How Democractic Are We?

Democracy Index has been published by The Economist, guess what, Malaysia ranked 2nd last under "flawed democracy", at least we are better than Bolivia. The neighbouring countries are ahead of us in the ranking, you can check the full listings in pdf format from www.economist.com, click here.

I am expecting an official statement from the government, it doesn't matter which sh*t hole it comes out from but it always sounds the same. "Those that published the index, obviously does not understand the culture of Malaysia and the requirements for a multi-ethnical country". Culture of Malaysia, way to go with censorship in newspaper, discrimination and ISA!

I forgot the new trend led by Rafidah, "no comment" is the IN thing now.

Final Episode

Accusation irks German group - The Star, 24th Nov 2006

• The German Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAF) has defended its global ethic activities in Malaysia.
• KAF representative Peter Schier said it was regrettable that Penang Umno delegate Shahbudin Yahaya had accused KAF of threatening Islam with its global ethic projects without verifying with the foundation what they do and lambasting them at the recent Umno general assembly.
• Dismissing Shahbudin’s description of the “father of the global ethic concept” Prof Dr Hans Kueng as a Jew from Germany, Schier said Dr Kueng was a “very famous Roman Catholic theologian from Switzerland” and highly respected by religious leaders of all faiths.

PAS veep: Umno tried to mask flaws - The Star, 24th Nov 2006

• The recent Umno general assembly where some speakers debated racial issues has tarnished the country's image and caused uneasiness among Malaysians, PAS vice-president Datuk Mustafa Ali said.
• He said the debates at the meeting had gone overboard and what was done was just to cover-up the flaws of Umno which claimed to have been championing the Malays.
• “By picking on the Chinese, they (Umno) believe they can garner more support from the community but actually they created more animosity and fanned friction among the ethnic groups.
• “They found Chinese as the scapegoat to hide their own faults and failures to uplift the standard of Malays,” he said here yesterday.

This will be my last post on UMNO GA. Further analysis on the speeches is not needed, I bet most must have known, the whole sandiwara is just crap.

Focus On Development, Media or PM?

Pak Lah: Stop playing up racial issues - The Star, 24th Nov 2006

• The Prime Minister wants all Malaysian media to stop playing up racial issues and instead focus on stories about the nation's development.
• Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said matters raised by various delegates at last week's Umno general assembly should not be interpreted as the party's or the Malays' stand.
• “My winding-up speech at the Umno general assembly has been accepted by all Barisan Nasional component parties,” he said here yesterday.
• Earlier, Abdullah was asked by a reporter for his comments as some newspapers continued to publish stories on racial matters.
• Initially, the Prime Minister appeared to be taken aback by the question and asked the reporter: “Today too?”
• When the reporter replied in the affirmative, Abdullah then said the media should stop highlighting such stories.
• He said the media should report more about the development programmes taking place.

UMNO delegates are not playing racial card, guess who is the culprit? It is damn media who reports nothing but the truth. PM, you shouldn't blame the media, there is nothing spicy enough to report, apart from the batu seremban stuff and in terms of development, maybe only Zakar's mansion is worth mentioning.

I also have a statement for our beloved PM, "stop protecting the priviledged racists in your government, especially the SIL and focus on the country's development". You should help the media, or else they will run out of job very soon, since there is nothing for them to report.

By the way, the space training that "we have invested" might be showcased live on TV, I wonder if Russian government allows that. Oops, they haven't discuss with the Russian yet, then why bother to announce? You have plenty of chance to slap your own face, no hurry.

Astronaut training may be shown live on Internet - Malaysians may get to watch the country’s two astronauts undergo training “live” on the Internet. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Jamaludin Jarjis said he would discuss the matter with the Russian Space Agency during his trip to Moscow next month. (The Star, 24th Nov 2006)

Anyone Needs A Zakar's Service?

(Source of info: GuangMing Daily)

Mr. Zakar et. al. are making their way to the news headline again. There are too many allegations of Zakar gang flouting the law for me to translate, so just go ahead and read the details in Chinese.

By the way, he mentioned that if his service is still needed, he is willing to be on the battle field again during the next general election. Do vote for Zakar OK, he got a big mansion to pay for and a large family to be taking care of.

Facts On Rela Clarified

Check ID of Rela officers, public advised - The Star, 2end Nov 2006

1. For any raid, there must be a Rela "officer" leading group of Rela members
2. The Rela officer will have an authority card, with details verified and issued by the national security division in the Prime Minister’s Department.
3. The officer will have his photograph, name and serial number stated on the card. The card is the size of a credit card, yellowish in colour and will have the words ‘Authority Card’ printed on it as well
4. Only Rela officers had the power to enter private premises to search for illegals without needing a warrant.
5. You can find out if the person having the card is really a Rela officer by calling 03-8888 6308 or 03-8888 6314. All raids conducted by Rela were also planned well in advance and recorded by the district-level offices.
6. Raids by Rela are usually carried out in teams of at least 15 to 20 people.

Something that I reproduced from The Star for ease of reading. If a few Rela members are trying to stop you at the middle of night or charging into your house, you have the right to say "no". Main point is the raid is normally conducted by 15-20 people, headed by a "officer" who holds the authority card. Any doubt, call the magic number.

Be a wise citizen by knowing your rights.

Who Is the Real Racist

(Source of info: www.merdekareview.com)

What is wrong with putting up Chinese politicians' opinion on the newspaper after the ethnic bashing during UMNO general assembly. If this act has been classified as inciting racial hatred, I believe the authority should have tougher action in mind for the few priviledged UMNO delegates who are waiting to bath with their blood.

Instead of safe-guarding the rights of all ethnics through the constitution, the real racists play the games well, labelling anyone against their ideology as "racists". It takes guts to tell the truth in Malaysia's mainstream media and when you do, the real "racists" will crush you like a tiny fly.

UMNO has priviledge provided by the law, and they are good in manipulating it to their advantage based on circumstances. The way I look at this, they are a notch above Malaysia's law, just like the Rela men.

Come on, Pak Lah. Don't bluff your naive rakyat, where is the media freedom as promised since your guys can't even tolerate the mildest comment. How about some spices from other ethnics and opposition parties? I heard our ex-PM's comments are well tolerated but I bet that is because you don't want to crush your own rice bowl by losing the support of your own party members, right? Are you game for some naked truth on the media?

Criminals Do Read Newspaper

A very well-planned job - The Star, 21st Nov 2006

• Two container trailers driven by men in Rela uniform did not raise any suspicion when they arrived at the MASKargo Complex in Batu Maung here at 2.15am yesterday.
• The “Rela personnel” told the two Customs officers manning the checkpoint that they were there to flush out illegal workers and instructed them not to alert the people inside the complex.
• In just an hour, they piled 585 cartons and 18 pallets of microchips and motherboards manufactured by a multi-national company in Bayan Lepas into the containers.
• The loot estimated to be worth US$12.7mil (RM46.99mil) was said to be the country’s biggest ever heist. And arguably the most audacious, too.
• Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who was in Putrajaya, was livid when informed of the robbery. The Prime Minister was very angry over the lack of security.

Criminals are getting smarter and I bet they do read newspaper. Is anyone going to revise the provision that Rela members are allowed to force enter a business premises without a search warrant? The povision was the hot talk of the town few weeks back, which put the police force to shame, with their "I am the law" claim. Not even police can conduct a search without a warrant but these Rela men do.

Don't be angry, our dear PM because we only have ourselves to blame. How it all started, read the first line of the news and you might see the light.

Negaraku, or Negaramu?

Fiery argument over who owns M'sia - The Sun, 20th Nov 2006

• The debate on Budget 2007 for the Entrepreneur & Cooperative Development Ministry in Parliament today turned chaotic when Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang questioned the accuracy of a figure given by Badruddin Amiruldin (BN-Jerai).
• "At the (recently concluded) Umno general assembly, there was a mistake stating that the International Herald Tribute was based in the United Kingdom," said Lim chuckling.
• The irritated Badruddin rebutted: "Ini negara kami (This is our country). (You are) samseng (thug) and kurang ajar (rough) ... This is Umno's business. You don't interfere."
• "You are so petty and narrow-minded. And I am a Malaysian," Lim shouted, adding that the Speaker should make a ruling whether the statement was appropriate.
• Baharuddin explained that when he said 'negara kami', it includes all Malaysians. However, his clarification failed to pacify the opposition MPs.
• Peace was only restored when Speaker Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib ruled that Badruddin had no intention to imply the country belonged to Malays only but to all Malaysians.

I am puzzled, is it Malaysia negaraku, negarami or negaramu? Are we singing a different national anthe or was it just another misunderstanding? I doubt so, remember Baharuddin mentioned the magic word, UMNO, and also the most IN term during the assembly, "kurang ajar". Yeah, yeah, we are the rich "samseng" that spoon-fed you with those non-halal money while you "kuat belajar" UMNO's keris ideology.

Free Surfing, Anyone?

Now you can check your emails or Instant Messaging (IM) for FREE wherever you are, with SingTel Wireless@SG. SingTel Wireless@SG is proud to be part of Intelligent Nation 2015 (iN2015) which offers everyone wireless broadband access at both indoor and outdoor areas. What's more, SingTel is offering the basic service at 512kbps FREE for 3 years till 30 November 2009.

Plus, a full suite of upcoming and exciting services to enrich your lifestyle,

• eConcierge: a smart location-based service to provide personalised information.
• BBTV: watching programs while on the move with BroadBand TV.
• Mobile VoIP: make calls via WiFi and enjoy savings off your mobile bill.
• WhizGuide: fun-filled leisure time with edutainment information.

(http://home.singtel.com/wirelessSG/wsg_index.htm)

Received this information from a reader this morning. You can read more about Singapore first free wireless broadband service at their website. Happy surfing!

Power, But A Cleaner One Please

Groups protest against coal power plant project - The Star, 20th Nov 2006

• A coal-fired power plant in an area earmarked for eco-tourism in Silam is yet to get off the ground but already it is stoking up anger among several groups in this part of east coast Sabah.
• The most vocal opponents to the 300MW plant, said to cost between RM1.2bil and RM1.3bil, are a group of environmentalists, social activists and local businessmen in this booming agriculture town.
• They fear the plant will do more harm than good for them and the environment stretching from Darvel Bay to the pristine Danum Valley forest, some 80km away.
• ”We need power. But we want clean power,” said Wong Tack, the Sabah Environment Action Committee chairman in Lahad Datu district where several vehicles were seen sporting stickers which said: “No coal power plant” and “Coal-fired power plant jeopardises health.”

I am not environmentalist, nor social activist but I do support every effort that could contribute to a greener environment for the future generations. "We need power, but we want clean power", is a short but straightforward message to the authority, right on bull's eye.

Bring your own carrier or bag if you are doing your weekly grocery shopping, use less plastic bags, or use only bio-degradable bags (i.e. paper bags) to save the earth.

Dress The Way We Want To

Burqa ban not the way - The Star, 20th Nov 2006

• Malaysia has told the West that they cannot continue to tell Muslims what to do.
  The West should also not construe that a citizen is disloyal by the way he or she dresses, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.
• “Why can’t you give people the right to dress the way they want to dress?” he asked, when commenting on The Netherlands’ move to ban the wearing of the burqa (a long and loose garment with veiled holes for the eyes worn by Muslim women) in public.
• Syed Hamid said he found it difficult to understand why diversity was being snuffed out.

This is a good one from Syeh Hamid and I think I should share his comments with the readers.

Brainless Mat Rempit

Mat Rempit rain stones on cops - The Star, 20th Nov 2006

• Some 200 Mat Rempit pelted stones at a group of policemen when they tried to break up a street-side gathering at a housing estate near here yesterday.
• Twenty policemen rushed to the location at about 2am after two of their colleagues were stoned by the street racers.
• Unfazed by the defiance, the policemen gave chase and apprehended 17 youths – including three teenage girls – after brief scuffles.
• “My men were not injured but one of the patrol cars was damaged when the Mat Rempit grazed the car with a motorbike,” said ACP Muhammad Fuad.
• He said one of the 12 machines seized was believed to be stolen property.
• On Oct 15, a group of about 20 Mat Rempit stoned the Kubang Semang police station near Bukit Mertajam in Penang, after two of their friends were arrested for illegal racing along the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway.

It is no longer about illegal racing, it is crime, violence and ignorance. It is about how you balance your adrenaline rush against rationale as a living human being. Grazing their motorbike with police car? They should really spend more time thinking with their brain then acting like a hero using their ass and super-duper motorbike, hoping to crash the "tiny" police car.

Rapist's Penis, Anyone?

China officially admits executed prisoners are the basis of organ trafficking - AsiaNews/Agencies, 16th Nov 2006

• China’s government has admitted that an illegal traffic in human organs for transplant actually exists, but blamed it on the work of rogue surgeons. For this reason, it has called on the members of the profession to adhere to a “code of conduct”.
• Addressing a conference of surgeons in Guangzhou yesterday, Deputy Health Minister Huang Jiefu acknowledged that most organs harvested come from executed prisoners. He insisted that informed consent must inform organ harvesting, that donation be voluntary and done with the consent of donors or their families.
• “Under-the-table business must be banned,” Mr Huang said cognizant that too often organs come from non consenting parties and are sold for high fees to foreigners.
• China executes anywhere between two and ten thousands prisoners, the highest number in the world. And families have complained that the bodies of their executed relatives are not handed over.
• Human right groups have said some mainland hospitals have traded organs to patients in other countries, and foreign patients disguised as tourists have come to the mainland for transplants using organs from prisoners or other donors who had not given their informed consent.

Transplant organs removed without executed prisoners’ consent - AsiaNews/Agencies, 20th April 2006

• Charges against China are not new. Members of the Falun Gong spiritual movement have repeatedly said that prisoners from a labour camp near Shenyang, where a transplant centre is located, are executed whenever requests for organs are made.
• Relatives who try to ask for the bodies of executed Falun Gong members are beaten or arrested since their movement is illegal. Instead, bodies are usually cremated. Moreover, under 1984 regulations, a prisoner’s organs can be used without any prior consent if no one makes a claim for the remains.
• In September of last year, the press reported that a Chinese cosmetic company was using skin from dead prisoners for beauty products sold in Europe.
• Chinese Deputy Health Minister Huang Jiefu acknowledged that most liver transplants relied on organs from prisoners in remarks he made at the International Conference on Liver Transplants in July 2005.

Last post of the day. If you ever think of organ transplant in China, do consider whether you want it from a drug trafficker, murderer or even a rapist.

Videos On Alleged Rigging of UMNO Election

Some interesting youtube videos on the alleged rigging of UMNO election, which caused the defeat of Mahathir:

Aminuddin Omar - Kubang Pasu Youth Exco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3cDS15KvHw

Radzi Ayob - ex-Kubang Pasu youth wing chief
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzArn0ahX6o

No Update Notice

I will be away for a few days. Will be backed, possibly on 21th Nov to share our thoughts again. Till then, have a great weekend ahead my friends.

SUPP Downfall, Is Lesson Learned?

MCA Youth regrets criticism of Barisan leaders - The Star, 16th Nov 2006

• MCA Youth has expressed regret at the strong criticism against certain MCA, Gerakan and MIC leaders at the Umno Youth general assembly, saying delegates should refrain from making fiery and emotional statements.
• Its chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the criticisms were made although Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had asked delegates to refrain from making irresponsible statements that would hurt the feelings of other races.
• Describing it as more “poisonous and unreasonable than the opposition,” the MP for Bentong said Barisan component leaders must take into account the importance of all races when implementing any policy.
• On Tuesday, Hishammuddin, who is Umno Youth chief, said that opportunistic leaders who stoked the “fires of disunity” had no place in Barisan Nasional.
• He said Malaysia could not be moulded by the narrow-mindedness, chauvinism and extremism of those who play the racial card in order to emerge as champions of their race.

Najib reminds BN allies of pact - The Star, 16th Nov 2006

• Barisan Nasional component parties that adhere to party policy uphold the social contract enshrined in the constitution and national policy although there may be individuals, who criticise or dispute the social contract, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.
• The Deputy Prime Minister said that even if these individuals might be the main leaders of the component parties, they were still bound by the policy that was formulated collectively.

My advice to Abdullah, Najib and Hisham, don't make naive comments that would makes you swallow your own words at a later stage, it just makes you look even worse on international arena. Still in control, Pak Lah? "Take it easy, brother".

And to MIC, MCA and Gerakan, if you want to maintain people's support, maybe you should start thinking about where you stand and even forming alliance with opposition. The downfall of SUPP in Sarawak is a good indicator of our hatred on corruption, dicrimination and how the parties are able to maintain their "golden silence" even when they were being treated as second class citizens. "It reaches my boiling point" when seeing the parties that represent the minorities being critised and yet, still pledging for loyalty to the empire. It is about rights against wrongs and if you can't get this simple philosophy, no one can help you.

Anwar Not Even Considering UMNO

Anwar not keen on Umno, says Azizah - The Star, 16th Nov 2006

• FORMER deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is still a political force to be reckoned with and that is why Umno delegates still see fit to attack him in their speeches, said his wife Datin Seri Wan Azizah Ismail.
• Wan Azizah, who is the Parti Keadilan Rakyat Nasional president, said that the delegates had attacked Anwar because what her husband had said was relevant to them.
• “If they do not consider him a political force, they would not bother,” she said.
• On Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin hitting out at Anwar for saying that the New Economic Policy was no longer needed, Wan Azizah said that Anwar had taken this stand because after 33 years, the NEP had failed in enriching its bumiputra target group.
• On Umno Youth saying they did not want Anwar back in the party, she said: “He is not even considering this (rejoining Umno). Anyway, Anwar was dismissed from Umno for alleged sexual misconduct, which was proven to be untrue by the court. On that score, he should have been reinstated.”

What a relief to fellow Malaysians. This is what we need, a strong leader for opposition party and a new leadership. UMNO's "Malay Warriors" just don't get it, Malays don't have to rely on UMNO to progress, they have alternatives, they have PAS, Keadilan and even DAP.

The current race-based policy only benefits the few priviledged ones and to correct this, we need a class-based management system. When the real war comes, UMNO's leaders will only be waving the keris at the back, shouting on the name of "Malay blood", "Malay warriors", and guess who will be dying on the front line?

A Bomb Blasted At Ipoh

Woman hurt in blast at Ipoh food court - The Star, 16th Nov 2006

• An Ipoh City Council cleaner suffered slight injuries to her lower right leg after a homemade bomb exploded at the Medan Kidd food court.
• M. Krishnambal, 54, who was given outpatient treatment, said she was removing a plastic bag from the floor at the food court around 9.45am yesterday.
• “I thought it contained rubbish and had a shock when the package suddenly exploded,” she said, adding that the incident happened around 9.45am yesterday.
• Hawker Halijah Bakar, 51, said she spotted a man in his 50s putting down the plastic bag.
• “He came to my stall at about 7.30am and wanted to order nasi berlauk (mixed rice).
• “When I told him I only had nasi lemak, he ordered Teh-O instead,” she said.
• Halijah said the man looked nervous.

Can you see the direction which our country heading to?

Altantuya's Death Is Confirmed

Altantuya murder case: Razak to be charged - The Star, 16th Nov 2006

Malaysian analyst to be charged in connection with murder of Mongolian model - Channelnewsasia, 16th Nov 2006

• Abdul Razak -- whose political connections stretch as high as deputy premier Najib Razak, who is also defence minister -- has been in police custody since being detained last Tuesday.
• "He will be charged for abetment to murder today (Thursday)," said Abdul Ghani. The crime is punishable by death.
• A court on Wednesday charged Azilah Hadri, 30, and Sirul Azhar Umar, 35, with the murder of Altantuya.
• Both men were junior officers of the police tactical unit. If found guilty, they face the death penalty.
  

Just to keep the readers updated on the progress of Altantuya murder case. Abdul Razak, a chief inspector and a corporal are charged and the female detective released on bail after DNA test confirmed the blown pieces is Altantuya. From Guang Ming Daily, The female detective has now become the witness for prosecution.

Revamp The Financial System

Puteri Umno wants more flexible bank loan approvals - “Banks should stop asking who is behind their companies or whether any big shots are at the helm of the company, as a prerequisite to approving loans,” Noraini said in her policy speech. (The Star, 25th Nov 2006)

Get the facts right, missy! In the financial world, risk is the keyword. For one to obtain a loan at a low interest, you will need a mortgage or a guarantor. Otherwise, bank will issue you a high risk loan, "unsecured" loan at a higher interest.

There is no such thing as "unsecured" but low interest, but you might want to talk to KJ, I heard he had good friends that issued interest-free loan when he bought some shares, a while ago.

Majulah Bangsa!

Bumi equity now at 18.9% - The Star, 14th Nov 2006

• The Government has reiterated that bumiputra equity ownership in the corporate sector was 18.9% at the end of 2004 as mentioned in the 9th Malaysia Plan.
• This is based on data produced by the technical committee of the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Effendi Norwawi said yesterday.
• The committee comprises experts from the EPU, Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM), Securities Commission, Bursa Malaysia and Permodalan Nasional Bhd.
• The committee also has the services of external experts in the information technology field to generate the data required

No time limit to achieve Malay Agenda, says Najib - The Star, 14th Nov 2006

• No time limit will be set to achieve the Malay Agenda to uplift the status of the race, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.
• He said it was impossible to correct the 446 years Malays were oppressed under the rule of foreigners between 1511 and 1957 within a period of 20 to 30 years.
• “For as long as long as our goals are not achieved, we will continue the struggle, deploying every available resource for the sake of our people.
• “What we struggle for are our rights without denying the rights of others,” he said when opening the Umno Wanita, Youth and Puteri delegates conferences here on Monday evening.
• On the other hand, he said the government’s figure of 18.9% of bumiputra equity ownership was realistic as it was derived from the data of 600,000 companies compared to the 1,000 public listed firms in the study.
• Similarly, Najib noted that the Economic Planning Unit figures last year showed that bumiputra owned 11.7% of commercial buildings while it was 71% for the Chinese.
• Likewise, he said the average monthly income of bumiputra had merely increased from RM339 in 1976 to RM2,711 in 2004 while for the Chinese, the figure rose from RM796 to RM4,437 during the same period.
• “Based on this fact alone, Lee Kuan Yew’s allegation that Malaysian Chinese are being sidelined is completely wrong. Let it never be said that our openness and inclusiveness is a sign of weaknesses.
• “On the contrary, it is precisely these qualities that make up the formula of our success. This is the approach well accepted by all races willing to work hand in hand to develop Malaysia,” Najib added.

Firstly, PM took Malaysians as fools. Despite various communities calling for transparency in the statistics, what we received is a statement after another. Stop wasting our time, "it is hard to be nice and patient". It is no longer about numbers, but it is a test on PM's and also government's credibility. Denying the facts will only prolong the damage.

Secondly, Najib does not take in the factor of how hard Chinese have worked for their deserved income and totally disregard the handouts given by the government to the Bumis. 20-30 years is not enough, let's work harder with "no time limit" until Malay's status is uplifted!

Majulah Negara! Majulah Bangsa! Penatlah Orang Cina and India!

When Malaysian Talks

Teng: Don’t skirt issue - Dr Teng, who is state Local Government committee chairman, said he met Abu Bakar yesterday and the council president claimed that the press had misunderstood him. “As such, I told him to meet the media as soon as possible so that the matter does not blow up further,” added Dr Teng. Abu Bakar could not be reached for comments. (The Star, 14th Nov 2006)

Abu Bakar is just so Malaysian!

Ban Religion, Says Elton John

Ban religion, says Elton John - Channelnewsasia, 13th Nov 2006

• "I think religion has always tried to turn hatred towards gay people. From my point of view, I would ban religion completely," he was quoted as saying.
• "Organized religion doesn't seem to work. It turns people into really hateful lemmings and it's not really compassionate. The world is near escalating to World War Three and where are the leaders of each religion?"
• "Why aren't they having a conclave? Why aren't they coming together? I said this after 9/11 and people thought I was nuts. Instead of more violence why isn't there a meeting of religious leaders?" he said.
• "It's like the peace movement in the Sixties. Musicians got through to people by getting out there and doing peace concerts but we don't seem to do them anymore.
• "If John Lennon were alive today, he'd be leading it with a vengeance."

An alternative viewpoint of Elton John. I am not against any religion, his comments are just something that all of us should ponder about, what is wrong with this world? People stop loving each other and everyone is fighting selfishly for lust, money and power.

Just Another Epic

Leaders of Malaysia's ruling party back PM Abdullah - Leaders of Malaysia's ruling party used the start of an annual week-long summit Monday to voice strong support for Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, following continued attacks by his predecessor. (Channelnewsasia, 13th Nov 2006)

Meeting to be aired live on XX - The Umno general assembly, which begins today at the Putra World Trade Centre here, will be shown live over XX’s Channel XX. (The Star, 13th Nov 2006)

If you have ever wondered why certain cable TV operator is live-telecasting the proceeding of UMNO's general assembly, you should be able to find your answer through this short news extract. It is about propaganda and declaration of loyalty. It is another cosplay, stageplay or whatever play you like to call it, meant to gain support for next general election. Hopefully I have put it in a layman term, simple enough to understand. If the people are behind the PM, why does UMNO has to stage so many epics to convince the people?

I have decided to leave out the cable TV operator's name and channel number because I don't do free advertisement and it is against my will to help them with the publicity. Why bother to watch if you have already know the outcome? I remember once my university mate passed us a few questions so that we can ask him during his presentation. He will then answer in style with the prepared answers and all these are just so familiar.

Release of statistics on Bumi's equity and live telecasting the scrutiny would be a better idea. I bet the viewership should be high enough to impress. Do not miss out the racial element, it must be scrutinised by experts of all races, different parties and also NGOs. If you meant to do it with MIC and MCA only, then don't bother to waste your resources.

Bird Brain vs. Malaysia Forensic Department

Source of info: Kwang Wah Yit Poh

It doesn't matter whether you have a first or worst class forensic department when you have bird brains that do not sealed up crime scene's vicinity before we even have a solid court case.

Forensics department up to mark - The Star, 13th Nov 2006

• The forensics department will continue to upgrade its services in keeping with technological advances so that it can solve intriguing and extraordinary crimes.
• Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Fu Ah Kiow said at present the department had the necessary expertise to handle most cases, including the “high-profile” ones.
• “Let’s not forget, criminals too are getting smarter,” said Fu when met after opening a seminar on Taoism and before he launched a booklet on the prevention of cheating by mediums at Wisma MCA here yesterday.

Criminals are getting smarter and bird brains are getting more in our justice system. All these equalised to nett unsolved cases.

Link: The Perfect Script

Travel Advice: Ladies' Attire

Picture of victimised victim, Melissa Darlyne Chow

(Source of info: The Star)

Please practice due deligence when travelling to Malaysia, attire as illustrated by Melissa, a victimised victim at the recent CCTV incident is unacceptable, especially at the presence of Datuk Abu Bakar Hassan, Penang Municipal Council's President. Help yourself by wrapping up like a dumpling to prevent sexual harrassment, or else you have yourself to blame for being "too sexy".

Happy Visit Malaysia Year 2007! All ladies are welcome for some discriminative treatment, free-of-charge, from Malaysia, truly Asia.

A Bite On The Sweety Pie

Officer tried to frame me, says houseowner - The Star, 13th Nov 2006

• A HOUSEOWNER in Klang caught a Health Department officer trying to frame him with a tube containing mosquito larvae, reported Nanyang Siang Pau.
• Lee Hai Ann said about 10 health officers on their rounds to check for Aedes mosquito breeding grounds had demanded to enter his house.
• “Upon entering my house, my wife spotted one of them holding a glass tube containing brownish water and was behaving suspiciously.
• “The officer was shocked when my wife shouted at him. He accidentally spilled the content of the tube in his haste to put it into his pocket,” said Lee.
• Lee said he then grabbed the glass tube from the man and found the tube to contain filthy water with mosquito larvae.
• “The other officers immediately ushered the man away, leaving two others in my house."
• “They asked me to forget about the matter which I refused,” said Lee.
  He later lodged a police report.

Everyone wants a bite on the sweety pie, for those who are too far from reaching that pie, they resort to their own means. Want to know who contributed to the downslide of Malaysia's CPI ranking, PM? Check your mans!

Too Sexy For My Love

Council chief slammed over remark - The Star, 13th Nov 2006

• Penang Municipal Council president Datuk Abu Bakar Hassan should apologise to the media for his “insensitive” remark over the dressing of women journalists, said state deputy assembly speaker Datuk Lye Siew Weng.
• Abu Bakar had claimed on Saturday that the CCTV incident would not have happened if the journalist’s attire was not sexy. He also said a dress code would be drawn up for the media.
• The same day, New Straits Times journalist Melissa Darlyne Chow, 23, lodged a police report in which she alleged that the CCTV operator in the control room had outraged her modesty by focussing the camera on her thighs. Chow had said she was wearing decent office attire and her skirt was knee length when she attended the council meeting on Friday.
• Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said it was inappropriate for Abu Bakar to remark that if the dresses of women journalists were not sexy, the camera would not have zoomed on their thighs.
• State MCA youth chief Ooi Chuan Aik called for an independent body to be set up to investigate the incident.
• State Economic Planning, Education and Human Resource, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Dr Toh Kin Woon said Abu Bakar’s statement was very insulting to women and described the incident as a “serious case of harassment.”

Seems like ideology of "uncovered meat" is practiced not only by the Clerics in Australia, but also by Penang's Municipal Council President. If Abu Bakar Hassan's comment is acceptable, I wonder if peeping is by all means, is legal in Malaysia? In his context, if you don't wrap yourself up like a mummy or dumpling, then you have no right to complaint about peeping tom.

NUJ: Sexy attire remark utterly baseless - The Star, 13th Nov 2006

• The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has described as “utterly baseless” the remarks of Penang Municipal Council president Datuk Abu Bakar Hassan concerning the recent closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera incident at City Hall.
• NUJ president Norila Md Daud said the comments were utterly baseless and she questioned how the blame could be put entirely on the journalists when it was obvious that the CCTV operator had ulterior motives.
• “The issue here now however is the work ethics of the CCTV operator. That should be the main concern,” Norila said.
• The incident came to light after a fellow journalist spotted the images on the CCTV monitor in the control room last Friday.
• The camera had been focusing on the women’s thighs for more than 15 minutes, which later caused one of them to break down in tears after seeing her picture on the monitor.

Stop blaming the victim, say groups - The Star, 13th Nov 2006

• Stop blaming sexual harassment on victims. This is the call by women’s groups and leaders here who expressed outrage over the CCTV “peeping tom” controversy at City Hall.
• Women’s Centre for Change executive director Loh Cheng Kooi said she was extremely disappointed with Penang Municipal Council president Datuk Abu Bakar Hassan’s remarks over the dressing of women journalists.
• The National Council of Women’s Organisations (Penang branch) president Datin Elizabeth Devaraj said what the journalist wore did not justify such unwarranted attention.
• “The act of focusing the CCTV on her thighs was a gross infringement of personal rights,” she said.
• State Wanita Gerakan chairman Ng Siew Lai said Abu Bakar should not be diverting attention away from the act by blaming it on the journalist’s attire.

As I have mentioned several times in various blogs, "victimising the victims" is our Bolehland's speciality whenever sensitive issues are involved. If it is not good enough, some racist spices would make it taste even better.

More Than 1 Term of Back Tracking? Hell No!

Malaysian PM vows to stay in power despite attacks - Channelnewsasia, 12th Nov 2006

• Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has vowed to remain in power despite ex-premier Mahathir Mohamad's criticism that he is endangering the economy, a report said Sunday.
• "I will not run. I am here to stay. I have a long-term plan," Abdullah said in an interview with the Malay-language Mingguan Malaysia.
• With all the policies and strategies in place, it would take more than one term to accomplish the mission, he said.
• "I will work to ensure all the projects are implemented," he said.
• Abdullah faces a test of support within the party at the week-long general assembly, where no restrictions have been placed on topics for debates.

I doubt there will be a test of support during UMNO's assembly. With Abdullah's "long term plan" in mind and his promise to "ensure all the projects are implemented", who wouldn't want to board this gravy train. It sounds like the train can go pretty far, because "it would take more than one term to accomplish the mission". Worse come to worst, blame the statistics.

He didn't mention about making a change, so I bet he prefer to run Malaysia the communist way. I wonder how far would Malaysia back-track after more than 1 term. If you have questions on how Malaysia has metarmorphed from a police state to a communist state, click on the link to read more on recent Bumi's equity debate.

Malay Chamber of Commerce Wants Transprency Too

Now Malay Chamber of Commerce questions govt's methodology - The Sun, 10th Nov 2006

• The Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia yesterday questioned the methodology used by the government to calculate the corporate equity ownership of Malays.
• It said in a statement that Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin's revelation in Parliament that bumiputras controlled 36.64% of the 912 companies (as at last Dec 31) listed on the main and second boards of Bursa Malaysia as "puzzling".
• Chamber president Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Maidin said: "The revelation is discrepant. The government's previous firm stand was 18.9% ... we are worried that this will conduse the Malays.
• "What methodology did the government use that resulted in the contradicting findings that is diseminated to the people?"
• To eliminate confusion and ignorance of the Malays about their real economic status, the chamber urges the government and Malay leaders to:

1. prepare data of Malays' status that separates the government-owned companies from those of bumiputra status;
2. call Malay intellectuals to work together in preparing a complete and accurate data on the economic wealth of the community; and
3. be firm in stating the Malays' position, and not speak out of fear or favour.
   

It looks like "Abang Adik" not only confused the Non-Bumis, even the Malay Chamber of Commerce now demands for transparency.

Twist Again?

Proton caught unaware - The Star, 14th Jan 2006

• Proton Holdings Bhd was surprised by Volkswagen AG's decision to abort plans for an alliance with the national carmaker but investors turned cautious on the stock and sent Proton's share to its lowest level in over four years.
• Bernama reports that Volkswagen's plans to relegate Proton into a mass assembler of completely-knocked-down Volkswagen cars and its insistence on taking a controlling stake in the national carmaker have wrecked plans for the two automakers to strike a strategic tie up, quoting people familiar with the negotiations.
• “It was simply not acceptable to Proton to be downgraded from being a full-fledged auto manufacturer to a mere assembler of Volkswagen cars.
• “This would have meant the end of Malaysia's ability to develop and manufacture cars,” said an investment banker.
• The investment banker said that over time, it became apparent Volkswagen wanted to exercise control over Proton, including the running of its finance, management, product development and manufacturing operations.

That was in January 2006 and what is it now?

Decision on foreign partner for Proton within three months - The Star, 10th Nov 2006

• The Malaysian government is in talks with foreign car makers, including Germany's Volkswagen AG and Peugeot SA of France, about possibly selling a stake in national automaker Proton Holdings Bhd., an official said Friday.
• "We've been open-minded and we've been talking to many parties,'' Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Malaysia's junior finance minister, told reporters.
• "If it's necessary to bring a foreign partner, we will bring in a foreign partner,'' he said. "Within three months, we will come back with something more.''

Govt okays 51% sale of Proton manufacturing - TheEdgeDaily, 8th Nov 2006

• The government is believed to have finally decided on giving foreign parties 51% control in the manufacturing operations of Proton Holdings Bhd, with German carmaker Volkswagen AG being mentioned as a potential partner, a source said.

Patriotism is dispensable and circumstantial. Now, it is OK to relegate Proton, let foreign company exercise control over local company, including the running of its finance, management, product development and manufacturing operations for the sake of survival. The twist is just so, Malaysia.

Life Is Cheap

(Source of info: Kwang Wah yit Poh)

The remanded officers claimed that Abdul Razak Baginda has instructed them to eliminate the problematic mistress for a mere US$30,000. Talk is cheap, a human's life is even cheaper.

Link: Sex Education: Implication of Unprotected Sex

Who Is More Scandalous?

PAS timber scandal brewing - The Star, 10th Nov 2006

• The Kelantan Barisan Nasional has claimed that certain PAS leaders solicited millions of ringgit from timber contractors for the approval of concessions and logging permits.
• Its chairman Datuk Seri Annuar Musa said the money was channelled to the party’s coffers, resulting in the state becoming poorer but enriching the party.
• Showing several letters with company letterheads, including a copy of a cheque to substantiate the claims to reporters, Annuar said he would soon make reports with the Anti-Corruption Agency.
• Asked the amount of money involved in the transactions, Annuar said he had evidence that at least five private companies had “given” over RM1mil since 2000.

RM1mil in 6 years time, not too bad right, comparing to others that siphoned off millions at the blink of eye. After all, it is only 14,000 per month, I wonder how poor Kelantan has become. The scandal was revealed before it is reported to ACA, something fishy? Politics in Malaysia is just so interesting. It is about how to make big thing looks small and small thing looks big.

This piece of news came right after PM 's statement on corruption, what a coincidence. PAS Kelantan is the first on the chopping board, who's next?

PM: Speed up the cases against corrupt 'anchovies, sharks' - The Sun, 9th Nov 2006

• Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants the courts to expedite the hearing of corruption cases -- no matter if they involve "anchovies or sharks".
• He said there had been criticisms made by the people that such cases were being delayed by the courts.
• The prime minister also commented on Malaysia's position in Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index, which showed the country's score slipping from 5.1 last year to 5.0 this year.
• He said the figure was dissapointing but also questioned if the study really reflected the actual situation in Malaysia.

Did you hear what the PM has just said, stop wasting your time on small little fish, we want to see solid actions on the killer-sharks.

Why is that whenever "number" is involved, our PM is always in the state of denial? If the CPI does not reflect the actual situation in Malaysia, what would you recommend? Who set the vision to improve Malaysia's CPI ranking and yet, who is questioning the accuracy of CPI now? Contradiction, one after another, we just have to get used to it.

You Pay Or I Pay

Decision on toll rates by year-end - The Star, 10th Nov 2006

• The Cabinet will decide by the end of this year whether to increase the toll charges for the five concessionaires.
• The concessionaires are Guthrie Corridor, KL-Karak Highway, Grand Saga, Lebuhraya Damansara Perdana and Lebuhraya Shah Alam.
• Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the concession agreements would be due by Jan 1 next year.
• “The agreement lapses every three to seven years, so we will have to review the toll. If we do not allow them to increase the toll, then we will have to compensate them,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby here yesterday.

I don't work in these area, neither do I understand the details of the agreement but it sounds like a good project to pick-up because you will never lose money. It is either the road users who will compensate you or the government, either way, you are the winner. I have the similar thought on Singapore's public transport system, which have gone through a few rounds of fee hike since I was here.

How if all these are due to mis-management of the company and or mis-using of operation budget? We pay for your fault too? When other company is facing a down-turn, they will take measures to cut the budget, i.e. reduce the spending, re-structure the company's manpower and improve the efficiency. I hope the ministry has looked into it and the toll increased is based on the principle of "no other way out".

A Bad Day For Mahathir

Malaysia's Mahathir suffers mild heart attack - Channelnewsasia, 9th Nov 2006

• Malaysia's former premier Mahathir Mohamad has suffered a mild heart attack but is in stable condition in a Kuala Lumpur hospital, one of his sons said Thursday.
• "He had chest pains late last night and early this morning, so we called his doctors and they suspected it was a minor heart attack," Mokhzani, the second of Mahathir's three sons, told AFP.
• "So we took him to the National Heart Institute and the tests confirmed that's exactly what he had." Mokhzani said the 81-year-old Mahathir -- who ruled Malaysia for 22 years until handing power to current Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in October 2003 -- was conscious and in stable condition.
• "From the reports the doctors put out today, there is no requirement for any invasive procedures," Mokhzani said.
• "He needs rest. He's just there under observation and the doctor will update us and the public in 48 hours," he said, adding doctors wanted to see how Mahathir would respond to his medication.
• Mokhzani said his father was awake and talking, expressing fears he might miss an upcoming concert by a Bollywood film star in Kuala Lumpur.
• "He's still talking about the Shah Rukh Khan concert, so he's okay. He's been through this before. This is his second heart attack. The first was in 1989," he said.

I haven't watch any of Shah Rukh Khan's performance but I bet it must be so good that Mahathir is still thinking about it when he was hospitalised.

Malaysia's Mahathir making rapid recovery, says son - Channelnewsasia, 10th Nov 2006

• Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is making a quick recovery from his mild heart attack, one of his sons said Friday.
• "He is in good condition. We are convinced in just a matter of time he will be out of the hospital," Mirzan Mahathir told AFP. "He is fine and he is resting," he added.
• Mirzan blamed the attack on Mahathir's recent overseas trips to Saudi Arabia and New Zealand, saying his 81-year-old father had been "tired out".
• Mirzan said his father would like to thank everyone for their prayers and messages for a fast recovery.
• Mirzan said depending on advise from doctors, Mahathir was expected to remain in hospital for a week and would likely miss next week's annual meeting of the ruling United Malays National Organisation's (UMNO). "I don't think he will attend the meeting. He will still be in hospital," he said.

Mahathir is in good shape and he would like to thank all who has prayed for his wellness. The sad thing is he might be out of the action during the annual meeting of UMNO.

The Perfect Script

First, it was only a murder, then...

Analyst gave model diamonds, says consul - The Star, 9th Nov 2006

• “Each time they met, the analyst would give her gifts such as jewellery, including diamonds. He had also deposited US$30,000 (RM111,000) into her account,” said Syed Abdul Rahman, who is based here.
• He said Altantuya's family had kept all the jewellery receipts as well as photographs of the couple when they first met.
• Syed Abdul Rahman said usually when Altantuya wanted to visit Malaysia, she and the analyst would meet beforehand in Shanghai before arriving here. “They would stay in a well-known hotel here each time Altantuya came,” he added.
• He said the couple had travelled to South Africa and Europe together on holiday. – Bernama

The money element; RM111,000 cash, jewellery (including diamonds) and holidays to South Africa and Europe.

Woman’s dad to prove marital ties - The Star, 9th Nov 2006

• The father of murdered model Altantuya Shaariibuu will come with documents to prove that she was married to the prominent political analyst, Mongolian honorary consul Datuk Syed Abdul Rahman Alhabshi said.
• Syed Abdul Rahman, who is based here, said Altantuya's father would also be bringing his grandson for DNA tests to ascertain the identity of the father.
• He said the family would be arriving over the next few days. He, however, declined to reveal the actual date of arrival, citing security concerns.
• Syed Abdul Rahman said he was baffled by media reports claiming that Altantuya had extorted RM1.85mil from the political analyst.
• “Altantuya's family is well off as her father is a successful contractor in Ulan Bator.”

Witnesses and evidence are flocking in, and probability of "another assassination" boil up the climax even higher. Accusation comes into the picture, claiming extortion of RM1.85mil by the victim from the poor married man.

Razak an urbane and debonair intellectual - The Star, 9th Nov 2006

• Cabinet ministers, politicians and intellectuals who had been contacting reporters for confirmation of the analyst’s detention since Tuesday expressed shock at what had taken place.
• “This is a shock to many of us because Abdul Razak is an affable person and everyone knows of his strong political ties with certain Umno personalities,” said a fellow analyst.
• A former Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia lecturer regarded Abdul Razak as a “good man”, and he hoped that the public and media would adopt an open mind.

The "spin" element, he does sound like a good man, doesn't he?

Mongolian students express shock - The Star, 9th Nov 2006

• Mongolian students here are shocked by the brutal murder of 28-year-old Mongolian freelance model Altantuya Shaariibuu.
• “We do not know her but we are shocked to learn about her murder. We are also scared,” said Dorj Solongo, 23, when met at a college here.

The reactions.

Democrats Are In The House

Democrats seize control of House - The White House conceded the Democrats had picked up the 15 net seats needed to wrest power from the Republicans - for the first time in 12 years. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said the American people had "voted for Democrats to take our country in a new direction - and that is exactly what we intend to do". (BBC, 8th Nov 2006)

It is a season of change, Democrats are in the House, Thaksin outlawed by millitary power, is it season finale or next episode is coming? Are we getting a new direction too to get Malaysia out of the current mess?

The Truth Has Prevailed, Never Ending Policy Continues

Bumis own 36.64% of listed companies - The Sun, 8th Nov 2006

• Bumiputra equity ownership of the 912 companies listed on the main and second boards of Bursa Saham Malaysia (BSM) stood at 36.64% and valued at RM78.4 billion as at Dec 31 last year. Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Husin revealed this in the Dewan Rakyat today in reply to a question from Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.
• "The methodology in any research undertaken is based on the belief and understanding of the said researcher," he said.
• "However, the methodology used by us (the governement) is more all encompassing and fairer in giving an overall picture to reflect our country's economy."
• "The 30% is the minimum objective. If we follow the racial composition, it has to be 60%. If we want to look at this emotionally, then we (bumiputra) are also not satisfied," he said.
• Asked by Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Bandar Kuching) whether the deputy minister has meant the government will continue with the NEP even if it has achieved 30%, he said: "Under the 9MP and Vision 2020, our achievement is to be fair to all races. We have to make sure that the policy earlier has to be realised."

The truth has prevailed, it is not the number that matters, because not matter how hard you debated the figure, it depends on the "belief and understanding of the researcher", according to "Abang Adik", which for layman like us, he means "do not question".

Government claimed that their computation includes a larger pool of companies, apart from companies from first and second board, but when are they going to reveal that figure? It puzzles me seriously that a ready statitics need to go through so much closed door discussion before it can be made known to public. Anyway, after much debate, the target has just been raised to 60% because it is meant "to be fair to all races"? As a non-Bumi, when have we received a fair treatment?

Am I worked up? You bet I do. I have worked so hard to excel academically and also in ECA activities, but still not good enough to secure any scholarship to get through the hardest time of my family during my university years. Yet, it is piece of cake for my Bumi classmates to get theirs for studying in foreign countries with their less than desirable results. Ask around those who have studied in the same oversea universities with our kampung jaguh, and you will know how they are pampered with exorbitant amount of scholarships.

From a police state, Malaysia has just turned into Communist state. After all, it is just fair distribution of wealth by population ratio. In other words, it means when our equity went lower than the supposed ratio, we will be given special priviledges too (I supposed), and Bumi will have to part some of their shares to us so that it is fair and equal. No need to work so hard, my friends and families, all of us will get the fair share of this sweet little pie end of the day.

Link: Let's Grill The Number, Buying Time, Brain Drain, True Man With Courage - Dr Lim Teck Ghee, Backing Down, Finally

ACA, Anti-Complaint-Agency

Money laundering report against deputy minister - The Star, 8th Nov 2006

• A fruit exporter has lodged a report with the Anti-Corruption Agency alleging that a deputy minister was involved in money laundering of up to RM10mil.
• Mohamad Tahir Fazal Mohamad lodged the report on Aug 23 along with supporting documents.
• Among them, were certified copies of receipts of payment to the deputy minister from 2000 up to the present day, and the general ledger of a company of which the deputy minister is chairman.
• Mohamad Tahir claimed the documents showed that the deputy minister had breached the Anti-Laundering Act and Bank Negara regulations through the illegal transfer of huge sums of money.
• “I have gone to see the ACA four times since filing the report but nothing has been done,” he said at a press conference yesterday at the Parti Keadilan Rakyat office.
  “They have not even recorded my statement.”
• At the press conference, he was flanked by lawyers Damian Pheny, who is his counsel, and Sivarasa Rasiah, who is the PKR vice-president.
• “If there is no response from the ACA after this, we will assist to take it up to Putrajaya to the Prime Minister’s Department,” Sivarasa said.

What did the Anti-Corruption Agency deputy director-general Datuk Zakaria Jaffar just said when Malaysia slipped 5 places on the Corruption Perception Index?

"The agency was independent and could investigate politicians, but people were not willing to come forward with information".

What did someone that is trying to lodge a complaint said (be reminded that he has hand-full of information)?

“I have gone to see the ACA four times since filing the report but nothing has been done, they have not even recorded my statement.”

Come on, how many times these people need to slap their own face before they woke up? ACA, Anti-Corruption-Agency or Anti-Complaint-Agency?

ACA not obliged to brief complainant - 9th Nov 2006

• The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) is not required to inform a complainant of any follow-up action or investigation it may take on a report lodged with it.
• Its director-general Datuk Seri Zulkipli Mat Noor said the agency would study the report and then investigate accordingly if there was a basis to it.

The issue is, for the very least that you could do, at least you should have taken his statement, right? More excuses?

Asian Heroes by Times Magazine

In the special edition of Times Magazine, it pays tribute to 60 Asian heroes, who have significant contribution in vaious fields, and amidst those familiar names, we have Singapore MM, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew on the list. He was being potrayed as smart, tough, pragmatic—an enduring symbol of Asia itself. He has been widely regarded as one of the smartest brain in Asian region, transforming Singapore into what they are now, with GDP per capita at $29,500 from a few hundreds in just 40 years.

If the neighbours could label him as "senile", then I bet we need to find a better term to describe their state of mind which is lower than "senile", perhaps a "retard"? Pardon my poor English, I am very bad with words.

I bet the "kampung jagung" won't be able to get their names on the list even if they brought "teh tarik" to the space.

The Cover:
60 Years of Asian Heroes

The Contents:
Gandhi & Nehru
Corazon Aquino
Aung San & Aung San Suu Kyi
Ahmad Shah Massoud
Deng Xiaoping
Mohammad Hatta
General Vo Nguyen Giap
Sir Murray MacLehose
General Douglas MacArthur
Mohammed Ali Jinnah
Lee Kuan Yew
Akira Kurosawa
Amartya Sen
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Maxine Hong Kingston
Kenzo Tange
Hayao Miyazaki
Farrokh Bulsara
Nam June Paik
Han Suyin
Gong Li
Seiji Ozawa
Salman Rushdie
Li Ka-shing
Akio Morita & Masaru Ibuka
Stan Shih
Jerry Yang
Momofuku Ando
Narayana Murthy
Hanae Mori, Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake & Rei Kawakubo
Muhammad Yunus
Chung Ju Yung
Victor & William Fung
Shigeru Miyamoto
Lakshmi Mittal
Sachin Tendulkar
Li Ning
Jahangir Khan
Bruce Lee
Efren Reyes
Tenzing Norgay & Sir Edmund Hillary
Rudy Hartono
Sadaharu Oh
Mou Zuoyun
The Dalai Lama
Youk Chhang
Guan Yi & Malik Peiris
Thich Nhat Hanh
Eugenia Apostol & Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc
Kang Chol Hwan
Judith Mackay
Mechai Viravaidya
Ding Zilin
Meena
King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Mother Teresa

(Source of info: Times Magazine, November 13, 2006 Vol. 168, No. 20)

These are the great people of the region, click on the links if you want to know more. You can find a brief description of their contribution using this link.

Sex Education: Implication of Unprotected Sex

The analyst, his lover's body and a KL scandal - TODAYonline, 8th Nov 2006

• Malaysian police have detained a well-known political analyst and three police officers over the gruesome murder of a Mongolian woman. Police top brass, including Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan, were tight-lipped about the case and refused to reveal the names of the suspects.
• The political analyst, in his 40s, is believed to be a close associate of a Malaysian Cabinet minister and is often quoted in the media on international affairs.
• The victim, Ms Anna Ana Ang, was shot and her body blown up with a grenade. The woman, in her 30s, is said to have had a brief sexual encounter with the political analyst when he was in Mongolia last year, an affair which resulted in a baby born in Mongolia this year.
• According to Malaysian media reports, on Oct 9, Ms Ang and two friends travelled to Malaysia and confronted the analyst, who is married with children. The meeting in the posh Kuala Lumpur suburb of Damansara Heights turned sour and the analyst, who heads a think-tank, sought the help of the police.
• Police officers escorted Ms Ang away and ordered her friends to leave while the matter was being "settled". According to Bernama news agency, her friends became worried when Ms Ang failed to return to the hotel and reported the matter to the Malaysian police as well as the Mongolian consulate in Thailand. The Mongolian consulate contacted the Malaysian police and asked for help in locating Ms Ang. Armed with details provided by her friends, Malaysian police pieced the case together.
• Three police officers have been detained in connection with the murder: A female lance corporal, an inspector and a chief inspector with the elite special action unit. On Monday, the detained police personnel led investigators to Tasik Subang Dam in Shah Alam, where parts of Ms Ang's skeletal remains were found.
• Speaking to reporters, Inspector-General Musa said: "We may detain some more people to assist in the investigation but please do not speculate and I do not want to reveal how many more will be detained."

Please include this in the sex education module of Malaysia. Example of how unprotected sex ended-up with gruesome murder plan that involved A POLITICAL ANALYST (CLOSE ASSOCIATE OF MINISTER), 3 POLICE OFFICERS and A MONOGLIAN LADY???!?!?! I was shocked when I heard the news on Singapore's TV last night. What the hell is happening that this Mongolian lady was blown out in the Bolehland?

What is the difference when a fake police officer and genuine police officer stops your car? To get down the car or not? Some might suggest the old methodology of driving to the police station but how safe are you? You might have to do another nude squatting again.

Top Malaysian analyst pleads innocence over model's murder - Channelnewsasia, 8th Nov 2006

• A top political analyst close to senior politicians was being detained for five days as part of a police investigation into the abduction and murder of a French-trained Mongolian model, his lawyer said Wednesday.
• "I had a short interview with Abdul Razak Baginda this morning at the court and I am relieved to hear that he is in no way involved in the abduction or murder," Shafie Abdullah told AFP.
• "He is being investigated for the abduction and murder. Abdul Razak is being detained for five days until Sunday. "He pleads innocence," he said, adding Abdul was picked up by police on Tuesday.
• Shafie also said Abdul Razak knew one of the policemen detained in the investigation.
• Abdul Razak is the executive director of the Malaysian Strategic Research Centre, a leading private think-tank in Malaysia, and provides regular commentary on the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).

Some updates if anyone is interested to know who is the so called political analyst. Adultery? Murder? This is so sexciting, just like the Hongkong drama, where you have the elements of sex, money, crime, triad and politics. Once again, our research centre made it to the headline and so do the ruling UMNO.

Bangsa Malaysia

Bangsa Malaysia in mind - “Bangsa Malaysia means we do not evaluate someone by his skin colour, race or religion,” Najib said when closing the Johor Umno Convention at Persada Johor here yesterday. “It does not question the special rights of the Malays, our quota or anything of that sort.” (The Star, 7th Oct 2006)

In short, I believe what Najib means is there is NO Bangsa Malaysia. How does it make us one united race when some received a better treatment than us?

Success story of unity in diversity - MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the people should be talking about the spirit of Rakyat Malaysia, and added:”Our freedom to practise our respective cultures, beliefs and religions is en-shrined in the Constitution. The question of assimilation of any one race into another does not arise at all.” Citing the Barisan Nasional as a prime example of “unity in diversity”, Dr Chua said it was a fact that Malaysian political parties – ruling or opposition – were still based on a racial basis. (The Star, 7th Nov 2006)

Unity in diversity or dictatorship in disguise? When the leaders are slapping the face of the minorities and yet the representing parties are still able to keep their mouth shut, this is what they call unity!

Soul of a nation - The term Bangsa Malaysia merely reflects the spirit of a Malaysian and it should be looked at from a broad perspective, MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said.
“To us, Bangsa Malaysia means the Rakyat Malaysia spirit, which already exists rather than the formation of a new race. When you are a Malaysian citizen you enjoy all the rights in the Constitution, which were already agreed upon by our forefathers. “We promote unity in diversity. No race will be deprived of its original identity, culture, religion, language and traditional practices. This is the key to the success of the multi-racial Malaysian society. This is our strength,” he said (The Star, 7th Nov 2006)

Were we being deprived of our original identity and culture when government disallowed burning of fire crackers during Chinese New Year? Our forefathers might be short-sighted when they put their signature on the dicriminating agreement, but evolution theory promises that each new generation will be more critical than the generation before. It will be a tough challenge for the government to convince them of accepting such discriminating treatment.

Transparency International: Corruption Perception Index 2006

Source of info: Transparency International: CPI 2006 & 2005

What does the statistics tell you? If our PM is in control, why did Malaysia's ranking slip from 39 in year 2005 to 44 in year 2006? It looks like the whole ASEAN region is getting more corrupted except Singapore that is stagnant at 5th and Indonesia that has improved by 7. Our PM has failed in delivering his promise, curbing grafts and reducing corruption.

Corruption ranking slips - Just World president Dr Chandra Muzaffar said that to quell rumours about nepotism, politicians and their families should declare their assets but Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi recently said that there was no need for one. “That was disappointing. They should be able to demonstrate that they are above board,” he said. (The Star, 7th Oct 2006)

When the PM failed to be more transparent, what can you expect from a transparency survey? Slipping? I am not surprised.

Scratching Backs

Indon minister skips S'pore meet 'in protest' - TODAYonline, 6th Nov 2006

• Indonesia's Industry Minister Fahmi Idris is still upset at Singapore's decision to raise the haze issue at the United Nations General Assembly last month.
• To register his protest at the move, Mr Fahmi boycotted a meeting of the Indonesia-Singapore joint steering committee on the Batam, Bintan and Karimun special economic zones, according to Antara news agency.
• He claimed that by raising the issue before the General Assembly on Oct 20, Singapore did not uphold the spirit of cooperation among Asean member countries.

What have Indonesia done to uphold the spirit of cooperation among Asean member countries? Failing to stop the haze from spreading, declining to sign the treaty, and giving unreasonable solution when our families' and friends' health are in risk? When you don't scratch my back, why should I scratch yours?

Clearing the air - TODAYonline, 7th Oct 2006

• When Singapore called for a wider effort at the United Nations on Oct 25, Indonesia's response was testy. Its representative, Ms Adiyatwidi Adiwoso Asmady, said the move was "tantamount to interference in the domestic affairs of Indonesia".
• She added: "Where there is already a bilateral and regional arrangement for addressing a problem, let us make full use of them instead of misusing the UN forum in a frenzy of naming and shaming."
• In a letter to Mr Fahmi yesterday, Mr Mirpuri explained that Singapore raised the matter at the UN not to shame its neighbour but to mobilise the international support that was needed.
• Mr Mirpuri said that glossing over the issue of haze during a discussion on environmental issues at the UN was not an option. This would only have cost Asean its credibility.
• "Singapore's strong preference was for an Asean statement, but unfortunately the Indonesian representative did not want the haze issue mentioned at all," said Mr Mirpuri.
• "Hence, Singapore had no choice but to make the points in its own statement."

This is a fair game. If you don't do your part to protect your citizens, at least I have to do mine for my own people. If there is no shame then there is no name, why blame others when you got yourself to blame. I have not heard anything from Malaysia, I thought they always like to piggyback on current issues to attract attention, why don't they comment when it is needed the most?

Who Deceived My Ancestors

To the shock of the 2,000 people present and hundreds of thousands of viewers at home of the live telecast over RTM 1 and TV3, the Ruler said it was built by colonialists who had used dirty tactics to deceive his ancestors. (Quoted from Mave's blog)

I read about the comment from Johor Sultan on his will to demolish the causeway because it will make Johor a more prosperous region. If someone had used dirty tactics to deceive his ancestors in signing the agreement, I can't stop but keep thinking of who had deceived ours when Malaysia is formed? At the same time when he is asking for demolishing the causeway, are we putting a fullstop to the Never Ending Policy?

Let's Talk About Sex

Leaders slam newspaper’s article on sex - The Star, 6th Nov 2006

• Several ministers and Umno leaders have condemned a newspaper for running a feature on sex with explicit details.
• Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Weekend Mail had gone overboard with its feature on sex.
• “I received endless calls and SMS over the articles. The media going overboard in exploiting sex will only worsen our social problems,” he said in his speech when launching the FT Umno Convention yesterday.
• Najib said the newspaper should not have carried such articles that “elaborate in detail” sex positions just to make profit at the expense of public interest.

I have not seen a copy of the Weekend Mail but I do not understand how is it by elaborating various sex positions in detail would worsen our social problems. It is supposed to enhance the pleasure during love making and it takes a lot more than just "have sex" to make good things happen. Love making is a subject, and we need to gain knowledge to perfect it, and also learn to appreciate it. Don't treat your wife or girlfriend as a baby making machine!

If you can't hold your "nafsu" against an "uncovered meat", don't blame the newspaper. They didn't instigate you to commit a crime but only teach you how to make love, right?

Maybe we should stop teaching chemistry in our school, it turns us into a bomb-making "terrorist".

Malaysia fights looming AIDS epidemic - Reuters, 24th Oct 2006

• Malaysia, a conservative, mainly Muslim country, has some of the world's toughest anti-drugs laws. But the HIV virus is spreading rapidly due to illegal drug use and a lack of sex education, raising fears of an epidemic.
• Delivering a loud wake-up call to the government, the World Health Organisation warned last year that Malaysia was on the brink of an HIV epidemic.
• About 60 percent of those believed to have HIV were Malays -- the largest and most religiously conservative of Malaysia's ethnic groups.
• Kuala Lumpur -- which started in the mid-19th century as a tin settlement with brothels, gambling booths and opium dens -- is packed with clubs brimming with drugs and alcohol but is also a place where kissing and hugging are forbidden in public parks.
• With no sex education at schools, some youths believe that HIV can be transmitted by mosquitoes, fleas or bedbugs.
• Religious leaders are deeply opposed to the distribution of free needles and condoms."(It) will encourage people to have free sex. We must address the root of the problem," said Ahmad Awang, a spokesman at the Parti Islam se-Malaysia (PAS), the country's largest Islamic opposition party.

How ironic when the author mentioned that KL "is packed with clubs brimming with drugs and alcohol but is also a place where kissing and hugging are forbidden in public parks". Thailand has been a successful example of curbing AIDS through education, something must be wrong in our system when the number of HIV patients have grown exponentially. Blaming game and closing doors are not the ultimate solutions to the problem. So shall we continue the chemistry class?