Simultaneously Rootless

There is an outbreak

2010-04-15T23:45:00.000-07:00

I feel ashamed and disgust to work in an institution which has no proper management. I agree that they are still developing and they have time but at what cost? The day I got appointed I was told no politics among the lecturers and noting rude and all. But from the first day I got here, all I see is politics, cronyism, favoritism and nepotism. Just stop there, Sharwin ! What is this ism- ism? Are you saying the people there have some sort of sickness or something? Yeah, very funny. Come to think of it, Yes! It is a sickness and it is happening all around me and my nation. The most pissing thing is that I feel like I too got infected . So what is all this ism-ism I have been babbling just now?

Let’s look at the definition of favoritism. I got this from the net posted by this researcher called Nadler. J from Santa Clara University. Basically favoritism is favoring a person not because he or she is doing the best job but rather because of some extraneous feature-membership in a favored group, personal likes and dislikes, etc. Favoritism can be demonstrated in hiring, honoring, or awarding contracts. A related idea is patronage, giving public service jobs to those who may have helped elect the person who has the power of appointment.

Favoritism has always been a complaint in government service. I do not have a track record of the stats on how far favoritism is bad in my nation but please answer my question. If you all know anyone who works in the public sector, how did they get the job? Please ask they and you will know and I think some of us will be surprised. Let me start, since I am writing about this issue, let me tell you my part of answering the question. I come from a big family. Loads of uncles, aunties and cousins in my family. Some of them work in the public sector. Every one of them did not get their jobs based on their qualifications or skills. All of them got recommendations from someone higher and all sorts of crap. Don’t give me the reason I am trying to bring up the people of my race. I get that a lot when I ask my relations about this matter. Another problem is cronyism.

Cronyism is a more specific form of favoritism, referring to partiality towards friends and associates. Cronyism occurs within an organization when someone does a favor for someone else. It is something like I am helping you because you are a close from of my family. “Sharwin, I am taking you in my institution, you can teach and learn from other seniors. So, Sharwin, how is your father ? I will see him today and will tell him about your appointment. I hope he is happy. “Damn you all, they are happy but clearly I am not."

Nepotism is an even narrower form of favoritism. Coming from the Italian word for nephew, it covers favoritism to members of the family. Both nepotism and cronyism are often at work when political parties recruit candidates for public office. Oh my god, why do I think of Dato Seri Razidah Aziz when I am typing this? Hahahaha. Anyone wants AP? Hey come to think of it, what did happen to the case and till today she did not give any explanation on that issue. Anyone got updates?
What do favoritism, cronyism, and nepotism have to do with ethics?

One of the most basic themes in ethics is fairness. Favoritism, cronyism, and nepotism all interfere with fairness because they give undue advantage to someone who does not necessarily merit this treatment. Favoritism, cronyism, and nepotism also undermine the common good. When someone is granted a position because of connections rather than because he or she has the best credentials and experience, the service that person renders to the public may be inferior. Also, because favoritism is often covert, this practice undercuts the transparency that should be part of governmental hiring and contracting processes.

It becomes a problem when you are trying to be honest, well respected but at the same time you think your family member can be trusted more that some other guy you are going to hire. But even at that situation you trust your family members because they are close to you and frankly speaking it is not fair. Probably the biggest dilemma presented by favoritism is that, under various other names, few people see it as a problem. Connections, networking, family-almost everyone has drawn on these sources of support in job hunting in the private sphere.

So what's the problem?

The first issue is competence. For cabinet level positions, an executive will probably be drawn to experienced, qualified candidates, but historically, the lower down the ladder, the more likely for someone's son-in-law to be slipped into a job for which he is not qualified. Also, the appearance of favoritism weakens morale in government service, not to mention public faith in the integrity of government.
Reasonable people will differ about the appointment of friends and family in high-level positions, but public officials should be aware that such choices can give the appearance of unfairness. Others may restrict the hiring of relatives or friends in more general conflict-of-interest rules.

Public officials should also note that dilemmas involving favoritism extend beyond hiring and contracting practices to the more general problem of influence. Golfing partners, people who come over for Sunday dinner, members of the same club, housing area all are likely to exert a greater influence over an official than a stranger might.

The rich are getting richer by hours and poor people are getting poorer. I can’t find the proper vocab to fit in. Some of us want to change but how serious are we. How can we change when some of us ourselves have been infecting others with the 3 sickness I mentioned above. When are we going to change?

The Triple Global Crises - Finance, Development and Climate: Can we kill three birds with one stone

2009-12-07T20:22:00.000-08:00

The Chevening Alumni of Malaysia is delighted to inform you that economics
supremo, *Dr Jomo KS*, will deliver the *Third Chevening 25th Anniversary
Public Lecture*.

Details of the lecture are as follows:

Title: *The Triple Global Crises - Finance, Development and Climate:
Can we kill three birds with one stone?*

*Date*: Wednesday, December 9, 2009

*Time*: 7.45pm - 10.00pm

*Venue*: Auditorium, Securities Commission, 3, Persiaran Bukit Kiara,
Bukit Kiara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur

*Admission*: Free

Additonal details are provided in the attached flyer.

Dr Jomo, who is Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development of the
United Nations, is a brilliant speaker with a huge following in Malaysia.

The Chevening Alumni cordially invites you to attend the lecture.

Due to the expected huge response, we urge you to register early at
info@cheveningalumni.org.my to reserve your place.

Feel free to circulate this invitation and notice to your colleagues and
friends.

Who is the real cow

2009-09-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

You did not arrest the 50 'cows' in Shah Alam for humiliating the entire Indian community nor you were there to stop them. All you could saw was "We are sorry". Like that is going to do any good.

You have shown your race tag and your "pussy" attitude by arresting those who held a candlelight vigil against the 50 'cows'. Where is the justice in that ?

Something about "GOD"

2009-08-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

WHY DO PEOPLE BELIEVE IN GOD

People believe in God simply because of "faith" and aslo "beliefs". Humans need to place their hopes and beliefs to someone/something in the higher stat. There is also where in this community others are reinforcing this belief, and the religious texts. Also add peer pressure- conformity within our social group, and just wanting to believe in order to give life a purpose or meaning

Most of us feel the existence of God is just too big an issue for puny human beings like ourselves to try to decide. After all, we don't have the greatest minds in the world - there are other people more intelligent than we are.

"My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior Spirit who reveals Himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble minds. That deeply emotional conviction of the presence of a superior reasoning power, which is revealed in the incomprehensible universe, forms my idea of God." - EINSTEIN

"The Origin of Species": "There is a grandeur in this view of life with its several powers, having been originally breathed by the Creator into a few forms or into one; and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being evolved." - Darwin

For Darwin, as for Einstein, evolution of an ordered universe was only feasible if some intelligent Mind designed the evolutionary program. But why then don't all the great intellectuals believe in the existence of God? Because other irrational presuppositions interfere with the mind's logical working. Here's the frank confession of the agnostic,

Obviously, another factor besides reason can influence the human mind as it ponders whether there is a God or not - that factor is the will.It becomes shockingly obvious that, if we conclude there is a God, we are logically bound to submit the control of our lives to His will, and most of us do not want to do that.

So, it is fair to note that intellectual giants of our era have come to the conclusion that there is a Supreme Being, and that emotional and volitional implications of the conclusion have prejudiced some of the intellectuals who deny the existence of a God.

WHY IS THERE ORDER AND DESIGN IN THE UNIVERSE?

Why is this belief in the existence of a Supreme Being who created the universe so general and natural in mankind? Because human beings, whether they are intellectuals like Einstein or primitive tribesmen, all have the same response when they see an object like a mountain or a planet - they immediately wonder: "Who put it there?" Indeed, they have to be brainwashed or taught not to ask that question. Otherwise, their minds will operate with the same kind of simple cause-and-effect reasoning that they use in everyday-life situations. In other words, people believe that the existence of a Creator is the most likely and most probable explanation for the existence of the universe.

They are simple hypotheses of how something might have exploded once there was something to explode, or how spontaneous generation might have taken place once there was a substance to decompose, or how something might have evolved once there was something to evolve from, but none of these theories removes the need to answer the basic question: "Who or what is the original, first cause of the universe?"

IS GOD "IT" , "HE" OR "SHE" ?

But why do we even consider asking "Who" instead of simply "What"? In other words, the order and design of the universe look like the product of a mind that is not only intelligent, but personal. Can an inanimate object like a stone make an animate object like a flower? Can a dog make a man? Can an impersonal elan' vital make three-and -a-half billion persons, each one different, with minds and emotions that we still cannot reproduce with all our technology? If you find a watch while walking along the beach, you conclude there must be a watchmaker - someone who understands the intricacies and fine tolerances necessary to design a watch. Similarly, when you perceive the complex attitudes and responses of the various personalities around you, you naturally conclude that the Creator that made us must be at least as personal as we are. Thus, there are certain clues in the order and design of the universe that suggest the strong probability that there is a Creator who is a person.

HOW ABOUT HEAVEN ?

I am going to raise a final question regarding God. If you believe in God then you presumably believe in heaven. Here is the question based on the belief that only good people go to heaven, as per the religious texts. Would someone born with a brain tumour that eventually caused them to become insane and commit murder be allowed into heaven.? If not, why not? They didn't chose to have a brain tumour. At what stage of development do we 'qualify' for judgment. At birth, before we have actually done anything? At one year of age or 22 weeks in the womb? Define 'bad'. It's all a bit arbitrary isn't it. Heaven is something that I just can not accept as a sensible concept.

WHAT ABOUT ME ?

There are times when can't help to have a little faith and hopes in order to get something in return. I’m not sure if the things I believe are true or even false. But most of the time I do believe and have respect for god, not only my religion but also others. If I was to look at the Quran, Bible and the Vedas to learn what are the teachings I am sure that I would find similar teachings. Ultimately, every religion teaches their believers to have MORAL. Unfortunately, humans tend to argue about other religion and have given many reasons for the separation in religion and beliefs but to me it is ONE.

Which one would be mine

2009-07-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

Last week I was filling up fuel on the highway to Petaling Jaya and I saw a lamborghini. I didnt bother to stare at the car cause I have been seeing lamborghini alot lately. Its like in a week I would see it and thats cause there is one near the place I stay. Hahaha. But what attracted me abt this car was the driver. He looked really young.I think he was nearly my age cause his voice was like a kid and he was short and face was rather young looking. He pull over to fill up fuel and thats how I got the chance to look at him. Since that day, I started to think about the car I am going to get. I cant be getting it now cause I am still studying. Hopefully after 2 years working, I can get a car with my OWN money.

When I used to talk to my friends, they had a rough idea of what car they are going to get. When they were to ask me, I could not give them a right answer, I cant be saying I want a ferrari or a lambo cause those cars are just too expensive for me. I have to think of the budget and what car I would want to drive everyday. I have these 5 car on my mind which I think I can afford.

1) Nissan Skyline R34

2)Nissan Skyline R33

3)Mitsubishi Evolution 9

4)Mitsubishi Evolution 8 MR edition

5)Mazda RX-8 (2009)

Internal Security Act !

2009-06-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

I think the ISA should be in Malaysia. What is wrong with it? I don’t see anything wrong in having the act. The security act is just being misused by the government; you people are going after the wrong thing. Even without ISA there are many loop holes where certain politician will use other force to get what they want. Think rationally before doing something! Because of you "smart" people we others have to go with the flow even if we don’t really want to.

I do understand why you all want to get rid of the act, but to me I don’t think wanting to abolish it will do any good but it will make things worse. Be prepared to see more deaths under police custody and be prepared to get more missing people. All this could happen. I think its about time to think more rationally before doing something.

Quality of Language

2009-06-11T02:24:00.000-07:00

Here we go again on having a say students do not need to pass their English papers in school exams. Arguments given saying English is not a compulsory subject to pass. I have to disagree. I know people love to speak in their mother tongue, don't say no, but try to digest this.

How many ppl in the world is familiar with ur mother tongue? How far can u go by talking and learning in ur mother tongue?

Not too far. If you are Malay, u probably may survive in Indonesia unless u speak Arabic languages. Chinese people, I have no idea, but I know China people hate you speaking mandarin or as matter of fact any other dialect, Taiwan perhaps, Hong Kong maybe. As for Indians, India is the only place where they can communicate with their mother tongue.

School is the beginning where a child learns language and knows how to use the language for other subjects. The proper foundation of language learning is very important as later on student are the next generation leaders of this nation.

If they can’t even pass a English paper in the school level, how do we expect them to be able to use the language to communicate with other country leaders or as matter of fact doing business with others. Like it or not English has been a very useful language and has evolved a lot. English is widely spoken.

I hate to say this but in Malaysia people are racist because they tend to think for themselves and for their own kind. They are willing to destroy the future of the students who have the possibility to lead the nation, then to make them better by learning and excel in English.

This is similar to the teaching of Math’s and Science in English, claiming that it should be stopped and teach it back in Malay. Once again, destroying the future of the nation but will be claiming that we will do whatever it takes to make our nation’s future leaders(students) excel in studies.

Why say that? After all, changing it back would only make things worse. Well, Ego people and racist people are just saying BM is our language, BM is our blood. It’s a trend now for certain groups to use race and religion to gain support to go against something. These groups are made out of stupid and ignorance people and they live in their own cubical where everything is about them. There must not be room for other.

I really hope that the teaching of Math’s and Science stays on as it is be progress to having a better nation where students will be better in speaking and thinking. I just don’t get it on why BM,BM,BM .

Does Harvard use BM to teach Actuarial Science? I don’t think so. UITM uses BM to teach engineering students. I dont know now but back a few years it was in BM. Information technology courses was also in BM. How do they want to get a job and get higher education if they don’t understand in English? U tells me, Would u have ur son/daughter to learn in UITM and get a job locally or would u prefer them to get a quality education which uses International language?

ART FOR GRABS & KL ALTERNATIVE BOOKFEST

2009-05-07T06:26:00.000-07:00

AT THE ANNEXE GALLERY: 7 TO 24 MAY 2009

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ART FOR GRABS

+ KL ALTERNATIVE BOOKFEST

Arts, Crafts & Books Fair

Sat 9 & Sun 10 May, 12pm to 8pm

Presented by The Annexe Gallery & Central Market

Admission Free, except where indicated

Art For Grabs, our arts and crafts bazaar, returns for yet another triumphant round of affordable artsy consumerism in a collision of coolness. That’s over 20 stalls selling art, photography, knick knacks, accessories, etc, all for under RM100 (per item, that is!).

This time we also have KL Alternative Bookfest, featuring over 20 stalls by local indie publishers (not always available at a bookstore near you).

Everytime we host Art For Grabs, we present a fringe program of exciting events. This time around, we have Bilik Panas. Our “hot room” is not literally sauna-like, it’s actually air-conditioned. The “panas” here refers to the artistic, intellectual and emotional heat that will be generated by the performances, lectures and book launches we’ve got planned. See you there!

BILIK PANAS

Admission Free except for Gostan Forward

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

SATURDAY 9 MAY

12pm

THE CLOTH THAT CUTS: Re-Appraising Batik as a Trans-Cultural Signifier

Public Lecture by Dr Farish Noor

2.15pm

GOSTAN FORWARD – Solo Performance Lecture by Marion D’Cruz (Admission by RM10 donation)

3pm

BEYOND FEMINISM – The Woman as Metaphor for the Colonised

Talk by Chuah Guat Eng

4pm

KLAB Book Launch

TAXI TALES ON A CROOKED BRIDGE by Charlene Rajendran

5pm

KLAB BOOK Launch

NAJIB’S CHALLENGE: Glory or Oblivion? by Barry Wain & UNMASKING NAJIB by Lim Kit Siang

6pm

KLAB BOOK Launch

DEWANGGA SAKTI TERTINGGAL KAPAL ANGKASA DI HARI PELANCARAN BUKU 'KACIP' PIPIYAPONG

6.40pm

KLAB BOOK Launch

BERSERONOK DENGAN PEREMPUAN DALAM POKET

Pelancaran buku Puisi Poket 1: Akulah Perempuan Muda itu oleh Shaira Amira

8.30pm

GOSTAN FORWARD

SUNDAY 10 MAY

11am

MEDIA UNDER NAJIB: Hope or Disappointment?

Forum by Centre For Independent Journalism (CIJ)

12.30pm

PENCERAHAN DAN KOSMOPOLITANISME

Talk by Khalid Jaafar, Director of Institut Kajian Dasar (IKD)

2.15pm

GOSTAN FORWARD

4.30pm

READING LOLITA IN KL

Reading by Sisters In Islam (SIS)

Please refer to events details & synopses at the end of this mailer

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GOSTAN FORWARD

Solo Performance Lecture by Marion D’Cruz

Fri 8 May, 8.30pm

Sat 9 May, 2.15pm & 8.30pm

Sun 10 May, 2.15pm

Presented by Five Arts Centre

Admission by RM10 donation

Gostan Forward will showcase Malaysia’s beloved “dance terrorist” Marion D’Cruz in her overlapping roles as a student, dancer, choreographer and educator. Celebrating her 35-year growth in this retrospective of sorts, she evolves from ground-breaking young dancer to boundary-blurring meta-choreographer. In a rare glance behind the artist, Marion will tell stories and perform excerpts of her favourite and most significant dances, including “Terinai”, “Swan Song”, “Urn Piece”, “Chilayu”, and more.

http://www.fiveartscentre.org

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KL PHOTO AWARDS 2009

Photography Exhibition & Workshops

Thu 7 to Sun 24 May, 11am to 7pm

Presented by Explorenation.net, Time Out Kuala Lumpur, Amarin Sdn Bhd & The Annexe Gallery

Admission Free

From family snaps to fashion spreads, and photojournalism to studio photography, the face remains the most photographed subject in the history of photography. Taking a portrait that retains its subject’s humanity while conveying a powerful commentary at the same time is truly the Holy Grail of photography.

The first KL Photoawards 2009 competition which called for submission between November 2008 and March 2009 attracted some 500 entries from overseas and Malaysia. Of the entries, 23 portraits in each category (Professional & have been shortlisted for considerations for the top prizes. These 46 portraits in total will be showcased in an exhibition of shortlisted works at The Annexe Gallery in conjunction with the awards presentation.

You are cordially invited to

Exhibition Opening

Winners Announcement & Prize Presentation Ceremony

Thu 7 May, 7.30pm

Admission Free

Find out which portraits win the coveted top prizes!

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ART FOR GRABS

+ KL ALTERNATIVE BOOK FEST

EVENTS DETAILS & SYNOPSES

Sat 12pm

THE CLOTH THAT CUTS: Re-Appraising Batik as a Trans-Cultural Signifier

Public Lecture by Dr Farish Noor

Presented by The Other Malaysia

Today Batik is seen and cast as something essentially linked to the (fixed and homogeneous) identity of nations like Malaysia and Indonesia. This lecture tries to explore the multifarious cultural, ethnic and historical origins of Batik as a form of art, and argues that in the designs of classical Batik we can see the overlapping of various cultural, ethnic and religious influences that cut across all of Southeast Asia and beyond. Batik is living proof of the cultural and ethnic hybridity of Southeast Asia.

Sat 2.15pm

GOSTAN FORWARD

Solo Performance Lecture by Marion D’Cruz

Directed by Mark Teh, Visual designs by Grey Yeoh

Presented by Five Arts Centre

*Admission by RM10 donation

Malaysia’s best known “dance terrorist” Marion D’Cruz celebrates her 35-year growth in this retrospective of sorts, from ground-breaking young dancer to boundary-blurring meta-choreographer. In a rare glance behind the artist, Marion will tell stories and perform excerpts of her favourite and most significant dances, including “Terinai”, “Swan Song”, “Urn Piece”, “Chilayu”, and more.

Sat 4pm

KLAB Book Launch

TAXI TALES ON A CROOKED BRIDGE

Book Launch and Reading by Charlene Rajendran & Friends

Presented by Matahari Books

Charlene Rajendran is a Malaysian teacher and theatre practitioner who has been living in Singapore for eight years, and she refuses to own a car. Taxi Tales On A Crooked Bridge chronicles her conversations with taxi drivers all over the island republic. Quirky and jaunty, this book shows that there's no telling what bridges can be built -- whether the journey is crooked or straight!

Sat 5pm

KLAB BOOK Launch

NAJIB’S CHALLENGE: Glory or Oblivion? by Barry Wain

& UNMASKING NAJIB by Lim Kit Siang

Presented by REFSA (Research For Social Advancement)

“Najib’s Challenge: Glory or Oblivion” is written by Barry Wain, a former editor of The Wall Street Journal Asia, is author of the forthcoming “Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times”. “Unmasking Najib” is a collection of articles written by Lim Kit Siang, who actively blogs since 2005 and has published 30 books since 1978. Both books are published by Research for Social Advancement (REFSA), an independent non-profit organization aimed at encouraging open discussion and input into public policy issues. Chairman of REFSA, Tunku Abdul Aziz (former president, Transparency International) will give his opinion on our Prime Minister and have a dialogue with the audience.

Sat 6pm

KLAB BOOK Launch

DEWANGGA SAKTI TERTINGGAL KAPAL ANGKASA DI HARI PELANCARAN BUKU 'KACIP' PIPIYAPONG

Presented by Sindiket Soljah

Dewangga Sakti terdiri daripada 6 orang pemuzik tradisional Melayu zaman sekarang yang melagukan karya-karya mistik dengan bunyian instrumen akustik. Manakala blogger hip Pipiyapong akan melancarkan karya beliau bertajuk Kacip yang lucu dan mencuit hati pembaca.

Sat 6.40pm

KLAB BOOK Launch

BERSERONOK DENGAN PEREMPUAN DALAM POKET

Pelancaran buku Puisi Poket 1: Akulah Perempuan Muda itu oleh Shaira Amira

Presented by Sang Freud Press

Puisi Poket adalah satu usaha untuk mengambalikan puisi kepada yang hak, yakni kau dan aku. Cukup kacip dan comel untuk disumbat di dalam kocek, ia sesuai dibawa dan dibaca di mana-mana; sewaktu menunggu teman di elarti, sewaktu naik elarti bersama teman dan selepas menyalakan rokok di belukar bawah landasan elarti setelah habis berbincang bahasa tubuh dengan teman.

Sat 8.30pm

GOSTAN FORWARD

Dance Lecture Performance by Marion D’Cruz

*Admission by RM10 donation

Sun 11am

MEDIA UNDER NAJIB: Hope or Disappointment?

Forum by Centre For Independent Journalism (CIJ)

Panel speakers include: Wong Chin Huat (political analyst and chairman of Writers Alliance for Media Independence), Tricia Yeoh (special assistant to Selangor state Chief Minister), Zaharom Nain (Associate Prof of Communication Studies, USM)

The forum will touch on:
i. Exploring the prime minister's options viz-a-viz clamours for reform on one side and calls for entrenchment of the status quo on another
ii. Current and future trends that may affect or involve the media and free expression.
iii. What Malaysia needs badly in terms of reform on press freedom and expression and whether Najib can deliver them

Sun 12.30pm

PENCERAHAN DAN KOSMOPOLITANISME

Talk by Khalid Jaafar, Director of Institut Kajian Dasar (Policy Research Institute)

Khalid Jaafar will be talking about IKD’s publications and the concept behind its publications. He will also be touching on the controversial issue raised by IKD’s publications that have been alleged as misleading for Muslims.

Sun 2.15pm

GOSTAN FORWARD

Dance Lecture Performance by Marion D’Cruz

*Admission by RM10 donation

Sun 4.30pm

READING LOLITA IN KL

Reading presented by Sisters In Islam (SIS)

Celebrate the freedom to read! Join Marina Mahathir, Cecil Rajendra, Kee Thuan Chye, Rahmat Haron, Shanon Shah, Aishah Hassan, Chi Too, and Priya K as they read poetry and excerpts from books, plays, scripts, etc that have been banned in other countries throughout history.

+ + + +

If you prefer not to receive updates from The Annexe, Central Market, please reply this email and let us know. If you like it, please forward this email to your friends. Thanks!

The Annexe Gallery

1st & 2nd Floor, Central Market Annexe

Jalan Hang Kasturi

Kuala Lumpur

Tel: +603-2070 1137

It's election time...

2009-04-08T05:36:00.000-07:00

7th April by-elections has opened my eyes to many things. Pakatan Rakyat has control over Bukit Gantang and aslo Bukit Selambau once again but Batang Ai in Sarawak still belongs to Barisan Nasional.

I find it rather amusing that, Pakatan Rakyat could afford to win those two seats with a larger majority than the general elections. In Bukit Gantang,Mohd Jamaluddin Nizar (PAS) obtained 21,860 votes and won with a majority of 2,789 votes. In 2008, the majority was 1,566. In Bukit Selambau, there were 15 candidates. It is so silly to see 15 candidates competing. I think all of us are seen as a bunch of stupid and ignorant people. Some might think, 15 candidates mean finally there are people who have decided to take action. It is so obvious that those other 13 candidates had hidden agendas of their own. S. Manikumar (PKR) got 12,632 votes and won with a majority of 2,403 votes.

As for Batang Ai, I do not wish to say anything.

For the by-elections, Barisan Nasional used so many different techniques to topple the opposition. They even went to the extreme of using a video of Anwar Ibrahim talking bad about PAS and DAP 14 years ago. Personally I felt that Pakatan Rakyat was going to loose this battle after being bombard by Barisan. But it didn’t happen. Pakatan managed to win. If some were to say there were phantom voters or Pakatan members bribed votes, I would ask, Pakatan does not have that much money to do so.

Everyday, I see Pakatan members fighting among themselves, or is that what the media wants us to see? Barisan came up with the idea of have three girls dancing is a seductive way to get voters and yet claim it’s the Chinese culture. "What Malay knows about the Chinese culture? He is not a Chinese therefore how can he say that? Who is he?" I ask this question because Islamic leaders claim its wrong for a non-Muslim to talk about the Al-Quran. This came out in the news on the 6th of April. A DAP speaker quoted something from the Quran and it was seen as a humiliation to the Islam. Therefore, I assume, by saying Chinese likes to see half naked girls dancing and it’s their culture is humiliation as well. So what do they have to say for themselves?

It is clear that people are very unhappy with the current political scenario. Even when the leadership has changed, people still disagree with the politics happening around us. Everyone should be aware that, the people as in the citizens are not satisfied with and by reforming a new cabinet will not solve this mess. Day by day, it gets worst. Its seems to me that, our politicians don’t seem to bother what the voters think. In the last general elections, we have expressed our dissatisfaction with the leadership and now again the same outcome even after a change in the leadership.

What does this mean?Are the people saying they don’t want Barisan to lead them or they are just not satisfied with the leaders?

It’s a pity but I have to say this, “Corruption is the foundation of this country" Lets be practical. Who wants a prime minister who sleeps during meetings? I know I don’t. What about having a leader who had uttered racist remarks which led to the 1969 racial riots? What about a leader who has been accused twice of homosexual activities? A leader who lies? Who wants all this kind of leaders?

I believe that a leader is supposed to be a good example for others not acting good infront and having a dark side. To gain peoples trust one should either clear their allegations or be truthful to the people. It is better to tell the truth and seek forgiveness than to lie.

Malaysians are just unhappy with politics. Just look at the media, even an uneducated can see that the media is one sided. Look at the news on television during the 6th April. Everything was against the opposition, all I could hear is PKR this, that. Anwar this, that, support Barisan, we are Barisan. How can we say its a democratic country, when we only hear from one side. How about the opposition? Dont they have anything to say. Even if they want to say, Barisan Stupid! Dont vote them! Let them say it out. That is what we call as freedom of speech and democracy. Each party has equal rights to get the voters attention.

Let us all not be as if the citizens are stupid and ignorant about what happens around them. There needs to be change, major changes or else we the citizens and leaders of the nation about the witness a great riot the destruction of our nation. Bear in mind that, the rich ones might just walk away from the country. It is us the middle class and the lower class who will suffer the most. What does it take to make changes?

Parties can make changes little by little. For starters, UMNO should stop taking old people. I get the fact that past leaders have experience but they are still in their own world where they still follow their old mentality. Now I am not saying the old mentality is wrong but in this fast pace nation where we talk and deal with technology, how can we follow the old thinking and beliefs!

Besides, they are old, why do you need to join a political party and work, at your age you are supposed to sit back and relax and enjoy life. As for Pakatan Rakyat, there is a need to reform the party and members. There needs to be a stop of hopping parties. What kind of childish game is this, hopping parties? If a member is not satisfied with his or her party talk between them and solve it not by hopping to the opposition and then hop back to the previous one. What games are they trying to play here? We are dealing with a nation where there are millions of people who want their voice to be heard and promises to be done.

What do we want? We want safe roads. We want our children to have good education. We want police to be nicer and better. We want politicians to stop playing race cards. Most important, we want a nation where government staffs and the government itself do not use the citizens for their personal interest.

Cara mudah dapatkan undian

2009-04-02T01:04:00.000-07:00

Kehadiran Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi dan Ismail Saffian di majlis makan malam di Kampung Baru Kuala Sepetang - sebuah perkampungan nelayan di DUN Kuala Sepetang di parlimen Bukit Gantang - kini menjadi bahan perbualan.

Apa yang dikatakan sedih ialah cara BN mandapat sambutan penundi Cina.Majlis tersebut diserikan dengan konsert tiga gadis manis berimej seksi selepas Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri itu dan calon BN selesai menyampai ucapan meminta hadirin menyokong BN dalam pilihanraya kecil parlimen itu. Tiga artis Cina berseluar pendek dan singlet biru itu menari dan menyanyi lagu rancak sewaktu Zahid sedang mengadakan sidang media di depan pentas. Saya rasa ini adalah cara bodoh untuk mendapat undian. Bodoh, macam orang cina suka perempuan yang seksi. Apa hal nie! Taraka teknik lain ke. Pi balik lah.

Beliau juga menegaskan bahawa "di kawasan saya, saya bukan memenangi hati orang Cina dengan tarian rancak begini. "Tetapi kita mesti hormat, ini adalah satu kebudayaan orang Cina.
"Di kawasan saya ada 20 peratus pengundi Cina, saya juga pergi ke tokong Cina dan menghadiri majlis pengkebumian orang Cina.

"Saya tahu bagaimana hendak menghormati keluarga orang Cina dan orang mudanya," tegas Zahid, yang juga timbalan pengerusi perhubungan Umno Perak.

Pada pendapat saya, undi promosi BN tidak perlu hadir perempuan seksi. Macam bodoh, Di manakah letaknya prinsip-prinsip Barisan Nasional adat baik perlu ditonjolkan.

Untuk berita sepenuhnya, sila rujuk:http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/101495

Perak and Politics

2009-03-10T05:22:00.000-07:00

This is just a gentle reminder to ALL PERAKIANS. The bushfires in Australia is still raging and so should the fire in the Silver State. Our Prime Minister has stated that all those found guilty of having started these "bush fires" should be left to rot in jail. I just hope your own PM agrees. They are of the same intellect aren't they? I think the ones started the fire in Perak also should rot in jail.

The title of this article was 5 FROGS but I disagree. It would be perfect with the title: 4 FROGS and 1 BIG FAT TOAD!

According to sources from MCA that the PAY off is financed by some rich Chinese businessmen in Perak. Probably, Najib approached these rich Chinese Business men to do the needful for him.

The First - Two frogs, were Mohd Osman and Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi -

(he is greedier than the rest). These two got RM1 - RM2 million each. Hee Yit Foong - She got the most RM10 million. Well her days are numbered! Her husband is a business man in Jelapang worth RM1.5million. Nasharuddin Hashim - probably got only a few millions. His political career will be his last term in office, if he ever serves the constituency again.

The 5th FROG is the ruler of Perak - He also received a few million cash more than the rest of the FROGS except not more than RM4.0 million. (If the ruler of Perak decides to dissolve the
State Assembly he gets noth€ing from UMNO). Further the ruler of Perak through his private vehicle companies will receive some major contracts from the Federal Government.

With the new incoming state government of Perak, it can pay $ up RM300 million (which is funded by the federal Government) to kick start the WEST COAST highway. KEURO is the concessionaire. The stakeholders are the Selangor state government who has to fork out RM300
million, the Perak state government also has to come up with RM300 million and the balance RM400 million will be from KEURO. (IJM Berhad is a major shareholder wanting to secure the WEST COAST highway - to make money) the deadline to fulfill this entire financial obligation is MARCH 2009.

Read The Edge magazine that was on sale Saturday 31st January 2009.

If you guys can recall or remember during the SABAH crisis Mustapha (who was then the opposition against BN) went to the SABAH ISTANA to be sworn in as the Chief Minister (at 4 or 5 am) and lay claim of it. Azlan Shah was the Agung; Mahathir was the then Prime Minister paid every ruler of the states 100,000 shares of Tenaga to entice these rulers and Agung to get their support to bring down Mustapaha. Later some of the Sabah state assemblymen defected to form the BN state government in Sabah.

Azlan Shah and his family then controlled GAMUDA. Later when Azlan Shah retired as Agung, Gamuda received many projects and now his daughter is one of the biggest shareholders of the company.

WELL the Power Grab is all about MONEY. Najib wants POWER and fame. He has the money, if you can remember US$300 million commission from the Submarine deal. ALTANTUYA. Easily spent RM20 million or as little as US$5 million to settle all the 5 FROGS of PERAK.

by KellyvilleAce.

I got this mail in MSN so I reposted this in hoping that people will know what power our DPM holds. He is the most powerful politician in Malaysia. Since he took over the Finance Ministary, he is immortal. No one is able to go against him. Even the Perak ruler can't go against him.

Altantuya's death: A well planned assination

2009-03-10T05:17:00.000-07:00

The Altantuya Shaaribuu’s case: how and why she was killed
Published in the Liberation French newspaper on 5th March 2009

This is the English translation of the Liberation French article:

Shaaribuu Setev is a bitter and disappointed man. Yet, behind the saddened face of this Mongolian lies a fierce determination. Seated in a sofa in the lobby of an Ulaan Baataar hotel rattled by gushes of a freezing wind, this sixty years old man is ready to fight. His face features, hardened by the suffering and the stern climate, and his intense gaze tell all. “My daughter has been murdered by Malaysians on Malaysian territory. And they did not have even offer a word of apology,” states this professor of psychology at the National University of Mongolia.

The assassination of his daughter, Altantuya Shaaribuu, took place in October 2006. This was a murder unlike others in a region where business conflicts or petty politics are often settled with a gun. Everything in this case, which started in 2002 when the French Spanish company Armaris concluded the sale of three submarines to the Malaysian government for the amount of one billion Euros, is out of the ordinary.

The impact of the “Altantuya case” in France, Malaysia and Mongolia has yet to reach its climax. The murder of the 28 year old Mongolian was the result of a “commission” at the price of 114 million Euros by Armaris to its Malaysian counterpart. This “commission,” which was acknowledged by the Malaysian government in front of the Parliament in Kuala Lumpur, has triggered a chain of events that has led to the assassination of Altantuya and the disappearance of several key witnesses in the case.

A report from the Malaysian police, written on 19th november 2006 and which has been kept secret until now (can be read below), reveals dry and precise descriptions as to how this young woman, a member of Asian high society, has been killed. In this document, one of the killers, a policeman of the Malaysian Special Branch named Sirul Omar, replied to the questions of an officer at a police station close to the murder scene. “When the Chinese woman saw that I was taking a gun, she begged me to spare her, saying she was pregnant. Azilah (the commanding officer of Sirul) grabbed her and [threw] her on the ground. I immediately shot the left side of her face. Then Azilah took off her clothes and put them in a black plastic bag. Azilah noticed that her hand was still moving. He ordered me to shoot again, which I did”, said Sirul. This is the first confirmation of Altantuya’s assassins’ identity. “Then we carried her body into the woods. Azilah wrapped the explosives around her legs, her abdomen and her head, and we exploded her.”

The revelation of this report in the French newspaper Liberation is the latest chapter in this colourful and dramatic saga featuring French weapon sellers, Mongolian Shaman, and Malaysian politicians. This case is explosive not only for the Malaysian government, since the deputy Prime minister Najib Razak (who is scheduled to become Prime minister at the end of March) is suspected of having links to the case, but also because it could embarrass the DCNS, this French company specialising in military shipbuilding. The French Spanish company Armaris, which sold two Scorpène and one Agosta submarines to Malaysia in June 2002, was bought by DCNS in 2007.

With her magnetic beauty and sophistication, Altantuya is reminiscent of the troubling image of a Far East Mata Hari. She grew up in Saint Petersburg (Russia), then studied at the Institute of Economic Management in Beijing. Besides speaking English, she is fluent in Russian, Chinese and Korean. The fateful cycle for Altantuya came into gear when she met Abdul Razak Baginda in Hong Kong in 2004. Baginda is a security expert and the director of the Malaysian Strategic Research Centre, a pro-government think-tank. The two quickly became romantically involved. Altantuya, nicknamed Tuya by her friends, proved to be a useful assistant, helping Baginda translate from Russian to English.

Whereas Altantuya is young and beautiful, the rich and alluring Baginda is a well known figure of the Kuala Lumpur’s elite, notably because of his proximity to the Malaysian Deputy Prime minister and minister of Defense Najib Razak (he is also his security affairs adviser). Baginda parades in the most exclusive circles of Kuala Lumpur, sometimes accompanied by his legitimate wife.

In March 2005, Altantuya and Baginda departed for Europe, touring France, Germany, Italy and Portugal in the red Ferrari of Baginda, staying in posh hotels and dining in the finest restaurants of the old Continent. This trip, however, was not only for tourism: the contract for the sale of the submarines had been signed in 2002, but important details had yet to be settled. “We knew that Baginda was used by Deputy Prime minister Najib Razak as an intermediary for weapons systems deals, especially the high level ones,” says a regional security affairs expert.

At the end of March 2005 the couple was in Paris, where they met with Najib Razak. A picture shows the threesome in a Parisian private club. “Tuya showed me the pix. She said that one of the men was her boyfriend, Abdul Razak Baginda, and the other the “big boss”, Najib Razak. I asked her if they were brothers because of the names, but she said no, and that Najib Razak was the ‘prime minister’”, said Amy, Altantuya’s best friend (Najib Razak has sworn on the Koran that he has never met Altantuya). According to a private detective, now in hiding in India, the beautiful Tuya was also the occasional mistress of the deputy Prime minister, who was introduced to her by Baginda at the end of 2004.

The story became dramatic when, in October 2006, Altantuya was informed that the commission paid by the French-Spanish company Armaris had arrived on a Kuala Lumpur bank account. It had been paid to Perimekar, a company owned by Baginda. Altantuya rushed to Kuala Lumpur, in order to claim her share of the commission from Baginda ; she said she was entitled to 500,000 dollars. Baginda and Altantuya broke up prior to this. A jealous Rosmah Mansor, the feared businesswoman and wife of Najib Razak, objected any payment to Altantuya. Altantuya arrived in Kuala Lumpur with two other Mongolian women, one of them was a Shaman responsible for putting a spell on Baginda if he refused to pay. For several days, Altantuya harassed her ex-lover.

On the 18th of October, Baginda could no longer tolerate the daily scenes made by Altantuya in front of his house. He contacted the Director of the Special Branch, Musa Safrie, who happened to also be Najib Razak’s aide de camp. On October 19th, 2006, a little before 9 pm, two police officers of the Special Branch, Azilah Hadridan and Sirul Omar, were sent in front of Baginda’s house where Altantuya was gesticulating and shouting. They had the order of “neutralising the Chinese woman.” They kidnapped her, and drove her ten kilometers away and shot her several times. Then, they destroyed her body with C4 explosives, a type which can only be obtained from within the Defense Ministry. Her entry into Malaysia was erased from the immigration records. It would appear that Altantuya had never come to Malaysia, because there is no trace left of her.

There is no perfect crime. The taxi driver hired by Altantuya for the day did not appreciate that his passenger was kidnapped under his eyes without payment for the fare. He took note of the registration plate of the kidnapper’s car and filed a complaint at the local police station. In a few days, the police identified the car and realised that it was a government vehicle.

Events unfolded that even the Deputy Prime minister Najib Razak could not impede. He tried to cover the case. A few hours before the arrest of Baginda, he sent him a SMS: “I will see the Inspector General of Police at 11 am today… The problem will be solved. Be cool”. A few hours after, Baginda was arrested as well as the two police officers of the Special Branch, Azilah and Sirul.

After a trial considered dubious by many observers, Baginda was acquitted with the accusation of having ordered the murder and released in November 2008. Accused of having perpetrated the murder, Azilah and Sirul appeared in front of the Court last month. If convicted, their sentence is death. The verdict is scheduled for the 9th of April.

Thousands of miles from there, in the Mongolian capital city Ulaan Baataar, Shaaribuu Setev, Altantuya’s father, is trying to control his anger. To him and his family, the acquittal and release of Baginda is symbolic of the unfairness of the Malaysian judicial process: “The Malaysian government is not even answering to the letters from the Mongolian Foreign Affairs Ministry,” he says.

When Shaaribuu came to the Malaysian Parliament to meet Najib Razak, the Deputy Prime minister had to escape through a back door in order to avoid an embarrassing encounter. The Altantuya case has become a key element of the Malaysian political game between Najib Razak (who is expected to become Prime Minister after the United Malay Nation Organisation (UMNO) Congress in March) and the opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. So far, Najib Razak has navigated around the obstacles, but the murder of the young Mongolian remains a sword suspended over his head.

One of the most obscure aspects of the Altantuya case is the role of the Armaris company. In October 2007, the Malaysian Deputy Defense minister, Zainal Abdidin Zin, acknowledged in front of the Parliament that Armaris had effectively paid 114 million Euros in commission to Perimekar. He maintained that it was not a bribe, but a payment for “support and coordination services.”

Was there corruption as in the case of the Taiwanese frigates in which the French DCNS was also implicated? DCNS, a private company with public financing, has declined our request for a meeting. “Nobody can comment on this case,” was the sober reply of the DCNS Press relations officer in Paris. A document, which could establish a link between Altantuya and the French company is the guarantee letter written by Abdul Razak Baginda so that his mistress could obtain a visa to enter the Schengen zone (of whom France is a member country). The French embassy could not refuse this service to a man decorated with the Legion d’Honneur. But the role of Altantuya in the submarines negotiations is still not clear. Intelligence agencies find her background intriguing and the Russian FSB (ex-KGB) is following closely the case.

In Ulaan Baataar, Mungunshagai, the eldest son of Altantuya, who is 12 years old, is traumatised by the death of his mother. Altanshagai, the youngest, who is five years old and mentally handicapped, has not understood that he will never see again his mother. “He is asking for her all the time and is staying the whole day prostrated on his chair. Every evening, I bring him sweets and I tell him that his mother gave it to me for him”, says Shaaribuu Setev, the grandfather of the two boys. As for Baginda, he settled down in the United Kingdom with his family. He never uttered a word of regret on the deadly fate of the one who shared his life for two years.

Arnaud Dubus (in Kuala Lumpur, Ulaan Baataar and Paris)

Busy Body in Politics

2009-02-21T09:16:00.000-08:00

I just don't understand why should Elizabeth Wong quit her post and why is BN and UMNO trying to involve? To a certain extend, they are able to give opinions but do not have any rights to ask her to step down. Arguments given was, when Chua Soi Lek's sex video came out, Pakatan Rakyat ask him to quit his post, yes I agree they may have said it, but we can't compare Eli's case to Chua Soi Lek.

Chua Soi Lek cheated on his family and had sex several times with a women and it was in a hotel. Where else Eli was at home, sleeping. She was not aware when the ex-boyfriend took the picture. Everyone came about saying its a nude picture. Please, I disagree. Nude means without clothes. In the picture speared the was with full dress and this happen in her home. Why all of a sudden we cant be naked in our own house? What is such a big deal ! Okay maybe her ex- was so horny and had to have a picture her and all but why spread it out ? Its either he got pissed at her for ditching him or something happened which i don't really want to say. I remember what Chua Soi Lek said, I know how Eli feels.

Yes but you Mr, ex Health Minister was a tangkap basah case. Remember that. My question is, Why should she step down from her posts? Is it because she was involved in a sex scandal. If that's the argument given, our Deputy PM should have stepped down the moment there were accusation about him have connection to the death of the Mongolian model. Its not the best example to some or rather explains the concept. So politians and BN/UMNO, shut up and prepare for the by-election.

There are certain things what upsets me about Pakatan Rakyat. Pas should get the hell out of Pakatan Rakyat. They are there just make things worst, so what if Elizabeth had a Muslim boyfriend. What is such a big deal in that? Before this Pas had made rather ridiculous about the Hudud laws and honestly they just complicate things, they want to have 1 nation but at the same time give importance to the Islam. What the hell is that? So no matter what happens Pas will be defending the Islam rights, I know for a fact that, Parti Keadilan Rakyat and DAP have had alot of quarreling and fights. Don't think we the citizens are ignorant. Just in case you forgot, we placed you all in the Parliament. So now what Pas is going to do against Elizabeth Wong, I have got no idea. I assume that they are going to threaten Anwar and Lim Kit Siang by saying they want to leave the party. This always happens. So I'm not over reacting.

Politics

2009-02-09T18:44:00.000-08:00

Why lately there has been more politics news than others? Several weeks ago, politicians were obsessed with Gaza issue but how come now everything is about politics and to be more precise its about MP switching parties. Let me see how it goes before I post a follow up.

I was a bit sad to hear about the fire outbreak in Australia and I hope that people all around the world will help them.

A. Kugan death case

2009-01-27T20:27:00.000-08:00

Hey, A.Kugan a 22 year old boy was killed in police custody. Now its has become a big issue and there is involvement if political parties.

What I fear is that this is involvement of high profile politicians and police officers. Its a bit funny to see that members from the ruling goverment and Pakatan Rakyat are there to help the victims family. Today 28th January, the funeral is being held and the police officers involved will be charged. Lets see where this case takes us all?

Maths and Science to be changed again ?

2008-12-24T22:15:00.000-08:00

I realize that there are still groups of people who think they are protecting the culture and heritage but in reality they are just screw ups as other corrupt leaders. This time its "Gapena" Gabungan Persatuan Penulis Nasional. The group has given a dateline till end of this year for the government to stop the teachings of Maths and Science in English. The arguments given by them were;

""Hakikatnya kami memang beremosi, tetapi ini ialah demi mempertahankan martabat Bahasa Melayu seperti yang terkandung di bawah Perlembagaan," by Ketua II Gapena Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Abu Bakar

I think its a stupid argument cause it has emotion involved so its not professional at all. How can words and comments of this sort of extremist people can be taken into context?

A large number of students are now able to learn and converse better in English as an implication of the system and changing it back means we have to change all the text books, reference books and this will take up cost. In this time where we are near the economy crisis Malaysia economy will be in trouble. If that’s what the extremists wants then I don’t see any harm that they are the one's who are supposed to be under the ISA. They are threat to the nation if seen from this point of view.

The first badge of students learnt Maths and Science in English and then it was changed to Bahasa and then back to English. How many times does it need to be changed?

The person responsible to make this statements and who are behind this politically motivated issue might have a son or a daughter who might be studying in International School. He does not care at all. All he cares is his kids future is well planned. But others how? the majority others who have to fight for better education, wages and so much more? Are they not important?

Lower HIV

2008-12-19T05:07:00.000-08:00

I'm sure that most of you are aware that our DPM came up with a statement saying that all women should go for HIV check-ups before marriage. But his emphasis was towards the Malays I think its a good idea for all the people to have this check. Well its good for everyone purpose. We will have a better understanding among our opposite sex and it will help us to lower the possibility of having HIV kids. But actually do read the post below and have your say.

Taken from Malaysiakini.com

Mulai tahun depan, semua bakal pengantin di seluruh negara diwajibkan menjalani ujian saringan virus HIV, kata timbalan perdana menteri.Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak yang mempengerusikan mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Kabinet Mengenai AIDS di Parlimen hari ini berkata saringan itu sebahagian daripada kursus praperkahwinan.Menurut Bernama, langkah itu selaras dengan sasaran kerajaan untuk mengurangkan jangkitan HIV terutamanya kepada wanita yang kini menunjukkan trend peningkatan."Tahun depan, kita akan mewajibkan semua negeri untuk mewajibkan saringan HIV yang jadi sebahagian daripada kursus praperkahwinan," beliau dipetik berkata.

Sebelum ini, hanya beberapa negeri yang mewajibkan pasangan yang ingin melangsungkan perkahwinan menjalani saringan HIV.Negeri-negeri yang telah mewajibkan saringan HIV termasuklah Negeri Sembilan, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor dan Kelantan.Najib turut melahirkan kebimbangan berhubung peningkatan jangkitan HIV pada wanita akibat hubungan seks secara biasa.Tahun 1997 mencatatkan peningkatan sebanyak 5.02 peratus dan jumlah itu terus meningkat kepada 16.3 peratus pada tahun lepas.Dalam sidang media yang sama, Mohd Najib berkata kadar peratusan jangkitan HIV di negara ini dapat dikurangkan sebanyak 50 peratus sejak 2003.Jumlah kes lima tahun yang direkodkan sebanyak 6,756 jangkitan HIV telah menurun kepada 3,452 kes tahun ini.Beliau menambah, antara faktor terbesar yang menyumbang kepada penurunan jumlah kes itu termasuk Program Pengurangan Mudarat.

Program itu akan diteruskan untuk mencapai sasaran kerajaan iaitu 11 kes bagi 100,000 penduduk menjelang 2015 berbanding 12.8 kes bagi 100,000 penduduk pada masa kini.Jumlah jangkitan HIV setakat ini sebanyak 83,527 termasuk 14,317 pesakit Aids serta 12,425 orang meninggal dunia, katanya.Najib berkata Aids masih merupakan ancaman yang serius di negara ini, lapor agensi berita itu lagi."Mengikut perangkaan Program Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu mengenai HIV/Aids (UNAIDS), Malaysia dikategorikan sebagai sebuah negara wabak tertumpu... maknanya dalam kumpulan-kumpulan tertentu, kumpulan berisiko tinggi. "Terdapat fenomena yang boleh disabitkan dengan wabak tertumpu," katanya.Katanya mesyuarat hari ini turut memberi fokus kepada kumpulan berisiko tinggi dengan Kementerian Kesihatan akan mengambil pendekatan untuk mendekati kumpulan itu dalam usaha mengurangkan Aids.

Fatwa- Fatwa yang akan datang

2008-11-28T07:15:00.000-08:00

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 :

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) Orang 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, orang Islam dilarang dari memakan di kedai mamak (kecuali Tun Mahatir kerana dia sendiri mamak kelas I)

5) 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).

6) 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.

7) Orang 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.

8) 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 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.

I got this from a mail so I modify a little and post it as a joke. But come to think of the authority responsible over the Islam people in Malaysia, I think that they might impose all these kind of laws. Funny people. Im beg the Islamic leaderslah, Please let a Muslim choose what he or she wants to do. Please lah, Kesian lah diaorang. In tak boleh, itu tak boleh. Habih apa yang boleh?

Bangsa sendiri than Bangsa Malaysia

2008-11-20T01:01:00.000-08:00

I can go on and on about Bangsa Malaysia but what attracted me was the lecture given by Tun Dr. Mahathir. Impressive !

Bangsa Malaysia. I think first we have to understand the meaning of the word Bangsa Malaysia. Bangsa Malaysia may have many interpretations and i define is as, I race where there is no discrimination between inner ethnicity, gender age and etc. Being as one for fight for what is believed to be good and profitable to many people. Have concern and care for the unfortunate with out seeing difference. Have a proper political system and no barrier between the ruling class. I think that is a part of what I think is Bangsa Malaysia.

I think that Malaysia is not really to have a Bangsa Malaysia. There are problems that has to be faced first before this new rage of Bangsa in being introduced. we have to ask ourselves why. Look around! What do we see?

This is what I saw: A Chinese boy was having tea with Malay.I will call them A and B. They looked like friends.A and B were have a normal conversation and joking to each other. Both of them don't hate each other. They don't feel hatred towards the opposite race. That's good. Then after sometime both of them went back. While on the way back he met with a racist Malay and that gave hatred in him saying that " Malays are racist" So I will be racist. This effected A and B's friendship.... The moral of the story is, no matter how happily a person is with another race but there will be discrimination among other races.

Let me prove something. There are a large group of Malays who will not be satisfied is any benefit is given to other races. Simple, UITM case. Having a mix student population is good but looks like the Malays see education as religion. UITM is for us not for others. So we are nowhere to Bangsa Malaysia.

The Chinese, Haha. Quite a number of Chinese will only go on to fight or support something only if it has to do with Chinese. You name it, Chinese schools, poverty, culture, language and etc.If there is no effects to the Chinese community, sorry to say there will be no support from the Chinese. They are united but among themselves. I have seen cases where a particular community held a protest against the ruling government.This incident happened late September 2007 They protested not to close a Gas station in Kepong. The station belonged to a Chinese man. It was a "Caltex" Gas station beside it was Petronas Gas station. Dunno what is wrong with the gas station, the government ordered it to be closed.

Personally I think the reason for the government wanted to close the gas Station was because there was a Chinese school just beside the premise. Just beside it. Maybe government takut, nanti Station blow the School students also blow. I don't really know. But during the protest, there were parents who brought their children to protest together as if like there is no other Gas station or maybe their kids are in need of gasoline. The scene was so funny. Oh yea, those kids i told, they were from the school beside the Gas station. With uniforms they were brought to the protest. Was a sunny day and kids who are suppose to be studying and leaning were out on the roads with parents in the name of supporting. United to the extreme. I think that what they did was wrong! Protest for a wrong purpose and using the wrong idea.

Land problems are between the person and the government/land office. There is no need to have a protest. Is this what we call as Bangsa Malaysia?

Indians. Please lah. Let me keep it simple. Indians will give a helping only if there is any reward. Not all there are a number of them and Indians are very good in influencing other Indians do do something if they have reward. Sorry. Im an Indian and I have seen a lot of this "bs" so don't come and bull with me.

In short we cant be going to Bangsa Malaysia if we are only back up our own race. Race based party should be abolish first of all. I think for now we can do that. They are not serving the purpose but they are just there flashing their flags and banners. Abolishalone will not do. There has to be parties where it is multiracial or else die,,, Some are out there just to find fault and to create chaos. They are able to input wrong information into our brains. " This party is 1 race based. They will not fight for our rights. " Bla bla bla. I think that race is not a factor to have leaders . Why? If a country is being run by all Chinese, I don't think there will be a problem as long as they are able to relate and understand the peoples needs and not being favourable to on particular race.

We are progressing but to reach Bangsa Malaysia, still far way to go. What we can do is speed things up. Speeding in a civilized and manned way. We don't want to be called baboons or monkey as they breed in the Malaysian Parliament.

Revolusi Jakarta 98

2008-11-16T08:18:00.000-08:00

The year 1998 was a chaotic year for Indonesia. The nation which was ruled by Suharto faced financial crisis and Suharto's government was full of corruption. University students and other who were dissatisfied had held massive protests against the government. The nation was at the state of war when military forces were brought in to handle the situation.

There was massive killing done by the army and there were 3 major incident which had cause the revolution of Indonesia.
1)Tragedi Trisakti
2) Tragedi Semanggi 1
3) Tragedi Semanggi 2

Students very much like us, fought against live bullets, rubber bullets and tear gas just for changes.They fought so that they and the future generation can have a better life. There has to be sacrifices in order to gain or achieve something. Taken example from Indonesia, from May till December 1998, thousands of students died but the struggle did not stop. Students like you and me, not poor either rich wanted a fair and balanced government, a government which will fulfill all their needs.After reading and knowing about what happened in Indonesia, Malaysia shares similar situations but jut not that bad but if no actions are taken I think Malaysia will be at state of war. Students as well as everybody else can make changes to have a better life but it takes courage and the will power to stand together and fight. There has to be unity among all ethnicity. Below are some links which tells and explains what happened in 1998 in Indonesia.

Links:

http://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragedi_Trisakti

http://www.insideindonesia.org/edit58/brown.htm

http://jakarta.indymedia.org/index.php

http://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragedi_Semanggi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jakarta_riots_of_May_1998

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesian_Revolution_of_1998

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesia_1998_riot

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/asia/jan-june98/indonesia_5-14.html

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/asia/jan-june98/indonesia_5-14a.html

http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9802/12/indonesia/index.html

UMNO Nominations

2008-11-09T04:37:00.000-08:00

Sun,9-Former Selangor Menteri Besar Muhammad Muhd Taib today gained the required nominations to vie for the Umno deputy president post.

MCPX

He will be challenging two present vice-presidents Muhyiddin Yassin and Mohd Ali Rustam.

Muhd Taib became the last person to check in with the required 39 nominations after getting the nod from the Kelana Jaya and Hulu Terengganu divisions today.

Mohd Ali gained his minimum nominations yesterday.

The frontrunner for the deputy post remains Muhyiddin who had already amassed 88 nominations. He qualified for the contest by acquiring the required nominations on Oct 19.

The division level meetings end today, except for some divisions whose meetings have been ordered by the party to be reconvened.

As it stands, the present deputy, Najib Abdul Razak is set to become the next party president after having won nominations from almost all 191 Umno divisions.

His own division, Pekan, naturally nominated him for the top post yesterday. He was also returned unopposed as the division chief.

Only Gua Musang had nominated someone else for the top post - that of its division head Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah. However his challenge will not tale place as he had failed to obtain the required minimum 58 nominations from the top post.

Present president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had decided to step down in March allowing for a smooth takeover by Najib.

The question is as to who will become Najib's deputy from the trio of Muhyiddin, Muhd Taib and Mohd Ali. The contest next March is the first for the deputy president's post in 21 years.

By convention, the Umno president becomes the prime minister while the deputy president is slated to be the deputy premier.

As for Abdullah, although he is not contesting for the top post, he was nevertheless retained as the Kepala Batas division head today.

Vice presidents' race

Apart from the race for the deputy president, the heat is also on for the three slots for the vice-president's posts.

Today - the final day of meetings for the divisions, two other candidates qualified to make it an eight-cornered fight.

The last two to check in were Jamaluddin Jarjis and Rais Yatim who both gained the required minimum 21 nominations today.

Leading the race is the outgoing Youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein who has already gotten at least 135 nominations.

He is followed by former Youth chief Ahmad Zahid Hamidi with at least 94 nominations.

Shafie Apdal has 69 nominations and looks set to give a tough fight based on his support from his home base Sabah.

Others in the contest are Khaled Nordin, Syed Hamid Albar and disgraced former vice-president Isa Samad.

There could still be time for one more contestant on the form of former Malacca chief minister Abdul Rahim Tamby Chik. He needs six more nominations to fulfil the required minimum 20 nominations to contest for this post.

No yoga!!

2008-11-09T04:12:00.000-08:00

A Muslim cleric in Malaysia has called on Muslims to stop doing yoga exercises. Professor Zakaria Stapa, a lecturer at University Kebangsaan Malaysia"s faculty of Islamic studies, said recently that yoga is based on Hindu elements and could affect the faith of Muslims practising it. What is wrong with you people? Yoga is an exercise.

I really find it funny. Yoga centres are flourishing in more orthodox Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In Iran, yoga is so popular that there are classes for children. Most of the fitness center in Malaysia is packed with people who go for yoga lessons.I bet that some of Malaysia leaders and their wives go for these lessons. It really gives our mind peaceful and I don't know why only this country religious leaders find it wrong. I think that's stupid.

People want to loose weight and stay healthy also cant do what they want. Can you all please stop controlling the Malays in Malaysia. I really feel pity for them. Let them have a little freedom, let them have space let them have their own preferred hobby.

If a person's religious tic views and teaching is truthful, I don't see the need to be worried and I have not seen that there were use of chants in doing yoga exercises. So stop creating problems. Yoga can mislead ones believe, "My ass". Do you know what is the use of Yoga first of all? Go and read or get to know more you baseless critics.

And you will go on saying this is a Democratic country, multicultural or perhaps multi ethnic. There is no space for the Malays to do what they feel is correct. When a Malay does yoga its wrong, but when an Indian or Chinese or any other race wants to do anything Muslim style you all make them convert to a Muslim. What is that?

We need mentality change

2008-11-09T03:21:00.000-08:00

I bet a lot of Malaysian felt happy when Barack Obama won the presidential election. There was cheering and happiness because people realise that he was a good leader. Our Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi also said that he is happy for US citizen's. There was a statement where our PM said that anyone can be a Prime Minister, those who feel that they care for the people and nation can be a leader. There are many ways to intemperate this message.

I intemperate it as, the race and gender is not an issue in this case. Barack Obama was once a Muslim but he can be a president of the United States, so in Malaysia I don't see that a leader should be a particular race, religion or gender. Why cant we have a young Prime Minister, every time I see surely the candidates will be "freaking" old. Or maybe how about a female? let the women have a part of building the country too. Don't tell me Muslim is the religion that a leader should have because its the most supreme religion. Please lah, a person having religion means that its a relationship between the person and god. OK. If we were to see from the base of all religion teaches the same teaching, manners, respect, truth and all.

I don't think we all are united at all. So stop the crap. Change first and don't act like you have changed. Simple example, just because a Chinese is to lead PKMS, there was so much of complaint and dissatisfaction. What is so wrong if a Chinese is to lead PKMS. If they are able to fulfil all the job requirements. Please see the capability of a person in doing things not the race and all.

Obama won

2008-11-08T23:31:00.000-08:00

History was made when Barack Obama won the president seat. I am truly happy because, from what I see he looks and talks like a real fighter for the people this is the kind of people who should be in Malaysia. Something like what President Sukarno said in one of his speech, "Berikan ku 10 pemuda dan aku akan mengoncangkan dunia". 10 people like Obama is what he meant.

Barack Obama's full name is Barack Hussien Obama was born in August 4th 1961. Obama was in Indonesia till the age of ten before going back. At 1992, he got married to Michelle and has two kids Malia Ann(1998) and Sasha(2001). On February 10, 2007, Obama announced his candidacy for President of the United States in front of the Old State Capitol building in Springfield, Illinois. The choice of the announcement site was symbolic because it was also where Abraham Lincoln delivered his historic "House Divided" speech in 1858. Throughout the campaign, Obama emphasized the issues of rapidly ending the Iraq War, increasing energy independence, and providing universal health care, at one point identifying these as his top three priorities.

On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama defeated John McCain and became the first African American to be elected President of the United States. Obama won with 364 Electoral votes and 65,293,o83 popular votes.

In his victory speech, delivered before a crowd of hundreds of thousands of his supporters in Chicago, Obama proclaimed that "change has come to America." Born in Hawaii, Obama will be the first U.S. President born outside the contiguous United States. President-elect Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States on January 20, 2009. Obama held his first press conference as President-elect on Friday, November 7, 2008 in which he discussed the economy, Iran, the ongoing transition, and his family's search for the "first dog."

HINDRAF once again!

2008-10-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

This is about the protest which HINDRAF did on 1st OCT 2008 in the Prime Minister's Open House. Most of those who i talked to said what they did was wrong, made a fool out of themselves,you don't go attacking people on their celebration day and all but what I saw was a little different. So what do you all think?

We cant jump sides or come to conclusion what happen in the open house.
Simple question, are we in the same situation as they are? What would we do if our loved ones are taken away like them? Hell, we don't really know if the Hindraf 5 are still alive.

I think that if my dad or mom or brother was taken like them, who cares about celebration!
And yeah what did the hindraf people did was wrong, but to what extend? Even we might do it under circumstances, so there is absolutely no point to say its wrong,

Anyway what really happen there? Anyone knows? I not talking about where you heard it from and other secondary source. Anyone who was there or maybe got the video clip of the whole incident of the Hari Raya Open House.

Honestly going there to beg them under the word called "protest" was desperate and I understand to a certain level but asking the PM to maafkan the Hindraf 5 and the release them sempena Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir dna Batin?

What the hell? You people stupid or what? And what is up with the statment kita maafkan Perdana Menteri? Did the PM ask for forgiveness for you all to forgive? Did the Hindraf 5 who I don't even know if they are alive, forgives the PM?

And yeah I don't support and care about Hindraf at all since they were famous. Once upon a time they were all about fighting for the Indians, now its getting rid of BN and we want our 5 friends back!

For those who supported HINDRAF and thought that they were up to save the Indian, so sorry but they were just our to save themselves,friends and yeah they are just another upcoming UMNO/BN reincarnation.

Is this ture!?

2008-10-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

Sarawak Headhunter declared the Barisan Nasional (BN) an illegal organisation.

In a statement to Cyber Jungle News today, Sarawak Headhunter said that the facts and evidence showed that the government was, and is, being used by the BN in a manner detrimental to public order and national security.

Labelled a threat to national security, the BN has been banned by Sarawak Headhunter, home minister of the pro-team government of the Republic of Sarawak (ROS).

He issued a statement yesterday declaring BN, which has been advocating racial and racist agendas since its inception, an illegal organisation. The declaration, he said, was a result of monitoring and investigations by the ROS going back to the formation of BN.

‘As a result of the investigations, the home ministry, as per its authority under sections 35 and 55 of the People's Government Reform Act 2008, has declared BN unlawful and detrimental to the peace, public order, political, economic and social security and the moral values of Malaysia,’ he said in the statement.

‘I feel that if we don't rein in their activities, they will continue to jeopardise security and public order, and our country's sovereignty, as well as upset the harmony among races.’

Sarawak Headhunter said the decision to ban the movement was not made based on only one or two misdemeanours committed by BN, but covered the entire gamut of activities the group had been involved since its organisation.

‘These included subversion of the economic policies of the government, thereby causing losses of hundreds of billions of ringgit, economic injustice and instability, subversion of the judiciary, large-scale electoral fraud, including but not limited to vote-buying and ballot-box tampering, gerrymandering and general abuse and manipulation of electoral, legislative and administrative process.

‘They have also committed corruption, favouritism, nepotism, cronyism, abuse of power and position, misuse of government machinery, abuse of the law, waste, mismanagement, mis-allocation or wrongful allocation of resources, racial and racist agendas and policies, exclusion and marginalisation of entire communities, discrimination and improper control and manipulation of the mass media.

‘There is also their registration of illegal immigrants as citizens, coercion, pressure, force, threat and intimidation of the public through illegal police action, conflicts of interest, breaches of trust and much more.’

‘They exploited all manner of racial issues to remain in power and which caused an uprising by the people and created disharmony between them and all races.’

He added that BN had tried all ways and means, illegal, dirty and underhanded, to support their attempts to get the people to bow to their demands, actions which have tarnished the country's image.

‘Considering all the facts and evidence we have, I am satisfied that BN was and is being used in a manner detrimental to public order and national security and the well-being of the nation.’

‘We advise the public not to involve themselves in any way with the activities of this unlawful organisation.’

It is worth building?

2008-10-01T04:29:00.000-07:00

First of all Selamat Hari Raya. Hope that all of you have a safe journey back and come back safely. I don't know when I am going back but it might be soon.

I am thinking why does the Sarawak state need so many hydro power dam. The latest, Murum dam project is about 3 billion, started a few days back. But there is another mega-dam project in Sarawak located in the central, Bakun which costs over 800 million. I do understand that all this are being done for the greater benefit of the people's in Sarawak.

But have to remember that some places are the Sarawak native people's village. Why can't there be a few dams which will supply the power and what power are we talking about? Electricity for the people? or to generate power to store in Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB)? These are some of the questions that the government should make clear and as far as I'm concern I'm worried about the people living in the village. If lets say, the government wants to improve their living style, the people have to obey. Don't tell me government wants to provide proper home, facilities and all but have to develop the place, I don't see the harm of cooperating.

Over the next decade there is about 12 dam project in Sarawak alone. I am very sure that alot of native people's home has to be sacrificed but why so many dam's ? Most of the Sarawak is still covered by forest the power which is to be created is for who? Raymond Abin of the Borneo Resource Institute (Brimas) said , for energy needs in Sarawak, we don't need the Murum, because Bakun is more than enough to supply the state's needs.

Penan people are likely to be effected and I really think that building quite a number of dam's means that the will be a major loss of flora and fauna and loads more. I do understand we have to sacrifice something in order to get something better but, we can avoid making unnecessary sacrifice which will in the short term lower down the cost of spending, save the native people's culture and give them a life and in the long run there will be still flora and fauna where the new generation can experience so that they too can have a chance.

Journalist Voice

2008-09-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

Written by a journalist, Helen Ang. I really like the things mentioned in the article below, so please read and have your say.

Police arrested Teresa Kok at about half to midnight. I received a sms shortly after. At 3.30am, I received another sms saying Shieh (Syed Azidi Syed Aziz) and two other bloggers have been rounded up under ISA too. It turned out to be a false alarm; the sms did however qualify that the intelligence was unconfirmed.

Then yesterday evening, police picked up Shieh, ostensibly on sedition charges. So not only were the sms-es quick off the block, they were not far off the mark either. Shieh was first presumably to fly the national flag upside down in blogosphere running up to Aug 31. Where does it say a computer-graphic the wrong way up is seditious?

In any case, the Kickdefella blogger righted his inverted flag after Anwar Ibrahim’s win in Permatang Pauh.

On Sept 15, Anwar spoke at a gathering in Kelana Jaya stadium. He said mainstream media demonised him as well as the Opposition partnership. Teresa has also previously complained that Utusan Malaysia misrepresented her. Presently, the pejorative reporting by the same newspaper helped lay the groundwork for her detention, as what happened with the Hindraf 5.

Re-looking the concept of Merdeka on the eve of Malaysia Day, Anwar told the crowd that Malaysia must be liberated from corruption, racist politics, ISA and be “Merdeka from media who are liars and ‘fitnah’.”

Any more than mainstream media are believable, how so are sms-es unreliable? But cellphone texting is really a mere tool to mobilise the people, reminiscent of the Yellow Wave of People Power in the Philippines which toppled President Joseph Estrada in 2001. What then? Licence the use of telephone with annual permits?

Police have so far have given no indication they think Umno warlord Ahmad Ismail’s comment on Chinese is seditious. And in any case, how different is the essence of Ahmad’s remarks to the substance of what Dr Mahathir Mohamed has been blogging?

On a further note, clarification made on behalf of Teresa would have convinced right-minded Malaysians that she is in the clear. Yet police will not release her.

It is not always that police make sense. They didn’t when taking in Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng under ISA. And police did not even provide any rationale when they disallowed members of the public holding a lit candle at last weekend’s vigil for ISA detainees. Police were appeased after the flame was snuffed, so it would appear that unlit candles are not a red flag to the bull.

When preaching about ‘the rule of law’, some forget that police do not observe the rules of fair play, so for them to apply the law justly is moot.

Bloggers do ‘national service’

Undeniably a few alpha bloggers are influential in shaping public opinion.

Teresa blogs, and Raja Petra Kamarudin himself mentioned how important it was for him to be at large to disseminate info during this pivotal period – Sept 16 plus one, a day, a week or a month – when public opinion could tip political outcomes. If you wanted to gauge Raja Petra’s influence, the ‘judiciary reformation’ online petition is a yardstick; of the 25,700 names, thousands lent their signatures at his urging in Malaysia Today.

There is assuredly a crucial context to Raja Petra commanding the interest of the police and political subtext to his ISA arrest.

Star editor-in-chief Wong Chun Wai penned in his Sunday column: “Malaysia Today website editor Raja Petra Kamarudin is not regarded as a journalist in the true sense – he is more of a writer and, certainly, a political player. As a critical writer, he makes no bones of his plans to bring down the Government and openly speaks at ceramahs for the Opposition”.

Haris Ibrahim openly speaks at ceramahs for the Opposition too. It’s entirely possible he and other socio-political bloggers I’m acquainted with write for political reasons. What’s so criminal about that? Chun Wai and his ilk do the same. However, having no truck with new money, i.e. undisclosed funding channelled into New Media recently, many socio-political bloggers write pro bono.

Personally, I prefer reading blogs which have no pretence of their volunteer partisanship. The accredited mainstream media now paid to blog in portals staked for themselves the traditional virtues of balanced reporting, objectivity and impeccable standards. You think?

But if original-recipe bloggers are truly as unskilled and slanted as the self-professed ‘award-winning’ professional journalists parachuted into cyberspace would have it, why should blogs even blip on BN and police radars? Our Brenda Starrs and Clark Kents would render such amateur citizen journos wholly 'irrelevant'.

In a free marketplace of ideas, there is a robust contestation of views. For most of the latter 50 years, we had a one-party rule and a single ideology to rule the roost. Now that there is competition, our authorities quickly suspend the trading.

All in a day’s sermonising

The agenda that Chun Wai attributes to Raja Petra – planning to bring down the Government – is not one that is intent on destroying the country. A government falling only means some cronies lose their jobs and the ones filling their shoes get a shot at doing a better job of it.

Neither will bringing down the Government pose a threat to Malaysia’s security nor jeopardise peace and order. There is such a process called peaceful transition of power carried out in an orderly manner.

Compare Malaysia with our best friend Israel. Both style themselves democracies. Both have race laws and a strong theocratic aspect to the state. Modern Israel is only a decade older than modern Malaysia but the Israeli government has changed many times.

Israel has had a dozen Prime Ministers in office 31 terms, with a few becoming PM several times. Some of her ruling coalitions have been unable to finish out the years of their electoral mandate, some lasting two years. Shimon Peres was PM seven months before giving way to Benjamin Netanyahu in 1996.

I'm not saying we should emulate Israel, I’m just pointing out the similarities and differences.

There are those argue that Anwar soliciting crossovers is immoral, and others agonise over ethics. Collapse of government through MPs switching allegiance is not treason. It’s political procedure, though one may not approve or advocate such moves.

I hardly had great expectations of a takeover on Sept 16. If anything, I’d blogged before in The People’s Parliament that like other folks not enamoured of him, I’m wary of Anwar. A strong dose of distrust in senior politicians is healthy. But at least on Tuesday, I felt upbeat enough to write ‘Great eggpectations’,

a sequel to ‘Eggciting times’. It was my attempt at satiric humour but truth is stranger than fiction.

With all due sympathy for Hoon Cheng’s 24-hour ISA ordeal, the manner in which police handled her detention was farcical. The mechanics of Malaysia’s comic leadership is plain for the world to see and no longer funny. It is the incompetence displayed in BN governance that is downright ‘immoral’ ... if people insist on using the word. It’s an immorality that splits our sides, and hurts.

Step down or Stand Still

2008-09-26T07:40:00.000-07:00

After a long period without technology access, finally I can online back. Past these few days, I tend to realise that there is not much news about UMNO top guns debating about power transition, MCA with the elections or even Pakatan Rakyat about the New Government. I'm quite surprised but who cares, its just politics.

I was just reading my online paper when this particular post got my attention. It was about Pak Lah in a Q&A session with 100 journalist. I will paste it down later so that all of you who will be dropping by my blog could read it. Basically the Q&A was about the power transition since Umno had an emergency meeting.

I really think Pak Lah is old. The way he answers is no base answers. He is running a nation and wants the journalist and the citizens to guess when is he going to leave or pass the PM post. This is not a guessing game or a post of some Pre-school monitor, we are talking about a nation, a nation where is it multi race, multicultural, multi ethnic and a nation where politicians get to play the race card, nation where ISA is the government's puppet and etc.

So what does the PM mean by " You can keep on guessing when I'm going to leave". With all respect Mr. PM, "If you want to leave 2010, its fine, done settle. Just say it and stop it. Or since most of your loyal supporters back stabbed you and wants you to leave early just say so!" Why are you making us, the people suffer? Like it or not some of us don't want any of you to sit on the President seat, we prefer someone younger and someone who can understand the upcoming generation better.

Example of the Q:

Jr : Are you going on leave soon?

PM: I am going on leave? Am I going on leave? How did you know? I am not going on leave, I have a lot of work to do.

What kind or answer is this. Is he even listening to the interview. Most of the questions asked by the journalists were surely related to the emergency meeting. But the answer given was, I have to discuss, I have to talk to Najib. So I want to ask, What did they talked in the Emergency Meeting?

Me and other people of this country would just like to know what is really going on, about the power transition because we are the ones who will be effected the most. What is the rational of having a PM who jokes and does not answer or even concentrate in an interview. You all can even watch the video and can see that our PM was not paying attention to the press. Is this what we what? Most of us are very familiar our PM's words and promises. Parliament will not be dissolved but it did the next day, Fuel will not hike till August but did in the same week after the announcement. So I think you get the picture...

The Q&A:

Will the Umno election be postponed to March?

The election is based on whatever decision that is reached during the divisional meetings [...] It's like last time, there is no change, it's just a bit of delay.

What is the reason for that?

Err... give what... what's the word just now... way... (turns to his deputy Najib Abdul Razak, seated next to him).. It's to facilitate an early transition.

Does that mean you won't be defending your post in March?

I have not announced any decision as this particular point is concerned. I intend to do it before the division meetings begin (on Oct 9).

Do you think the members will accept the decision to further put off the party election?

The supreme council members have agreed to it and it is not something that will cause difficulty. If we postpone the divisional elections involving other procedures, that will be troublesome.

Are you going on leave soon?

I am going on leave? Am I going on leave? How did you know? I am not going on leave, I have a lot of work to do.

Could you just clarify what you mean by ‘to facilitate an early transition'?

Whatever that I'll need to do later will be decided between me and Najib.

Are you going to stick to the 2010 deadline?

If (the transition) is brought forward, then 2010 is off.

Are you prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice if it's better for the party for you to leave early?

As far as I am concerned, I love my party. Even in the most difficult circumstances, I never left.

I did not join Umno 46 (Semangat 46), I never joined any other party, I've never been on the platform of an opposition party to speak against Umno. There was no record of me going against the party at any time at all.

Is there any plan to impose a limit for the presidency term in future?

Like MCA? We did not make any decision like that yet and have no such policy.

On the early transition, are you under tremendous pressure to quit?

No, nothing to do with that. Everything has got to do with my work, when I am done with my work, then I am done.

Do you feel that your colleagues in the Umno supreme council are asking you to leave early?

No, no, nothing (like that) happened. Maybe there are two, three who felt such way but most of them have no reason to pressure (me) because they know I have a cordial relation(ship) with Najib.

We have good consensus on everything and there should be no question about it.

Is it right to say that you will not contest the party post in March?

It will be my decision, right or not, it will be mine. You can go on guessing, the decision will be mine.
(taken frm Malaysiakini)

Link to the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adEnreI4TXE

From Politics to Racial Sentiment

2008-09-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

There has been alot of thing which has been happening lately. Lets talk about an issue.If you all remember, the Ahmad Ismail speech was turned from a political expect to a racial issue. I blame both the politician and also the reporter. I have my reasons for saying so.

First of all, let me say about the, Datuk Ahmad Ismail. News claims that he uttered a phrase which is claimed can stir racial issues. But i wonder, I don't really know what did Ahmad Ismail say because, no other paper reported the news and it was a Chinese newspaper. Anyway based on the statement made by Ahmad Ismail, he did say about "Orang Cina ialah penumpang di tanahair kita" but it was taken out of context. What he meant was based on the Historical things where Chinese people and Indian people were immigrants brought into by British people and therefore they got better education that our own Malays. How can he say that? British gave opportunities to everyone at that time. What did the old Malays did. Just because they were British people and due to the hatred that the Malays had on British, they send their kids to "Sekolah Pondok". Sekolah pondok is where children are being taught religion and faith. So whose fault was it? I didn't condemn any religion and faith, but the fast is that nowadays, people are heading to neo- postmodern theory. Where people are much into more rational and scientific approach.

Anyway why did Ahmad Ismail said those things in a election campaign? Its a little ridiculous talk about history? You be the judge...

No time for politics

2008-09-10T02:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry Malaysiakini, TV3 news, NTV 7, The STar. I cant read or do the usual thing because there is "pain in the ass" event called exams. History of English Language or short form HEL was really HELL. I read so much really alot and remembered so many things. There was no time for it. Today we had Mass Media & Society. Was a good paper but not enough time. 2 hours for a degree paper. If the university wants typical Malaysian work then 2 works can lah, but then we want to excel lah. Need to do something about it.

There are so many things happening in the nation i cant focus. Wait lah till my exams are over and i really hope to boost my GPA. Anyway, me and friends are doing some studies together and it really helps. Hahaha. Syok.

All about Permatang Pauh

2008-08-25T07:02:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Pematang Pauh by-election.
Its a three way battle.
For PKR candidate and the individual candidate went promoting themselves.
BN candidate, Datuk Arif Shah Omar went rounds also to get vote.This was what he did? Honestly I don't know what did the other 2 candidates did because there was no media coverage.

Anyway back to Arif Shah. I have not seen a candidate gets back up from the top BN leaders. Man, let Arif have his say lah. All Najib, Pak lah, Ezam want to speak when will he get the chance to speak. How will he get votes. All this while nobody cares about Permatang Pauh because its a strong place for PKR, but now you all can see in our media, MAIN STREAM media. Its a abit funny.

Other leaders of BN are making all sorts of promises. What if Datuk Arif wins and says that all the promises are said by other BN leaders I will talk to them to get works done. Its possible. I'm just throwing out my thoughts. Another thing is that:

Ezam, there is nothing much to say about him because every member has his and her rights towards their respective parties so if anyone wants to leave the party, the other have to respect, but what Ezam did was against ethics. Ethics to me is, you don't bring out personal stuff ok. Keep it professional always, you all are working, therefore personal stuff should not clash.

But what I want to share with all is that, in "The SUN" today there was a news saying Ezam reveals Death Threats.
It seems that he has been getting threats via sms and says he is not scared. First of all. If your not scared, why are you telling you are telling so that you will be protected. Pandai main Psychology lah lu. What is this? Is there prove that he got threats. If yes nab the person who sent the message.Than you have a point. Even Ezam could have bought a sim card and send sms to his another public know number.

And yeah,the sms threat is an old move to get the voters attention, get a new trick.

All the best for all candidates may the best and rakyat candidate wins.

PM respects ACA

2008-08-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

Our Pm hails on the efficiency of the ACA in detaining the 2 Pakatan Rakyat Exco Members. He said ACA is very productive now, good job shows that the ACA is on track. Bla Bla Bla.

I just want to say ACA also had a complaints on you Mr. PM and also the DPM. Hahahaha.
So if I were you I would try to clean up my mess and try to keep a low profile. It wont take long for the ACA to nab both due to the large number of complaints.

Al -Quran Swearing

2008-08-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

Saiful Bukhari!

"With this, I swore in the name of Allah at the Federal Territory Mosque this evening in accordance to the teachings of Islam and as advised by religious scholars and teachers that I was sodomised by Anwar Ibrahim." Malaysiakini, 15, August 2008.

Dude, I think you are a gay! You know why. Cause you are gay! Ahahaha.
Who thought you all to swear on your religious books. Just because "Allah" will punish you after life you dare to this. Religious books are for learning the culture and belief's not a tool to swear and to prove your masculine. the quote u gave says "Islam Teaching".

What do Islam teaching says, use me to swear and to get out of trouble, or does it teach to be "gay". Even if Anwar had sodomized you, u claimed that he did it like many time even in overseas. You did not complain back then, so i suppose you pun suka ke, gay lah tu! So how can you say u follow "Islam Teaching". I respect the different belief's in god and I think using god to prove you is a "silly"act. Lets say in a court, what do you want to say, "Yang Arif. Tuhan adalah saksi saya stas kes ini" Hahaha. So what you wanna call god to testify?

Anyway I think that using a religious book on any issue is morally wrong. Have your say...

You spend, you pay!

2008-08-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

"In the March 2004 general election, Umno received campaign paraphernalia worth hundreds of millions ringgit including posters, badges, banners and caps, which it had refused to pay." In the suit, which was initiated by Elegant Advisory in June this year, the company has claimed a sum of RM218,013,475 as compensation from Umno for the supply of the election campaign materials. (Malaysiakini.com)

Hahaha. I could not help myself from laughing. Why would you all want to spend so much for just 2004 elections. Have you all heard of a word called "recycle". Pleaselah, orang lain pun nak cari makan. Do not tend to fool the citizens, why didnt the party pay? No money or thought that there might be some fools who would work for charity. I believe this is where Money politics in the government comes in. Its quite funny because engineering project dealer UEM builders tend to get paid very fast upon handling the government projects but why its not the same here.

I wonder? See now no money to pay them back. Whose money are you all going to take and pay. OUR MONEY!! Sorry we the citizens didn't ask you to print badges, water bottles, flags, banners and etc. So what is the rational way to pay them back? All member in the party involved should give up their salary for 1 or 2 months to cover it. Suffer what we the citizens suffer. Its not like you all go to the mamak and just have a Roti canai and teh Tarik for breakfast or perhaps lunch.

We do!! So pay them back using your own money. Do not release statements saying that the government is having financial cirsis bla bla bla bla. If i do remember, a minister said that Malaysia will not expect an inflation. Guess Who? So pandai-pandai lah you orang manage...

UMNO TREASURE
"I am stating that the defendant, Umno, is not a party which contested in the 11th General Election but it was BN, another registered body," said Abdul Azim. According to Abdul Azim, the 2005 case was settled out of court. (Malaysiakini.com)

Hello we don't care which party did it. Personally UMNO ke BN ke all same. Lets keep it simple, "Ruling Party" BN is made up of components like UMNO am I correct? Anyway these was in kelantan, so in Kelantan BN candidate was from UMNO and can you see the link now. So do not point on others.

What do you mean settle out of court ? Is it in other words "bribe" to shut others up. What are the reason's for a court and judge and lawyers if a problem can be settle out of court. Are we like saving on judge and lawyer fee. From now on lets settle all cases out of court. Make the court as a museum. Seeing it now, the Altantulaya's case should not have taken this long. Why don't they settle it out of the court. Do you get the picture....

Such mix of thoughts

2008-08-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

It has been quite some time since I wrote blog. Man updating is a real "pain in the ass". Anyway there has been alot of things that I want to speak about. My daily life, what have I encountered in the past few weeks. There was my birthday function, the issues in our political views, something about TV 3 programme and also what the heck went on yesterday 7/08/08.

Hahahaha I think I have to write like 3 different posts so this post is just like a introduction post. We all are so used to write introduction that we find it hard to write on something without an Introduction. So people please be sure to drop by and read the posts that I have posted. A few days ago I went to this place near my house and I cant remember where it was but I can remember I had this sense of "Deja Vu". That was not only the first time, that day during Ms. Angie class I had this sense that I was there and the comments given by my classmates sounded like i was there before.

Another time was when my lap top charger blew off. I went to this shop in Carefour Wangsa Maju to purchase a new one but the situation in the shop looks similar the to the one that I went in "Low Yat". Honestly I don't really know if I was dreaming about it or what but sincerely my mind related it and I must say it is a very spooky feeling. I didn't think about it much but upon writing this post I believe that I will not be able to sleep tonight. Lately I had been have some silly dreams as well. First was I dream about PKR Advisor Anwar Ibrahim got arrested for sodomy and was produced in court. Can you believe it? Me dreaming about politics? Man, Why cant I have normal dreams of pretty girls, clubbing, and stuff normal people do.

That was not only the time, the following next 3 days I had various dreams and all related to politics. Please help me! I desperately need a source of entertainment. There is a limit and clearly the only thing that runs through my mind is POLITICS. There were a few dreams about girls before my political dreams but that is irrelevant. Hahaha. Secrets are secrets. Ok. Back to my topic. I cant stop thinking of what I have gone through. I really think if I were not able to get into the politics I might commit suicide. Yeah Right!

Forget about my dreams and all. After my birthday that day, I had undergone process of too much thinking. Its like this. I prefer to show my masculine figure to other so that I will be looks up in the society. I have been brought up in a family where you do most of the things yourself. Does not matter how old are you, you want something do it yourself. Military house what, what to expect.

But I have to thank my folks because I believe that I have a high moral value and ways to live my life. There are mistakes that my parents and as well as other parents have done during their younger days and I am trying to stay away form all that. I have my dark side during my younger days but changing dy. People's attitude also can evolve. Hahaha.

Anyway, the thing that I wanted to say is, I tend to get too much attention. Is this a bad thing or good? Depends how you look at it. I have a laptop with Internet access, an apple, a watch I got for my birthday, stylish wallet, cool shoes and the I kind of like get to use the phones that I like, thanks to my Aunt. I mean she sees me as her own children and it would be a pity if I don't stand up to her expectations. I cant possibly let her, my mom who spent like RM 2,000 for my Birthday Function( but I don't know who paid really, mom or aunt, Who cares anyway its just either or) and my dad. For 21 years I didn't get any ting form my father. He got me a Digital Camera for my 21st birthday.

I was treated very badly since small but now he sees me as very much different. Why is that? It is because I'm studying now in the University, or I someone in the society. My are all parents like this ? When your child does not perform well you all will express all you regrets upon us but as the time goes and we perform well either in studies of life you all tend to say just because i push you during small that's why you all become like this. Hahaha. Too much thinking ready.

I do get that the parents intentions are good but the way that they show is wrong totally wrong. That's why there are miss understanding in the family and parents end up being treated badly by their own kids. Well I have too much stuff with me. I'm quite unhappy that I have so much and there are those who have so little and supposed to get better. I see my self as a child who gets everything without asking and what I have to do in return. "STUDY" is that so hard for me , that is the only thing that we are required to do and must do as in return.

But what if I fail? Then there is no point for me being a human at all. I hate the fact that some of the ones I know call me rich kid, gadget man and other shit names. Its not like they cant effort it or what. So why say that kind of names, just to irritate others ah! Please I beg you all do not assume cause you are not even allowed to assume such things. Some are not as you think they are, they don't show off or what. They get it that's all. So I have to make sure that I make it or else i really don't know what kind of human am I . Well said....

Sexually Assaulted, NOT!

2008-07-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

There is no evidence that Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan was sodomised, according to the doctor who examined him four hours before he lodged a police report alleging he was sexually assaulted by PKR

MCPX

leader Anwar Ibrahim.

It is believed that Anwar's former aide Saiful (left) went to two different hospitals on June 28 - the day he lodged the police report claiming that he was sodomised by his ex-boss.

He first went to Hospital Pusrawi (Pusat Rawatan Islam) in Jalan Tun Razak - a government-linked Islamic medical institution - at about 2pm.

According to a copy of the two-page medical report obtained by malaysiakini yesterday, Saiful went to the hospital complaining of 'tenesmus' - a medical term for difficulty and pain in passing motion.

He was examined by Dr Mohamed Osman Abdul Hamid, the medical officer on duty.

The doctor said that the patient had alleged he was assaulted by the intrusion of a piece of "plastic" in the anus.

Mohamed Osman, according to his medical report which was recorded at 2.14pm, found "zero active bleeding", "zero ulcer or pus", "zero tear and scar" in Saiful's anus.

He also stated that Saiful appeared "alert", "comfortable", "not pale" and did not show any fever symptoms.

A senior Pusrawi official told malaysiakini this morning that the hospital had launched an internal investigation on how Saiful's medical report was leaked, which is widely considered as a major infringement of patient privacy.

When malaysiakini showed him a copy of the report, he refused to return it saying, "It's our document."

A check at the emergency unit where Mohamed Osman is attached revealed that he has taken leave since last week.

Meanwhile, Pusrawi general manager Wan Mahmood Wan Yaacob refused to comment on the matter.

Conflicting medical reports

Mohamed Osman, in his report's concluding remarks, advised Saiful to go to a government hospital so as "to rule out" assault and sodomy.

At 6pm on that day, Saiful went to Hospital Kuala Lumpur for his second medical examination. He subsequently lodged a report against Anwar at the police beat at the hospital.

According to an expert who has dealt with rape and sodomy cases, the victim must provide a second medical examination in a government hospital.

This expert said the court will only accept evidence from a government hospital but the first medical examination must collaborate with the second report, otherwise this could be challenged during the trial.

"From the report, the doctor had failed to find any evidence to support the patient's complaint. That was why he asked the patient to go to a government hospital to conclusively rule out assault or sodomy," said the expert who requested anonymity.

It is learnt that the police have recorded statements from Mohamed Osman after Saiful lodged the report against Anwar.

The doctor was said to be under tremendous stress as a result of the police interrogation over a number of days, and was advised by the hospital to take leave.

Mohamed Osman, a Burmese Muslim, has 20 years of experience as a doctor. He previously worked in government hospitals before joining Pusrawi about a year ago.

Efforts by Malaysiakini to contact Saiful have not been successful.

When contacted, Saiful's lawyer Zamri Idrus said that he would not respond to the latest development.

"I am not going to comment (on the matter) because the investigations are still going on."

When pressed whether Saiful had issued an instruction not to react to the issue, Zamri repeated “no comment”.

Become 1 Malaysia

2008-07-28T06:07:00.000-07:00

25, 26,27 July were one of the meaningful days in my life. There I was with a bunch of my UTAR friends attending a race camp organized by Awam. Students from UKM, USM and UPM and even from USM. It was about 6 we reached there and signed in and went to our rooms. There was lunch at about 8pm and after that, we had our first session of the camp. I was rather nervous because I was having a bad sore throat and usually when meeting up with new friends i would just keep quiet and let others make a move. You want to call it shy or arrogance, up to you.

The first session was the ice-breaking session. There were four facilitators; Fahmi Rezza, Gee, Ruhan a.k.a Koi and of course "BOSS". We talked about ourselves and got to know others. We were broken to a pair and I got a guy called Iskandar doing his final year in UM. So this exercise was to get to know about your new friend and introduce to the other. So as usual, every Malaysian during getting to know a new friend will go into a routine of asking their name, from where, brothers and sisters, hobbies and other lame stuff.

Me and Iskandar or his nickname was "Is" asked some questions and of all a sudden I we were talking about politics. How random! We did not talked about families and all but were discussing about the political diversity and how media manipulates our mind. I have had loads of Malay friends and I think,Is was the first guy i felt like relating myself with. He can even speak Cambodia. Damm, how cool is that. A Muslim who likes to learn about other native speakers language. There were others also who were talking about changing Malaysia, being scared of things, cars, girlfriends the usual stuff and to a extend of following a friend to buy condoms, and there was this guy form UM. Jamal was his name, he is twice as crazy then me lah wei. During introducing his friend, he bersyair lah wei. HaHaHa. Al tough I had sore throat, I cant stop laughing.

We then talked about why do we say, we cant talk about race issues because its sensitive? There was no reason to call a race/ethnic issue as sensitive because we think its a sensitive due to the media. So what if there was a riot, so what if there might be a miss understanding among other races. No proper planning was done during talking about racial issue and the way the message was sent out might have been wrong, that's why I think we had all those stupid acts. If you were to ask me about May 13, it was unnecessary. Why do we the citizens have to be responsible on the stupid acts?

There was nothing much on the first night. We finished at about 12 a.m and we were suppose to sleep. Me, tony, basil were sitting with Fahmi Rezza and were talking about reality and stuff. Man was crazy lah! We were asking about " How real is reality ? And how do we know that we are the only being? We talked till 3 am. On there opposite side there was KJ with Ruhan and some UKM students. If I'm not mistaken, it was Ken, Firdaus, Lings and some others. They were talking about some wicked theories like Marxist theory and things about social science. It was similar to what we were talking about, but I think it was deeper.

Anyway we were talking about the mechanism, atoms and molecule that says that a thing is not moving but its not there. Lets say; I have a pen on the table, and it has a rule of not to move but yet its not there. Tony was saying about we are actually no here, and the final blow was what Fahmi said; What if there is something beyond this world? What is all now that is happening now is just a dream? I'm typing now in my blog right, what if I'm actually like 80 years old and going to die and I'm just dreaming about writing the blog? What if I am just a part of a dream now, so I'm just a fiction character in the mind. Do you think we are crazy? It was X-files. It was 2 am and we are talking about quantum physics and universal things.

Its was only the first night. I was thinking to myself. the truth is we are so mixed up in the world of fashion, civilization and many more that we don't care about the reality. Should I say reality? OH, What the heck? Don't care! The next morning things were starting to get heated up. We learnt what happened in Malaysia history and made judgments weather its good or bad. There were some of those issues that were said its bad like Hindraf was bad because it had a majority of Indians only and much more.

We have our own reasons to give and all of it seemed to be reasonable. We also ended up talking about Hindraf rally which was held and some were against it and I was against it partly, the fact that some Hindraf leaders were only looking at their friends and in Hindu people only. Not Indians only were facing those problems but other races too had it. I think its unfair to fight for 1 race only of we want to have integration. If we were to say that Indians can feel the most and other will only feel pity saying its hard to put myself in their shoes, that's pure bullshit!! The fact proves that all races and ethnic have the same problem but why only Indian. So how? Does that prove that Hindraf just thought of themselves and not others? Yes it worked but at what cost? Think for yourselves people!!

Before lunch we had a talk given by Hissamuddin Rais and Dr. Syed Husin Ali. Both of the speakers were great. I loved the way Hissamudin Rais said about we University students are thinking like Old people and the fact that we are made to think like an old people adding by urging us to challenge the old people. Some of the my friends from the other university did not like the way the speech was given because they say that as a Muslim, he cant say such things about breaking the rules. To me, I think they did not get the idea of why he said such things. If the students were to read some of his works than they will be able to understand why did he say it.

Actually what he meant was to o against ur parents and university and even the government if you think their actions were wrong. The tattoo was just an example lah. I don't know maybe some were just too sensitive I guess, its just how we see it how we interpret it. Some of them saw him with his religion values and some saw him as himself and his values.

The next activity was to talk about the stereotyping in a race. We were to discuss the different stereotypes that Malaysians use on other races. Indian are seen as thief, gangster, rapist, Malays for lazy, cheater, sex maniac and Chinese as Ah long, Pajak Gadai, dirty, eat pork and there were many other races lah . What i wrote here is just a small portion but the thing is that, we were made to realize that even an Indian can be lazy and can also be dirty. So the thing having to stereotype is wrong. What we need is to just think positively. Most Malaysians are not taking things positively.
Let me give you a situation. When ever a person from other ethnic says or does something wrong, we remember it till we die but if they were to do a good act we just let it pass. Why can't it be the other ways round. I really thank other friends in the camp because we were like going against it and we don't use this on them. It was just what we have heard or others saying. It is bad to have a stereotype on others even if its good or bad cause if its good and they failed to meet the good stereotyping the give them a bad stereotyping. See how it works.

The following was to create what you think is "Bangsa Malaysia". I was rally impressed about what Ling's said a law student from UKM. He said it does not matter if you are born in Malaysia, even if you were to think Malaysia about the food, culture and arts, you are a Malaysian. Born in Malaysia as in the IC is for our law and order, what we are talking is to have the thought of serving and being apart of Malaysia. There are visitors who come to Malaysia and comment and to fight together with the people in Malaysia against something which they do not like.

That's Malaysia spirit. Another comment which made my mind to just blow up was about why must it be " Bangsa Malaysia" cant it be a bangsa for a whole world. Even its a big radical and extreme, its way really logic. What if we combine our thoughts and passion to create 1 world. That would be great. But then lets start with something small like make our races as Bangsa Malaysia. Languages and culture of all races will be there but as one. We also did a drama about stereotyping and I had to be Samy Vellu. HaHaHa. Me and Jamal were great. All the stupid stuff came out and we were to act it out was really cool. We managed to pull the act out.

Later at night we had a movie called "The big Durian" . Others who have not seen the movie did not understand the movie because its too technical. Too me we had to see the movie twice. Its something like there are hidden agenda's in the story which the story of the Amok guy was made as highlight. People were very much into it that, the political issues were hidden under and made it to be seen as a racial issue.

We even had talked about the quota system in the universities and the was a great debate on the Quota system. Some were saying Chinese need more, Indians also and Malays students given too much. The fact is that the poorest among us are the Malays and there should be more allocation for them. But the thing is that some rich kids tend to missus it for their own benefit. But I'm not saying having a quota system is the best but if were to have new policy and to change the structure of the government then the quota system is to be changed and I think the system is too old. Get a new one, a new and better one.

We were given a choice to be the policy makes and surprisingly all of us did not see races to do the quota system instead we saw the rural schools. Wow!! Its like most of us are not seeing race we were like 1 nation. I was pleased to see that. Our group made a list without a quota at all. The students were to get in the university based on their knowledge and understanding. No bias or what so ever. There were also some who came up with the allocation for vernacular schools.
I think vernacular schools were not needed at all. They some up with racist students. I think, its better to insert them in national schools where they are able to interact with all different race and gender. But its not only by doing that all the problem will solve it. I believe everyone has their right to learn ones language and culture and also has the right to learn others culture.

So the education plan has to be revised in order all of them to be changed into national schools. In that way we are able to create a hybrid where they are as one.
That night some of us UTAR students and UKM students talked about religion and stuff. I cant tahan till 4 am and went and slept but the others were talking till 6am. That's crazy. We talked about religion and stuff. What do be see in religion, can we go to the future without religion and alot others . I think I cant type it here cause I think I will take me days to finish it. But it was 1 hell of a discussion.
The next day which was a last day we didn't had much cause I have explained it above, the quota system. It was suppose to be on this day. Hahaha. Looks like we are too much to the future. Rapping up was the part where we had to share what we feel about the camp all all of us loved the camp an got new friends to share and have activities with. The facilitators were so proud of us an Dr. Carmen broke down in tears seeing us all as one. I think that was a very great thing. We don't see much teachers who will cry of joy seeing all of us being as one. We have proven ourselves to be as one an also 1 step closer to create the perfect nation.

Is this acceptable!!

2008-07-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

When I was reading Malaysiakini, I found this piece of article under the opinion section. Maybe you all might want to have a look at it. You all need an account to access Malaysiakini, so i copy and pasted here so that more of us will be able to get the information. So happy reading!

PUBLIC TRANSPORT THE ONLY WAY TO TRAVEL

While the public should be heartened to note that Deputy Federal Territories Minister M Saravanan has submitted recommendations on how to improve the state of public transportation to the cabinet, they are equally cynical on whether these recommendations would actually work.

MCPX

Saravanan said road expansions and additional flyovers would be built in ‘hot-spots’ to ease traffic congestion and improvements to bus, taxi and light rail transit (LRT) services would be carried out.

These seem to be pertinent areas that need urgent attention. However, a more holistic and integrated approach is overdue to rethink the state of our public transportation.

Last week, oil price hit the US$150 mark and there is fear that it will touch US$200 per barrel before the year is out. Perhaps in rethinking public transportation, we should work from the doom scenario of RM5 per litre of oil, and what public transportation can do to reduce the overall demand of fuel.

While saving fuel, the system yet assures efficiency and service to the population. In the longer term, with fossil fuels running out, it is only a matter of time before we face the inevitable adjustment. So, the earlier we start, the less painful it will be.

The bottom line is, how can we adjust our infrastructure in such a way that more people can be transported using less fuel, in less time taken by private vehicles. Two benchmarks can be set by the planners: how many people can be transported per litre of fuel and the average commuting time.

The transportation system needs to be examined closely from a fuel efficiency point of view. Single user cars must be discouraged at peak hours at ‘hot-spots’. Road and traffic management systems are non-existent in our cities, in part due to the fact that the government wants to stay populist and in part due to a lack of discipline and political will to make a new system work.

The nation’s infrastructure in tolled highways and new roads have been expanded without careful consideration of traffic flow, density of human activity and how this can be managed to assure efficiency. In my view, improvements should be made not only to "hardware" like roads or vehicles. A better management of traffic flow will help to ease congestion.

Before a traffic management system can be implemented, improvement to the public transportation system must be made. We have heard that plans favouring public transportation were shelved because of the conflicts of interest among the stakeholders in the transportation sector, for example highway concessionaires and car companies.

The authorities ought to recognise that crunch time is fast approaching and that they must face the hard choice of whose priorities should come first. Structural shakeout is inevitable in these changing times.

However, there could be win-win solutions, for example a connecting bus servicing the tolled highway between a high density residential area and the nearest bus or LRT link would reduce costs for the consumer, yet create revenue for the highway operator. In difficult times, infrastructure companies must be creative to stay relevant.

As a community, we must work to build an attractive public transportation where we promote a new lifestyle of fuel efficiency. How much time would it take for us to go from 18 percent of the population using public transport to as much as 50-70 percent of the population using the mass rapid transit system?

Time for lifestyle change

How do we make public transport attractive to commuters? How do we promote a transformation towards a new lifestyle where the citizens’ habits are adjusted according to the new modes of transport? The change will come, but the earlier we start, with better promotion and education, the easier it will be for the people to adjust.

Establish key arteries of linkages and decide what mode of public transportation would serve them best. For example in the Klang Valley, if the Federal highway is the key artery linking Klang to Kuala Lumpur, and buses and LRT are the key modes of transport, set a dateline to improve on these services.

Once traffic builds up, switch to trains. If there is already a train service in place, make it the best in the world.

In terms of costs and efficiency, experts have recommended that Malaysian cities work on rapid buses, not monorails. If this is the case, work out a master plan for rapid bus transport.

Also build a web of feeder service to these arteries. For private cars, make available to them safe public car parks at low cost or better still, no cost, so that they can get from their homes to the main transport links.

Build spacious and interesting waiting stations. In many western cities, the underground transportation spaces are filled with art and interesting cultural activities. We should redesign main bus stations to make them attractive to users.

Housing developers and communities are also encouraged to start their own mini feeder buses to help residents get to the main transportation links.

Delegate the authority to manage and control the feeder bus routes to the local municipal or state authorities for quick action and better management. The federal transportation authority must work closely with the state to ensure planning is done properly and that mechanisms for implementation are worked out with proper time schedules.

In this regard, the federal government must have the political will to streamline its own functions at the various ministry levels to bring public transportation under one single authority.

For shorter routes and in between hubs of activity, have the local municipals build and manage attractive bicycle paths. Plant trees and build lightning-proof shelters along the path so that cyclists can rest or take shelter when it rains.

A good public transportation system is not meant only for the poor. It is for all levels of society. We should improve service to serve a large majority of the population. The quality and reliability of the services should be the main attraction, not the fare. To help those in the lower income group like students and senior citizens, special fares and coupons can be issued.

Public transportation should be managed as a market model as far as possible. The advertising revenue from the stations and along the routes should be an important source of revenue to support operations.

Now that Malaysia has two heritage towns in Georgetown in Penang and Melaka, we must make these towns attractive to both residents and visitors. In the city centres, a time zone for private cars commercial vehicles can be worked out. Well-serviced tram-lines should be built to enable visitors to enjoy the sights.

It is important to keep in mind two key reforms if the Malaysian public transportation system is to move forward.

First, the authorities must recognise the urgency and priority of fuel efficiency. From the sporadic reactions and types of measures spoken of by government officers, one does not get the idea that our planners have recognised the crisis triggered by the ending of the era of cheap oil. The debate on public transportation must swing to its central cause that Malaysians can no longer afford the private car as their dominant mode of transport.

Secondly, we have to accept the fact that our cities, towns and residential areas are designed for humans, not cars. Spaces are taken up for roads and parking bays, leaving very little walking or activity space for humans. We should be thinking about a new lifestyle, one where humans return to the centre and fuel efficient modes of transport provide the links.

Have I got any spare time?

2008-07-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

Oh my God! I seriously do not any time left. I cant even blog about politics. Next week is a week of chaos for me. I would not be surprised if I do not get any sleep for the whole week. Let me see what do have to do for next week.

Monday- I have 2 quizzes to be done, where the first is at 8am "History of English Language" and followed with the other one at 10 am "Culture and Religious practices". To make is worst I have a Mas Media presentation to finish up my day.

Tuesday-I have Language learning theories test. So its makes up to a total of 3 quizzes.

Wednesday- Its a holiday, but when i write down what happens to the next days you will know what possible i would do on this day.

Thursday- Unfortunately, this day had to fall on this week. It had to be perfect! Its my birthday. After loads of discussion my aunt wants to celebrate my 21st Birthday. Don't want to disappoint her and and uncle and mother. The night me and my friends are to get to Wangsa Maju for a little dinner. I hope it is a little dinner.

Friday- This day is the deadline for assignments. Mass Media assignment's due will be at 10am. and the Reaction paper will be at 2pm which consists of summary and a personal view. And AT evening some of us have to report to the La Salle school for a workshop till Sunday. We will be staying overnight there and our Saturday and Sunday will be gone . Even if I have Sunday it will be like a few hours only. Now why do I say about Saturday and Sunday? Because on Monday there is a deadline for History of English Language project paper.

So I think you can figure out what will I be doing on times there is no class. The only thing that makes it abit better is that except for the reaction paper the others are all group work. So basically I have got no time to to blog about politics and I think I will not even have time to read a newspaper. Lets hope the week runs as slow as possible.

I swear I 'm not involved, I hope !

2008-07-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

Today I opened the the 1st page of The Sun newspaper and guess what did i saw? Our DPM giving a speech about the involvement of of him in the murder case of the Mongolian model Altantulya last year. There were like about 300 BN/UMNO supporters and he had to make a stupid move by saying it. Well why do I call it a stupid move? If we are aware of the behavior of our DPM, we are able figure out the answer.

He is a man who is mad of power and usually does not care about others and is a cunning man. A hardcore politician does not care about his fault if he did not do it. When he was asked on to comment abt the issue previous weeks, he said " Why are you people are intrested in garbage," And now he can swear that he does not know the woman at all and has no connection with the case. Futhermore can also say I think this is the best way to make you all believe me. This is so stupid. Before this i had a doubt weather is he really involved but now i can be sure.... The citizens are not that dumb.

We can have our own judgements and most probebly true. Its a pity to see that we have been fed and fed with information and the worst is the info is not 100% reliable. Lets say if this accusation was intended to kill our DPM's political influence, then I think the sodomy case was also a set up against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Swearing on "Allah" Just becouse the god is silent you can go around making all sorts of swearing.

Oh man, please let me remind you that we are living in the 21 century. So please next time think wisely before you make an assumption. What a joke. I think maybe there were afew nightmares in sleeps. Thats why my aunt always say must wash legs before you go to bed.Hahaha. I think the next move is to seek a bomoh to chase the chants and dreams away. But becareful you might never know that there might be another Mona Fandy.

What do people understand about the word "Friends"

2008-07-12T03:24:00.000-07:00

(Difference between friends and INDIAN friends)

FRIENDS: Never ask for food.
INDIAN FRIENDS: Always bring the food.

FRIENDS: Will say 'hello'
INDIAN FRIENDS: Will give you a big hug
and a kiss.

FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs.
INDIAN FRIENDS: Call your parent's mom
and dad.

FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
INDIAN FRIENDS: Cry with you.

FRIENDS: Will eat at your dinner table
and leave.
INDIAN FRIENDS: Will spend hours there,
talking,
laughing and just being together

FRIENDS: know a few things about you.
INDIAN FRIENDS: Could write a book with
direct
quotes from you.

FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if
that's what the crowd is doing.
INDIAN FRIENDS: Will kick the whole
crowds' ass that left you.

FRIENDS: Would knock on your door.
INDIAN FRIENDS: Walk right in and
say, 'I'm home!'

FRIENDS: Are for a while.
INDIAN FRIENDS: Are for life.

FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
INDIAN FRIENDS: Will forward this.

Copied from Friendster.com. What you you all think when you see this message? Anything runs in your mind? Is there anything wrong with this message or is it just a normal chain message.

My explanation for the extract above.

I saw this forwarded message in my Friendster message inbox and found that this is quite disturbing. Basically I think it has a sense of racist. I am totally gonna counter this . I do not see that only Indians are good friends. To be frank I came form a hardcore Indian place and most of the Indians there are racist and sad to say I am embarrassed to say that I come from there. I have seen situations where in a wedding or any sort of celebration a group of older men or women get together,the topic of discussion would be on other races. The following months and perhaps years, I hated to attend any sort of functions due to their behavior and mindset.

There were even situations where they gossiped about others from so called same "race". Is this what we call "Indian Friends are concerned about", that as mentioned above. I dont think so. The fact is that the most crimes and gangsterism happening in Malaysia are done by Indians. WoW! I cant believe that people can create this kind of messages and other had forwarded it to their friends list and even to those who are not even Indians. This is a FACT not just some crap I telling. Let me make it clear. There is only ONE race in this world and it is the HUMAN race. Live with that fact, will make your life easier.

When you want to talk about me, let me tell I have met very less Indian friends within this 21 year. Dont come and tell me that this might just be a luck. I do have good friends who are not Indians and the are much better that what is said in above. And guess what, they are mostly Malay's and Chinese. They were nothing like what I have heard since I was small. During my younger days, I have been scolded by relations and even beaten up by schoolmates for having other than Indian friends .

I'm not saying there are not good Indians out there but its the message that we are sending out. I do agree there are some of them who are too protective about their believe,culture and religion. But that's just a minority case. This is us the nature of humans, we will try to find fault and not see the bigger picture about someone or something. There are implications of sending this kind of messages.

As i have mentioned ealier, what if a non-Indian were to read this? What will he or she would feel about themselves? Seeing the picture now I can tell that the reason that this nation is not together is because we are the ones who are having attitudes. There is no point for us to be unhappy about the political system, educational system, Bumiputra special rights and e.t.c because we are the same. Why do we complain when we are the one who have to change first?

To me this is a sort of race discrimination which i am not happy. The person who created this should be ashamed for bringing up this and should be held responsible upon creating a wide barrier between all of us. We are now in the zone of trying to be as one without seeing ethnicity or gender and some irresponsible people can afford to create something like this. I am NOT an Indian but a MALAYSIAN.

The funny thing is how many of us believe that we are Malaysians, the moment a person comes up and say something racist, for example "Hoi hindu keling", we tend to do back the same and sometimes worst. But I think it would help if we were to just talk to that person and ask why they say so and prove we are not as what they think or maybe have heard? If I am not mistaken, according to any religion, a person is taught to respect a women as equal as men and also other races and not to discriminate.

So please change your perceptions .I have no right to make u you mind but please do spend some time to think of what have we done for the past 50 years, at least you can think for yourselves and for your future generation. Why do we argue about the government and other when we ourselves are not in the right spot?

We are together for a certain period only. I say this because we are seen as one when we all agree on a point like during elections we were together and then all were like thats it. During Makkal Sakti rally there wereonly indians no other races were allowed to join except indians. Why? Did the other ethnic group say we will notsupport you ? Later we are seen at fuel protest and others as one naton but then thats it. Not more than that. Its like we need each other only when we are desperate. Is it possible for us to change but are we willing to ?

You just got smacked on your face!!

2008-07-11T06:12:00.000-07:00

Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) has summoned inspector-general of police Musa Hassan and attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail for questioning on the allegation that they were involved in fabricating evidence in former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim's black eye incident.

MCPX

Musa (right) arrived at the ACA headquarters in Putrajaya at 8.20am wearing a grey suit with a polka-dot tie. He smiled to journalists before entering the building. Meanwhile, Gani arrived at 9.50am.

Both Musa and Gani did not stop to talk to the media after their separate sessions with the ACA.

Gani (below), who was first to come out of the meeting at about 11.30am, walked past the horde of waiting reporters without saying a word.

Musa came out of the ACA headquarters at about 1.05pm and similarly broke through the media cordon.

"I have nothing to say. Thank you," said Musa as he evaded answering questions from reporters who had been waiting since early morning to get comments from both the IGP and the AG.

"They recorded my statement. That's all," Musa said before speeding off in his official car.

Last Tuesday, PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim lodged a police report against Musa and Gani for allegedly fabricating evidence in his trials 10 years ago.

At that time, Musa was the investigating officer of the charges against Anwar while AG Gani was the chief prosecutor.

When Anwar was arrested on Sept 20, 1999, he was brought to the national police headquarters in Bukit Aman where the former deputy premier was beaten by then police chief Abdul Rahim Noor, resulting in a black eye and injuries to other parts of his body.

Original medical reports ignored

Anwar said that the original medical reports done by a number of doctors were ignored.

"The medical reports concluded that the injury inflicted on me was consistent with an assault," said Anwar in his police report.

However, Anwar claimed that instead of accepting the report and proceeded to prosecute his assailant, then attorney-general Mokhtar Abdullah - in collusion with Gani - asked another doctor, Dr Abdul Rahman Yusof, to allegedly fabricate a second medical report.

Anwar said he believed both Musa and Gani were present in Bukit Aman on the night he was assaulted by Rahim Noor and that both had "concealed" the assault.

"I believe both Musa and Gani Patail were actively involved in the procuring of the second undated report by Dr Rahman..." he said.

Anwar called for a fresh investigation into the alleged fabrication of evidence, which is an offence punishable by up to 7 years' imprisonment.

The ACA has stepped in to investigate the allegation as both the police and Attorney-General's Chambers are implicated in the matter.