice of Said Business School's speaker for The Inaugural Oxford Global Islamic Branding and Marketing Forum
To: oliver.shiell@sbs.ox.ac.uk

Dear Sir

As concerned citizens in Malaysia and as volunteers to the state of Sarawak where we tried to help to locals who were marginalized and suffered.
It is with great regret to hear of the choice of your main speaker of Mohd Taib Mahmud, the Chief Ministers of Sarawak to the Inaugural Oxford Global Islamic Branding and Marketing Forum
http://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/newsandevents/conferences/OGIBMF/Pages/default.aspx

It would be great for an exteemed business school to be extremely careful with your selection of speakers. A simple querry via internet would reveal who the speaker is and the vested interest of Tanjung Manis Halal hub, which is linked to questionable business practices. However, my concern has been on the impact of environmental deforestation and the lack of justice to the aborogines in the state where this said person is governing. Please take a look at some of my personal postings

http://amoker.blogspot.com/2009/02/worst-flood-in-baram-sarawak-since-1963.html
http://amoker.blogspot.com/2008/09/rights-of-aboringines.html
http://amoker.blogspot.com/2008/10/malaysia-continue-to-pressure-natives.html
http://amoker.blogspot.com/2008/09/introducing-kayans-and-penans.html
http://amoker.blogspot.com/2010/07/raping-sarawakians-andlive-like-king.html

The local media has repeatedly uses your university's name and the locals are wondering on how an esteemed organisation like Oxford can be so simplistic in its approach.

As such, we would appreciate a solid response from the organisors to justify its selection from the view of ethical business practices and even, Islamic governance & justice.

Cheers

Angeh, the Orang Asli in Malaysia

2010-07-22T15:02:00.001+08:00

Angeh, however, confirmed that financial incentives were involved in the conversion of Orang Asli. He claimed that Saidon and Sharifudin told him that if he was married, he would receive the RM1,000 allocated for a Muslim couple.

According to his story, Angeh, then 18, agreed to marry his 20-something-year-old bride, Wak Chin. He said they were brought to Tambun, Perak and married together with nine other couples.

His wife had to convert to Islam as well to get married. "Her Muslim name is Aminah," Angeh said.

However, Angeh claimed he and his wife did not receive any money after their wedding.
He further claimed that Saidon had also told him that as a Muslim, he would be able to get a job at the Gombak Hospital. However, this never materialised, and today Angeh works as a grass cutter.

<Read>

Yes, Long live the Spanish

2010-07-12T18:04:00.001+08:00

Congrats Spain!

Endure the pain,

Happy days.

Raping Sarawakians andlive like a king.

2010-07-09T11:28:00.003+08:00

Yes, this is the son of the Sarawak Chief ministers who is paid RM20,000 per month in salary. He is the ex-Minister in the current ruling government. A minister material ....

The Philippines’ Lost Opportunity
Kevin C. Limjoco
IT ALL BEGAN AT A POSH ITALIAN CLOTHING boutique in Tiburon, Marin County, California. I was not shopping, but my friend was. He leaned over to me as we were browsing and asked: "have you ever heard of a Bugatti EB110, lah?" my eyes lit up and immediately said, "yes, of course, the car is awesome but aren’t they nearly impossible to find?" He simply smiled. It was the summer of 1994; my friend and I were juniors majoring in business at the University of San Francisco. His name is Datuk Sulaiman Rahman Taib.

He is part of the Malaysian Monarchy, his father was and still is the Chief Minister of Sarawak, and his family owns over 100 companies, ranging from Sarawak Securities to logging, hence, the reason he refers to me as "lah" or buddy.

He was the first person I knew that had personally owned a vast number of ultra exotic automobiles. People who did not know Rahman were perplexed and ultimately intimidated by him. He seemingly had a new car every couple of weeks, and had a dedicated car shop and storage facility, (Conversion Techniques owned by John Siao,) that catered to his every whim. He had everything from an old K-type Mercedes Benz worth over a million dollars, an SL Gullwing, Ferrari 355 spider, Rolls Royce Corniche, Maserati Kamsin, to a "regular" S500 Mercedes. He had so many cars that he would routinely send them off to his home in Sarawak to clear his garage of the clutter. Therefore, when he asked me whether I knew what a Bugatti EB 110 was, my palms started to moisten because I knew that Rahman takes his "hobby" very seriously. He has "agents" scour the globe looking for cars that he desires. As we stepped out of the boutique, he excitedly told me that he had not one, but two Bugatti EB 110s coming to San Francisco! One, he picked up from a Japanese fellow somewhere near Detroit and the other near Louisiana I believe. It is an amazing feat in its self that he was able to find these cars in the US and in the most unlikely locals. He never disclosed the amount he paid because he always felt it was rude to discuss figures amongst friends. Man, I was curious though, because at its height these cars were worth over US$500,000.00. Well, I will never know. He did not volunteer it and I never asked. The EB110 prices itself ‘humbly’ between the Lamborghini Diablo, Ferrari 512TR and the Jaguar XJ220. It seemed to be a bargain considering its high level of achievement and prestigious marques, but still world sales never made up for the cost of building and marketing the automobile.

Two weeks later I was over at Rahman’s for Sunday lunch when he motioned me to go with him to his garage, I was ecstatic. I knew well enough that he was anti-climatic. Bugatti built a grand total of 154 cars, which included the 12 cars in the assembly line. Michael Schumacher is one of the lucky owners. Moreover, Rahman has two of them! There it was… a black Bugatti EB110 SS! I was in awe. What a super car: mid-engine, 3.5liter, 12 cylinder, 60V, Quad cam, 4 turbo, All wheel drive, 6 speed, carbon fiber frame, six piston ABS brakes, 611 bhp, 0-100 in 3.4 seconds, 355 km/h top speed, and 480 lbs. torque! On top of this, the car’s interior boasted such luxuries as a full Burl wood interior, a proper luggage compartment, power everything, a CD changer and sculptured leather seats!

Rahman’s EB110SS is still the fastest car that I have ever had the privilege to ride in. One Sunday, we drove past a café on Broadway street in downtown San Francisco where all exotic car owners conglomerate to show off their steeds, you should have seen the piercing eyes of the Ferrari and Lamborghini owners as we inched by then had all 4 tires scream in unison as Rahman floored the car to the next block! The Bugatti is truly a rocket ship on wheels. I recall a race once where a Bugatti EB110 GT- the lesser of the brothers - challenged a Ferrari F40 in Laguna Seca. The Ferrari won by a hair, but the EB110 driver drove with his aircon on, stereo blaring, and sat in opulence. However, that is another story, sorry folks.

Because of the car and the research that Rahman made on purchasing it, a unique opportunity presented itself. Through his network of moles in the capital of sports cars, Modena, Italy, (home to Ferrari, De Tomaso, Masseratti, and Lamborghini), he discovered that the Bugatti factory - owned by Italian tycoon Romano Artioli - was going bankrupt.

He quickly made contact with the owner only to find out in secret (a few months before the news went public) that the issue was already at the courts. Artioli had already filed for bankruptcy. Once again through his vast resources, Rahman had somehow sent his lawyers to Italy to jockey for position in the event that Bugatti would be sold. He miraculously secured the top position, above a list that included such huge names as Volkswagen and Fiat.

At this point, it would seem that Rahman’s ambition to be a world force in the car industry would be insured. His driving force was as relentless as the car itself proved to be. His inspiration at the time (1994) was that Malaysia had just began producing their very own car line, Proton (through a partnership with Mitsubishi Motors Japan) and that Prime Minister Suharto of Indonesia had the majority stake of Lamborghini. He wanted to top them all! Now back to the Italian courts, the amount needed to purchase all of Bugatti, which included the entire factory in Modena, all land owned by Bugatti, all patents, designs, plans, trademarks, machinery, positions with sister companies and other manufacturers, and the remaining unpainted 12 EB110s in the factory, hold on to your seats: a "mere" US$25 million!

Where did the Philippines fit in all of this? The ultimate plan was to have joint manufacturing facilities in Sarawak and the Philippines. Bugatti had a secret plan to build an affordable sports sedan that would compete with the BMW 3 series and the Mercedes Benz C-class. The EB110 would be revived again but built in Modena by order basis. The new sports sedan was designed with the help of Lotus to reduce building costs, using their experience with a more economical engine, chassis, suspension and coach works. The majority of the car would be built in Sarawak with the remaining 35% either in Subic or in Clark. In order for this vision to be realized, we had to give the courts a bank guarantee of US$5 Million to hold our position for 30 days. As a sweetener to individuals who helped get the bank guarantee, Rahman would give a brand new EB110 in any color from the last remaining stocks in Italy. This is where things get a little complicated. Though Rahman himself had access to the full US$25M, let alone a meager $5M guarantee, he still needed the 30 days to get approval and a final blessing from his father Datuk Taib without having committed any financial responsibilities. (That was left to me since I was gunning for a Philippine stake in this enterprise.)

Within days we both left the US and head to our prospective countries to execute our plans. His task was to get ultimate approval; my task was to get the bank guarantee. Time was against us at every turn. It took Rahman a week to get an audience with his father. I on the other hand was scrabbling all over Manila looking for prospective investors to issue the guarantee. It was a lot more difficult than I had imagined convincing people of the exciting opportunity. What was ironic was that I only needed to cough up a guarantee and not the physical money. Rahman would be the one to pay for every cent after 30 days and not only would we be able to create jobs for our compatriots, but everyone would be justly compensated with a bonus of an EB110! We had a few days left now and Rahman’s father had not given his approval. I was hard pressed to keep trying, I knew that if we could get the position within 30 days that it would not be unreasonable to believe that Rahman would be able to draw the US$25M; he had it in his own bank accounts! The final hour arrived, Rahman did not get his father’s blessing, and I was short of US$2M. That was indeed a dark hour. I pleaded with Rahman to simply give the remaining balance for the guarantee, which would give him enough time to ask his father to reconsider. He would not budge. He resigned himself to the fact that it was a cultural difference and that I would not understand. I was flabbergasted. My dreams had crumbled. The loss of face on both parties was so great that it affected our friendship severely. A few weeks later, there was a public announcement at the press that Volkswagen had ultimately purchased what could have been a tremendous future for our fellow citizens. I end this story with a heavy heart, but who knows? As it once was said, "as one door closes, another will open."

From ;http://www.bugattirevue.com/revue20/philipp.htm
Used with the permission of:Kevin C. LimjocoSenior EditorC! Magazine

Cemerlang and Gemilang

2010-06-24T20:24:00.002+08:00

"Cemerlang means excellent. It is necessary to make a distinction between achievement and excellence. For example, it was doubtless an achievement for Abdul Malik Mydin to be the first Malaysian to swim the English Channel.

However, his time of 17 hours and 42 minutes is short of excellent if we keep in mind that a 12-year-old girl Samantha Druce managed 15 hrs 28 mins. Even a 70-year-old, George Burnstad, did better at 15.59 than the 29-year-old Malik at 17.42.

The Malay hero was nonetheless conferred a Datukship for his exploit, such ‘excellence’ as KPI-ed by our self-calibrated measure. Was it worth all the state-sponsored expense of Malik’s training under an Australian coach and ‘airflown’ to England for his almost 18-hour swim when the best channel crossers can complete the distance in under-seven hours?

For that matter, why not carry out the Malaysia Boleh stunt, if they must, swimming from Langkawi to Kuala Kedah instead?

It was however a different case with the second Malaysian to swim the channel that same year (2004). Lennard Lee was already based in England – at Cambridge University doing medicine, and at least his swim met a more useful objective, i.e. to raise funds for a cancer hospital.

Clocking 9.45, Lee was faster than Malik by a whopping eight hours.

More importantly, Lee did not land Malaysian taxpayers a hefty bill for ‘Satu lagi projek Barisan Nasional’.

My letter to the CFO of Telecom Malaysia

2010-06-09T21:22:00.003+08:00

Title:Debtor chasing debtee (TM)

Dear Sir,

This is a story of irony.
I am a recognised debtor to TM’s Streamyx division since my account was activated in Nov 2009 and have been chasing your esteemed organisation to pay my debt.

Here is a short summary.
1. Never received my bills from Nov 09 till now.

2. Have updated my mailing address 5 times with different departments. Customer service confirmed last week that my address was still wrong but got that corrected (checked today)

3. tmonline@tm.com.my & streamyx@tm.net.my is a blackhole and i can’t recall having an email immediately answered or a ticket number issued.

4. In January 2010, I was happy to get a call and made the payment via phone. The finance lady declared that I will get my receipt ( important as i need to claim) and my Nov-Dec bill. It never came (refer 2).

5. Other happy encounters

a. One fine day, decided to work at home and got the call on house landline to ask about the debt. I wonder if the finance department was calling my landline everyday instead of my hp?
i. My hp number is xxxxxxxxx, which i shared in my application form and every time i was connected to a customer service person.

b. Only 2 ways to obtain my copy of bill , via Fax or TMonline
i. Fax – Requested 3 times and it never came. Refer (4), was working at home and the phone kept ringing with fax tone at the other end. I think the fax was directed at my house landline instead.

ii. TMonline – the registration requires the latest bill date and amount. I have to call back and get the data yet still unable to process. Send screenshot to (3)

iii. Snail mail – it will take another 2 weeks for the mail to come. It never came (refer 2)

iv. Email – repeatedly told that this is not an option. One finance lady was kind enough and agreed to send. It never came.

At this rate, my internet connection will be disabled come 16th June 2010 and I do need that for business purposes.

Today: I finally got the customer helpline after waiting for 10 minutes but the lady (very helpful) was not able to facilitate payment via phone. The phone collection folks will call me within the next 24 hours, i was assured.

My impression so far are either delusional or comical and wonder if TM’s profit margin is extremely good that a small debtor like me are allowed to do the chasing.

I do hope that this feedback will be helpful to your organisation to move forward.

Methodist becoming Pro Barisan National?

2010-05-28T22:10:00.007+08:00

Updated:

1. It is now clear that it is 4 churches, not 3. And they claimed that they have requested the money 'weeks before', contrary to what the bishop had claimed.

2. Rev Hwa Yung will ironically be talking about his new book on corruption and bribery. It is like listening to HRH Sultan Azlan talking about his rule of law book after what he did for UMNO in Perak.

Original

Once upon a time as a greenhorn, I joined and later serve in a Methodist church in Seremban and enjoyed the warmth of the people.
I have a secret, that I have sponsored a Tamil Methodist teenager with 2 month of my salary (just came out to work) so that he can study as his family could not afford it. It is a secret that I just want to kept to myself because it should be that way. Yet with this revelation, I hope that this 'act of kindness' will buy me 5 minutes of grace to fester about my biggest disappointment of the year.

Its about the Chinese Methodist Church in Sibu who were given RM1.75 million 'donation' of taxpayers money coincidently during a by election.

I called it a bribe.

Chronology:

17th May 2010 - trying to make sense.
Context: Election, money given to the Chinese and Christian as both are target group which are basically profiles the Methodist Sibu. No money was given all these years. This is special budget allocation.
Reason: not clear.
Consequence: May help in financial situation, distrust from the ... poorer Melanau/Iban Christians and other faith, allegations of buying over christians, unfavourable rumblings in Peninsular, increase derision of faith & causes the Christian leaders to spend time to make sense.

Principles to consider
1. Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse. ( Proverbs 28.6)
2."Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. (1 Corithians 10.23)
3.It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. (Romans 14:21)So, we need to weight carefully. Any threat is an opportunity and this is one opportunity that church can make a stand on integrity even on donation or grant.

I then wrote emails to the Chinese Sibu Church via their FB page, and emails to the methodist organisation and to DUMC. No response for the church. The church did not make any effort to be transparent about the situation for about a week.

24th May 2010 - I prayed for forgiveness for the churches in Malaysia. Today, received a forwarded email from concern christians with an email which I found inadequate yet will respect the bishop's direction.

"After all, the money given is actually taxpayers’ money. Indeed the problem in our country is that most of the money for religious bodies is usually given to one particular religious community, with relatively much smaller proportions given to other communities. In so far as the money was given to the churches this time round, it can be said that the government is trying to right a past wrong. Further, the churches concerned never asked for the money."

26th May 2010 - The 4 churches ( not 3 ) declared that they are keeping the monies.

28th May 2010 - The Methodist church in Malaysia explained that the reason for keeping the money is that "returning the RM1.75 million government grant given during the Sibu by-election campaign will inadvertently make them out to be opposition supporters."

This is a day of mourning for the churches in Malaysia. Not only we have lost the opportunity to be a change agent and a reflector of Christ's value, we have lost the trust to be a credible faith.

Here are the given rationale and I do wonder why there was no bible verses that the Methodist leaders can use to substanciate their feeble attempt.

1. It is our money anyway -> Did the rest of the other faith who pay tax agrees to this? (refer 5)

2. We did not ask for it - > So, it is Barisan National's fault then? There are also report that the churches did ask for it. Who is lying?

3. Only election is when you will get these goodies. -> Isn't that the same with people who get paid RM50 to vote? And the church is an organisation and have collective conscience.

4. If we reject, we will be linked to opposition. And we are impartial and the money have no influence.-> Logic - if you reject = opposition, then accept = support Barisan National and UMNO. That already, is not impartial.

5. We do not get money from government always -> Lets not confuse the issue here. If talking about grant to non Muslim community, lets work it out with other faith and make a proposal to the government. 2 wrongs does not make a right.

Dear Reverand Hwa Yong and the Methodist ministers in Malaysia, remember that Judas was given 20 coins of silver to betray Jesus. You are not Judas, yet you have kept quiet about the money perhaps thinking that it will go away. We also do not see the Methodist's dynamism in the Allah issue or other issues confronting poorer churches in Malaysia. Is this not enough to imply that the Methodist movement in Malaysia is now friendly towards the Barisan National government?

The fact that the Sidang Injil Borneo churches are much poorer yet they were not given aid. The SIB church leaders spoke up & its a growing church that is not favourable to the desire of the government. And the Catholic church is also not given money as they displayed great courage to defend the rights of the Christians in the Herald case. And I think if they were given this bribe, both church leaders will refuse.

It is a shame to the Chinese church for our obsession with wealth, better looking churches and more land. Go ahead and enjoy yourselves planning bigger barns to keep your harvest.

End with a quote from another Methodist.
"Let them keep the money. Jesus came without a penny and He hung on the cross without a penny. But look what He did for all eternity. "

Gestapo home ministry

2010-04-14T17:59:00.003+08:00

So, I am pissed.

Dr Pornthip says that she will come even without guarantee of her being safe in Southern Thailand in doing her work. Now, Hishammuddin changes his mind and demand to know more information about her threats before giving security assurance. Tak ikhlas betul.

This is how we treat profesionals who happen to be in disagreement with what the official version of things are. No wonder RPK runs away before getting seriously hurt or even killed. Are we becoming like gestapo?

The Broken Shield: SHATTERED HOPES AND BROKEN DREAMS

2010-03-18T19:53:00.000+08:00

The Broken Shield: SHATTERED HOPES AND BROKEN DREAMS

Support the bravery of the natives to find back their right for self determination.

Joseph's Journey to Midlife Crisis

2010-02-19T23:41:00.040+08:00

I started blogging 6 years ago at a crucial juncture of my life. 2005 was the year that I started fulfiling my dream of a master's degree, got my apartment and charted my own career. So, here is a lookback to the last 6 years in TLA (Three Letter Acronyms)

Five Year Itch
"Best of luck in the future and thanks for your contribution"
John Coyne ( Current CEO of Western Digital Corp )

"Joseph,
It has been wonderful working with somebody as dedicated and intelligence as you. I'm sure you will do well in your new company and your other future endeavors, just make sure you be "good". Temptations are aplenty in your new company....
We suppose to have some farewell for you during our HR meeting today. Unfortunately, the meeting was cancelled due to the evacuation drill and many are either away on work or leave. Sorry about that...I will see you before you leave today. take care." Fauzi ( HR Director )

You, Beauty Line?

2006
Fruitful Celebrity Hunts

Biennial Family Holidays

Questionable Cuisines
Travel Bug

Au Revoir, friends

2007
Work by Beach

Time for Youth

Digital Photography Frenzy

Old Man=Wine?

Teaching Aboringines

2008
Rural Sarawak Works

Serving National Service

Civil Society Activism

Finally, graduated again

2009
Flood Relief

Near Death Experience

London Outpost Experience

Anybody out there?

2010-01-27T20:27:00.003+08:00

It was an eventful 2009 in terms of job; where I felt that for the first time in many years, it was a fruitless pursuit. Imagine having all the fun working in London yet longing to be something more. And having a good life there just make the sense stronger.

I wanted to quit and do something else.

As it turns out, I moved to a new job and things seemed to have a turn for the better. Was volunteered to facilitate a high level meeting in Miri and took the opportunity to extend my weekend by visiting middle Baram again.

In summary, the villagers are still suffering with little help from anybody else but their faith /themselves ... I hope. It was a fruitful discussion, yet i know that the stake are high and am not sure how to move forward.

Basically, giving fish is easier than teaching people how to fish.. esp. when one is not a fisherman. I was able to engage some Oxford chap about developing localized technology that uses river power. Have also got some link from loving Christians whose South African root is in agriculture and technology. And recently, was linked to a landlady who implements micro credit and knows another person from Indonesia who concorted a super fertilizer formula. But none of this is concrete ... till just now.

In short, there is donation available to help this village (Long Ikang) in Middle Baram. They suffer 2-3 times of flooding per year and is now affected by drought. Any rice produce is for self sustenance.

Here is the strategy:-
1. Rework on the irrigation channel by building 2 ponds and irrigation ways.
2. This includes a supply of water pump to draw out water during flood and to draw water in during drought. The pump will be shared with another village nearby.
3. Explore the feasibility of pig farming with the eye on diversification of income. Planting of food vegetation and usage of pig manure as fertilizer to complete the chain. Possibily under micro credit scheme for motivation.
4. Work out the distribution channel to ensure that products can be shipped to the 2 nearby towns.

So, all we need now is a person whom can help to monitor and ensure that the project can be carried out. This person can be a volunteer or even have his time paid in allowance in ensuring that the project are developed and tracked. We need a local, a Sarawakian man ( for safety reason) who can devote time in visiting and tracking the progress. And till now, we can't find that person yet. So, if you have any desire or knows someone who is willing to do a short term help, please drop us a note.

Even as we speak, this village was flooded last week by the water from the mountains compounded by the lack of vegetation cover.

Back to bLogs - 2010

2010-01-20T17:07:00.003+08:00

3 cute dogs in Omotesando
Celebrating 2010 new year in Himeji temple, Harajuku

Imperial Palace in Tokyo

Freezing in Iceland

Snow and hails .... !!!

I have practically disappeared over the blog horizon.

Since the Misinformed Minister Rais Yatim said that social networks are bad for Malaysian culture, decide that I should be back to the blogsphere again.

So, what is there to talk about?

Country - 11 churches, 1 gudhwara and 1 mosque attacked. Debates are emotional and irrational. Some reports are saying that our international standing has fallen and even some dared to suggest economic sanction from the big brother.

Life- am now an uncle!! Ok, i am already called an uncle before that but this is a real biological uncle status.

Still need to get married and seemed to be rather impossible

Started my new job in the same company and going thru the process of knowing people, business and the lingering feeling of incompetence.

Still like my church and the many activities there and beyond. I reckon that one day, I (and others ) will be caught and imprisoned for doing something that we were doing last time due to laws that were created arbitarily. May Allah's grace be upon us.

Let me share some photos that was taken from last months or so...

Racist official newsletter from the top Malaysian University

2009-10-20T10:56:00.004+08:00

Translation from Malay Language to English

Therefore, I as the Head of Graduates of University of Malaya would like to advice all our fellow graduates of University of Malaya to combine forces and prepare ourselves together with all the necessary knowledge and preparation before we continue our fight in the actual battle field. This advice implies mainly to our Malay Graduates.

We must treasure the sacrifices made by our ancestors which tried so hard to ensure that Tanah Melayu ( Malay Land ) is free from the intrusion of alien races. We must not fall into the category of those who forgets their roots until they will be taken over by other races. Graduates must prove themselves that we are capable and the best choice to take over the throne of governing the country in the future. This implies with the theme of MPMUM Progressive, Dynamic, Professional. There is nothing more important that can compared to our always-sensitive and improving Graduates. I also would like to advice all Malay Graduates to prepare ourselves to face all eventualities in near future, seeing that most of the issues are raised by the non-Malay races. Don't let ourselves to slack and allow our 'enemies under the blankets to attack us' (direct translation from the Malay idiom). Don't allow 'our'(Malay) Malaysia to fall into the hands of those who are who are not entitled to it.

I hope this is not a call for people to 'prepare' to physically fight those nasty 'other' race. It is always the other races that is weaker, more terrible, evil , lousy than your race.

I wonder why this gentlemen thinks that he is greater than others, since he is the 'head' of the political system in University Malaya. Maybe he feels that he has reached the pinnacle of power. I hope he does not forget that the 'real' world nowadays are borderless and what he does in the power tower will be documented and available for his potential employers. For those in Malaysia, you would note that his name (and his father) sounded Indonesian. If we can accept Indonesia and morphed them as Malays, I hope he can accept others as well.

With UM raising back to the top 200 universities of the world ( 180 ranked) , I wonder if the committee would be interested to know if the university is able to create real quality graduates. Really shameful.

A time for everything

2009-08-28T00:16:00.005+08:00

St Pauls .. and it was really hot...Jessica's farewall , the one that is blocked. haha
Emirates for the Arsenal vs Celtic game

I wonder how they can have a show day after day for more that 50 years...

Wah , like a star trader. At the Canary wharf, where financial people earn more that you and me combined. (or worth)

At the line in Meridien. Imagine a missing halo

Clocking in Meridien

Cornvulating Cornwall

2009-08-27T23:36:00.003+08:00

Actually, the Atlantic water is rather warm.
At St Michael's mount. You can walk over when the tide is low

At Mousee town ... they had a fair the night before

Wonderful view from Manick Theatre..

To eat breakfast.

And stomp on some poor villagers.

And to spy at them at the break of dawn

Driving all night to Cornwall in this Nissan. Would not buy this car

To the end of the land

To be honest, i peed at land's end. It was very early, and the hotel is not open and i had to go...

Daring , darlings ...

2009-08-27T23:26:00.002+08:00

Well, darlings.. we start with cream tea.. basically scones, tea and clotted creams.

And try on some skinny jeans, those that make your lower body gasping for air. Got this jeans for 7 pounds. haha

Boon Yaw dared me to eat raw beef...

Steak tartare is a French dish made from finely chopped or ground raw meat (often beef). It is often served with onions, capers, seasonings like fresh ground pepper and Worcestershire sauce, and sometimes raw egg

And of course, the snails.

Of Henley and O2 Arena

2009-08-27T23:04:00.002+08:00

With Olivia and Cindy when we visited O2 and Bodyworks, the one where they used real human bodies as exhibit.

Yes, we were celebrating Kemerdekaan in this place where Azalina Othman spend RMxmillions to try to turn it to a high performance centre rubbish.

Financial aid for poor students in Malaysia

2009-08-18T00:09:00.000+08:00

Rationale for my scholarships offer

Since I circulated my scholarship offer to needy students, many people have asked if the offer is genuine or a hoax because there are so many scams. I have had to explain that I am in a position to undertake this charitable work.

I am a retired Chartered Civil Engineer and was one of the original founders of IJM Corporation Bhd, Gamuda Bhd and Mudajaya Group Bhd, 3 of the leading listed construction companies. As an entrepreneur, I have always wanted to use minimum capital to produce maximum benefit.
I wish to explain why I have chosen this way of doing charity through this particular scholarship offer in which the scholarship recipients are not required to work for me after graduation or to pay me back the money they have been provided.

But they all have to promise me that they will help other poor students after they have graduated and are financially solvent.
I believe most recipients will not break their promise if the charity culture has been instilled in them when they are young and in need of aid. As a result, I expect that they will continue to do similar charity work long after I am gone.

Through my contribution, we can expect a meaningful human resource product graduating from a very creditable University, U TAR for a relatively small outlay and contributing to the nation’s development.

Some have asked if I would consider them studying in other more expansive university. In fact, one girl has applied while she is currently doing the foundation course in accountancy in Nilai University College which charges Rm 138,000 for the 4 years course, according to her. U TAR, a non profit University charges Rm 32,000 for the same 4 years course. Of course, the question is: which is the better University for finance and accountancy. All I know is that most practising accountants in Malaysia are graduates from Kolej TAR or U TAR.

I believe an accountant can find employment more easily and is likely to have a higher income than those from many other professions. An accountant graduate will be able to help the people around him, besides taking care of his own family through his higher educational and financial standing.

I also hope that this example will encourage other successful entrepreneurs who may have wanted to do similar charitable work to use their money in a cost-effective way and to help others and generate a positive multiplier effect on society.

For those who have not read my scholarships offer, I reproduce it here below.

Scholarships for poor young Malaysians
I will be providing scholarships to 50 poor students for the next academic year to study finance and accountancy in University TAR, Kampar, Perak.
The scholarships will be given subject to the following conditions:-
The applicant’s family combined income should not be more than Rm 2,000 per month.
The letter of application should be accompanied by a simple letter from the Form Teacher of the student certifying that the student is from a poor family. The contact details of the teacher and school should also be included.
Students will be selected more on the basis of their financial need though their academic achievements will also be taken into account.

Each scholarship is worth Rm 20,000 which should be enough for each student to cover the cost for the first year foundation course and the first semester of the degree course in finance and accountancy until he or she secures the PTPTN loan. This Government PTPTN loan (National Higher Education Fund) is given to all students doing a recognised degree course, irrespective of race and financial position.
Students who receive financial aid from me are not required to pay back the money or work for me after they graduate.
However, I want them to promise me that they will help other poor students when they have graduated and are financially solvent.

U TAR takes in students in January and June every year. Students who are currently doing their SPM can submit their applications to U TAR this October with their forecast results and they can enrol in January 2010.

Needy students who are currently doing their SPM or have passed the SPM can submit their applications directly to me at:
Koon Yew Yin,

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yewyin@gmail.com
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A copy of the letter should be sent to

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admin@cpiasia.net
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attention: Dr. Lim Teck Ghee
Centre for Policy Initiatives
All applications should be written out in English

Koon Yew Yin2nd Aug 09

Iban farmer arrested for defending his NCR land

2009-08-17T21:05:00.001+08:00

Iban farmer arrested for defending his NCR land

Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

Matek Anak Geram, an Iban farmer, a member of TAHABAS (Sarawak Native Customary Rights Network) and Committee Member of Jaringan Orang Asli SeMalaysia (JOAS) was arrested by the police on 13 August 2009 for the crime of allegedly restraining the workers of an oil palm plantation.

Unarmed, he was taken into custody by 10- fully-armed police personnel at 8.45 am and detained for two hours at the Mukah Police Station and charged for allegedly wrongfully restraining the workers of an oil palm plantation company,

Saradu Plantations Sdn. Bhd. under section 341 of the Penal Code before being released on bail.For over a year, Matek and his immediate family have been guarding their property against Saradu Plantations who have been encroaching on their native lands.In individual shifts, they have blocked an access road built on their land.JOAS questions the heavy use of force and intimidation against one unarmed man and calls for neutrality of the state infrastructure in this legal dispute between the private company and indigenous peoples.Saradu Plantation Sdn. Bhd. is a Sarawak oil palm company, which has been given 15,000 hectares of land by the state government to develop oil palm in Balingian.

Saradu is also linked to the Sarawak Chief Minister as his brother-in law, Robert Geneid and sister, Raziah Mahmud are majority shareholders of the company.

JAOS said: “Matek Geram’s case is just one of hundreds of land encroachment and conflict cases between indigenous peoples and oil palm plantation companies in Sarawak.“In light of this, JOAS reiterates its support for the recent call from TAHABAS and other indigenous peoples organisations for a moratorium on plantation development projects.

“JOAS reiterates its position that the State Government-issued provisional leases are encroaching illegally into our constitutionally-recognised customary lands and forests.“Until the government moves towards a meaningful solution with the full and effective participation and consent of indigenous peoples, incidences like Matek Geram will continue to take place throughout the state, to the detriment of the rights of indigenous Sarawakians, the sustainable development of the Sarawakian population and the image of the state of Sarawak and Malaysia,” it said

El Nino drying up Sarawak ?

2009-08-05T00:24:00.002+08:00

El Nino drying up Sarawak
MIRI: With the supply of fresh water dwindling to critical levels in interior Sarawak, schoolchildren have resorted to washing dishes and bathing in dirty ponds and polluted streams.
The drought is worsening in many northern and central districts

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/8/4/nation/4446889&sec=nation

Or is it logging?

Sarawak government is now confronting haze ( logging - cheap way of clearing the land) , lack of water ( logging) and Penan villages of 300 that is starving ( logging - no more animals and edible plants )

My heart goes out to the Sarawakians but am tired that they are not helping themselves. Have been to that area and it is just a shame that they keep voting a government that sells them off cheaply.

Justice for Beng Hock

2009-07-19T07:53:00.003+08:00

I am appalled by the death of this 30 zear old opposition chap.
Enough is said about the circumstances of his death which is highly suspicious. The police, who discounted murder 24 hours after his death did a u+turn today after the public outcry at the speed of police in absolving MACC.

We have degenerated to the state in being able to kill or intimate people to commit suicide. in either case, MACC is responsible to either murder or manslaughter. In the 1970s when the FBI were causing suidcide by carelessly targetting Americans as Russian spies, the president was forced to resign.

I just came from visiting Auswitch camp, in which 1.1 million Jews and Poles and russians were murdered. The Nazis have an ideology that they are superior. what started as an ideology in 1933 was then turned into action where they have total disregard to the inferior race. The concept of ketuanan Melayu is harmless according to our beloved politicians, and are unlike Nazism. But look at how these government servants are interpreting the worth of an inferior citizen, pushing him knowingly or to suicide by their tactics. In these camps, were were shared on the ways that the nazis pushes people to death or suicide.

Ketuanan is an ideology that must be stopped!! Sooner or later, it maz degenerate the ideas into actions and that would be too late to stop. Start respecting each human being regardless of their differences.

I am asking for at least the resignation of MACC chairman, Ahmad Said who have proven his incompetence in tackling BN related issues and extreme competence against any other parties. Najib should know that it is either him or Ahmad Said.

Aboringines in Malaysia without rights to their land

2009-07-13T18:30:00.002+08:00

IPOH: The orang asli (aborigines) of Perak want the state government to recognise their rights to their ancestral land and are calling for an amendment to existing laws governing their jurisdiction.
Yayasan Orang Asli Perak chairman Suki Mee said this was one of the six resolutions passed unanimously by over 500 orang asli participants at a conference to discuss their land woes in Tapah last weekend.
Suki said they want the state to gazette, as orang asli reserve, the areas covering their villages, their agricultural plots and orchards, and their foraging grounds -- with immediate effect.
Another resolution called for an amendment to the Orang Asli Act or the National Land Code that would allow such land to be gazetted, and for the Tok Batin (orang asli village chief) to have a voice in its development.
“Legally, only the Orang Asli Affairs Department (JHEOA) has the purview to decide what development projects take place in the reserve, but we want the Tok Batin to also have a say.
“Although the Tok Batin is usually appointed by the JHEOA director-general, the appointment is usually done with the recommendation of the village,” he said in an interview Monday.
Suki said a special committee to resolve the people’s longtime land issues would raise the matter when handing over the resolutions to the state in early August.
Perak executive councillor Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, he said, had pledged to meet them and the JHEOA to discuss their concerns.
Another resolution was to allow the orang asli to apply for individual titles within or outside a proposed gazetted orang asli area while waiting for its gazetting.
“I am confident that the state and Federal government will look into the resolutions. We are not asking for new land, we are only asking for the rights to the areas we are on now,” he said.
Suki said that the state government had in the past made some effort to grant land titles to the orang asli people through its orang asli land alienation policy in 1993.
“But as far as I know, not a single application has been approved under JHEOA since 1993 except for one area in Kampung Bawong in Sungai Siput, Perak.
“Other orang asli might have also been given titles, but this was through their own individual effort,” he said.
The remaining resolutions passed concerned other land and development related problems.
He said that according to 1998 JHEOA statistics, only 17% of some 29,766ha of orang asli land have been gazetted as reserves.
An estimated 42,000 orang asli live in Perak.

The illegitimate MB of Perak would probably ignore their request. The NGOs have noted that the Pakatan government previously was working hard in the direction of giving land deeds to them. Alas, they were taken illegitimately taken out and replaced by a government that is not bend to help the poor. The initiative for these orang asli have stalled and even the land titles given to the Chinese village seemed to be on a knifeedge. 1Malaysia indeed.

Guess how much?

2009-07-03T06:02:00.002+08:00

DOVER (England): A visibly upset Zahra Masoumah Abdul Halim burst into tears when she was forced to abandon her attempt to conquer the English Channel due to unfavourable tide and wind conditions.
The 17-year-old was pulled out of the water just over the half-way mark between Dover and Calais in France after swimming for 12 hours and 46 minutes.
Instead of swimming in a straight line, she was tossed sideways by tidal forces and forced towards the Netherlands, instead of France.
She had to struggle harder to stay on course, and was instructed by boat pilot Paul Foreman to get out of the water at 6:39pm on Wednesday (1:39am Thursday Malaysian time).
“When he told me it was all over, my tears flowed freely. I knew I could still continue although it might take at least another 12 to 15 hours,” said the girl.
Not discouraged, Zahra now plans to swim from Pulau Rupat, Indonesia to Port Dickson in Malaysia across the Straits of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
“It’s about 50km and there is a lot of jelly fish. They’ll probably put me in a cage,” said the girl, who said she will undertake the swim with her 12-year-old brother Salman Ali Shariati later this year.
Foreman described Zahra as being incredibly brave and mentally strong, and someone whom all Malaysians should be proud of.
“She’s only 17 and has swum for the first time in cold waters for nearly 13 hours,” said Foreman, who is from the English Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation.
Zahra’s father Abdul Halim Manaf, who had followed the swim in the boat, said she was not just fighting against the tide but also the strong winds that kept pushing her back.
Her mother Haniza Mohamed said Zahra had cried and hugged her upon her return but she had then comforted her daughter by pointing out it was “good enough” to have swum that far in such unfavourable conditions.
Coach Arof Omar concurred, saying Zahra was still steady and had stayed longer in the water than the two male Cuban swimmers who had also failed in their attempts earlier.
Seven Continents Club Extreme Exploration chairman Muhamad Muqharabbin Mokhtarudin, who organised the swim, said Zahra could hold her head high for her steely determination.
Zahra took off from Shakespeare Beach at 6:07am (1:07pm Malaysian time) on Wednesday in her attempt to become the first Malaysian girl to swim across the channel.

The taxpayer pays RM80,000 for her to not make it. Did that doctor who swim the english channel get this money for free? Nah, he went back to Oxford like nothing happens. 2 standard , 1 Malaysia

Appreciate your family

2009-06-21T23:46:00.002+08:00

With the mellowing wind and glaring sun, am able to spend some time to collect my thought and share my appreciation that my parents are here. It has been something that I really wanted to do should i get this opportunity. In fact, this is one of the reason that I agree for this job, so that my parents would be able to come over and spend some time over. Yeah, it sounds very noble but it is not except when God intervenes I guess it is just a time where they can take some time for themselves and enjoy looking around.

I have been too busy many times with the many activities in KL and Port Dickson. Many times, I do feel that it is done for other people or activities. IN some way, I am enjoying the longest 'me-time" with tinges of guilt. IN the same way, my parents have always been putting other people first. I guess that is what we inherit from them, which can be both a blessing or curse. So in the midst of things, am glad that they are around to share in this experience.

So, today is Father's day and I would like to say that I am in love with both of them. THey have been great and patient with me all through my life. It is difficult to have a son like me who almost always put his interest in the first priority. They would very much adjust to my timings and all. Recall that I forced them for a 3 day trip to Scotland and back, Wales in a day and other adventorous things. A trip to Amsterdam where it rained and Paris where Engish is mea cuppa. So, in a way Port Dickson has been a good start and this short stint is even better.

Thanks Mom and Dad!!

Old is not useless.. .. and PAS

2009-06-08T02:00:00.004+08:00

The old gaol in Oxford that is not a hotel.
Old Roman Bath in Bath... where the Romans used to be an empire.

Old water system that the romans Build.

Finally, the Stonehendge - 5000 yrs ago the medieval british used this place as an area of perhaps worship and surely a sign of the social class.

That brings me to the irk of the week...

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/28831-no2-says-tok-guru-is-not-pas

The winner of the proxy fight between UMNO and PAS. If you read the newspapers, you will find good words for Nasaruddin. He has got an extremely good press from an otherwise UMNO control media. And so, he won. In return, he sounded a bit more cocky.

Nasaruddin, I respect Tok Guru and I dun know about you . I did read about your clandestine meetings with AAB and your closeness to Hadi Awang, who lost Terengganu through his mismanagement. If you guys want to loose PAS through this mismanagement, the lost of trust among public would be so great that no amount of work could change it.
AND, if you said this before the election.. gerenti you will have lost. How disrespectful.

Old is not lousy & please show respect to your Tok Guru. Secondly, it is not about skin or religion. I hope PAS would know what is best for them.

300 million down the drain?

2009-06-04T01:09:00.002+08:00

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium was issued a partial work completion certificate last year as it was considered safe to host the Malaysia Games.
State Public Works Department deputy director Ghazali Hashim said the certification, based on the report by an independent examiner, was given to several sections of the stadium including the track, field and several areas outside the building.

“However, we have not issued any certification for the roof as it was still under the warranty period,” he said of the roof of the stadium which collapsed on Tuesday.
A local consultant commissioned to evaluate the safety of the roof declared it safe, he said, adding: “So, we allowed the Games to be held at the venue.”

Slightly confused here...

Ghazali had earlier accompanied Youth and Sport Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek to visit the site Wednesday.
Ghazali said the department was only empowered to issue a work completion certificate once the warranty period had ended. “We have to wait for the warranty period to be over before issuing any certification for the roof,” he said.
Ghazali said government buildings were exempted from having to apply for Certificate of Fitness before occupying the premises.

More confused here.
So, they have to wait till warranty expires before applying for a certification, esp. so since they are government and does not need a CF process of vetting. No wonderlah the government building always collapse. And the contractor can run away with the profit margin. I would not want to be a government servant then, can die anytime.

In the case of the stadium, he said the department issued a partial certification and was in the midst of getting a full-fledged status for the stadium.
The department, he said, would ask the stadium’s main contractor for compensation and carry-out remedial work.
“We will hold the main contractor responsible as (the other firm) the Korean firm was the sub-contractor. “As far as we are concerned, payments were made directly to main contractor and not the Korean firm,” he said.
Ghazali said the department had previously compounded the main contractor for not completing work as scheduled.
Now only said the truth. Blamed the South Korean. So, who got this contract huh?

Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said has ordered an immediate inspection of newly completed buildings following the incident.
He said the checks would focus on detecting structural defects, cracks and shoddy workmanship. Some of the new buildings are the indoor stadium, Sultan Mahmud Airport and swimming complex.

Again, shoddy workmanship due to being in government.

He said he himself noticed defects on the roof of the year-old Sultan Mahmud Airport. He said the state would appoint independent consultants to carry out the checks.

But you kept quiet. WOULD is future tense... and more money to cronies.

The roof collapse came only one year after the stadium’s completion which cost RM300mil.
Authorities are investigating if the contractors had rushed to complete the stadium ahead of the Malaysia Games in June last year. Meanwhile, Raja Datuk Kamarul Bahrin Shah of Senibahri Arkitek, the principal architect of the stadium, said he might comment on the incident in a few days’ time.
“I can’t say anything now as I do not have the full facts,” he said when contacted via SMS in Medinah where he is on his way to perform the umrah at Mecca.
Raja Kamarul Baharin said he would return to the country on June 10.

Now, here is the connection. Raja DTK Kamarul Bahrin is of course connected to the Terengganu royalty. He is the chap who managed to seludup back the 2 children in the 1990s from his ex Australian wife. And the Malaysian interpol basically refused to help the Australian police to capture him.

Itulah kerajaan UMNO.

Our Loving Prime Minister Najib

2009-05-29T17:32:00.003+08:00

PM shocked by Ah Long cruelty (and image from thestar)

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is shocked and appalled at the level of cruelty loan sharks inflict on defaulters and wants authorities to take action against the culprits.

The Prime Minister said he could not believe how inhumane some Ah Longs could be against those who fail to settle their debts.

“I’m truly shocked with what the media had reported. Authorities must take swift action.
Treated like animals: Two of the loan shark victims awaiting rescue in a cell during a police raid at a shoplot in Taman Perindustrian Bukit Serdang, Seri Kembangan, in a May 27 file photo. — Bernama

“This is a lesson for all Malaysians. I hope they realise the danger and negative implications of borrowing money from loan sharks. The public should never take loans from them,” he told reporters yesterday.

The Prime Minister was commenting on media reports of three men who were rescued by the police after being held captive for two months by loan sharks when they failed to settle their debts.

The victims, aged 25, 34 and 49 years, were abducted from Segambut, Semenyih and Gombak and were held in a shoplot in Seri Kembangan after failing to settle their debts of between RM1,500 and RM4,000 each.

They were found chained by their necks and legs and showed signs of having beaten by their captors.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This article really caught my attention. Yes, it is intended to be spinned that the PM Najib is very concerned about his people. But too bad the press people can't spin his words.

“This is a lesson for all Malaysians. I hope they realise the danger and negative implications of borrowing money from loan sharks. The public should never take loans from them,”

In short, its your own fault citizens! Who asked you to borrow money from loan sharks?

Just because it is hard to get loan from the banks, ah long stickers & business are legalized, the escalation of cost of living and doing business, the failure of court to adequately remediate non payment of service/goods suits, the lack of social net for the poor, the decrease of the access to healthcare for the poor, turning blind eye on illegal gambling activities .... why did you need to turn to Ah Long?

He did not even talk about why the police did not catch this actvity earlier. Why are the police asked to go to Perak and all the different places to catch civil societies and opposition?

The logic of our PM is that if the people are caught ( and obviously go missing, in which police reports were made) and put into a non-makeshift jail ( note the toilet facility that is included) , it is the fault of those people to borrow the money. Padan Muka.

Spin and spend more money to have better reputation

2009-05-20T03:31:00.004+08:00

IPOH: The Perak Barisan Nasional government will soon release 50,000 DVDs of the tumultuous May 7 state assembly sitting to the public.

State executive councillor Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said that there were three versions of the edited videos -- one with a Mandarin voice-over, another in Bahasa Malaysia and a final, shorter clip called the “MTV” version, which comes complete with music.

“In the videos, the people will get to see who started the fight, who climbed on the table to shout, who threw the Standing Orders booklet, who banged on the tables with their fists, who started pushing others and even who was the one who broke several microphones in the hall,” he claimed.

On whether the video would include scenes of how former Speaker V. Sivakumar had been forcibly removed from his seat, Dr Mah said, “Well, actually we do not mind putting in that clip too. We want the public to see everything.” In double speak, it means that they did not put that in.

He said the videos were merely condensed versions of the full seven-hour sitting, which was one of the nation’s most notorious assembly sessions to date.

“Within the next two or three days, we will get the copies printed and they will be made available to the public.

“The DVDs will probably be placed in our Barisan component party offices or in the offices of our state executive councillors in the State Secretariat,” he said at a press conference here Tuesday.
Dr Mah said that the idea to produce the DVDs was mooted after Pakatan Rakyat released “one-sided” clips of the sitting that “were not reflective of what had truly occurred” on May 7. I actually tot that the police came in and confiscate the disk, the DVD player and anything associated to the screening.. in a private party. How does Mah know?

“They failed to show how it had been them (Pakatan) who had first crossed the hall to attack the Barisan.

“This is not fair to us because what the people need to see is exactly what had transpired on that day,” he said.

It is learnt that for the production of the DVD, the Barisan government had obtained footage from all TV stations that had covered the sitting, including the state-owned Perak News Online. Anybody who watched any of the TV stations would see how one sided the report are. It shows basically what Mah talks about. So, there is nothing new actually than what one gets from our very obedient dogs in media.

Ok, the Pakatan is evil and everything is manipulated to ensure that the rakyat hates UMNO. Mah, from MCA lost his integrity when he accepted the post to give credence to UMNO's claim that they care about all races. The week before, he was articulating about his personal response to the Perak situation but seemed to throw it down to the toilet bowl. We just watch the unedited version and knows what actually happened.

I wonder how much government will spend ?

Talak talak .. talk talk

2009-05-13T14:22:00.003+08:00

( Image from)

Refering to my latest post on the social outlook among british younger generation, I was equally taken aback by these 2 postings at the Star, on the same day.

I had sex with wife after proclaiming divorce, says singer - Jamal Abdillah, a popular Malaysian singer.

Court: Roslin’s divorce valid - Roslin Hashim, a one point 'good' badminton player.

Both are celebrities in their own right and they are public figures. Both divorced their wives by the same method of mere utterence while seating on the car or at home. I was just taken aback by the seemingly casualness ( no pre divorce counselling?) which have huge consequences for the future. This is definately in the realm of religious law and it is lawful. I do feel for the womenfolk though that their marriage can be like ' telur di hujung tanduk'.

These should be abnormal cases but we are not sure if the Joe public behaves differently. The continual rise of single mothers in Malaysia and divorcee should be perplexing. And like Britain, it will have its own share of demographic challenges.

I want to puke

2009-05-13T07:05:00.002+08:00

Zamry the usurper,illegal so called MB of Perak said that he is of equal greatness to Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.He just obtained a court order to change his name to Zamry Gandhi Mandela and was immediately approved by another newly appointed judge.

In the latest development, the media was abuzz with a sms received from a strange location. Reporters got a copy of the sms and was shocked by the content.

"Hey Zamry macha, Saddam here. I am better than both these people. One is not a leader of the state, the other just for a few years. But, i was in absolute control .. and people worship me. It seemed that you want to experience that as well. You also have a bad temper, just like me but i have guns to shoot and you only have the police. Quote la my name, macha? Its S-A-D-D-A-M."

In Colhester for the weekend

2009-05-11T04:15:00.006+08:00

On Sunday, went to All Souls church in Oxford Circus. This would be one of the church to be part of in London theologically. A metropolitan church with a mixture of cultures reflecting the christian promise that all are called to be children of God. It is structured and they have a wonderful team of classical musicians that uplifts. The sermon is theologically strong & loads of middle class and above worshippers.

(2 All Souls Pl, London, W1B 3DA, United Kingdom‎ - 020 75803522)

New songs to try : Come praise the name of Jesus ( Christopher Idle)

Jesus draw me ever nearer ( Margaret Becker & Keith Getty)

Jesus Christ you came into this world to rescue me ( Noel Richards @ Thankyou Music)

Met Sarah who hails from Vancouver, finished her postgraduate in Toronto and working in the social service line. I do observe a lot of postgraduates around.

A day in Colhester

Oh, it was a lovely day in the outskirst of London to meet with my former lecturer from UPM and her husband. Ms Ho has been a dear Christian leader in our student ministry who has given so much care and attention to her students. I remember speaking to her about relationships and crying together in our struggles. Her husband was my support group mentor who mentors the cell group leaders of the day. Both of them introduced me to work with the orang asli and to go beyond my own preference to help others. We had a wonderful day to watch Bluebelle and other flowers in the park with their kids and friends ( Andy and Wai Mun, with Michael and Adam). Fred, Wai Fong and myself then walked to the town where we tried to get cheap wind breakers for myself but i was a tad too choosy.

I also have a good time to catch up on the reality of the social fabric in United Kingdom. While it is invisible in London, the mood in the smaller towns are more visible. The story of single mothers who are immensely young ( from 16 years old above) to be able to obtain welfare houses is a shocker. They create subsequent challenges where the children does not get supportive parenting, resulting in children that seemingly with issues and anger. I saw a young mother pushing a pram and smoking. I saw groups of children lepaking in the evening with typical 'gangster' based behaviour of intimidation. Thirdly, the single parents tries to find different partners. The culture of staying together without official marriage legitimacy creates another set of issues & more breakdown of the family institution. Families where the parents choses to stay together when able and where the siblings maybe from different relationships. It is all too confusing for an adult like me, and I emphatize with the childrens who tries to make sense of their life.

Colhester Town

The main tourist attraction, a medieval castle.

UMNO using force to usurp the rights of people

2009-05-08T15:15:00.000+08:00

Malaysia Waves: The Men In Black That Dragged Siva Away Is In Violation Of the Magistrate Court Injunction Too.

I can't imagine how people can come in to a parliament and drag the speaker out.. and jail him.

I also can't imagine how newspaper like the Star can ignore all this and spin their news in favour of UMNO. ( i gave a note to Chun wai in his blog that it is a sell out)

Pariah all the way to UMNO.

African church in Vauxhall

2009-05-04T05:42:00.002+08:00

A very warm, energetic and prayerful church close to where I am staying. Both Lester and I was actually looking for a Baptist church when I got awefully lost. This is the first time for us being able to worship together with brethens from a different cultural approach. I totally enjoyed the song singspiration and also looking at some old ladies praying in their native Nigerian etc. languages at the end of the session.

We tried a Colombian restaurant at the working class subord of Brixton. I had a nice grape softdrink called ava. For 8 pounts, a huge bowl of soup of beans + potatoes. The rice is excitingly fragrant and salty. The pork is very nicely done. There is a pancake of sorts, another pancake made out of banana, some salty salad and avacado. I enjoyed the food and there was enough to take away for dinner. Of course, the beautiful Colombian waitresses are a plus.

Tower bridge log on bank weekend

2009-05-02T18:38:00.003+08:00

Day 3 synopsis.

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Yeah, I felt like when I ran over the historical Tower Bridge of London this morning with chariot of fire on the background. Up at 6.30 a.m and it was just freezing. But the good stuff is that there I did not sweat!

2. Borough Market - a 4 pound spanish cheese toast, yogurt + strawberries + peach.

3. Tate - contemporary art area.

4. A nice shop that sells crepes .. it was too early when i stroll past.

5. Visited the queen at buckingham by mistake , and enjoy the birds chirping at her huge park.

6. The guards are still there .. looking bored.

7. Ohhhhhh .. found out where the police horses are kept. It is down the road from the Tourism Malaysia office. Btw, the Tourism Malaysia office is in such a strategic ( and expensive) area that their lousy decoration is a joke.

Verdict on the jog: It is cool to be able to jog without getting humidly tired. There goes the scapegoat. So, I got to buck up.

All this before the afternoon. Think I will catch a nap before my friend comes.

On the politics front, my vote for the bad tempered siao len ( small men) goes to Zamry, the ciplak MB of Perak. He is having another lock in with police and everything else to keep hold of his illegal power grab. This is not a towering figure and a joke to democracy.

First day of work in London

2009-04-30T23:59:00.005+08:00

Colleagues who gave me a huge surprise!

It is true.

London is a beehive of activity. The people here walk much faster than i did, and I tot that I was a rather fast walker.

Chiao Yen baked me muffins (chocolate, walnut and apricot which can be spelt differently. Thanks to those who sent me off ( and those who would) - Pastor Heong Cheong, Auntie Wai Li , Kelvin, Chiao, Shi and Cindy.

And Zach's lovely note and chocolate goes to the inbuild fridge.

Anyway, in remembrance of my first day at work in Shell house. The 13 hour journey ended up faster and arrived in Heathrow at 5.05 a.m. And I must congratulate MAS for serving lobster on their menu, it was delicious as the entree and unbelievingly good as the main. The cab ride was a mere 36 minutes and that saves me money. If one is to arrive later, it will cost a limb and leg ( cost me $65 pounds)

Take a look at the apartment. I love the architecture and all the hidden amenities. The view of river Thames and the special factory that came out in the latest Batman movie. Looked familiar?

Islamic conversion methods

2009-04-22T18:58:00.004+08:00

Good stuff from Khalid Samad on conversion methods.

In contrast with some discussions on whether forced conversions is Islamic.

"Penggunaan istilah ‘Allah’ oleh mereka akan memudahkan kerja dakwah ini tetapi malangnya ummat Islam lebih memikirkan dakwah Kristian terhadap ummat Islam dan tidak sebaliknya"

One Malaysia, a plagiarism of One Singapore? - Malaysiakini

2009-04-16T12:01:00.003+08:00

Sounds also like the Singaporean tagline.

One People, One Nation, One Singapore. (Watch the youtube here)

Apparently, I am not the first to observe the commonality nor do I think that it is an exclusive tagline.

Anyway Najib’s team has mooted the “One Malaysia” concept, a simple yet powerful slogan that sounds more like a stripped-down of Singapore’s “One People, One Nation, One Singapore”. It would be a miracle for a person who vowed to “bathe the keris in Chinese blood” in 1987 to suddenly make a 360-degrees turn and sincere about having “One Malaysia” concept. (Streetvoice)

It is just the irony of things.

Firstly, there is huge hue and cry that the one Malaysia is closely resembling Malaysian Malaysia, which were them lambasted for being an opposition and non Malay ploy to confuse the citizens. This is a common story that anything that is wrong is associated with the Non Malays ( the Jews of Malaysia), or the opposition or the lacklustre Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
It is then a huge contradiction that Najib's PR team conveniently borrowed / 'plagiarizes' a slogan from Singapore while trying to distinct itself from Kuan Yew's Malaysian Malaysia?

Secondly, it creaps back to its ketuanan Melayu ( Supremacy of Malay) clearly justifying the call to not overly optimistic that it will be anything different.
Prime Minister Najib come out with his definition today on what he meant by One Malaysia, staying closely to the definition given by the ultra-right UMNO mouthpiece, Utusan Melayu. It is to take into accounts all the concerns of the different races BUT will not forsake the concerns of the Malays primarily. And it is a rally call that we do everything as a group, dispensing (dirt under carpet) any prejudices or feelings. A noble yet indifferent goal that what we have known. Do admit that the Najib team does have an excellent proof-reader. It is technically the same stand as what we have been window dressed on , hence there is growing doubt that it will give better clarity to the quandry of race & religious scrimishes & the gaping.

I guess when there is an urgent need, Malaysians are able to conjure up any slogans or anthems to temporary impress the audiences.

The song had been very popular on the island of Mahé in the Seychelles. where the Sultan of Perak had formerly been living in exile. He heard it at a public band concert on the island, a song to a popular French melody, originally composed by the lyricist Pierre-Jean de Béranger (1780-1857), who was born and died in Paris. When Sultan Idris Murshidul’adzam Shah who was the Ruler of the State of Perak from 1887 to 1916 represented the Malay Rulers of the Federated Malay States at the installation ceremony of King Eward VII in 1901, his protocol officer was asked what his state anthem was. Realizing that his state did not in fact possess an anthem, he, in order not to appear backward in front of his hosts, proceeded to hum the aforementioned tune. Thus was an anthem born. (Wikipedia )

Unfortunately, it may not be any of the idealism that makes Najib to come out
with the slogan. At the end of the day, one may realise that it could be just for convenience. Since his 'blog' is called 1 Malaysia (http://www.1malaysia.com.my/), why not directing the citizen to his blog by having a national caption that goes after it. Masterstroke of public relations spin and blog awareness program.

What the heck is 1 Malaysia?

2009-04-15T19:50:00.002+08:00

I do think that it is just a slogan.

When nothing was explained, people try to ask more.Eh, the consultants that Najib uses did not give those definitions then mah.

In retaliation, UMNO / Utusan begins to blame it on the non Malays and opposition for championing racial equality.

So, someone then tried to do the same to the English papers and I saw this piece which is supposedly a reflection of our Malaysian academia 1 Malaysia is not Malaysian Malaysia ...
In short, they agree that 1 Malaysia is not about equality. One of the chap tried to be smart and start teaching about society theories and said that we are 'united in diversity'.

I felt something is wrong in his definition that the way ahead for Malaysia is acculturation. Good thing nowadays have google so one can find the definitions rather easily than in books or notes.

Acculturation is a process in which members of one cultural group adopt the beliefs and behaviors of another group.

This is what this 'professor' is saying!
Notice that he did not expound on what acculturation is...?
It is one culture adopting the culture of another.
I remember vividly in my university days when the pensyarah tell us that the national agenda is not unity by diversity but acculturation where we adopt the Malay culture ( taking the example of Indonesia then).

This professor contradicts himself, how to have diversity when the majority culture feeds on other cultures?

In short, 1 Malaysia is just a slogan. Dun hope that it will be anything more..

Lucky Man Marries Thai Twins!

2009-04-06T11:53:00.004+08:00

Translated from the Thai Rath Newspaper, 24 March

After Mr Wichai (Tao), aged 24, from Samut Songkram province, who earns his living by dealing in old goods, got married to gorgeous twins Ms Sirintara and Ms Thipawan 22, he vouched his sincerest 'equal love' for both of them! Mr Wichai, just yesterday, 23 March, got married in a pompous ceremony to both twins simultaneously.

On being interviewed by the Thai Rath reporters, Mr Wichai declared wholeheartedly, that he didn't see much problem in having to perform tiresome marital duties with two wives. In the engagement ceremony before the wedding, Mr Wichai successfully offered a dowry of eight baht of gold and 80,000 baht EACH for his lovely darlings. Both families celebrated the marriage with joy and were said to be delighted for the threesome..

Mr Wichai told the press that he had been best of friends with his neighbouring twins since they were children. "When I grew older, I would walk past their house each morning and try to decide for myself which one I fancied more, but it was darned impossible - I adored BOTH of them - I just couldn't decide, which one of them to chat up....!" He went on to say, 'For three continuous years all three of us would go on dates together, until there was one day when I couldn't stand the frustration any longer and told them, "I love you and want to marry you BOTH"' The fortunate Mr Wichai, instead of getting a slap in the face, was overjoyed when both girlsadmitted to having sworn all along, that they wished to marry the same man!

"It wasn't easy at first, what with the neighbours gossiping, but our family sympathized, understood, and fully supported our mutual love for the one man" the twins said. Mr Wichai arranged for his brides to live with him, in his family house after the wedding, and his mother has already proudly prepared TWO rooms for the newly-weds.

Our reporters were just gagging to hear the response to this mouth-watering question:- "And.... what are the sleeping arrangements Mr Wichai"? to which he replied modestly with a beaming smile "Absolutely no problems!

For the first three nights of the week, I will sleep with Ms Thipawan and the next three will be spent with Ms Sirintara. As for every Saturday, the three of us will sleep together" Ms Sirintara finally told the press, "When my twin and I worked as assistant nurses, we promised each other that we would never leave each other's side, and that our future husband would have to either take us both, or leave us.

omigosh.... Man's ulitimate dream...
Wonder what would Cleif say ... kah kah

Allantunya - the new taboo - Malaysiakini

2009-03-31T19:55:00.002+08:00

(Image)

Why is 'Allantunya' now restricted to certain priviledged people?

The answer: "Alla"-ntunya sounds like "Allah", another banned word.

Opposition banned from raising Altantuya

Clear bias of police: PKR cannot mention Altantuya in ceramah

New Malaysian taboos: Altantuya, race, religion and royalty

There is just no logical justification for such actions no matter which commentary you would read.

To me, this is basically the behaviour that the "Herald" decided to take a suit against the arbitary decision of the Home Ministry in their decision on "Allah". It is a suit to ask the civil servants to review their decision and to invite the civil servants to be civil in their decision. It is similar to this arbitary, high handed 'my word is law" type of behaviour.

Soon, the police will decide that the 'democracy tree' is also a taboo, 'valucap' is also a taboo ... etc.

Hishammuddin does not need to apologize again.

2009-03-25T13:29:00.004+08:00

Photo : Choo May May

I hope someone clean this first! Muacks ...

He started it in 2005 and refused to do otherwise for another 2 years.

A half hearted attempt to apologize IF the non Malays were insulted by the sabre rattling. It was not an apology yet the people that the words are spoken against were able to want to forgive.

Hishammuddin moment was one of the visual of the arrogance of UMNO on its 'apartheid' styled Malay Superiority movement for the 2008 General Election.

After 1 year of soul searching and a new PR campaign that did not get him the sufficient vote for the UMNO post, he is again using the UMNO youth assembly to speak virtoil rethorics of race and to unsheath the keris again. And nobody else should critize him for he is just following an UMNO youth "tradition"; consciously left out that this tradition started only in 2005 after a succesful triumph in 2004 general election. In the process, making the UMNO members happy that he is as Malay as ...uhmmm... Najib and not bow down to the non Malays who are the root of all evil as per his speech.

He can kiss the toilet bowl if he wants, but to do the same in the context of a racist message does not bode well for a civil engagement. He claimed that he is the same mold as his grandfather and his father in doing the right thing for the rakyat. He is a disgrace to Dato Onn Jaafar and Tun Hussein Onn by trying to ride on their work. ( Come to think about it, Najib is plagiarizing Tun Dr Mahathir ... what a similar approach. Wonder who is their PR man)

I seriously suspect his sincerity and do not trust his lies anymore.

Talk is cheap, and Hishammudin's words is not consistent with his behaviour.

Hanging by a thread

2009-03-24T11:06:00.002+08:00

Rape victim’s body found hanged from durian tree

KUALA KUBU BARU: The body of a woman, believed to be a rape victim, was
found hanged from a durian tree in Sungei Choh near here. She was clad only in
her underwear.

The body was found by passers-by at 7.50am. The woman had a rope tied round
her neck and the other end tied to a branch of the tree behind a petrol station.
Her legs were tied and her feet were touching the ground.

She was clad only in a white bra and a maroon panties. Hulu Selangor deputy
OCPD Supt Bakhtiar Rashid said police believe the victim could have been
murdered elsewhere before the body was hanged from the branch.

He said police believe there was a struggle between the victim and her
assailant as there were strangulation marks on her neck and bruises on her
body,

Supt Bakhtiar also said police believe the victim was raped before she was
killed hours before the body was found.

“No identification document was found on her. We are unsure about the
victim’s race but initial checks indicate that she might be a foreigner,” he
added.

Yes, Suara Keadilan and Harakah just got banned. UMNO GE is tomorrow and everybody seemed excited. Yet, this is the story that gripped my heart that a girl was killed after being raped. But her story will remain in the background because of these political situations and perhaps because she is a foreigner. If she is a class 1 foreigner ( Arabs, Gwailos etc.), the embassy and media will descent and the police will make various different pledges. Seemed that this victim may fall between the cracks for being from a less than prestigious country.

My home church is working to support the vietnamese, bangladeshi migrants who came down to the small town to work on the furniture factories. Quite a few of them got summarily terminated and right now, the migrants feel that they have been wronged but without avenue for their grievences to be heard.

It is time that Malaysia subscribe to be a signatory to a migrant charter. We are either alllowing them to get the citizenship to easily ( read Sabah) or subject them to rather unfair practices.

Crabby investigation on china dolls

2009-03-19T12:20:00.004+08:00

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KLANG: Selangor police have refuted claims that a vice ring offering the
services of foreign prostitutes was operating in Pulau Ketam near here.

State deputy police chief Senior Asst Comm I Datuk Jamshah Mustapa said
this in response to a report in a Chinese vernacular paper last week that
Chinese women were prostituting themselves in eight houses that had been turned
into brothels in Pulau Ketam.

The report said the pimps running the operations charged between RM60 and RM80 for each visit with the women.

Clients could also keep the women for a month for between RM3,000 and
RM5,000.

The problem was highlighted to the media as well as to the MCA
by housewives in Pulau Ketam who feared that their sons and husbands would be
affected by these women, said the report.

SAC Jamshah said checks by the police indicated that tourists, mostly from China, with valid travel documents were visiting the island during the weekends.

He said some of the female tourists might have forged
friendships with locals and this could have been frowned upon by certain quarters.

SAC Jamshah said the female tourists came there for holidays
and were not brought there by a vice ring.

In anti-vice operations in Pulau Ketam this year, he said police detained one local man and four Chinese women.

What do you think?

Here we have a SAC who seemed to rush aside the local's observation and came out with stories to reason out the situation. And at one brush, denied the involvement of syndicates.

She should think...

1. Why are there so many chinese tourist visiting Pulau Ketam, which are scarcely paraded as the top tourist destination in Malaysia?

2. And if it is so, why there seemed to be more women than men tourists?

3. And how long does it take to 'befriend' the locals? 2 hour trip or 2 weeks?

4. If the vice operations only capture 5 people , is it because there is really nothing going on or because people got tip off?

I think a 10 year old also can be more inquisitive than this SAC. What a crab.

EPF Sucks!

2009-03-18T18:53:00.007+08:00

(Image)

I am pissed.

I worked hard.

Big percentage goes as tax .... where the government 'occasionally' uses as personal coin, I mean cash jar.

Another big percentage goes to the employee provident fund, where it is supposed to be wisely invested for my future.

The same government comes in to find another money jar since the tax jar seemed to be more limited nowadays.

RM5 billion is given to Valuecap ( or Valuecrap) , a company that seemed unable to service its loan and whose shareholding is a mystery. -> to selected high healed people.

RM10 billion is given to Khazanah, with the money going to Government linked companies -> to selected high healed people.

Back to EPF. It obtained a record RM20 billion of gross income.

Gross income: 2007 = RM18.29 billion ;
2008 = RM20 billion (9.36% increase)

Net income: 2007 = RM16.87 billion ; 2008 should be = RM18.45 billion (9.36%)?

But now 2008’s net income = RM14.26 billion, short of RM4.2 billion?

Read at http://stocktube.blogspot.com/2009/03/epfs-45-dividend-your-cheese-eaten-by.html

So,
I am earning 4.5% and not 6% ( 2007 is 5.0%) because RM4.2 billion is missing. Coincidentally, RM5 billion is given in cash to Valuecap. It means that the EPF shareholders are getting less dividens because the money was given to somebody else. -> to selected high healed people.

1. EPF chairman should resign.
2. Nor Yaakob should resign for forcing the valuecap issue.

I hope EPF fund managers are getting less bonuses too.... fat hope.
EPF sucks!!!

HRH Sultan Selangor on preservation of orang asli land

2009-03-10T16:28:00.004+08:00

“In the last few years, the orang asli community has undergone an erosion
of identity and it is time their rights be returned to them with the resolution
of their land problems.

“I want to stress the need to acknowledge and preserve orang asli land
which had been seized from them in the last few years,” said the Sultan.

Sultan Sharafuddin also urged the state government to expedite the
identification and gazetting of orang asli land.

“They should be given the land which is rightfully
theirs,” he added.

What a breath of fresh air. ( Read here) I hope the other sultans and Raja ( the white hair rajah of Sarawak) would take a leaf from HRH. Can we, the lesser beings and certainly the even lesser beings of Orang Asal's ( sorry, but the fact that they are not given their rightful land, continously loosing lands via court and logging companies etc. ) ... would dare to hope that there will be a real progress towards granting real rights to those that deserves it.

Benefit of conversion

2009-03-06T18:16:00.004+08:00

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Lately, I have 3 friends who converted to Islam as they are seeking to be married. At some point of time, they will keep their distance from friends and maybe family .. and come out with their news. It is part of the modus operandi to protect the would be to be succesfully converted. Once you sign your name, it is a one was street in Malaysia. I do respect them as they have obediently carried out the expectation of a law that is designed to enable conversion. Sometimes, we should ask the question on why converting for the other partner? Even if it is a law, are there other ways?

Anyway, here is the reason for my reflection.

An ethnic Chinese man is challenging the conversion of his baby daughter to Islam by his estranged wife, a lawyer said Thursday (5 March), the latest interreligious dispute to rock mainly Muslim Malaysia.

Hoo Ying Soon, a 28-year-old carpenter, was shocked when he received a notice two days ago from the Islamic Shariah court granting temporary custody of their 15-month-old daughter to his wife, said his lawyer Tang Jay Son.

He was told that his wife, Chew Yin Yin, 23, embraced Islam on 28 Jan while his daughter was converted on 3 Feb, Tang said.

The couple, both Buddhists, wedded Feb 2007 in southern Negeri Sembilan state but their marriage broke down in Sept, he said.

"Hoo will challenge the conversion of his daughter in the High Court because it was done unilaterally by the mother without the consent of the father. They are not divorced yet," Tang told The Associated Press.

Religious issues are extremely sensitive in Malaysia, where about 60% of the 27 million people are Muslims. Buddhist, Christian and Hindu minorities have accepted Islam's dominance but in recent years voiced fears that courts are unfairly asserting the supremacy of Islam, which is Malaysia's official religion.

Malaysia has a dual court system. Muslims are governed by the Islamic Shariah courts and non-Muslims, civil courts. But interreligious disputes almost always end up in Shariah courts, and end in favor of Muslims.

Tang said Hoo's wife, who has adopted the name Siti Zubaidah Chew Abdullah, has filed for divorce in the Islamic court with a hearing due later Thursday.
Hoo will seek an injunction in the Shariah court to prevent his wife from taking custody of their child, he said.

He has filed a suit in the High Court to question his daughter's conversion and to seek guardianship over their child, and wants the Islamic court to wait for the civil court's decision, he said. The high court has set 10 March for hearing.
"He has no problems with his wife converting to Islam but he feels it is unfair to convert their daughter," Tang said.

Hoo also is concerned that their child, Hoo Joey, has been renamed Nurul Syuhada Chew Abdullah, which doesn't carry his surname, he added.In a high profile case in 2007, an ethnic Hindu woman failed to persuade the civil court to ban her husband, who had embraced Islam, from converting their sons.

This is essentially, a loophole created for disaster.

1. If you want to get the custody of child, convert. The Syariah court would surely award the converted party the custody.

2. If you want to divorce and take on new wife ( most of the time) , convert.

3. If you want to divorce and not pay alimony, convert.

I don't think the lawmakers are really pushing to close the gap soon even though AAB said that he established a working committee on it. The law requiring conversion in marriage and the disparity between civil and syariah is creating an environment conducive for people to convert.

Malaysia is on the right direction to be a fully Islamic nation.

Finally, PR government reaches out to Orang Asli

2009-03-04T13:03:00.002+08:00

One of the commitments is to now expedite the process of dealing with the
stalemate of Orang Asli land in Selangor. One of the great things the Pakatan
Rakyat government in Perak did was to form an Orang Asli Taskforce,
headed and led by Orang Asli themselves. They would then deal with
these problems and report it to the Exco. This was applauded by many.

Read more:Dialogue between Selangor and the Orang Asli

Till Jabatan Hal Ehwal Orang Asli is headed and led by the Orang Asli, they will continue to be marginalized and subjected to the demands of the officials. Why build Mosques in kampung when they need plain water? And more importantly, their rights to their land.

Criminal act to use the word "Allah" In Malaysia

2009-03-02T12:55:00.003+08:00

I am confused. The flip flop by the Malaysian governement on the issue of the sanctity of the word "Allah" is a huge joke. I wonder why some people are paid good money to make other people's life a nuisance..

During the primary and secondary school, I used to be asked to lead the school assembly which involves singing the national and state song. Imagine me trying to do that today and I could be slapped with a suit and a time in jail. Imagine 10 years old in jail for using the word and the real criminals are left in the street to continue their carnage.

So, dear friends in these 5 states who can be jailed for singing their state songs ... do your maths. This is a huge joke for the world to laugh at us.

LAGU NEGERI TERENGGANU -
Selamat Sultan Allah daulatkan Tuanku Sultan Terengganu Darul Iman Allah peliharakan Tuanku Sultan Sejahtera sepanjang zaman Allah rahmatkan Tuanku Sultan Memerintah rakyat aman

LAGU NEGERI KELANTAN
Lanjutkan usia Al-Sultan kami Sultan Kelantan raja ikrami Aman sentosa Tuhan sirami Kekal memerintah kami Kasih dan taat setia disembahkan Keriangan diucapkan Segala kebesaran Allah cucurkan Bertambah kemuliaan

LAGU NEGERI JOHOR
Allah selamatkan Sultan Anugerahkan dia Segala kehormatan Sihat dan ria Kekal dan makmur Luaskan kuasa Naungkan kami Rakyat dipimpini bersama lagi Dengan Merdeka Baru bersatu hati Allah berkati Johor Allah selamatkan Sultan.

LAGU NEGERI SELANGOR -
Duli Yang Maha Mulia, Selamat diatas taktha, Allah lanjutkan usia Tuanku Rakyat mohon restu, Bawah duli Tuanku, Bahagia selama-lamanya Aman dan sentosa Duli Yang Maha Mulia..

LAGU NEGERI KEDAH
Allah selamat Sultan Mahkota Berpanjangan usia di atas Takhta, Memelihara ugama Nabi kita, Negeri Kedah serata-rata

Orang Asli in Perak apprehensive

2009-02-24T15:51:00.000+08:00

Orang Asli in Perak apprehensive
Tuesday, 24 February 2009 08:52
By Zedeck Siew (The Nut Graph)

BIDOR, 24 Feb 2009: Orang Asli community leaders in Perak are worried that the state's recent political developments will signal a return to a disregard of their rights.

"We feel concern and sadness at what happened. Where are we in all this? Will Orang Asli issues, that were hot in the last 10 months, once again be sidelined?" said Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Perak (JKOAP) secretary Tijah Yok Chopil.

Tijah, a Semai, revealed that in the days following the swearing in of the Barisan Nasional (BN)'s Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir as menteri besar on 6 Feb, several trees in the forest near Kampung Chang, in the outskirts of Bidor, had been marked with red paint for logging purposes.
"There are helicopters flying around, surveying the land," she said when met here on 14 Feb.
Other Orang Asli leaders in the state who spoke to The Nut Graph said logging activities in Sungai Siput, which were halted and had their permits revoked by the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state government, have also been renewed.

A sand mining operation upriver from Kampung Pos Bersih, which was stopped only a week before, was restarted on 12 Feb, they added.

On 14 Feb, Tijah chaired a meeting of Semai leaders from 10 separate Orang Asli villages between Tanjung Malim and Ipoh in Kampung Chang, Sungai Gepai, where her village is.
The meeting discussed the fall of the PR state government and the BN takeover of Perak, and its effects on Orang Asli issues.

"For 51 years we have not been treated as citizens, but squatters. In our lands, no one lives there, according to the government," said Yok Pis Chenadang, a representative from Kampung Pos Bersih.

Read more at: http://www.thenutgraph.com/orang-asli-in-perak-apprehensive

Worst flood in Baram, Sarawak since 1963

2009-02-19T21:27:00.008+08:00

Update 3: Long term sustainance.

1. Coordination with local authoraties - esp. Irrigation / agriculture authoraties on bank works / seeds for the Ikang community. In less than 6 months, they were flooded twice and destroys their crops. The sense of L Ikang is one that is demotivated. And their technology allows for once a year work ( i think there is approval for Sarawak to get funding on paddy production in MP10)

2. Contacts: in meeting with state leaders to express thoughts that it will be good for the business ( quarry, loggers) and community that certain dredging work is done at certain parts of the river. Esp at Long Ikang and Panai ( though business will not benefit as much in Panai). Silts of 1 inch plus thru fews days of flooding in Marudi, 2-3 inch in Ikang.

12th February 2009
The team assembled at CREST centre at 6.30 p.m. for an on-boarding & prayer session. Data gathering was initiated prior to obtain information on local contacts of church leaders, potential supply / distribution and logistics partner.

We were blessed to be able to obtain the help from the Borneo Evangelical Church ( SIB) throughout the trip. Our special appreciation to Reverand Justin Wan for accommodating a last minute request by canceling and readjusting his schedule.

13th February 2009
6.00 a.m. – The team assembled at LCCT Sepang for an early morning flight to Miri. The team reached Miri almost on time and in high spirit. In waiting, Reverend Justine Wan at the Miri airport. The team was focused on getting as much ground information as possible even during breakfast. With the local information, the team decided to head straight to Marudi that is basically a strategic river port town that connects Miri with lower Baram to the middle or higher Baram. The flood also hit the town and there was a risk that it maybe too chaotic for a recovering town.

Photo: Aftermath in Marudi. And the town is located on top of a hill beside the Baram River.

5.30 p.m – The 3 hour express boat let us into the Marudi town. The newly build jetty is totally overflowed so there was a small blessing of not exerting up town on the hill. The town roads were still brownish from the flood residue leftover equipped with its own distinct complex whiff. Crews were paid to wash mud of the street and stains off the wall of shops. We managed to get a lift to the SIB Marudi church which was miraculously spared. The team held an hour-long discussion with Pastor Ayub and wife and continued on during dinner.

9.30 p.m. - After bath, the team joined the Friday prayer group to explain our intent and to garner suggestions and support. It was during this time that the congregation shared their own take on the church’s involvement where it was agreed that the church, through Pastor Ayub could be a resource. We also hear about the impact of the flood to the people of Long Panai that was covered under water for weeks with very limited help. The Long Panai school that was placed higher on a higher plain beside the village was also flooded, resulted in closure from January 2009. The headmaster, Mr. Mutha agreed to be a resource to co-ordinate with the village and village head in relieft work. We ended the day praying and supping with pastor and family.

14th February 2009
6.30 a.m. – After a night of sleep in the comfort of the church guest room, the team headed our to the jetty. After breakfast, the team parted with Reverend Justine and Pastor Ayub. We manage to find the proprietor of express boat who after hearing the story, decided to reduce a day charge of rent to RM3K.

1.30 p.m – After a 3 plus hour trip up the river, we arrived in the small village of Long Lama. Pastor Thomas is the Co-ordinator for the SIB central Baram region and he waited for us. We had our discussion with him and have to let him go to attend to his dad who had fell down in his home village ( 3 hours away up on the hillside). We were supposed to meet Pastor William as it is a village that is affected. Since he is not around, we were then introduced SIB Long Lama pastor, Pastor Willie. He then gave us more ground news especially on Long Ikang, which we analyze as potentially another area of real needs. Using a 6 foot boat, we powered downstream to assess the damage and to validate ground talks.

On arriving, we notice a village that was devoid of cheer. The only noise came from the children as the adults were taking a break. Soon, we met the 60-70 year old village head named Liban Jalong. We asked permission to view his house and saw the mark of a high level of flood. We also saw photos of his glorious past as a warrior of the Kayan tribe.

Trying to make the best of the time, we make way to access the damage done on the crops. Luckily, the villagers cleared off a trail that morning and the team could actually walk to the plantation and fields. 2-3 inches thick of wet & smelly brown/ black mud covered the whole landscape in the village and posses a sticky challenge to whoever who dares to try. We notice that the generator room was quiet and would have been submerged. Old villagers were trying to wash of the dirt from the houses manually and the strain of such effort is evident. Beyond the path, we can see marks of the flooding on the plants. From ubi, corns, cocoa to other local vegetables, the leaves were covered with mud stains. Expect rot to set in soon to magnify the problem. The thick mud covers the areas below trees, rendering many areas inaccessible.

Soon, we come to the paddy fields where we witness the destruction of a maturing paddy crops. 500 acres of paddy were planted and about 80% were ‘destroyed’. (we also learn later that night that the same village was hit by a smaller flood in Sept/ Oct 08 when the paddy saplings were coming out. They have to replant the whole 500 acres again). The double whammy would mean that they would not be able to have harvest this year; a catastrophe for a village highly depended on their paddy harvest yet unable to move beyond a once-a-year paddy technology. The image of the village head, with lower eyes, saying that “saya tak tahu apa lagi nak buat” ( I have no idea what else to do) shows a warrior leader demoralized. In fact, half the population of the village has left the place to look for jobs in towns so that they can earn some money. We also saw that the flood affected the farming equipments. By estimation, an acre of paddy would require 7 gantangs of seedlings to produce enough paddy saplings, which will come out to 1.5 tonnes in total. At the current moment, this village does not have any seedlings left for their September planting season. It is indeed a village on the throes. Even as we left with promises to do something within 2 weeks, we knew that it should come sooner. The village head was very thankful that he even wanted us to stay back and share a meal with the little that they had.
Photos: Wait till the rot sets in. The whole place will stink and there are other potential consequence in terms of health & access to their drinking water. TC visits a house and see basic living.

6.30 p.m. – The team found the Long Lama village through the darkness. After paying of the boatman, the team decided to hunt around for supply stores. 2 shops were open and both did not have enough supplies. The other shops are already closed. Over dinner, we explored options and Pastor Willie helped us tremendously. He tried to get drivers for the church boat, which proved futile. And he got us connected to a shop owner, who then called around and got the driver of the express service. Mok Chow Meng was a gracious man who gave us a solution to our challenges. He convinced the driver of the express boat to allow us to have 15-20 minute stop and even talked to the owner. He also introduced us to a local grocer, Marudi Cold storage whose owner came down to open their shops. They then make arrangement to carry the RM4.7 thousand worth of goods and food to the express boat, in the quietness of the night. The catholic owner gave us some discounts on the price and we also met a SIB Chinese department lady who operates a clothes shop nearby. We were not able to visit the theology school in Long lama.We finally had our bath at 11.00 p.m that night.

Photos: The shop open for us and kids helping to load the truck

15th February 2009
6.00 a.m. – Rise and shine as the team gears up for a fast lifting exercise. After another kolok mee breakfast, the team were at the jetty and helped (a bit) of the loading process. The Kayan kids seemed to do a better job than us. Pastor Willie came down with Elder Lah and Deacon to great us farewell as we sat on the 8.00 a.m. express ferry.
Photo: With the Long Lama team

10.00 a.m. – The express driver gave loud horn sounds to invite the villagers to help. None came as they were not expecting us and there is no way to contact this village via phone as there is no communication line nearby. They were also probably having the Sunday mass. The store send one of the Kayan kids to help and Elder Lah and some other people also aided us. Soon, Steve and Elder Lah got the villages to come down to the riverbank and the they formed a chain of people to unload the good and foodstuff. We had a short chat with the village head that was now beaming with surprise and happiness. He kept on thanking the group and said that he was shocked. The male villagers also shook out hands as we had to embark back to the boat.

Photo: Very thankful and shocked at the speed of help.

12.00 p.m – We manage to catch the Kuala Baram express without time for lunch. Manage to meet some people from Marudi and Long Panai ( my foster family).

3.00 p.m. – Arrive at the Miri town and went to look for lunch. We had time to stroll about and to have more coffees. Air Asia sent notice that the flight was delayed to a later time.

7.00 p.m. – Check in the Miri airport to find out later that the flight is again delayed.
And again. And again. ( Thanks Tony)

12.40 p.m. – Finally, able to catch the car back to Puchong/ Damansara where we stayed. Taxi would be exorbitant by then so it is a huge plus that Shi could come down to LCCT to get us.

People in Peninsular are still not feeling it...
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/98522

And yes, it is the logging
http://anilnetto.com/accountability/more-deforestation-as-timber-export-target-doubled/

And the fish are dying too... ( not really a funny account) http://kopisejuk.blogspot.com/2009/02/damn-funny-news-ever.html

These are the small news that trickle from the worst Baram flood since 1963 where else, the mainstream mass media seemed indifferent.

3 underaged girls were raped and the perpetrator is loose

2009-02-16T19:03:00.003+08:00

Balasupramaniam said the 2006 Ampang case had been postponed in January last
year because both the IO and interpreter were absent; it was postponed again in
August because the medical report was not ready and the IO was absent, and again
in December as the IO was absent.

I am appalled by the way we treat our ladies. The 3 girls are underaged. Assemblywoman Elizabeth's 'nude photo' coverage is demeaning to the ladies. They are left fending for themselves and that is not right.

“The parents lodged a police report after they managed to record a telephone
conversation between the suspect and the eldest victim and we are now asking the
A-G to look into revoking the bail and placing the suspect in police custody,”
he told reporters at the AG’s Chambers on Monday.

AG to look into rape case of 3 underage girls

Orang Asal more protected under Pakatan

2009-02-12T13:30:00.001+08:00

I do know that the current Selangor government is also trying very hard to look out for the orang asli rights in Selangor. This is consistent with Perak. I would not put my money on UMNO to take care on the land rights of the minorities in Perak.

http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/press_statements/letter_to_the_editor_protection_of_the_rights_of_the_underprivileged_must_continue.html

The shocking display of vitriol against Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin of Perak by certain groups claiming to advance patriotism in Perak, is a disconcerting trend.In a modern and robust democracy such as we claim to be, threats against those who hold different views, seek to enforce their legal rights or seek to challenge authority in a court of law are seriously misplaced. We cannot, on the one hand, claim to be a modern democracy that respects dissenting views and, on the other, ask for archaic modes of “punishment” (like chasing someone out of the State) for holding those views.

It is also necessary to remember that under Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin’s Administration in Perak, many significant steps forward were taken on issues that affect the Orang Asli and other underprivileged and marginalised groups. I write this piece to put on record what I believe to be the most significant events from a human rights perspective: events that members of the Malaysian Bar and other NGOs were pleased to be part of. These issues that had remained outstanding for many years saw quick resolution in the last 10 months in Perak.

They include the following:

• As Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin cancelled all logging and plantation activities in Orang Asli settlements around Gopeng that were affecting more than 2000 Orang Asli.

• YB Sivanesan announced the return of approximately 400 acres of Orang Asli ancestral land to the Orang Asli that had been earmarked for logging activities by the previous government in Mukim Teja near Gopeng.

• The State Government announced the return of approximately 500 acres of Orang Asli ancestral land to the Orang Asli of Kampung Chang Sungai Gepai in Bidor, which had been earmarked for a Botanical Garden by the previous government.

• A special task force on Orang Asli land rights was set up to formally recognise all Orang Asli customary land in Perak. The task force committee comprises two tiers. The second tier is exclusively managed by the Orang Asli communities themselves, and meeting halls in the State Secretariat building are provided to the Orang Asli for their use.

• The Administration commissioned a special Orang Asli Officer for the state of Perak whose function is to resolve all problems of the Orang Asli within the state.

• A series of consultations with the public and NGOs on development activities in Ipoh has been held. For example, public opinion was sought in relation to the proposed development of Yau Tet Shin Market.

• Both Malay and Chinese residents of new villages and Kampung Tersusun are now being granted permanent land titles in stages.The Malaysian Bar must put these events on record as we have worked for years on some of these issues and were happy to see positive results achieved in a short span of time. We hope that the same importance will be given to these matters and that they will continue to progress without delay. In fact, we call on all State Governments to be pro-active in relation to issues that concern the Orang Asli, the marginalised and the underprivileged.

Dato’ Ambiga SreenevasanPresident, Malaysian Bar11 February 2009

Flood relief work in Baram, Sarawak

2009-02-10T16:45:00.002+08:00

Help in the relief of flood among the Sarawak natives that lives along the Baram river. To help, contact the below. I will be helping out by flying over and doing the groundwork. You can too.

Crisis Relief Services & Training Berhad
27 Jalan SS2/10447300 Petaling JayaSelangor,
Malaysia
Tel: 03-77257299, 03-77256297
Fax: 03-77257298www.crestmalaysia.org

** Please bank in your contribution to MBB Account No. 5141-9611-8174and fax your bank slip to 03-77257298 stating the purpose, amount, your nameand postal address for us to acknowledge receipt **

Is UMNO the new Zionist of Malaysia? - Malaysiakini

2009-02-06T14:14:00.005+08:00

In my last post , I was lamenting the hypocrisy of people who take advantage of situations to advance their positions. Today is a dark day for Malaysia when the powers to be gang up with the Sultan of Perak to force a legitimately elected state government to resign. All the talks about constitutional processes that you learn in university is thrown into the toilet hole when new rules were accepted on face value. Perakians are angry , so are many Malaysians who felt that a few aristocrats ( policitians and monarchs) are making a fool of their rights.

While UMNO is championing the Palestinian issue against Zionist, can they not reflect that the schemes that they perpetrated in Perak is similar to what the Zionist are doing? They are forcing the rakyat to resort to violence to obtain justice. Is this not what the Palestinians are feeling? Hence, UMNO is quite similar to the Zionist elements in the Israel government. Stop calling a kettle black.

What is the consequence of such blatant real politics?

1.The implication is... that any states are now open for crossovers. The act by Perak Sultan has open the floodgates of continuous politicking. For footballers, it is like players can be bought and sold anytime and not during transfer season.

2. Black eye for

Najib - he is now viewed as an evil schemer. While the economy falls, his priority is in getting more political power in Perak and Terengganu.

Anwar - blamed for keep talking about crossovers. He should learn from Nasa and Saiful experience that 'easy' people may have hidden agenda.

Sultan Azlan - one stroke of decision made him to loose respect among Perakians. He wrote a book on Malaysian judiaciary and did not do what he has written. And that his son was talking about integrity and non partisanship the day before sunked down his credibility. A look at the comments in his site shows that his subjects are getting restless that their pleads are falling to deaf ears.

Election Commission - the new EC chairman lost credibilty at his first major task.

MAnti Corruption Chicken - decided the RM50 million bribe story as unrealiable. Also, decided not to investigate Nasa on his return to UMNO but made a hoo hah when he went to PKR.

Monarchy - will this be the death knell of Malaysian aristocrats?

Ultimately, the Semenanjung folks finally feel what the Sabahans felt when UMNO took over their democratically appointed government. Some commentators said that probably Sabahans were too backwater to feel the injustice but they need to remember that natural justice is for all. The state continues to be ill managed by the politicians who are now inward looking and consequently is now the poorest state in the country. Foreigners are taking over the jobs of locals and there is a sense of lawlessness where money and power can get you what your heart desires. It is like the birth of something by evil means produces more evil offsprings. In the long term, the biggest loser will be UMNO and Sultan Azlan.

2009-02-03T11:40:00.002+08:00

Image from http://www.criminalisewar.org/

I wonder how we are so taken by various propogandas.

If it is about humanity, there are many areas that Malaysians can champion. If it is humanity rights of Muslims, why not bother to talk about Rohinya in our shores and in our land? No monies or help goes to them ( Rohinya in Malaysia protest, says UN treats them unfairly - cause we are not signatory to the UN refugee charter).

Ask yourself: What is the political element?

Palestinian cause have more political milleage than the puny Rohinya-on-the-sea-dying. Today in the Sun, a huge "Forum" on Palestine was advertised by Tun Dr Mahathir and his team ( Matthias, Salleh buang, Berjaya etc).

In this 'apoligical' forum, the topic chosen is " Heinous War crimes against Palestinian children by zionist cowards".

Zionist cowards? What kind of conference topic is that?

No wonder we are pariah among international aid organisations because fundamentally, many times we are self serving. The government tend to promote aid to those that they cared for - Bosnia, Southen Thailand, Southen Philipines, Acheh etc. Do you sense a pattern there? If we are indeed fighting for humanity, we should at least be impartial to our partial judgement.

I decry this war & others before. I decry more the hypocrites who are taking advantage.

Try http://wwwsurim.blogspot.com/2008/10/sosaity-surim-ojektif.html#links

Progress in Indonesia

2009-02-02T18:55:00.004+08:00

The lot of Chinese Indonesians improving
By ERWIDA MAULIA

JAKARTA: Chinese-Indonesians are beginning to enjoy the lowering of many major hurdles in living in the mainly Muslim country, a top Confucian leader says.

The only remaining problem is the issue of ID cards, over which ethnic Chinese residents still face discrimination in many parts of the country, said Indonesia Confucianism High Assembly (Matakin) chairman Budi S. Tanuwibowo.

He was speaking during a celebration in Jakarta on Sunday for Chinese New Year, which was attended by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Some 6,000 Confucians were present at the event organised by Matakin.

In turn, Yudhoyono called on all state officials to improve their services to the country’s Confucian and Chinese-Indonesian communities, saying all discriminatory acts against minorities must be put to an end.

He added there had been significant progress in the fulfillment of civilian rights for both minority groups over the last 10 years.

“I’m asking the religious affairs minister, the education minister and the justice and human rights minister, as well as all related parties in both central and local administrations, to continue to improve the quality of their services so as to fulfil the civilian rights of the Confucian and ethnic Chinese communities,” Yudhoyono said in his address.

“In accordance with the 2006 Law on Citizenship, you (state officials) should not have any doubts about giving good service.

“There should be no more discriminatory treatment against anyone.”

The improvement of minority groups’ rights, the President added, could be found in marriage registrations, now available to Confucian couples.

It can also be seen in the education sector, with the Religious Affairs Ministry’s issuance of two regulations legalising the incorporation of Confucian teachings in school curricula.

“Also, the Centre for Religious Harmony now serves Confucianism. And there are no more problems now about the establishment of houses of worship for Confucians,” Yudhoyono said.

In response, Matakin’s Budi Tanuwibowo acknowledged the improving conditions, citing “three big occurrences” last year, including the issuance of the two ministerial regulations and the granting of a plot of land at the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah theme park to establish a Confucian temple, whose ground-breaking ceremony will take place Monday.

Another “historic” occurrence was Yudhoyono’s attendance, the first ever by a president, at the celebration last October of Prophet Kong Zi’s 2559th birthday in Cibinong, West Java, Budi added.

“All problems (over the rights of Confucians and ethnic Chinese communities) are over now, except in the application of ID cards, which remains problematic in many regions,” he said.
Indonesia officially began celebrating Chinese New Year after former president Abdurrahman Wahid in 1999 annulled a 1967 presidential instruction banning all activities related to Chinese traditions, including the practices of Confucianism teaching.

Three years later, Wahid’s successor Megawati Soekarnoputri officially declared Chinese New Year a national holiday.

Yudhoyono, who is seeking another five-year term in office, seized upon Sunday’s event to ask Confucians to vote during the upcoming legislative and presidential elections. -- ANN/ The Jakarta Post

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Malaysians tend to laugh at Indonesia due our pre-supposed progress. Reading this, I am uplifted by the maturity that this democracy is showing. Indonesians know that to survive, they need to work hard. This is because in Indonesia, there is no such thing as pribumi. Everybody is equal under their constitution hence, the smarter and harder worker will be able to survive.

“In accordance with the 2006 Law on Citizenship, you (state officials) should not have any doubts about giving good service.“There should be no more discriminatory treatment against anyone.”

I am no Confucioun but am happy for the Indonesians who are now able to practice and get their religion recognized. Would anybody from UMNO dare to utter what SBY said?

2009-01-23T16:43:00.002+08:00

Iban land activists detained for ‘gang robbery’
Tony Thien Jan 23, 09 11:46am
Source: Malaysiakini

Three Ibans, actively involved in a struggle to keep a plantation company out of their Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, have been detained under the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969 for suspected gang robbery.

The three are members a longhouse chief’s family and include a young mother.

They are presently being held in a police station in Bintulu. Under the ordinance they can be detained for up to 60 days while police continue with investigations.

In an appeal letter to the inspector-general of police and other relevant authorities, Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president, S.M. Mohamed Idris, called on the authorities to immediately release the trio - Bunya Ak Sengoh, Marai ak Sengoh and Melati Ak Bekeni - if the police do not have any strong evidence against them.

“We regard their arrest under the emergency ordinance as strange and against human rights. It is an action that is most unfair and injust.

Land dispute with BBC Estate VII
“As far as we are aware, such emergency laws should only apply to illegal activities and serious crime that threaten national security and peace,” he added in the letter made available today by SAM Sarawak Co-ordinator Jok Jau.

Jok Jau told Malaysiakini that initially seven, including a child, were picked up by police near their house in Batu Lapan in Bintulu on Dec 26, 2008 following a report of a gang robbery in town.

Three other people, believed to be foreigners, were also arrested separately.
Among the Ibans arrested on Boxing Day and remanded in police custody were Bunya Ak Sengoh, Marai Ak Sengoh, Elizabeth Ak Sebi, Melati Ak Bekeni, Roland Ak Jau, Spencer Ak Jampi and Victoria Gundu Ak Marai.

“Until today, the police have failed to find any evidence to charge them. We find no reason for the arrest,” the Marudi-based SAM co-ordinator said.

He said Spencer was released on Jan 7, Roland and Elizabeth were released on Jan 14 but Bunya, Marai and Melati were re-arrested on Jan 15 under the emergency ordinance.
Tuai Rumah Sengoh from Sg Pinyo, Pandan in Kemena and his people have been actively defending their NCR land from encroachment by a plantation company. The case has also gone to court.

Call for probe into detention of trio

The Iban chief is the father of Bunya and Marai and Melati is his daughter-in-law.
“Sengoh has a land dispute with BBC Estate VII Sdn Bhd at 8th Mile Bintulu Road,” Jok Jau said.
Meanwhile, in his appeal letter to the Malaysian human rights organisation, Suhakam, Tuai Rumah Sengoh Ak Sabang called on Suhakam to conduct an immediate investigation into the detention of the trio under the emergency ordinance. It was done without any justification whatsoever, he added.

He said they were initially held under Section 117 of the Penal Code from Dec 26, 2008 until Jan 14, 2009 on suspicion of being involved in a series of gang robberies in Bintulu and other places.
On January 15, 2009, the trio were detained under the emergency ordinance while the rest were released on police bail.
He denied any member of the family had been involved in any of the activities as alleged and that he believed the action against his family members had resulted from the many reports he had made to the police regarding the encroachment into their NCR land by the plantation company.

My view:
The police is not being fair to the people affected by the big companies. Are the companies paying their salaries?

Hannah Yeoh, we love you..

2009-01-21T13:16:00.004+08:00

RPK seemed to be fond of Hannah Yeoh.... now i know why.

The look?

The cili padiness?

or is it plain men testestrone?

For me, I was surprised to find out that this first term Subang Jaya MP has a blog and in her blog, it detailed out her spending for her constituency .. sen by sen. Have you ever seen such a rational accounting of a politician? My first and am impressed.

Check out her spendings here.

My observation of the Kuala Terengganu By election

2009-01-20T18:47:00.002+08:00

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To the readers, early wish of a blessed New Year. Have a cow of the new year.

The new job did not allow me to spend enough time to blog. And when i am back home or not travelling, have not the luxury to spend time writting articles. Yet, would just like to share my personal thoughts on the Kuala Terengganu by election last week that was won by PAS and its aftermath.

10 observations
1. MSM that spinned an UMNO win kept the news small when PAS won. Sore loosers.

2. UMNO to accept the defeat and work on change? People are still pointing fingers at each other. Good riddance.

3. Najib would not be able to bring about the necessary change. He plays safe.

4. Najib forsake his job as the Economic minister at a crucial time when our economy is stagnating even at a by election that is 'not important'.

5. Estimated between RM500 million to RM1 billion is thrown to the KT by election without results.

6. Too many luxury cars and police outriders blocking the road. Someone nearly died in Pahang when hit by a lorry as the junction is blocked for VIP to pass through.

7. Wan Farid is just an appointed senator who got lucky knowing the right people.

8. Terengganu chinese swings back to Barisan for economic reasons & probably not hudud. MCA is trumpetting as their achievement without wanting to know the real reasons. They will continue to loose support.

9. By elections are good. We almost have our electricity tariff lowered.

10.MCAC is confirmed toothless. It dares not act against many complaints of money politics in KT.

Fastest decision maker in 2009

2009-01-14T15:22:00.003+08:00

Goes to Hishammuddin Hussein!!!

Selain itu, Hishammuddin juga mengumumkan nama Razali akan diabadikan di sebuah maktab perguruan di utara bandar raya Kuala Terengganu dan sekolah menengah di kawasan parlimen ini.Institut Perguruan Kuala Terengganu di Batu Rakit akan dikenali Institut Perguruan Dato' Razali Ismail dan Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bandar di Kg Gong Tok Nasek ditukar kepada SMK Dato' Razali Ismail berkuatkuasa Jumaat ini, 24 jam sebelum hari pengundian 17 Januari ini. ( Malaysiakini)

I wonder if the school was told yet by the Education Ministry that they would be called differently in 2 days time? Am sure that Hisham would have ordered a different plate for the school, give money to change all the buku latihan, t-shirts, logos and school uniforms. hehe. Hence, the title of the fastest ( does not necessary means the better) decision in 2009 belongs to him. His father would have been extremely proud.

Few days ago he directed 300 thousand teachers and 5 million students to demonstrate against Israel. Now , he arbitariry change names of schools. He decides like a communist, acts like a communist.

Recession or no recession?

2009-01-13T18:45:00.004+08:00

(image ) Dun chee sak.

Malaysia will go to a technical recession

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 13 — Citigroup Global Market forecast that Malaysia will go into a technical recession likely in fourth quarter of 2008 and first quarter of 2009.

It also downgraded its gross domestic forecast (GDP) for 2009 to 0.5 per cent from 3.1 per cent.
The government official GDP forecast is 3.5 per cent.

In a media briefing on Malaysia’s Market Outlook for 2009 here today, it said that there could be a cut between 50-75 basis point in overnight policy rate in the first quarter of 2009.
According to Citigroup, GDP for 2010 is estimated at 4.2 per cent, while fiscal balance is forecast at minus five per cent in 2009 and minus 4.5 per cent in 2010.
GDP for quarter four 2008 is forecast at two per cent.

Despite the downgrade forecast by Citigroup, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop was earlier reported as saying that the government was confident that the country would not be experiencing a technical recession this year.

He said the country’s economic growth was expected to stay positive during the period from January to June this year based on the equity of the financial system which exceeds 13 per cent, total liquidity which is in billions of ringgit and the low non-performing loan (NPL) rate which is at about 2.5 per cent.

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi "We are not having too much problem in the fourth quarter. Even the growth at two percent in the quarter, it would give us an average of more than five percent," he told reporters after opening the permanent secretariat of the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) Foundation. ( Bernama)

Malaysia’s industrial output, which fell 7.7% in November last year from the same month in 2007, was worse than economists’ consensus estimates of a 6.4% fall. ( Star) - and will surely fall more in December 08, which means a high probability of a negative quarter.

Najib, Nor Yaakob and AAB has been championing the idea that Malaysia is insulated from the global recession/ depression since last year. Citing the strategy to sell products to China and India, they were not bothered to access the reality that both countries are also feeling a squeeze. Only at the end of the year, some conceded that there is very small, indirect effect but not the R-word. Recession is impossible! Especially during a by election. Hence, we are in the middle of January 2009 and the EPU has not submitted any data on the last quarter of 2008. Who wants to bet that the news won't be any good?

p.s. Singapore is transparent about its economic data when it showed its citizen that it was in recession and here are the plans. ( retraining, welfare, union enagement etc.). The Malaysia's ministry of labour till now has not come out with the framework on the retrenchment fund & guess the other ministers are still sleeping.

When Malaysian schoolchildren are forced to demonstrate

2009-01-10T19:36:00.004+08:00

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Gaza madness has invaded our schools - www.malaysiakini.com

Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) today slammed Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein for plans to use schoolchildren to protest against the on-going crisis in Gaza. In a statement issued today, the party’s secretary-general, S Arutchelvan, said the organisers of the protest could also be accused of ‘exploiting’ the children, just like Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (Jerit) had been previously. Yesterday, English-daily New Straits Times reported that the education minister is planning a nation-wide protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza, involving about five million children and 360,765 teachers from more than 10,000 schools. Hishamuddin said the protest would prepare them for "global issues like peace, environment and the economic crisis". Arutchelvan, however, was not amused with the statement, arguing that the minister should get parental consent before involving children in such "dangerous" activities. "Do the children have consent from their parents as it seems that the minister has made the decision without even consulting the parents." (Source: Mkini)

JERIT got the brunt of the accusations by UMNO and Utusan for allegedly mis-using minors to demonstrate. Teenagers of 15-20 years old made their decision with their parent's consent yet they were caught by police and subjected to massive intimidation by the police force. The CPO of Selangor even claimed that the Sultan of Selangor is upset at the organisors. I wonder if the Sultan of Selangor is going to feel when 5 million schoolchildrens are forced to assemble or walk on the streets against their will and without their parent's approval.

How can they be forced not to go to classroom on a schoolday when their primary task is to learn?
And even if it is on a weekend, can the school authority force these children to participate?
Are we teaching our children that demonstrations are ok, if government says so?

Here lies the hypocrisy of the current government. Children from primary and even until university are given the green light to engage in demonstration against Israel. Again, we are missing the forest for a tree. The decision makers are making a huge mistake by using a communist approach for a democratic right.

Boycott computers

2009-01-07T17:13:00.004+08:00

Some Malaysians are like herds. When Dr Mahathir suggests that we boycott US products, the whole institution runs like dogs to come out with programmes and action plans. Soon, they will have groups of people checking the source of products or stationed outside KFC/ McD to pressure people to comply on the ban. Don't these group of people think?

My stand on the Israel attack is consistent with my stand on the attack on Iraq, that it is inhumane. Yes, I am a christian yet did not support the Iraq war of Bush ( which he tried to legitimize as a God demand) nor Israel war ( to me, they are more zionist in this aspect).

Yet, I dun see the same reaction of this group of people if sufferings are inflicted to the non Muslims. We send help to Indonesia ( Acheh) but not to Thailand or Sri Langka post asian tsunami. The same group of "this is not religion, not about Islam, but about human rights" kept quiet when Buddhist monks got whacked in Myammar, Arab descent Somalians terrorising local Africans or Christians got murdered in Indonesia / India.

So, keep up the boycott threats each and everytime something that does not favour them. They use the same concept like the Zionist behaviours, of course the zionists have guns & all. With their energy, they can ask for more donations and use the opportunity to do real relief works that will impact the Palestinians.

Why not Dr M boycott Blogspot ( american mah) where is famous Chedet resides and use local IC to power up his own laptop? Didn't he sanctioned TPM to do research on local IC project that spend millions of ringgit but without any return?

Boycotting US products a really dumb move for Malaysia

I pray that the attacks will cease and there is determination for peace.

Catholic publication in Malaysia partially banned.

2009-01-02T10:14:00.004+08:00

My first posting for the new year would reflect on 2 issues.

Firstly, why am I never invited for sex parties like this (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/2/nation/2931463&sec=nation)? I think I am with the wrong crowd.. hehe.

Interestingly, those who goes for these drug and alcohol parties would surely not be bothered with more 'important' stuff around. Their important stuff would differ from mine. Now it makes sense why was I never invited for such things.. kekek

Home Ministry bans Herald’s Malay supplement -Anil Netto

The bad news on New Year’s Day is that the approval comes with strings attached:

the Herald has to stop its Malay-language supplement. A typical edition of the weekly paper has 32 pages, including an eight-page Malay-language pull-out, three pages in Chinese and two pages in Tamil, with the rest in English.
the paper can only be sold in churches (I don’t think it’s being sold anywhere else at present)
The Herald must print clearly on the cover that the paper is only meant for Christians.

I do know the East Malaysians and most of the natives don't read Chinese and sometimes English. After years of Malaysianization, some of the younger ones would not be able to read their native language as well. And some groups would not have written format of their language. Isn't it weird that the single language promoted to bring the different races together is used to divide?

It is even weirder that the BN government continue to complain that Bahasa Malaysia is not widely used , not dimartabatkan yet they see fit to ban the usage of the same language that they want to promote. The Buddhist and Hindus do not have a lot of native believers so this ruling will not have big impact on them .

But for 1 million plus native Christians, these are huge ruling that will adversely impact their faith and their fundamental rights.

Family tree - Mom's maternal side.

2008-12-31T18:32:00.005+08:00

Mom, Pei Ching, Dad, Lynette, Yee Pin, Auntie and Uncle Lim & Grace

Compilation on the Lim Clan and writings.

Manage to see my mom's uncle from Singapore. He is 78 years old and have EVER met me even once since I was born. Of course, it was a hard sell initially to wait around at relatives place than to watch some movies and lazing around in the cool of the rain. But I knew that it is a chance that I should not let go off. Both uncle and auntie Lim is still very strong and active. They are generous with their sharings of the past.This post on the last day of 2008 is to remember the very people that made us. This one is for the "Lim Clan" of Kuala Pilah.

Not everyone can ride a bike

2008-12-30T10:20:00.006+08:00

Update: And seemed that it is ok as well for these UMNO NGOs to have children in their demonstration.

Some 1500 protesters in Penang from Malaysian Coalition of Malay NGOs called on Malay rulers to revoke the citizenship of Malaysians who dispute Malay special rights and demanded safeguards to their special position as enshrined in the constitution.
Among them are 400 children.

Remember the controversy of JERIT where police was doing a great job stopping groups of riders and making a big fuss over 'the use of children in demonstration'? The same group that used children to demonstrate in KL called PEWARIS are now doing the same and again, without much controversy. PEWARIS is a group of pseudo NGO politicians from UMNO who are keen to beat up the sentiment of race in Malaysia. So, they can ride their bike and other people can't la?!

Maybe they will even get police escort as they join the 800 people crashing in on an opposition event.

Surely, you don't expect that it will end up peacefully with that number of people coming together.

Surely, the police will not issue a permit to PEWARIS as it is common sense that there is a risk. Especially a group that likes to burn things and put out banners that looks down on other race/ religion.

hahah....

Isu babi: NGO Melayu mahu serah memo pada Hadi
Jimadie Shah Othman Dec 29, 08 7:09pm
Tiga NGO berteraskan Melayu akan menghantar memorandum kepada Presiden PAS Datuk Seri Haji Abdul Hadi Awang malam ini berhubung isu penternakan babi di Melaka.Majlis Permuafakatan Ummah (Pewaris) akan mengepalai rombongan 800 penyokong yang turut terdiri daripada Gerakan Graduan Melayu Muda (GGMM) dan Persatuan Pengguna Islam (PPIM), untuk menyerahkan memorandum itu ketika presiden PAS itu menghadiri program anti-ISA di Stadium Bandar Baru Bangi malam ini.Mereka juga berhasrat untuk menyerahkan memorandum yang sama kepada penasihat PKR, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim malam ini.

Bagaimanapun, ketua pembangkang kini berada di luar negara.Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI) dan parti-parti pembangkang malam ini mengadakan Majlis pelancaran kempen mansuhkan Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) yang gagal disempurnakan bulan lalu.Berbeza dengan program bulan lalu, kali ini pihak penganjurnya telah mendapatkan permit polis.Minggu lalu, empat replika babi yang dibuat daripada kertas, dibakar di perkarangan Hotel Samudera Resort Riverside, Masjid Tanah sebagai membantah perbuatan pihak tidak bertanggungjawab yang menggantung kepala babi pada kain rentang Pewaris.Timbalan presiden Pewaris, Rahimudin Md Harun dilaporkan berkata, tindakan membakar replika haiwan tersebut bertujuan mendesak kerajaan Melaka memindahkan kawasan ternakan haian itu ke kampung penduduk Cina.

Berbasikal serah memo
Beliau juga dilaporkan berkata, sekiranya isu tersebut tidak diselesaikan, pihaknya akan membawa satu replika babi ke perhimpunan Umno Mac depan.Di samping itu, katanya, Pewaris juga akan menuntut pemimpin PKR dan PAS supaya berusaha menghapuskan ternakan babi di kawasan berkenaan.Ketika dihubungi Malaysiakini, Rahimudin berkata, keputusan menyerahkan memorandum itu dibuat atas dasar kedua-dua pemimpin berkenaan merupakan "pemimpin Islam yang ada suara dan boleh mempengaruhi keputusan kerajaan".Selain itu, katanya, 30 orang akan berbasikal menghantar memorandum itu daripada Masjid Bandar Baru Bangi, tidak jauh daripada tempat pelancaran program anti-ISA itu.Rahamudin menafikan kehadiran mereka akan mengganggu majlis dan mencetuskan keadaan tidak tenang kerana perkara itu telah dimaklumkan terlebih dahulu melalui surat rasmi kepada kedua-dua tokoh pembangkang berkenaan."Hindraf (Barisan Bertindak Hak-hak Hindu) boleh hantar memorandum dalam majlis yang dihadiri 50,000 orang tidak ada apa-apa, majlis ini pun Insya-Allah (berlangsung aman). "Kita datang cara baik. Kita datang bukan hendak gaduh," katanya.

On Pig farming, the same Chief Minister of Malacca ( Ali Rustam) is gearing up to take up higher positions in UMNO. And suddenly, the pig issue crops up. This is the same issue that catapulated himself to be one of the warlords of UMNO. Such coincidence is pretty uncanny. But, take a look at the suffering that people need to go thru for his agenda to succeed. http://keberet.blogspot.com/2007/09/isu-babi-di-melaka-penternak-halang.html

Farmers running away from the house which was torched down. Reminds me of the armies who plunder and burn villagers. This was actually done by the Malaccan government.

On the pig carcass, my stand has always been that it is a huge insult and is meant to aggreviate the situation. Whoever who did this must be punished. The police have not completed its work and PEWARIS/ UTUSAN keep pointing the finger at the pig farmers. That would only make things worst. PEWARIS should not egg the emotions and take advantage of the situation. This again serve to remind us that NOT EVERYONE IN MALAYSIA IS THE SAME. Double standards rule!

Blessed Christmas

2008-12-25T00:25:00.002+08:00

My first family Christmas in Singapore. Since both my sister have moved to Singapore to cari makan, my father decided to break away from the monotony and do the family gathering down south this year. Aside from the jam of cars and people, it has been a pretty cooling session with rains and all.

But what is interesting is how Singapore has managed to come out and be a forefront of the real meaning of Christmas. It is not about gift or having a family holiday. It is about Christ. The birth of Christ the saviour who brings the good news to the human kind. Was in Orchard yesterday and am impressed with the decoration and message. There is no sight of Santa Claus or Santarinas... just the story on the birth of Christ. All along Orchard road was signages and performances that tells the story of Christmas. And, they are all volunteers from the local churches from different races - chinese, indian, indonesia, koreans, pacific islanders, Philipines, japanese etc. from all denomination. What a powerful message that is on the maturity of the state as welll as a testimony of the creative outlet presented to its citizen ( and non citizens but contributes to the republic)

Wonder if the Malaysian will grow up to this maturity? Even the songs in radio stations are about Claus and snow. And the TV shows in our terrestrail TV is equally incorrect.

My best wishes to you and your family. My additional prayer this year is for the Herald publication to get their licence renewed. The minister in charge displayed utter childishness by responding "let them wait". I guess to him, Catholics and Christians are not "US", but "them". We will make sure that we give UMNO our vote during the Kuala Terengganu election. :)

Leave IJN Alone !! - Malaysiakini

2008-12-18T20:20:00.005+08:00

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Update: Sime Darby promises to fulfil its obligation in IJN

Reads like another PR exercise for Sime Darby. Read the artcle and one will not find comfort in the word of the chairman.Already, you can sense the impending doom to IJN.

Talking about synergizing between SJMC and IJN. SJMC is known to be profit oriented and their track record in social responsibility is abysmal. There are even incidences of SJMC refusing patients and emergency cases.

The rakyat would be a fool to think that it will happen. Both Gov and Sime Darby would claim moral victory by saying that the rates will be the same. BUT, the proportion will be much smaller. So, full payer would cover more % than the poor paymaster. Pay poormaster will be given a small ward, unless they upgrade. lalala .

Sime Darby needs to hands off IJN!

Gov't gives green light to IJN privatisation
Dec 18, 08 1:41pm
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today said that the government has no objection for Sime Darby Bhd to acquire a stake in the national heart institute (IJN).

A total sell off. Najib's statement shows how uncaring the government is. Another good institution sold of. Just lower the IPP payment (RM1-2 billion per year) and you can keep IJN with a raise for all workers. Najib's response to the hillside tragedy is also hollow - consider HK blueprint so homeowners pay. And the current rakyat subsidy of petrol fuel where government makes RM150 million per month. Government seemed to make all the profit and take away the few institution that is effective for the rakyat.

Why is sime darby so influencial? They got the government to pressure Guthrie etc. to merge and now this... . With their car business suffering, CPO prices down, leaders sacked and put in court .. Sime Darby is not a company that inspire confidence.

Heartless!

Jail for sex with teen hooker - Malaysiakini

2008-12-18T10:18:00.004+08:00

A RENOVATION contractor was sentenced to 12 months' jail on Monday for paying $100 to an underaged prostitute for sex.

Tan Chye Hin, 55, pleaded guilty to getting the services of the 16-year-old China prostitute in a Geylang hotel on Aug 4.

The father of three is appealing against the sentence. His $12,000 bail was upped by another $6,000.

Last month, the pimp who abetted him in the offence, Wang Minjiang, 36, was similarly jailed 12 months by the High Court after the prosecution appealed against his original fine of $8,000.
Both Wang and his nephew, Wang Youyi, 31, had been fined for offences under the Women's Charter.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Karen Ang Aiping had sought at least 12 months' jail for Tan.
It was clear, she said, that the primary reason for introducing new laws in the Penal Code was to afford protection to a group of minors aged below 18 from sexual exploitation.

Read more

This story reminded me of the infamous episode involving a 16 year old Malay girl and a certain UMNO warlord. This is the episode that lead to Guan Eng getting ISAed for trying to defend the girl and famil. Of course, the issue is forgotten and nobody got charged. Read thru the court case and you will find extreme details ( bought the girl phone cards and some fruits) and the effectiveness of the court system there. Even the photo of the chap is there.

Rape cases is up. Most of the rapist are close to the family. The court is overstretch & no sign of improving. Rempit shares girlfriends, people are turning to younger prostitutes. Politicians and rich people can try exotic girls ( Mongolians?) and Malaysia is the top women trafficking country in the world. Police are busy trying to protect 'minors' from being exploited in bicycle campaigns.

Would that happen in Malaysia that minors are protected?

At least i know that in 'boring' Singapore's coffee shop, you can get different type of entertainment. hehe.

Enabling orang Asli in Malaysia to learn English

2008-12-17T19:03:00.001+08:00

This is my best Christmas gift... to see the fruit of other people's labour :). The video shows children from 6-10 years old in an Orang Asli village conversing in English. Teams of dedicated teacher ( ordinary people where were not trained) went to the village weekly to teach these childrens. Some time, they would come and not see any children. The more faithful ones do pick it up and am very proud of them.

Am proud that there is also another initiative in Bentong.

Muslim / non Muslim marriages in Malaysia

2008-12-17T11:40:00.000+08:00

Marriages between Muslims and non Muslims is prohibited under Islamic law, except in certain limited circumstances. Malaysian Islamic law is even more limited than some other schools of Islamic law. International human rights norms however suggest that the prohibition and criminalisation of interfaith marriage is an unreasonable restriction on the rights of men and women to marry and found a family.
Islamic law

Under Islamic law, as I understand it, a Muslim woman can only marry a Muslim man. However, a Muslim man can marry a Muslim woman or a Kitabiyyah. See for example section 10 of the Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) Act 1984:-

Read more

Comedy of errors - the Selangor CPO -Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar

2008-12-16T18:22:00.006+08:00

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SHAH ALAM: Police will take action against Sungai Siput MP Dr D. Jeyakumar for allegedly using children in an illegal gathering in Rawang on Monday, Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar said.

Thirty people were arrested in the “Cycling for Change” campaign, organised by Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas or Oppressed People Network, including Rawang assembly member Gan Pei Nei.
Khalid said 28 others, aged 18 and below, were brought to the Rawang police station while officers from the Welfare Department contacted their parents to take them home.

He added that Dr Jeyakumar was arrested later after he admitted to having organised the event which had no police permit.

He said those aged 18 and below were considered children under the Child Act 2001. ”The children were never arrested ... we saved them from being exploited,” he said. - Bernama

The Selangor Chief Police Officer has lost much credibility over the last few months.

1. Lying about close circuit TV - Selangor CPO not telling the truth

2. Lying about police action in making arrests during Negaraku -Selangor CPO Khalid Should Resign For Insulting National Anthem and Lying to Public

3. Lying abut using excessive force used- CPO: We used minimal force to disperse the crowd

4. Deny roughing up Ronnie Liu " if this is rough treatment, it is provided by law"

5. Selangor CPO implies that kids are better off in custody of cops than parents?

6. " I don't believe" without investigating, when accused by family of Ng Yee Ping .

I find it extremely tough to trust his words on the handling of the JERIT cyclists. This CPO has repeatedly caught with this pants down with unbelieveable explaination of the events. Did observe that he would fully trust 'his people' and be very defensive on any suggestions or wrongdoing or mistakes. But as a leader of a force that requires honesty, integrity and good judgement, Datuk Khalid were seen wanning.

Goodbye President Bush.

2008-12-15T11:24:00.002+08:00

'>Goodbye President Bush.

Iraqi journalist throw W Bush his pair of shoe to celebrate his legacy of illegal war in Iraq.

The Dying Chini Lake , Pahang

2008-12-15T10:14:00.002+08:00

Chini Lake evokes a different nostalgia to me. It is the very first area that enables my eyes to be opened up to the disparity that our socio-economy-politics enable us. The Orang Asli of the 3 kampungs were in a sorry state. That was about 10 years ago. I went back to Pahang this year to visit the Bera area and it was equally non developing.

Hence, this screaming topic (on a MOnday morning) attracted me. The Pahang Government is seeking help from the Federal Government to revive Tasik Chini which is dying a slow death.

Tasik Chini, the country’s second largest freshwater lake, used to attract
scores of visitors during its lotus blooming season every year but it is dying
due to a number of factors including illegal mining, logging and pollution which
had adversely affected the entire eco-system.

This is where i don't get it. The mining, logging and land development is all under the purview of the Pahang state. They enjoyed the money that comes out of it thru taxes or some personal monetory arrangements. Just go to Taman Negara and one will find the loggers cutting trees while the eco-tourists are passing by. That is the same with Chini and Bera. To demand additional RM4 million to rehabilitate and RM1 million from federal ( my tax money) annually for maintainence work is a joke while someone from the state government is enjoying windfall from these illegal or sanctioned operations. State Health, Local Government and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Hoh Khai Mun is joking, right?

Correct or politically correct?

2008-12-11T13:52:00.006+08:00

(image)

Read the statements in full -Results out -- International Maths and Science scores (TIMS)

Similarly, the Washington Post (12/10,
Glod) reports, "Results of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science
Study (TIMSS), released today, show how fourth- and eighth-graders in the United
States measure up to peers in dozens of countries. U.S. students showed gains in
math at both grades." Specifically, "the average score among fourth-graders has
jumped 11 points since 1995, to 529." Still, "students in Hong Kong, Singapore,
Taiwan, Japan, Russia, and England were among those posting a higher average.
Hong Kong topped the list with an average score of 607." Meanwhile, the "average
science performance" for students in the U.S., "although still stronger than in
many countries, has stagnated since 1995."

Following my postings on Mukriz Mahathir's suggestion where I was asking some hard questions on his thinking process, stumbled upon the latest ranking result for fourth ( Standard 4) and eight graders (Form 2). One of his suggestion was in parotting his father's direction to have science and maths taught in English (non mother tongue). Both Malay and Chinese nationalists insists that it is the wrong strategy. So, lets look at the result and compare the medium of instruction in their public school system.

Hong Kong ( Mother tongue - Mandarin)

Singapore ( "Non mother tongue" - English)

Taiwan ( Mother tongue - Mandarin)

Japan ( Mother tongue - Japanese)

Russia ( Mother tongue - Russian)

England ( Mother tongue - English)

Could not find England's education detail in wiki and my informed guess is that the language would be English.. hehe.

Anyway, based on the ranking (which Malaysia is obviously not included) of results in both areas seemed to point that those who studied English and Mathematics in their mother tongue ( Grade 4 & 8) do perform better.

While Mahathir is very good in politics and have brilliant ideas, the educationists do have a point. Other researchs have also point towards using the language of the native towards teaching science and mathematics. This dipstick analysis is not conclusive yet the array of evidences are there to support this argument. However, we should not discount the robustness of the syllabus and the effectiveness of the governance that contributes to the result. Politicians that refuses to engage their brain to look at data and research before making judgements are just plain lazy. Some are calling Mukriz stupid, but I think he is a smart man but careless with facts.

So, do we want to do the right thing for our education system or do the politically correct thing?

Of Immunity

2008-12-10T10:33:00.006+08:00

Why do people want immunity from prosecution?

The Malaysian Sultans lost their immunity in 1993 when a series of abuses were done to the rakyat. The rulers have since adapted except for a fracas or two involving the younglings. As a result, people still retain their respect for this institution.

With the amendment, the Malay Rulers can be charged on any personal wrongdoing, outside of their role and duties as a Ruler. However, the charges cannot be carried out in a normal court of law, but in a Special Tribunal under the purview of the Council of Rulers.

Blackwater is a military contract provider to the US army in Iraq. After years of immunity and wanton killings, the Iraqi government finally managed to arm twist US into lifting of its immunity in exchange that Iraqi government does not ask US to leave. Natural juctice is the allowed to flow. Blackwater security guards charged with killing 14 Iraqis

(Image)

"In 2006 four people were killed and 43 homes destroyed in a nearby suburband in 1993 a 12-storey condominium tower collapsed, burying 48 people mainly maids
and children." (AFP)

Statutory immunity granted to local authorities under the Section 95 (2) of the Street, Drainage & Building Act 1974 (Act 133) has protected the government over many incidences of mismanagement and covers up the effects of corruption, incompetency and bad decision making. The Highland Towers incident in 1993 shows the unfairness of this clause when the local authority was deemed immune to any criminal charges. Subsequent civil suits by residences was also negated and their final loss was confirmed this year.

The majority decision delivered by Justice Abdul Hamid Mohamad said that if
the local councils were made liable, it would open the floodgates to further
claims for economic loss, and this would deplete the council's resources
meant for the provision of basic services and infrastructure. (MB)

And I thought that the council's resources comes from the rakyat who pay taxes and all the assestment rates. So, is it fair that the councils can wantonly decree and decide and even if their decision is damaging and causes people to die, they are free from prosecution? If Sultan and occupiers can be made liable for their mistakes, why is the local council special and beyond reproach?

My heart goes to all who have lost and are impacted by this event. I too live in a high rise condo beside a hill and that scares me.

Why do people want immunity from prosecution? Ask your local councils for the answer.

10 Questions to Mukriz's suggestion

2008-12-09T11:13:00.003+08:00

The timing on the idea by Mukriz is so good that it has generated a lot of discussion , accusations and counter accusations even during Hari Raya Haji. I have always liked A Kadir Jasin's writting from his days of NST and welcomes his article which broadly differs from mine; in his firm but fair persona ( old school) and has always been gracious with differing views. This will be my only posting in this issue as I think it will go nowhere except giving a win to Mukriz Mahathir and a loss to UMNO in Kuala Terengganu's by election.
i stayed in the US for several years (Anaheim, Orange County). i observed that
chinese preferred to be within their own circle. you'd not be suprised to find
that quite a number of them couldn't even communicate in proper english. that's
why you can see chinatown all over the world. it's a manifestation of the
chinese attitude. even the indians and arabs are able to adapt to the country
their adopt.
My reply: Muhd Hafiz, thank you for the feedback and I do think myself more of a
Malaysian than my ethinicity. Please don't stereotype.

1. Who do you hang out with in Anaheim?
2. Without doubt, groups of a feather group together. Those who have
travelled more will know of this trend. Even the Arabs and Indians do look for their own community. For example in BKK, there is the little india ( in Nana ), Chinatown and little Arab ( in Sukhumvit).
3. You may think Mukriz is sacrosanct and I think his suggestion is
inadequate. In business, top leaders don't just lay ideas .. they lay plans. And we the kuci brats accross the globe can ask questions to clarify. A good leader would be able to shape his/her plans and give good answers. Even if you worship Mukriz, read that we are focussing on his idea and not his persona. The education minister can lay out plans.
4. In the ladder of knowledge, experience is less received than facts,
figures, rational deductions.
I am just a local graduate who berpidato(ed) in BM, used to be a
top student in BM & bla. We should also know that our workers are in demand due to their ability to speak more than 1 language ( Malay, Arah, Chinese, Tamil, English etc.)
Harapan Sekolah Satu Aliran A Kadir Jasin
Original Posting: I disdain the racial statements that people made though you ask them to debate maturely.
1. From this debate, it seemed that there are many ideas on what to do for the nation's education.
2. In reality, our education system too has been burdened with too many
baggages and ineffiencies that makes anybody resistance to try to change. The reaction by vernacular champions is the same as the UiTM "Malay only" champions.
3. In effect, the suggestion by Mukriz of one solution solves all problem is
to simplistic.
4. To achieve unity, is education the only factor? What about role modelling thru leaders? Or civil consciousness?
5. If education is indeed the sole factor, would someone compare and contrast the effective system of US, Japan etc. in producting united and patriotic population?
6. If not, then the best education system is in contrasting vernacular,
private and national schools academic performance.
7. Mukriz's suggestion will not create a single national school system. It
will divide the education system to private and public. The rich will then have better access to quality education and would they be more/less patriotic?
8. WOuld BN leaders send their children to public schools then? Many people doubt that if the same behaviour from national service is extrapolated.
9. Why not a total revamp of the education system then? Take out the other components on non negotiables ( quotas, race only schools- MARA, Matriculation etc.) and have a out of the box solution.
10. In the absense of concerted solutions to the many questions, Mukriz's
suggestion is hollow that begets the reality of the complexity of the issue.
Give us details on data, plan, strategy, change management and timeline.

2008-12-05T18:56:00.005+08:00

Jalan ramai- ramai (Photo)

TAK BOLEH !!!

Naik basikal ramai- ramai (photo)

TAK BOLEH !!

Naik motor ramai ramai boleh

(From)

Dear polis, go and chase mat rempit ya. Article on Jerit cyclists being blocked from cycling in Penang and Kedah. This group is using an interesting mean of putting through the petition.

Still, police say the mat rempit have grown in number to an estimated 200,000 nationwide, menacing other motorists as they compete for money, prestige and women. The racing scene is a two-wheeled version of Hollywood's "The Fast and the Furious" amped on steroids.(From)

Smiley moon :>

2008-12-02T12:25:00.003+08:00

Of course this is a fake. (Taken)

Apparently the eyes are the planet Venus and Jupiter. And of course, the earth's moon provides the smile. The planets have no control to my destiny but I did enjoy the sight as did people accross the globe. One even got a photo of the smiley with a nose.

Perth , Mumbai , Brisbane, Thailand ..

"While they appeared to be close together, in reality they weren't. The crescent moon is 403,000km away while Venus is 149.5 million kilometres away and Jupiter 870 million kilometres.

The unusual astronomical event was observed for several hours early on Monday evening. It will be another five years before it appears again."

Hope I will still be alive then. kekek

1st Day of the last month of 2008

2008-12-01T12:03:00.003+08:00

1st December is World Aids Day. I just did a self-test questionnaire in my company's intranet and must admit that am proud to work in a company that has a policy and proactive towards people living with AIDS. I worked under MAC before during my undergraduates days. Do check out the website.

1st December is also a time for reflection. I will be posting 31 reflections on 2008 to mark my 31st year of existence on earth.

Finally, we talked about stigma of HIV/ AIDS patients and I could not resist sharing this by a chap called Bukhari Hood on the turmoil that Malaysian "rational thinking' Muslims face currently on fatwa. While fatwa in many countries are advisory, fatwa in Malaysia becomes a law and have legal implications ( jail etc.) . Have a good read with his parody.

Makin hari umat Islam makin ditindas dan dikongkong. Bukan oleh orang Cina, atau orang India atau orang Yahudi atau orang Kristian. Tetapi dianiya dan dikongkong oleh orang Islam/Melayu sendiri. Please read on.

Selepas fatwa pengharaman yoga, fatwa-fatwa yang akan datang adalah seperti berikut :

Disember 2008
Orang Islam dilarang mandi di kolam renang awam. Di kolam renang awam, akan terdapat orang-orang yang bukan Islam yang memakai pakaian renang yang singkat dan mendedahkan aurat (terutamanya amoi-amoi china yang cun dan seksi). Ini boleh menjejaskan akidah orang Islam. Cara yang paling baik ialah kita haramkan orang Islam dari kolam renang awam.

Januari 2009
Orang Islam dilarang pergi ke Pulau Pinang. Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang adalah seorang yang bukan Islam and majoriti penduduk Pulau Pinang adalah orang yang bukan Islam. Apabila seorang Islam berada di Pulau Pinang, beliau mungkin terhidu bau char keoy tiaw yang dimasak oleh orang bukan Islam dan ini boleh merosakkan akidah kita. Cara yang paling baik ialah kita haramkan orang Islam dari pergi ke Pulau Pinang. Orang Islam yang kini tinggal di Pulau Pinang akan diberi elaun pindah sebanyak RM 3000 untuk membantu mereka berpindah ke negeri-negeri yang lain. Perpindahan ke negeri Kelantan dan Terengganu amat amat digalakkan.

Februari 2009
Orang Islam dilarang meminum root beer. Walaupun root beer tidak mengandungi alkohol, namun perkataan "beer" ini boleh menimbulkan keghairan dan kelakuan tidak senonoh di kalangan orang Islam. Dengan pengharaman root beer, orang Islam bolehlah meminum minuman ringan yang lain tanpa was-was. Ginger beer juga diharamkan. March 2009Orang Islam dilarang memakan di kedai Mamak. Walaupun mamak kebanyakkannya Islam, tetapi asal usul mereka adalah India dan ada kemungkinan terdapat unsur-unsur India di dalam perniagaan mereka seperti bercakap Tamil dan memakai seluar dalam buatan India. Untuk mengelakkan sebarang syak wasangka, mulai 1 Mac 2009, orang Islam dilarang dari memakan di kedai mamak (kecuali Tun Mahatir kerana dia sendiri mamak kelas I)

April 2009
Orang Islam dilarang bermain ping pong atau table tennis. Ping pong berasal dari negeri China dan oleh yang demikian, mungkin terdapat unsur-unsur agama Buddha atau Confuciusism di dalam permainan ping pong. Ornag Islam yang terlalu banyak bermain ping pong akan terjejas akidah mereka. Sebagai permainan alternatif, orang Islam digalakkan bermain sepak raga (tetapi bola raga mesti buatan Malaysia, bukan dari Thailand).

Mei 2009
Orang Islam yang berkerja dengan kerajaan dilarang mengambil gaji masing-masing. Ini kerana sebahagian besar pendapatan kerajaan adalah cukai pendapatan yang dibayar oleh syarikat-syarikat orang bukan Islam. Orang Islam digalakkan meminta sedekah dari orang Islam yang lain. Untuk memudahkan permintaan sedekah, bakal peminta sedekah digalakkan mencangkung di hadapan bangunan UMNO. Jun 2009Orang Islam dilarang keluar negara. Terdapat terlalu banyak godaan yang boleh meruntuhkan akhlak dan akidah orang Islam. Perkara ini telahpun dikaji dengan teliti hasil lawatan sambil belajar ke Bangkok oleh Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan baru-baru ini. Oleh yang demikian, orang orang Islam diminta menyerahkan balik paspot masing-masing ke jabatan immigresen secepat mungkin. Perjalanan keluar negara hanya dibenarkan untuk menteri-menteri dan orang kuat UMNO sahaja, itupun hanya jika diiringi oleh ahli Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan.

Julai 2009
Orang Islam dilarang berfikir di waktu siang. Kebanyakkan masalah jenayah dan maksiat wujud kerana orang-orang yang tak ada kerja berfikir yang bukan-bukan. Untuk membenteras maslah jeneyah dan maksiat, orang-orang Islam mulai 1 Julai 2009, dilarang dari menggunakan otak mereka diwaktu siang. Pemikiran mereka akan dipantau oleh Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan dengan menggunakan sekumpulan specially trained monkeys. Orang Islam boleh menggunakan otak mereka di waktu malam tetapi pemikiran dihadkan kepada perkara-perkara berkaitan dengan makan dan minum sahaja.

Please do not laugh.
Many of the above will become a reality if we do not do anything. The rational-thinking muslims in this country are simply not doing anything. We let a very small minority of narrow-minded idiots to control our lives.

We, especially the Malay muslims, are fast becoming a laughing stock worldwide. We are obsessed with the little little things. When there are so many important things remain to be done, why must the Fatwa folks spend their time on little things.. tomboys, yoga, etc, etc.

Why don't we ever hear anything from the Fatwa folks for social justice, eradicating corruption and poverty, protecting single mothers, helping the poor, educating the ummah, reducing racial polarization, protecting the environment or ensuring fairness in society. If you are a rationale, forward thinking muslim, please speak up. If you choose to remain silent, it only means that you agree with whatever is happening. And do not blame the non-muslims for all our troubles. We are asking for it.

I, for one yearn for the yesteryears where my friends and I can really mix regardless of creed, race nor stigma. The more we clustor our identity to distinct our differences, the more marginalized the Malaysian society will be. And I also agree that there are many issues stated by Bukhari that needs our attention.

The lady that was beaten up by PEWARIS -Malaysiakini

2008-11-27T11:31:00.008+08:00

Update : Mysterious , gutsy lady stands firm.

Remember the incident where a woman was chased by pro-ISA supporters belonging to various “NGOs” last week? Well, she is at the vigil tonight. Want to guess how the crowd responds? Camera flashes pop all around and voices of appreciation are heard.

Yes, Ms M (as she wishes to be known) relives the horror of being punched, chased, and kicked at for voicing out her beliefs. Yes, she was alone that day. She recalls there were a few banners with “‘unbelievable and outrageous words” on them. Read more(Anil Netto)

We are the PEWARIS - Muacccckk

And so I read that a company of Islamic and Malay NGOs formed a body called PEWARIS to defend the use of detention without trial (ISA) and "urged the Government to act against groups which are asking for the abolition of the Internal Security Act (ISA)." (Malay, Muslim NGO logs report )

I am more interested in the reporter's observation of a sideshow that happened. There are just too many organisations formed nowadays who called themselves NGOs but did nothing but demonstrate, demonize than real social work/ social justice work.

Who can this women be? Is she ok? was my reaction when I read this report.

"During the gathering, a woman who was standing at an overhead pedestrian bridge shouted obscenities at the group.
Some members of the group responded with shouts while others chased her before they were stopped by policemen.
The group lodged another report against the woman at the police station."

And today, I chance upon a set of photographs that aghast me with photos and comments made by the photographer (http://minaq-jinggo.fotopages.com/) which seemed to be a favourite among UMNO events.

"Ini lah wanita Cina yang menyebabkan kekecohan berlaku sebelum perarakan bermula. Mula2 nya wanita ini merungut kepada kami (jurufoto) yang berada diatas jejantas. Dia kata "Blardy unfair. When you alll Malays apply you get (permit la gamak nya) When the opposition apply they reject. Blardy racist". Kemudian dia turun dan pergi berdepan dengan budak2 yang sedang berkumpul untuk berarak. Berlaku lah jerit menjerit diantara mereka. "

She got a slap.
She was chased, roughed and tripped. Any policeman to help?

Nobody is helping her. The crowd zooms in. Where is the police?

She got to her car to flee the mob. The mob follows and whacks her car. The songkok man was doing a jumping kick at the windscreen.

She sped off. I would be terrified of my life after this incident. Esp. that her number plate is so glaringly taken, she better be careful as this mob acts like the lord of the town. Even the police do not dare to act against these UMNO link people.

Apparently, they have police permit, as defended by Syed Hamid Albar. Am sure that the permit allows them to stop the traffic and create real troubles for the rakyat. Surely, the ANTI ISA virgil which involves candle lighting and Negaraku Singing is more dangerous.

How is this possible? I am not the defender of the chinese lady as she could have been more senseful in reading the situation and the group's reaction. Though she has erred, that does not justify the beating and the torture that she has to undergo. What happened to the mob that attacked her? What happen to the man that slapped her? Are PEWARIS trully believe that it has the moral ground to do what they did? Are they really representing their religion and race or has this brought shame to the very dear things that they champion? And to a lady?! Kissing the keris is one thing, anger fueled mob attack is another.

Musings to self

2008-11-25T19:48:00.006+08:00

I have nothing to say about the yoga fatwa, than to be called names. Though I do feel that many other things are more important like smoking, corruption, detention without trial etc.

My posting would reflect on some interesting reflection from my recent foray to the younger-worlds - by being a facilitator in a teenager camp. Participants come from small towns and are pretty much less influenced by popular culture.. so i tot.

1. Cam whoring - Yes, the new yuppies like to take photos of each other. And they seemed to pick up a bad trait from me in taking 'natural' photos. 'Natural photos' means taking photos of others when they did not notice. Whoops..

Yes, my 'natural' shot was taken when people were not paying attention. Could do with more light in this shot.

And the girls pick up the bad habit to follow. They seemed to have fun chasing each other & shoot them for a laugh. All naturale of course.

2. Screaming - If you have been to a canto-pop concert, you will be able to hear screams and shrills of post pubercent girls at their heart throbs. And I find to my amusement that it is prevalent among a segment of the girls. They would line up and shout at the mountain, the trees and any guys that were teasing them. Like a systematic bombardment of eardrums.

What? My ear is bleeding..

But I did enjoy the moment when it happened to head towards my direction when we said goodbye. Wow, felt like a moviestar. ha

3. Japanese lingo- So neh .... and the ever 'cute' peace sign.

4. Stephen Chow humour - the guys like to do humours ala Stephen Chow. Cross dressing, scolding with upraised voice, ironic face is part of the game.

Best dressed man as women ever. And he acted extremely well with his hand movements.

5. Gang Bang - I find it unusual for a group of girls to be excited about 'gang bangs' and recording it on their camera phone. I guess they had a rough pile on game the night before and I prefer not to know. At those age, I was trying to find out the meaning of masturbation with great difficulty. I would not be too surprised if the clip ends up in youtube.

They really cracked me up with their antics.

Anyway, these are all good kids who study hard, play harder. Most of them are good at many things and am glad to be a small part of their acquiantences. They have good potential to be whatever they want to be. Qing Ting ( below) just won a social award even though she is just in Form 3. And she also won a drawing competition that allows her to go to HK next month. And of course, she take her studies seriously. So, no politics this time but a solute to the future.

"I told you so"

2008-11-15T17:20:00.004+08:00

2 things that happen over the week that reaffirms my thought that the world is evil and are unjust for those who are kind. I just want to scream " I told ya so" as what I blogged about came true.

1: Razak Baginda's judgement is not appealed by the prosecutor. The prosecutor made a strong statement after they lost that they will, and I said that it was a 'show'. After a blogger checked with the court and found out that there was still no appeal lodged, the AG people came out with a simple statement that they are not going to appeal . The AG is keeping quiet and hoped that nobody will notice and the reason for not appealing is also flimsy. Is Razak Baginda going to sue the government now for wrong detention? According to this scrip, he will not.

2: Penans help the 2 Petronas chaps who were lost, and in return they will loose their rights when the 500 km pipeline to Bintulu is done ironically by Petronas.... AND not get adequate treatment AND their womenfolk taken advantage of with half hearted attempt to help the victims.

I wish I am wrong about such things but in Malaysia, the rich and powerful rules. Abdul Razak can admit to adultary and JAKIM kept quiet. The UMNO Chief Justice can admit to bribing judges and ACA did not act against it. I guess the rich and powerful must be sniggering at the poor people and says .."I told ya so that I will win at the end of the day"

Good Syed, Bad Syed

2008-11-07T20:40:00.004+08:00

Who is the good Syed?

Justice Datuk Syed Ahmad Helmy Syed Ahmad or Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar ?

I know who is the bad Syed ... and he should resign.

Welcome back RPK!

From

3 Non-politics related rantings

2008-11-04T16:47:00.003+08:00

Well, after the 'judgement' on Razak Baginda and the helicopter judgement that suspiciously favour certain parties, I am too tired to rant about the silly UMNO government anymore. However, here are some 'weird' things that I came about with my camera phone.

Location: Guoman Hotel in Port Dickson. This Malay gentlemen with a younger chinese lady who was very touchy with him. Of course, he was more than touchy and he dance funny. It is all ok except that he looks like Ghafar Baba. Would it be one of Ghafar Baba's son? They disappeared to the rooms after that. Ahem...Location: Port Dickson Pasar Malam , 6th Mile on Saturday during puasa time.

Kid helping his brother to take a nap while the parents pack up.

Location: North south highway, after Nilai.

After a few hours, the PLUS people still can't come out with a simple solution to either clear out the lorry or open a mitigating path. So, people pay to jam-loh.

Location: St Paul's hill in Malacca.

Damn it! This businessman was in the church and uses can's of paints to do his artwork business. Isn't he desecrating a historical monument? (I guess no authority cares if people desecrate church). Ali Rustam, do something!

Location: Dorsett Regency KL.

On ground floor and wanting to do my 'business'. Happily squatting on the toilet and I saw some movement on the floor. The spanking and reflective floor was showing something that I do not dream to see ... another man masturbating. Ponder if I should wait at the front door to see who comes out but no la.... my mind has been disturbed enough.

And as expected, Razak Baginda is free!

2008-10-31T14:46:00.004+08:00

Abdul Razak Baginda is free!
The 2 other ikan bilis cops will be on trial , possibily facing death but quite surely be acquited.

Incoming PM, Najib will not be able to fend himself from accusations after his sms with Shafee was leaked out and promising that things will be ok at the end.

Najib 2 Shafee Date: 16/11/2006 10:53:50
Pls do not say anything to the press today. i will explain later. RB will have to face a tentative charge but all is not lost.

Yep, it works out well in the end. The trial is a sham with AG chamber and prosecution doing a terrible job of looking interested to charge RB. Now, they will pretend interested in appealing. The UMNO Chief Justice has served his master well.

I honestly wish RB well as I do not think that he is quilty. He could not have ordered the killings but is part of the equation. The chain of events would probably prompt a closer look at his charge.

So then, who ordered the UTK officers to kill Allantunya?
What is the motive ?

Perhaps that is why Justice Ian Chin has decided to resign than to suffer the embarassment being a member of the tarnished justice system. Malaysian court system is a joke to the rest of the world!

From

We are sorry Mr Sharibuu. He was too shocked at the verdict. Perhaps he was hoping that what everybody is saying about our court system is false. Perhaps he is hoping that money and influence would not impair justice. Perhaps he was hoping that his daughter's conversion to Islam would make the Muslims be sympathetic and ask for Islamic justice to be given.

Yes, all Kafirs are treated like dogs.

Baram inaundated by rain.

2008-10-28T15:09:00.005+08:00

Updated: I have contacted a local Sarawakian church network to explore raising fund for the victims. Interested to contribute some money? Contact me. Thanks

Flood water can reach until just below the 2nd level of the house.

Most of the longhouses and settlements affected by the floods are located near rivers, he stressed.

“That is why when the river swells, the settlements are inundated very fast. However, many of these houses and longhouses have an upper floor, so those families affected by floods are still safe.

Rest of the report

I wonder how are the rest of the villagers .. and my adopted family in Long Panai.
And wonders how the more interior-ed people are surviving? When I was in Long Bemang, the waterline can reach until 2 metre high.

And I saw that there are crocodiles in Baram. .. ulp

RM5 billion to Valuecap? Register your protest at KWSP website

2008-10-25T12:22:00.003+08:00

Updated: Here is the reply. At least there is some job for these people to do, but what kind of answer is this? geezz..

Dear Mr,

Thank you for your query dated 25th October 2008.

Refer to the announcement made by the DPM on Valuecap Sdn Bhd,for your information, as for now EPF does not have futher information regarding this matter.

We are pleased to inform you that we really appreciate your comments on the services provided by the EPF to the members for our future enhancement.

Your query is very much appreciated.
Thank you.

"YOU ARE OUR PRIORITY"

With Kind Regards,

FIITRAHANIN BTE ABU BAKAR
Customer Service Executive
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND

For any queries and further information, please call our EPF Call Centre at 03-8922 6000 or visit our nearest EPF office. You may also wish to search for more information through our website at www.kwsp.gov.my

If you are pissed with the misuse of public fund, suspiciusly to prop up UMNO linked companies .. try registering your displeasure their website. http://www.kwsp.gov.my/index.php?ch=rcm&page=rcm&call=rcmform

Here is a sample of mine.

I would like to register my complain against the usage of my pension money by EPF that was forced by government to be loaned to a non transparent, non accountable speculative ( gambling ) entity called Valuecap. This company does not have a transparent declaration on its operation & performance and would have difficulty getting this loan approved by any banking / financial institutions.It is even more discouraging to find out that the value of previous loan disbursed to Valuecap has gone down from RM10 billion to RM5 billion.

1.There is risk getting involved in this investment.
2. The money could be used better and any loss of this amount would affect contributors like me. Already EPF has maintained that it will find difficulty maintaining its performance.
3. EPF already have an investment arm and could earn more using the RM5 billion than a lousy percentage.

Fish is Sungei Way

2008-10-24T00:18:00.003+08:00

I was down to my old company today for a meeting.

Sungei Way Free industrial zone has always been grey-ist on my mind. Of course, the smog and smokes from moving vehicles would not help. Spending more that 5 years here means that I do know how physically dirty the place can be and what chemicals that these companies do carry in their operation.

Anyway, I parked my car in the only available car park that I can find. Moving carefully beside the rain water drain, i suddently see movements below. Omigosh... fishes. Not one, but many. Wow, how can these fishes survive if not already mutanized to the environment. Of perhaps, the good work done by the Sungei Way companies are bearing the intended results.

Speaking of fish, i went back to myh apartment in Flora Damansara and chance upon a sticker advertising " Fish Spa" in one of the apartments. Wow, hope it is not the chichlid variety. I called up the enquire and the chinaman was put off by his rudeness. Would have been an interesting photo find.

As much as Digi likes the duck, i like my fish.

How I wish that I was wrong?

2008-10-20T10:34:00.004+08:00

Photo from . "I am the King! All bow down"

I am a forgiving person. So, when people suggest that Najib is a racist because waaaaaaaaayyy back in 1987 when he was young and positing himself to be the UMNO Youth leader, he promised to 'bathe his keris with chinese blood".. I gave Najib a bit more leeway. Reasoned that he was young, raw and being an opportunist then. You can't expect him to bathe his keris in Malay / Indian Muslim / Kadazan blood, cause it would not be 'cool'. Chinese is the enemy, the jew. That was when Musa Hitam- Razaleigh Hamzah combo was trying to be more Malay than the Indian Muslim- Chinese Malay ( Ghafar BABA- get it?) combo. After many special assignments (because of his heritage) and moving up the enchelons of power, reckons that he would be wiser by now.

Oh ... am I wrong! A day after visitings its supposed Chinese Party ally and shaking hands/ kissing and got his butt licked by Ong Kah Ting as 'berwibawa", he came out of the meeting and showcase his manifesto which would shape his plan as a PM.

“I will defend the supremacy of the Malays until the last drop of my blood if I win the mandate of the delegates to become the next Umno president at election to be held in March 2009. This is the solemn promise I made to my late father before he died”.

If anybody else that this UMNO royalty talks about blood letting, that person will be stoned and put in jail. His royalty blood is definately more important than the normal working Chinese people blood. And the Kayans, the orang asli, the cocos, the etc. are definately not important to this Najib chap as anybody who goes against him will be 'destroyed".

"I will also not hesitate to use all means to destroy elements that can threaten the stability and peace of the country.”

And here, Susan succintly detailed out our future Prime Minister in Waiting's character.

The King of Scandals and Denials. Oh, the first person who tells me how many times he swore of his innocence in his speech will win a price. haha.

Does he expect the normal-blooded rakyat to just believe his swearings? So, he thinks that he is the King of Malaysia and all lesser people will need to kowtow to his sayings and doings as in medieval times. Yes, he is the King of Scandals and denials.

Is our Judiaciary system in order?

2008-10-17T11:30:00.003+08:00

Photo from

Another case lost by our Public prosecutor. And as i read some of the facts that surface in this case, it is surely an immobalizing verdict to the family of Nuru Huda. The court is not cruel, the public prosecutors did not do their job and have failed them.

Would the new Chief Justice, who is an UMNO man do any better?

Will Gani Patail, tainted by many cases especially the Anwar Ibrahim case provide the ethical and competence compass for his staff? Updated : Read about the man of Gani Patail.

The answer is a resounding "NO". Both man would not be able to surpass their political masters and do the necessary rights. And in the effect, the rights of common people like those of Nurul Huda Abdul Ghani would continue to be transgressed. Justice would not prevail and people may turn to other areas to obtain their justice. "Mohd Abbas looked stunned after the court interpreter explained the decision to him". - The Malaysian public is also stunned at the incompetence of our courts.

NURUL HUDA'S MURDER AND RAPE: Security guard escapes gallowsPUTRAJAYA (Oct 16, 2008) : A former security guard, Mohd Abbas Danus Baksan, who was found guilty of murdering 10-year-old Nurul Huda Abdul Ghani in Johor four years ago escaped the gallows after the Federal Court here today set aside the conviction and sentence.

The court, however, upheld the 20 years jail and 24 strokes of the rotan imposed by the Johor Baru Sessions Court for raping the girl, to which he had pleaded guilty. But he escapes the caning because he is now 52 years old.

In allowing Mohd Abbas's appeal, Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Zaki Tun Azmi said he agreed with the defence submission that there was a third person involved in the case.
"Therefore all the circumstantial evidence adduced by the prosecution does not irresistibly point to the guilt of the appellant (Mohd Abbas)," he said in reversing the decisions of the Court of Appeal and the High Court.

Mohd Abbas looked stunned after the court interpreter explained the decision to him.

Is it ok to suggest killing of an assembleyman?

2008-10-15T15:55:00.005+08:00

Photo from

In its paranoia to defend itself, Utusan Melayu has created the first rate offence that even decent newspapers in third world countires are not able to do, suggest the killing of an assembleyman to the public. Utusan Malaysia is a daily newspaper that is well read by Malaysians of Malay ethnicity and is owned by UMNO who are facing a credibility challenge. So far, this newspaper is infallible, uncontestable and seemed out of reach by law due to obvious reason.

The public feud between Utusan Malaysia and Teresa Kok has taken a criminal outlook with the newspaper actively or at least abetting the creation of a writting that has the female character killed in the end by a disenchanted youth to protect the Malay and Islam. The female character was named YBJ ( Member of Parliament Josephine) with almost exect circumstances as YB Teresa Kok.

Does Islam and Malay require protection using gun and violence?

I like to believe not. If the Muftis and Malay leaders are silent on this, it will be viewed as a consent and agreement to use force as suggested by this irresponsible writer. Rationale and right thinking Malaysians should stand up against such force de jour. The Malaysian police are already not giving any protection to this lady, and we do fear for her safety.

Utusan Melayu has claimed to champion the Malay agenda. It has written an article that resulted in Teresa Kok being unjustly jailed under Internal Security Act. Even Rocky Bru tried to defend this newspaper, incurring a record number of responses in disagreement. Would this article resulted in Teresa Kok being injured or maimed? If Utusan can be let off the first time, it could too on the second transgression. And this time, it may cost Teresa more than her liberty. Malay agenda should not be promoted above the cost of private independence and the right to live.

Malaysia continue to pressure the natives

2008-10-07T11:50:00.007+08:00

From

Life is so unfair for those who are in the dumps. The fact that Malaysia is a signatory to the UN Convention on Native rights are just a showcase without substance. Oral Asal ( aborigines ) continue to be persecuted and sidelined by the Malay-led government of UMNO they are seeking your help. (Here and memorandum)

Sarawak

Penans were the roamers of the forest in the interior of Sarawak, where the Punans are the variant of Penans who have moved to the cities. My experience in knowing them has been a mixed bag of emotions, with them asking us to visit their long ( long house). We have since give some monies to aid the long house that was burned down. Seemingly, they continued to be harrassed by logging companies tied to local politicians and subjected to the ridiculous plan to build 12 dams in Sarawak. After allegations of rape of women, a half hearted police who initially did not act on the report, dismised the NGO's report and even dare to suggest Bruno Manser( or other caucasions) is involved with inpregnating local Penans.

"Interestingly, we came across a woman in Long Kerong, believed to be not more than 30 years old, who appears to be Eurasian."

"Jalin said the police who interviewed teachers from the two schools in the area found no evidence to support the allegation." ( Just go to 2 schools and that is the truth? )

The denial was then debunked by a little known media lady who affirms that it is the "tip of the iceberg." What is the police going to do now?

Sabah

Islamisation of this state continues with repeated, perhaps purposeful neglect by the Federal Government.

Who are the “Other Bumiputera” and Other Ethnic Groups” in Sabah? According to an answer to Teresa Kok (DAP Seputeh), the PM Department said that there are 436,300 “Other Bumiputera” and 143,500 “Other Ethnic Groups” in Sabah. These constituted 25.9 percent of the Sabah population.

Read Charles Hector's analysis.

And that is not all. The covert operation will be overted thru the 'bastardized" JHEOA ( Jabatan Hal Ehwal Orang Asli) who continues to go against the spirit of its establishment. This is the department that is headed by non local natives and surely have its own partisan agenda.

Farouq Omaro

The statement by the Federal Rural Development Minister that the government may extend the Aboriginal Affairs Department (JHEOA) to Sabah is worrying.He said that the success of JHEOA in West Malaysia is a reason to have the JHEOA extended to Sabah. What success is he talking about?

I am not sure if the Orang Asli in general are as successful as the other races.The extension of JHEOA may also mean West Malaysian officers administering the rural folks of Sabah. This is also very worrying.The demolition of a number of Orang Asli churches in West Malaysia shows that the JHEOA cannot protect the religion of the Orang Asli.Sabahans should say a loud ‘No' to this attempt to place the natives of Sabah within the jurisdiction of a federal department run by non-natives of Sabah.

West Malaysia

JHEOA continues to be a lame duck with little care for the people that they are supposed to protect and champion.

The plight of a Semai Orang Asli community in Ulu Slim, Perak, over the loss of their ancestral land is likely to remain unresolved unless the current owner is willing to surrender the rights to the site in question. (Malaysiakini)

Would you want to be part of an action group to press the government and help our brethen?

Please visit and give them our support

http://pasim.wordpress.com/2008/09/12/joas-jaringan-orang-asal-semalaysia

http://orangasal.blogspot.com/

USD600 million for 12 choppers while it can get 197 choppers for India -Malaysiakini

2008-10-05T13:43:00.005+08:00

From

Wow, India managed to obtain 197 helicopters for the same price and even manage to get them to invest in India. Eurocopter is already present in Subang Jaya and it would not be too hard for them to assemble it locally ala CBU. If people are terrified of buying French cars due to their erratic maintainence prospensity, wonder why we decide on a French helicopter?

The Eurocopter Cougar EC725 was one of four aircraft shortlisted by RMAF. The other three were the Sikorsky S92, Agusta Westland EH-101 Merlin and the Russian-made Mil Mi-17 Hip.
The manufacturers all bid for the contract in an open international tender held during the last Langkawi International Maritime and Air Show.It was reported that the government had allocated US$600 million (RM1.93 billion) to buy an initial fleet of 12 helicopters, which will be in service until 2050. Eight are planned for RMAF's Nuri replacement programme. (NST )

"The Eurocopter Group, a subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co (EADS), almost had the US$600 million 197-helicopter deal in the bag. Technical trials had been completed and price negotiations were in progress with Indian defense ministry officials. The European company was to supply 60 helicopters made in France and Germany over the next three years, with the balance of 137 helicopters to be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) at its Bangalore facility under a transfer of technology agreement." ohhh for 197 flying things, how many we get for that same amount?

Maybe the Malaysian version have all the top of the end gadgets that would not be used, too sophisticated for our repairman ( who will be sent to France to be trained for 6 months for another few million ringgit, but come back 'tak tahu' cause they no speaketh French or English) , gold trimmings and all. Heck, even throw in a few round trips to cut ribbon or commision the tayar.

Contrast the reasons given with the reported testing by India. What is the stated 'need' and why Eurocopter performs better than the other 3 models?

"Indian defence specialists selected the Eurocopter 350B3 reconnaissance model over Bell's LongRanger after an intensive testing period." (AFP)

"Mindef has taken into consideration its needs and Eurocopter presented the best option among all the bidders."(NST)

And, the latest is that the selection is reviewed due to the presense of middlemen. Is our purchase price so extensively expensive because of the presense of middle man? There are already grapevines speculating the involvement of Kamaluddin Abdullah, the son of the Abdullah Badawi who just took over the Defense portfolio in this deal. Strong smell of corruption...

India's army may scrap a 600-million-dollar deal for 197 helicopters from an EADS unit because of complaints about the bidding process and the role of agents, an official said Sunday. (AFP)

Thank God for internet so that minnions like me can check out what other countries are paying for their military hardware. Anybody wants a Mil Mi?

We respect your religion.. shucks

2008-09-30T15:05:00.001+08:00

From

The Aussie-run Roo Bar on Pattaya's Walking Street is doing its bit for the world and showing the ultimate respect to Islam. Truth be told, most bars should have such signs, which demonstrate a clear respect for the Islamic religion. Looking at some the grizzled truckies sitting around Roo bar, I don't doubt the message is rigidly enforced. The problem is, the moron who erected this sign mistook all Arabs for being Islamic, which they are not. There *are* Christian Arabs for example.

Insulting an EGG? UMNO, how low can you get?

2008-09-25T10:21:00.002+08:00

From

Report lodged against Teresa Kok for insulting egg

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 24, 2008) : The Seputeh Umno Youth division lodged a police report today against Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, claiming she had insulted the Royal Malaysian Police and the egg, which is an essential food of the underprivileged.

The division’s deputy head Alawi Dahalin and several other members lodged the report at the Brickfields police station.

Alawi said he had heard Kok complain about the food she was given while detained under the ISA, at a press conference at the DAP headquarters in Petaling Jaya, shown on the night news on TV on Sept 20, a day after she was released from custody.

He said Kok had said the food she was served was "fit only for dogs". ( She actually said that the food is better slightly better than for the dogs, but who cares if the play of word is more important)

"By saying this, she had insulted the police and the poor. Eggs are an important food for low-income earners and the poor. As an elected representative of the people she should not have said that," he said.

UMNO really is scraping the bottom of the barrel. In the English Newspaper, they were talking about ISA review/ repeal/ ethics. In Utusan, they were talking about eggs and Teresa's alleged insult. What a contrast of academic intelligence. After Muhammad Taib's claim that Teresa insulted the poor by insulting the eggs, the so called Malays NGOs came in with their own statements. If Muhammad Taib is so caring to the poor, perhaps he can spend some Aussie Millions that he brought back to Malaysia undeclared to them.

UMNO is defending the rights of chicken, ducks and other animals now.